The MeacoDry Arete One 6L, RRP £129.99 on Meaco, is the brand's newest (and smallest) model in the Arete One range. It's a compressor dehumidifier designed for smaller spaces of up to 25 square metres. I've lived with the 6L for a couple of weeks in my home, using it to tackle condensation and high levels of humidity in my period home.

The best dehumidifiers bring humidity down, stop damp in its tracks and even speed up your laundry drying time. So when I tested the MeacoDry Arete One 6L, I put it through the same checks we use for every model to see how well it handled all three - and how simple it was to live with.

At a glance

Meaco has a bit of a cult following when it comes to dehumidifiers, and it’s easy to see why. The brand is known for no-nonsense, reliable machines that suit UK homes, older, draughtier ones (like mine) included. The MeacoDry Arete One 6L is the smallest dehumidifier in the popular Arete One range, designed to keep your home feeling fresher by tackling moisture and cleaning the air at the same time., without taking up too much space.

It’s a compressor model, so it works best in rooms warmer than 15°C, and it comes with a built-in humidistat that keeps an eye on moisture levels for you. There’s also the option to pop in a HEPA filter to help clear dust and allergens, and all the parts are simple to remove and clean.

In my at-home testing, the 6L slotted naturally into daily life: it quietly kept condensation at bay in smaller rooms, freshened the air in spaces that tend to feel a bit musty, and even gave laundry-drying a noticeable boost. Like the rest of the Arete family, it’s designed to be straightforward and easy to use, and it lived up to its reputation. It was also super quiet and inexpensive to run as a dehumidifier, though, as you'll hear, it took longer than the 6-hour laundry mode feature to dry my laundry.

Specifications

• RRP: £129.99
• Type: Compressor
• Colours: Available in Pebble and Charcoal
• Extraction rate: 6L/day
• Water tank capacity: 1.8L
• Max room size recommended: 25m squared
• Noise level: 32dB – 35dB
• Power: 101W
• Dimensions: H39.5 x W28.8 x D21.4cm
• Weight: 7.9kg
• Portable?: Yes
• Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
• Continuous drain option: Yes (using standard garden hose, hose not included)
• Laundry mode: Yes
• WiFi connectivity: No
• Timer: No
• Operating temperature: 5-35 °C
• Child lock: Yes
• Filter type: Washable dust filter + free HEPA filter
• Warranty: 5 years

How I tested

I tested the MeacoDry Arete One 6L in my home for two weeks, using it in a variety of real-life situations to see how it handled everyday moisture problems.

I moved it between my landing, a small bedroom and a larger, more humid room to check how well it tackled condensation, dried laundry and improved air quality.

I used the smart laundry mode, night mode and variable humidistat, and compared the onboard humidity readings with my handheld meter to check accuracy.

I also paid close attention to noise levels, energy use and how often I needed to empty the tank.

By testing it across different rooms and tasks over a couple of weeks, I got a clear sense of where this 6L model really shines - and where it starts to reach its limits.

Unboxing

The MeacoDry Arete One arrived securely packaged in heavy-duty cardboard, which is fully recyclable. However, the dehumidifier and the plug were wrapped in protective plastic, so I had to recycle the plastic separately. Inside the box, there's a quick-start guide, a full instruction manual, and a free H13 HEPA filter for air purification.

The dehumidifier has a sturdy carry handle that slots discreetly into the top of the unit when not in use, making it easy to pick up and move around. It doesn’t include a hose for continuous drainage, though, so if that’s something you’ll need, you’ll be happy to know that the hose adapter inside the water tank lid connects to any standard garden hose.

Set-up

The electric cable provides 1.8m of flexibility, which is good, though I would have liked to have seen a cable tidy at the back of the unit to tidy away unsightly excess cable.

Getting the MeacoDry Arete One ready to operate is super straightforward, as there’s no WiFi connectivity or app to set up beforehand. Admittedly, this might turn some people off, especially if you love smart, connected devices and want to control everything from your phone. But it does make life a little easier when it comes to setting up.

First, I had to remove the bag from the HEPA filter and insert it into the back of the unit. You simply slide the combined filter case and dust filter into place, pop the HEPA filter into it, and slide the whole thing back into place.

This step is optional, since the dehumidifier already has a standard filter in place. But the additional HEPA filter means the dehumidifier acts as an air purifier while it extracts moisture, which is a win if you tend to have poor indoor air quality.

It also means that you can use your dehumidifier as an air purifier in the summer months, when humidity isn’t as much of an issue, so you get to use the device all year round and save money on buying a separate air purifier, which is a pretty great bonus feature.

Before first use, Meaco recommends leaving the dehumidifier to stand for 6 hours. This allows any refrigerant that may have shifted during transit to settle. Once that’s done, you can plug it in and press the power button.

The MeacoDry Arete One also comes with a laundry mode, night mode, and variable humidistat, which lets you set a target humidity anywhere between 40 and 70%, or opt for continuous dehumidification. The digital display clearly shows the current humidity, and all modes are accessible via the intuitive control panel at the top of the unit.

A sleep mode and child lock are also included, so you can rest easy at night without excess noise from the fans, and prevent tiny fingers from making accidental changes to settings - two small but welcome features in a family home!

It’s designed to sit right up against a wall, thanks to its inset air intake, and setup only takes a few minutes. Once turned on, the device takes about 10 minutes to accurately measure the room’s humidity before it starts working efficiently.

Overall, the whole setup was straightforward and intuitive, and the addition of the HEPA filter gives it a clever dual-purpose functionality that really impressed me.

Design

I really like the design of the MeacoDry Arete One. It’s compact enough to tuck neatly into a corner, and you can push it right up against the wall without affecting the performance. It’s definitely more attractive than most dehumidifiers, with a modern, sleek feel. The matte white casing gives it a subtle, stylish look, avoiding the shiny, utilitarian appearance you often get with other units. While I tested the charcoal design, you can also buy it in the lighter pebble design.

The water tank is simple to unclip, and at the front, there’s a clear water level indicator. On top of the device, the air output sits just below the pop-up carry handle that can be discreetly slotted back into the unit when not in use. The entire top section is finished in black matte plastic, with the control panel neatly centred for easy access. At the back, the filter housing is also finished in matte black, keeping the look consistent and understated.

Ease of use

The control panel itself is intuitive and easy to navigate. You’ve got a power button, humidity setting, smart laundry mode, and sleep mode, with the current humidity clearly displayed underneath. Just below that, four small symbols indicate which modes are active, including the child lock and water tank status.

Other thoughtful touches include a pull-up handle for easy portability, an inset air intake allowing the unit to sit flush against a wall, and a five-year warranty, which gives real confidence in the product. Overall, it’s a very easy-to-use dehumidifier that balances convenience with good functionality.

Performance

I tested the MeacoDry 6L in several spots around my home, using it for laundry, tackling condensation, and purifying the air. It didn’t just manage moisture - air quality was noticeably improved too, pulling down airborne particles into a ‘good’ range. I also checked its onboard humidistat against a handheld device and found that the humidity levels generally matched those displayed on the MeacoDry Arete One 6L control panel, which gave me more confidence in its readings.

With my tumble dryer out of action due to a product recall, I was keen to see how well the MeacoDry Arete One 6L handled laundry. I tried the dedicated laundry function beside an airing rack on my landing, but it struggled to dry clothes effectively, probably because it had to handle humidity in quite a large space.

It performed much better in a smaller bedroom with the door closed, and my standard laundry load dried fully in around 12 hours. For larger or multiple loads, you’ll likely need to run it for longer, but at just 3p per hour, it’s far cheaper to run than my heated air dryer, which would cost around three times as much, and much less than my tumble dryer.

Living in an old house, I’m used to condensation on windows and the occasional patch of mould or damp, particularly in one bedroom. I popped the MeacoDry in there at 8.30 am when the humidity was 73%. By midday, it had reduced the level to 63%, noticeably cutting condensation and helping to keep surfaces drier. A few hours later, it had pulled humidity levels down to a very respectable 53%. I was pretty happy with this result, especially in a room prone to moisture problems, so it will help reduce the risk of mould and condensation.

Overall, the MeacoDry Arete One 6L is versatile and reliable, particularly useful in smaller rooms or for short-term moisture control. That said, it’s not a quick fix for large laundry loads or very damp spaces, so expect longer run times if you’re tackling bigger jobs. Similarly, don’t expect it to dehumidify very large spaces or multiple rooms, as it’s simply not built for those types of spaces.

Energy use

If you're wondering how much it costs to run a dehumidifier, it largely comes down to the wattage of the device. The higher the wattage, the more it will cost per hour. The MeacoDry Arete One 6L is very economical in this respect. It uses around 101W at 20°C and 60% relative humidity, which works out to roughly 3p per hour based on the current electricity rate of 26.35p per kWh.

Running it for 12 hours comes to around 36p, which is far cheaper than drying a full load in my tumble dryer, which would cost at least 74p. Even my heated airer costs noticeably more at 91p for a nine-hour session. Overall, the Arete One 6L offers impressively low running costs, making it a great choice if you want to keep energy bills down while still getting your laundry dry.

Noise levels

During my testing run, I found the MeacoDry Arete One 6L to be very unobtrusive, quietly humming away in the background. It operates between 32 dB and 35 dB, depending on the fan speed, which is roughly equivalent to a quiet conversation or the background hum of a fridge. It’s far from the louder whirring you sometimes get with bigger dehumidifiers, so it’s easy to have it running without it being annoying.

I also tested it in laundry mode on my upstairs landing at night, with the bedroom door open, and it didn’t disturb my sleep at all. At lower fan settings or in night mode, the dehumidifier became almost completely indiscernible - just a soft background hum that faded into my home’s ambient noise.

The night mode is particularly useful if you don’t need to dry laundry but want the dehumidifier running quietly. It’s impressively quiet for a small, efficient dehumidifier, making it easy to leave running overnight or if you work from home.

Portability

Given that the MeacoDry Arete One 6L is a fairly small dehumidifier, there are no issues with portability, unless perhaps you’re moving it with a full tank. But even then, it’s fairly lightweight, and the slot-away handle is strong and sturdy enough to move the unit around. There are no castors/wheels, though, so if you have limited mobility, you may want to take that into account.

Maintenance

The front-facing water level indicator on the MeacoDry Arete One 6L makes it easy to see at a glance how full it’s getting. When it’s time to empty, the tank is simple and easy to remove and empty.

To keep your unit running smoothly, Meaco recommends cleaning it regularly. Wipe down the exterior with a soft, dry cloth, and clean the main filter at least every two weeks to maintain the impressive five-year warranty. You can vacuum it using the dust attachment or hose on your regular vacuum cleaner, or wash it in soapy water no hotter than 40 °C. Make sure the filter is completely dry before popping it back in - it may take 24 hours or so, so it’s a good idea to schedule this for when you don't need to run the dehumidifier.

The HEPA filter should be replaced once it changes from white to grey, which is roughly every three months, according to Meaco. A replacement pack of three costs around £19.99 from the Meaco site, though you might find cheaper options elsewhere.

It’s also a good idea to give the water tank a quick wipe whenever you empty it, as this prevents mould or bacteria from building up.

How does the MeacoDry Arete One 6L compare with other dehumidifiers?

When you compare the MeacoDry Arete One 6L with its bigger sibling, the MeacoDry Arete One 20L, the differences really come down to power and capacity. The 20L model is built for whole-home moisture management, with a huge 4.8L tank, almost double the energy draw, and an extraction rate that easily outperforms the 6L in larger or consistently damp spaces. It’s also significantly heavier at 15kg, so it’s not as easy to move around.

But the flip side is performance: the 20L is excellent for year-round use, noticeably faster at drying laundry, and remains impressively quiet for its size. If you have bigger rooms or a household-wide damp, the 20L is a better investment. For smaller bedrooms, flats, or occasional moisture control, the 6L is far more manageable, cheaper to run, and easier to live with day to day. Or, you could opt for something right in the middle, such as the MeacoDry Arete One 12L.

The Duux Bora Smart 30L is almost the opposite in scale to the MeacoDry 6L, designed for large rooms and open-plan spaces. It can extract up to 30L of moisture per day, offers continuous drainage with the supplied hose, and has a much larger 4L tank. Where the Meaco keeps things simple, the Bora delivers full smart-home functionality.

The Duux app gives you real-time air quality readings, remote control, scheduling, and seamless integration with Google Home and Alexa. It’s also impressively quiet for its size at 30–36dB and includes thoughtful extras like a carbon filter, laundry mode, child lock, and night setting. But its larger footprint, heavier weight, and 315W energy draw make it far better suited to larger homes, while the Meaco remains the more space-friendly and energy-efficient option for smaller living areas.

How does the MeacoDry Arete One 6L rate online?

The 6 L model is very new, so there aren’t many customer reviews for this specific unit yet. However, the MeacoDry Arete One range is well-established with existing customers, with over 2,500 Amazon UK ratings and around 91% of customers giving it four stars or above.

Users consistently praise the range for being quiet, efficient, and easy to use. One reviewer of a similar Arete One model said: 'An excellent little dehumidifier… much quieter and has intelligent features like a sensing fan that runs periodically. It has a night mode and can be used as an air purifier.' Another highlighted its laundry performance: 'A full load on a clothes horse is bone dry overnight… extracts a LOT of water in a short period of time… not ‘whisper quiet’ but doesn’t intrude more than a fan or background TV noise during the day.'

So overall, while the 6L version is new, the strong reputation of the Arete One range suggests that purchasers will also find it reliable, quiet, and effective, as I’ve done, making it a solid choice for single rooms and bedrooms.

Verdict

After two weeks of real-world testing, the MeacoDry Arete One 6L proved itself as a dependable little workhorse for smaller rooms in my home. It quietly tackles condensation, keeps the air feeling fresher, and even helps your light laundry dry faster without hiking up your energy bills.

It’s not perfect, though. The modest 6L capacity and small water tank mean it will struggle with big, damp problems or multiple laundry loads. And if you’re after smart features or app control, this one doesn’t have them.

Compared with more expensive or larger models, like the Duux Bora Smart 30L (£349.99) or the MeacoDry Arete One 12L (£179.99), the Meaco 6L is smaller and slower, but that’s also what makes it quieter, lighter, and easier to place flush against a wall. For its price, simplicity, and low running costs, it’s ideal for flats, bedrooms, or any smaller space that needs reliable humidity control. If you need something for a larger home or heavy-duty drying, you’ll want a bigger model, but for day-to-day use, this is quietly efficient, fuss-free, and surprisingly versatile.

This Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier review puts the latest of Ebac’s smart control dehumidifiers through its paces with laundry to dry, condensation to combat and humidity levels to keep in check.

It’s one of four in the 4000 series, with the only difference being the extraction rate. The one I have is 21L, but there’s also 18L, 15L and 12L.

Enlisting the help of one of the best dehumidifiers can help to keep a happy, healthy home. Get a good one, and you could find that it’ll save you money on your energy bills as the tumble dryer is made redundant, and there’s less mould on the window sills as moisture in the air is efficiently removed.

To see if the Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier, RRP £399 at Argos is indeed a good one, I tried it out for two weeks in the utility room to dry laundry and in a couple of bedrooms with condensation on the bay window walls. To do this, I followed the Ideal Home dehumidifier testing process, taking note of how it can affect humidity levels and how easy it is to use day-to-day.

In a nutshell

The Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier is one of a series of dehumidifiers from Ebac that offer the latest in smart control. I found that it was smart to look at, and it behaved smartly too.

Measuring H54 x W34 x D26.5cm, it can be backed up against a wall or placed in the middle of a room, and not be too obtrusive. It has an integrated handle at the top and a cable tidy at the back, so it can be easily stowed when not in use, also. The control panel is neat and clear, and consists of four buttons: power, timer, fan speed and mode. And the bucket is discreetly hidden behind a door which can be easily removed when it’s full of water.

To get the most from this dehumidifier is to connect to WiFi. Using the SmartLife app is really easy, and I found that controlling the unit remotely was helpful and monitoring humidity levels was insightful.

The model I tested is suitable for homes with up to five bedrooms and/or five people. This is the largest model available in the Ebac 4000 series.

What I feel the Ebac 4850e lacks is a child lock and a dedicated nighttime mode. My inquisitive 12-month-old liked to press the control deck buttons, and it is just a little too loud to be comfortably running through the night. A set of castors would also be handy, as standard, to help manoeuvre the unit around, although these are available for an extra cost if you feel strongly about it.

Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier review

Specifications

• Type: Compressor
• Extraction rate: 21L/day (other rates available)
• Water tank capacity: 3.5L
• Max room size recommended: 180m²
• Noise level: 42dB - 52dB
• Power: 190W
• Dimensions: H54 x W34 x D26.5cm
• Weight: 13kg
• Portable: Yes
• Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
• Continuous drain option: Yes (available separately)
• Laundry mode: Yes
• Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes
• Timer: Yes
• Operating temperature: 3°C - 35°C

How I tested

Unboxing

The Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier is delivered in a single branded cardboard box, which, fortunately, has a cut-out handle on either side to help carry. It weighs 13kg; with caution, I lifted the dehumidifier up the stairs in its box so that I could set it up in one of the bedrooms.

You can easily take this dehumidifier out of its box thanks to the integrated handle positioned on the top. It wasn’t wedged in with any polystyrene. Instead, a perfectly carved cardboard piece was worn as a hat on the unit to secure it while in transit, while a plastic bag covered it underneath for some protection from scratches.

The water tank was tapped shut inside the unit so the only other item that I found in the box was an instruction manual.

Assembly and set up

With no assembly required (hurrah!), the Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier is ready to use from the get-go. Every setting can be accessed with one touch of a button on the display, but to get the most from this dehumidifier, I’d say to connect to the SmartLife app.

I always take a deep breath when setting up anything “techy”, purely because I lack much patience and just want things to “work” straight off the bat.

So I followed the instructions (after reading through them first) and it took fewer than 60 seconds to start monitoring and controlling this dehumidifier on the app. Top tip: have your WiFi password to hand, and don’t rush the set-up.

Unlike some other smart dehumidifiers, like the Meaco Arete, this dehumidifier can not be hooked up with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so voice control isn’t an option.

You can plan ahead and set schedules in the app when you’d like to use it, though. For example, every day between 09:05 and 10:05, the Ebac 4850e was scheduled to work.

This meant that every day I didn’t have to remember to turn on the unit to control the humidity levels in our daughters’ bedroom. Within minutes, I could see a decline in humidity and an increase in temperature.

Design

Dehumidifiers aren’t the sleekest of household appliances, but the Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier is the best-looking from the brand’s collection. At the front of the unit is the extractor and bucket; on the top is an LCD screen and control buttons; and the filter is around the back.

There are four models in the Ebac 4000 range, with the only difference being the extraction rate. Like all the units in the range, it has a 3.5L bucket and has the option for continuous drainage (sold separately).

It measures H54 x W34 x D26.5cm, which is slim enough to fit against any wall, and weighs 12kg, so it can be carried around relatively easily using the integrated handle. It also has a neat cable tidy around the back, underneath the filter, to make for easy stowing when not in use.

What this design really lacks is a set of wheels to help manoeuvre it around the room. These can be bought separately for £15.99 (from Ebac), but compared with other dehumidifiers that I’ve tested, this is a bit of a sticking point for me.

Ease of use

After standing the dehumidifier upright for the recommended minimum of two hours before switching on, I put the Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier to the test.

It can be used with or without the SmartLife app, but to get the most from it and to have the freedom to control it remotely, I opted to download it.

To connect to WiFi, I turned to page 12 in the User Manual and followed the instructions for app registration. You’ll need to connect to WiFi, then download the Smart Life app from the App Store of iPhone or Google Play store, so there’s a bit of a process.

It took fewer than 60 seconds for me to be up and running on the app. I then had full access to the control interface, which gave me the same features as on the unit control panel, and more.

From within the app, I can view the current humidity and temperature, switch between modes (Laundry, Smart, Target and Boost), view History and switch between the fan speeds.

I also found it incredibly useful to schedule when the unit is activated and deactivated; every day at 09:05 - 10:05, it was running without fail. With app control, you can also benefit from receiving alerts when a schedule is complete, the water tank is full, or the filter needs to be cleaned.

Whereas on the control panel, I could switch between modes and fan speeds, set a timer and set the desired humidity level by pushing some buttons.

There are a couple of features that it lacks, however. Nighttime mode would be useful, allowing it to run comfortably through the night without disturbing our sleep. Also, a child lock would be helpful if, like me, you have a curious child who follows you around and likes pressing buttons.

Performance

I tested the Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier in a few different spaces in my home, including the utility room, dining room and a couple of bedrooms in an attempt to see what it is capable of.

It has four different modes: SMART, LAUNDRY, BOOST and TARGET and two different speed settings: high and low.

In laundry mode, when the unit is set to operate at the highest fan speed, it took nine hours for our lighter garments, such as underwear and t-shirts, to feel dry. My pair of jeans was still very damp, as were my 12-month-old's tracksuit bottoms. Comparatively, the tumble dryer would have these items wardrobe-dry in 3 hours 15 minutes, but it would cost us 18p more, and the clothes would be more wrinkled.

For comparison, I also tried to dry laundry in Smart mode. I found that it took a couple more hours to dry laundry in this mode, so Laundry mode is definitely the mode to deploy if you need to dry off a load of washing indoors.

Aside from drying laundry in the utility room, the Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier also made its way into the dining room and two of the three bedrooms. These spaces have an issue with condensation, so I wanted to monitor the humidity levels and address them if they were too high.

As a guide, mould spores – which are in the air all around us – need a high relative humidity of 65%-75% and above to grow; something that happens when they are given enough moisture, nutrients (dust or dirt) and time.

In our daughters’ bedroom, there is a bay window with no insulation, so there is a buildup of condensation on the bay window walls where warm air from the inside meets the cold air from the outside. This then increases the chances of mould growth (yuck!). Before the dehumidifier kicked in at the scheduled time of 09:05, the humidity level was circa 75%. One hour later, this was reduced to 55%. The humidity levels start to climb as soon as the dehumidifier is switched off so it can make an instant difference.

The dining room has large floor-to-ceiling bay windows that often get condensation and some pooling of water droplets on the window frames. It’s a bit of a nightmare with a curious crawler who likes to play with the rag while I’m trying to frantically wipe the windows dry. The Ebac 4850e reduced the humidity levels in this space from 66% to 52%.

As much as I’d like to keep running the dehumidifier through the night to help prevent any condensation from forming at all, it is just a little too loud. It doesn’t have a dedicated nighttime mode, and the lowest fan speed is equivalent to a quiet whisper, which is distracting when trying to drift off to sleep.

Energy use

When you're looking to buy a new appliance, it's important to take into account how much energy it uses because it may not be financially viable. The cost of running a dehumidifier largely depends on its wattage; the higher the wattage is, the more energy it uses.

With the current energy price cap for October 2025 at 26p per kWh, I've calculated that it costs around 5p per hour to operate the Ebac 4850e. This is considerably less than the cost per hour of our tumble dryer, which I've calculated costs 21p per hour.

Experts suggest that homeowners should leave their dehumidifier running for around 4-12 hours per day, so I left ours running until I went to bed. It took 9 hours to dry some laundry in the “laundry” mode, which cost 45p in total. To dry this load in the tumble dryer, it would have cost 63p, based on a 3-hour program.

Ebac advertises that it costs 45p per day to run this model of dehumidifier, so this is a reassuring finding. However, 9 hours is a long time to dry laundry, bearing in mind that my jeans and my sons’ trousers were still damp. It’s also not unusual for me to do two 10kg loads of washing. A quicker drying time with the tumble drier would be preferred if I need to wash and dry clothing on the same day, or if I’m limited by drying space on the washing line, but when there are no time constraints, then I’d gladly welcome the 18p saving.

Noise levels

While the Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier is quiet, it doesn’t go unnoticed. I can hear it in another room down the hall. On the lowest fan speed, it has a noise level of 42dB, whereas on the higher fan speed, it’s 52dB. The noise at the high fan speed is equivalent to the noise in Boost Mode.

These noise levels are equivalent to a quiet home or quiet street so it isn’t especially loud, you may just choose to have the TV on or some music playing to drown out the sound.

Portability

The Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier is relatively easy to move around the home. Yes, at 12kg it is heavy, and the size of it makes it bulky, but the handle and integrated cable tidy make it just about doable.

What would make it even easier to move the unit around the room is to have it on a set of four castors. These can be bought separately for £15.99 direct from Ebac. It would be a good option to consider to save your back, too.

Maintenance

I tested the Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier in the 21L capacity, which means that it can extract up to 21L of moisture per day. In this size, the water tank is 3.5L, and I found that I only had to empty it every other day.

When the water tank is full, the Ebac will automatically switch to standby mode and, if connected, you’ll receive a notification through the app. A small red water tank symbol will be displayed on the unit control panel. To empty, just pull down the cover at the front and lift up the water tank by the handle. A neat safety function is that should the water tank be lifted while in operation, this Ebac dehumidifier will automatically turn off.

Alternatively, the Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier does offer a continuous drainage option, but you’ll need to buy the drainage kit for £10.99 from the Ebac site. Personally, I find it more flexible and less intrusive to empty a dehumidifier myself. If you want to use a dehumidifier in one spot in the house all the time, then hooking it up to empty itself would be a sensible option.

As for the rest of the unit, maintenance is minimal. The filter should be cleaned every month and replaced every four months to keep up the performance. It’s located at the rear of the unit, accessible by pulling the filter housing outwards, and can be cleaned with a soft furnishings attachment on the vacuum cleaner. An overall dust and wipe of the unit will keep it looking in top form.

Comparisons

Dehumidifiers come in shapes and sizes, not forgetting extraction rates and smart capabilities. Narrowing down the search by price is often the first port of call when comparing units.

The Ebac 4580e is the most expensive in the brand's 4000 series. For example, it's priced at £399, whereas the Ebac 4650e is £329, Ebac 4250e is £269, and Ebac 4150e is £219. It's also one of the more expensive dehumidifiers I have seen with a similar extraction rate. The MeacoDry Arete Two is another smart offering which has an extraction rate of 20L, runs at a mere 38dB and has a built-in air purifier, yet retails at £179. Similarly, the SmartAir 20L dehumidifier has an extraction rate of 20L per day, a larger 5.5L water tank and excels at drying laundry, all for £249.99.

If you have small children around the home, then you may want to look for a dehumidifier with a child lock feature. I also tested the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S recently, which has this feature, and I found it really helpful.

"Laundry mode" is helpful for when the weather turns or the seasons change, and you're looking at drying wet washing indoors. As with the Ebac 4580e, a number of other dehumidifiers have this mode, such as the SmartAir Dry Zone, MeacoDry Arete Two and EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 Dehumidifier.

If you need a unit with a high extraction rate than the Ebac 4580e's 21L, then the Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier would be the better choice to target higher moisture levels. Just be mindful that this one doesn't come with a dedicated laundry mode, so although it may remove more moisture, it doesn't have a dedicated setting to tackle wet washing.

Ebac are one of a few companies that manufacture their dehumidifiers in the UK, which it does from its County Durham base in the North-East of England. Their closest rivals are Meaco, who manufacture and distribute from Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire. This comparably gives the ranges a lower carbon footprint.

How it rates online

Whilst the Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier is available to buy directly from the manufacturer (Ebac), B&Q and Argos, I can only find customer reviews from the latter.

From a total of 86 reviews, 95% of Argos customers would recommend the Ebac 4000. It’s highly praised for its efficiency in removing moisture, reducing condensation and being quiet in operation. Many also appreciate that it has smart features and is British-made.

Customers who do not recommend it share that they found it noisy, and the running costs are higher than they (Ebac) say they would be.

To summarise? I hear everything that customers are saying. I have found it noisier and more expensive than I was expecting, but it’s efficient in what it does, and I like the app.

Verdict

Should you buy the Ebac 4850e 21 Litre Dehumidifier? In short, yes. It is one of the smartest dehumidifiers on the market, and it performs incredibly well.

It started working straight off the bat. You don't necessarily need to connect it to WiFi, but to get the most from it, I would advise you to. I found it reassuring to watch the humidity levels decline on the graph in the SmartLife app, and I equally enjoyed controlling it remotely.

While it isn't the quietest or the cheapest to run or the most efficient that the team have tested, I feel that it is a solid all-rounder that delivers what it sets out to achieve.

If you require a lower extraction rate to tighten up the belt on energy bills, this dehumidifier is also available with an 18L, 15L or 12L extraction. The specifications are otherwise exactly the same as those of this model I've tested.

It will set you back £219 for the smallest 12L model, reaching £399 for the largest 21L model. This is one of the most premium prices, with a lot of competitors offering a dehumidifier for half this price. However, considering how effective it is with running costs at 5p per hour and the confidence I have in the robust design, it'll soon earn its keep.

The Ebac 400 range doesn't have a child lock feature or nighttime mode, and the design lacks castors as standard. If these things are important to you, then you may be better off looking at an alternative.

A dehumidifier is a 100% must-have purchase if your home is damp. Some homes never suffer — the house I currently live in benefits from sitting at the perfect humidity level (roughly 50-55%), and I rarely notice that this falls or rises. We never suffer from dry throats or skin because the air is too dry, and even better, I've never found mould or any damp spots anywhere. My last house was a different kettle of fish: I needed a dehumidifier in each room. So, I know the struggle when it comes to dealing with a damp space.

Even if your home isn't damp, there are still benefits of owning one of the best dehumidifiers on the market — you can use these to rapidly speed up the drying time of your clothes, should you not have the space (or the budget, for that matter) for a tumble dryer. A dehumidifier is super energy efficient, and this one in particular costs just 6p/hour to run.

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dehumidifiers. Each one has a specific size tank, which should really be tailored to two things: the size of your home, and the severity of your humidity levels. If your home is very damp and you're dealing with mould, then go for something with a sizeable tank to avoid constantly having to empty it. If your room is small, you could get away with a smaller model, but again, this will depend on the humidity level of your room.

I've been testing the ElectriQ Platinum 20L smart dehumidifier, RRP £170 at Appliances Direct, and reviewers claim it to be one of the best dehumidifiers you can buy. It sits at a reasonable price point for its size — under £200. It has lots of added bells and whistles, including Wi-Fi compatibility (and app control), plus the ability to purify the air in your home at the same time. Here's what else I loved about it while using it at home for a few weeks in winter.

At a glance

A great dehumidifier for larger spaces and bigger homes, this machine is rather cumbersome, so first things first: you need to ensure you have somewhere to place it. It does sit on wheels, and it has a handle for easy moving, but it needs clearance space around the machine, and its cord is short. So, think about its placement in the room it will live in before you invest.

The fact that it's app-controlled can be a game-changer if you know you'll be leaving yours on all day, every day. For very damp spaces, this is handy as you can set it on a timer and even ramp its power up when you're out of the house and won't be bothered by the noise. There are two actions that you can only do on the app: turn the ring light off and check the room temperature.

This machine can reach humidity levels between 35% and 85%. I noted a lowest recording of 30% and a highest of 61% while testing in my living room, kitchen and living room. There are four modes: laundry (target is 35%), smart (target is 55%), purify (no water is extracted), and dehumidify (you set the humidity). Each one is well-explained in the manual, but admittedly, this can be a tad confusing to start with.

While testing this machine, I noted that it managed to run for over 24 hours in laundry mode (which is super powerful) and its tank was just half full. Impressive. Despite my house having relatively average humidity levels, it reached 30% in my kitchen, fast, but it took a little longer to reach a low of 46% in my bedroom (arguably, it's the most damp place in my home). In my living room, it dropped to 39% in the daytime, in just a few hours. I did notice that it managed to work faster when each room didn't have people inside. One night, I hung a load of laundry in my kitchen before going to bed and switched it to laundry mode. In less than 12 hours, it had dried this entire load — thick knitted jumpers included.

It is loud: I couldn't sleep with it on any mode other than smart mode, which was quiet as it was reading 48% at the time, and this mode automatically adapts its power depending on the humidity level in the room. It didn't bother me when switched on in the day, while working or doing chores, it was like white noise.

This compressor dehumidifier is fitted with a fully washable filter that's easy to navigate and remove from the machine. Its water tank is 20L, and it is fitted with a handle, but it's quite tricky to empty — it always ended up becoming a messy job for me!

Specifications

• RRP: £190
• Type: Compressor
• Extraction rate: 20L/day
• Water tank capacity: 5L
• Max room size recommended: At least 4m squared
• Noise level: 44-56dB (from our testing)
• Power: 225W
• Dimensions: W36cm x D23.4cm x H60cm
• Weight: 14.8kg
• Portable?: Ye
• Continuous drain option: Yes (pipe not supplied)
• Laundry mode: Yes
• WiFi connectivity: Yes
• Timer: Yes, up to 24 hours
• Operating temperature: 5°C - 35°C

Unboxing

This dehumidifier arrived inside a large, heavy box. It was protected by two layers of a rubber-like polystyrene, while the main unit, filter, and instruction manual were all inside PE-LD 04 plastic bags, which are recyclable depending on your local authority. I did think this was slightly excessive, as I didn't think that the manual needed protecting, and the main unit could have been protected with cardboard or paper instead.

Nevertheless, I placed it on the floor and rolled it over (yes, it has wheels!) to the socket I wanted to use it at. It didn't reach — the cord isn't very long, at all, considering it requires 20cm of space away from walls or objects on all sides of the machine. The cord is between 150cm and 160 cm in length.

Only one thing needed to be done before the first operation, other than ensuring that it was kept upright for 48 hours before use (much like all dehumidifiers). This was to insert the filter, which was easy enough to do when following the manual.

Design-wise, I won't lie, there are a lot of buttons to get used to. They're all self-explanatory, but admittedly overwhelming at first. There is a round ring light on the front of the dehumidifier, which shines:

• Red: when it's 70%+ humidity
• Orange: when it's comfortable humidity, between 60-70%
• Green: when it's dry, below 60%

I loved that it's on wheels, to make sliding it from room to room a breeze. It also has a handle, and while it is heavy, I managed to lift it on my own (water tank empty, obviously). I only really needed the handle when taking it up and down the stairs. I also found its cord storage to be handy when transporting it from downstairs to upstairs.

Set up

After finding the ideal spot, which needs to be 20cm from walls and 50cm from objects, I plugged it in and switched it on. It made a beeping noise, and the lights flashed on. It immediately read 58%, displaying a green ring. As expected, my kitchen was at an average humidity. I left it on Smart mode, which aims for 55% humidity.

After a longer read of the manual, I spotted (in small writing, albeit) where it said to run the dehumidifier for 24 hours, continuously, after it's first switched on.

I referred back to the manual for the WiFi setup, and after downloading the Tuya app, I was connected in minutes. Here, I could view my dehumidifier's stats from my phone, and even control the machine and set schedules. Game-changer. The manual was super comprehensive for the Wi-Fi setup, to the point where there were screenshots of each step. I did note that the app must have been updated recently, as some of these screenshots were out of date, but it was easy enough that I didn't need to use them anyway.

Design

Mostly white in colour with a grey handle and touch screen, this unit isn't offensive, but it is large — it would drown a small room because of the space it requires.

