Review dehumidifiers uk: Best dehumidifier UK 2023: Remove and prevent mould, dust and damp

The best dehumidifiers of 2023 to keep damp and mould at bay

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If you’ve ever had reason to ask yourself ‘what is the best dehumidifier?’ it was probably with a sense of desperation over mould in your bathroom that just won’t shift, or window condensation forever puddling on the sills. Humidity can be a real problem. A dehumidifier is your best defence.

Excess humidity in the home can come from cooking or showering, from the way your house is constructed and even just from breathing.  Measured with a hygrometer (a humidity gauge – they’re not expensive), the recommended humidity for your home is 40-60 per cent in the summer months and between 30-50 per cent when it gets colder.

If it goes over 70 per cent, you run the risk of condensation, damp, mould, fungi and bacteria. Carpets can trap the moisture in the air, making it an ideal breeding ground for dust mites. Mould can leave you open to respiratory infections, while those with allergies can be more susceptible to asthma attacks in damp homes. 

Dehumidifiers are the best way to reduce humidity in your home and many are cost effective and energy efficient. They range from bathroom dehumidifiers to compact ones for your car and even ones you can control from your mobile phone. Small dehumidifiers are ideal for flats or smaller spaces, while the bigger models can dehumidify a five-bedroom property or a small business space.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best dehumidifiers on the market, noting how much each costs to run, followed by guide to how they work and how best to use them. If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick look at our top four:

Best dehumidifiers 2023, at a glance

• Best overall – Honeywell 24L
• Best for energy saving – Meaco 20L Low Energy
• Best for drying laundry – Ebac 3850e 2L
• Best dehumidifier for small rooms – ProBreeze 500ml mini dehumidifier

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How we chose the best dehumidifiers

With advice from air conditioning experts Ryan Kandola and Chris Wood, we were looking for energy efficiency, drying power, good value and where possible, quiet running. Remember, size isn’t everything. Look at the area you’re dealing with and choose the right size of unit. You’ll be surprised at just how powerful some of the small dehumidifiers are.

High demand

Dehumidifiers are proving exceptionally popular this year, given the high energy prices. My top-rated airers may temporarily sell out. These are currently the best places to look for alternatives:

• Air con centre dehumidifiers
• Currys dehumidifiers
• John Lewis dehumidifiers
• Amazon dehumidifiers
• Lakeland dehumidifiers
• Argos dehumidifiers

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Best dehumidifiers

1. Honeywell 24L 

£238.95, AirCon Centre (Also available at Amazon for £270)

Best overall

We like: big performance from an industrial giant

We don’t like: it’s the noisiest on this list (although only just)

Honeywell 24L: portable and economic

• Compressor
• Extracts up to 24 litres per day
• Noise level 50dB
• Draws 330 Watts (approx 11p per hour of use*)
• Great for drying clothes

Solid, compact and not bad looking, the Honeywell 24L Portable Dehumidifier is designed for medium to large-sized homes with three to five bedrooms. Weighing 14.8kg and a little over half a metre in height, with omni-directional castor wheels, it’s not hard to manoeuvre around your property.

“The Honeywell features a smart digital humidistat,” Air Con Centre’s Ryan Kandola says. “It automatically senses the moisture levels of your room to maintain your pre-programmed humidity level. There’s also a washable dust filter to purify the air that has already been dehumidified. It’s a good all-rounder.”

If kept in the same room as drying laundry, it can also cut the time it takes to dry by a quarter, while costing one fifteenth as much as a tumble dryer to run. (Similar savings can be had from a heated clothes airer, which explains their current popularity.)

£239

Buy now

Price at

Aircon Centre

2. Meaco 20L Low Energy 

£249.98, Appliances Direct (This product is currently unavailable due to high demand. Other dehumidifiers are available at Appliances Direct from £39.97)

Best for energy saving

We like: it’s cost-effective, but not at the expense of performance

We don’t like: stock levels are always so low

Meaco 20L Low Energy: the most energy efficient on this list

• Compressor
• Extracts up to 20l per day
• HEPA filter
• Noise level 46dB
• Draws 219 Watts (approx 7p per hour of use*)
• Two year guarantee

Using only 219 Watts of electricity per hour (at an estimated cost of 7p per hour, based on the current average rate of 34p per kWh), the Meaco 20L offers the lowest energy consumption of any dehumidifier in its class. This model is designed for larger homes or small business premises.

“We all want to save energy at the moment – and that’s where the Meaco 20L Low Energy comes into its own,” adds Kandola. It uses a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter which will remove 99 percent of dust mites, pollen or other allergens, making a cleaner and healthier atmosphere in your home. 

Additional features include ‘Laundry Mode’ for drying indoors, a safety cut-out and a child lock. The maximum 20l per day extraction rate is for hot and humid conditions. In a cooler room, expect more like 8l per day.

£250

Buy now

Price at

Appliances Direct

3. Ebac 3850e 21

£399, Argos.

