Portable air conditioners have become increasingly popular in recent years as an efficient way to cool spaces without complex installation. Two major players in the portable AC market are DeLonghi and LG.
But which brand offers the best features and value for your needs? Here’s an in-depth look at how DeLonghi and LG portable air conditioners compare.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | DeLonghi | LG |
| Cooling Technology | Traditional compressor | Dual inverter compressor |
| Efficiency | Good (EER 8.9-12.2) | Better (EER 9.2-14.3) |
| Noise Level | Quieter operation | Can be louder on lower settings |
| Smart Features | None | Wifi, app control, voice activation |
| Design | Compact, tower-like | Wider, boxier |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year (extendable) |
Key Differences Between DeLonghi And LG Portable Acs
There are some notable differences between portable air conditioners from Italian manufacturer DeLonghi and South Korean tech company LG:
- Design – DeLonghi units have a more compact, vertical design that takes up less floor space. LG air conditioners have a wider, boxier shape.
- Cooling technology – LG uses proprietary dual inverter compressors for variable speed cooling. DeLonghi relies on traditional compressors.
- Efficiency – LG portable ACs edge out DeLonghi models slightly on energy efficiency with their inverter compressors.
- Noise level – DeLonghi air conditioners operate quieter on lower settings than comparable LG units. At max settings, noise is similar.
- Smart features – Higher-end LG models have WiFi connectivity and can be voice controlled. DeLonghi units lack smart capabilities.
- Price – DeLonghi portable air conditioners are generally cheaper than similar LG models.
Now let’s dive deeper into how the two brands compare across key factors:
Cooling Power
When it comes to cooling performance, both DeLonghi and LG portable ACs offer models with 8,000 to 14,000 BTU capacities suitable for spaces up to 500 square feet. Larger rooms may require 14,000+ BTU units.
LG’s proprietary dual inverter compressors provide more consistent temperatures with less fluctuation compared to DeLonghi’s traditional compressors. Inverter tech allows the unit to adjust cooling power based on the current temperature.
However, both offer powerful spot cooling and most users won’t notice a significant difference in real-world cooling ability in a properly sized room.
Efficiency
In general, LG holds a slight edge in energy efficiency thanks to its inverter compressor technology. LG’s portable air conditioners have energy efficiency ratios (EERs) between 9.2 and 14.3.
DeLonghi units have EER ratings from 8.9 to 12.2. The higher the EER, the more efficient an AC unit is.
For example, LG’s 14,000 BTU LP1419IVS.M model has a 12.3 EER rating while the comparable DeLonghi PAC EX140 Pinguino has an EER of 10.8.
This can translate to moderate energy bill savings over time with an LG portable AC. Both brands offer eco modes to conserve energy when cooling isn’t needed.
Noise Level
An important factor for many users is noise level while the AC is running. You don’t want an overly loud unit disrupting conversations, sleep or television watching.
DeLonghi portable air conditioners have a distinct advantage here as they run 2-4 decibels quieter than comparable LG models on lower fan settings. At their highest fan speeds, the two brands have similar noise levels around 57-60 decibels.
But DeLonghi units like the Pinguino PAC EL120HOE run as quiet as 51 decibels on low settings. This makes them better suited if you want a relatively unobtrusive AC.
Also Read: Comparison Between IcyBreeze V2 Pro And Platinum Portable AC.
Smart Features
When it comes to smart features and WiFi connectivity, LG has a leg up. Some higher-end LG portable AC models include LG ThinQ technology allowing you to control and monitor the unit from a smartphone app.
This allows you to adjust settings, create schedules, and get notifications from anywhere. Units like the LG LP1419IVS.M also work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit for voice control.
DeLonghi’s portable air conditioners lack any kind of smart or WiFi capabilities. So LG is the winner if you value controlling your AC remotely.
Design Differences
There are obvious design differences between the two brands’ portable ACs. LG air conditioners have a basic wide, boxy shape that sits on the floor. DeLonghi units have a tall, narrower profile and resemble a tower fan.