It's been designed with convenience in mind, that's for sure, as it has a handle and sits on wheels. It also has a child lock for inquisitive hands, while there's a dedicated sleep mode for when your house is snoozing and it needs to be totally dark.

Its water tank is at the front of the dehumidifier, and this pulls out for emptying. It has a handle for carrying to and from your sink. You need to ensure that it's properly inserted back into the machine; if not, it will flag as being full. It also beeps once it has been removed.

As for the filter, this sits at the back of the machine. It has a housing that you need to unclip, and it lives behind it. This filter is washable by hand but does need replacing every 3-6 months.

Its ring light sits on the grey part of the machine, just below the control panel. The touch panel, though busy, is intuitive. Some functions require just one press, while others you'll need to press and hold for 3 seconds to activate, which is marked on the machine. It has a screen amongst its touch buttons, and this shows numbers. It will mostly show the air quality percentage, but here you can choose the ideal humidity level of the room, from 35% to 80%. This is in 5% increments.

Do note that sometimes, it can take the machine a good 10 seconds to change its mode. Especially if it's going from Quiet to Turbo mode.

Ease of use

In total, there are 9 buttons on the control panel. Some of these buttons need to be tapped more than once, or you have to hold them for 3 seconds. These buttons are:

• Power: To turn it on and off.
• Mode: Press to switch between Smart, Laundry, Dehumidify and Purify.
• Increase: Press the + button to increase the target humidity percentage
• Decrease: Press the - button to decrease the target humidity percentage
• Speed: Press to switch between Turbo, Medium or Quiet. These will display as F1 & F2, quiet. F3& F4 are medium, and F5 & F6 are turbo.
• Timer: Press once to switch on the timer, use the increase and decrease buttons to select how many hours you'd like the timer on for, between 1 and 24.
• Sleep: Press once to activate. Press and hold for 3 seconds to turn off.
• UV and Ioniser: Tap to turn each one on/off. These can be turned on together.
• Swing and lock: Press and hold for 3 seconds to turn on/off the child lock. Press to turn on the swing function. If you press again, it will lock in this position. One more press turns the swing function off.

You can turn on UV and Ioniser in all modes, and the same goes for the sleep mode. When the TANK FULL light comes on, it needs emptying. When the DEFROST light illuminates, the internal temperature of the machine is too low, so it will turn to turbo mode to rectify, and then settle back to whichever mode was originally selected.

Smart mode
This is the mode the machine will automatically start on, and it will aim to reach a 55% humidity level in this mode. It will adjust the fan accordingly, and this is an energy-saving setting as it only turns the machine on when necessary.

Purify
In this mode, only the fan will run in this mode — it will not act as a dehumidifier as no water will be extracted. This mode needs to be used with the filters, and it's suggested to use this setting with the UV and ioniser for the best results.

Dehumidify
To remove moisture in the air, set a target from 35% to 80% using the + and - buttons. You can change the fan speed from 3 modes: turbo, medium, and quiet. These show as F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 on the screen. F1 and F2 are quiet mode, F3 and F4 are medium, and F5 and F6 are turbo mode.

Laundry
This automatically sets the target to 35% and will run until the machine's water tank is full. There are no modes; it works at one level of power until it reaches its target.

If, at any time, the humidity in the room reads lower than 20%, it will show on the display as LO. If it reads higher than 90%, it will read HI.

Performance

My house is an end-of-terrace, 3-bedroom property. I've never noticed that it's particularly damp, or that the air is moist, but I do dry some of my clothes in my kitchen, on a door rack. In the summer, these clothes dry fast as I open both of the windows beside the rack. In the winter, though, jumpers and other thick items can take days to dry.

I really enjoyed using this dehumidifier in my home. Once I got past its large size and short cord, I found it convenient that it had a colour-changing ring light, so I could quickly glance for a reading. Plus, I found its control panel easy to use. I did like that it offers different modes and can purify, but for me, that wasn't a game-changer as I already own a rather compact air purifier.

Now, this is a compressor dehumidifier, so it uses a refrigerant to condense moisture out of the air, turning it into water and dumping it into a tank. What's the difference between a compressor and a desiccant dehumidifier? A desiccant model uses a heater to pull excess moisture from the air.

This specific model from ElectricQ works best at 12°C-15°C, while it can operate at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C. You can use it to reach a humidity level between 35% and 80%.

This dehumidifier doesn't come with a pipe for continuous drainage, but you can buy one separately. This will banish the need to empty the water tank, and it's great for super-humid environments. The drainage pipe port is at the back of the machine.

It's worth noting that I used this machine for over 24 hours, continuously in laundry mode, and its water tank still didn't get full. It was around half-filled with water when I eventually emptied it to move it upstairs.

While testing, the lowest percentage that I recorded was 31%, and the highest was 61%.

In my kitchen
The first place I tested this machine was in my kitchen. This is normally quite average humidity, but whilst cooking and when my tumble dryer is on, levels rise. I used this machine a good few times in here, but notably, I turned it on for the first time, and its screen showed 44%. I set it to 35% and in 1 hour and 15 minutes, it managed to fall to 31%. Impressive, especially considering this was in dehumidify mode and on the lowest setting (quiet).

The next day, I hung a load of wet laundry behind my kitchen door, on the rack. I switched it to laundry mode and waited for it to recognise the change of humidity in the air. It didn't, so I went to sleep and the next morning — around 10 hours later — all of these clothes were totally dry.

In my living room
When I first moved this machine to my living room, its reading said 42%. Because this room is busy, it noticed that it struggled to bring its levels down and keep them low. Around 4 hours later, it read 39%, but during this time, it was battling with 4 people in the room, 2 of whom were busy toddlers. Again, this is on dehumidify mode and in the quiet setting.

I really appreciated the child lock mode while it was in my living room, and the fact that you can turn its ring light off (in the app). This made it a lot less appealing to small hands, especially as it can't be tucked away in a corner.

In my bedroom
Our bedroom is arguably the most damp place in our house. It leads onto an en-suite which only has a small window, and there's a large bay window in here, too. Initially, the machine read 61% when it was first turned on in my bedroom. It did struggle and kept bouncing up and down, but at its lowest, it reached 46%.

We tried to sleep with this machine switched on in our bedroom, but in dehumidify mode, we could barely even hear the TV. It sounded a lot louder on the carpet, for some reason! We switched it to smart mode, which is a target humidity level of 55%, and it was a lot more bearable. Still, we didn't sleep with it on as before turning the lights off, it read 48%, which is pretty good for a bedroom, and we could already feel our throats getting dry.

App

The app for this dehumidifier is called Tuya. It's very simple to download and set up, with lots of information provided in the manual, as well as screenshots. You can only control the machine through the app when it's plugged in and switched on.

The app's control panel is very simple to use, and arguably it's even easier than the panel that's actually on the machine. This is what you can do on the app:

• Turn it on/off
• Choose a mode
• See the current humidity percentage
• See the set humidity percentage
• Control the speed (from F1-F6)
• Switch on/off its UV
• Switch on/off its ioniser
• Switch the fan on to oscillate
• Turn on/off sleep mode
• Turn on/off its ring light (called lamp)
• Switch on/off child lock
• View room temperature
• Schedule timers for turning it on and off

Energy use

Wondering how much a dehumidifier costs to run? It all goes by wattage, and since this ElectricQ model boasts a low consumption, at 225W, it doesn't work out as expensive.

As per the January 2026 energy price cap, this dehumidifier works out at only 6p per hour to run. For 24 hours of continuous use, using the maximum timer limit, that's still only £1.50 a day.

Noise levels

I did notice that in some modes, this dehumidifier was a little noisy. The decibel level in my room, at the time of testing, was between 26 and 27dB. ElectricQ claims it's a quiet machine, but doesn't give a minimum or maximum decibel reading.

Dehumidify (Quiet mode): 51-52dB
Dehumidify (Medium mode): 53-54dB
Dehumidify (Turbo mode): 55-56dB
Dehumidify (Sleep mode): 51-52dB (turns it to Quiet mode)

Purify mode (Quiet mode): 44-45dB
Purify mode (Medium mode): 46-47dB
Purify mode (Turbo mode): 48-50dB
Purify mode (Sleep mode): 46-47dB

Laundry mode (Normal mode): 54-55dB
Laundry mode (Sleep mode): 51-52dB

Since the smart mode is automatic and it adjusts depending on the humidity level, until it reaches 55%, I didn't take a decibel reading, as this will differ from room to room.

I did try to sleep with this dehumidifier on, in sleep mode, while in the dehumidify setting, but it was way too noisy. It almost made a rattling sound. I switched it onto the smart mode and then pressed the sleep button, and this was a lot quieter, but I wouldn't sleep with it in this mode, as it reacts to the room — so it could suddenly get very loud in the night and wake you up. To be honest, I didn't need to sleep with it on in my room, as it never gets very humid in there — we noticed that when it was on in here, it made our throats and skin a little dry.

If you find that this dehumidifier is too noisy, it says in the manual that placing a piece of carpet or a rubber mat underneath it can minimise the vibrations and lower the noise. It just needs to be placed on a flat, level surface.

Portability

Weighing just less than 15kg, this unit is heavy — and that's without any water in its tank. There isn't much need to lift it, unless it's up and down a staircase, as it's on wheels, and even then, it has a strong plastic handle.

It also boasts cable storage on its back, which is great for when it comes to moving it, too, to avoid it wheeling itself over its cord.

Maintenance

The water tank needs to be emptied each time it flags as being full. This slides away from the main unit and has a carrying handle for when it's very full, to avoid spillages. I won't lie: this isn't the easiest thing to empty. It does have a handle for carrying to your sink, but that's about it in the ease-of-use department. When pouring, the water has 4 different holes through which it can come out. So, if the tank is very full, you're going to end up with a lot of water splashing out of the sink. A little bit of a design fail there.

After every few weeks of use, the manual recommends cleaning the dehumidifier. This includes filling the tank with warm, soapy water, then rinsing it out to prevent bacteria buildup. You'll also want to wipe down the main unit with a dry cloth to clean away dust.

The filter needs replacing every 3-6 months, depending on how much it's used. You can wash it between replacements. It's recommended to vacuum the filter only, unless it's heavily soiled, then wash it in warm, soapy water — be sure to dry it thoroughly.

If you're going to store the machine away for some time, then empty the water tank and dry it. Then, clean and dry the filters and replace them. The power cord can be rested on the back of the unit to make it easier to store away. It can be kept in an outbuilding, but this place needs to be dry.

This was the filter after 2 weeks of use. It looks virtually no different to how it did when it was first inserted.

Online rating

This dehumidifier is highly rated online. At Appliances Direct, it has 500+ reviews and a 4.5/5 star rating. Shoppers rate its capacity and adjustability the highest, but they also love its design and build quality. A big winning factor was also its sub-£200 price tag.

Verdict

Choose this dehumidifier if your home is large (between 4-5 bedrooms) or if you need it to tackle bad damp in a medium to large-sized room. It's bulky, so bear that in mind when it comes to choosing where it will live, but rest assured, you won't be emptying its water tank every hour.

There are several modes to choose from, and the fact that it doubles as a purifier is a game-changer and rids the need for two separate products, especially if you're a city dweller. Its child lock and night mode are handy, and while its app isn't a necessity, it does offer a few extra controls that you might benefit from. The fact that its filter is washable is handy, as while it will need replacing eventually, this will save a few ££s.

There are some annoying design quirks of this machine, the biggest one being its short cord, which might be a problem if plug sockets are sparse in your home. Its water tank can be messy to empty, especially if filled to max capacity, and initially, I did find that it was confusing to use as the machine shows 3 modes, quiet, medium and turbo, but the display reads 6 modes — F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6. After a glance at the manual, I realised that F1 and F2 are the same, and F3 and F4 are the same, and the same applies to F5 and F6.

If you're in the market for a dehumidifier, to tackle your winter washing indoors, or perhaps you've recently discovered a rather damp corner in your home? Either way, investing in one of these machines is a surefire way to keep the humidity levels in your home at a safe level. The average home should be between 40% and 60% at all times, so if yours is higher than 60%, then this machine will do the work for you.

I've been testing the MeacoDry DD8L Pro Desiccant Dehumidifier, RRP £259.99, Meaco, in my home for a few weeks. I used it in my kitchen to help speed up the drying process of my laundry. I moved it to my living room, to see how it tackles the levels in this space while it's being used by my toddler and me, and then to my bedroom — to test its night mode and if it's actually possible to sleep with it switched on.

Sitting at a slightly higher than average price point at £259.99, this Meaco model is best for smaller to medium-sized rooms and homes. It's a compact machine that benefits from a sleek design, and best of all, it can be pushed against a wall whilst in use, which is almost unheard of — normally, dehumidifiers need around 10cm of clearance space on all sides while switched on. It connects with an app for full smartphone control, which I did find extremely handy, but the one thing that I really didn't like was its control panel. I found it difficult to read fast, unlike other machines that I've tested, which benefit from a coloured ring light which shines green when levels are OK, or even a number display.

Here's what else I thought of this Meaco dehumidifier, and if it'll be a permanent appliance in my house from here on out.

At a glance

Sitting at just under 60cm tall, this dehumidifier has a 2L tank but can extract up to 8L of water in a day. It works best in small to medium-sized rooms.

Since this model is a desiccant dehumidifier, it has a heating element inside. It can work in temperatures between 1°C and 35°C, but it does have to cool down for 30 minutes after every 4 hours and 30 minutes of being switched on. The same goes for when you turn the machine off after each use — it will cool down before fully turning off. Better yet, its filter is washable and never needs replacing, while its design doesn't sit on wheels and is a little tricky to move from room to room, albeit it isn't heavy whatsoever.

It has an LED display, and while the buttons are easy to work out, I did find it a little confusing. Instead of displaying its current humidity level in numbers, it uses a bar chart. This makes it hard to get a fast reading. The app control panel is a lot more intuitive, and it's what I found myself using to control the machine the most. It offers 3 fan speeds — low, medium, high — and 3 modes, auto, laundry and set humidity. The machine can work to target as low as 35% humidity.

Whilst reviewing this dehumidifier, I really rated its power versus its small footprint. I used it in my living room, kitchen and bedroom. In my living room, it managed to bring the humidity down from an initial 53% to 46% in less than 1.5 hours. In my kitchen, it started at 55% at 14:50, and by 15:23, it was reading 33%. After dragging it upstairs to my bedroom, it worked hard and fast to go from 61% to 47% in just 40 minutes. Impressive.

One night, I hung out a load of laundry and left the machine on its special laundry mode and went to bed. This mode has a timer for 6 hours only, but by the time I came down 7 hours later, all of my washing was dry anyway.

Depending on which mode you use, this machine can be noisy. Its high fan is turbulent, so you won't be able to have this on while watching TV or sleeping. Its low fan is bearable, and its night mode does make it easy to sleep with it on, so long as its fan is set to low, that is.

Specifications

• RRP: £259.99
• Type: Desiccant
• Extraction rate: 8L/day
• Water tank capacity: 2L
• Max room size recommended: No specific size — small-medium rooms
• Noise level: 40-50dB (we found it was more like 56-64dB)
• Power: 200W-600W
• Dimensions: H57.7 x W35.6 x D23.0cm
• Weight: 8.7kg
• Portable?: No
• Continuous drain option: Yes (hose not supplied)
• Laundry mode: Yes
• WiFi connectivity: Yes
• Timer: Yes, up to 24 hours
• Operating temperature: 1°C - 35°C

Unboxing

The Meaco DD8L Pro dehumidifier arrived on my doorstep inside a box, and its packaging featured minimal plastic. A very good starting point. It was encased with two moulded pieces of cardboard, and the main unit was sitting inside a bag made from PAP 22, which is widely recycled with cardboard and paper.

Its cord storage attachment came separately, inside a paper bag. I didn't even have to refer to the manual to fit this, as it was pretty obvious.

The filter was already inserted into this machine, so other than peeling back the plastic sticker from its screen, it was ready to go. I had also left it upright for 24 hours before this, FYI.

Design-wise, it looks great. It's not too big or too small, it's pretty unobtrusive and quite sleek thanks to its black and white colourway. Once plugged in, the confusion starts: its control panel is a little busy. At first glance, your eyes will be drawn to the battery-bar-like diagram in its centre. This is how you read the humidity level in the room, which is admittedly not the easiest and fastest.

How do I know what the humidity reading in my room is? I asked the same question, I won't lie. It's confusing, but the bars below the line show the current humidity level. The target humidity level is the number circled above the line.

I've tested other dehumidifiers that have been on wheels, so I do think this machine would benefit from being on castors. It explains in the manual that you can buy them separately.

It also doesn't benefit from any sort of handle, so moving it is quite difficult. Even though it isn't heavy at all at 8.7kg, it's just awkward to move around.

Its cable tidy is handy as you can use it to wrap the cord around.

Set up

One of the best things about this dehumidifier is that it can be placed anywhere in your home. Yes, it can be pushed against a wall! Its cord isn't super long, at 175cm, but at least it can be placed in a corner if need be.

After I pressed the power button, I waited 10 minutes to record its reading. In the manual, it says it can take up to 10 minutes to gauge an accurate reading.

It's recommended in the manual that you place this machine in a central area and keep it running 24/7. It says to keep all internal doors open and external doors and windows closed. The smart dehumidify setting is the best as it reaches a target level of 55%. If you have a problem in one specific spot in your home, then place this unit near that spot and close the door.

It can also be used anywhere that's cold, such as a conservatory, garage, boat and even a caravan. If the temperature drops below 0°C in any of these spaces, the machine will automatically switch to low fan speed. This can only be altered once the temperature around the machine rises to 3°C.

Setting up the Meaco app was simple — once I had connected it to my WiFi, it was pretty much ready for me to control from my phone.

Design

Its black and white design means it won't stick out like a sore thumb in pretty much any room, and it will also work in smaller rooms, too. The fact that it has been designed so that you can push it against a wall also makes an easy job of hiding it away while you want to use it.

While it doesn't have a handle or wheels, it does benefit from a child lock to save it from inquisitive hands. There's also a night mode and a timer option. In night mode, all lights switch off on the machine so that you can snooze in the darkness.

Its water tank is on the right-hand side of the machine. This slides out to access.

As for the filter, this sits at the back of the machine, and it slides away from the machine for easy access.

Its control panel is an LCD touch screen. Some actions need to be touched once, and others you have to press and hold to activate. This isn't labelled on the display, but it's written in the manual. You need to press and hold the night mode button to activate the child lock. The smart laundry mode (t-shirt button) needs to be pressed and held for 3 seconds to activate the Wi-Fi. To choose a humidity level, you need to hold the water drop button on your machine. You can choose the ideal humidity level of the room, from 40% to 70%, in 5% increments.

Ease of use

In total, there are 8 buttons on the control panel. These buttons are:

• Power: To turn it on and off.
• Water drop: Press once for smart humidity mode, which sets the machine to reach 55% target. Press and hold this button to set a level from 40% to 70%.
• 3 water drops: Press once for low fan, twice for medium fan, three times for high fan.
• Night mode: Press the moon button for night mode. Press and hold for the child lock.
• Timer: Press to turn on, keep pressing to choose a time from 1 hour to 24 hours.
• Ioniser: Press to turn the ioniser on and off.
• Louvre: Press once and it will swing between 0°C and 15°C, twice for medium, which is 0°C and 14°C, press again for 0°C and 85°C and another time for fixed open, at 85°C.
• Smart laundry mode: Press the t-shirt button for smart laundry mode — this sets the target to 35%.

You can turn on the Ioniser in all modes, and this works to remove germs, bacteria, mould, spores and odours as well as ticks from the air, while doing everything else. When the tank is full, the machine will display the water tank full indicator, which is a diagram of a bucket filled with water.

The machine will also beep twice (except when in night mode), and it will turn off until the tank is emptied. The machine will only operate for 4 hours and 30 minutes at a time. Once this time is up, it will go to rest mode for 30 minutes, then it will resume its previous job.

Smart Humidity mode
The machine will automatically switch on to this mode, and the target humidity is 55%. You can choose from an auto mode or set your own mode, choosing from 3 options — low, medium and high.

Variable Humidistat mode
Set the machine at a target humidity level, from 40% to 70%, in 5% increments. Once this has been set, you will see a ring around the number you chose. In this mode, the machine will run until it reaches this target, -2%. It will stop at this point and go to sleep. It will then, every 30 minutes, switch on to check the humidity level, and if this has risen to more than 2% above the target, it will power on again. Otherwise, it will run in this mode until its tank is full.

Laundry mode
This automatically sets the target to 35% and will run until the machine's water tank is full. There are no modes; it works at one level of power (high speed with wide louvre) for 6 hours. After 6 hours, the machine will turn off.

Night mode
In this mode, the fan will be set to the lowest, and the machine won't beep. All lights will turn off, and the louvre is set to fully open.

Performance

I live in an end-of-terrace, 3-bedroom property. It's not necessarily damp in my house, nor do I need a dehumidifier to be on all day, every day. However, I do tend to dry some washing indoors, in my kitchen, on my over-the-door drying rack. I notice that in the summer, this washing obviously dries fast. In the winter, though, it takes an age.

I've reviewed 3 dehumidifiers, and out of all of them, I preferred this one the most. Probably because of two things: It can be placed pushed against a wall or door, and it's nice and compact. I will admit that the control panel annoyed me as I hated that I couldn't get a reading fast, but the app was very easy to use.

This is the first desiccant dehumidifier I've tested. This means that this machine uses a heater (inside it) to pull excess moisture from the air. Hence, it has a cooling-down period once it's turned off. There are two types of dehumidifiers, with the difference between a compressor and a desiccant dehumidifier being the way that they work. A compressor has a refrigerant inside to condense moisture out of the air, turning it into water and dumping it into a tank.

Meaco claims that this machine works at temperatures from 1°C-35°C, while it can operate at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C. You can use it to reach a humidity level between 35% and 70%.

There is a continuous drainage option with this dehumidifier, but the hose comes separately.

I used this machine's tank for roughly 6.5 hours, in continuous laundry mode, before it flagged as being full.

While testing, the lowest percentage that I recorded was 33%, and the highest was 61%.

Drying laundry

I first tested this dehumidifier in my kitchen, as this is where I tend to dry laundry that can't be tumble-dried. I also have a tumble dryer in this room, so the air often gets quite moist in this room. On initial switch-on, this machine read 56%. After 10 minutes, it said 47%.

The most impressive reading I had from this room was in manual mode at a high fan speed. The machine worked to decrease humidity levels from 49% to 42% (its target was set at 40%) in just 40 minutes. I did notice, however, that it was almost stuck on this number — it darted around the 42-43% mark for another 30 minutes, until I switched it off.

At another time, this Meaco dehumidifier needed only 1.5 hours to drop the levels in this room from 53% to 46%. In this instance, it was set to 40%.

Most impressively, I turned the smart humidity mode on one day at 14:51. The machine read 57%. By 15:23, the machine read 33% — this was the lowest recording I managed to get the entire time I tested it.

When tackling washing, I noticed that it displayed a high humidity level — so it knew that there was an issue in my kitchen. I hung a load of laundry out overnight and set the machine to its laundry mode, which lasts for 6 hours only before the machine turns itself off. The next morning, all of the washing I hung out was completely dry. This includes thick jumpers, too!

Reducing humidity

In my living room
The humidity level in my living room initially read 53%, but this machine made easy work of bringing it down to 46% — and in less than one hour. Admittedly, this machine did find my living room to be a little harder to work with — mostly because it's the room my toddler and I often spend all of our time in.

In my bedroom
This room isn't damp, but it's definitely the most moist place in my home. I set this machine on at a target of 40% (no dry throats and noses whilst sleeping, please!). It started at 21:13, at 61% and to my surprise, it managed, by 21:47, to drop to 45%. It was then that I switched this machine to low fan — it was very noisy, and we were both struggling to hear the TV over its racket. It then became clear how much work it was doing — by 21:59, it was back up at 54%.

App

The app for this dehumidifier is the Meaco app. I found it very easy to setup and use in general.

The app's control panel is easier to use than that on the machine, so I did find myself defaulting to using this a lot. It also makes an easy (and fast) job of checking the status of your machine and the humidity level in your room.

• Choose the set humidity level
• Turn the timer on/off
• Turn the child lock on/off
• Turn the ioniser on/off
• Set the level of the louvre
• Choose a speed — auto, low, medium, high
• Turn the machine on/off
• Choose a mode — smart humidity, laundry, night

Energy use

Considering how much a dehumidifier costs to run? Assuming you'll be using it all day long, as this is what's suggested for the best results, you need to check the machine's wattage. This depends on the speed that you choose to run the machine on, and in the case of this Meaco model, that's between 200W and 600W.

As per the January 2026 energy price cap, this dehumidifier works out at only 6p per hour to run in low fan speed. For 24 hours of continuous use, using the maximum timer limit, that's still only £1.50 a day.

When set to medium fan, that's 11p per hour. That's £2.64 a day. At its most powerful, in high speed mode, it's 17p every hour, which works out at £4.08 a day.

Noise levels

This dehumidifier was noisy in certain modes. The decibel level in my room, at the time of testing, was between 28-29dB. Meaco claims that this machine runs at 40dB in low fan, 47dB in medium and in high fan speed, 50dB. Here's what I recorded:

Low fan speed: 56-57dB
Medium fan speed: 60-61dB
High fan speed: 63-64dB

I wouldn't suggest sleeping with this dehumidifier on, unless it's on low fan and in night mode. In auto mode, it might switch to high fan, which is very noisy, and I found that I could barely watch TV with it in this mode.

Portability

This dehumidifier isn't heavy. It weighs 8.7kg (that's with an empty tank), but what it lacks in weight it doesn't make up for in portability. It doesn't sit on wheels, and it doesn't have a handle. There's a recess underneath the control panel, at the back of the machine, where you can pick the machine up. Other than that, it isn't hugely portable.

It does benefit from cable storage, which is a big plus when it's not in use. This is at the back of the machine, and here you can wrap the cord and use it as a resting place for the plug.

Maintenance

When the tank full indicator flashes, it's time to empty the tank. This slides out from the right-hand side of the machine and is easy to empty. I didn't find it messy at all. There are two sides, both of which have an opening hole. These are both labelled with the words 'OPEN'. You need only open each flap and pour the water out. Then pop this flap back on until it clicks, and you can go ahead and re-insert the tank into your machine. This job isn't messy at all.

The manual recommends cleaning the dehumidifier. regularly. This includes cleaning the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.

The filter will never need replacing; it only requires cleaning. Meaco recommends cleaning it every two weeks — at a minimum — and you can vacuum the dust from it, before cleaning it in soapy water. It needs to be completely dry before reinserting it into the machine.

If you're planning on storing the machine and won't be using it for a while, then the manual suggests unplugging it and letting it dry completely for a good few days. Use the cable tidy to keep this out of the way and clean the filter. Store the filter somewhere dust-free and away from sunlight.

This was the filter after almost 2 weeks of use. It looks virtually no different to how it did when it was first inserted.

Rating online

On the Meaco website, it's given a rating of 4.58 stars from 50 reviewers. Most shoppers claim it works wonders in their garage, but a few say that the instruction manual isn't the best.

At Amazon, it's rated 4.5 stars out of 5 from 1,600+ reviews. Nearly all shoppers love its effectiveness and its special laundry mode, while most use it to prevent condensation build-up. Those who weren't fans complained about its noise levels and its higher price tag.

Verdict

After using this in my home for a week or so, I do have to admit: it's one of my favourites out of the 3 I've tested. This is mostly due to its compact size, but also the fact that it looks nice and sleek, and it can be pushed against a wall to make it out of sight of my toddler (and guests, too). It's definitely best for small to medium-sized rooms as its 2L tank isn't the largest, but it did manage to collect water for 6 hours in total before flagging as full. I would avoid sleeping with this machine on as it's noisy, unless you'll be using it in low fan mode — but if humidity levels are high, this fan speed might not be able to do much.

This machine claims to reach a lowest humidity level of 35%, and I actually managed to get a reading which was 33%. Impressive! It dried a small load of laundry fast, even though its laundry programme only runs for 6 hours and switches the machine off afterwards. It's also worth noting that its heater needs a break every 4 hours and 30 minutes — it will go into a cool-down period. The same applies when the machine is switched off, as it needs 10 minutes to cool down internally before you unplug it. The highest reading I got was 61%, and this was in my bedroom, which was no surprise. Within 30 minutes, and on high fan speed, the machine managed to drop the humidity to 45%. Speedy!

Design-wise, its LCD screen is easy to use, but it's not easy to read — the current humidity level is displayed in a bar chart, instead of in basic number format. It's not on wheels for moving, so this will make it tricky to move around your space. Thankfully, it isn't super heavy. I do love that its filter never needs changing — only cleaning every 2 weeks.

It has been cold and wet outside, so I've kept my wet washing inside. The stark difference in temperature inside and out has led to a buildup in condensation on the windows and walls, too.

This meant that I was only too pleased to try out the Devola DV12L Dehumidifier, RRP £158.95, at Airconcentre, and see how it stacks up against some of the best dehumidifiers on the market. I've given several dehumidifiers a run for their money, but none have been quite as compact as this one. I was curious to find out if size really does matter. I needed to reduce the humidity in the house and dry laundry, and on paper, this dehumidifier does both.

I tried it out for 12 days in our utility room to help dry 10kg of wet laundry at a time, and in my daughter's bedroom, where the bay window gets a build-up of condensation. To do this, I followed the Ideal Home dehumidifier testing process, taking note of how it can affect humidity levels and how easy it is to use day-to-day.

At a glance

The Devola DV12L Dehumidifier is a compact, easy-to-use unit. It flies under the radar from being recognised as a smart dehumidifier, too. This means that you can connect it to your home WiFi to control it on the SmartLife app.

It's one of three dehumidifiers in the Devola portfolio. Sitting alongside it are the Devola DV20L Compressor Dehumidifier and Devola DV25L Compressor Dehumidifier. These are both slightly larger than the DV12L and have a greater extraction rate. While the DV12L has a 12-litre/day extraction rate, the DV20L has a 20-litre/day extraction rate, and the DV25L has a 25-litre/day extraction rate. These two larger Devola dehumidifiers have an airflow of 180 m3/h, whereas the Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier on test has an airflow of 100 m3/h, so it's not capable of drawing in as much.

I say this, but I was impressed by its effectiveness. It reduced the humidity level in my daughter's bedroom from 68% to 55% within an hour. It also dried smaller items of clothing (underwear and kids' clothing) within eight hours, which is quicker and cheaper than using the tumble dryer.

Specifications

• RRP: £159
• Type: Compressor
• Extraction rate: 12L/day
• Water tank capacity: 2L
• Recommended maximum room size: up to 200 sq.ft
• Noise level: 36dB
• Power: 185W
• Dimensions: H47 x 25.5W x 22Dcm
• Weight: 10.5kg
• Portable?: Yes, with smooth castor wheels and carry handle
• Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
• Laundry mode: Yes
• WiFi connectivity: Yes
• Timer: 12 hours and auto-off
• Operating temperature: 5 - 35 °C
• Additional features: removable water tank, continuous draining, digital display, washable filter, child lock, automatic shut off

Unboxing, set-up and design

Unboxing the Devola 12L Dehumidifier was easy. Its compact size meant that the delivery box could be easily lifted through from the porch to our utility room.

There was some snug-fitting packaging (non-recyclable) that secured it whilst in transport, and there were no fiddly bits to unravel.

Inside, you'll find the unit itself, a user manual, and a drain hose. The water bucket was taped shut, and the air vent was taped up too. With no set-up required, it was a case of "plug and play".

Measuring H47 x 25.5W x 22D cm, it's one of the most compact dehumidifiers that I have tested. It takes up very little space, so it can fit into the smallest of rooms, with a recommended maximum room size of up to 200 sq ft.

The control panel is located at the top of the unit, with the integrated handle located at the opposite end. At the front is a digital display that changes colour depending on the current humidity. Blue indicates room humidity less than 45%; green signals room humidity 45 - 65%; red signals humidity greater than 65%.

The 2-litre water bucket is located at the rear of the appliance. It has a handy water level indicator, so you can just about make out how much water is being collected. And it can be easily moved around the floor and between rooms on its four castors.

I could start using it right away, but to get the most out of it, I connected it to the Smart Life App. For me, this took less than one minute. I'd recommend reading through the connection instructions first, so they'll make more sense. And to activate WiFi on the unit, press and hold the timer on the control panel for 5 seconds.

If, like me, you already have the SmartLife app installed on your iPhone or Android phone, then you won't need to reconnect to your home WiFi because this data is already stored. Should you need to connect, the setup will take a little longer than the time it took me.

First impressions? I always love it when a smart device is easy to set up. There was minimal fuss, and very little installation was required. It looks neat and seems to have all the features and modes I need it to have.

Ease of use

The Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier can be used manually or remotely. Easy.

On the control panel you have full access to everything that this dehumidifier can do. It has three programmes (nighttime, laundry and humidity), each with an individual button. You can also set the fan speed (low or high), timer and child lock. All the buttons are responsive.

If you prefer to use the app, then you have the added ability to control the unit remotely. You have full access to everything on the physical control panel. I would have found it helpful to receive a notification when the water bucket is full, and to see some historical data of humidity levels in the room, but as it currently stands, I still found the app a useful feature to have access to.

There is just one little quirk to be aware of in the app; "laundry" mode is "mode continuities", "humidity" is "mode normal" and "night time is "mode sleep". The difference between these modes is that laundry/mode continuities keeps the unit running until it's turned off or the water tank is full; humidity/mode normal keeps running until the set humidity is achieved; and nighttime/ mode sleep automatically switches to the lower fan speed (if operating on the higher speed).

Performance

I used the Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier to dry laundry in our utility room and manage the high humidity levels in my daughter's bedroom. I tested all three modes (Laundry, Nighttime and Auto), and adjusted the humidity setting.

I first set up the dehumidifier in my daughter's bedroom to help remove moisture in the air, owing to a single-skinned wall on the bay window. I'd just wiped away mould from the walls and skirting, which still felt damp and cold, so time was of the essence.

The humidity reading was 68%, and the humidity indicator light was red. I set the desired humidity to 55% in Auto Mode, which is a good, achievable target for our home. It's a known fact that humidity levels above 60% can lead to mould growth, so I was keen to get below this figure and keep it that way.

Within an hour of running, the dehumidifier had dropped the humidity level in the room from 68% to 55% and automatically switched off.

I wanted to maintain this level of humidity through the night, so I switched to Night Mode. This meant that the fan speed was on the lower speed and the lights on the control panel switched off, with the exception of the power, mode and child-lock indicators. When the water tank becomes full, the full tank sound alert is inactive, but the water tank full indicator light stays illuminated to remind you that it needs emptying when you see it.

The lower fan speed setting kicks out a noise level of 43dB, which my daughter found was too noisy. I, on the other hand, found that this omitted sound was on a similar wavelength to white noise, so I set it up in my bedroom. This successfully kept the humidity levels at the desired 55% through the night.