Best for drying laundry

We like: the laundry boost function that works (but uses more energy)

We don’t like: it’s heavy even when empty

Ebac 3850e 21: also features Intelligent Defrost

• Compressor
• Extracts up to 21l per day
• Noise level 46dB
• Draws 320 Watts (about 11p per hour of use*)
• Two year parts and labour warranty

With winter around the corner, the opportunities to dry your washing outdoors will inevitably be limited but if you invest in the right dehumidifier you can still do it quickly and efficiently indoors. The British-made Ebac 3850e 21 has a cost-effective dedicated laundry boost function that helps reduce the drying time of your damp laundry when it’s inside. 

“That will be especially useful over the winter months as it means you won’t have to keep your heating on as long to dry your clothes, reducing your energy bills in the process,” says Wood. 

The 3850e also has an Intelligent Defrost feature which means you will be able to use it at temperatures as low as 3°C, useful for keeping unused rooms mould-free in the winter. Some of the best electric heaters we’ve reviewed have a similar low-energy, frost-protection function.

£399

Buy now

Price at

Argos

4. ProBreeze 500ml mini dehumidifier

£44.99, Amazon This product is currently unavailable due to high demand. A bigger version is available at Amazon for £77.59.

Best dehumidifier for small rooms

We like: compact, quiet and very economic (but low powered)

We don’t like: it’s not powerful enough for colder, damper months

ProBreeze 500ml mini dehumidifier: only costs 1p per hour to run

• Condenses water using thermo-electric cooling
• Extracts up to 250ml per day
• Noise level 33dB
• Draws 23 Watts (approx 1p per hour of use*)

If you have a small space that’s prone to damp air, like a kitchen or a bathroom, you need a dehumidifier that’s compact and quiet. Standing 22cm high and weighing little more than a bag of sugar, unlike some dehumidifiers The ProBreeze is easy to move around and won’t stand out like a sore thumb once it’s in place.

“The Pro Breeze is great if you’ve got a smaller space and you want something that doesn’t cost a lot to run,” says Kandola. “It’s probably about a penny an hour.”

Rather than being a compressor or a desiccant, the ProBreeze instead uses peltier technology, similar to that used in some mini fridges, to cool water vapour into water. It’s much quieter than the other methods.

It’s worth noting, though, that its maximum extraction of 250ml is one hundred times less than the Honeywell 24l and it works best above 15C (so no good for very cold rooms in winter). But for small, specific jobs this could be the best choice.

£45

Buy now

Price at

Amazon

5. Meaco DD8LJ

£178.95, Meaco (This product is currently only available for pre-order due to high demand. Similar dehumidifiers are available at AirCon Centre).

Best desiccant dehumidifier

We like: it’s powerful, but with energy-saving smarts

We don’t like: there’s no air filtration system

Meaco DD8LJ: efficient on its lowest mode

• Desiccant
• Extracts up to 8l per day
• Noise level 39-48dB depending on running mode
• Draws 30 Watts/330 Watts/650 Watts dependent on mode (approx 1p/11p/22p per hour of use*)
• Three year warranty

The beauty of a desiccant dehumidifier is not only that they are typically quieter than compressor models, but they are ideal for smaller, unheated areas such as conservatories, campervans, garages, boats and cellars. They’re also fantastically efficient. 

“If you are worried about high running costs, choose the Meaco,” says Chris Wood. “It has a control system that can reduce your energy consumption by up to 80 percent compared to other dehumidifiers. ” 

With its intelligent control logic system, the Meaco DD8LJ will turn itself off when the target humidity is reached before turning the fan on 30 minutes later and sampling the air again. If the humidity has increased, it will turn itself on once more but if it’s maintained the target, it will go back to sleep again for another half an hour.

This one does not have an air filtration function, so families with allergies will be better off with one of the other dehumidifiers.

£179

Buy now

Price at

Aircon Centre

6. Midea Cube

£288.95, AirCon Centre

Best smart dehumidifier

We like: clever collapsible form allows much greater capacity

We don’t like: you pay for the smart features

Midea cube: holds three times as much water as other models

• Compressor
• Extracts up to 20l per day
• Noise level 42dB
• Draws 214 Watts (approx 7p per hour of use*)
• Smart technology

Perhaps the best-looking dehumidifier on our list, the Midea Cube is only a foot tall when collapsed for storage but extends upwards in use to hold 11 litres of water. That’s about three times more than traditional dehumidifiers and means you need to empty it less often. Another option is to just use the top half and run its hose into a sink or drain so that you never have to empty it at all.

What further sets the Midea Cube apart is that it is smartphone compatible, meaning you can not only control it from your mobile (or smart devices like Alexa or Google) but can also enjoy real-time monitoring of the humidity status and alerts when the water tank is full. “This is so versatile, it’s amazing,” says Ryan Kandola. “We like the lift and twist design too. It’s very clever.”

£289

Buy now

Price at

AirCon Centre

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FAQ

What does a dehumidifier do?

It varies slightly between ‘compressor’ and ‘desiccant’ models, says Ryan Kandola, a dehumidifier expert from Aircon Centre. “A compressor dehumidifier is almost like a mini-fridge that cools the air and converts it into water that you can pour away,” he says, “whereas desiccants take the air and run it over a rotating flywheel which absorbs the moisture, before heating it so the wheel doesn’t get saturated. ”

While compressors are generally efficient at room temperature they can’t handle the winter cold so well. If the temperature drops below three or four centigrade, they will tend to stop working. That’s not the case with desiccants, although they can be more expensive to run.

