Best dehumidifiers for tackling damp and drying laundry – tried, tested, and recommended

The best dehumidifiers for drying clothes and tackling damp, mould, and condensation – our top 10 tried and tested recommendations from Meaco, Pro Breeze, De'Longhi, and more

One of the best dehumidifiers tested by the Ideal Home team on a blue background
(Image credit: Future)

The best dehumidifiers can help to combat the build up of damp, mould, and condensation in our homes by extracting excess moisture from the air to maintain the ideal indoor humidity. The most effective can also speed up indoor laundry drying times, making them a super-useful addition to the home during the wetter months of the year.

However, just like investing in one of the best air purifiers, wading through the technical jargon to decode extraction rates, tank capacity, and the cost to run each dehumidifier can feel a little daunting. That's why Ideal Home's experts are here to help.

Our team of reviewers have tried and tested the best dehumidifiers on the market, putting multiple options from Meaco, Pro Breeze, EcoAir, De'Longhi and many more brand names through their paces. Our review process compares how many litres of water each can extract from the air per day, how often you'll be emptying the dehumidifier's water tank, its ease of use, noise levels, energy use, and, of course, price.

You'll find our top recommendations below, including which is the best dehumidifier for drying clothes, the best budget-friendly dehumidifier, the most powerful, and our top-rated dehumidifier overall.

The quick list

Short on time? This quick list is an overview of the very best dehumidifiers. You'll find more information on each dehumidifier and why our testers recommend it if you keep on scrolling.

Best dehumidifiers – tried and tested

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.

Best dehumidifier overall

The white MeacoDry Arete One 20L dehumidifier with black trimproduct badge

(Image credit: Meaco)
Best dehumidifier overall

Specifications

Type: Compressor
Extraction rate: 10L / 12L / 20L / 25L per day
Water tank capacity: 2.5L / 2.5L / 4.8L / 4.8L
Max room size: 42m² / 50m² / 75m² / 90m²
Noise: 35-38dB / 35-38dB / 38-40dB / 40-42dB
Power: 151W / 151W / 216W / 267W
Dimensions: H47 x W32 x D24cm / H62 x W37x D27cm
Weight: 10.7kg / 10.9kg / 15kg / 16kg
Option for continuous drainage: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Energy efficient
+
Quiet
+
Easy to use
+
Automatic humidity sensor
+
Laundry Drying modes
+
Good water tank capacity
+
Built-in HEPA air purifier

Reasons to avoid

-
No WiFi connectivity or timer

Having put multiple dehumidifiers through their paces to compile this guide, the MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier remains our top recommendation for best dehumidifier overall. 

It's quiet, easy to use, works superbly and is very energy-efficient compared to pretty much every other compressor dehumidifier on the market. Plus, as well as first-rate moisture extraction, it's equipped with a built-in HEPA air filter that rivals many dedicated air purifiers to improve indoor air quality in more ways than one.

There are four different sized dehumidifiers in the Arete One range, offering moisture extraction rates of 10, 12, 20 or 25 litres per day. That means it's easy to find the right option for your home size, and the level of moisture control you need. All come with generous water tank capacity that means you aren't constantly emptying them, and their energy-efficiency is best-in-class with power usage of just 151W for the 12L model and an incredibly low 267W for the 25L model which means running costs stay low.

An automatic humidity sensor makes for hassle-free operation, turning the dehumidifier on when moisture levels rise and automatically shutting the appliance off when the target humidity level is reached. Plus, in our tests, the Arete One reduced moisture levels in damp-prone rooms in a very short period of time. The dedicated Laundry Drying mode also works brilliantly – wet washing was dry in hours rather than the days it can usually take in the draughty Victorian terrace we tested the unit in.

Overall, this is a best-in-class dehumidifier that does a fantastic job of extracting moisture from the home and remains hard to beat by any of its competition. The only thing it lacks is Wi-Fi connectivity. If remote or voice-activated control is a must-have for you, the Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier or Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier are both Wi-Fi compatible options.

Our Meaco MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier review has the full detail.