The next day, I wanted to dry laundry in our utility room. I'm fortunate to have the space to hang washing on a washing line which spans the width of the room, so I located the dehumidifier not too far away from where 10kg of damp laundry was hanging.

I selected Laundry Mode. This meant that the unit continuously operated on the higher fan speed, and I was unable to change the humidity setting or fan speed. It'll keep running until you switch it off, or the water tank gets full, so I found it useful to be able to control it on the SmartLife app.

After eight hours, smaller items of clothing, including underwear and kids' clothing, were dry, and the indicator light had changed from red to green. Larger items of clothing, like adult-sized jeans and bedding, took just shy of 12 hours to dry.

Over the course of the two weeks I was testing this dehumidifier, I set up a schedule for it to switch on at 10:00 and turn off at 11:00 every morning. I used the SmartLife app to set this up, but it can also be set up using the timer function on the control panel. When the unit is switched off, the dehumidifier won't activate and, therefore, the schedule won't work.

If you have a young family, then I'd advise keeping the child lock on. This can be activated on the control panel or in the SmartLife app. Failing to do this will result in your little person taking control of the unit; the novelty will quickly wear off.

Energy use

If you're curious about how much a dehumidifier costs to run, it largely depends on its wattage. The higher the wattage is, the more energy it uses.

With the current energy price cap for October 2025 at 26p per kWh, I've calculated that it costs around 5p / hour to operate the Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier on the higher fan speed, and 4p / hour on the lower fan speed. This is more than half the cost per hour of our tumble dryer, which I've calculated costs 21p per hour.

With it taking 8 hours to dry laundry, costing 40p, it saves me 23p compared to using the tumble dryer on a 3-hour drying cycle.

Noise levels

Advertised with a noise level of 36dB, the Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier is certainly quiet. On paper.

The reality is that on the low fan speed, it has a noise level of 43dB, and on the higher fan speed, it's 48dB. I can also hear that it's running when I'm sitting in our dining room, underneath the bedroom it's set up in or down the hallway from the utility room.

It's not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting. This noise level is equivalent to a quiet street, so it's not too distracting. Just switch on the radio or television, and you won't notice it.

Portability

The Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier has smooth-glide castors and an integrated handle to make it easy to move around. Its compact size and 10.5kg weight mean that it can be rolled between rooms on the same level, or carried up the stairs, to a space where it's next required.

Maintenance

The Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier requires regular maintenance, but don't take this as a thumbs down because what's required is fairly obvious and easy.

When you notice that the illuminated water tank button on the control panel is illuminated, or that the unit stops working due to a full water tank, then that is the time to empty it. The removable water tank slides out of position, but there's no handle, so it's difficult to pour out the water without it going everywhere. For longer-term use, the continuous drainage hose will mean that the need for emptying the water tank is eradicated.

The air filter will require regular attention, too. Dust collects on the filter and restricts the airflow, reducing the efficiency. This filter is removable, which is accessible by removing the filter frame. You'll then just need to use a vacuum cleaner to gently absorb the dust on the surface. If it's very dirty, then wash it with water and a soft detergent. Just make sure that the filter is dry before slotting back into place.

Comparisons with other dehumidifers

The Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier is the most compact, effective and cheapest to run dehumidifier I have tested thus far.

For example, the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S was effective at reducing humidity levels, but it was dearer to run, noisier and didn't have a dedicated nighttime mode. It does have a larger 3.4-litre water tank, though, which may better suit some homes.

I also liked the Ebac 4850e dehumidifier for its ability to reduce humidity levels, but it doesn't have any castors, which makes it difficult to move around. And no nighttime mode. It has the same running costs as the Devola 12L Compressor Dehumidifier, though (5p / hour) and has a larger 3.5-litre water tank.

And while I haven't personally tested the Dryzone dehumidifier and air purifier (a colleague has), it's quieter than the Devola and doubles as an air purifier, too. The Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier has a huge water tank, which may suit homes that know for certain that they don't want to set up continuous drainage in the short or long-term.

How does the Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier rate online?

Available to buy direct from Devola and resellers, including Amazon and B&Q, you can check out with the Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier relatively easily. This also creates a space for other customers to share their experiences of using the unit.

Amazon have the greatest number of product reviews, with 1, 187 in total. Overall, customers find the dehumidifier effective, with one mentioning it works well for laundry during the winter months. Its compact size, straightforward operation, and value for money are also appreciated. However, the noise level receives mixed feedback, with some finding that it operates virtually silently, while others say it's noisier than expected.

This mixed feedback is echoed by a couple of customers sharing on the Devola website, too, although they are in the minority because most speak highly about the effectiveness and compact size.

B&Q customers echo this praise. One says: 'Really impressed with this Dehumidifier, very quiet, easy to move around...', while another shares: 'Cheap to run... The laundry setting does not dry as quickly as it says, but it still cuts the drying time considerably.'

Verdict

If you need a dehumidifier in your life, then make the Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier the one. It's really easy to set up, cheap to run, effective at reducing humidity, and it doesn't take up much space.

While the app could do with some alignment with the modes on the unit and the ability to record data, it does do enough to control this dehumidifier remotely. For £159 (when not on sale), it's one of the most affordable options available and will be money well spent, in the short and long-term.

This time of the year stirs up some challenges indoors: a buildup of condensation on windows and walls, and how one goes about drying laundry.

With that, I was only too pleased to try out the Honeywell 12L Dehumidifier, RRP £159.95 from Aircon Centre. I was curious to see how it stacks up against some of the best dehumidifiers on the market and other models that I've tested. While this dehumidifier isn't "smart" like the others, it features the same (if not more) capabilities. It's also one of the smallest yet most affordable.

I tried it out for 10 days in our utility room to help dry 10kg of wet laundry at a time, and in my daughter's bedroom, where the bay window gets a buildup of condensation. To do this, I followed the Ideal Home dehumidifier testing process, taking note of how it can affect humidity levels and how easy it is to use day-to-day.

At a glance

The Honeywell 12L Dehumidifier is a simple yet effective dehumidifier. It doesn't come with any bells and whistles; sometimes that's not what we need. This is one of the appliances that doesn't need to be fancy: it has a job to do, and this calls for functionality.

It's one of three dehumidifiers in the Honeywell portfolio. Sitting alongside it are the Honeywell 30L/Day Dehumidifier and Honeywell 20L/Day Dehumidifier. Both of these have a greater extraction rate than the one I have on test and, therefore, have a slighter higher running cost. Both the Honeywell 30L/Day Dehumidifier and Honeywell 20L/Day Dehumidifier have a 3.4L water tank, and the Honeywell 12L/Day Dehumidifier has the smaller 2.5L water tank. What they all have in common are all four modes (Laundry, Comfort, Dehumidifying and Continuous), a 24-hour timer, an intelligent humidity sensor and a digital display.

I have been impressed by this dehumidifier's effectiveness at reducing the humidity level in my daughter's bedroom from 74% to 52% within an hour. It also dried bed sheets and smaller items of clothing (underwear and kids' clothing) within six hours, which is quicker and cheaper than using the tumble dryer.

Specifications

• RRP: £159.95
• Type: Compressor
• Extraction rate: 12L/day
• Water tank capacity: 2.5L
• Max room size recommended: small to medium-sized
• Noise level: 40 - 44dB
• Power: 410W
• Dimensions: H38.6 x W28 x D23.5cm
• Weight: 11.1kg
• Portable?: Yes, with smooth castor wheels and sturdy carry handle
• Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
• Laundry mode: Yes
• WiFi connectivity: No
• Timer: 24 hours and auto-off
• Operating temperature: 5 to 32 °C
• Additional features: removable water tank, continuous draining, digital display, washable filter, automatic shut off

Unboxing, set-up and design

I found unboxing the Honeywell 12L Dehumidifier easy and straightforward. It's a compact size, which meant that the delivery box could be easily lifted through from the porch to our utility room.

All packaging used was non-recyclable, consisting of plastic bags wrapped around the unit, power cable, drainage hose and polystyrene that held the unit in place. In fact, there was no bottom to the cardboard box - this was replaced by the polystyrene.

Inside the box you'll find the dehumidifier, a user manual, drainage hose and water tank snap-in cover. The water bucket was taped shut, and the power cable, drainage hose and other accessories were tucked inside the water tank.

Before I could start up this dehumidifier for the first time, I needed to install the water tank snap-in cover. This is a shaped shard of plastic which slots into a cut-out space on the water tank cover. I'm flummoxed why this is. It seems an unnecessary hurdle, but it is necessary because without it, you won't be able to use this Honeywell dehumidifier.

Measuring H38.6 x W28 x D23.5cm, it is one of the smallest dehumidifiers I have tested, so it should be small enough to fit in most rooms of a two to five-bedroom house. It must be positioned on a level floor and 45cm away from other objects.

The control panel is located at the top of the unit, with the integrated handle located at the opposite end.

The 2.5L water tank is located at the front of the appliance. This has a handy water level indicator, so you just about make out how much water is being collected.

Around the back, you'll find a washable dust filter, direct drain outlet, direct drain cap, cable tie and power cord. And underneath the unit are four castors, so it can be easily moved around the floor and between rooms.

First impressions? What you see is what you get with this dehumidifier. Aside from securing the water snap-in cover, there is nothing else to set up, so the unit can be in action in under one minute.

Ease of use

The Honeywell 12L Dehumidifier is operated solely by the control panel.

It displays a filter indicator light, timer indicator light, water full indicator light, humidity/timer set controls, filter alert, timer control, display screen, power control and mode controls.

It has four modes. "Comfort" mode automatically adjusts dehumidification Relative Humidity (RH) percentage settings based on the ambient room temperature. For example, when ambient room temperature is 18°C/64°F or lower, the dehumidifier adjusts to 55% RH. "Dehumidifying" mode maintains a balanced low speed for whole-room dehumidification. The humidity level can be set between 30%RH and 90%RH. "Laundry" mode runs on high for a more powerful dehumidification intended for drying clothes. And "Continuous" mode runs continuously with a target of 30%RH or below, on low speed setting. This mode is intended for use in rooms with more severe dampness and needs continuous dehumidification.

I found the control panel easy to navigate and control. It was fairly responsive, too. After one minute of button inactivity, the display dims, and three minutes thereafter it'll turn off. The only downfall here is that it took the disclosed three minutes for the modes to kick in, regardless of whether the display was off or not.

And personally, I would have found it helpful to have a child lock as an option on the unit, too. I've found this setting particularly useful when testing other dehumidifiers when my little sidekick is around (he likes to push buttons).

Performance

I have used the Honeywell 12L Dehumidifier for 10 days in my home, to dry laundry in the utility room and manage the high humidity levels in my daughter's bedroom. I tested all four modes (Comfort, Dehumidifying, Laundry and Continuous), the timer and adjusted the humidity setting.

The first room I put this Honeywell dehumidifier to work in was the utility room. I have an indoor washing line which spans the width of the room, and I was too keen to use it to dry my 10kg of wet washing.

I selected "Laundry" Mode. This meant that the unit continuously operated on the higher fan speed. It'll keep running until it reaches the desired humidity level, the timer expires (you can set this), you switch it off, or the water tank gets full.

Operating on the higher fan speed meant that I could hear it working. I recorded a noise level reading of 55dB. This is equivalent to a quiet street. I found that if either the television or the radio was on, then the noise of the dehumidifier was easily drowned out.

My washing loads consisted of king-size and single-sized bedding, towels and kids' and grown-up clothing. Within six hours, found that the fitted sheets, pillowcases and kids' clothing were touch dry. And within 10 hours, duvet covers and grow-up clothing were dry too. Heavy-weight materials such as jeans and towels took a little longer.

Items dried quicker if they weren't bunched up on the washing line, and the heating in the room was on. The laundry was less creased, and there was no chance of shrinkage; often associated with the tumble dryer.

I then took the dehumidifier up the stairs to my daughter's bedroom. We have a single-skinned wall around the bay window, which gets a buildup of condensation. If the air isn't cleared of moisture, then this can lead to mould growth. Without a dehumidifier, I'd previously been wiping away mould from the walls and skirting, so time was of the essence to prevent this from occurring in the first place.

The humidity reading was 74%. I set the desired humidity to 55% in "Dehumidifying" mode, which is a good, achievable target for our home. It's a known fact that humidity levels above 60% can lead to mould growth, so I was keen to get below this figure and keep it that way.

Within an hour of running, the dehumidifier had dropped the humidity level in the room from 74% to 53% and automatically switched off.

I have also tested the 24-hour timer in my daughter's bedroom. I set the dehumidifier to operate for one hour on "Dehumidifying" mode. When this time was up, the Honeywell dehumidifier stopped. It only restarted again when I re-selected "Dehumidifying" mode.

When the unit is in StandyBy you can also set a time when you would like the unit to automatically start running. The unit will then continue to run until the water tank is full or until it is switched off manually. You'll then need to set the timer again after each use.

There is no nighttime mode, but after one minute of button inactivity, the display dims, and three minutes thereafter it'll turn off. If you're a deep sleeper and/or aren't too disturbed by background noise, then the omitted noise level of 47dB on "Dehumidifying" shouldn't be too distracting. However, this was too loud for my daughter because it interfered with the bedtime lullabies.

In my daughter's bedroom, I also tried out "Comfort" mode. This mode automatically adjusts the dehumidification Relative Humidity (RH) percentage settings based on the ambient room temperature. In my case, the 60RH was selected.

I could not set the timer or humidity in this mode. When 60RH was achieved, the dehumidifier switched off. It was then up to me to select the mode again later or the next day.

"Continuous" mode is for really damp rooms. When this mode is selected, the dehumidifier will keep running and won't switch off. It'll detect the RH and run on the lower fan speed. You can not set the humidity levels or the timer. If you're to use this dehumidifier in damp rooms, then I'd recommend setting up the drainage hose for continuous drainage so that you can set and forget.

Either when the unit has been unplugged, or the RH has been achieved, or the timer has run its course, it can take three minutes for a mode you select to kick in. At first, I thought I had a problem with this dehumidifier, but I don't; it's just a quirk.

Energy use

If you're curious about how much a dehumidifier costs to run, it largely depends on its wattage. The higher the wattage is, the more energy it uses.

The Honeywell 12L Dehumidifier has a wattage of between 220V (low fan speed) and 240V (high fan speed).

With the current energy price cap for January 2026 at 27.6p per kWh, I've calculated that it costs around 7p / hour to operate the Honeywell 12L/Day Dehumidifier on the higher fan speed, and 6p / hour on the lower fan speed. This is more than half the cost per hour of our tumble dryer, which I've calculated costs 22p per hour.

Noise levels

The Honeywell 12L Dehumidifier is advertised with a noise level of 40dB - 44dB, which, on paper, would make it one of the quietest dehumidifiers I would have tested.

The reality is that on the low fan speed, it has a noise level of 47dB, and on the higher fan speed, it's 53dB. I can also hear that it's running when I'm sitting in our dining room underneath the bedroom upstairs or down the hallway from the utility room.

It's not a bad thing, just not as quiet as I was expecting. This noise level is equivalent to a quiet street, so it's not too distracting — just switch on the radio or television, and you won't notice it.

Portability

The Honeywell 12L Dehumidifier sits on four castors so it can be easily manoeuvred around the room. It also boasts an integrated handle, which makes it easier to carry up the stairs.

Its compact size and 11.1kg weight mean that it's not too bulky to transition between rooms and/or lift either. I would just say to empty the water tank before attempting any moving to make it a little lighter in weight, and avoid any spills.

Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining the Honeywell 12L Dehumidifier is easy, but there are a few things you'll need to consider.

The water tank will need emptying when full, unless you have the continuous drainage hose installed. The dehumidifier will cease working, and the indicator light will be illuminated red. Equally, it'll need emptying if you see a lot of water in the tank when looking at the viewing window and want to move it.

Take care when removing it from the front of the unit; there is no handle to help with this, and no handle to assist with pouring water away either.

The surface of the dehumidifier will benefit from a dusting with a soft cloth from time to time (it is a dust magnet). And every two weeks, it's advised that the water tank is removed and cleaned with a wet cloth or sponge to wipe away any dust, dirt and/or mould that may have formed in the tank.

It's also recommended that the dust filter (located at the back) be cleaned every two weeks. To do this, the dehumidifier will need to be switched off and unplugged, and the dust filter carefully removed. The filter can then be rinsed with running water or vacuumed to lift any dust. After cleaning, you'll then just need to ensure that the filter is dry before being reinstalled into the unit.

If the appliance isn't going to be used for an extended period of time, then the water tank and filter will need to be cleaned; a cover is fitted over it, and the power cord is coiled. It's then advised that the dehumidifier is stored upright and off the floor, away from direct sunlight.

Comparisons with other dehumidifiers

The Honeywell 12L Dehumidifier is one of three dehumidifiers in the Honeywell portfolio. It has the smallest extraction rate of 12L/Day, whereas the Honeywell 20L/Day Dehumidifier has an extraction rate of 20L/day, and the Honeywell 30L/Day Dehumidifier has an extraction rate of 30L/day. They are, however, cheaper to run.

And as with the Honeywell 30L/Day Dehumidifier, the Honeywell 20L/Day Dehumidifier has a 3.4L water tank, but the Honeywell 12L/Day Dehumidifier has the smaller 2.5L water tank. What they all have in common are all four modes (Laundry, Comfort, Dehumidifying and Continuous), a 24-hour timer, an intelligent humidity sensor and a digital display.

Outside of the Honeywell portfolio are other dehumidifiers that offer further differences in specifications.

The Devola DV12L Compressor Dehumidifier, for example, has the same extraction rate (12L/Day) but is a larger build with measurements for it coming in as H47 x W25.5 x D22cm. The Devola dehumidifier is also 1p / hour cheaper to run; it only has a 2-litre water tank.

I've also tested the Ebac 4850e dehumidifier, and I liked it for its ability to reduce humidity levels. However, it doesn't have any casters, which makes it difficult to move around. And no nighttime mode. It is cheaper to run than the Honeywell dehumidifier (5p / hour), and it has a much larger 3.5L water tank.

Similarly, the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S was effective at reducing humidity levels, but it was dearer to run, noisier and had a smaller water tank. However, I did really like that I could see the humidity levels on the app. I also found the child lock helpful.

And while I haven't personally tested the Dryzone dehumidifier and air purifier (a colleague has), it's quieter than the Devola and doubles as an air purifier, too. The Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier has a huge water tank, which may suit homes that know for certain that they don't want to set up continuous drainage in the short or long-term.

How does the Honeywell 12L/Day Dehumidifier rate online?

The Honeywell 12L/Day Dehumidifier is widely available to buy direct from Honeywell and from resellers including the Aircon Centre, onbuy.com, B&Q and Amazon.

Overall, customers from Amazon, for example, have found that the dehumidifier is effective at removing moisture, with one noting it works well in average-sized rooms. The unit also efficiently reduces humidity levels and is particularly useful for drying clothes inside on rainy days. Customers seem to appreciate its compact size, wheels that make it easy to move around, and pleasant whirring noise. They find it simple to use, with one mentioning it's easy to empty and program, and consider it well worth the price, noting it's cheap to run.

However, one customer notes that they don't think it is suitable for large rooms and that it is "noisy at the high fan speed used in this [laundry] mode." Another has shared that "the dehumidifier is a bit bulky, which might be an issue for those with limited space."

I found that a customer from the Aircon Centre notes that the cable is quiet short too but generally, on the whole, customers sing the praises of this compact dehumidifier.

Verdict

If you're looking for a fuss-free, effective and cheap to run dehumidifier, then you have just found it. While the Honeywell 12L Dehumidifier is not "smart" like the other dehumidifiers I have tested, if all you want a dehumidifier to do is to reduce humidity levels and dry laundry, then it doesn't need to be.

For £152.95 (when it's not on sale), the Honeywell 12L/Day Dehumidifier is a reliable steed that'll earn its keep throughout the seasons. I particularly like how simple it is to use and how easy it is to move around. The water tank is just a little tricky to empty without a handle, but I am being picky. Want to save money? Buy it on sale, and use it instead of the tumble dryer.

If you've ever shifted a sofa or wardrobe and discovered a cold, damp patch hiding behind it (complete with musty smell), it's rarely down to a mystery leak.

In most homes, the hidden cause is poor air circulation, according to experts, especially when bulky furniture is pushed tight against a cold exterior wall where moisture builds up out of sight.

Once I started looking into how to get rid of damp on walls properly, rather than just wiping it away, it quickly became clear that improving airflow and controlling the humidity is key, which is where the best dehumidifiers can make a huge difference in stopping condensation from forming behind furniture in the first place.

I asked the experts for a few simple changes that usually stop damp patches from coming back for good.

What causes damp patches behind furniture?

Jimmy Englezos, Ronseal's Senior Brand Manager, explains that unless your home has experienced a leak somewhere, damp patches are usually caused by moist, warm air hitting a colder surface and condensing into water.

'If a room lacks ventilation, any moisture from tasks like showering, cooking, or drying wet clothing cannot escape and can settle onto colder external walls,' explains Jimmy.

When furniture is pushed up against a wall, moisture is unable to evaporate and becomes trapped, he adds. If these patches are unable to dry out fully, they can result in mould growth, which not only looks ugly but, if not treated properly, can have a serious impact on your health.

'If damp is forming behind your furniture, first make sure the cause isn’t something else, such as leaky pipes, rising damp in lower-level floors, or rain entering through crevices, damaged roofs and windows,' he advises.

And if all this has been ruled out, these are the ways you can easily fix the damp patches behind furniture.

How to fix damp behind furniture

1. Move furniture away from the wall

When furniture sits flush against cold walls, warm, moist air gets trapped with nowhere to escape. Over time, that moisture condenses on the wall surface, and damp patches appear.

'Keeping furniture, like sofas and cupboards, away from walls can significantly improve the air flow in these areas, effectively removing moisture and therefore preventing damp build-up,' explains AO's small appliances expert Katie Lilywhite.

Pull sofas, wardrobes and bookcases five to ten centimetres away from walls, focusing especially on furniture on external walls and corners.

Chris Michael, Meaco's Chief Product Officer, agrees: 'always have a gap between the back of the furniture and the wall so that air can circulate between them.'

Another good idea is to choose furniture with legs rather than solid backs where possible.

2. Use a dehumidifier to control moisture build-up

Poor circulation lets humidity rise, especially in winter. A dehumidifier will help remove excess moisture before it can settle on cold walls.

Katie recommends placing a dehumidifier in the centre of the room, 'which draws in the humid air, removing moisture and therefore preventing damp build-up behind the furniture,' she explains.

In our home, this made the biggest long-term difference in our home.

The best dehumidifiers we've tested

3. Wipe down condensation

If you can see moisture sitting on walls or windows, particularly first thing in the morning during colder months, it's already contributing to damp patches behind furniture.

If you leave it there, those tiny water droplets soak into the plaster and paint, creating the perfect conditions for damp and mould to take hold.

Katie advises that if you see condensation in these areas, wipe it off with a cloth,' she explains. 'This removes it before it turns to damp and mould.'

For rooms where moisture is inevitable, such as the kitchen or bathroom, Jimmy recommends applying an anti-condensation paint, like Ronseal's, £18.75 from Amazon, to the walls, which will add an extra layer of insulation and put a stop to condensation building up in the first place.

'Once the cause of damp has been identified and the patch has been allowed to fully dry out, any visible marks left can be covered up using a damp seal, £10.99 from Amazon. This ensures the stain is fully sealed and can be decorated over,' adds Jimmy.

4. Open windows

Ventilation is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for preventing damp behind furniture. Fresh air allows moist indoor air to escape instead of becoming trapped against cold walls, where it turns into condensation.

Katie explains that opening the windows in the room for short periods in the day can significantly improve air flow in the affected areas, reducing moisture and damp build-up in enclosed spaces. Jimmy adds that keeping the window open a couple of centimetres can be sufficient to prevent build-up.

'Even if you’re not using a room for activities that create condensation, it’s best to allow for ventilation anyway, either by making sure the window is opened at least once a day or by keeping it on a latch and ensuring internal doors are kept open to allow airflow,' explains Jimmy.

Opening windows for even just ten minutes in the morning and evening is often enough to refresh the air without making the rooms cold. It's especially important after showers, cooking and drying laundry indoors, when moisture levels spike.

Hidden damp patches behind furniture are almost always caused by trapped moist air meeting cold walls, rather than serious leaks or structural issues.

Once you improve air circulation, control the humidity and stop condensation from settling on surfaces, it should help prevent damp patches from getting any worse.

And your secret weapon will be a dehumidifier. If you haven't got one yet, take a look at our guide to choosing a new dehumidifier to get the right one for your home.

If your dehumidifier doesn't seem to be making much difference, it's not always the machine that's the problem; it's where you're putting it.

Placement plays a huge role in how effectively a dehumidifier can pull moisture from the air, reduce condensation and help prevent damp and mould around the home.

Even the best dehumidifiers won't deliver great results if they're tucked into the wrong corner, which is why knowing both the best places to put one and the places to never put a dehumidifier can make all the difference to how well it works.

Here are the places the experts say will get the best results.

1. The room with the worst condensation

If you're dealing with streaming windows every morning, that's where your dehumidifier should be placed. And Chris Michael, Chief Product Officer at Meaco, says that if there’s a specific and ongoing damp problem, it’s best to keep and operate the dehumidifier nearby.

Condensation-heavy areas, like bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and bay windows, benefit most from targeted moisture removal.

You can place the dehumidifier a short distance away from the affected window, rather than directly underneath it. This will allow the machine to pull damp air across the room instead of just treating one cold surface.

2. Near bathrooms, after showering

Bathrooms are one of the dampest spaces in any home, but most dehumidifiers aren't designed to be used while the room is steamy and wet. The sweet spot is after showers or baths, once the surfaces have stopped dripping.

Position the unit just outside the bathroom door to let it pull lingering moisture from the walls, towels and air before it settles.

Chris says he doesn’t recommend placing an electric dehumidifier inside a bathroom, as they aren’t designed or IP-rated for wet areas. 'Instead, the dehumidifier should be placed on a landing, in a hallway, or just outside the bathroom with the door left open, so the dehumidifier can draw in and treat the damp air,' he explains.

Or you could opt for a moisture absorber like the ProBreeze Osmo, £22.79 at Amazon.

3. The laundry drying zone

Katie Lilywhite, AO.com's dehumidifier expert, advises that one of the main areas of the house that gets the most humidity is the laundry room due to the moisture from the wet clothes.

Drying clothes indoors is one of the biggest contributors to damp and excess moisture in UK homes, and if you regularly use an airer, your dehumidifier should live right alongside it.

'Placing your dehumidifier here removes the lingering moisture and prevents damage to your walls and furniture,' Katie explains.

To dry clothes with a dehumidifier, place the unit about a metre away from the drying rack, ensuring airflow isn't blocked by clothes. Keep doors and windows closed to help the dehumidifier work more efficiently and speed up drying times.

4. Bedrooms prone to overnight misting

Bedrooms often trap moisture overnight from breathing, especially in well-insulated homes or rooms with en-suites. If you wake up to fogged windows or damp feeling air, running a dehumidifier for a few hours in the evening can make a big difference.

Position it away from the bed, ideally near the centre of the room or closer to windows where condensation forms. Chris explains that 'all electric dehumidifiers need space around them and shouldn’t be pushed tight against walls or furniture to allow air to circulate properly.'

While this usually means at least 30cm away from a wall, especially if you're choosing one for a small bedroom. The Meaco Arete series, like our best dehumidifier: the Meaco Arete Two 12L, £181.97 on Amazon, is designed to work effectively placed close to walls, which makes positioning easier in smaller or busier areas of the home.

5. Hallways or landings for whole-house impact

If you're using a larger or more powerful dehumidifier, placing it in a central spot like a hallway or landing can help manage moisture across multiple rooms.

'For most homes, a landing or hallway is the best central spot, as long as internal doors are left open, because the dehumidifier can then serve multiple rooms at the same time,' explains Chris.

It works best in open-plan layouts or homes where doors are often left open, allowing damp air to circulate towards the unit.

Katie adds that you should place the dehumidifier in the centre of any room you want it to target. 'This ensures airflow can circulate evenly around the appliance, allowing for the air to be drawn in and removing moisture effectively,' she explains.

Even the best dehumidifier won't work properly if it's in the wrong place, so a simple move could be all it takes to see better results. Start with the dampest rooms and adjust from there.

However, if you feel like you don't have the right dehumidifier for your specific problem, you might need to look at choosing a new dehumidifier that's right for your home and set it up where needed.

If you've got a dehumidifier humming away in the background, but you're still battling condensation or your washing isn't drying as fast as usual, it's only natural to wonder whether it's actually doing anything at all.

I've tested some of the best dehumidifiers in my own home, and I've learned that when one is working properly, the signs are easy to spot when you know what to look for.

In my own experience, it usually boils down to simple dehumidifier mistakes like using it in a room that's too cold or blocking the airflow. So before you give up on your dehumidifier or replace it with another one, I've asked the experts for five simple checks you can do right now to see whether your dehumidifier is actually doing the job it's supposed to.

Here are the signs the experts say you should look out for.

1. Check the water level in the tank

It might sound pretty obvious, but it's the quickest and most reassuring sign your dehumidifier is working. If it's collecting water from the air, the water will fill up in the tank, says Katie Lilywhite, AO.com's small appliances expert.

'If the water level is filling up and regularly needs emptying, that is a sign that your dehumidifier is effectively picking up moisture and therefore in good working order,' explains Katie.

A small amount of water after a few hours is completely normal, especially if you're running it in a relatively dry room. In damp spaces like bedrooms with window condensation issues or a utility room, drying laundry indoors in winter, you should see the tank filling up more over a day or two.

If there's no sign of water at all, it's worth doing these checks:

• The tank is properly fitted in the unit
• You're not already at or below your target humidity level set on the unit

2. Feel for the airflow

Katie says, it may seem obvious, but feeling for the airflow is one thing people seem to forget to check, as a dehumidifier should be actively pulling in and pushing drier air back out again.

'Simply place your hand above the extractor fan, maintaining a safe distance, and feel for airflow – if there is no or little airflow, it indicates that your dehumidifier is not functioning,' advises Katie.

You should feel a steady stream of air, even if it's fairly gentle but not weak. If there's little or no airflow, that's a sign it's not working properly.

If there's not much airflow, it's worth checking the following:

• The air filter isn't clogged with dust or fluff
• The unit isn't pushed up against a wall
• Nothing is blocking the air vents

3. Measure the humidity of the room

Dehumidifiers usually have a digital display, and this is one of the handiest tools you've got. When the machine is working, the percentage should gradually fall over time.

Katie explains that you can measure the overall humidity of the room using a hygrometer to see if the dehumidifier is effectively reducing the humidity to a comfortable level. 'A measure of between 30-50% humidity is an indicator that your dehumidifier is working,' advises Katie.

A good idea would be to take a quick note of the humidity level when you switch it on, then check it later the same day. A slow drop is normal, but the same number isn't.

Chris Michael, CEO of Meaco, adds that 'if the unit becomes quieter or switches on and off, this is usually a sign it is set to target humidity mode and is regulating itself as designed.'

4. Check the temperature of your home

The temperature of your home has a big impact on how well your dehumidifier can work, and sometimes it's recommended not use a dehumidifier in winter at all if your home is too chilly, advises Chris Michael.

'Colder spaces slow moisture extraction and make the process less noticeable,' he explains.

Most compressor dehumidifiers perform best in rooms that are at least around 15°C, so if your home is much colder than that, say in spare rooms, utility spaces or during cold snaps, your dehumidifier will slow down its efforts.

If you're using a dehumidifier in a consistently cold house, a desiccant dehumidifier like Meaco's DD8L Pro Desiccant dehumidifier, £259 at Amazon, is a better option in these conditions.

5. If it's helping the problem you bought it for

The most obvious and most important check of all is whether the dehumidifier is actually solving the problem you have in your home.

'Practical changes such as reduced condensation on windows, quicker indoor laundry drying and no more damp smells are often the clearest indicators that a dehumidifier is working properly,' explains Chris.

If you can spot improvements to your humidity woes over a number of days, your dehumidifier is working the way it should.

Dehumidifier troubleshooting

If your dehumidifier still doesn't seem to be working, and before you decide it's faulty, you should check the following:

• Filters are clean, and the airflow isn't blocked
• The doors and windows are mostly closed in the house
• You have the correct size of dehumidifier for the size of your house
• The target humidity isn't set too low

The best dehumidifiers we've tested

A working dehumidifier collects water, lowers humidity and makes your home feel more comfortable over time. If you can tick off even two out of these checks, it is doing its job!

However, if it's not, you might need to look at choosing a new dehumidifier that's right for your home.

When condensation starts creeping down the windows in our house, the first thing I usually do is turn on my dehumidifier to try to combat it. But experts say that knowing when not to use a dehumidifier in winter is just as important as knowing when to switch it on.

It turns out that there are a few cold-weather-related scenarios where running a dehumidifier can actually be inefficient, ineffective and can make your home less comfortable.

That's all worth bearing in mind before you start thinking about how to use a dehumidifier in winter or investing in one of the best dehumidifiers, as many dehumidifier mistakes tend to show up during the colder months. From rooms that are just too chilly for them to work properly to lowering the humidity, making comfort levels worse, knowing when you shouldn't use a dehumidifier can help save on its running costs, protect your appliance and help your home feel healthier to boot.

Here's when experts say it's better left switched off.

1. When the room is just too cold

One of the biggest mistakes experts see in winter is running a dehumidifier in a room that's simply too cold. Most compressor dehumidifiers struggle to work efficiently once temperatures dip below around 10-15 °C.

In very cold places like garages, unheated spare rooms or chilly hallways, they can become sluggish, ice up internally or extract very little moisture at all.

'Smaller capacity compressor dehumidifiers should not be used in very cold rooms during winter,' explains Chris Michael, Meaco's CEO. 'Below around 15°C, compressor models lose efficiency and moisture can freeze on the coils, causing the dehumidifier to switch to defrost mode. The smaller the model capacity, the greater the efficiency loss.'

He adds that in unheated or low-temperature spaces and rooms that need a dehumidifier, a desiccant dehumidifier like Meaco's DD8L Pro Desiccant dehumidifier, £259 at Amazon, is a better option.

'It works down to 0°C and releases heat as part of the dehumidification process, warming the surrounding space while drying the air. This makes them especially useful at drying wet washing indoors during the winter months,' explains Chris.

2. In rooms without humidity issues

It might sound counterintuitive, but winter air can sometimes be too dry, especially in homes with constant heating.

A quick check of your indoor humidity levels can help here. Chris says 55% relative humidity is healthy in a home during winter, so 'if the humidity is below this, there is little moisture to remove and the unit will add no benefit.'

He explains, 'instead, use the target humidity mode, so the dehumidifier will only turn on if it detects an increase in moisture. In this scenario, it'll typically switch on overnight or early in the morning when the temperature drops and condensation begins to form in bedrooms from moisture generated from breathing.'

Katie Lilywhite, AO.com's dehumidifier expert, adds that running your dehumidifier when humidity levels are already low, running a dehumidifier could make things worse, causing dry skin, irritated eyes or static shocks.