Whatever the shape, size or model, dehumidifiers all serve the same purpose. By removing the vapour from the air, they help to create a cleaner, healthier environment; they’ll even help you dry your laundry more quickly too, especially in the winter.

How to use a dehumidifier

Most dehumidifiers are very easy to use. Essentially, it’s just a matter of setting the required moisture level and the unit will do the rest. All you will need to do is empty the water tank. 

Where you place the dehumidifier is a different matter, as Chris Wood, also from Aircon Centre, explains. “If there’s a problem room, the dehumidifier should be kept in there, preferably with doors and windows closed,” he says. “If it is to be used to control the moisture for the whole house, however, then it should be located centrally, on a landing or in the hallway, and the air from the rooms should be able to flow towards the units. So keep the interior doors open and the exterior windows shut.”

For a bathroom, you should position the dehumidifier just outside the bathroom door and ensure the door is left open so the unit can draw the moist air towards it. If you’re drying clothes, just place the dehumidifier in the room, making sure the door and windows are all closed.

How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?

Dehumidifiers are generally cheap to run. Look for one which draws less than 330 Watts and you will never spend more than 12p per hour. It’s often much less on lower power settings.

What size dehumidifier do I need?

Domestic dehumidifiers can extract up to 25 litres of water per day, though some as little as 250ml. We have largely focused on 20l models since these are the most popular for domestic use. For larger spaces, damper environments or colder temperatures, choose something more powerful. (Or vice versa for smaller spaces.)

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* The cost of one kiloWatt-hour of electricity is capped at 34p under the Energy Price Guarantee announced by the Government in October 2022. Although prices do vary by region and contract (economy 7 tariffs are more expensive by day and cheaper by night, for example), we use the capped price to estimate running costs. If the average variable unit price for energy changes, this article will be updated accordingly. 

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Best dehumidifiers 2023: tried and tested to remove damp

If you’re searching for the best dehumidifier on the market, then it’s likely that – like many of us – you’re looking for ways to combat damp, mould, or mildew in your home.

Ventilating your house by regularly opening windows is one of the best ways to remove excess moisture from the air in your home, as well as turning on extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens after showering or cooking. But, these options aren’t always possible, and in badly insulated homes or at times of the year when wet washing is drying indoors, moisture levels can easily creep up and cause damage to both our homes and our health.

A dehumidifier can help improve indoor air quality by extracting excess moisture from the air. Maintaining balanced moisture levels can, in turn, prevent the damp conditions that can lead to the formation of mould or mildew, so investing in a dehumidifier can be a useful way to protect your house from damage, and – like adding one of the best air purifiers to your home – improving indoor air quality can also have health benefits.

In this guide we’ve tried and tested some of the bestselling dehumidifiers on the market, reviewing each model’s extraction rate to see how quickly it can remove excess moisture from the air, its water tank capacity to see how often it needs emptying, the size and weight of the appliance to find the most portable options, plus each model’s noise levels, ease of use, and value for money. Read on to uncover the Ideal Home team’s best buys.

Best dehumidifiers of 2023

Why you can trust Ideal Home
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

(Image credit: Meaco)

1. MeacoDry Arete One 20L Dehumidifier & Air Purifier

Best dehumidifier overall

Specifications

Tank capacity: 4.8L

Extraction rate: 20L/day

Type: Compressor

Max room size: 5 bedroom house

Noise: 38-40dB

Power: 268W

Dimensions: H56.2 x W37.6 x D23.2cm

Weight: 15kg

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Great extraction rate

+

Large tank capacity makes for infrequent emptying

+

Easy-to-use controls

+

Air purifier function

+

Relatively low energy consumption

+

Option for continuous drainage

Reasons to avoid

–

Heavy

–

An investment

The MeacoDry Arete One 20L dehumidifier gets our vote for the best dehumidifier money can buy thanks to its generous water tank, high moisture extraction rate, easy-to-use design, and the fact that it can also double up as an air purifier, so it can improve air quality in more ways than one.  

Of all the dehumidifiers we’ve tested, this model has the best extraction rate, sucking up to 20 litres of moisture from the air per day. And, thanks to its relatively generous 4.8L water tank, you won’t be constantly emptying it either. During testing, we emptied the tank around three times per week, which isn’t bad compared to many other models. The tank also has carry handles and pouring spouts on each side which are super useful when it comes to removing the tank and pouring the water away, and you can also hook it up to a standard garden hose via the adaptor if you want continuous drainage.

The controls are easy to operate, with an LED display and large push buttons. The unit also has wheels, a retractable carry handle, and a cable tidy that makes it easy to move around the house and store neatly away when it’s not in use – although it is worth noting this is one of the largest and heaviest dehumidifiers in our round-up.

It’s an investment, but you get great performance for the price, plus good energy efficiency, and this model comes equipped with a washable dust filter and a HEPA filter so it can also be used as an air purifier. Overall, we think that’s a lot of bang for your buck, although if you want a cheaper option, then there are also the 10L and 12L versions to consider, plus, an even more powerful 25L option.