Best budget dehumidifier

ElectriQ 12L dehumidifierproduct badge

(Image credit: ElectriQ)
Best budget dehumidifier

Specifications

Type: Compressor
Extraction rate: 12L per day
Water tank capacity: 2.5L
Max room size: up to 3 bed house
Noise: 37dB
Power: 180W
Dimensions: H52 x W29 x D20cm
Weight: 9kg
Option for continuous drainage: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Quiet
+
Easy to use
+
Lightweight, compact and portable
+
Automatic humidity sensor
+
Colour-changing humidity indicator
+
Built-in carbon filter to remove odours

Reasons to avoid

-
No Wi-Fi connectivity
-
Water tank a little fiddly to empty

The ElectriQ 12L Dehumidifier is one of the best budget dehumidifiers we've tested. Decent dehumidifiers don't come cheap, and it's rare to find a compressor dehumidifier – which is the type you want if you have significant damp issues – that offers this level of performance for under £150.

It can't quite compete with our top recommendation, the MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier, which is more energy-efficient, offers a built-in HEPA air filter as standard, and is slightly quieter to run. But it comes close, and offers a lighter build and more budget-friendly price tag. Our reviewer thought it was a great choice for anyone who wants a small, compact dehumidifier that's good value for money.

It can extract 12L of moisture from the air per day, and in our tests it worked hard to do so, filling its 2.5L water tank with condensed water in just a few hours. It features an automatic humidity sensor so you can set your target humidity levels and allow it to do its thing, and also offers an easy-to-read humidity indicator light that glows green when humidity is in the target range and amber or red when humidity is high – a great way to see your home's damp levels at a glance.

Whilst it doesn't have a dedicated Laundry Drying mode like the MeacoDry Arete One, De'Longhi Tascuigo AriaDry Multi Dehumidifier or Pro Breeze 20L Premium Dehumidifier with Special Laundry Mode, our tester found she didn't need it. She simply set the target humidity to 35% and the ElectriQ 12L made short work of speeding up indoor drying times in her laundry room. It also features a built-in carbon filter that our reviewer found reduced odours from cooking fumes and pets. 

The ElectriQ doesn't offer Wi-Fi connectivity like the Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier or Pro Breeze 30L Premium Dehumidifier, and the water tank was a little fiddly to empty. But, overall, as long as you only need a 12L extraction rate, this is a great dehumidifier for the price.

Find out more in our ElectriQ 12L Dehumidifier review.

Best dehumidifier for drying clothes

De'Longhi DEX216F Dehumidifierproduct badge

(Image credit: De'Longhi)
Best dehumidifier for drying clothes

Specifications

Type: Compressor
Extraction rate: 12L / 14L / 16L per day
Water tank capacity: 2.1L
Max room size: 55m² / 65m² / 75m²
Noise: 40dB
Power: 300W
Dimensions: H51 x W33 x D22cm
Weight: 9kg
Option for continuous drainage: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish design with built-in carry handle
+
Easy to use
+
Automatic humidity sensor 
+
Laundry Drying mode
+
Built-in air purifier

Reasons to avoid

-
Water tank could be bigger
-
No humidity display
-
No WiFi connectivity or timer
-
No wheels

Overall, the De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry is a great dehumidifier. It’s sleek, stylish and, most importantly, it works really well.

As well as rapidly extracting moisture from damp-prone rooms, it does an amazing job of drying laundry; on a par with the MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier. The simple interface also means it’s easy to use, without any complicated settings to get your head around, and, although it doesn't have wheels, its ergonomic carry handle makes it easy to move around the home. 

Beyond that, it's relatively quiet when running, has a built-in air filter for air purification on top of its damp-defying powers, and, its energy usage is relatively low.

Really, the Tasciugo only has a few downsides. Although the AriaDry has an automatic humidity sensor so it will switch itself off once your desired setting is reached, it doesn't have a humidity display, so you can't tell what a room's current humidity levels are – something we missed considering its price point. The water tank could also be a lot larger. Its powerful performance meant we were emptying the 2.1L tank very frequently during testing, although there is a continuous drainage option and hose supplied. 

It's also not quite the most energy-efficient model on the market. That accolade goes to the our top recommendation, the MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier. The comparable 12L Meaco Arete One costs just 4p an hour to run compared to the 12L De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry's average 8p per hour, matches the Tascuigo on specfications, and offers a humidity display. 

And, lastly, there's the De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry dehumidifier's price. The stylish Italian design comes at a cost, with this one of the most expensive dehumidifiers on the market.

Our full De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry Multi Dehumidifier review has more detail.