'The air in winter tends to be drier than in summertime, leaving less moisture in rooms. Running your dehumidifier when humidity levels are already low can cause further problems such as skin irritation and damage to furniture and floors.'

3. When ventilation is the real issue

If condensation keeps returning despite regular dehumidifier use, experts say it's often a ventilation problem rather than a humidity one. Bathrooms without extractor fans, kitchens that aren't aired after cooking or bedrooms where windows are never opened can trap moisture no matter how good your dehumidifier is.

In these cases, improving airflow by opening the windows even briefly can be more effective than running a dehumidifier constantly.

However, should you use a dehumidifier with open windows? The straight answer is no. You always turn off your dehumidifier when you open your windows, especially in winter, Katie advises:

'When windows and doors are open during winter, it lets a constant flow of new cold air into rooms. This makes the dehumidifier work harder, wasting unnecessary energy without improving conditions indoors.'

4. While drying laundry in freezing rooms

Drying laundry indoors is one of the main reasons many of us rely on a dehumidifier in winter, but experts say temperature matters. If the room is very cold, moisture extraction slows dramatically, meaning clothes take longer to dry and your dehumidifier will work harder.

Chris advises, 'if you are using a compressor dehumidifier to dry wet washing during the winter, ensure the room is heated above 15°C for it to maintain its effectiveness.'

The best dehumidifiers we've tested

A dehumidifier is a brilliant winter must-buy, but only when it's used in the right way. Choosing the right dehumidifier for your space, temperature and moisture levels and knowing how to use it correctly, is just as important as knowing when to switch it off.

You'll avoid unnecessary energy usage, wear on your appliance and a home that feels drier than it should be.

The colder months of the year bring laundry drying indoors, an increase in condensation on the inside of windows and mold growth (yuck) on single-skinned walls where warm air meets cold brick. This is the case in my house anyway, so I was more than happy to put the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S to the test.

Safe in the knowledge that the best dehumidifiers can help to prevent damp, dry things out and lower humidity levels, I was relieved that this machine can challenge all three. What set it apart from all the other dehumidifiers I have had (I've had a few) is that this one was smart, meaning that I could control it with a dedicate app. It also looks smart too so it wouldn't be the elephant in the room.

I tried it out for 10 days in our utility room to help dry 10kg of wet laundry at a time, and in my daughters bedroom where the bay window needs some more insulation. To do this I followed the Ideal Home dehumidifier testing process, taking note on how it can affect humidity levels and how easy it is to use day-to-day.

At a glance

The DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S is, you guessed it, a dehumidifier, but it comes with some bells and whistles. It's a smart dehumidifier, which means that it can connect to your home WiFi for close monitoring and controlling on the dedicated DREO app, and it follows commands from Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant too.

It comes in two extraction rates of either 16 litres per day or 20 litres per day. The 16L/day extraction rate machine has a 300sq-ft coverage, whereas the 20L/day extraction rate machine has a 400sq-ft coverage. Both are also available in black or silver, and all other specifications between the machines are the same.

I tested it in silver with a 20L/day extraction rate for 10 days.

On that note, during testing, I found that it was great for drying washing and lowering the humidity in the utility room from 70% to 60%, where the washing was hung up. It took just a few hours to dry lighter garments such as T-Shirts and baby grows, and it cost half the price to run compared with our energy-hungry tumble dryer.

I found it really easy to move around thanks to the four castors and carry handle. And emptying the 3.4-litre water tank was just as easy with a handle to help lift it from the front of the machine, although you do also have the option to attach a drain hose for continuous drainage.

It is not as quiet as I was expecting, though. It's advertised as being "whisper quiet" with a 38dB noise level reading. I recorded 48dB on the lowest fan speed, and there is no nighttime mode to keep the noise down, either.

While it lacks a nighttime mode and any other dedicated mode, you can switch between Auto and Continuous mode depending on how you'd like to target the humidity. You can also adjust the fan speed across three levels, set a timer, turn the LED display ON/OFF and activate/deactivate the Child Lock function. All of this can be achieved either on the machine itself or in the DREO app.

I really like the app, and controlling the machine from it is instant. I can also see a humidity data report from 24 hours or 30 days, and a real-time status of the humidity levels. With this, and all other things considered, it's a mid-priced machine which isn't overcomplicated and does what it needs to, so a little more noise and specific modes can be sacrificed.

Specifications

• RRP: £229.99
• Type: Compressor
• Extraction rate: 20L/day
• Water tank capacity: 3.4L
• Max room size recommended: up to 398sq.ft
• Noise level: 48dB
• Power: 355W
• Dimensions: H50 x W31 x D22.9cm
• Weight: 12.4kg
• Portable?: Yes, with smooth castor wheels and carry handle
• Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
• Laundry mode: No
• WiFi connectivity: Yes
• Timer: 24 hours and auto-off
• Operating temperature: 5 - 35 °C
• Additional features: removable water tank, continuous draining, digital display, washable filter, child lock, automatic shut off

Unboxing, set-up and design

Unboxing the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S was straightforward. It arrived in a snug cardboard box with plenty of packaging (not recyclable) and no fiddly bits to take apart.

Inside, you'll find the unit itself, a user manual, and a quick start guide. If you opt for Manual Drain then some tape securing the water bucket will need removing, or the drain hose will need to be connected to the drain outlet for continuous Drain before first use. Then, it's ready-to-go.

Measuring H50 x W31 x D22.9cm, it's a compact and unobstructive design that'll fit perfectly into a room without drawing too much attention to itself. The control panel and LED display are located at the top panel, framed by the collapsible carry handle and air outlet.

The display is clear and intuitive too, with a recognisable power button, "+" and "-" for adjusting the humidity level, a fan for adjusting the speed across three levels, clock for the timer, lock for child lock, a light bulb to turn the display on or off, and "M" for switching between Auto / Continuous Mode.

The 3.4-litre water bucket is located at the front of the appliance and boasts a water level indicator; you can just about make out how much water is being collected. This bucket can be easily removed and lifted by an integral handle.

It can be easily moved around the room on its four castors, and the 1.8-meter long cable is plenty long enough to reach most electrical sockets.

I could start using it right away, but to get the most out of it, I connected it to the DREO App. This was seamless. You'll just need to scan the QR Code found on the quick start guide and follow the on-screen instructions. From unpacking, connecting to the DREO App and using the appliance, it took less than 10 minutes.

First impressions? I was relieved at how quick and easy it was to start using this dehumidifier. With any device that has a hint of "smart" to it, I tend to brace myself for a bit of a headache. It also looks great and reassuring seems to have the ability to achieve everything that I need it to.

Ease of use

The DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S was predominantly tested in our garage, turned utility room to dry washing. It was so easy to set up in this space, and moving it around to dodge the laundry basket and fallen pegs was a doddle on the castors.

I liked that I could see the humidity levels on the appliance and on the DREO app. It was quick to detect the wet washing when I started to hang garments up to dry, and adjusting the settings on the app to help speed up the drying process was almost instant.

I also briefly used this smart dehumidifier in my daughter's bedroom to help prevent the buildup of mould around the single-skin bay windows and walls. It was fine while she was playing in the space, but when it was bedtime, it was too noisy for her. There isn't a dedicated nighttime mode, so even with the lower fan speed and turning off the LED display, it wasn't suitable for my little one's ears.

Performance

Overall, the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S has performed really well. I live in a 1930s semi-detached house on high ground with sporadic insulation under the floors, above the ceiling and in the bay window walls, so condensation is rife, especially in the colder months. We've also converted the backend of our garage to a utility room, which sees at least one load of washing, sometimes two, get hung up every day in the space, but the dehumidifier took this in its stride.

The digital humidity display and DREO app made it easy to track the changes. In the utility room where the DREO was running for most of the time, humidity levels climbed and fell, between 60% and 81% when a 10kg load of wet washing was on the line.

In the app, you can view either a 24-hour or 30 Days data report. It can detect whether the humidity is Wet (61% of less), Comfortable (31% - 60%) or Dry (less than 30%), and provide a Real Time Status. Throughout the past week, I've been testing, and the humidity levels in our utility room have been classed as "Wet" the majority of the time.

Lighter items of clothing, such a T-Shirts, baby grows, and underwear, were dry within a few hours, but heavier items of clothing, such as jeans, would take up to 24-hours to dry.

I carried and rolled the DREO into our daughter's bedroom to help reduce the humidity levels that are on the high-side because of the single-skin bay window, where the warm air inside meets the cold wall, and we can get some yucky mould growth. Within 40 minutes, the DREO reduced humidity levels from 66% down to 60%. I'd set a target humidity of 60% in Auto mode so dehumidification would automatically stop.

However, it was just too noisy for my daughter to leave the DREO running through the night. The lowest fan speed has a noise output of 48dB, equivalent to a quiet street, which was too distracting for her at bedtime. If the target humidity had not been reached by bedtime, I set a schedule in the app for the appliance to turn off at 19:00 (when it's not drying washing).

The app is genuinely great. Not only can I set schedules and switch between Auto, Continuous and Custom modes, I can also adjust the fan speed to Low, Medium and High, and set preferences on the Display, Panel Sound, Child Lock and Auto Turn-On.

I must give a shout-out to the Child Lock function because, if, like me, you have a curious baby or young toddler who follows you around everywhere, you can lock down your settings so little hands don't go changing anything. This function is instant on the app, but takes three seconds to activate on the control panel, so hopefully those little hands move on after this time to keep the DREO active.

In both spaces, the utility room and my daughter's bedroom, the DREO kicked out a lot of heat. This was especially noticeable when the doors to the rooms were shut. Absolutely not a problem during the colder months, but I can see that this could be an issue in the summer.

I haven't used the continuous drainage hose because it's not suitable for the space in our utility room, but this is a good option if you do have the correct setup and wish to run the appliance uninterrupted.

Energy use

If you're curious about how much a dehumidifier costs to run, it largely depends on its wattage. The higher the wattage is, the more energy it uses.

With the current energy price cap for October 2025 at 26p per kWh, I've calculated that it costs around 9p per hour to operate the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S. This is more than half the cost per hour of our tumble dryer, which I've calculated costs 21p per hour, so to dry lighter garments within a few hours (the same time as a tumble dry), it's worth it.

Noise levels

Operating between 48dB - 59dB, depending on the fan setting, the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S isn't the quietest on the market, despite claiming it's "whisper-quiet operation". It's also not the advertised 38dB noise level. On the lowest setting, this is equivalent to a refrigerator humming or a quiet conversation, whereas the highest setting is equivalent to an ordinary conversation level. I have advised DREO of my findings.

Going between the lowest and mid-setting is barely noticeable, but ramping up to the highest setting is a sizable shift in gears.

Portability

Compared to other dehumidifiers that I've had in the past, the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S stands out for me for its ease of moving around. It's fitted with four caster wheels which glide around the floor, and a carry handle that folds down when not in use, so I can lift it should I need to.

If carrying, just make sure that the water tank is empty to save on the weight you're lifting (it's already heavy at 12.4kg) and prevent any water spillage. It'll need to be kept upright, too.

Maintenance

Looking after the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S is really straightforward. The water tank will need emptying when full (you'll receive a notification on your phone), and it is equipped with a built-in carry handle to help lift and pour. The outer surface can be cleaned as often or as little as you like with a damp, lint-free cloth and mild detergent.

DREO recommend that once a month, or after 600 hours of use, you clean the filter. Again, you'll receive a notification when this needs to be done. If this isn't cleaned for a long time, it may cause reduced operating performance and a louder noise. You can find the filter around the back of the dehumidifier behind the grill.

Then, recommended once every year, the water bucket will require cleaning with running water.

Comparisons with other dehumidifers

The dehumidifier market is fairly well stocked with different extraction rates, dehumidifier types (Compressor, Dessicant and Peltier), tank sizes and functions. How the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S compares depends on what you're looking for.

For example, it's lighter than the MeacoDry Arete Two, which weighs a hefty 15.1kg, but, unlike the DREO, it has a dedicated laundry mode and nighttime mode. The Dryzone dehumidifier and air purifier is also quieter, more energy efficient and more affordable, but it doesn't come with the smart features that the DREO has.

And then there is the Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier, which has a huge capacity, compared to the DREOs' 20-litre water tank, but this makes it a heavier and larger contender.

How does the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S rate online?

The DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S is only available to buy on Amazon UK and, since it was released at the end of September 2025, it already has 147 reviews.

The machine's users speak highly about its ability to remove humidity, and the app is easy to use. The overall design appears to get a thumbs up, too, for its compact size and "intuitive" controls.

Reading the four-star and less reviews, it is mentioned by several users that the water tank isn't as large as some others, which may cause an issue if the machine isn't hooked up to continuous drainage. The noise level is also a "thing" with at least four users so far, who, may I add, did not receive a free product to review, and found it too loud for a bedroom. Some have even found the app to be a little glitchy, with some improvements required.

Verdict

If you're looking for a smart dehumidifier that constantly monitors the humidity in your home, the DREO Smart Dehumidifier 512S is one to check out. I've really enjoyed using it, especially since it costs half of what we pay to run the tumble dryer when drying laundry indoors.

It isn't the quietest dehumidifier on the market, or the cheapest, but what you get is an easy-to-set-up, simple to use, compact and well-designed appliance. I think that for £229.99 (when not on sale) it'll be money well spent. If it's on sale? Even better.

If, like me, you're fed up wiping down wet windows every single morning, thankfully, there are quite a few ways to combat it.

Window condensation is one of the most common signs of excess moisture in UK homes, and especially during winter months when our heating goes on, windows stay shut and warm air hits cold glass. While opening windows every day is important in winter, it's not pleasant to have a cold draught whistling through your home long enough to reduce the humidity.

One of the most effective tools to tackle this problem is choosing one of the best dehumidifiers for your home and, more crucially, placing it correctly for optimum efficiency.

Yep, poor placement is often why people think their dehumidifier isn't actually doing anything. So, I consulted the experts once and for all to find out how to position a dehumidifier properly so it tackles condensation at the source.

1. Start near the worst affected windows

It's tempting to place a dehumidifier directly under a dripping window, but pushing it right up near one window or wall can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.

Instead, 'allow for 20-30cm of free space around the dehumidifier to allow for even air circulation around the appliance,' explains Katie Lilywhite, dehumidifier expert at AO.com, ideally in the same room where condensation is forming. Be sure to keep both the door and window closed, too, adds Ebac Director, Pamela Petty.

'That being said, be sure not to block radiators underneath windows as the warm air helps to reduce condensation,' adds Olivia Xu, Chief Marketing Officer of DREO.

If condensation forms on multiple windows in one room, focus on a central position rather than chasing each window individually.

2. Use a hallway or landing strategically for whole-house condensation

If you're dealing with condensation on windows across several rooms, placing a dehumidifier in a hallway or landing can be surprisingly effective, especially in a typical three-bedroom home. However, it must be a dehumidifier with a good capacity, like the dehumidifier we rated best overall, the MeacoDry Arete Two 20L, £299 at Currys.

'If you choose a model with the capacity to protect the whole of your home, it will work most effectively when placed in a central location such as a main hallway or upper landing,' explains Pamela.

To make this work, you should keep all internal doors open where possible, place the unit centrally and not up against a wall (again at least 50cm away) and choose a continuous or smart humidity mode rather than short bursts.

3. Always keep your dehumidifier on the floor

Unlike air purifiers, dehumidifiers don't need to be elevated. Chris Michael, Meaco's CEO, explains that it's best to keep the unit firmly on the floor for stability and optimal airflow. It also makes emptying the tank easier!

The best dehumidifiers we've tested

So, to stop window condensation, a dehumidifier needs to be placed where moist air builds up, not just where water appears. Position it near affected windows, give it plenty of space for airflow and move it around as seasons and usage change.

When placed correctly, it won't just dry windows but tackle the underlying problem, keeping rooms moisture-controlled and more comfortable in the dampest months.

However, just make sure you have the right size for your condensation problem, as every expert agrees that this is a crucial first step in choosing the right dehumidifier for your home.

Between the endless school uniforms, damp jeans that take a lifetime and the general fight against condensation, drying laundry indoors in wintertime is honestly one of my least favourite chores to contend with.

I'm always looking for ways to speed the whole process up, whether that be with one of the best dehumidifiers or a heated clothes airer. Both of which are the hardest-working appliances in my home during the cold seasons.

However, I'd heard of a trick where adding one of the best fans to your dehumidifier set-up might help clothes dry even faster. After speaking to experts and trying the combo myself, the short answer is: yes, with the right setup, a fan absolutely can help a dehumidifier dry laundry faster, and it works for a very simple reason.

Why a fan and a dehumidifier work so well

'Using a fan alongside your dehumidifier can significantly speed up laundry drying,' explains Katie Lilywhite, dehumidifier expert at AO.com.

When you're drying clothes indoors, the moisture immediately builds up in the air around the laundry. A dehumidifier will capture that moisture, but the airflow is the missing piece of the puzzle.

'By using a fan, this will quicken up evaporation and prevent any damp air pockets from forming around your clothes’ fabric,' says Katie. 'It’s worth noting that your fan won’t remove moisture by itself; it's only when paired with a dehumidifier that this can speed up the drying process.'

Chris Michael, CEO at Meaco adds that the key factor is stronger airflow.

'Clothes hold on to water when the air around them is still. Some moisture stays in the fabric unless moving air pushes it away. This is why washing dries so much faster on a windy day outside.'

The best dehumidifiers for drying laundry

How to set up a fan and dehumidifier for drying clothes faster

It turns out you can't just point a fan anywhere and expect magic, so I asked the experts to give me the intel on positioning for the best results.

'First, choose your laundry room wisely. Try to pick a spare bedroom, utility room or box room – smaller spaces work better since there’s less air to circulate,' explains Katie.

'Close all doors and windows so your dehumidifier isn’t fighting outdoor moisture, and begin to hang your clothes on an airer, being sure to leave space between items.'

Then, Katie recommends placing your dehumidifier a metre away from your laundry and setting the fan side-on, being careful not to blast air directly into the dehumidifier.

Instead of using a still fan, oscillating fans, like the Dreo Standing fan, £99 at Amazon, can actually work wonders since they spread airflow evenly, which allows moisture to evaporate before being removed.

Chris agrees that you should position the fan about 30cm from the clothes rack, pointing it directly at the washing, so the airflow hits the fabric and use the oscillation mode if the fan has it, as this helps the air reach more of the clothes.

Make sure you place your fan on low or medium speed, advises Katie. Then, 'allow your dehumidifier to run steadily rather than on stop-start bursts. This will avoid using excessive energy and dry your clothes far faster than if you just left your dehumidifier to run.'

And finally, if your dehumidifier has a dedicated Laundry Mode, like ProBreeze's 30L dehumidifier, RRP £229.99, now £184.99 at Amazon, absolutely use it.

The best oscillating fans we've tested

If you need a powerful oscillating fan to make this fan trick super efficient, here are the favourites we've tested.

If you're drying laundry in winter and want to speed things up without switching to a tumble dryer, the fan-and-dehumidifier combo is an easy, low-energy hack.

It's particularly good on days when the air is cold, heavy or when you've got thick cottons like jeans and knits that normally take ages.

I dry some of my washing in my kitchen, and at this time of the year, this means jumpers, jackets and chunkier pieces of clothing. This can take a good while, and to be quite honest, I don't really have the time for that. Enter: the newest toy in my test list: the Vonhaus 20L dehumidifier, RRP £159.99, on Amazon. This sizeable but reasonably-priced machine can extract up to 20 litres of water from one room in a day. It has a 4.5L tank and three modes to select from. I've been using it in my kitchen, living room and bedroom for the last week, and here's what I noticed.

A good dehumidifier has the power to lower humidity levels in a room, fast, and to a minimum of 30%. These machines aren't just designed to prevent damp and mildew, but they can actually speed up how long it takes your laundry to dry, and in my case, this Vonhaus machine truly did! I tested this dehumidifier, and I noticed a huge difference in how fast my laundry dried in my kitchen.

At a glance

This sizeable dehumidifier, designed by Vonhaus, is made for rooms between 4m2 and 30m2, and it can extract up to 20 litres of water in one day. Its water tank can hold 4.5L of water at any one time.

This is a compressor dehumidifier, so it works best at temperatures over 5 degrees and under 35 degrees. With a removable, washable filter, it's easy to maintain, while it sits on wheels so you can move it around with ease.

Its innovative LED digital display is one of its best features, as well as the fact that it has three modes - Auto, Continuous Laundry and Sleep. It displays the humidity level in large numbers on its screen, making this easy to see, while it also has a colour light indicator at the front of the unit, which will shine blue when the humidity is below 45%.

While reviewing this machine, I noted that it was very powerful, and once switched on, it worked fast to reduce humidity levels. In my kitchen, it took 4.5 hours to drop from 62% to 45%, in auto mode with high fan. It was faster in my living room, as it read 70% initially, and just 20 minutes later, I recorded 54%. In my bedroom, I tested sleep mode, which reduced levels from 71% to 56% in 1.5 hours.

I hung a load of laundry in my kitchen, on the drying rack on the back of the door, and put it on its laundry mode. It was able to dry a load of washing overnight, in 12 hours.

As noise levels go, it is relatively quiet, emitting 50dB on average, and it costs just 8p per hour to run. What let it down? It is large, so that's something to bear in mind if you'll be using it in a smaller room, and also, its cord is relatively short at 1.5m. While its sleep mode turns any lights off and beeping sounds will be silent, this mode is still quite loud, and you might struggle to sleep at this noise level.

Specifications

• RRP: £159.99
• Type: Compressor
• Extraction rate: 20L/day
• Water tank capacity: 4.5L
• Max room size recommended: 30m2
• Noise level: 41dB (we found it was more like 50dB)
• Power: 280W
• Dimensions: H49.4cm x W30.5cm x D24.4cm
• Weight: 13.8kg
• Portable?: Yes, it's on wheels
• Continuous drain option: Yes
• Laundry mode: Yes
• WiFi connectivity: No
• Timer: Yes, up to 24 hours
• Operating temperature: 5°C - 35°C

Unboxing

The Vonhaus 20L Dehumidifier was a lot heavier than I expected. I managed to move and lift the box on my own, but it was a little bit of a struggle, I won't lie.

In the box was a lot of packaging - polystyrene to be exact - as well as two plastic bags, one with the drain hose and the instruction manual inside, the other was wrapped around the main unit. Certain parts of the main unit had been taped shut to avoid breaking in transport. The only part of the packaging that was easy to recycle was the large box it came in.

Once unwrapped, I could appreciate that this dehumidifier looked actually quite nice, while its white colour means it can blend in with most homes. It features a light on the front of the unit, which shines:

Blue: when humidity is below 45%
Green: when humidity is between 45% and 65%
Red: when humidity is above 65%

It's also on wheels for easy moving, and it does have built-in handle holes for easy carrying. It has cord storage on board for easy storing, which is in its water tank, provided that this is empty and fully dry.

I did find that the cord could've been longer, as I struggled to find a place for it to go because of this. It's only 1.5m long.

All in all, I was impressed before even plugging the machine in.

Set-up

There's a large warning sign on both the box and the main unit, which says that you need to stand the main unit upright for a minimum of 24 hours before operation. If you don't do this, your dehumidifier might not work. Luckily for me, it had been upright for quite a few days, waiting for me to unbox it.

This dehumidifier needs to be placed in a room that's larger than 4m2, while it requires at least 30cm clearance space, too. Its cord is short, so you might only have a few spaces where it can live in your home.

I wanted it in my kitchen, because this is where I dry my washing, and this room has two windows - one of which tends to get a little bit of condensation build-up in the colder months. I ended up just about being able to reach this cord to the socket I wanted it to sit in, annoyingly enough. This also meant that I couldn't offer the machine enough clearance space on every edge.

I scanned the QR code on the back of the manual, which led me to Vonhaus' Product Help Hub, which wasn't really helpful at all. The machine, once switched on, displayed '63' on its display. I pressed the power button and the machine switched on. I could visibly hear that it was working, while I quickly worked out that the 63 was the humidity level in my kitchen.

I referred back to the manual and familiarised myself with all of the lights and buttons. This is when I worked out that its default settings are 50% humidity level and high fan speed, which is what the machine started to aim towards, with immediate effect.

Design

The fact that this dehumidifier sits on wheels is a total game-changer, as while it is heavy, there's really no need for you to carry it, unless you're taking it up and down stairs. It does have built-in handles on its sides, too.

Though it is sizable, at almost 50cm high, because of its white finish, it doesn't hugely stand out in a room. It certainly wouldn't look out of place, unless perhaps it was in a very small room.

Its water tank sits at the back of the main unit, and this holds 4.5L of water. Its filter is easily accessible at the back of the main unit, too, sitting just above the water tank. On its front, you'll find its colour light indicator. Otherwise, its LED control panel is intuitive and sits on the top of the unit, with the air being expelled from the top of the machine, sitting just above the control panel.

Ease of use

There are 6 buttons on the main unit, all of which are pretty self-explanatory as they're named. The ADJ button is used to adjust humidity levels between 30% and 80%. This is also how you change the timer setting, too.

It's great that this machine can target as low as a 30% humidity level, although online I had read that the target for a house is usually between 40% to 50%.

You can set the machine to child lock on the control panel, which is super handy. There are three modes to choose from: Auto, Continuous Laundry and Sleep Mode. You need to press and hold the Mode button for the Sleep Mode.

Auto Mode
In Auto Mode, you'll see the water droplet light shine on the display panel. Here, you'll want to set a target humidity, and once that level has been reached, it will turn itself off, but if it drops over that set level by 3%, the machine will automatically power back on.

Continuous Laundry Mode
In this mode, you'll see the light flash that looks like a T-shirt. Regardless of the humidity level, the machine will continue to run in this mode. You can adjust the fan speed from low to high.

Sleep Mode
Made obvious on your control panel by a tiny moon-shaped light, this mode turns the display off and all lights. Once the water tank becomes full, it will just switch off - without an alarm.

Performance

I live in a three-bedroom end-of-terrace house, and I don't dry all of my washing by hanging it in my kitchen, just the items that cannot be tumble-dried. This is fine in the summer, as clothes tend to be lighter and I can leave both sets of windows open for longer, but in the winter, when it comes to thicker clothing like jumpers, this doesn't prove easy.

Thankfully, I didn't have any mould or damp places in my home that I needed this machine to tackle.

Otherwise, I generally found the display very easy to use, while it's handy that it displays the humidity level in large numbers, making it easy to track how fast it extracts moisture from the air. The colour light indicator also helps with this, too, as it means you don't even have to get close to the machine to know that the humidity level in your home is OK - you can just look for a green or blue light.

What's the difference between a compressor and a desiccant dehumidifier? Essentially, desiccant models pull excess moisture from the air using a heater, while compressors use a refrigerant to condense moisture out of the air.

The Vonhaus 20L Dehumidifier is a compressor dehumidifier, and Vonhaus claims it will work best at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C.

When it came to the continuous drainage function, it comes with a hose that you attach to the back of the machine. This needs to be fed into a bucket for collecting extra water, and it will become effective once your machine's water tank is full.

I didn't actually find the need to ever use this function, as it's for super-humid environments. Its water tank is a huge 4.5L anyway, so this rarely ended up becoming full during one use.

I used this machine continuously for 13 hours before its water tank flagged that it was full. This was in Auto mode, with high fan. Obviously, this depends on how humid your room is - the higher the humidity percentage, the faster this will fill, normally.

The lowest humidity level reading I recorded while testing was 48%, in both my living room and my kitchen in the daytime, and the highest was 83% in my bedroom (underneath a bay window), in the early morning.

In my kitchen

The humidity levels in my kitchen varied depending on whether I was cooking (or had been cooking) and whether my condenser tumble dryer was switched on. This room, during testing, would tend to sit between the low to mid-50s. I did switch the machine on and set the target humidity level to 45%, but it never once made it, even when it was left on for 12 hours. This is probably due to several reasons, but the biggest factor is that this room has two windows, so it tends to be more humid than other kitchens that only have one. I didn't manage to get it to read less than 48%, which is still considered 'Good', so the colour indicator shone green.

While drying a load of washing in my kitchen, I noted that the highest humidity level was 60%. I turned it on to the Laundry Mode and within minutes, the machine realised it was tackling something - the humidity rose from 54% to 58% in 10 minutes, and then eventually to 60% at its highest. I left the machine on Sleep Mode overnight, and every piece of clothing was totally dry the next morning. Game changer!

In my living room

I pushed this machine from my kitchen to my living room to test it in a different environment. After finding the perfect spot and switching it on, it read 63%, which I wasn't hugely shocked by, as this room gets quite humid (especially in the summer) thanks to double French doors that open to my garden. Still, even though this machine was set to 45%, I never managed to get it past 48% in my living room,

In auto mode on high fan, I noted that it took 8 hours to go from 70% to 48% in my living room. It managed to drop from 70% to 56% within 20 minutes, which was impressive! Still, I never managed to get the percentage under 48, but this room is very humid.

In my bedroom

This is where I tested the Sleep Mode function. The level in my room initially read 71%, and we thought we would test it overnight. To my surprise, it was very noisy - its fan speed didn't change in sleep mode, and it kept changing between low and high fan speeds, so it was a little disturbing. I ended up having to switch it off, as I just couldn't sleep with that level of noise. It did turn all its lights off, which was great, and the beeping noise was muted in sleep mode.

In the 1.5 hours it was switched on, it reduced the humidity from 71% to 56%. impressive! I switched it off at 23:00, and when I woke up at 7:00, the humidity was back to being high, at 83%.

Energy use

Asking yourself how much a dehumidifier costs to run? Well, it all depends on the wattage of the model. The higher this number, the more money it will cost to run.

Dehumidifiers can tend to be expensive to run, but surprisingly, the Vonhaus 20L Dehumidifier is quite energy efficient. It claims to use 280W of energy on its highest setting, and as per the April 2025 UK electricity rates, Vonhaus claims it runs at just 8p per hour to run.

So, if you leave the dehumidifier running for its maximum timer limit, 24 hours, it will cost around £1.92.

Noise levels

I didn't notice that this dehumidifier was largely noisy. Vonhaus claims a noise level of 41dB, and I noted:

Auto mode (low fan): 48dB
Auto mode (high fan): 52dB
Sleep mode: 48dB
Continuous laundry mode: 52dB

I tried to sleep with this dehumidifier on, in sleep mode, but it was too loud. It also kept switching between fan modes, which was disturbing me, too. In sleep mode, it switches off all lights and the beeping noise that sounds when you press a button.

Portability

The Vonhaus 20L Dehumidifier weighs a whopping 13.8kg, and that's with an empty water tank. It does sit on wheels, for easy moving from room to room, and in its design features handles so that you can carry it. I'd perhaps avoid it if you know you'll be constantly moving it from upstairs to down, or vice versa, as it is weighty.

Be sure to empty its water tank whenever you move it, even if you're not carrying it, as if it's nearly full then water will spill. I learned the hard way, here!

Maintenance

When it's time to empty the water tank, the dehumidifier will automatically switch off. It will display 'FL' on its screen, and a light which looks like a bowl of water will flash red.

It's easy to empty the tank, but do this slowly as it'll be very full. First, you must switch the machine off, and then you can slide the tank off the main unit. If you don't switch the machine off, it will beep when the water tank isn't properly installed.

I'd recommend taking off the plastic cover that sits on top of the water tank before emptying it - there are holes for the water to escape, but it'll pour everywhere if you don't take this off.

Vonhaus suggests cleaning the dehumidifier every two weeks. Again, you need to switch the main unit off before doing so. You'll need to remove the water tank to get to the filter, and to do so, you have to pull it downwards from the back of the air inlet.

This filter can be easily vacuumed to remove any dust, while you can also wash it with soapy water - just ensure that it's fully dry before reinstalling. I found that the manual confused me on this step, as it said you needed to remove the water tank to get to the filter, and that you needed to slide it out. I found that you could get it out without removing the water tank, while you essentially just pulled it off the machine - no sliding required.

The filter was barely dirty after 2 weeks of use. I did see a small amount of dust when attaching it back to the machine, but it wasn't noticeable otherwise.

How does the Vonhaus 20L Dehumidifier rate online?

Being a fairly new product, there's only one review of this dehumidifier online. Luckily, this review is positive and rates the product 5 stars. It mentions that it's cheaper to run than a tumble dryer, and it dries washing fast.

Verdict

So, after testing the Vonhaus 20L Dehumidifier for a couple of weeks, do I think it's worth the investment? If you often dry laundry inside a larger room in your home, then this is the ideal buy as it runs powerfully and costs only 8p/hour to use. It isn't hugely loud when in operation, but I wouldn't want to sleep with it on and in the same room as me. I mostly used the Auto mode, but I liked that it has two fan speeds to choose from, while it is very easy to clean.

When in use, admittedly, it didn't manage to ever read its lowest claim of 30%. This could be because my house is normally quite a humid environment, and lots of other factors can contribute to this, too. I don't doubt that it doesn't work, as it managed to significantly reduce the humidity levels in three different rooms in my home, even while doing things such as drying washing, using my tumble drier and cooking. It reduced my kitchen from 62% to 45% in 4.5 hours in auto mode with high fan, and my living room took 8 hours to go from 70% to 48%. In sleep mode in my bedroom, it read 71% initially, and after 1.5 hours, it was at 56%. When it came to drying clothes, I left it on sleep mode overnight, and it dried all of the laundry that was hanging in my kitchen by the morning.

Design-wise, it is sizable, but with a 4.5L tank, that's to be expected. It's also heavy, but it does sit on wheels. Its white exterior means it'll blend into a space with ease, and its intuitive LED display is great. I love that its filter is easily washable, with the only design feature that I disliked being its 1.5m cord - this was nowhere near long enough, in my opinion.

Condensation on windows, laundry that takes ages to dry, and the faint smell of mould are all telltale signs that the damp season is here. And while a dehumidifier can help during the colder months, knowing how to set up continuous dehumidifier drainage can be a real game-changer.

The best dehumidifiers are designed to remove excess moisture in the air, helping to stop condensation on windows, speed up drying laundry in winter, and support your wider efforts to get rid of damp and mould. But their water tanks can fill up quickly – and constantly emptying them is a hassle you don't need when your home is already battling cold-weather moisture.

That's where continuous dehumidifier drainage comes in. Instead of emptying the tank every few hours, your unit can drain automatically into a sink or waste pipe.

We've spoken to the experts to find out everything you need to know about how to set up continuous dehumidifier drainage and how to tackle common troubleshooting issues.

Why should you set up continuous dehumidifier drainage?

The biggest benefit of setting up continuous dehumidifier drainage is convenience, says Laura Bradbury, head of e-commerce at Vonhaus. 'Your dehumidifier can run for long periods without interruption, keeping humidity levels steady and preventing damp and mould.'

'Instead of emptying the water tank every few hours, you can attach a hose so moisture drains away automatically. It’s ideal for keeping on top of condensation in basements, bathrooms or laundry rooms,' explains Laura.

Matt Ladell, brand manager at Duux, adds that continuous drainage is especially handy for areas where checking the tank regularly isn't always practical.