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(Image credit: De’Longhi)

2. De’Longhi DEX216F Multi Dehumidifier

Best looking dehumidifier

Specifications

Tank capacity : 2.1L

Extraction rate: 16L/day

Type: Compressor

Max room size: 750m2

Noise: 40dB

Power: 300W

Dimensions: H50.8 x W33.4 x L22cm

Weight: 9kg

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Stylish design

+

Air purifier function

+

Option for continuous drainage

Reasons to avoid

–

No castors

–

An investment

It’s fair to say that most dehumidifiers aren’t the most stylish of appliances, which is why the De’Longhi DEX216F is something of a breath of fresh air amidst the usual boxy white plastic designs. 

The sleek and modern unit with navy blue exterior stands out from the crowd in all the right ways, and whilst it doesn’t have castors, the integrated carry handle and mid-weight build make it easy to transport from room to room. If you want a more compact build, then there is also a 12L and 14L model available.

The DEX216F is the largest model in the range, with a compressor fan that can extract an impressive 16L of water from the air per day, and although the tank capacity isn’t the largest, at 2.1L it still offers adequate capacity and can be hooked up to a hose for continuous drainage. This multi-purpose appliance also has an air purifier function with a double filtration system that can remove dust and other allergens from the air.

The only real downside is the premium you pay for the more design-led exterior, with the MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier & Air Purifier offering better value in terms of extraction and tank capacity for its price.

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(Image credit: Russell Hobbs)

3. Russell Hobbs RHDh2061G Portable Dehumidifier

Best small dehumidifier

Specifications

Tank capacity : 0.6L

Extraction rate: 0.3L/day

Max room size: 15m2

Noise: 37dB

Dimensions: h32 x W14 x D14cm

Weight: 0. 9kg

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Affordable

+

Small and lightweight

+

Easily portable

Reasons to avoid

–

Small tank capacity means lots of emptying

–

Not very effective in larger spaces

–

Very low extraction rate

If you don’t have the space for a larger dehumidifier, then the Russell Hobbs RHDh2061G is a small dehumidifier that offers compact dimensions, a lightweight build, excellent portability, and an affordable price point. Although, that small build does mean that you’ll sacrifice powerful performance.

As you might expect from its smaller proportions, this mini dehumidifier’s extraction rate and tank capacity don’t compare to larger examples on this list. Measured against the MeacoDry Arete One dehumidifier’s powerful extraction of 10, 12, 20, or 25 litres of water from the air each day, the Russell Hobbs RHDh2061G can only extract 0.3 litres of water per day, and its 0.6 litre tank capacity means you’ll need to empty it frequently.  

When testing, we found it was good at keeping moisture in the air to a minimum in a small space, but we’d recommend it for those wanting to make hot and humid summer days more tolerable, or as a countertop option for those cooking in a small kitchen without adequate alternative ventilation, rather than those with a more significant damp problem in their home.

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(Image credit: Russell Hobbs)

4. Russell Hobbs 20L Dehumidifier

Best value large dehumidifier

Specifications

Tank capacity : 3L

Extraction rate: 20L/day

Max room size: 35-50m2

Noise: 47.5dB

Power: 440W

Dimensions: H51 x W33 x D24.5cm

Weight: 15kg

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Great extraction rate

+

Good value

Reasons to avoid

–

High energy consumption

–

Water tank capacity isn’t the biggest considering its extraction rate

–

Not the quietest model

Offering an extraction rate of 20L per day, this is a high-performance dehumidifier that’s great for large spaces or rooms suffering from particularly high moisture levels.  

It also comes in significantly cheaper than the comparable MeacoDry Arete One 20L dehumidifier, however, if you opt for the Russell Hobbs 20L dehumidifier then you don’t benefit from the versatility of the Meaco model which also doubles up as an air purifier. The Russell Hobbs version also has a slightly smaller tank capacity at 3L compared to the Meaco’s 4.8L which means you will be emptying it slightly more frequently and it uses more power to run, with energy consumption of 440W compared to the MeacoDry Arete One’s very impressive 268W.

That said, this model still impressed our review team. We tested this dehumidifier in a hallway opposite a badly ventilated bathroom that doesn’t have an extractor fan, and even outside the bathroom it was fantastic at removing moisture after a shower.

It’s also packed with clever functions to help you keep damp under control. The LED screen registers the humidity levels in the air so you can gauge when to turn it on and off, and this can be done manually, or via the smart mode that automatically turns the dehumidifier on and off to achieve optimum humidity levels, although we did find this function required the dehumidifier to be cleaned regularly for an accurate read. There’s also a ‘water tank full’ alarm that helps you know when to empty it.

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(Image credit: Russell Hobbs)

5. Russell Hobbs RHDh2001 10L Dehumidifier

Best mid-range dehumidifier

Specifications

Tank capacity : 2L

Extraction rate: 10L/day

Max room size: 15-30m2

Noise: 45.5dB

Power: 340W

Dimensions: h52 x W32 x D21.5cm

Weight: 12.1kg

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Mid-range price point

+

Reasonable extraction rate

Reasons to avoid

–

Water tank capacity isn’t the biggest

–

Not the quietest model

During testing, we placed this dehumidifier near a windowless and very damp-prone bathroom to see if it helped reduce the levels of moisture that were causing lots of condensation problems. As it’s plugged in at the mains, this dehumidifier cannot be placed anywhere where it may actually get wet at all, meaning that placing it in a bathroom is a big no, as with most dehumidifiers.