Best desiccant dehumidifier

The black and white EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 Dehumidifierproduct badge

(Image credit: EcoAir)
Best desiccant dehumidifier

Specifications

Type: Desiccant
Extraction rate: 7.5L per day
Water tank capacity: 2L
Max room size: 'Small' rooms
Noise: 34dB
Power: 300W - 580W
Dimensions: H47.5 x W29 x D17.5cm
Weight: 6kg
Option for continuous drainage: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Compact, lightweight, and portable
+
Simple and easy to use
+
Laundry drying mode
+
Can be used at temperatures as low as 1°C

Reasons to avoid

-
Somewhat basic functionality with no automatic humidity sensor
-
Higher-than-average running costs

Unlike a compressor dehumidifier that passes air over a cold coil to condense the water from it, a desiccant dehumidifier uses a 'desiccant chemical' to absorb the moisture from the air. As a result, desiccant dehumidifiers are the best option for rooms that are likely to fall below 5°c, as at lower temperatures compressor and Peltier models can struggle to work efficiently.

The EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 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 conservatories, basements or garages that don't have dedicated heating, as well as unheated rooms in the home during winter months. 

That said, in our tests it also worked brilliantly during normal use, quickly reducing humidity and making fast work of drying wet washing. This is helped by the warm air the Simple MK3 kicks out whilst running. EcoAir says that in general '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 particularly good choice for drying wet laundry indoors.

As it's name would suggest, the Simple MK3 is also very simple to set-up and operate with easy-to-use manual controls. For its price, we just found it lacked the design quality of models like the De'Longhi Tascuigo AriaDry Multi Dehumidifier and couldn't compete with the better energy-efficiency and extra functionality of the MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifer – the Arete One's automatic humidity mode is particularly useful for controlling  humidity without any user input and saves on energy use and running costs. 

In fact, along with the higher price ticket, running costs are one of the biggest cons with this product. The 7.5L DD1 Simple MK3 uses 300-580W of electricity compared to the 10L MeacoDry Arete One's 129-199W range, which means the EcoAir model costs between 9p and 17p per hour to run at current energy prices, compared to the Meaco Arete's average of 5p per hour. However, if you're looking for a dehumidifier for use in a cold climate, the EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 Dehumidifier's 1ºc operating temperature is hard to beat.

Learn more in our full EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 Dehumidifier review.

High capacity dehumidifier

Pro Breeze 30L Premium High Capacity Dehumidifier with Smart App Control

(Image credit: Pro Breeze)
Best high capacity dehumidifier

Specifications

Type: Compressor
Extraction rate: 30L per day
Water tank capacity: 4L
Max room size: 20m²
Noise: 46dB
Power: 600W
Dimensions: H51 x W34 x D25cm
Weight: 16.5kg
Option for continuous drainage: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
High extraction rate suitable for large spaces and high moisture areas
+
WiFi connectivity
+
Automatic humidity sensor

Reasons to avoid

-
Noisy
-
High energy use
-
Heavy and awkward to move

The Pro Breeze High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier is a high capacity dehumidifier that can extract up to 30L of moisture from the air per day, giving it one of the highest extraction rates on the market. 

It also offers Smart App controls, which means you can connect it to Wi-Fi and operate it remotely via the Pro Breeze App or connect to Alexa or similar voice-activated devices. It has a decent-sized water tank capacity of 4L, and an automatic humidity sensor which means you can set your desired humidity level, switch it on, and just let it do its thing.

During our testing process we found it really easy to use and operate, and our reviewer loved the Smart App connectivity as it gave her a lot more control over how she could use the machine, saying 'the in-App experience is fantastic, the menus are really clear, and changing the settings is simple'. Alongside the Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier, this is one of only a handful of dehumidifiers on the market that currently offer remote and voice-activated control.

Whilst this dehumidifier doesn't offer a specific laundry drying function, we still found it helpful at drying wet washing, although it took longer to do so than dehumidifiers with a dedicated Laundry mode, like the De'Longhi Tascuigo AriaDry Multi Dehumidifier and Pro Breeze 20L Premium Dehumidifier with Special Laundry Mode.