'It's convenient if you want to run the appliance overnight without having to empty the tank. Knowing how to set up continuous dehumidifier drainage also allows the unit to maintain a steady extraction rate, avoiding frequent stop-start cycles and helping to optimise energy efficiency,' Matt points out.

How to set up continuous dehumidifier drainage

1. Check the manual

Different models have different hose sizes, fittings and drain locations, so it's worth having a quick look at the manual before you start.

'Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual that comes with your dehumidifier for correct instructions on installing the continuous drain hose, as these will vary from model to model,' says Noel Fok, indoor air quality expert and co-founder of EcoAir.

Some units also have a small drain plug or cap covering the outlet, which needs to be removed before attaching the hose - it's an easy detail to miss when you're figuring out how to set up continuous dehumidifier drainage for the first time.

2. Choose the right location

Next, decide where your dehumidifier is going to sit. Pick a spot that's steady, flat and close enough to wherever you want the water to drain – whether that's a floor drain, sink or shower tray.

'Place the dehumidifier on a level surface that sits higher than your drain point,' says Chris Micheal, CEO of Meaco. This step matters, as continuous drainage only works if gravity can do the hard work for you. If the unit sits too low, the water may not flow properly.

3. Remove the tank

Make sure the dehumidifier is switched off and unplugged before you get started. Slide out the water tank if you need to, then locate the drainage outlet at the back, advises Matt from Duux. 'It’s usually sealed with a small rubber or plastic cap,' he says.

Once you've found the outlet, keep the cap safe – they're notoriously easy to lose!

4. Attach the drainage hose

Once you've found the outlet, it's time to connect the hose. Not all dehumidifiers come with one, but as long as your unit has an outlet, you can attach a standard flexible drainage hose (such as this one from Amazon). Slide the hose onto the outlet until it feels secure.

If it feels loose, you can use a small hose clip or cable tie, suggests Matt. 'That will keep everything secure and stop any unwanted leaks.'

'If the hose runs outside, it's important to use pipe insulation to protect against freezing and potential blockage,' adds Noel from EcoAir.

5. Position the hose correctly

'The hose should run continuously downhill from the unit to your drain, and have no kinks or raised sections,' warns Chris from Meaco.

It's also important to make sure the end of the hose isn't submerged in standing water. 'Leaving it an unattended bucket, for example, can cause back-pressure and force water back into the dehumidifier's tank,' adds Noel.

6. Test the setup

Plug the unit back in and switch it on. After a few minutes, you should start to see water trickling through the hose, which is your sign that everything's working as it should. 'If not, gently adjust the hose angle or check for kinks,' says Matt from Duux.

Finally, check the appliance itself. Sometimes a floater or sensor can give a false full tank, says Katie Lilywhite, dehumidifier expert at AO.com. 'Remove your dehumidifier’s tank, check the float moves freely and reset your appliance,' she advises.

Shop our top rated dehumidifiers

FAQs

Knowing how to set up continuous dehumidifier drainage is a simple trick that helps to keep your unit low-maintenance and stops one of the most common dehumidifier mistakes – emptying the tank on repeat. An easy upgrade for smoother running.

Drying laundry indoors becomes a whole different ball game as soon as winter hits, and that's exactly why so many of us (including me) rely on one of the best dehumidifiers to cut down the drying times and stop things from getting musty.

Dehumidifiers aren't just for preventing condensation. Quite a number of models now have a dedicated laundry mode, and they can make your clothes dry noticeably faster, even in cold and poorly ventilated rooms.

'Using a dehumidifier - particularly in winter - works out to be a simple and easy way to dry your clothes in the winter months. There are many benefits to drying your clothes next to or near a dehumidifier; it’s cost-effective, uses significantly less energy than a tumble dryer, and it's also a more gentle option on your clothes with no risk of excessive shrinkage during drying,' explains Olivia Xu, Chief Marketing Officer at DREO.

But how long does a dehumidifier actually take to dry a load? Well, it can range anywhere from four to six hours. I asked the experts for the key factors that influence drying time and also their top tips for faster drying with a dehumidifier.

Key factors that influence drying time

'Various factors can affect the time it takes to dry laundry indoors, including washing machine spin speed, volume and type of laundry, and how items are arranged over the clothes horse,' explains Pamela Petty, Director at Ebac.

So let's dive into these factors that affect drying time.

1. The type and capacity of your dehumidifier

The capacity of your dehumidifier is another consideration, as higher capacity models will handle moisture much quicker than smaller models, explains Katie Lilywhite, dehumidifier expert at AO.com.

A more powerful compressor or hybrid unit (around 10-20L extraction per day) (like the Pro-Breeze 30L smart dehumidifier, RRP £229.99, Amazon) will dry laundry much faster than a smaller 5-8L model.

'A desiccant model works well in cooler rooms and will dry clothes faster than a compressor, but at a higher running cost because it produces warmth,' adds Chris Michael, CEO at Meaco.

Those with a laundry mode push the fan harder for quicker results as it runs the machine continuously to pull moisture from the air faster. Models without it can still dry clothes, but usually take longer.

2. Room temperature matters more than you think

'It’s worth bearing in mind that dehumidifiers work far better in rooms within the 15–20°C mark,' explains Katie. 'Cold rooms make moisture removal slower, so you may notice this impacts your drying time as we head into winter.'

So if you're drying laundry in a cold utility or spare room, extraction slows and drying can stretch to eight hours or more. It's worth choosing a dessicant model like the eBac 4650, £329, if your drying space is on the colder side. These work better in lower temperatures than compressor types.

'The room should also be enclosed, with windows and doors shut to ensure the dehumidifier is working as effectively as possible to dry the clothes,' adds Olivia. 'Secondly, if it’s possible for you to add a small amount of heat, for example, heating on very low, then that will quicken the drying time.'

3. Airflow and placement

Good placement can shave a good few hours off drying time. It's best to position your dehumidifier around 30cm from the airer, in a closed room and with clothes spaced out to stop moisture trapping.

Pamela suggests 'when arranging freshly washed laundry over a clothes horse, work from the bottom up, placing smaller items on lower rungs and larger items on higher rungs, and space out items evenly.'

Another top tip is to 'place the unit in the same room as the laundry with the air outlet facing the clothes,' adds Chris.

'This keeps vents clear and ensures good airflow in and out, enabling your dehumidifier to draw in excess moisture and release warmer, drier air into the room,' agrees Pamela. All of which contributes to quicker drying time and helps maintain that ‘freshly washed’ smell.

Olivia adds that it’s also best to rotate your clothes after a few hours to get an even dry and speed up the process.

4. How wet the washing is

The amount of moisture in your clothes is also a huge factor. Chris recommends giving them an extra spin to release as much water as possible. It's an age-old trick that my mother-in-law has always used to dry clothes indoors fast.

The thicker the clothes, the greater their mass and the longer the drying time, explains Chris. Heavy items like towels, jeans and jumpers will still take the longest to dry even with a dehumidifier running.

5. The room's humidity

'Another often overlooked factor, however, is humidity levels in the home – and, related to this, whether you are using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air,' says Pamela.

'The higher the room's relative humidity at the start of the drying time, the longer it will take the clothes to dry. Try to keep this at 55%rh or below to start with,' adds Chris.

6. The size of the room

Katie also explains that the size of the room is vital and can dictate the difference in hours.

'The smaller the room, the quicker your clothes will dry, so it’s worth placing your clothes horse or drying rack in a smaller room,' adds Olivia.

The best dehumidifiers we've tested

FAQs

Used correctly, a dehumidifier can dry a full load of laundry within three to six hours, making it one of the most efficient ways to dry clothes fast in winter. A decent capacity, a warm room and a dedicated laundry mode all help speed things up even more.

As condensation starts misting my windows and the laundry piles up faster than I can dry it, I start thinking about getting my dehumidifier out again.

If you're on the fence about investing in one of the best dehumidifiers, I can definitely vouch that they are quietly brilliant appliances that work away in the background, until you realise you've bought the wrong one.

Because if there's one thing you need to know before adding a dehumidifier to your home this season, it's that size and capacity matter far more than you might think. Not the physical size, but how much moisture the machine can extract in 24 hours (its capacity, measured can extract in 24 hours.

If you get it wrong, you could end up with a whirring box that never quite gets on top of the humidity or worse, one that costs more to run than it needs to.

So before you click add to basket, here's how to work out which capacity you actually need and why it makes all the difference once the heating's back on and the air outside turns chilly.

Why is dehumidifier capacity a key consideration?

When you see a dehumidifier labelled 10L or 20L, that doesn't refer to the tank size. It actually refers to the maximum amount of water it can pull from the air in a day under specific test conditions. Think of it as the unit's power rating.

Chris Michael, leading dehumidifier brand, Meaco's Chair, explains that 'the one thing to get right when buying a dehumidifier is capacity, but that goes hand in hand with low noise and energy efficiency.'

If your home is large or if you regularly dry laundry indoors, a small-capacity model will consistently run at full tilt and barely make a dent. Likewise, if you opt for one that's too powerful for a small bedroom, you'll be wasting energy and money. The trick is to match the extraction rate to room size and humidity levels.

'If the unit’s too small, it will run constantly and still leave the air damp. Too large, and you’ll waste energy,' adds Chris.

How to choose the right size dehumidifier for your home

Choosing the right size dehumidifier isn’t about guesswork; you should be looking to match the appliance with your home, explains Katie Lilywhite, dehumidifier expert at AO.com.

I've tested a fair few models over the years, and here's the general rule of thumb for choosing the right dehumidifier for your home, according to Chris:

• Small rooms or flats with light condensation: 10-12L
• Medium-sized spaces or regular laundry drying: 15L-20L (This SmartAir Dehumidifier works wonders in my house, £179.99, B&Q)
• Whole homes or heavy damp problems: 20L+ (I rate the Pro-Breeze 30L smart dehumidifier, RRP £229.99, Amazon)

'Essentially, if you choose a dehumidifier too small, then this unit will struggle, and should you go too big, then you’ll waste money on a dehumidifier that’s overkill for your needs,' explains Katie.

'Firstly, measure up the area you’re looking to treat. If your room is up to 15m², then you’ll need an 8-10L unit, whereas if you’re planning on using your dehumidifier in your living room (15–25m²), then you may need 12-16L. This jumps quite a bit to when you’re using your appliance in a large open-plan space – you’ll benefit from having a 20L+.'

What other conditions do you need to consider?

If your dehumidifier will live in a cool or unheated space, such as a garage or utility room, it's also worth choosing a dessicant model like the eBac 4650, £329. These work better in lower temperatures than compressor types.

And if you're drying clothes indoors, which most of us are in November, I'd always say go one size up. 'Opt for a bigger capacity dehumidifier or one with a dedicated laundry mode to get the most from your appliance,' adds Katie.

She also explains that if your home suffers from persistent damp, condensation or even mould, then you’ll need to try and get on top of this as quickly as you can. This is where you may need to choose a dehumidifier that is ‘larger’ than your home needs to tackle the problem head-on.

'If this problem is in a small room, then use a 12-16L dehumidifier like the MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier 12L, £183.96, Amazon. Should it be in a medium-sized room, then you’ll want a 20L+ purely to pull the water out fast.'

The best dehumidifiers we've tested

Choosing the right dehumidifier isn't just about brand or features. It's more about matching the model to your home's moisture level. The smartest thing you to check before buying a dehumidifier this season is that the extraction capacity fits your space.

The right size will save you energy, protect your home from damp and condensation and make it far easier to stay comfortable all winter long.

It’s cold, it’s wet, and it’s a little miserable, three key signs that dehumidifier season is upon us. And if you haven’t already got your hands on these essential appliances (why not?), then don’t worry, as I found an amazing secret sale at Debenhams, including one of Ideal Home’s best-rated models.

The best dehumidifiers are a winter essential. Period. They are highly effective tools that suck excess moisture out of the air, helping prevent damp, mould and condensation. However, there is also no denying that some of the best models come with high-ticket price tags - which is why I’ll always share the best deals I find with you.

And my highlight from the Debenhams sale is the Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier (was £309.99, now £230), which Ideal Home’s expert reviews rated as the best high-capacity dehumidifier on the market.

In the run-up to Black Friday (yes, it seems to get earlier every year), now is the time to start thinking about snapping up appliances while they are on offer. I have spotted the Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Dehumidifier is only £191.24 at Amazon; however, Debenhams has dozens of Pro Breeze models on offer if you’re looking to shop around.

The Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier (as the name suggests) extracts a whopping 30L of moisture per day, meaning you don’t have to worry about needing to empty it all the time. It has one of the highest extraction rates on the market, making it great if you want to get rid of damp in larger rooms.

It offers Smart App controls, which means it connects to WiFi and can be controlled via the Pro Breeze App or connected to your Alexa or similar voice-activated devices. Additionally, with an automatic humidity sensor, you can simply select your desired humidity level, turn the dehumidifier on, and let it do its job.

This dehumidifier does not have a dedicated laundry function, but our Pro Breeze 30L dehumidifier review found it was still helpful at drying wet washing inside faster. However, we did find the Pro Breeze 30L Dehumidifier could be a little noisy, heavy and used a lot of energy to work.

‘This well-packaged product comes with a useful app; this will save a lot of time going back and forth to operate the dehumidifier if you aren't close to it all the time. I can even operate it from work! It absorbs a huge amount of water and is easy to empty. We are using it in a cellar, which we don't use daily, so the noise volume isn't an issue; however, it is noticeable when you're in the room with it. If it's on its low setting, it doesn't lower the humidity, more so maintain it, but it is a lot quieter,’ said one review.

‘The 30L dehumidifier is very good. I could not survive this winter without it. Our house is pretty modern, but in winter it gets over 70%,’ said another.

Alternatively, here are a few more Pro Breeze dehumidifiers to snap up in Debenhams.

It is genuinely worth investing in a quality dehumidifier in winter, as it will make a huge difference to damp in your home. However, I appreciate that they are expensive, which is why it’s worth taking advantage of the many sales this month.

If you've ever found yourself wondering why your dehumidifier isn't quite keeping up, it's safe to say you're not alone.

When I first got hold of one of the best dehumidifiers to test, I assumed it would cover my entire house, only to find that my windows were still dripping in the morning. It turns out there's a bit more science behind it than simply switching one on and hoping for the best.

The truth is, how many dehumidifiers you need really depends on your home. Its size, layout and how damp it gets. And even then, correct usage plays a huge role, where you position your dehumidifier and how you ventilate can make all the difference.

According to the experts I spoke to, the key isn't always buying a more powerful model, as this is one of the biggest dehumidifier buying mistakes, but using the dehumidifier you choose in the most efficient way possible.

From understanding the humidity levels to knowing which rooms to target, these are the factors that determine how many dehumidifiers you really need and how to use them to keep damp and condensation at bay all winter long.

1. The size and shape of your home

It sounds obvious, but your home's size makes a huge difference. A single 10 - 12L dehumidifier, like the Meaco Arete Two 10L, £179, at Amazon, can usually handle a room of around 20m² (around the size of a small bedroom), but anything bigger will need support.

'For smaller apartments or one to two-bedroom homes, one smaller capacity dehumidifier is usually sufficient, particularly if placed in an open-plan living space or hallway to allow air to circulate,' explains Olivia Xu, Chief Marketing Officer at DREO.

'You’ll usually need one well-sized unit for a normally heated home,' agrees Chris Michael, Chair at Meaco. He shares an overview of what size dehumidifier you might need for the size of your home.

• 1-bed house/flat A 10L dehumidifier like the  is suitable
• 2-bed house/flat A 12 dehumidifier is best suited
• 3-bed house: A 20L would be the best fit for a occupied home 
• Large 4–5-bed home: 25L will do the job 

However, Olivia told me that a second unit (or a higher capacity model) may be needed if you regularly dry clothes indoors (especially in winter months), or there are signs of dampness.

'A modern dehumidifier with a rated extraction capacity of 15–25 litres per day should manage an average three-bed home when used in this way,' she explains.

And in larger properties with four or more bedrooms, Olivia says, 'it’s often worth investing in a higher-capacity model (around 20L per day) or running two dehumidifiers - for instance, one on each floor - to ensure even moisture control throughout the home.'

Nicholas adds that 'Older homes, north-facing rooms, or properties with poor insulation will often have higher humidity levels, especially in winter. This means that they'll need either more dehumidifiers or dehumidifiers with a bigger capacity.'

And the same goes for homes that are well insulated, well sealed and energy efficient can also likely trap moisture indoors if there isn't enough frequent ventilation.

2. How damp your home actually is

The severity of your damp and condensation problem matters as much as the space itself. If your main issue is condensation on windows, a single well-placed unit may be enough. But if you're noticing damp patches, mould spores or a clammy feeling in multiple rooms, two or more units will give you more consistent results.

Olivia agrees, 'If condensation or mould appears, an additional unit or higher-capacity model can help bring humidity back to healthy levels.'

Nicholas adds that 'if you notice damp or condensation in multiple rooms that are far apart, then it’s always better to use one dehumidifier in each area rather than relying on a single unit. Having the dehumidifier in the exact problem location is key.'

You're aiming to keep indoor humidity around 50%-55%, says Chris. 'If the relative humidity (RH) is significantly higher than 55%, buy a larger dehumidifier than the sizing suggests,' he explains.

Some experts suggest monitoring humidity with a simple hygrometer, which is super useful and also won't break the bank. This ThermoPro TP49 small digital hygrometer, £8.99 at Amazon, is a great choice.

Chris adds that you can 'set the humidity and leave the dehumidifier to work towards that figure. It'll turn off when it's done, only turning on again if it detects a humidity increase.'

3. How you use your space

I realised drying our clothes indoors was making our humidity spike, especially in recent months when I couldn't hang any washing outside. Having one dehumidifier positioned near the airer and another upstairs overnight made a huge difference.

And Olivia agrees, 'a single load of washing can release 2–5 litres of moisture into the air, which can overwhelm a smaller, less powerful unit. Households that regularly air-dry clothes indoors should consider a larger-capacity model (try the Pro Breeze 30L High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier, £229.99, at Amazon) or a second dehumidifier placed near the drying area.'

Chris adds, 'For drying clothes, close the door and select laundry mode. Use a cooling fan alongside the dehumidifier, it will halve the drying time while costing less than 1p an hour to run.'

And for specific problem areas like unheated rooms, 'such as conservatories, utility or cellars, use a desiccant type dehumidifier like the Meaco DD8L, £259.99 at Meaco, suited to colder spaces and emits heat, helping to warm up cold rooms. Perfect for drying washing in a utility room.'

Chris also adds that isolated or persistently damp rooms may need their own unit.

4. Energy use and efficiency

Running multiple dehumidifiers sounds costly, but it doesn't have to be. Most models only cost around 6p - 12p per hour to run, and more energy-efficient units automatically switch off once humidity levels are balanced.

Chris also adds that the extraction rate, energy efficiency, running costs and warranty length are also things to take into account. 'It’s a false economy to buy a cheap, noisy dehumidifier that costs twice as much to run and needs replacing after a year.'

'Choosing a quiet, energy-efficient model will save hundreds of pounds over its lifetime whilst being easier for the household to live with.'

The best dehumidifiers we've tested

FAQs

• 'The dehumidifiers are filling up very quickly. This means that their capacity isn't big enough.
• The humidity levels in your home aren't going down, and are consistently around 60%. This means that you need more dehumidifiers in order to control the high levels.
• There's still a lot of condensation forming on your windows, walls, or other surfaces. This means that you don't have enough dehumidifiers for the amount of moisture in the air. 
• There'll likely be a couple of problem areas where you'll notice the above. You should introduce a dehumidifier to these areas, and that should be effective in reducing humidity levels and preventing condensation.'

In the end, the right number of dehumidifiers isn't a hard rule. It's a balance between your home's needs and how you use the space. If condensation keeps coming back, it's a sign that it might need a helping hand, whether that's a second unit upstairs, more consistent use or better positioning.

A dehumidifier is coming to the middle of Lidl on Thursday, and I can guarantee this bargain buy is going to sell fast.

If you've been struggling to get your laundry to dry inside this autumn, then one of the best dehumidifiers is the easiest solution. These clever devices extract moisture from the air, which helps to dry clothes in winter and prevent damp. Unfortunately, it is very rare to see a powerful dehumidifier for under £100. But that is where Lidl comes in.

The Tronic dehumidifier will be available at the budget supermarket from Thursday, 16th, at the bargain price of £74.99. I know that might not sound cheap, but it's half the price of the Dryzone Dehumidifier, priced at £150 on Amazon, which is one of the best value for money dehumidifiers you can buy.

We haven't tested the Lidl dehumidifier, but Ideal Home's dehumidifier expert, Jenny McFarlane, is impressed by the specifications.

'Lidl's latest dehumidifier is a steal at £74.99, especially since similar branded models can cost more than twice the price,' she says

'It's on the smaller side, sucking up 10L of moisture a day, but it still packs enough punch to tackle damp and condensation issues in smaller spaces, and its 2.1L water tank is a good size too. The real standout feature is its laundry mode for drying clothes faster indoors, which can be a real challenge for many households as the weather turns colder and wetter.'

The Lidl dehumidifier is only available to purchase in store, so if you don't have a Lidl nearby, the Dryzone dehumidifier is a great alternative. It is more expensive than the Lidl version, but it is a compact dehumidifier and air purifier in one, so you are getting two products for the £150 price tag.

It also has a slightly bigger 2.2L water tank capacity and an extraction rate of 12L. It received 4.5 stars in our Dryzone dehumidifier review, and our reviewer was impressed with its affordability and effectiveness for its size.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a dehumidifier under £100, you can try the ProBreeze mini dehumidifier, priced at £37.99 on Amazon. It is nowhere near as powerful as the Lidl version with a 1500ml tank and a 0.5L extraction rate per day, but it is quiet and small. I have the mini ProBreeze at home and use it together with my heated airer, tucked underneath the cover to help dry my laundry faster.

Dehumidifiers are a game-changer in the colder months and, when paired with the best heated airer, will dry laundry in no time.

So, if you live near a Lidl and don't have a dehumidifier yet, I recommend you consider a trip this Thursday.

Drying laundry indoors presents a unique challenge: you're fighting against humidity, poor ventilation and often cooler temperatures. And while a regular dehumidifier will help by pulling moisture out of the air, not all are great at handling actively wet laundry.

What you really need is a model that can shift large volumes of moisture super efficiently, maintain airflow and run reliably while doing so. That's why, after comparing specifications from our best specifications, features and feedback, the ProBreeze 20L/Day model with laundry mode, RRP £199.99 on ProBreeze, is the one I'd pick.

It didn't quite make it into the top 6 in our best dehumidifiers buying guide, but it's still highly commended in our runners-up section. And here's what makes it stand out as one of the best for drying clothes indoors in winter.

The ProBreeze Premium 20L Dehumidifier with Special Laundry mode is designed to extract up to 20 litres of moisture from the air every day, which makes it ideal for busy households that dry a lot of clothes inside regularly.

There's a generous 5.5 litre water tank, which is large enough to cope with several loads of washing before needing to be emptied. And if, like me, you'd rather not keep checking on it, you can attach the continuous drainage hose so excess water runs away automatically.

However, what really sets this dehumidifier apart is its dedicated Laundry Mode, which our reviewer deemed excellent. This one-touch setting ramps up the fan speed and extraction rate to tackle damp laundry more efficiently.

Essentially, it tells the unit to work at full power until the surrounding air has dried out, so it's perfect for those evenings when you've got clothes hanging on an airer and need them ready for the school run.

So, if you regularly dry laundry indoors and want a dehumidifier that can genuinely make a difference, this is the one I'd choose. It's powerful, reliable and thoughtfully designed for family washing loads.

The Laundry Mode takes the guesswork out of drying – you simply switch it on, shut the door and let it get to work. It helps prevent that musty, lingering dampness that can build up in busy homes during autumn and winter.

It's not the cheapest on the market, but it's a solid long-term investment, and right now there's £30 off, so make sure you snap on up before the offer ends!!

Alternative dehumidifiers with laundry modes

Will you be getting your hands on a dehumidifier with a dedicated laundry mode? Let me know in the comments.

If you've been waiting for the right time to buy a dehumidifier, this is it, people. Right now, Appliances Direct has knocked £85 off the Meaco Arete Two, and I can tell you that it's the best dehumidifier we have tested here at Ideal Home.

As someone who battles condensation on our single-glazed windows every day and has the never-ending job of drying laundry indoors, I and the rest of the Ideal Home team of experts have tried countless models. But the Arete Two is the one that has impressed us most.

Here's why we think this is a deal not to miss.

Meaco's Arete Two is powerful yet energy efficient, quiet enough to run in the background and comes with handy features like an impressive laundry mode and smart app control.

What really sets it apart is how efficient it is to run, costing as little as 5.9p per hour, which makes it far cheaper to use than a tumble dryer. Another big win is its dedicated laundry mode, which worked brilliantly for our reviewer, as her wet washing dried within hours rather than the days it usually takes in her terraced home.

It's surprisingly quiet, too so it can keep running in the background without disturbing anyone. And on top of all that, it doubles as an air purifier, effectively filtering out dust and allergens as it works to remove moisture.

All of this is the reason this sleek unit sits at the top of our buying guide, and with this deal, it's better value than ever, as it's a model that usually holds its price.

This discount won't stick around for long, though, so snap one of these up while stocks last.

Dehumidifier deal alternatives

If £276 is still on the steep end of your dehumidifier budget, there are plenty of budget dehumidifiers on the market. Here are our top picks to snap up.

Will you be getting your hands on this Meaco Arete Two deal? Let me know in the comments.

With energy bills always at the front of our minds and the UK weather continuing to swing from muggy to sweltering, it's no surprise that many of us are looking for affordable ways to cool down.

One tactic that's gaining traction is using a dehumidifier to make a room feel cooler, but experts are warning this so-called hack might not be as cost-effective as it seems.

But does a dehumidifier actually cool a room? While it's true that reducing humidity with one of the best dehumidifiers can make the indoor air feel more comfortable, especially during sticky summer spells, energy experts caution that running a dehumidifier for this purpose alone could see your electricity bills creep up unnecessarily.

What does a dehumidifier actually do?

'Dehumidifiers are primarily designed to reduce moisture, not lower room temperature. They can make the air feel more comfortable, but they don't actually cool it. And because they’re typically left running for hours, they use more electricity than most people realise,' explains Deane Ashcroft, energy expert at Grant Store.

'Unlike an air conditioner, which actively removes heat from a space, a dehumidifier draws in moist air, condenses the water, and then releases dry air back into the room. In the process, however, it can also release some heat – something that could make matters worse in smaller, closed rooms.'

How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier to make a room feel cool?

'It’s a common misconception that dehumidifiers are a cooling appliance,' says Deane. 'In reality, the process of drying the air and re-circulating it can slightly increase the temperature of a small room over time – which may prompt users to keep it running longer, further raising costs.'

He adds that running a typical 250W dehumidifier for 10 hours a day during summer could add over £20 to your monthly energy bill, and that’s without factoring in additional cooling appliances like fans.

However, Katie Lilywhite, air treatment expert at AO.com says if you use a dehumidifier in conjunction with, say, an air conditioner or one of the best fans, it might help counteract the energy usage of them.

'Since the dehumidifier tackles the humidity, this means your other cooling appliances, like an air conditioner, don’t need to work as hard or for as long, which can help save you a bit of money on your energy bills,' explains Katie.

Chris Michael, Chair at Meaco agrees that using both could help, but 'it's best to check if the portable air conditioner has dehumidification functionality, or else you might be running two appliances to do the same job, which will end up costing more.'

He adds, though, that using a dehumidifier on its own during humid conditions in milder weather will make the air more comfortable, and this 'may lead to lower overall cooling costs.'

Can you use a dehumidifier as an air conditioner?

In short, no, you can't use a dehumidifier as an air conditioner. According to Chris, a dehumidifier does not reduce air temperature. It removes moisture from the air, but it will not cool a room.

'While the two can often create a similar effect, a dehumidifier can make your room feel cooler by removing moisture, but it won’t blow out cool air,' adds Katie. 'Ultimately, this means if you’re looking to chill a room down from 28°C to 22°C, then an air conditioner is the appliance to use.'

'A dehumidifier is a great help and can really go the distance to making your home feel less swampy, but it cannot compete with the pure cooling power from an air conditioner,' she adds.

While dehumidifiers are brilliant for reducing humidity in a room, they're not a stand-in for proper cooling devices. So, if you've been running your full tilt in the hope of beating the heat, it might be time to rethink your strategy and save your pennies in the process.

And Deane concurs, explaining that you should use a dehumidifier wisely and sparingly in summer, and always combine it with ventilation. 'But if your primary goal is cooling, invest in the right tool for the job – and don’t forget the power of clever design,' adds Deane.

With that in mind, if you need to cool a room, instead of or in conjunction with using your dehumidifier, you might want to opt for the ultimate cooling gadget instead.

These are my air conditioner top picks.

Shop our top air conditioner picks

So, while a dehumidifier can help reduce humidity and make a home feel more pleasant in muggy weather, experts are clear: it is not a cooling appliance – and using it as such could actually be pretty costly.

Like many homes, mine struggles with poor ventilation - morning condensation, the off patch of (albeit well-maintained) damp and an ever-growing pile of laundry that takes forever to dry, especially without a proper working utility area due to building works. So I was more than happy to put the Dryzone dehumidifier and air purifier to the test.

With renovation work in full swing, I knew I needed something that could tackle excess moisture in multiple areas, help prevent mould as things dry out and speed up drying times for our family's insane amount of laundry.

With the knowledge that the best dehumidifiers will lower humidity levels, prevent damp and speed up laundry drying times, I was thrilled that the Dryzone has delivered on all three. And combining that with air purifying capabilities and this little bad boy is well worth its small price tag.

This compact unit combines dehumidifying power with a built-in medical-grade HEPA filter to improve air quality too. I tested it using our standard dehumidifier testing process to see how well it performs, not just in reducing humidity, but also in how easy it is to use day to day.

At a glance

As the name suggests, the Dryzone dehumidifier and air purifier is a compact, dual-function device designed to reduce moisture in the air and filter out particles like dust, allergens and pet dander in rooms up to 15m2.

It features a 1-litre water tank and has the ability to extract 12 litres of moisture a day, with an auto-shut off function that kicks in when the tank is full, which is a handy feature if you're running it overnight or while out of the house.

Speaking of overnight use, while testing, I found it to be impressively quiet, producing a lower hum so it was just like white noise, which I can definitely sleep through. Energy usage is low so it's an affordable option to run longer-term if you're tackling a particularly tricky space. It's also lightweight, so it's easy to move around. However, it would be even better if it had a carry handle instead of little built-in areas to handle it by.

However, don't let its small stature deceive you because it's actually pretty powerful. It managed to dry t-shirts in a couple of hours, and it reduced the humidity in the room from 60% to 50% in four hours.

It doesn't have WiFi connectivity or hands-free controls that others have on the market, but you could sacrifice that for its performance and budget-friendly price tag.

Specifications

• RRP: £149.99
• Type: Compressor
• Extraction rate: 12L/day
• Water tank capacity: 2.2L
• Max room size recommended: up to 15 - 20 m²
• Noise level: 36dB – 39dB
• Power: 175W
• Dimensions: H60.7 x W36.2 x D21.1cm
• Weight: 11.1kg
• Portable?: Yes, with castor wheels and recessed carry handles
• Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
• Laundry mode: Yes
• WiFi connectivity: No
• Timer: 1-24 hours and auto-off
• Operating temperature: 5 - 35 °C
• Additional features: air purifying mode, low temperature defrost mode, sleep mode, fan speed select, HEPA filter

Unboxing, set-up and design

Unboxing the Dryzone dehumidifier and air purifier was refreshingly straightforward. It arrived well-packaged in a compact box that had minimal plastic and no unnecessary fiddly bits to take apart.

Inside, you'll find the unit itself, a user manual, and the washable filter attached that needs to be slotted into place (this was very intuitive). It's pretty much plug-in-and-go.

The design itself is neat and unobtrusive, and it fits into any room perfectly without being really in-your-face. The controls are located on the top panel and clearly labelled, so it's pretty easy to get to grips with what's what.

The icons on the LED display are intuitive too, with the air purifying function a leaf, the laundry mode a t-shirt, the sleep mode a moon and the fan functions, well, fan icons.

First impressions? I loved that it didn't need any syncing, apps or complicated settings. All I needed to do was have a quick scan of the user manual, and I had it up and running in no time. I think for a budget-friendly machine, it feels well-built in its simplicity.

Ease of use

When I tested it for laundry-drying, I was pleasantly surprised by how much of a difference it made. I kept it beside my clothes airer and had a relatively small load hanging up. The T-shirts that were hanging up dried within two hours, which is impressive for a compact dehumidifier.

For bulkier items like shirts and trousers, they dried a few hours later, but overall, it made a noticeable difference to the drying process compared to just air-drying. It's especially handy if, like me, you're short on space and have to dry laundry hanging in the bedroom or hallway.

I also used the unit in my daughter's newly painted bedroom, and it worked really well for clearing that heavy, lingering paint smell and the extra humidity that often comes with decorating and building work.

Within a few hours, the room felt noticeably less stuffy, and the overpowering just-painted smell that lingers for days was definitely reduced. The air purifier function seemed to make a real difference in circulating the air. It made the space feel more comfortable much sooner, which made a big difference when I was trying to get it ready for her to sleep in it again.

Performance

Overall, I was really pleased with how the Dryzone dehumidifier and air purifier performed. I live in a Victorian house with original single-glazed windows, so condensation and damp are part of daily life, especially in the colder months. I rely on dehumidifiers to keep the air dry and prevent mould, and the Dryzone made a noticeable difference.

We're also mid-renovation and recently plastered and painted my daughter's bedroom. I'd noticed the air still felt damp in there weeks later, so I rolled in the Dryzone overnight. The digital humidity display made it easy to track the changes.

In the bedroom, the humidity dropped from 60% to 50% in under four hours, which felt like a solid result to me. With ideal indoor humidity levels typically between 30 - 50% in winter and 40 - 60% in summer, I was happy with how quickly it reached a comfortable level.

Right now, with the house still in a bit of chaos, I haven't used the continuous drainage hose, but once our utility room is up and running, I'll set it up in there so it can run uninterrupted.

Energy use

If you're curious about how much a dehumidifier costs to run, it largely depends on its wattage. The higher the wattage is, the more energy it uses.

With the current energy price cap at 24.5p per kWh, I've calculated that it costs around 4p per hour to operate the Dryzone on the highest setting. That's impressively low, especially for a unit of this capacity and compared to other dehumidifiers like it.

So, you can comfortably run it for hours, whether you're drying laundry or reducing damp, without worrying about it impacting your electricity bill.

Noise levels

Operating at just 36dB to 38dB, depending on the fan setting, the Dryzone is actually pretty quiet compared to others on the market. On its lowest setting, the sound is barely noticeable, while on its highest setting, it's still acceptable, producing a not-too-annoying whoosh noise.