However, even placing it in the hallway outside the bathroom was a huge help in combatting too-high levels of humidity in our reviewer’s home. We found that the 10 litres a day that can be extracted went a long way to helping with damp issues, and this model is also super user-friendly.

It has a silent mode, which our testers found was excellent for when you want to battle condensation on windows and still watch TV, and it has handy beeps to let you know when it’s time to empty the water tank.

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(Image credit: EcoAir)

6. EcoAir DD1 Simple Desiccant Dehumidifier

Best desiccant dehumidifier

Specifications

Capacity: 2L

Extraction rate: 7.5L/day

Type: Desiccant

Noise: 34dB

Power: 300-580W

Dimensions: h57.5 x W29 x L17.5cm

Weight: 6kg

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Quiet

+

A good option for cold rooms below 15°c

+

Option for continuous drainage

Reasons to avoid

–

More energy consumption than other options

Unlike a compressor dehumidifier that passes air over a cold coil to condense any water from it, a desiccant dehumidifier uses a ‘desiccant chemical’ to absorb the moisture from the air.

Desiccant humidifiers are the best option for rooms that are likely to fall below 15°c, as at lower temperatures compressor models can struggle to work, and they also tend to be quieter than compressor options. However, they do generally use more energy.

The EcoAir DD1 Simple Desiccant Dehumidifier can extract up to 7.5 litres of moisture per day in cold temperatures as low as 1ºc, so it’s a very useful option for basements or garages that don’t have dedicated heating, although it also works brilliantly in any room of the house. 

Although it uses more power than other models on this list – utilising 300-580W of electricity compared to the MeacoDry Arete One’s energy-efficient consumption – EcoAir says that ‘desiccant dehumidifiers emit warmer air (approx. 3-5 degrees celsius warmer than the ambient air) than compressor models’ which can make a desiccant dehumidifier a good choice for drying wet laundry indoors.

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(Image credit: Pro Breeze)

7.

Pro Breeze 500ml Compact Mini Dehumidifier

Best dehumidifier for bedroom

Specifications

Capacity: 0.5L

Extraction rate: 0.25L/day

Max room size: 13.9m2

Noise: 33dB

Power: 23W

Dimensions: h32 x W13 x L15.6cm

Weight: 1kg

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Lower energy consumption

+

Very lightweight

+

Compact design

+

Quiet

+

Good price

Reasons to avoid

–

Small tank capacity

–

Not suitable for larger spaces

–

Low extraction rate

If a small area needs dehumidifying, then a more compact unit like this Pro Breeze 500 ml Compact Mini could be ideal. It will work to cover an entire room, but anything more, and you’ll be struggling. It does offer a respectable 250ml extraction rate and a 500 ml tank, so emptying isn’t tricky or something you need to do regularly. But then this is so small and quiet you’ll barely notice it’s even there. Easy to tuck away into a cupboard when not in use, too.

We’d suggest using the Pro Breeze mini for the bedroom due to its quiet operation. It’s not the most powerful thing in the world, but it will do the job just fine.

As said, this dehumidifier isn’t for eliminating severe dampness but more for managing areas where mould builds up over an extended period. This offers an affordable way to manage moisture that may otherwise cause issues with breathing and brickwork. The unit stops working when full and illuminates a light so you can easily empty, replace the tank, and it’ll kick in again.

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Where to find dehumidifiers in stock 

As cold weather creeps in, the demand for dehumidifiers rises fast, with many people looking to shop for one of these appliances to banish mould and to help dry clothes faster. As such it’s well worth investing in a dehumidifier out of season in spring or summer when stock levels are healthier.

However, if you come to shop when stock is limited, these are the retailers where you’re most likely to find a dehumidifier in stock.

• Shop Amazon dehumidifiers
• Shop Argos dehumidifiers
• Shop Currys dehumidifiers
• Shop John Lewis dehumidifiers
• Shop Robert Dyas dehumidifiers
• Shop Very dehumidifiers

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How to choose the best dehumidifier for your home 

Buying the correct dehumidifier can be a complicated task. It’s always best to speak with the company you’re buying from to clarify your needs and ensure you’re getting the suitable model. But to narrow it down, here are some facts it helps to know.

What are the main types of dehumidifiers?

1. Desiccant dehumidifiers
Desiccant models are made to deal with temperatures of one degree Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. While this sounds impressive, it uses more power than a compressor model and generally, you won’t need that range in the UK. These use a heated absorbent material to extract water from the air and drop it into a tank.

2. Refrigerant (or compressor) dehumidifiers
The compressor model is usually a better bet for the UK as it works best at around 20 degrees Celsius, which is what the average UK home sits at. It also means far less energy usage, so these compressor models are more affordable to run.

These dehumidifiers draw in the air using a filter over cold coils, condensing the air moisture drips into the water tank. 

What else should I consider before buying a dehumidifier?