DeLonghi’s smaller footprint takes up less valuable floor space. LG portable ACs require a bit more open area to function optimally.
Both brands have side vents and offer caster wheels for portability between rooms. LG casters are hidden while DeLonghi casters are exposed.
Aesthetically, the DeLonghi units come in a choice of colors with a sleeker, more modern style suited to home decor. LG models have a basic white finish.
Maintenance & Warranties
It’s important to maintain any portable AC properly to maximize its useful life. This involves periodically cleaning filters and clearing condensate drains.
Routine maintenance is essentially the same for both brands. Filter cleaning every 2-4 weeks is recommended, along with wiping down exterior surfaces. Properly draining condensed water is also a must.
One difference is that LG portable ACs use an antibacterial filter that inhibits mold growth. Both brands offer washable filters.
For product warranties, LG and DeLonghi are comparable. LG portable ACs have 1 year warranties that can be extended with registration. Standard DeLonghi warranties are 2 years.
Also Read: Is Hotpoint Better Than Amana Washers?
Cost Comparison
When comparing prices, DeLonghi portable air conditioners are generally cheaper than comparable LG models.
For example, a mid-range 10,000 BTU DeLonghi PAC CT90 can be found for around $350 while a similar LG 10,000 BTU unit like the LP1017WSR retails closer to $480.
Higher capacity 14,000 BTU models display a similar price gap of about $150. Of course, prices fluctuate by retailer.
The takeaway is that while DeLonghi units may lack certain bells and whistles, you can get powerful spot cooling for less upfront cost. Factor in energy savings from LG’s inverter tech over time too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no definitive “best” portable air conditioner overall. The right model depends on your space, cooling needs, budget and desired features. Top units from LG and DeLonghi can both effectively cool rooms up to 500 sq ft.
LG portable ACs offer more advanced inverter tech, efficiency and smart features. DeLonghi provides very solid performance for less money, and runs quieter than LG. Other top brands like Frigidaire, Honeywell, Whynter and Black+Decker also offer quality portable ACs.
Yes, LG air conditioners are well-regarded for their technology, performance and reliability. LG portable ACs utilize proprietary dual inverter compressors for variable speed cooling and energy savings. They offer solid BTU capacities up to 14,000 for sufficient power.
Features like WiFi control, voice activation and antibacterial filters give LG portable units an edge. While competitively priced, LG portable ACs cost more upfront than DeLonghi. Overall, LG makes some of the best portable AC units available today.
DeLonghi offers high-quality portable air conditioners that excel at cooling. Their compact, tower-like design takes up minimal floor space and offers quieter operation than many competitors.
While lacking advanced features like inverter compressors and WiFi connectivity, DeLonghi portable ACs deliver robust cooling power up to 14,000 BTUs at an affordable price point. Their modern style and variety of finishes is another plus. Overall, DeLonghi makes reliable, attractive portable ACs great for spot cooling.
With proper maintenance like regular filter cleaning, draining and exterior wiping, you can expect a LG portable AC to last approximately 8-10 years. LG portable air conditioner warranties are 1 year, extendable with registration.
Key factors affecting an AC’s lifespan are build quality, capacity versus room size, and usage/maintenance. LG portable units are well-built with tough exteriors that hold up over years of use. Just be sure to buy an appropriately sized model and maintain it properly to maximize longevity.
Also watch the review video of DeLonghi Portable Air Conditioner!
The Verdict
When choosing between DeLonghi and LG portable air conditioners, there are valid reasons to select either brand.
LG models offer better energy efficiency, smart controls, and slightly stronger cooling performance thanks to dual inverter technology. But they come at a higher upfront investment.
For buyers who want robust AC cooling at the best price, DeLonghi portable units are the way to go. Their quieter operation and smaller footprint are bonuses too.
Your priorities in terms of features, budget and cooling needs should dictate which brand is the better pick for you. And of course, properly installing and maintaining any portable AC is key to getting the most out of it.
With their strong reputations and performance, you really can’t go wrong with either a DeLonghi or LG portable air conditioner. Just match the model carefully to the room size for optimal cooling.