Obviously, with its specifically designed sleep mode, it's even quieter because of its reduced fan speed, making it ideal for bedrooms and even kids' rooms (no white noise machine required).

The noise ramps up for laundry mode, though, because it's working faster to get rid of moisture. Saying that, even in this setting, it's not antisocial.

Portability

One of the things I really liked about the Dryzone dehumidifier and air purifier is how easy it is to move about. It's fitted with smooth gliding castor wheels, which are easy to get over carpet and recessed carry-handles, so I could roll or lift it from room to room without much effort.

It's slim and compact, so it didn't take up too much space either, so I feel like I can use it in pretty much any space.

Maintenance

Looking after the unit is relatively straightforward and doesn't require much effort. The water tank is easy to remove, but without a built-in handle, it’s a little bit tricky to empty, because the tank is small, and it’s lightweight enough to carry. I have been giving it a rinse with warm water to keep things fresh, especially after heavy use.

According to the manual, this HEPA filter should be cleaned every two weeks, which I found easy enough to quickly wipe down with a dry cloth, or a vacuum if it's more heavily soiled. It's also worth giving the interior where the HEPA filter is inserted a quick wipe too with a soft, dry cloth.

When the filter becomes too worn or clogged over time, replacement filters are available to buy directly from Safeguard Europe's site.

How does the Dryzone Dehumidifier and Air Purifiers rate online?

The Dryzone Dehumidifier and Air Purifier garners consistently strong ratings across a number of retailers.

Verified shoppers on Amazon rated it 4 out of 5 stars, citing its low-noise operation, ease of use and noticeable improvements in air quality and damp control. One reviewer on Amazon noted the HEPA filter's effectiveness at capturing dust and allergens, while another reported that indoor laundry dried quickly when using the machine's laundry mode.

There are a lot of reviews noting how quiet the unit is, plus its portability and reliability, making it a strong performer for family homes dealing with damp and condensation, as well as drying copious laundry loads.

Verdict

If you're after a fuss-free dehumidifier that also freshens the air in your home, the Dryzone is well worth a look. It's neat, easy to use, quiet enough to run overnight, and makes a noticeable difference to indoor humidity levels.

OK, it might not replace a full-size HEPA air purifier, but for the price, you're getting great value in a little package. Its intuitive settings and energy efficiency make it a great choice for busy family households with limited space to play with.

At £149.99, it's a great price for a 2-in-1 unit, and compared to the similarly priced ProBreeze 12L Dehumidifier with Built-in Humidistat, the Dryzone gives it a run for its money. Although the ProBreeze has a larger water tank, so can be used in larger rooms.

Compared to competitors, like the SmartAir Dry Zone dehumidifier, the Dryzone wins out on portability and simplicity. Plus, it's lighter, quieter and has zero digital fuss.

Like many of us, I live in a house that doesn't breathe as well as it should, with condensation on the windows in the morning, a few damp patches to tackle and the never-ending laundry drying debacle, so I jumped at the chance to test the SmartAir Dry Zone Dehumidifier.

I knew it was time to get serious about humidity control, especially during our renovation work, knowing that the best dehumidifiers will lower humidity, prevent damp and speed up laundry drying times, and the SmartAir Dry Zone has not disappointed in these stakes.

The SmartAir Dry Zone 20L Dehumidifier is a compressor dehumidifier that sits on the lower end of the dehumidifier market. When testing it, I put it through the same testing process we use to test dehumidifiers to see how it performed these tasks but also how easy it was to use.

At a glance

With five different operating modes, a generous 5.5l water tank, and the ability to extract 20 litres of moisture per day, the SmartAir Dry Zone Dehumidifier is a neat little unit that packs a punch.

While testing, I found it to be quiet, energy-efficient (costing 11p to run) and easy to move from room to room, and it's quickly gone from an appliance to an everyday essential.

And it's powerful to boot, reducing the humidity in the room from 60% to 48% in six hours. It was also able to dry a washing load in four hours using its smart laundry setting. It's got a generous 5.5-litre tank, so you're not constantly emptying it, plus its other smart modes, like sleep mode, mean you can use it overnight in a bedroom for a comfortable night's kip.

However, what let it down was its lack of WiFi connectivity, so there was no way to know when the water tank was full or have the hands-free controls others have on the market.

Specifications

• RRP: £249.99
• Type: Compressor
• Extraction rate: 20L/day
• Water tank capacity: 5.5L
• Max room size recommended: 50m squared
• Noise level: 40dB – 42dB
• Power: 220W – 240W
• Dimensions: H60.7 x W36.2 x D21.1cm
• Weight: 11.9kg
• Portable?: Yes, with castor wheels and carry handles
• Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
• Continuous drain option: Yes, hose included
• Laundry mode: Yes
• WiFi connectivity: No
• Timer: 1-24 hours
• Operating temperature: 5 - 32 °C

Unboxing, set-up and design

The first thing that I noticed when unboxing the Smartair Dry Zone Dehumidifier is that it's relatively lightweight compared with others I have tested, so it was easy enough to lift it from its box on my own, even with the polystyrene holding it securely.

First impressions? It's surprisingly minimal in its design; not bulky and not an industrial-looking eyesore. Plus, there's a hose included if you want to set it up for continuous drainage, which is especially handy for utility rooms.

To get the SmartAir Dry Zone dehumidifier going, you just need to take the plug out of the water tank, as it's neatly packaged within it and fit it back together. It was super easy to do, and there's an instruction manual if you need to check. Then, all you need to do is plug in the dehumidifier, and it'll start with a reassuring beep.

It has little castor wheels and side handles, which meant I could easily wheel it into different rooms, which is something I appreciated since I was trailing it up and down the house a fair bit for various tests.

Ease of use

I started with it to dry laundry, as this is a must in our house with two young kids going through lots of clothing on a daily basis. I placed it near our heated clothes airer with a full load of washing (I usually tumble everything, but it's more cost-efficient than tumble drying). I switched it to Laundry mode, which powered up a high-speed fan.

It managed to dry my washing in around four hours, which was a feat, and without the usual condensation building up on the window. Win-win.

Performance

Overall, I was impressed with how the SmartAir Dry Zone performed. I live in a Victorian house with original single-glazed windows where damp and condensation are rife, so I rely on opening windows and using dehumidifiers to stop it developing into mould.

The SmartAir's humidity display panel made it easy to see how quickly it extracts moisture. It took just under four hours for the humidity level in my home office to drop from 60% to 48%, which was impressive in my eyes. With indoor humidity levels ranging from 30-50% in the winter and 40-60% in the summer, I was happy. You can set the target humidity to as little as 30%, which I did a lot.

I'm also in the middle of doing a renovation at the moment, and we plastered my daughter's room about a month ago. I've been feeling the dampness in the room, and I worried about potential mould developing, so I wheeled the dehumidifier in there to work overnight. Within hours, the tank was at capacity, and the air did feel less humid. It's not really advisable to use it for new plaster as it can make it crack, but I was using it only to zap the last remaining moisture, and it really did help.

At the moment, due to the renovation, I don't have much use for the continuous drainage function, but once our utility room is ready, I'll definitely find a suitable place to keep it on.

However, I didn't feel that I was emptying it that much, thanks to its roomy 5.5-litre water tank.

Energy use

If you've ever wondered how much a dehumidifier costs to run, the short answer is that it all depends on the device's wattage. So, in short, the higher the wattage, the more it will cost to run.

One of its many advantages is that the SmartAir Dry Zone Dehumidifier is pretty energy efficient. The latest energy price cap change sets the cost of electricity to 24.5p per hour, and the SmartAir Sry Zone costs around 11p per hour to run on the highest setting.

Compared to other dehumidifiers, that's super impressive.

Noise levels

When it comes to dehumidifiers, noise isn't one of those things you think about until it becomes annoying. Thankfully, I found the SmartAir Dry Zone dehumidifier's noise levels to be impressively quiet. In normal mode, it has a gentle hum that blends fine into the background like white noise at 42dB.

The sleep mode is even quieter because it's obviously designed for overnight use with a dimmed display and reduced fan speed, making it ideal for bedrooms and even kids' rooms (no white noise machine required).

If you switch it into Strong or Laundry mode, you'll notice it gets a tad noisier as the unit ramps up to the maximum to get rid of lots of moisture fast. Even with that going though, it's not that loud. It doesn't rattle or whine and is more of a low-level whoosh sound, so it's not at all jarring.

Portability

The SmartAir Dry Zone is relatively lightweight (not featherlight, but it doesn't feel cumbersome), and the handy side handles and wheels make it even easier to move about.

It's tall and slim, so it doesn't take up a huge footprint, and I haven't felt like I'm wrestling with it when I move it about. It took me a little while to get the 'knack' with the wheels, but now it's super easy to manoeuvre about.

Maintenance

One of the things I really appreciate is how low-fuss the Dry Zone is to maintain. The tank needs to be emptied every couple of days or so when using it regularly, thanks to its big water tank. It slides smoothly and has a carry handle. You will need to give the water tank a proper cleaning every so often so mould and bacteria don't build up.

The air filter is easy to remove, too, and I give it a pat or gentle vacuum every so often (I've only done it twice since I got it). The second time, I did rinse it with warm water when it looked particularly dusty.

If you want a hands-off option, you can hook up the drainage hose to a bucket or sink and never have to empty the tank. I haven't set mine up like that yet, but I'm definitely going to when it goes into the utility room permanently.

How does the SmartAir Dry Zone Dehumidifier rate online?

Being a fairly new product, there are a few reviews online, but not a lot, but any feedback I have read gives it a lot of praise. It has a 5/5 star rating on Amazon based on only five customer reviews, and customers are generally pleased with how the dehumidifier performs.

Reviewers note being pleased with how efficient the Dry Zone is and pulling moisture from the air, often noticing the difference within a number of hours. One reviewer mentioned that it helped clear condensation from their window almost immediately. Others have commented on how quiet it is and its simple controls, which echoes my own experience.

The Laundry mode also got positive reviews, with many saying it made a huge difference to drying their washing.

Verdict

After putting the SmartAir through its paces, I can say that it's a keeper. It's a well-thought-out piece of kit, and I think it's well worth the investment. It speeds up drying times, can lower humidity, and it's a nice, compact design. The intuitive settings, the generous water tank and energy efficiency make it a great choice for busy households.

However, it is a little expensive in comparison to its competitors. At £249.99, it's a lot more than, say, MeacoDry Arete One 12L Dehumidifier/ Air Purifier, which costs £179.99 and gets a best-in-class review (until the MeacoDry Arete Two came along).

And for the lower price, you still get the energy efficiency, quiet functionality, and powerful results that the SmartAir Dry Zone provides. Plus, the ProBreeze 12L Dehumidifier with Built-in Humidistat is another cheaper option that will get the job done, costing only £129.99.

However, while there are cheaper options out there, they often come with trade-offs such as a smaller tank, fewer settings or noisier motors. On the flip side, though, there are more premium models similarly priced or only slightly more expensive that offer smart app controls and built-in air purifiers. Some may be put off by these extras, or they may simply be unnecessary for many households, so there is room in the market for the SmartAir Dry Zone.

What the SmartAir gets right is delivering powerful performance without overcomplicating. It covers all the essentials you'd need a dehumidifier for – quiet operation, high extraction, multiple modes and energy efficiency. Plus, it's super portable and perfect for those with limited storage. What's not to love?

Lakeland is my go-to for affordable home necessities, and its new dehumidifier is undoubtedly one you want on your radar. In fact, at just £34.99, it officially takes the top spot as the cheapest dehumidifier under £100 that myself - and the rest of the Ideal Home team - have ever gotten our hands on.

But while I swear by the best dehumidifiers to keep my old Victorian house free from damp and condensation, I’m also conscious that cheap dehumidifiers sometimes don’t offer the quality or the power that you’d ideally like from an affordable appliance. So, I decided to take this value dehumidifier for a spin before recommending it to anyone. My verdict? The Lakeland Compact Dehumidifier is a must-buy.

With a 400ml water tank but the ability to suck up a litre of water over 24 hours, the Lakeland Compact Dehumidifier is ideal for smaller homes or individual rooms that need a helping hand in the excess moisture department. After all, when you spot the signs you need a dehumidifier, it’s best to act fast to prevent damp, mould, and even structural damage.

With in-built and colour-changing ambient lighting, this affordable dehumidifier also offers a sleek and colourful compact design that will happily sit on any windowsill without looking too out of place.

But personally, it’s the price that I can’t get over. At just £34.99, it’s actually cheaper than the dehumidifier currently topping our list of the best dehumidifiers under £100 - the Pro Breeze 1500ml Mini Dehumidifier, which you can buy on Amazon for £39.99.

But while the Pro Breeze offering boast a larger water tank and smaller size when compared to the Lakeland Compact Dehumidifier, it doesn’t look as stylish or offer the unique ambient lighting. So, I’d say that the Lakeland dehumidifier trumps the Pro Breeze in terms of aesthetics and overall style.

Of course, they’re both quite basic compared to other (more expensive) options on the market, but both will shut off when the water tank fills up - so you don’t need to worry about the water overflowing or ruining your carpets. Plus, I found the power of the Lakeland Compact Dehumidifier to be more than enough for my small home.

In fact, I tested this budget dehumidifier throughout a very damp, wet and cold February weekend in various rooms in my house - allowing it to serve as a dehumidifier for a kitchen in a room that doesn’t currently have a working extractor fan (I know, I know, we need to fix it), in my home office/junk room which also doubles up as my laundry drying room, and in my bedroom overnight.

And while a small dehumidifier like this one will never be as powerful as larger, more expensive dehumidifiers like the £130 Challenge 12L Dehumidier I recently reviewed and use for drying my washing quickly, it was obvious to see that it was still able to extract a large amount of water from my home.

Most notably, I left the Lakeland Compact Dehumidifier on for around eight hours while I had wet washing strewn across my heated airer and regular clothes dryer (out of the heated airer vs dehumidifier debate, I actually choose both to dry my laundry), and the water tank was almost completely full by the time I turned it off.

And when I used the dehumidifier overnight to prevent condensation on my bedroom windows, I was able to place it neatly on my window sill and appreciate my condensation-free windows in the morning. If you have kids or are an adult who still doesn’t quite like the dark (I don’t blame you), then the ambient lighting can also serve as a nightlight, which is a nice touch.

All in all, I was really impressed with the Lakeland Compact Dehumidifier and can see myself using it to banish everyday damp and condensation in smaller rooms - especially as paying £34.99 for an electric dehumidifier is unheard of. The only time you’ll be able to spend that little on a budget dehumidifier is if you opt for a non-electric one, and electric dehumidifiers will always win in the dehumidifier vs moisture absorber debate.

So, I’d highly suggest snapping one up before everyone else does! But if this isn't quite the right mini dehumidifier for you, there are some other options on the market.

What do you think of Lakeland's mini dehumidifier offering? Is it a hit or a miss?

The Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 30L is a compressor dehumidifier that sits on the pricier side of the dehumidifier market. Over the last month, I've been using the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier daily to see how it tackled the damp and condensation in my flat.

The best dehumidifiers will lower humidity, prevent damp and speed up laundry drying times. When testing the Duux Bora I put it through the same testing process we use to test dehumidifiers to see how to perform at these tasks, but also how easy it was to use - faffy, time-consuming devices just don't slot easily into everyday life after all.

At a glance

Known for its innovative and sleek-looking products, Duux has made a name for itself with a roster of heaters, fans and air conditioners. The Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 30L is a larger version of the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L which we've tested previously. It comes with a promise to create the ideal climate in any room, including basements and attics. It has a built-in hygrostat and carbon filter which is easy to clean. It is a compressor dehumidifier so works best at temperatures over 15 degrees.

On testing I found it to be incredibly powerful, in just three hours it reduced the humidity in the room from 71% to 54%. It was able to drying a load of laundry in four hours on the laundry setting. It has a large 4L tank that accommodates the power extraction so you don't have to empty it multiple times a day.

It is a relatively quiet dehumidifier emitting 36 db, and costs just 7p per hour to run. However, what let it down was its bulky size and I had difficulty pairing it with my phone and the app which you needed to use all the smart features.

Specifications

• RRP: £299.99
• Type: Compressor
• Extraction rate: 30L/day
• Water tank capacity: 4L
• Max room size recommended: 50m squared
• Noise level: 36dB – 42dB (Quiet Mark)
• Power: 20W – 260W
• Dimensions: H53.5 x W38.5 x D29.5cm
• Weight: 14.5kg
• Portable?: No
• Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
• Continuous drain option: Yes
• Laundry mode: Yes
• WiFi connectivity: Yes
• Timer: 1-24 hours
• Operating temperature: 15 °C

Unboxing

My first takeaway from unboxing the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier is that it's heavy, and I really struggled moving the box around on my own.

The device comes wrapped in a sheet of protective plastic, and once it's out the box, I can appreciate that it looks well-designed. I'm definitely intrigued to see if the design is reflective of its capabilities.

Set-up

To get the Duux Bora Smart going, you just need to clip the filter and filter frame together, then attach this to the device. It's really simple, and there's a picture booklet of instructions to guide you through. After this, plug the dehumidifier in, press the power button on the control panel, and it will start whirring away.

I had a little more trouble with the Smart connectivity features, which had also been a challenge for our reviewer who tested the small 20L Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier. After downloading the app, it took a while for my phone to pair with the dehumidifier, despite me being sat right next to it. This was a little frustrating because to get the most out of the device, you do need to be connected to the app (but more on the later).

Eventually, my phone did pair with device, and the app recommended that I create a Duux account to access all of the features. I did this, but once I was logged back into the app with an account, the pairing had lost and I had to re-connect to the device. Again, this took a frustrating amount of time.

Design

I like the white body of the Duux Bora Smart, but I will say I've seen (and tested) more attractive dehumidifiers. Because the device is quite bulky (weighing just under 15kg, and reaching over 50cm in height), I couldn't help but feel it was a bit of an eyesore in my home office.

That being said, the size of the dehumidifier is what enables it to extract so much water without needing to be emptied, which is probably more important to a lot of people than how the device looks. I'm also testing the 30L size, there is a (slightly) smaller 20L option available. And in general, I would describe the Bora Smart as impressive-looking.

Ease of use

As mentioned, you do need to connect your Duux Bora Smart to the app to be able to access all of the features, and this can take a while. Some of the buttons on the control panel have double functions, such as the laundry/timer button. By pressing this, I could only set the timer, so I quickly figured I'd have to use the app to access the laundry mode.

You can switch between the high and low setting on the control panel, and set a target humidity level (meaning the device will switch itself off once the target humidity is reached). I was impressed that the target humidity can be set as low as 30% - previous dehumidifiers I've tested have only gone down to 50%.

Performance

Overall, I was impressed with how the Bora Smart performed. For context, I live in a second-floor flat where damp and condensation are rife, so I rely on dehumidifiers to stop this developing into mould.

Thanks to the handy humidity display panel, it was easy to track how quickly the Bora Smart extracts moisture from the air. It took just under 3 hours for the humidity level in my home office to drop from 71% to 54%, which I was pretty impressed by, given how much this room struggles with excess moisture. The air is expelled from the side vents quite powerfully, which is reflective of the dehumidifier's fast extraction rate.

Via the app, I selected laundry mode to see if the dehumidifier would help my heated clothes airer dry my clothes quicker. This essentially just sets the device to run for four hours, at the end of which, the clothes were dry (usually, I have to leave the electric airer on for much longer than four hours, so this is a definite plus if you're looking to save energy).

As mentioned, you can set the target humidity to 30%, which I frequently did. It was difficult for the Bora Smart to reach this level when drying clothes, but I was still satisfied to see it reach as low as 40%. Optimal indoor humidity levels range from 30-50% in the winter, and 40-60% in the summer, so I was content to see it go from 70% to 40% whilst drying clothes.

If you're wondering about the difference between compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers, they pull excess moisture from the air via different mechanisms. Essentially, compressors use a refrigerant to condense moisture out of the air, where desiccants use a heater and absorption material to remove moisture from the air.

The Duux Bora Smart is a compressor dehumidifier, meaning it will work best in temperatures above 15°C. Thanks to the recent cold snap, I've definitely used it in colder temperatures than this, and still found that it lowered the room's humidity levels efficiently. I'd be interested to see if it performs any better when the weather warms up, though I really didn't have any complaints.

Living in an upper floor flat, I didn't have much use for the continuous drainage function. You'd need a suitable location for the water to drain away for it to run continuously, but thanks to the large 4L water tank, this didn't bother me; the Bora Smart can collect a lot of water before it needs to emptied, which is a huge plus.

Energy use

If you're wondering how much does a dehumidifier cost to run, it all depends on the wattage of the device. So, the higher the wattage, the more it will cost to run.

As far as dehumidifiers go, the Duux Bora Smart is really energy efficient. It uses a maximum of 260W on the highest setting (and only 20W on the lowest). With the latest energy price cap change setting the cost of electricity to 24.5p per hour, the Bora Smart will cost around 7p per hour to run on the highest setting.

So, if you leave the dehumidifier running for four hours, it will cost around 28p, and 56p for eight hours. That's super impressive - I've tested dehumidifiers that cost more than double this to run on the highest setting.

Noise levels

I found the Bora Smart's noise levels to be unproblematic. With a range from 36dB – 42dB, the dehumidifier doesn't create sound loud enough to be annoying, even on the higher setting. I can comfortably work from home while the Bora Smart is whirring away in the background (though I don't mind working with a bit of white noise anyway).

I wouldn't have the device running on the higher setting while watching TV, because it might get a little distracting. But this wouldn't bother me on the low setting, if it was a good distance away from the telly.

Whether or not you could sleep with the Bora Smart on comes down to how quiet you like the bedroom to be; I can sleep with it on the low setting because I don't find the sound jarring in any way, but this might not be the case for someone who prefers a very quiet sleep set-up. There is a night mode, but this just turns off the LED display and indicator lights, rather than lowering the volume.

The 'beep' the dehumidifier makes when any of the buttons are pressed, and when the tank is full, is a little annoying - but the sound doesn't happen frequently enough for me to consider this a con.

Portability

As mentioned, the Duux Bora Smart is really heavy, and if it weren't for the wheels, it would be difficult to move it from room to room.

I did find the wheels a bit awkward at first, and found I still had to half-carry the dehumidifier around (which took a lot of effort). Once I figured out the best position (rolling it from the side rather than the front), it became a lot easier to transport. I will say I still prefer being able to pick up and carry a dehumidifier - it just feels less faffy to me, but that might come down to personal preference.

Maintenance

I really like how much water collects in the tank before the Bora Smart needs emptying. There's a little window in the tank which enables you to see how full it's getting (this is also a handy way to see the rate at which the dehumidifier is extracting). And when it is time to empty the tank, it's really easy thanks to the carry handle.

To maintain the Bora Smart, it's recommended to clean the dehumidifier regularly, particularly the carbon filter. The filter can be rinsed under the tap and scrubbed with a gentle brush, which I try to remember to do weekly. It does collect dust and debris, so is definitely worth doing, and it's a simple process that only takes a few minutes (note that the filter needs to be completely dry before it's re-inserted into the appliance). You can use a handheld vacuum to clean the filter as well.

It's also recommended to clean the water tank regularly, as mould and bacteria can develop in here if old water is left sitting. I usually give the tank a quick wipe-down every time I empty it to keep on top of this.

How does the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier rate online?

Being a fairly new product, there aren't many reviews of the Duux Bora Smart online yet, but those that are up are resoundingly positive. It has a 4.4/5 star rating on Amazon out of 89 reviews, and customers are generally pleased with how the dehumidifier performs.

Reviewers note being pleased with how quickly the Bora Smart lowers humidity levels, but there are a few people who wish there was a quieter setting. A couple of reviewers mention problems controlling the dehumidifier remotely via the app, but this may be due to WiFi issues.

There are only 6 reviews of the device on the Duux website, but again, these are majorly positive.

Verdict

So, after testing the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier for a month, do I think it's worth the investment? Well, if you're looking for a powerful device that will significantly reduce your home's humidity, then yes, it could be well worth it. It speeds up drying times and can lower humidity levels in a room to 30%, which is impressive.

But, there are some caveats. First of all, it's expensive. £349.99 is a lot to pay for a dehumidifier, considering the MeacoDry Arete One 12L Dehumidifier/ Air Purifier rings in at £179.99, which our review found to be the best-in-class (until its successor, the MeacoDry Arete Two came in to play). For the cheaper price, you still get the energy efficiency, whisper-quiet functionality, and powerful results that the Duux Bora Smart provides. The ProBreeze 12L Dehumidifier with Built-in Humidistat is another cheaper option that will get the job done, costing only £129.99.

I'm also not a fan of how bulky the Duux Bora Smart looks and feels. I've tested the Vonhaus Desiccant Dehumidifier before, and I prefer this mainly because I can move it easily between rooms, and its sleek design doesn't feel like an eyesore. The Bora Smart isn't ugly by any means, it's just quite big, so you'll need to have the space for it if you're going to invest.

The Bora Smart does boast WiFi connectivity, meaning you can control it from your phone. But, if you want to invest in an expensive dehumidifier, I would probably opt for the MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier/ Air Purifier instead. The 20L size has the same price as the Bora Smart 20L (£299.99), but you get an additional fan speed with proportional control for faster laundry drying, as well as a dust filter & H13 HEPA filter for air-purifying capabilities.

As we’re on the brink of spring, you may be tempted to unplug your dehumidifier and store it for next winter - however, experts say you should use your dehumidifier all year round.

The best dehumidifiers suck excess water out of the air, keeping your home at an ideal humidity and preventing damp, mould and condensation. A dehumidifier can even help dry laundry quickly.

You’re probably already aware you should use a dehumidifier in winter, but using it all year has a number of benefits - such as ensuring you feel comfortable during humid summer months. If you’ve been wondering if you should use a dehumidifier all year round, this is everything you need to know.

Can you use a dehumidifier all year round?

‘Using a dehumidifier year-round is especially useful in homes with poor ventilation, basements, or areas prone to dampness. Many modern dehumidifiers have built-in humidistats, allowing them to maintain an optimal humidity level automatically, making them energy-efficient and convenient,’ says Craig Curtis, a spokesperson for Machine Mart.

You may be put off by the prospect of keeping your machine out all year round, however, as of January this year, the cost to run a dehumidifier can vary between 4 to 12p an hour depending on the wattage. This figure will be lower if yours is controlled by a humidistat that will automatically turn the dehumidifier off and on.

What’s more, using your dehumidifier throughout the year can improve the health of you and your family, as Sam Tamlyn, Window Expert and Managing Director of Shutterly Fabulous, explains.

‘Using a dehumidifier all year round is incredibly beneficial for your home and your health. Firstly, maintaining optimal humidity levels helps prevent mould and mildew, which can cause health issues like allergies and respiratory problems. A dehumidifier keeps these at bay, ensuring a healthier living environment,’ he says.

‘Additionally, using a dehumidifier protects your home and belongings. Excess moisture can lead to structural damage, such as wood rot and peeling paint, as well as damage to furniture and other household items, so keeping these levels in check will help to prolong the life of your home and its contents.’

With the use of your machine, it’s important you also keep up with its maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. This includes cleaning your dehumidifier and regularly emptying its water tank.

Ideal Home's top-rated dehumidifiers

You don't have to put your dehumidifier into storage this spring - in fact you should leave it out and reap the benefits.

If you’re wondering how to hide a dehumidifier when not in use, you probably already know just how effective these appliances are. They can damp-proof your home and reduce condensation like no other product out there, but that doesn’t mean that they’re pretty.

As someone who tests the best dehumidifiers for a living, I have at least two of these appliances in my house at one time. And while I know there are ways to disguise a dehumidifier while I’m using it, what about when I’m not? Because more often than not, they simply get in the way - and I’m fed up with seeing them on show in my small home.

Thankfully, out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind, and there are ways to hide a dehumidifier when not in use without 1) compromising on your home decor, and 2) storing it so far away it’s not readily available for when you need it next. In fact, something as simple as tucking it in a corner or using your home’s furniture can work wonders if you want to continue getting rid of damp.

1. Conceal it with furniture

If you want to hide a dehumidifier when not in use, bigger pieces of furniture in your home can help you out. For example, you could make the most of your living room storage by hiding it in your TV unit, placing it under a console table, or even popping it behind one of the best sofas to keep it out of the way.

If you’re in the market for new home storage that will also double up as dehumidifier storage, this Laura Ashley Washed Oak Calford 2 Door 3 Drawer Cabinet from Next would be perfect for any living room, bedroom, or even kitchen.

Alternatively, you could build your own furniture to house your dehumidifier. This is echoed by Toni Doran, Senior CAD Designer from Strachan, who says, ‘One of the best ways to conceal a dehumidifier is to integrate it into a bespoke sideboard, shelving unit, or cabinet. Louvered doors, mesh fronts, or slatted wood designs help it blend seamlessly.’ Plus, this allows you to get it in and out without too much hassle.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on this, though. Sometimes, the best ideas are the cheapest, so you may be able to upcycle furniture already in your home to make it more practical.

2. Hide it behind a plant

The best indoor plants aren’t just nice to look at; they can also be extremely practical. Some can reduce dust levels in your home, and others can purify the air for you - but that’s not all. They can also offer the perfect hiding place for your dehumidifier when you want it out of the way.

And while you can just pop your dehumidifier behind the plant and be done with it, it’s important to consider the common dehumidifier mistakes that people make. One of them is not taking care of it, especially when it’s not in use.

As Chris Michael, Meaco’s managing director, explains, ‘Regardless of whether you hide the dehumidifier away, or whether you just leave it standing still, the danger is that mould might form on the coils because of the prolonged period of not using it.’

That’s why I’d suggest hiding your dehumidifier behind one of the best plants for reducing condensation, so you’re keeping this excess moisture under control even when you’re not using the damp-busting appliance.

Of course, some dehumidifiers can also be on the larger size, so I’d suggest opting for a bigger plant if you want to hide a dehumidifier behind it. Something like this The Little Botanical XL Areca Palm Ceramic Pot Plant from John Lewis would be ideal, as the foliage is big enough to hide anything behind it.

3. Pop it into a storage basket

One of the best storage and organisation tips everyone needs to know is that storage baskets can help with anything, anywhere. In fact, a storage basket could be the answer to your dehumidifier storage struggles.

By popping your dehumidifier into one of these baskets (or even a storage box), you can keep it readily available while also hiding it from view. If you wanted to, you could even pile on some of the blankets or pillows on top to make it completely your dehumidifier completely invisible - especially if you follow the tips to style blankets like a pro.

You have two options when it comes to these storage baskets, too. You could opt for something large and open, like this Sage Green Bobble Storage Basket from Next, or you could opt for one with a lid, like this Aquila Woven Herbarium Basket with Lid from La Redoute. Then, just place the basket wherever you have space - or somewhere you want to make a statement.

4. Tuck it in the corner

The simplest solution to hiding your dehumidifier when it’s not in use is to simply tuck it in the corner, away from high-traffic areas of the house. This means it won’t draw much attention and will simply fade into the background rather than stick out like a sore thumb.

Toni also suggests that you position it strategically around your home. ‘Position your dehumidifier next to a tall floor lamp, media console, or shelving unit to make it less noticeable. You can also tuck it behind a decorative room divider, under a floating console with airflow gaps, or within a radiator cover with a vented design.’

If you wanted to, you could even attach some castor wheels - like these 16 PCS Self Adhesive Castor Wheels from Amazon - to the bottom of the dehumidifier. This will make it easier than ever to move it around your house and tuck it into corners or in the position of your choosing.

5. Choose a stylish dehumidifier

There are many things you need to consider when choosing a dehumidifier, but most people forget that style and substance can co-exist. And if you really can’t find any way to hide a dehumidifier when you’re not using it, it may be worth choosing a stylish dehumidifier that won’t serve as an eyesore in your home.

Although dehumidifiers aren’t as pretty as the best air purifiers (especially the Dupray Bloom Air Purifier that doubles up as a plant pot), there are a few stylish contenders - one of them being the MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier / Air Purifier from Currys. This was a conscious design choice, too.

Chris from Meaco told us, ‘When we surveyed customers, the surprising result that was clear from the data was that customers don’t store dehumidifiers away, they leave them where they are. This why Arete was designed to be like a piece of furniture and has the feet at the bottom of the design (that hide the castors), as all furniture has feet.’

Alternatively, you could opt for a few smaller dehumidifiers like the Pro Breeze 1500ml Mini Dehumidifier from Amazon and scatter them around the house in lieu of one larger one. You can then tuck them behind larger pieces of furniture or even pop them under the bed when you’re not using them.

If you’re going to do that, just make sure you know what size dehumidifier you need for each room to ensure you’re getting the best coverage.

FAQs

Where is the best place to leave a dehumidifier?

If you’ve finished with your dehumidifier, it’s best to leave it in a cool, dry place where the coils can remain mould-free. You should also store it upright, especially if you have a dehumidifier that uses refrigerant to remove excess moisture from the air.

It’s also important to ensure that you don’t leave any water in the dehumidifier while you’re storing it, as this can lead to a mouldy dehumidifier tank. You want it to be stored as dry as possible.

Can you dehumidify too much?

Yes, you can. Although it’s important to remove excess moisture in a home, the ideal humidity level for a room is between 40 and 60%rh. If you dehumidify to a level lower than that, you may find that the air becomes incredibly dry. This can result in breathing difficulties and even cause your furniture to warp and shrink.

Because of this, it’s always worth buying a dehumidifier with a humidity sensor, so it automatically turns off when it reaches this ideal humidity. This way, your house will always be at the perfect level.

When you’re ready to take your dehumidifier out of hiding and use it once more, just remember to avoid the worst places to put a dehumidifier to ensure you get the most out of your appliance.

This Challenge 12L dehumidifier review puts this affordable dehumidifier through its paces to see whether it’s possible to get more bang for not-as-much buck, especially for those struggling with damp and mould during the winter months.

Of course, as someone who writes about home appliances and maintenance on a daily basis, I know that the best dehumidifiers are the key to reducing damp and condensation in a home. They can also work wonders to dry clothes indoors in winter. But despite this - and living in a damp Victorian home - I’ve never really had a proper dehumidifier. Instead, I’ve relied on a tiny, cheap dehumidifier with a pathetic extraction rate and one simple on/off button.

For me, testing the Challenge 12L dehumidifier was a massive step up. While I know what to expect from an efficient and effective dehumidifier, this offering allowed me to put these features to the test in my own damp home for a month. And although the condensation-busting qualities impressed me, the laundry mode really sold it for me.

Challenge 12L Dehumidifier product specs

• Type: Compressor
• Extraction rate: 12L/day
• Water tank capacity: 2L
• Max room size recommended: 16-24m²
• Noise level: 42dB
• Power: 280W
• Dimensions: H40.2, W28.2, D20.4cm
• Weight: 10.5kg
• Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
• Continuous drain option: Yes, but you’ll have to buy a separate hose
• Laundry mode: Yes
• WiFi connectivity: No
• Timer: Yes
• Price: £130

Unboxing and setting up

The Challenge 12L dehumidifier came in a relatively small box, but like all dehumidifiers, it was fairly hefty in size. At 10.5kg when empty, this particular model sits towards the middle of lightweight dehumidifiers like the EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 Dehumidifier at 6kg and the Pro Breeze High Capacity Smart Dehumidifier which weighs a whopping 16kg.