However, the 30L Premium Dehumidifier isn't without faults. Its 600W power usage is considerable compared to the only slightly lower extraction rate of the 25L MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier which only uses 267W of energy. And, we found it noisier than our top recommendation, the MeacoDry Arete One, to operate. The Pro Breeze 30L Premium Dehumidifier operates at 46dB, and unfortunately it's loud whether the fans are on high or low mode. This isn't a dehumidifier for the bedroom or one you're going to want running for long periods in a living area that's in use.

That said, the Pro Breeze 30L Premium Dehumidifier's high 30L per day extraction rate makes it a great choice if you have high moisture levels to deal with, plus its decent-sized 4L water tank means you won't be emptying it continually. Its Wi-Fi connectivity will also be a real bonus for many users.

Dig into the detail in our full Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier review.

Best dehumidifier under £100

The white and purple ProBreeze 1500ml Mini DehumidifierBudget buy badge

(Image credit: ProBreeze)
Best dehumidifier under £100

Specifications

Type: Peltier
Extraction rate: 0.5L per day
Water tank capacity: 1.5L
Max room size: 15m²
Noise: 40dB
Power: 40W
Dimensions: H30 x W22 x D16cm
Weight: 1.85kg
Option for continuous drainage: No

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Small, lightweight and portable
+
Quiet
+
Low running costs

Reasons to avoid

-
Low 500ml extraction rate makes it unsuitable for large spaces or areas with high moisture levels
-
Basic functionality with no automatic humidity sensor
-
Only suitable for use in areas above 15°C
-
No WiFi connectivity or timer

It's important to note that this small Peltier dehumidifier has a very low extraction rate compared to every other dehumidifiers in this round-up. The Pro Breeze 1500ml Mini Dehumidifier can extract just 0.5L of moisture from the air per day, far below most compressor dehumidifiers which tend to have extraction rates that start at 10L or 12L per day. 

Peltier operation also means this dehumidifier can only be used in rooms with an ambient temperature of 15-35°C, unlike most compressor dehumidifers which operate above 5°C, or the desiccant EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 Dehumidifier which can operate at temperatures as low as 1°C.

As such, this dehumidifier is designed for managing fairly low moisture levels in small rooms up to 15m². It isn't going to able to control humidity within an entire house like larger capacity dehumidifiers, and it won't make a lot of difference to high moisture levels – we found it made little difference when drying wet washing for example. That said, so as long as you don't expect too much of it, this mini dehumidifier still impressed us during testing, and its budget-friendly price tag is a definite bonus.

It lacks functionality, so this dehumidifier is either on or off. But, that does make it extremely easy to use, and our reviewer found it did a decent job of eliminating condensation on windows in a small bedroom when left running overnight.

Its compact design means it easily fits on a bedside table, shelf or window sill, and our tester also found it extremely quiet compared to most compressor dehumidifiers, so it's great for a bedroom. Plus, the Peltier design makes for low energy use, with the 40W dehumidifier costsng just 1p per hour to run at current energy prices.

In fact those low running costs, plus a very affordable price tag, mean we think this is one of the best dehumidifiers under £100 – an ideal low cost dehumidifier for any small room where you want to combat low levels of excess moisture without breaking the bank.

For more detail, read our full ProBreeze 1500ml Mini Dehumidifier review.

A laundry-drying alternative

Pro Breeze 20L Premium Dehumidifier with Special Laundry Modeproduct badge

(Image credit: Pro Breeze)
Another great option for indoor drying laundry

Specifications

Type: Compressor
Extraction rate: 20L per day
Water tank capacity: 5.5L
Max room size: 35m²
Noise: 42dB
Power: 440W
Dimensions: H61 x W35 x D20cm
Weight: 13kg
Option for continuous drainage: Yes
Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
WiFi connectivity: No
Operating temperature: 5°C - 32°C

Reasons to buy

+
Brilliant at drying clothes indoors
+
Great extraction rate
+
Easy to use
+
Generous water tank
+
Mid-range price point
+
Sleek design
+
Automatic humidity sensor and Laundry mode

Reasons to avoid

-
Noisy
-
High energy use
-
Tall, heavy, and awkward to lift
-
No Wi-Fi connectivity

If you have a lot of laundry you need to dry indoors over the winter months, then alongside the MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier and De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry Multi Dehumidifier we think the Pro Breeze 20L Premium Dehumidifier with Special Laundry Mode is one of the best for the job.