There are a few factors to consider when deciding which dehumidifier is right for you:

1. Multiple fan speeds
Consider if you’re rarely planning on running the unit or using it to dry clothes. A single-speed is acceptable for slow and steady use where you leave it on running. But if you want to turn it off and on and it gets bursts of dry or dry clothes quickly, you may want to look out for more fan speed settings and a humidistat that keeps the humidity at a level you select.

2. Size
Size is essential as you may need to dry a larger area than some dehumidifiers handle. Generally, anything under 500 ml is for confined spaces like cupboards, wardrobes or a single room at most.

Step up to 5-10 litre machines, and you can clear a larger area of around 30 square metres, aka, a few rooms. If you want to take on the house, you’ll need to opt for a 10-20 litre machine.

3. Digital
Digital or manual controls are another area where you may have a preference. For example, some dehumidifiers offer a fancy digital screen where you can access settings like power and timers. Others have more basic manual controls.

This is a matter of preference on how comfortable you are with using either menu to interact with your dehumidifier.

4. Humidity
Using your dehumidifier is another task. Be sure to aim for around 45 to 60% humidity – once set at this level, the humidifier should automatically turn on and off as needed to maintain that. For example, it will turn off when the water tank is full and needs to be emptied. Also, ensure you vacuum first so that dust particles aren’t sucked into the unit.

If your dehumidifier isn’t being moved, then a drain hose can be helpful as a way to empty the unit without lugging that full tank of water around the house.

Do I need a dehumidifier?

If you’re wondering how to get rid of mould in a poorly ventilated room, or trying to combat excess moisture or humidity inside the home, then a dehumidifier can be a useful tool in your arsenal. 

As Chris Michael, Managing Director of the air quality brand Meaco says, inside the home, ‘excess moisture in the air can come from drying clothes in the house, boiling vegetables, putting the kettle on, bathing, showering, open flame gas style heating, damp clothing, breathing, and the damp British weather.’ 

Regular ventilation like opening the windows and doors in your home or turning on extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom is key to removing the build-up of mould-causing moisture. (Top tip: this is how long to keep windows open to stop mould, as recommended by the experts). However, if your home doesn’t have adequate ventilation, or it’s winter and you don’t want to open windows to avoid letting your heating escape, then a dehumidifier can help keep moisture levels in check.

That’s why a dehumidifier is particularly useful to pair with one of best heated clothes airers in winter; it will suck the moisture out of the air as your clothes dry, speeding up drying times even more and reducing the risk of mould-creating condensation on walls and windows. 

If you have more serious damp issues, then although a dehumidifier can help to reduce the problem and improve the air quality in your home, it won’t prevent the damp from occurring in the first place, so it’s important to get to the root of the issue. Read our guide to how to get rid of damp for help in identifying the cause of your damp issues, and how to treat them.

As cleaning expert, Matthew Harrison from Price Your Job explains, if you house suffers from more serious damp issues, then ‘to prevent future mould problems, you should consider draught-proofing and other jobs which will prevent moisture from entering your home in the first place’.

How much should I spend on a dehumidifier?

Prices for a dehumidifier generally range between just over £30 and up to £300. Again, what you need will help clarify what you’ll need to spend. Generally speaking, the higher the price, the more water you’ll be able to absorb. However, as is often the case, paying more upfront can mean a saving in the long run as you will have a more efficient machine.

Do dehumidifier help to dry clothes?

Yes, alongside investing in one of the best heated clothes airers on the market, a dehumidifier can help dry clothes indoors. That’s because it sucks up the moisture that wet washing releases as it dries, therefore helping to speed up drying times. 

‘When I tested the laundry function on the Russell Hobbs 20L dehumidifier to dry t-shirts in a small bedroom, it definitely sped up the drying time’ said our reviewer. ‘The T-shirts closest to the dehumidifier dried in 3 hours, but those further away took about double that time to completely dry’.  

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How we test dehumidifiers

In order to compile this guide, we sourced bestselling dehumidifiers from multiple leading brand names and put them to the test within our reviewers own homes. 

We compared performance indicators such as moisture extraction rate, tank capacity and how often each model needed emptying, ease of use of controls, aesthetics, and, of course, the price point to find the best value dehumidifiers. We also considered the size and weight of each appliance to find the most portable options, plus each model’s noise levels. 

As well as being put through its paces by our team of in-house testers, we also took into account third-party opinions of each dehumidifier via online customer reviews.

(Image credit: Future)

Smart Home Editor

Caroline is the Ideal Home team’s Smart Homes editor and has reviewed multiple dehumidifiers for this guide. She has recently moved into a basement (or ‘garden’) flat with a lot of work to be carried out, so she has been on the hunt for an excellent dehumidifier to tide her over through damp problems during her renovations ‘teething stage’.  She says, ‘I loved the large capacity of the MeacoDry Arete One 20L, plus its operating controls were super user-friendly’.

Ecommerce Editor

Molly is one of Ideal Home’s Ecommerce Editors and an expert in all things home-appliance related. She’s tried and tested all manner of products, from coffee machines to dehumidifiers, in order to help you find the best fit for your needs. She lives in a London flat that often suffers from excess moisture thanks to its poorly ventilated and windowless bathroom. She tested the Russell Hobbs RHDh2001 at home for several weeks before reviewing; ‘I loved its silent mode, which was excellent for battling condensation on windows whilst still being able to watch TV!’.