So, while I struggled a little to get it through the door and out of the box, this is just part and parcel of ordering an electrical appliance that should (hopefully) pack a big punch.

I was also impressed to see that the Challenge 12L dehumidifier and the instruction manual were packed tightly and neatly in the box, as electrical appliances are often surrounded by unnecessary cardboard and plastic that just doesn’t need to be there.

However, this dehumidifier boasted a simple cardboard scaffolding top and bottom, and the appliance itself was then wrapped in recyclable plastic. So, it scored some eco-points from me on that front.

In terms of the set-up, there was none. The Challenge 12L came pre-assembled and almost ready to go. I only had to remove the plug from where it had been neatly stored in the water tank for transportation.

It’s worth noting that Challenge advises standing the dehumidifier upright on a steady, even surface for 24 hours before use to allow the condenser to settle and prevent damage. So, I left it on my dining room table and spent some time looking rather than touching it for a while.

Design

As dehumidifiers go, the Challenge 12L Dehumidifier is sleek, simple, and pretty unassuming. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that it looks like 99% of the other dehumidifiers on the market - which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I always think white is a smart choice for appliances, and the Challenge D015B 12L offers this white colourway and a traditional dehumidifier shape with the addition of some fluted plastic on the front and a relatively large brand logo.

My only initial quibble with the design was that the water tank (and the filter) is on the back of the machine, which I know from experience isn’t easily accessible and somewhat awkward to open if you don’t want to pick it up and turn it around every time. I was also annoyed that there was no viewing window to check on the water levels, but I later found out that this wouldn’t be an issue.

And while this dehumidifier does give you the option for continuous drainage should you wish to go down that route, it doesn’t provide you with the tools to do this. So, you’ll need to buy a hose with an inner diameter of 10mm and a sink or drainage hole at floor height if you want to do this in the future.

Ease of use

After waiting the recommended 24 hours before using it for the first time, I finally turned the Challenge D015B 12L Dehumidifier on. To do this, I only had to press the power button.

I was intrigued to see that, for such an affordable dehumidifier, there were a lot of functions, buttons, and information on the control panel. These include:

• Power button
• Fan speed button - use to select the wind speed of High or Low
• Plus and minus buttons - use to select the desired humidity level between 30% and 90% or select ‘CO’ for continuous use
• Operation Mode - press to switch between Silent Mode, Dehumidifying Mode, and Laundry Mode
• Timer - press the button to activate timer, and then use the plus and minus buttons to select length of time required
• Water full - indicator next to the right of the screen to indicate when the water tank is full and needs emptying

Switching between these modes was extremely easy, and the buttons were incredibly responsive. The LCD screen also offered all of the information I needed to know to choose the desired settings and to offer insights into its effectiveness.

In fact, the LCD screen always shows the current level of humidity - and I must admit that it was pretty exciting seeing the numbers drop as the minutes went by.

Performance

Testing the Challenge 12L Dehumidifier in my home was a breeze. To understand how well it fared as a whole, I used it in multiple rooms in my three-bedroom Victorian home - including my office (which doubles up as the utility room to dry laundry), my living room (which is connected to a kitchen with an extractor fan that’s currently broken), and my bedroom (which sleeps two humans each night). I also switched the modes according to my needs during this testing process.

Laundry Mode

Ask any of the Ideal Home team, and they’ll tell you I’m a little bit obsessed with the best heated airers. As someone with limited space to dry laundry, I relish the fact that my heated airer can dry my laundry in just a few hours so I can tidy my clothes away and turn my office back into an office. But I also know that the heated airer vs dehumidifier debate is a close one, so I was definitely intrigued to see how well the Challenge 12L Dehumidifier Laundry mode would compare.

Timing is my biggest concern when drying laundry indoors in winter, as I want to get my clothes dry as soon as possible. So, I put a timer on my phone to see how long it took for a load to dry, and I must admit that I was impressed with the five-and-a-half-hour drying time - which is slightly less than how long it usually takes for my heated airer to dry my clothes. The water tank was almost completely full by the time it had finished, too.

My only niggle with using the dehumidifier to dry clothes was that it didn’t offer the same warmth of freshly-dried clothes from a heated airer, and the clothes didn’t smell as fresh as they did when I used my other beloved appliance. But I can’t deny that it worked its magic, and since this first initial test, I’ve actually used both my dehumidifier AND my heated airer at the same time for the past few weeks. Now, my clothes are bone dry in less than three hours.

Dehumidifying Mode

I first tested the dehumidifying mode in my living room while my husband cooked in the kitchen next to me. As we currently have a broken extractor fan, we typically open the window when cooking up a storm - but you can still sense the extra moisture in the air and spot the condensation build-up on the window. So, I was intrigued to see how the dehumidifier would fare in such a space.

I turned the Challenge 12L Dehumidifier on about halfway through my husband’s cooking session when multiple pans created steam on the hob. I was shocked to see that the humidity level was just over 75%, which is way above the recommended humidity level for a room.

To combat this, I used the minus button to select my desired humidity level (I went for 55%) and let the dehumidifier get to work. All in all, it took just one and a half hours to bring the humidity level down - even when my husband continued to cook during this time.

Silent Mode

Up until this point, I hadn’t really found any negatives to note about the Challenge 12L dehumidifier. But my first issue came when testing the Silent Mode overnight in my bedroom - as I (apparently very wrongly) assumed that this would be a quiet mode. However, I struggled to hear any difference between the normal Dehumidifying Mode and the Silent Mode.

As someone who likes a bit of white noise while I sleep, I must admit that the noise level didn’t irritate me too much. But my husband, who prefers dead silence when he’s trying to sleep, absolutely hated it. In the end, he actually went to sleep on the sofa downstairs to get some peace and quiet.

In this mode, the LCD screen also doesn’t change in the slightest, so the full force of the lights filled the whole of my bedroom. I solved this by popping a sock over the screen, but this may be something to consider if you’re a light sleeper.

However, I do think it’s important to note that Challenge calls this a ‘Silent’ mode rather than a ‘Sleep’ mode, which is perhaps more of what I was expecting. So, I guess Challenge hasn’t aimed for it to be the sleeping companion offered by other dehumidifier brands. Because of this, I can’t knock it too much.

After these three official tests, I continued using these modes and functions for a few more weeks in my home. My aim was to use it as naturally as possible to ensure the dehumidifier became like any other essential appliance in my home, and it’s fair to say that it did. The drier my home became, the less I struggled with condensation on my windows, the air felt less damp, and for the first winter in five years I didn’t spot a single sign of mould on my walls.

I also found that the Timer function was handy to have - especially during the day when I can often get caught up in work and forget to turn off appliances.

Energy use

Like many others, I’m currently on a mission to save energy at home, so I must admit that I was a little conscious of adding another appliance to my weekly roster. But it’s important to note that how much it costs to run a dehumidifier ultimately depends on two things: the exact dehumidifier you’re using and the current energy price cap.

At just 280W, the Challenge D015B 12L Dehumidifier has relatively low wattage compared to other models on the market, which means it’ll set you back around 6p to 7p an hour, depending on your tariff and the current price cap.

During my testing process, I didn’t notice any significant change in my energy bills. In fact, one day, when I ran a load of washing, used both my dehumidifier and heated airer AND stayed at home on a gloomy winter’s day (which meant I had lights and the TV on for most of the day), I could see from my energy provider’s app that I’d spent just £1.88 on electricity.

However, if you have a particularly damp house and plan on using it every day for multiple hours, this is a factor you’d need to consider if you’re conscious of rising energy bills.

Noise levels

Ultimately, dehumidifiers are an appliance - and most appliances make noise when they’re running. This is also the case with the Challenge 12L dehumidifier, which runs at 42dB. This decibel rating is at the louder end of the compressor dehumidifier spectrum and something that I did notice throughout my testing process.

However, I do live in a small house and don’t have any rooms larger than 3x3m, which meant that I was always sitting (or sleeping) just a short distance away from the appliance every time it was on. This meant that I heard the full brunt of the dehumidifier, which was slightly irritating when I tuned into it. This was especially true when the Laundry Mode was on, as this was undoubtedly the loudest mode. But when I ignored it and got on with my work or had the TV on in the background, I must admit that I sometimes forgot it was turned on.

If you’re looking for a quiet dehumidifier, this might not be the option for you. But if you have a larger home or don’t mind the white noise that comes from a household appliance making your home more hospitable, then it’s something that you can live with. I definitely could.

Portability

As mentioned earlier, the Challenge 12L dehumidifier comes in at 10.5kg, so you have to put some welly into moving it around. However, there are built-in handles on each side of the dehumidifier, which made moving it from room to room pretty easy when I got used to its weight. Of course, some castor wheels on the bottom would be great for those with limited movement or mobility issues, but I’m thankful that I had the ability and strength to move it by myself.

As I have a home that’s on the smaller side, I also found that the 1.8m cord length was plenty long enough for the rooms in my house. However, I will say that as it’s so important to put a dehumidifier in the right place, the cord might be too short for those looking to use this dehumidifier in bigger rooms.

Maintenance

In terms of the maintenance side of things, the Challenge 12L dehumidifier is fairly low maintenance. All you need to do is remember to wipe it with a damp cloth every so often and empty it regularly - and I got into a habit of emptying it after every use to ensure it was always fresh and ready to go when I wanted to use it next time.

Thankfully, there’s no way you’ll forget to empty this dehumidifier, as the tank indicator light will turn on and it’ll beep 15 times to alert you to the fact that it’s full. It also won’t restart again until it’s been emptied, which is a nice touch.

As mentioned before, the design of this dehumidifier meant that I either had to turn the appliance around (which is much heavier when full of water) or reach around the back to slide out the water tank. And while I thought this would be irritating, it just became second nature after a while. Then, as I like to use my dehumidifier water around the house, I often emptied the tank into my houseplants. If not, I simply emptied it down the sink.

Although I haven’t witnessed it myself just yet, this dehumidifier is also kitted out with an auto-defrosting function. So, when frost builds up on the evaporator coils, the compressor will cycle off for around 10 minutes, and the fan will continue to run until the frost disappears. Once it’s been defrosted, the dehumidifier will resume its function.

How does it rate online?

As the Challenge 12L dehumidifier has only recently launched in this specific size, there are only 12 reviews at the time of writing. However, they are all impressive reviews, with a 4.7 rating overall and 92% of customers stating that they’d recommend the product. For the most part, customers praise the model for its easy emptying and ability to dry wet laundry.

The Challenge D015B 10 Litre Dehumidifier (this appliance’s little brother) has been out for longer, though, and is essentially the exact same product but with a smaller capacity - and it has even more reviews we can use to see how the 12L model fares.

With over 180 reviews and a 4.7-star rating overall, it’s fair to say that it’s rated extremely highly online by customers using it to successfully combat condensation in their homes and dry their clothes in the winter months. One customer even wrote, ‘Easy to empty, cheap to run, I only wish we had bought one earlier.’

How does it compare to similar models?

I’d be remiss if I didn’t first compare the Challenge 12L dehumidifier to the dehumidifier that’s been crowned the ‘best overall’ dehumidifier in our guide: The MeacoDry Arete Two. This appliance received a glowing 5-star review, but it’s fair to say that these two dehumidifiers are very different.

Although the Challenge offering is competent and efficient, the MeacoDry Arete Two is a different level of dehumidifier - mostly because it doubles up as one of the best air purifiers, too. This model can also be controlled via a smartphone app and impressed our reviewer with its whisper-quiet noise level.

However, the Meaco doesn’t offer a timer (which the Challenge does), and it’s also more expensive. While the MeacoDry Arete Two 12L model retails for £199.99, the Challenge is over £60 cheaper at £130 when it’s not on sale for less.

Because of this, the Challenge 12L dehumidifier is most similar to the ElectriQ 12L Dehumidifier, which has been dubbed the ‘best affordable’ dehumidifier in our guide. It was given a 4.5-star review and was praised for its automatic humidity sensor, built-in carbon filter, and overall efficiency. It’s also around the same price as the Challenge dehumidifier, but doesn’t offer a dedicated Laundry mode.

With this in mind, it’s worth taking stock of what you want from a dehumidifier. Do you want it to banish moisture and improve air quality? Do you want it to dry your laundry? Or do you want it to do all of the above? Once you know this, it’s easier to understand which dehumidifier will suit you best.

Should you buy the Challenge D015B 12L Dehumidifier?

In my opinion, the Challenge 12L dehumidifier will tick all of your boxes if you’re looking for an affordable dehumidifier that gets the job done. Sure, it doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as other high-tech dehumidifiers on the market, but it’s up to you to decide whether you need an in-built air purifier or Wi-Fi connectivity.

During my testing, I found this model to offer exactly what I needed in terms of extraction rate in my three-bedroom home and it battled the condensation that often builds up in my Victorian property with ease. It’s also relatively small and compact and can be tucked behind the sofa or hidden in a cupboard when you’re not using it.

Of course, if the 12L size doesn’t work for you, I’d recommend opting for the 10L or 16L models instead. They’re exactly the same but with different extraction rates, so it’s worth knowing what size dehumidifier you need for your home before parting with your money.

How we tested

You can find more information on how we review products at Ideal Home here, as well as a full breakdown of how we test dehumidifiers. For this review, the Challenge 12L dehumidifier was tested by Lauren, Ideal Home’s Content Editor for the House Manual section. She tested it in her small Victorian terrace in Kent between between December and January, which is normally when damp, condensation, and mould hits her home the hardest.

All in all, Lauren used this dehumidifier for a month, testing everything from its many modes and functions to its noise levels and portability. In addition to following our testing guidelines, she tried to use it as naturally as possible to banish the dampness and condensation in her home. This allowed her to understand how other customers would fare if they were to buy it.

At the end of the month, Lauren weighed up her findings to determine how well the dehumidifier performed and whether she thought it was worth the price tag. With this information in tow, she was able to give it a score out of 5.

Although Lauren was sent this dehumidifier to review, this in no way impacted her fair and impartial review process. She has shared her own experiences with the Challenge 12L dehumidifier while also thinking about the positives and potential pitfalls others may encounter in their own homes - especially those who struggle with damp and mould.

You probably don’t need us to tell you that dehumidifiers have become the must-have home appliance of the decade. But if you’ve still not jumped on the dehumidifier bandwagon, it may be because you don’t know how to choose a dehumidifier. After all, there are so many out there.

In fact, the best dehumidifiers come in so many shapes and forms - differing in terms of size, power, noise levels, functionality, and more. And while they can all help to get rid of damp and dry your clothes in winter, the sheer number of dehumidifiers on the market means that some are always going to be better than others. So, which one should you buy?

To help you choose a dehumidifier, we’ve compiled all of the information you need to consider before buying one. This will ensure you don’t waste your money on the wrong option and allow you to choose the perfect option for your home and needs.

1. Types of dehumidifiers

One of the biggest dehumidifier mistakes we see people make before purchasing is not knowing that there are actually a handful of different types that will best serve different purposes. A lack of knowledge in this will usually leave shoppers dissatisfied with the performance of their dehumidifier and its effectiveness as they'll buy the wrong type for their needs.

Depending on whether your main pain points are to get rid of damp or to dry clothes fast indoors, this will greatly determine which type of dehumidifier you'll find the most success with.

Here are the most common types of dehumidifiers and their differences:

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 desiccant 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, conservatories, or unheated rooms in the house over winter – making desiccant dehumidifiers better in these circumstances.

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.

2. 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 gauge when choosing the best dehumidifier for your home.

However, Joshua Warren, dehumidifier expert at AO.com suggests to, 'Measure the room and opt for smaller or larger appliances depending on their size. For instance, if your room is medium to large in radius (20-50m²), choose a medium capacity appliance which will be between 10-20 litres a day.'

'Yet if there are activities in your home that create more humidity like frequent cooking or drying your laundry – then a higher capacity dehumidifier may be beneficial for you, even for smaller rooms,' he adds.

To help you, we've discussed this in detail in our explainer covering how big of a dehumidifier you need for your specific needs.

3. Water tank capacity

It's also important not to confuse the extraction rate with a dehumidifier's 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 Two'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.

4. Noise levels

It's also worth considering noise levels before you invest in a dehumidifier, as noise disturbance is a big bugbear among dehumidifier owners. This is most noticeable if you plan to purchase a dehumidifier to help you sleep better.

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.

As Chris Michael, Managing Director of Meaco, explains, 'One of the main problems with many dehumidifier units is that they are noisy at night when you want to sleep. Look for dehumidifiers that have won the Quiet Mark award for low noise. These dehumidifiers typically have a night or quiet mode, where the fan operates at its lowest speed, so even if your unit is removing water from the air overnight, it shouldn't disturb you.'

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 Two Dehumidifier is our top choice for a low-volume compressor dehumidifier.

5. Other functionality

Lastly, there's extra functionality to consider when choosing a dehumidifier. 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.

These are great features to be mindful of, especially if you often find yourself questioning how long you should keep a dehumidifier running. In turn, this will save energy (and money) as the appliance isn't running if it doesn't need to be, ultimately decreasing the cost of running a dehumidifier overall.

Many also offer a Laundry Drying mode that can give the appliance an extra boost when you're trying to dry wet washing indoors because yes, dehumidifiers do help dry clothes more effectively.

FAQs

Will a dehumidifier stop condensation on windows in winter?

Although a dehumidifier may not stop condensation on windows completely, it can certainly reduce the amount of condensation you find on your windows as it can suck up the excess moisture in the air. This will stop it from settling on your windows and prevent excess condensation.

Should you run a dehumidifier in the winter?

Yes, dehumidifiers are perfect for winter use, as they can reduce the excess moisture and dampness in the air. This will not only make your home feel more comfortable, but a dehumidifier will also work hard to prevent condensation and mould build-up, which could lead to health concerns and even structural damage to your home.

However, it's important to note that some dehumidifiers work better in colder temperatures than others. That's why it's always a good idea to understand the different types of dehumidifiers before purchasing one.

Now you know how to choose a dehumidifier, it's time to choose the perfect option for you and your needs.

Dehumidifiers have quickly become commonplace among many households, serving as a tried and tested solution to tackle damp issues as well as a useful companion to reliably dry laundry indoors quickly. But, have you ever wondered whether their performance differs according to the time of day you're running it, and is it better to run a dehumidifier during the day or at night?

Generally speaking, the best dehumidifiers will have an automatic humidistat and simply turn on and off depending on the humidity levels in the room it's in. This ensures consistent moisture management throughout the day. Plus, many experts will advise you to just keep your dehumidifier running if you're dealing with major moisture issues, as messing with the switch prematurely can add hours (or even days) to the timeframe of drying out a room.

However, if you're cost conscious or interested in uncovering whether there are any hidden benefits to running your dehumidifier at different times of the day, that's where we come in. We've asked experts for their take, as well as their top pointers to be aware of depending on whether you want to run it during the day or in the evening.

Is it better to run a dehumidifier during the day or at night?

'When you choose to run your dehumidifier will depend on your needs and the environment in your home,' begins Holly Male, brand manager at Duux UK.

Holly notes that running a dehumidifier during the day is ideal for managing moisture from daily activities like cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors; all of which can significantly increase humidity levels inside your home. Engaging in these sort of activities long-term without offsetting them with the proper ventilation can potentially lead you to needing a dehumidifier.

'On the other hand, running it at night can improve sleep quality by creating a more comfortable sleeping environment and reduce dampness in the bedroom,' adds Holly. If you're looking to use a dehumidifier in a bedroom at night-time, it's probably worth ensuring it can operate quietly or has a dedicated sleep mode to keep disturbances to a minimum.

However, if damp and condensation is a continuous issue in your home, you may not have the luxury of choice when it comes to choosing between day or night to run your dehumidifier – you'll need it on at all times. Otherwise, you're subjecting yourself to falling foul to the dehumidifier mistake of never letting it run for long enough to actually be effective.

In this case, Aneesa Khan, assistant electricals buyer at VonHaus recommends that 'instead of turning it on and off constantly, you can change the humidistat so that the dehumidifier goes into standby once it has reached the optimal humidity level.' When it detects an increase in humidity levels, it'll kick back into action.

When is it cheapest to run a dehumidifier?

Aside from the little benefits that come with choosing to run a dehumidifier at different times of the day – 'daytime use tackles humidity when it's created, and night-time use can help improve comfort for sleeping,' explains Holly – there's now the question of running costs. Does the cost of running a dehumidifier differ from day to night?

'Conversely, should you be looking to run your dehumidifier at a cheaper rate, then running it at night would be a wise idea. Usually, there are cheaper energy rates during the off-peak hours, making night-time operations more cost-effective,' says Joshua Warren, AO.com's dehumidifier expert.

However, benefitting from cheaper rates will of course depend entirely on the electricity tariff that you're on. If you are on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff, then you will pay a cheaper rate for electricity you use at off-peak times. That means using a washing machine at off-peak times, as well as other appliances, including your dehumidifier, can lower your energy bills compared to using them at peak times.

Shop our top dehumidifier picks

'In general, the time of day doesn't affect the effectiveness of a dehumidifier. If your house has damp, the dehumidifier is going to be useful day or night,' confirms Aneesa. Regardless of which time of day you choose, you can rest assured that your device will perform and deliver the results you're after – so long as you buy the right dehumidifier for your home.

However, as Holly had stated earlier, there are some small benefits of running your dehumidifier at specific times, such as managing moisture as it's created or providing extra sleep comfort. Plus, depending on your energy tariff, you could save money by running it at particular times of day. The choice is ultimately yours on which things you decide to prioritise.

Black Friday is here, and with it comes an opportunity to bag some fantastic discounts on some of the most sought-after dehumidifiers.

The best deal we've seen so far among the many discounted offerings? One for the Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier, which is currently up for grabs for just £99.99, down from £184.99, on Debenhams of all places! This is a whopping 46% discount, and considering it's one of the best dehumidifiers we've tested at Ideal Home, we can in good faith say it's a worthwhile investment.

Dehumidifiers have quickly risen in popularity as the must-buy of the season, earning their spot in many homes for their ability to deal with damp issues and make drying laundry indoors far less of a pain during the wet, winter months. Therefore, it only makes sense that shoppers everywhere are scrambling to get their hands on a Black Friday deal for a top-rated dehumidifier.

The features that made the Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier that won over our reviewer, Rachael, when we tested it were its powerful extraction rate, relatively low energy consumption and and its compact build; just to name a few. If you're concerned about costs, this device is among some of the cheapest dehumidifiers to run. While its energy usage is still higher than the sellout MeacoDry Arete range at its 12L sizes, the Pro Breeze is a lot cheaper to buy upfront with this current discount and easier to get your hands on right now amidst the Black Friday chaos.

The Pro Breeze dehumidifier also has some handy features such as an automatic humidity sensor, meaning the device will turn on and off as it sees suitable (less monitoring needed for you, which is always a plus) and a 24-hour timer allowing for convenience and more control to choose when you want it running if you need to dry out a damp room.

Its 12L size makes it most suitable for smaller rooms of up to 15m², and it immediately gets to work at removing excess moisture in the air. One thing you should note, however, is that the water tank is a bit on the smaller side, so if you have major damp issues, you may find yourself emptying it more frequently than not to keep up with its powerful extraction rate. It also doesn't have any smart features, but rest assured its sleek interface provides more than enough control, customisation, and monitoring.

That said, if you have a small space in your home that needs that little bit of TLC to fight off minor damp issues, we can attest to the Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier being a great buy – especially at this stellar sub £100 price point.

It’s well-documented that dehumidifiers will absorb the excess moisture in your home, creating a healthy humidity for you and your family. But if you’re conscious of another appliance affecting your energy bills, it can be helpful to know how long a dehumidifier takes to dry out a room?

The best dehumidifiers are ideal for the winter months, but turning them off and on can break your heart a little when you’re trying to save energy at home. After all, the longer it’s on, the more it’ll cost you to run. That’s why knowing how long it takes to work its magic can help you understand how long you need to keep it on to avoid making dehumidifier mistakes.

Chris Michael, Meaco’s managing director, explains, ‘Generally, you can expect noticeable results within a few hours when using an appropriately sized dehumidifier for the space.’ However, if you want to know exactly how long a dehumidifier takes to dry out a room, you need to consider a few different factors.

1. The size of the room

Size really does matter when it comes to dehumidifiers. And just as you can’t use a small plug-in heater to heat a large open-plan living room, you also can’t use a small dehumidifier to dry it out. It won’t even touch the sides and will take much longer to work its magic.

This is supported by Adele Brennan, Home Electricals Buyer at Vonhaus, who says, ‘The larger the room, the more powerful the dehumidifier needs to be.’ But it’s important to note that the size of a dehumidifier isn’t about the physical size of the appliance.

Instead, choosing the choosing the right size dehumidifier is all about the extraction rate - the amount of water it can remove from the air in a given period. It’s this extraction rate that will ultimately impact how long a dehumidifier takes to dry out a room.

Chris explains, ‘Dehumidifiers are generally named after the amount of water they can extract in 24 hours, i.e. 8L, 10L, 12L, 20L and so on. The extraction rate of the dehumidifier you choose should align with the overall size of the property. For a two-bedroom house, a small to medium-sized dehumidifier, typically an 8L desiccant or either a 10L / 12L compressor dehumidifier, will be the right size. For larger properties, a 20L or 25L is more suitable.’

So, if you want to dry out a room quickly, you must choose a dehumidifier appropriate for the room size.

2. The humidity level

If you want to prevent mould and keep your home a happy and healthy place to live, you should always aim to reach the ideal humidity level of a room. This is the same across the board, with experts agreeing that a relative humidity of between 40 and 60%rh is perfect.

However, every home is different, and this will ultimately affect how long it takes a dehumidifier to dry out a room. And the higher the humidity, the longer it will take. So, this is something to consider if you’ve only just started using a dehumidifier in your home.

‘If you’re using a dehumidifier in a damp room for the first time, it may take significantly longer—sometimes even days—to dry out the space, as moisture is often absorbed into walls, floors, wood and soft furnishings,’ warns Chris.

But if your aim is to keep a dehumidifier running to prevent damp, it’s well worth investing in a smarter model that will allow you to set a target humidity. Chris explains, ‘The dehumidifier will work hard to extract this excess moisture and, if set to a target humidity, will automatically switch off once the desired level is reached, turning back on only if it detects an increase.’

And while the initial dehumidifying session could take a few days (or even weeks in extreme cases) to reach this ideal humidity, it won’t have to stay on for as long as that afterwards - as only minor changes should be detected. So, it will take your dehumidifier less time to dry out a room.

3. Underlying damp issues in your home

A dehumidifier can certainly work miracles in a damp home, but even this magical appliance has its limits. And while a dehumidifier can dry out damp walls, it can’t solve any underlying damp issues in your home.

This is made even more complicated by the fact that there are many types of damp out there, from simple lifestyle damp to more serious penetrating damp. The only way to solve many of these different types is to fix the root cause - and a dehumidifier won’t do that.

You may have to keep a dehumidifier running for weeks or even months if you don’t fix what’s causing the excess moisture in the first place. This is not something you want to do for the sake of your energy bills and the structural integrity of your property.

So, you should always treat the underlying cause before relying on a dehumidifier to dry out your room.

4. How well the dehumidifier is maintained

The efficiency and the drying speed of a dehumidifier are also impacted by your choices - which means you must maintain and clean your dehumidifier regularly.

You should occasionally clean the filter and empty the water tank as it fills up. This is echoed by Katie Holland, Marketing Manager at Zanussi Comfort & Outdoors, who says, ‘Correct maintenance is key to ensure the dehumidifier runs as efficiently as possible. Always empty the water tank on a regular basis, as a full tank will cause the dehumidifier to overwork.’

And if you want to reduce the amount of time it takes a dehumidifier to dry out a room; you should also put it in the correct location. Aim to place your dehumidifier in the centre of the room rather than in the corner or against a wall, and avoid the worst places to put a dehumidifier to reduce drying speed.

FAQs

Is it better to run a dehumidifier at night or day?

Ultimately, this all depends on your needs. It’s perfectly safe to run a dehumidifier either during the day or at night, so you need to find something that works for you, your house, and your humidity levels.

If you’re not at home during the day, it makes sense to have your dehumidifier running overnight to work its magic. If you work from home during the day, you may want to keep it on during the day.

Alternatively, you could choose a dehumidifier that automatically turns itself off when it reaches the ideal humidity, so you’re only using it when your home needs it.

Why is my dehumidifier filling up so fast?

There are a few reasons why your dehumidifier may be filling up so fast. These include:

• Your home is incredibly humid, and there’s a lot of excess moisture in the air.
• It’s positioned too close to a water source.
• The dehumidifier is too small for your needs.
• You have a serious damp issue in your home.
• The dehumidifier and its filter need to be cleaned.
• Your house is too cold.

So, by considering all of the above, you should be able to determine how long it takes a dehumidifier to dry out a room.

How often you empty your dehumidifier can affect your machine’s performance, according to experts.

A dehumidifier acts to remove moisture from your room, improving air quality, drying clothes and combating issues with damp, mould and condensation. If you’ve invested in one of the best dehumidifiers, you’ll already be well-versed in how good they are. But even with a top-of-the-range model, you need to ensure your machine is well looked after, to avoid making any dehumidifier mistakes.

One common mistake to make is neglecting to empty your dehumidifier the correct amount. When it comes to how often you should empty your dehumidifier, there is no clear-cut answer. All you have to do is bear in mind the humidity of your room compared to the capacity of your dehumidifier.

How often should you empty a dehumidifier?

There is a common misconception that the more you empty your dehumidifier, the more efficient your machine will be.

‘The frequency of emptying your dehumidifier depends on the humidity levels in your home, the size of the water tank, and how much moisture the dehumidifier is pulling out of the air,’ says Chris Michael, managing director of Meaco. ‘If your machine is filling up quickly, it’s a sign that it’s working effectively in removing moisture, but that doesn’t mean a less frequent need to empty it indicates poor performance. It may simply mean that your room’s humidity level is stabilising, or the dehumidifier is sized appropriately for the space.’

When it comes to emptying your dehumidifier there is no hard and fast rule either - it entirely depends on how much liquid your dehumidifier can hold. Some dehumidifiers can hold up to 12 litres of water while others hold under a litre. Choosing the right size dehumidifier, all depends on how humid your home is - if you're looking to use one across your whole house instead of one room, a larger dehumidifier is needed.

‘How often you need to empty it will depend on how humid your space is and the size of your dehumidifier’s tank. For most people, it could range from once a day to every few days. If you’re in a particularly damp environment or are using a dehumidifier for the first time, you may find yourself emptying it more frequently during the first few days when the machine is working its hardest to bring down the humidity,’ says Chris.

Most dehumidifiers will let you know when they need emptying. Some automatically shut off while others have an indicator light or even have an audible noise when the cycle is done.

Why you need to empty your dehumidifier

If you don’t empty your dehumidifier, leaving the water in the tank, this is where problems can occur.

‘It’s a bad idea to not empty your dehumidifier as this will, quite simply, stop your appliance from working. If the tank is full, the machine cannot collect more water which means it won’t be reducing humidity levels effectively,’ says Joshua Warren, dehumidifier expert at AO.com

‘You’re also faced with the prospect of stagnant water in your tank from causing unpleasant odours. Simply be vigilant in future and empty your dehumidifier whenever you have the chance!

‘Leaving water in your dehumidifier for prolonged periods can lead to some issues. Stagnant water leaves a musky smell, and, in some cases, this water can corrode your dehumidifier’s internals – which may shorten the lifespan of your appliance.

‘To avoid these problems, simply empty its tank after every use and keep your dehumidifier running healthily.’

Shop our best rated dehumidifiers

When you empty your machine, use the opportunity to clean your dehumidifier, to help it to continue to run efficiently.

While there are no hard and fast rules for exactly how often you should empty your dehumidifier, it’s important to pay attention to your machine, emptying it every time the tank is full.

Dehumidifiers can be a gamechanger for dealing with damp, mould, and musty smells in your home. However, what a lot of people – including myself – have come to realise, buying the right one isn't always as straightforward as you might think.

From choosing the right type for your space to understanding key features, there are many things I wish I knew before buying a dehumidifier. While opting to sift through the rankings of the best dehumidifiers currently available on the market is a good place to start, there are a handful of things that you can't always be sure about until it arrives at your doorstep.

To help you navigate choosing the right one, here's what I've learned through my own trial and error. I've also asked the experts for their take on the things you should know before investing in a dehumidifier, so you can spend wisely and avoid falling foul to many common dehumidifier mistakes.

1. Choose the right type of dehumidifier

What a lot of people don't realise is that there are different types of dehumidifier to choose from. The two most popular types – compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers – work differently and suit different environments.

'Desiccant models are ideal options for colder areas like an unheated conservatory or garage, while compressors are more suitable for warmer environments such as inside the home,' explains Joshua Warren, AO.com's dehumidifier expert.

Alternatively, non-electric options, such as the Absodry Duo Family or the Bostik Breathe are great if you're looking to manage mild moisture issues inside small areas like bathrooms or wardrobes.

For example, I use the Bostik Breathe in my small bathroom, and it does the job great there. However, I'd never expect it to be as effective if I were to relocate it to my bigger living room. That's what my trusty MeacoDry Arete Two is for.

Therefore, knowing where you're planning to put your dehumidifier and its purpose will help you decide which type is best for you, so you don't find yourself underwhelmed with your attempts of trying to get rid of damp.

2. Size and capacity matters

The beauty of a dehumidifier is that you can really tailor your selection to ensure it's right for your space, which can boil down to a lot of factors including size.

'The size of a dehumidifier will depend on how big the space you want to dehumidify is, the level of dampness in your home, and also whether you want to use it for any other purposes, such as drying washing,' says Aneesa Khan, assistant home electricals buyer at VonHaus.

Dehumidifiers are typically rated by how much moisture they can extract per day, which is measured in litres. Smaller units are suitable for single rooms or small areas, but larger spaces will need higher-capacity models to be effective.

'If you're looking to dry washing or you want to try fixing a patch of damp in a small room, you could try a small tabletop dehumidifier which collects around 1L,' recommends Aneesa. For example, the Pro Breeze 1500ml Mini Dehumidifier is a great, budget-friendly choice we've tried for mild moisture issues.

'However, if you're dealing with a lot of humidity in a smaller room, go for a 12L dehumidifier. For larger rooms, it would be worth looking at a model that extracts between 20L and 30L,' she says.

3. Don't underestimate energy efficiency

Being deep into the winter months and taking into consideration factors such as the higher energy price cap in January 2025, prioritising energy efficiency is crucial. A big misconception I had is that high-capacity dehumidifiers use a lot of energy, but that's not always the case.

For example, the 20L and 25L MeacoDry Arete Two use 207W and 250W, respectively, which evens out to around 4p per hour when calculating the cost of running a dehumidifier.