Like the other two models mentioned above, the Pro Breeze 20L Premium Dehumidifier is easy to use and benefits from a built-in humidity sensor that automatically turns the dehumidifier on when humidity rises, and off when it drops to save energy.

However, the Pro Breeze 20L Premium guzzles 440W of energy compared to the 20L MeacoDry Arete One's 216W, which makes for higher running costs. What the Pro Breeze 20L Premium does offer is a more generous water tank of 5.5L compared to the 20L MeacoDry Arete One's 4.8L, although in practice we didn't find ourselves emptying the MeacoDry that much more frequently.

The Pro Breeze 20L Premium is also noisy. This isn’t a dehumidifier that you’re going to want to have on whilst you’re trying to rest or sleep, and you'll likely get annoyed by having it running in the background whilst you watch TV. This may not be a problem if you're using it to dry washing and have a dedicated laundry room, but if you want a dehumidifier you can use whilst you're getting on with daily life then both the MeacoDry Arete One and De’Longhi Tasciugo are quieter.

However, the Pro Breeze 20L Premium Dehumidifier does win on price, coming in a fair bit cheaper than both the Meaco and De’Longhi options. So, if you want a laundry-drying solution at a lower upfront cost, this is still a good option to consider. 

Our full Pro Breeze 20L Premium Dehumidifier with Special Laundry Mode review has more detail.

Voice-activated control

Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifierproduct badge

(Image credit: Duux)
A Smart dehumidifier that offers voice-activated control

Specifications

Type: Compressor
Extraction rate: 20L per day
Water tank capacity: 4L
Max room size: 40m²
Noise: 36dB - 42dB
Power: 400W
Dimensions: H51 x W32 x D23.5cm
Weight: 15kg
Option for continuous drainage: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Automatic humidity sensor
+
Wi-Fi connectivity means it can be paired with voice-activated devices
+
Built-in carbon filter that removes odours

Reasons to avoid

-
Smart App is a little lacking
-
Noisy
-
No dedicated Laundry Drying mode
-
Not the most energy-efficient

The Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier can condense 20 litres of water from the air per day, can manage the humidity in spaces up to 40m², and has a generous 4 litre water tank so you won't constantly be emptying it. The sleek design is also equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity so you can pair it with the Duux App for remote operation or connect it to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice-activated control. 

In practice, our reviewer found the Duux Smart App a little lacking, but the connection to voice-activated devices worked well and will be a big plus point for many users.

The Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier is a Wi-Fi compatible alternative, and our reviewer loved the Pro Breeze model's Smart features, finding them easier to set-up and more intuitive to use. However, the Pro Breeze model is a heavier and more powerful unit that means increased running costs compared to the Duux Bora. It also doesn't come equipped with a built-in carbon filter like the Duux Bora does, a feature our reviewer found a real plus point in her tests, especially in the kitchen where it reduced cooking smells as well as extracting steam.

Like the Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier, we also found the Duux Bora noisy during testing, and it doesn't offer a dedicated Laundry Drying mode, so we found it a little less effective than some at speeding up indoor drying times of wet washing. The MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier, De'Longhi Tascuigo AriaDry Multi Dehumidifier and Pro Breeze 20L Premium Dehumidifier with Special Laundry Mode all performed better in this regard, but, they don't offer Wi-Fi connectivity.

Overall, the Duux Bora can't quite compete with our top recommendation, the quieter and more energy-efficient MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier that also comes with a built-in HEPA air filter. But, if you want voice-activated control, this is still a decent option to consider.

Our Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier has more detail on our testing process.

Small-space alternative

The white Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy Dehumidifierproduct badge

(Image credit: Pro Breeze)
An alternative option for a small space

Specifications

Type: Compressor
Extraction rate: 12L per day
Water tank capacity: 1.8L
Max room size: 15m²
Noise: 40dB
Power: 220W
Dimensions: H44 x W30 x D22cm
Weight: 9.5kg
Option for continuous drainage: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
An affordable compressor dehumdifier
+
Relatively low energy consumption
+
Fairly compact
+
Automatic humidity sensor

Reasons to avoid

-
Noisy
-
Water tank is small and awkward to remove
-
Didn't help to dry wet washing
-
Heavy and awkward to manouevre
-
No Wi-Fi connectivity

The Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier is a popular choice thanks to its relatively low price point and regular discounts that make it a good value option for a small home.