Digital Editor

Rebecca is the Ideal Home team’s Digital Editor, and when she’s not sharing the latest interior news and homes content with our audiences she’s thinking of ways to put her mark on her London flat. Well-versed in living in a home that’s prone to damp in the winter and constantly battling with drying washing indoors during the colder months, she was eager to test out the Russell Hobbs 20L dehumidifier, and soon gave it a thumbs up, ‘This dehumidifier is expensive, but it’s packed with clever functions that have helped me keep the damp in my London flat under control’.  

Round up of today’s best deals

MeacoDry Arete One 20L Dehumidifier

£289.99

£273.95

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De’Longhi DEX216F Dehumidifier

£349.99

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Russell Hobbs RHDh2061 Portable

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Russell Hobbs 20L Dehumidifier

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RUSSELL HOBBS RHDh2001 Portable

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EcoAir DD1 Simple Desiccant Dehumidifier

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Pro Breeze 500ml Compact Mini

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Top 5 dehumidifiers of 2023. Review from BestAdvisor.ru

In residential areas, excess moisture is the first source of musty odors and fungus. Such consequences may not have the best effect on your health, spoil the condition of the walls, the appearance of wallpaper and tiles. The solution to this problem is a dehumidifier. This is an indispensable device for small spaces, rooms, apartments, and also for places with a serious source of moisture, such as baths, bathrooms or damp basements.

Either a hygrometer or external signs on objects in the room can tell you about an excessive level of moisture in the room: condensation on the windows, mold smell, allergies. The dehumidifier will create the optimal level of humidity depending on the time of year. With the purchase of such a device, you will protect yourself and your home from the unpleasant effects of water. And don’t worry that the dehumidifier for the apartment will dry out the air too much, as most modern models automatically maintain the optimal level of humidity.

Comparison characteristics

Performance

The first thing to start with when choosing an air dryer is its performance. The criterion is very important, as it determines the size of the premises for which the device is suitable. Pay attention to how much water per day the device can extract. Basically, household appliances consume up to 25 liters per day. Such powerful dehumidifiers can work without problems in large rooms with high levels of humidity, such as damp basements and warehouses, saunas and swimming pools. For home use, an indicator of 8-10 liters per day is enough to serve rooms up to 20-25 m².

Functionality

Each dehumidifier has additional functions and operating modes that allow you to configure it more efficiently. This greatly affects the cost. Among these features, we highlight:

• adjustable fan speed allows you to change the intensity of dehumidification. A more powerful device can work in small rooms;
• built-in hygrostat allows you to maintain the desired humidity level all the time, without the risk of overdrying the air;
• continuous operation will quickly extract moisture from the air. The main thing is not to leave it for a long time;
• programmable time or timer will ensure the operation of the device within the specified time range. When you leave home, you don’t have to worry about turning off your appliances;
• air ionization. More expensive models can boast this feature. In addition to removing moisture, they also saturate the air with ozone;
• air filters remove large particles of dust, dirt and animal hair from the air;
• display will provide more accurate control of humidity and temperature in the room and will allow you to set the dehumidifier as accurately as possible;
• Automatic switch-off when the moisture reservoir is full.

Ease of use

Pay attention to the liquid collection tank and its volume. The larger it is, the less often you will have to drain the collected water. If you want your apartment dehumidifier to run for a long time without interruption, it is important that it can have a drain connection. This will allow you to bring it into the sewer and not use the container to collect moisture. The indicators on the control panel are a very useful feature, as they can notify you of a full water tank, errors in operation or any breakdowns. All dehumidifiers are quite heavy, so it is important that they are equipped with wheels or handles for transportation and movement between rooms.

Did you know?

FAQ:

Q: What is the difference between an adsorption dryer and a condenser dryer?

Answer: The operating principle of these dehumidifiers is completely different. Capacitor models can most often be found on sale. They work like an air conditioner. Air passes through the device, and excess moisture settles on a cold surface, cooled with a refrigerant. The air is then heated and returned to the room. All such models are effective at temperatures not lower than +4°C. The adsorption dehumidifier absorbs excess moisture into a special adsorbent. They can work in unheated rooms, basements or garages.

Question: How often should the air filter in the dryer be changed?

Answer: With regular use of the dehumidifier, especially in the summer, when the weather and living conditions can significantly increase the level of moisture, the filter serves as a reliable protector against the return of large particles of dust and wool into the air. In such cases, it should be cleaned at least once a month. As a rule, filters are used washing and do not require replacement.

Question: The dehumidifier does not cope with its task, what should I do?

Answer: The dehumidifier has ceased to cope with its task or has lost performance. There may be several reasons. Problems with the motor, refrigerant leakage, low air temperature in the room, etc. In any of the cases, you must first contact the service and not take any independent measures so as not to completely break the equipment.

Q: Can the refrigerant in the dryer be replaced?

Answer: If the reason for the low performance of the device is insufficient refrigerant, you will find out about this from the service technician. In such cases, a replacement is made, as on an air conditioner or refrigerator.