However, the Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy dehumidifier isn't without faults. We found its 1.8L water tank too small for its 12L extraction rate, leading to frequent emptying. Plus, emptying the water tank is a hassle, with the tank tricky to remove and the lack of cover making water spillages likely.

Our reviewer also found it noisy to operate, and in our tests we didn’t find it that much help with drying wet washing, although it did a good job of managing general damp and reducing condensation and mould on windows and walls.

And, whilst its energy use is low compared to many dehumidifiers on the market, it can't beat the super energy-efficient MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier in this regard. The Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy dehumidifier uses 220W, whereas the comparable MeacoDry 12L Arete One uses just 151W of energy, and doesn't cost that much more upfront at full RRP. The MeacoDry also offers a built-in HEPA air purifier, a larger 2.5L water tank, better laundry drying performance, and quieter operation. 

As a more afforable option, we found the ElectriQ 12L Dehumidifier also out-performed the Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier on most fronts, offering better laundry drying, lower energy usage, and quiter operation.

That said, if you find the Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier on offer, and are willing to accept its flaws in exchange for its lower price point, this can be a great value buy that does the job and will make a big improvement to general damp issues. 

Our full Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier review has more detail.

Large-space alternative

A white Russell Hobbs 20L dehumidifier with grey topproduct badge

(Image credit: Russell Hobbs)
An alternative option for a large space

Specifications

Type: Compressor
Extraction rate: 20L
Water tank capacity: 3L
Max room size: 35-50m²
Noise: 47.5 dB
Power: 440W
Dimensions: H51 x W33 x D24.5cm
Weight: 14kg
Option for continuous drainage: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Relatively affordable for a dehumidifier of this extraction rate
+
Easy to use
+
Automatic humidity sensor and Laundry Drying modes

Reasons to avoid

-
High energy use means higher running costs
-
Heavy
-
Not the quietest
-
Water tank capacity isn't the biggest considering its extraction rate
-
Water tank is a little tricky to empty
-
No WiFi connectivity

The Russell Hobbs RHDH2002 20L dehumidifier is one of the most affordable large dehumidifiers we've come across. This appliance can extract 20 litres of water from the air per day, and comes in significantly cheaper than comparable options like the best-in-class 20L MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier that currently costs around £80 more upfront.

Just like the MeacoDry Arete One, as well as an impressive extraction rate, the Russell Hobbs RHDH2002 20L dehumidifier has some great features, including an easy-to-read LED screen that displays current humidity levels and an automatic humidity sensor.

However, there are downsides. The Russell Hobbs RHDH2002 20L dehumidifier's water tank is fairly small at just 3L, which – especially compared to the 20L MeacoDry Arete One's 4.8L water tank – meant in our tests we were emptying it fairly frequently, and doing so without spilling water was difficult as the tank gets almost full to the top before auto-shut off kicks in.

And, whilst this Russell Hobbs number is cheaper upfront, running costs are higher, with the 20L dehumidifier using 440W of energy compared to Meaco's 20L Arete One which uses 216W on average. Plus, the Arete One offers a built-in air purifier which this model does not. It also doesn't offer Wi-Fi connectivity. If that's a feature that's important to you, the Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier or Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier wil suit your needs better.

All that said, the Russell Hobbs RHDH2002 20L dehumidifier still impressed our review team during testing. So, if you’re looking for a powerful dehumidifier with a cheaper upfront cost, and don't mind sacrificing some functionality to save some cash, this option is well worth considering. 

For more detail, you can read our full Russell Hobbs RHDH2002 20L review.

In-stock dehumidifiers

This year dehumidifiers are selling out fast. If one of our top recommendations isn't in stock when you come to shop, then here are the best places to shop in-stock dehumidifiers today.

In-stock Amazon dehumidifiers
In-stock Argos dehumidifiers
In-stock Currys dehumidifiers
In-stock Pro Breeze dehumidifiers
In-stock Robert Dyas dehumidifiers
In-stock Very dehumidifiers
In-stock VonHaus dehumidifiers

How to choose the best dehumidifier

Finding the best dehumidifier for your home depends a lot on the type of moisture issue you're trying to solve, so it's always worth speaking with the customer service department of the manufacturer you're hoping to buy from to ensure you have the right model for your needs.  

However, to help give an overview, here are some key facts it's useful to know before searching for the best dehumidifier for the task in hand.

Types of dehumidifier

Compressor dehumifidifiers
Compressor dehumidifiers tend to be the most common design available in the UK. Sometimes also called refrigerant or condenser dehumidifiers, they work by drawing air into the dehumidifier via a fan, and then running the air over over cold coils to condense the moisture from it, whereby the condensed water is collected in a water tank. The coils are kept cool by refrigerant which means the unit also needs a compressor built in. The only downside of compressor dehumidifiers is that they need the air to be warm for this process to work. Most will work above 5°C, but they're most efficient at an ambient temperature of around 20°C (depending on the individual model).

Desiccant dehumidifiers
A desiccant dehumidifier differs in that it uses an absorbent material or chemical dessicant to extract moisture from the air. This means they can operate efficiently in lower temperatures, down to just 1°C, and are useful for garages, basements, conservatorys, or unheated rooms in the house over winter. However, they're usually more expensive both upfront and in terms of running costs than a compressor dehumidifier, so unless you're looking to remove damp at cold temperatures you're generally best off with a compressor model.

Peltier dehumidifiers
Like compressor dehumidifiers, Peltier dehumidifiers also use a condensation process to remove moisture from the air. However, they do this via a thermoelectrical process rather than using refrigerant and a compressor, so they're generally a lot quieter and more economical to run. The downside is that they're far less powerful, so Peltier dehumidifiers tend to very small and best for localised areas of moisture – they won't be powerful enough to help with damp in a large room or entire house.

A white Pro Breeze dehumidifier in a room with a wooden floor

(Image credit: Pro Breeze)

Extraction rate

Once you've decided which type of dehumidifier is the best fit for your needs, next up you'll want to consider extraction rates.

A dehumidifier's extraction rate is an average of how much moisture it can remove from the air during a given timeframe. Most commonly this is measured in litres per day, so an extraction rate of 10L/per day means the dehumidifier should be able to extract 10 litres of moisture within 24 hours if running continuously. In practice, this also depends on the humidity levels of the room, and the ambient temperature.

Generally speaking, you'll find compressor dehumidifiers that offer 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 25L extraction rates. The higher the extraction rate the more powerful the machine will be, but generally also the larger, heavier, more expensive, and more expensive to run the dehumidifier will be. 

You'll also find plenty of dehumidifiers that offer much lower extraction rates, with some of the smallest dehumidifiers extracting just 0.3L of moisture per day.

The right dehumidifier for you will depend on your room size, the scale of your moisture issues, and how quickly you want the appliance to remove moisture. Most dehumidifiers come with a recommended room size listed, so use this as a guage when choosing the best dehumidifier for your home.

A Meaco dehumidifier by the side of a grey sofa in a living room with dark walls

(Image credit: Future / Heather Young)

Water tank capacity

It's also important not to confuse the extraction rate with a dehumidifiers water tank capacity. As both are generally measured in litres or millilitres this can sometimes cause confusion. 

The tank capacity dictates how much water the water tank of the dehumidifier can hold before it needs emptying. A larger tank capacity – such as the MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier's generous  2.5L or 4.8L tanks – means you won't be emptying it as frequently. 

Most of the dehumidifiers in our round-up feature automatic shut-off functions that mean they automatically switch off and sound an alarm or activate a warning light once the tank is full. However, a small capacity tank potentially increases the amount of time the dehumidifier will be out of operation before you notice and empty the tank.

The Meaco Arete One dehumidifier in a hallway with blue walls and wooden shelves

(Image credit: Meaco)

Noise levels

It's also worth considering noise levels before you invest in a dehumidifier, as noise disturbance is a big bugbear amongst dehumidifier owners.

Most dehumidifiers have their noise levels listed in their specifications, although in practice we didn't find that much variation between models, with most falling somewhere between 35 and 45dB.

In our tests, Peltier condenser dehumidifiers proved the quietest, which is why the Peltier-powered ProBreeze 1500ml Mini Dehumidifier is our top pick for the bedroom. However, Peltier dehumidifiers are also the least powerful, so the relatively quiet MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier is our top choice for a low volume compressor dehumidifier. 

Other functionality

Lastly, there's extra functionality to consider. The best dehumidifiers you can buy offer a Smart mode. That means you can leave the dehumidifier running and its sensors will detect the humidity levels and switch the machine on and off to keep humidity within your desired range. That saves energy (and money) as the appliance isn't running if it doesn't need to be. 