Q: Does the dehumidifier require special care?

Answer: This technique is not particularly whimsical to maintain. It is necessary to clean or change the filter regularly to avoid breathing dirty air and to drain the water from the condensate tank. You should also clean the tank regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria in it. It is advisable to wash the container in detergents.

Q: Does the air dryer make a loud noise and vibrate?

Answer: Each appliance has its own noise level. Basically, this indicator fluctuates between 40-48 dB, and this is similar to the noise of a refrigerator. It does not particularly interfere during the day, but at night, for especially sensitive people, it may seem unpleasant. The noise level depends on the power: the more powerful – the louder. If your dehumidifier is noisy, check that it is on a level surface, that the wheels are well screwed on, and that there are rubber pads on the base. If everything is in order, then the problem may be in the motor. You need to contact the service.

Q: How long can the dehumidifier run when a continuous condensate drain is connected?

Answer: Almost all household dehumidifiers for the home have a not very powerful motor. Therefore, the manufacturer does not exclude work for 10-12 hours without a break. From this, the device will not even overheat. An exception may be devices powered by a power supply, which heats up much faster and long work can lead to a short circuit. In any case, always use circuit breakers and all kinds of barriers.

Sources:

Description of design features and functionality of the Tibo 10 dryer

Fri, 02/18/2022 – 12:30

The TIBO 10 dehumidifier removes up to 10 liters of moisture from the air per day and effectively ensures a healthy microclimate in any residential and commercial premises up to 20 m ² . Dry air consumption up to 100 m ³ /hour, which is typical for models of this class.

But, in addition to the basic functions of automatic and continuous dehumidification, this model has a quality air purification function, when the fan in economy mode drives the indoor air of the room through an antibacterial filter or air pre-filter.

The model is equipped with a humidistat.

The condensate can be collected in the 2.2 liter internal container or drained through the supplied hose to the drain.

Other advantages include neat and compact body, simple control panel, low weight and versatility in many applications.

Dehumidifier Mycond Tibo 10

The dehumidifier is delivered in a branded box, packed in cellophane and securely fixed at the top and bottom with foam plastic covers.

In addition to the dehumidifier, the package includes a set of documents, including the Operating Instructions and warranty. Documentation is also neatly packaged in the package.

Note that, in addition to the pre-filter, the package includes an antibacterial air filter. The coarse filter is reusable and easy to clean with water.

Antibacterial filter – change periodically.

The scope of delivery also includes a corrugated hose for condensate drainage, which is connected to the socket on the back of the housing.

If moisture collects in the inner tank, the outlet for connecting the hose is closed with a cap.

After unpacking, the model should be installed at some distance from the walls to ensure free air circulation at the inlet and outlet of the dryer.

The dehumidifier can be conveniently moved on wheels or carried to the desired room by the handles recessed in the upper part of the body.

Control and configuration features of the Mycond Tibo 10 dehumidifier

On the upper surface of the housing there is a control panel with clear buttons and an LED display. To set the dehumidifier to the desired mode of operation, you just need to press a few buttons.

• Turn on the dehumidifier with the ON/OFF button, the fan starts.
• Press the DEHUMIDIFICATION button to turn on the dehumidification (DH) mode.
• Using the same button, you can switch the device to the ventilation economy mode (FA), when the fan drives the indoor air through the G3 / antibacterial filter, cleaning / disinfecting it. The compressor is disabled in this mode.
• Adjustment of the permissible level of air humidity within the range of 30% – 80% RH is carried out with the HUMIDITY button. The selected value is shown on the display.
• Note that the most favorable for human health and the prevention of the development of any mold fungus is the range of 45 – 60% RH. If the User sets the humidity level, the dehumidifier switches to automatic mode to precisely maintain this limit level according to the hygrostat.
• The dehumidifier works at maximum dehumidification if you select continuous mode, convenient for drying clothes, (CO) with the same button. The humidity level is then not controlled by the integrated hygrostat.
• The operating time of the dehumidifier can be limited by a timer between 0 and 24 hours by pressing the TIMER button. The timer settings are shown on the display.
• If the condensate tank is full, the dehumidifier stops dehumidifying, the indicator (FULL) on the control panel lights up and an audible signal sounds. The indicator goes out when the condensate is poured out and the tank is put back in place.
• To switch off the dehumidifier, simply press the ON/OFF button again. The compressor will turn off immediately and the fan will turn off after a delay to dry the inside of the unit and prevent mold.

Features and Benefits

• Two in one: dehumidifier plus air purifier.
• A wide range of modes: continuous drying, automatic dehumidification, ventilation (air purification).
• Original design, simple operation.
• Excellent dehumidification performance: 10 l/24 h.
• Dry air volume: 100 m ³ /h.
• Humidity control range: 30 – 80% RH.
• Wide air temperature range: 5-32 °C.
• Refrigerant: R134A.
• Power consumption: max. 220 W.
• Noise level: up to 43 dBA.
• Collecting condensate in a tank or with a drain to the drain.
• The pre-filter is easy to clean.
• Acoustic alarm and light indication when the container is full.
• Automatic shutdown when the tank is full.
• Auto restart with previous settings.