Many also offer a Laundry Drying mode that can give the appliance an extra boost when you're trying to dry wet washing indoors.

The Meaco Arete One dehumidifier in a kitchen with blue cabinets

(Image credit: Argos)

FAQs

Got a burning question about dehumidifiers? You may well find the answer below in our Frequently Asked Questions section.

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. 

Excess moisture within the home can come from drying clothes indoors, cooking fumes from pans and kettles, bathing and showering, 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 you to keep indoor moisture levels in check.

Does a dehumidifier use a lot of electricity?

You can find out more about how much electricity a dehumidifier will use in our guide to 'how much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?'. 

However, the easiest way to find out how much electricity an appliance uses is to look at its wattage. The higher the number of watts a dehumidifier requires, the more electricity it will use and the more expensive running costs will be.

Do dehumidifiers help to dry clothes?

Yes, a dehumidifier will help to dry clothes indoors. That's because a dehumidifier sucks up the moisture that wet washing releases as it dries, therefore helping to speed up drying times. 

In fact, when it comes to the heated airer vs dehumidifier debate, a dehumidifier with a good laundry drying function can give one of the best heated clothes airers a run for its money when it comes to drying wet washing, fast.

However, you do need to opt for a dehumidifier with a good extraction rate if you want to use it to dry washing. Our top choices are the MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier range which offers models with a 10, 12, 20 or 25L extraction rate, the De'Longhi Tascuigo AriaDry Multi Dehumidifier, or the Pro Breeze Premium 20L Dehumidifier with Special Laundry Mode. 

We’ve tried and tested a whole host of dehumidifiers, and after putting these three models through their paces we think they’re neck and neck for clothes drying purposes. The bonus is that they also do a great job of managing excess damp and condensation within the home.

Which brand of dehumidifiers is best?

Two of the biggest brand names in the dehumidifier market are Meaco and Pro Breeze. Both offer a great range of dehumidifiers with varied extraction rates to suit different needs. 

After thorough in-home testing, we crowned the Meaco Arete One dehumidifier the best dehumidifier overall thanks to its great performance, quiet operation, easy to use functionality, and energy efficient design. Plus, its Smart Laundry Mode is brilliant at drying wet washing.

Is it worth buying an expensive dehumidifier?

Although most of us might want the answer to this question to be no, based upon our testing of a range dehumidifiers of different price points, we would say yes, it is worth spending as much as you can on a dehumidifier. 

That's because if you’re looking for a dehumidifier that can clear moisture in a larger space or deal with significant damp levels within the home, then you need a dehumidifier with a high extraction rate.

The cheapest and smallest dehumidifiers on the market can often only extract 0.5L of water from the air per day – in many cases even less – but larger and more powerful dehumidifiers can extract up to 25L per day which can make a huge difference to your home's health if you struggle with damp issues and condensation. The downside is that you will pay more the more powerful a dehumidifier is.

A white Pro Breeze dehumidifier next to a clothes airer with laundry on in a room with a wooden floor

(Image credit: Pro Breeze)

How we test

You'll find full details of the Ideal Home review process on our how we test dehumidifiers page.

Our team of reviewers tested a host of the bestselling dehumidifiers to compile this guide. 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. 

Five dehumidifiers being tested in a home with wooden flooring

(Image credit: Future/ Rachael Phillips)

If there are any products that we haven't managed to test in person, or the product didn't achieve over 4 out of 5 stars, then they won't have an Ideal Home Approved badge. However, you can rest assured we've done thorough research on their technical specifications and read multiple happy – and not-so-happy – customer reviews to narrow down our suggestions to only the best-in-class.

Amy Lockwood
Ecommerce Editor

After studying Print Design at Winchester School of Art, Amy spent multiple years working in the interior industry, including styling and visual merchandising for many well-known brands. She’s now Ecommerce Editor at Ideal Home, offering expert advice on the best products for decorating your home and ensuring it functions smoothly. That includes sourcing stylish yet affordable furniture – from the best sofa beds for combining style, comfort, and function, to the best artificial Christmas trees for a stress-free festive season – helping our readers to find the best mattress for their sleep style, and testing top-rated dehumidifiers and air purifiers to narrow down the best-in-class.

With contributions from