Considering these large capacities and high extraction rates, the MeacoDry Arete's energy consumption is almost next to nothing compared to other dehumidifiers we've tested that cost a lot more to run – many of which offer less than half of this capacity and extraction rate.

If you're planning to use your dehumidifier during the winter, chances are it'll be operating for the majority of the day. That means taking into account energy consumption and features that can help contribute to reducing costs, is really useful. Joshua advises looking for dehumidifiers that have features such as auto shut-off, eco modes, and adjustable fan speeds to help you save energy at home.

4. Extra features make all the difference

In my experience, it's well worth looking for dehumidifiers with specific features that can best cater to your needs. Energy-saving features like auto shut-off and eco modes are great for the cost-conscious, but there's also smart features taking the limelight now.

'Check if the dehumidifier can be controlled by a smart app for convenience,' advises Holly Male, brand manager at Duux UK. For example, the Duux Bora Smart dehumidifier and MeacoDry Arete Two can be connected to their respective apps, allowing you to control humidity levels and modes remotely and even set timers. 'It's a game-changer for busy households,' assures Holly.

In addition, if you want to use a dehumidifier to dry clothes then a model with a dedicated laundry mode is a must. 'This speeds up indoor drying, making it easier to manage wet clothes during the colder months without cluttering your home with damp laundry,' says Holly.

5. They don't solve structural problems

As much as I'd love for a dehumidifier to be a one-stop solution for all the damp issues encountered during the wet season, this is unfortunately not the case. As such, it's important that you're fully aware of a dehumidifier's limitations.

Don't get me wrong, a dehumidifier is fantastic for managing damp symptoms and can help dry out damp walls, but it won't fix the root cause or get rid of mould completely if it's already there. If your home has a long history of poor ventilation, leaks, or signs of rising damp, these are issues that need to be addressed if you want to see long-term improvements.

Consider a dehumidifier a supplementary for symptom management, rather than the end all be all.

Shop our pick of the best dehumidifiers

With all that said, the biggest thing you should take from this is that dehumidifiers are not a one size fits all. While it's wise to look at the bestsellers, it's important that you don't just go ahead and buy the first one you see.

By understanding your home and lifestyle needs, plus the features that matter most to you, you'll be able to make a better informed and smarter choice when buying a dehumidifier – and avoid these mistakes I made in the process.

Are you getting the most out of your dehumidifier? Yes, it might be doint an amazing job of preventing damp and mould, but are you making good used of the litres of water it's gathering? If not, these are the four ways you could put that dehumidifier water to good use around the house.

Some of the best dehumidifiers can extract up to 25 litres of water from the air per day. If you're running yours all day and using it to drying clothes in winter, that is a lot of water to empty.

The water from your dehumidifier is not safe for human consumption, but there are other ways to use it around the house.

‘This water, often called 'grey water', isn’t the same as tap water – it’s essentially condensed moisture from the air,’ points out Fiona Peake, money-saving expert at Ocean Finance.

‘It can contain dust, bacteria, or even traces of metals from the machine's components making it unsafe for drinking or cooking, but it can be incredibly useful in other ways.' We've asked the experts and these are the four things you can safely reuse dehumidifier water for.

1. Watering plants

Watering your plants using your dehumidifier water is a savvy and sustainable way to save money.

Some plants such as orchids thrive on grey water, however before you go sloshing it on your flower beds, Fiona recommends looking at how your dehumidifier was made.

‘One great use is watering your plants, just make sure to check if your dehumidifier has a metal coil or has been treated with any chemicals like antifreeze,’ she says.

‘This could add small amounts of lead, making contamination a risk, so avoid using them on edible plants like herbs or vegetables. For decorative plants, though, it’s perfect. If you’re unsure, check your dehumidifier’s manual.’

2. Use it to fill your iron

'It’s excellent for filling irons or humidifiers since it’s already distilled and won’t cause limescale build-up. If you’re using dehumidifier water regularly, give the collection tank a good clean every week to keep it free from bacteria,' says Fiona.

So in fact using dehumidifier water, your iron will run more efficiently and you can descale your iron less frequently.

3. Cleaning your home

You may have the notion that dehumidifier water is dirty, having come from sucking moisture out of the air. However, it can actually be an effective tool when it comes to mopping your floors.

'Dehumidifier water is considered soft water and can be used to clean all sorts of surfaces like windows, furniture, and floors,' says Jullia Joson, Ideal Home's Home Tech writer and in-house dehumidifier expert.

'Plus, since this water is almost mineral-free, it won't leave streaks or spots in its wake. However, be warned that dehumidifier water shouldn't be consumed, so you should avoid using it for jobs like washing your dishes, for example.'

If you live in an area of hard water, then you’ll know all about limescale streaks undoing your cleaning work. What’s more, soft water is easier to lather and doesn’t leave soap scum behind.

4. To dillute antifreeze

Dehumidifier water can also be used to dilute antifreeze for your car. This is for the same reason dehumidifier water is good for using it in your iron.

Antifreeze is needed as the cold temperatures can cause your engine to freeze and crack resulting in damage.

It lacks the minerals that cause limescale build up inside your car's cooling systems. With the weather dropping, you’re more likely to need to top up your antifreeze and replacing your tap water for grey water can help save on your water bills.

Our favourite dehumidifiers

Next time you go to empty your dehumidifier, why not stop and consider what cleaning jobs you can complete with its water?

A dehumidifier has quickly become a must for our homes during the winter to help keep damp and condensation and bay. However, if you've noticed that your dehumidifier doesn't seem to be collecting as much water as it used to, or not collecting water at all, there are a handful of reasons as to why this might be happening.

As fantastic as these devices are at their job, even the best dehumidifiers aren't exempt from running into minor complications every now and then. So, before you assume the worst, there are many potential causes to your dehumidifier woes, and luckily, most of them are easy to fix.

We've asked experts to help us explain why your dehumidifier might have stopped collecting water, and how to troubleshoot to get your device back to its working order.

1. The water tank is full

First and foremost, the most simple reason as to why your dehumidifier is no longer collecting water is that the water tank is full. 'Dehumidifiers switch off if the water tank is full to prevent flooding,' explains Chris Michael, managing director at Meaco.

Many models that employ the auto shut-off system when the water tank is full will not turn back on – or let you switch it back on – until the tank is emptied and reinserted. Therefore, it's important to empty your water tank regularly and not allow it to sit full for too long. Not only are you wasting precious time where your device could be putting in the work at tackling damp issues in your home, but could also leave you with the unfortunate task of having to clean a mouldy dehumidifier water tank.

2. The room is at target humidity

Another straightforward reason why your dehumidifier has stopped collecting water is because the room it's placed in has already reached the desired target humidity.

Holly Male, brand manager at Duux UK notes that when the desired humidity percentage has been met when being operated in auto-mode, 'it will continue circulating air, but the compressor will become inactive until the humidity percentage rises again.' If humidity levels shift, the device will turn back on to address it. For this reason alone, it's important to keep a dehumidifier running and not try to manually operate it or switch it off and on constantly.

As for what the target humidity levels should be, to maintain a stable and comfortable humidity in the home, Chris recommends setting the dehumidifier to target 55%rh (relative humidity).

3. The room is too cold

Another factor that could explain why your dehumidifier isn't collecting water could boil down to the temperature of the room the device is in.

'If the room is too cold—say below 15°C—this can affect the performance of compressor refrigerant dehumidifiers, which are the most common type found in the UK,' explains Chris. This is because at lower temperatures, the coils can freeze, causing the unit to stop collecting water and switch to defrost mode.

In the case that you're looking to manage humidity levels in a cold, unheated room, it's probably best to consider a desiccant model as desiccant dehumidifiers are better when operated in colder temperatures. Chris explains that this is because desiccant units are unaffected by the cold and emit heat as part of the dehumidification process.

Therefore, when choosing between a compressor vs desiccant dehumidifier, the choice is simple. If the room you're putting it in is above 15°C use a compressor, below 15°C use a desiccant model.

4. The room is very dry

Similarly to how there can be issues that arise when using a dehumidifier in a room that's too cold, the same can happen if the room is too dry. Holly explains that when humidity in a room is already very low, this can lead to less and less condensation occurring in the dehumidifier.

In terms of relative humidity levels, Chris says that if the room's relative humidity is below 40%rh, the dehumidifier will likely not collect any water.

5. Dirty filter or blocked parts

If your dehumidifier isn't collecting water, it might also be due to internal issues, such as blocked parts or lack of maintenance. 'Most dehumidifiers are made up of several parts, and it's important they're cleaned regularly to ensure the dehumidifier works correctly,' says Aneesa Khan, assistant home electricals buyer at VonHaus.

'If your dehumidifier has stopped collecting water, it would be worth checking and cleaning the filter first,' continues Aneesa. A lot of people often forget to clean their dehumidifier, but it makes a huge difference. 'For other parts, it's recommended to take the dehumidifier to someone who is qualified to fix it.'

Additionally, if you're using a continuous drainage setup, it's also worth checking for any blockages or kinks in the hose, as this could also be hindering the dehumidifier from collecting water in the tank.

Shop our top-rated dehumidifiers

With all that said, even the best-in-class dehumidifiers can run into some issues from time to time. Whether it's a full water tank, low temperature or humidity levels, or filters that just require a bit of TLC, there are a number of reasons why your dehumidifier might have stopped collecting water.

By being clued up on all the potential issues that could arise and their solutions, you can be one step ahead of troubleshooting your trusty dehumidifier and getting it back to working its magic in tackling damp and condensation inside your home. Considering it's a winter must-have, ensuring it's in tip-top shape certainly pays.

If you've wound up in an unfortunate position like me to have a bathroom that never seems to fully dry out, despite opening windows and letting the extractor fan run, you'll also know the struggle of dealing with constant humidity.

My bathroom isn't big by any means, but it's large enough where cracking a window open doesn't quite do the trick, leaving me with that muggy feeling in the air, especially after a shower. The worst part? It feels like my towels never fully dry before its next use.

Although I've enlisted the help of one of the best dehumidifiers on the market, the MeacoDry Arete Two, in my downstairs living area; doing the same for my bathroom was unfortunately not a practical option because of size constraints and safety concerns.

While it's possible to use a dehumidifier in a bathroom, I was not going to test my luck and instead wanted to opt for a non-electric counterpart in its place, to which I came across the Bostik Breathe Humidity Absorber. It's small, silent, and designed to absorb excess moisture in your home, without the need for electricity. All of these factors make it, in my opinion, perfect for a bathroom setting. But, would it deliver on its big claims? I tested one to find out.

Admittedly, the concept of a non-electric dehumidifier may initially raise some eyebrows. Do they actually get rid of damp and condensation, or are they just another gimmick? Given how well standard dehumidifiers work, it's pretty hard to believe that drying a room without a dehumidifier is even possible.

However, given the Bostik Breathe dehumidifier's fair price (it usually sits around the £16-18 mark), with moisture absorbing tablets that can last you up to four months without replacing, there was fortunately not a lot to lose by giving it a go.

Plus, following the success of the sellout Absodry Duo Family dehumidifier, which follows a similar concept but with crystals instead, there's definitely big interest in these genius moisture absorbers right now.

Setting it up was super easy. The product comes with two tablets (equivalent to one refill) and it's just a matter of removing these from the packaging and slotting them into the indicated slots in the upper compartment of the unit. Then, you pop the lid on and situate it wherever you wish. As mentioned, I put mine on my bathroom windowsill, with hopes that it would help to stave away the dampness that always lingers well after the fact.

Within a couple days of putting it in my bathroom, I could already tell the difference. That persistent muggy feeling was gone. The air felt fresher and lighter, and I wasn't seeing condensation sticking around on the walls after a shower. I do still crack open a window and run the extractor fan during and after a shower, but the Bostik Breathe has really made a big difference in maintaining a comfortable environment overall.

It actually feels like my bathroom fully dries out now – and my towels are very grateful for it.

There was also pretty notable amount of water that collected in the lower compartment of the dehumidifier unit within those couple of days, which was a great indicator to me that it's putting the work in. The Bostik Breathe has a 1.2L tank size, which I think is actually quite generous considering its compact build.

Thankfully, it's also really easy to empty and maintain, as you just remove the the upper compartment and pour the water into the sink. I do this every couple of days just to keep things clean. It's definitely not necessary, but I'm just extra conscious about developing mould in my dehumidifier tank!

As for refills, I've been using the Bostik dehumidifier for two months now and I haven't had to buy any just yet. Considering how humid my bathroom can get, I was expecting to need a refill by now but it's actually holding up pretty well. I think after three months, I'll need to buy a refill. Luckily, these are under £10 for a pack of two on Amazon, making them affordable and accessible. If you're planning to use it in a less humid room, like a small bedroom or wardrobe, I would imagine you could reach Bostik's four month claim without refilling.

Overall, I'm very pleased with this non-electric dehumidifier. Do I think it's as effective as a standard electric dehumidifier? Admittedly no, but there are many reasons to go for it nonetheless. It's affordable, hassle-free, and does exactly what it promises – absorbs excess moisture without needing batteries or plugs.

If you're dealing with damp in a bathroom like me, or need a solution for a space where a standard dehumidifier isn't a practical option, like a wardrobe or closet space, I think the Bostik Breathe Dehumidifier is exactly what you need. For the price point, it's a steal, especially considering how long the tablets last.

Suffice to say, I'm pleased to have this nifty product under my belt for the wet, winter months to come.

A poorly ventilated bathroom quickly becomes a breeding ground for mould, which is why investing in moisture-reducing appliances is a must. But which is more suited to the job: a dehumidifier or a bathroom fan? Getting clued up on the dehumidifier versus bathroom fan debate means you can make the right choice for your home.

The best dehumidifiers are great for pulling excess moisture from the air and reducing humidity levels in a room. And bathroom fans will ventilate a space by expelling hot, humid air. But you might be wondering whether you need both, or if one comes out on top.

Both of them are ideal solutions for getting rid of damp, and they'll both help stop condensation on walls and ceilings too. But when it comes to choosing between a dehumidifier and a bathroom fan, there are some key differences to be aware of which makes them better suited to different purposes. We've asked the experts to tell us all the facts about weighing up a dehumidifier versus a bathroom fan, including if one is better for getting rid of mould.

What's the difference between a dehumidifier and a bathroom fan?

Though they can have a similar effect, it's important to note the key difference between a dehumidifier and a bathroom fan. And this largely comes down to how they remove moisture from the air.

'A dehumidifier reduces humidity by drawing in air, removing moisture, and then releasing the dry air back into the room,' says Chris Michael, Managing Director, Meaco. 'It continuously lowers the overall moisture content in a space, making it ideal for areas with persistent humidity issues.'

'A bathroom fan quickly expels humid air generated during activities like showering, preventing condensation on surfaces that can lead to mould growth', he explains further. 'However, a fan only functions when turned on and does not reduce the room’s humidity long-term—it merely exchanges indoor air with outside air.'

Both are ideal for removing excess moisture and stopping mould from coming back in a bathroom. But the fact that they do this in different ways, means they are better suited to different circumstances.

Which should you use - a dehumidifier or bathroom fan?

Though dehumidifiers and bathroom fans work differently, they are often confused because of the similar effect they have. But experts state that the better option depends on a couple of factors - the size of the room and the level of moisture issue.

'A dehumidifier is ideal for larger rooms or areas that experience persistent moisture problems, such as basements, as it reduces humidity over time and prevents issues like mould or dust mites,' says Nathan Paul, Air Appliance Expert, Appliances Direct. 'Its portability also makes it versatile for different areas of the home.'

But when it comes to a bathroom, dehumidifiers alone may not be the best solution. 'I wouldn’t recommend using a dehumidifier as a complete substitute for a bathroom fan,' says Brian Toward, Bathroom Specialist and CEO, Wholesale Domestic. 'Fans are more efficient at preventing moisture build-up during and immediately after a shower, whereas dehumidifiers are better at maintaining a lower humidity level over time. The ideal setup would be to have both a fan and a dehumidifier working together for maximum moisture control in bathrooms prone to lots of humidity.'

Combining a dehumidifier and an extractor fan is the most efficient way of reducing moisture in a bathroom, particularly in small bathrooms, where it's more difficult for air to circulate. A dehumidifier would serve a useful purpose in supporting the extractor fan and collecting the excess moisture which the fan couldn't expel quick enough.

That being said, some bathrooms can't facilitate extractor fans because they don't have access to external venting. This is sometimes the case with older, listed buildings.

In these cases, a dehumidifier may be used instead of a bathroom fan. 'A dehumidifier is a good option for bathrooms if they do not have external venting as it does not require venting outside,' says Joshua Warren, Dehumidifier Expert, AO.com. 'Your appliance does not need ducts and can be a great option if your bathroom is in an older building without access to a bathroom fan.'

If you want to try the dehumidifier route, take a look at our top picks to get you started.

Is it safe to use a dehumidifier in a bathroom?

You should always be cautious before using an electrical appliance in a bathroom, so it's completely normal to wonder whether you can actually use a dehumidifier in a bathroom. Damp, wet environments can cause damage to electrical components, so while dehumidifiers can be suitable for use in these rooms, there are some necessary safety precautions to take.

'Leave the bathroom door open and place the dehumidifier in the hallway,' Nicholas Auckland, Heating and Energy Expert at Trade Radiators recommends. 'This will prevent the appliance from getting wet, but still works to remove humidity from the air. And you should ideally use a bathroom-safe model. Some dehumidifiers are actually specifically designed for use in excessively humid environments, such as bathrooms and busy kitchens. They have added protection against water getting into the electrical components which makes them safe to use in these areas.'

FAQs

Can you use a dehumidifier in a bathroom instead of a fan?

You can use a dehumidifier instead of a fan in the bathroom, but there are a few things to consider. Firstly, if you have a working bathroom fan, but want to use a dehumidifier, you might find you'll get the best results by using them together. Secondly, if you don't have a working fan and you only use a dehumidifier, you must take the proper safety precautions as using any electrical appliance in a wet, damp environment can have serious risks.

'Most dehumidifiers aren't specifically designed to be used in areas with direct exposure to water, such as in bathrooms where they're near a shower, bath or sink,' Nicholas says. 'Moisture in the air can damage the dehumidifier’s electrical components, creating a potential safety hazard, especially in small bathrooms where steam and humidity builds up quickly.'

It is therefore recommended to use the dehumidifier just outside of the bathroom with the door open, where it will still be able to do an adequate job of lowering humidity and reducing the likelihood of mould.

Is a dehumidifier or extractor fan better for bathrooms?

Ideally, an extractor fan is the better solution for most bathrooms, because this transports humid air directly outside quickly. Using the shower or bath usually creates a lot of steam, and if this stays circulating in the room too long, it will lead to condensation on the walls, which will eventually develop into mould.

However, it can be helpful to use a dehumidifier alongside an extractor fan, especially you have a smaller space. 'A dehumidifier is there to support the extractor fan and to remove the excess moisture that the extractor cannot cope with,' says Chris from Meaco.

Brian adds,''For people with small, regularly used bathrooms or those without external ventilation, combining a fan and a dehumidifier is the most effective way to ensure moisture is properly managed,' Brian says. 'For larger or better-ventilated bathrooms, a fan may be sufficient on its own.'

In this VonHaus Desiccant Dehumidifier review, we put the sleek device through its paces, to see how capable it is at removing moisture from the air. As a dehumidifier that claims to be both quiet and powerful, we wanted to find out if it's going to be a worthy investment for the colder months.

The best dehumidifiers aren't just for homes with condensation issues. Many of our favourite models are also equipped with air-purifying qualities and can be used for indoor laundry drying too. But how does the VonHaus Desiccant Dehumidifier measure up?

VonHaus isn't a huge name in the dehumidifier field, but the brand is known for having some of the most cutting-edge appliances in the garden and kitchen categories. With a 2.5L tank and a 7L extraction rate, the Desiccant Dehumidifier promises to be hassle-free and low maintenance.

Over the past few weeks, I've been testing the Dessicant Dehumidifier in my home, trialling all the different functions in multiple locations. I've used it while watching TV, working from home, doing chores, and even going to sleep, to see how the device fares up in day to day life. Read on to find out all my thoughts about the VonHaus Dehumidifier, and whether I think it's worth the investment.

Specifications

• Type: Desiccant
• Extraction rate: 7L/day
• Water tank capacity: 2.5L
• Max room size recommended: 40m squared
• Noise level: 30 - 50db
• Power: 650W
• Dimensions: H45.5 x W30 x D24cm
• Weight: 5.75kg
• Portable?: Yes
• Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
• Continuous drain option: No
• Laundry mode: No
• WiFi connectivity: No
• Timer: Yes
• Operating temperature: up to 30°C

How I tested

Unboxing

The Desiccant Dehumidifier arrives in one box, which can be easily carried around. The weight of the product is only 5.75kg in total, which is impressive considering the 2.5 litre capacity tank. Getting the dehumidifier out of the box is also made easy thanks to the pick-up handle, so there was no need to awkwardly shuffle it out of the packaging.

The product was wrapped in a sheet of protective plastic, and wedged in between two polystyrene blocks to keep it safe during transportation. Of course, it would have been nice to see no single-use plastic in the box, but at the same time, I was happy that the dehumidifier arrived in immaculate condition, and that there was only one piece of plastic used.

Set-up

I experienced no problems at all in setting up the VonHaus dehumidifier and putting it to use straight away. All that was required was to remove the packaging, plug the device in and press the power button. I knew it was working because the air outlet opened automatically and a gently whirring noise began.

There's still a handy instruction manual included in the box, which has helpful information on the dehumidifier's different modes and features. It also has a diagram which shows you what's what, which would be useful if this is your first time using a dehumidifier.

Design

The dehumidifier's sleek design is one of my favourite things about it. I've had dehumidifiers in the past which look like an eyesore, and I didn't enjoy using them simply because they made my space feel messy. But the VonHaus Desiccant Dehumidifier has a neat look to it that doesn't make it feel lumbersome or clunky.

The body is all white, and the components on top (handle, control panel and air outlet) are grey. Its ergonomic design makes it easy into slip to any corner of the room and let it blend seamlessly with the space. Seeing as dehumidifiers may need to be used in a number of rooms, it's a massive bonus when they're simple and sleek in design, which the VonHaus model definitely is. I even like the subtle VonHaus branding on the front of the device.

Ease of use

The control panel on the top of the dehumidifier can look a little intimidating at first glance, but most of the buttons are pretty self-explanatory. The power button switches the device on and off, and the mode setting lets you select whether you want it to run on high, medium, or low power. There's also a timer button, humidity setting, anion mode and multi-function button, which lets you change the position of the air outlet.

The instruction manual breaks down each button on the control panel, and what they can be used for. This made it super easy to understand how to use the dehumidifier.

Performance

Desiccant dehumidifiers like this one from VonHaus work a little differently from other models as they don't use a refrigerant to condense moisture out of the air. Instead, they use a heater and absorption material to remove moisture from the air.

I wanted to use the VonHaus Desiccant Dehumidifier in multiple locations, to see how well it actually worked. For context, I live on the second floor in a block of flats in quite an old building. Damp and condensation are often rife in my home, especially near windows.

Overall, the dehumidifier did a solid job at removing moisture from the air. I first used it with the timer function, which can set the device to run for either two, four or eight hours. The two hour setting was really handy on days where I wanted to give a specific area a quick refresh, whereas the eight hour setting was perfect for when I was out for the day, but still wanted the device switched on and working. Knowing that it would turn itself off after 8 hours stopped me from worrying about any wasted energy.

One place I was really intrigued to put the dehumidifier to the test was in the bedroom. As you can see, we're experiencing a bit of a mould problem in the corner of the room underneath my dressing table, so I was keen to see how the VonHaus model fared up in this environment.

Here I tested the humidity setting, which can be set to either 50 or 60% (meaning the device will turn off when the environmental humidity is lower than 50 or 60%). Optimal indoor humidity levels range from 30-50% in the winter, and 40-60% in the summer, so it would have been nice to see an option for a lower humidity setting. The MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier for example can be set to reach a target humidity of 40%.

I set the device to 50% humidity and went out for the day. Interestingly, it was still running when I came home, and it had been longer than 8 hours. I would therefore recommend using the humidity setting rather than the timer function when using the dehumidifier in particularly damp areas.

Once the target humidity level was reached, the bedroom certainly felt less moist. I also really liked using the Anion mode at the same time, which removes dust and smells by creating a static charge around airborne contaminants. There was a significant difference in how fresh the room felt afterwards.

There isn't a laundry mode on the VonHaus Desiccant Dehumidifier, but I did use it while my heated clothes airer was switched on, to see if it made the room feel less moist while clothes were drying. It certainly helped the room feel less stuffy than usual, and I could tell it was doing a good job because it became full at a much quicker rate than other times I'd used it. I would also say that the clothes dried faster with the dehumidifier nearby, though I don't think I would use it to dry clothes by itself - it would probably need to be switched on at least overnight to be able to do this.

I also liked using the dehumidifier to help the creases drop out of clothes. I hung a few items on the wardrobe and placed the dehumidifier nearby, and was pleased at the difference it made. There were a few shirts I put away afterwards because they didn't need to be ironed as well.

There's also a swing button (named Multi-function on the control panel), which can be used to change the position of the wind deflector. Honestly, I didn't see a huge benefit from this. Perhaps it would be helpful if using the dehumidifier to dry clothes and you wanted to direct the air in a certain direction, but I found that having the vent fully open worked best for maximum air flow.

Because I live in an upper floor flat, I didn't have much use for the continuous drainage function. To use this, you'd need a suitable location (i.e. a drain) where you could place the drainage pipe, so the dehumidifier would automatically empty itself and then continue working.

I would say that the pipe provided isn't very long, so the dehumidifier would need to be kept close to the drainage spot when using this function. Also, don't make the mistake I did and continue to use the dehumidifier indoors when the pipe is still connected to the drainage hole - water will leak on to your carpet.

When it came to emptying the dehumidifier, I found the process super easy. The device beeps and stops working when the tank is full, then the compartment slots away easily. It's also covered with a lid so there's less chance of water slopping everywhere when you pull it out, which having had dehumidifiers without this feature in the past, I appreciated.

Thanks to the 2.5L tank, it felt like a good while before I needed to empty it for the first time. Even after running in the bedroom all day, the tank didn't become full, and it's only when using it alongside clothes drying that it needed emptying a bit more frequently.

Energy use

Before purchasing any home appliance, it's important to check its energy usage, which means you're probably wondering how much does a dehumidifier cost to run - and specifically, how much the VonHaus model is going to contribute to your bills.

As far as dehumidifiers go, the VonHaus Dessicant is quite pricey in terms of energy usage. With the current energy price cap set to increase by 10% from October 2024, the dehumidifier will cost 21p per hour to run.

For comparison, the Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier costs around 7p per hour to run, and the 12L MeacoDry Aerte One Dehumidifier costs around 5p per hour. The VonHaus model is therefore significantly more expensive in terms of energy usage, which I would say is its biggest drawback. Given that this is an appliance I would want to have switched on for significant periods of time, it's not ideal for it to cost as much as it does in terms of energy.

Noise levels

I was relatively happy with the noise levels of the VonHaus Dessicant Dehumidifier. It ranges from 30db on the lowest setting, up to 40db on medium, and 50db on high. On the low setting, I struggled to hear it above the TV, and I didn't mind having it next to me while I was working from home. The gentle whirring noise isn't distracting or annoying, and even my partner agreed he forgot it was switched on sometimes.

Obviously though, there is a noticeable difference in the noise levels when running the device on low compared to high, where it does become significantly louder. I personally didn't enjoy having it running on the medium or high settings when I was in the room, because the noise became too loud to ignore.

As far as dehumidifiers go, I don't think it makes an annoying sound - it's just that the volume seems to ramp up quite a lot when switching from low to medium, and medium to high. However, I wouldn't mind it running on medium or high if I was simply doing chores in the room. It's only if I was trying to relax or sleep when those modes would be a no go.

This is definitely something to keep in mind, especially because the product is called 'Quiet Desiccant Dehumidifier' on the VonHaus website, which is only really true if you're using it on the low setting.

Portability

Thanks to the carry handle, the VonHaus Dessicant Dehumidifier is extremely portable. I had no problems moving the device from room to room when testing, even when it was almost full. The handle also stays put when you lift it up, which I appreciated - my old dehumidifier had a handle that would flop straight back down unless I kept a hold on it.

There aren't any wheels, but honestly, it doesn't need them; the lightweight, ergonomic design gives it full marks for portability.

Maintanence

As mentioned before, the VonHaus Dessicant Dehumidifier is really easy to empty. I had no problems emptying the tank into my kitchen sink, as its easy to control the flow of water as you pour it out. And the lid that covers the tank means there was minimal spillage when removing it from the outer body.

Keeping on top of cleaning and maintaining the dehumidifier is also a breeze. The filter slides out from the back easily, and this can be rinsed in warm, soapy water before being left to air dry. It's important to do this regularly, so any dust and debris can be removed and the dehumidifier can continue working optimally.

I also wiped down the outer surfaces fairly regularly, to keep it looking clean. Dust does tend to collect in the air inlet, but it's easy to remove this with a brush.

How does the VonHaus Dessicant Dehumidifer rate online?

Customer reviews of the dehumidifier are mostly positive. It has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon (from 18 reviews), and users seem generally pleased with the dehumidifier's ability to reduce condensation levels in a room. The large 2.5L tank capacity has also received a lot of praise, and I agree that it's nice not having to manually empty the device frequently.

There are a couple of reviews which state having trouble with the dehumidifier, though I believe these may be due to faulty products. One user said that the machine didn't cut off after the tank was full, meaning water leaked through the ceiling, and another said that the wind deflector got stuck when using the swing button. I didn't experience either of these problems, but obviously it is a concern if some users are receiving a device that doesn't work properly.

Overall though, customers are happy with the product and its ability to serve its purpose. There are some comments about the effectiveness of the device at making cold rooms feel warmer, which is what desiccant dehumidifiers are designed for; I don't have a garage or conservatory, so wasn't able to attest to this personally, but it's good to see that multiple other users have used it for this purpose and been satisfied.

How does it compare to its predecessors?

There are four dehumidifiers available from VonHaus, and the model I tested actually has the lowest extraction rate. If you know that you'd want to leave the dehumidifier running for extended periods of time - e.g. over the course of 24 hours - then you should perhaps consider the VonHaus 20L Dehumidifier. This model has a 24 hour timer and a larger 4L tank, which when used with the continuous drainage pipe, can remove up to 20L of water per day, without you having to touch it. With an Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars (out of 223 reviews), it has impressed customers.

There's also the Low Energy 12L Dehumidifier available from the brand. Capable of removing up to 12L of water from the environment per day, this model also has a specific laundry mode, so it might be the better choice if this is what you're wanting to use the dehumidifier for. The fact that it claims to be low energy is another advantage over the model I tested, which as we've established, is quite expensive to run.

From a price point perspective, the Desiccant Dehumidifier sits in the middle of the other two models, with the Low Energy 12L device at the cheaper end. That being said, the RRP of the Desiccant model is only £5 less than the 20L Dehumidifier, which isn't a big difference at all when you consider how much larger the latter device is.

Verdict

If you're looking for a dehumidifier that effectively removes moisture from a room, without feeling like an eyesore, the VonHaus Desiccant Dehumidifier could be the ideal choice. What I love most about this model is the sleek, ergonomic design, which aside from making it more attractive than other dehumidifiers, enabled me to move it from room to room with ease.

It can run for extended periods of time without needing to be emptied, and when it does become full, the process doesn't feel like a hassle. And if you're happy to leave the dehumidifier running on the low setting, you'll probably forget that it's even on, thanks to the super quiet noise that it produces.

The caveat to this is that you will likely find it to be a nuisance when it's on either the medium or high setting. The level of noise on either of these settings isn't something most people would be able to sleep with, or relax next to. That being said, most dehumidifiers will make a loud noise when you put them on full whack, as it's the only way they can really work.

The Anion mode is a nice additional feature, which effectively cleans the room by removing contaminants from the air. One of my main criticisms is that the lowest humidity setting is 50%. As we head into the colder months, I think a device with a lower humidity setting (of 45 or even 30%), would be better for homes that experience a lot of condensation.

With an RRP of £174.99, the VonHaus Desiccant Dehumidifier feels reasonably priced. The EcoAir Simple Desiccant Dehumidifier is priced at £229.98 for example, though this one would be cheaper to run and is effective at drying clothes, as tried and tested by us. The VonHaus model is also significantly cheaper than the Meaco Arete Two Dehumidifier (RRP £299.99), which holds the top spot in our buying guide for best dehumidifier overall. But the Meaco model is low-energy, excellent at drying clothes, and has Wi-Fi connectivity and Smart compatibility - features that are sadly lacking in the VonHaus model.

That being said, the MeacoDry Arete One 12L Dehumidifier falls at a similar price point (RRP £179.99), though this comes with a dedicated laundry mode and is a lot more energy-efficient than the VonHaus model. So it seems like there are definitely other options that could get you more for your money.

Overall, the VonHaus Desiccant Dehumidifier performs well and is easy to use. I'd recommend it for anyone looking to purchase a dehumidifier that is simple and no-fuss. It can be quiet as a whisper, and has the added bonus of purifying the air too. But, be prepared to see a noticeable increase in your energy bills if you're going to be using it all the time. There are alternative models on the market that are cheaper to run, with the addition of a laundry mode as well, so I'd suggest shopping around if this is what you're interested in.

Have you come to rely on your dehumidifier at home, but you’re now wondering how to clean a dehumidifier? These helpful units are essential in some houses, but when you’re running them on a regular basis, every now and then they need to be cleaned and given a little TLC.

The best dehumidifiers are super handy to have around the home, particularly when it comes to period properties that are prone to dampness. Whether you’re using your dehumidifier in the kitchen or a dehumidifier in your bedroom, without them, you might find that mould grows and your rooms feel damp and cold, which of course is the last thing that you want.

The good news is, dehumidifiers are pretty easy to clean and look after once you know how. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure your unit continues to run efficiently and that your home stays dry and mould-free.

Armed with just a few simple pieces of kit, such as a sponge and spray bottle, you can clean your dehumidifier in as little as 10 minutes. You will need to clean it every couple of weeks if you are running it regularly, to keep it in good working condition.

Why is it important to clean a dehumidifier?

If you rely on your dehumidifier to stop your home from becoming damp, cleaning the unit is essential to make sure it’s working as well as it possibly can. Joshua Warren, Dehumidifier Expert at AO explains, 'Maintaining a clean dehumidifier is essential for its efficiency and longevity. Dust, mould, and bacteria can accumulate quickly inside your unit, which can reduce its ability to extract moisture and compromise the quality of your indoor air.'

'By carrying out regular cleaning, this will help ensure your dehumidifier runs smoothly,' Joshua continues. 'Regular cleaning will prevent harmful contaminants from circulating, and ultimately keep your home a healthier, more comfortable environment.'

What you will need

You won’t need to spend a fortune on tools to clean your dehumidifier, but there are a few essential pieces of kit that will make the job easier:

• A sponge - these compostable ones are 8 for £9 at Amazon
• Spray bottle - like this £14 set of three from Amazon
• Microfibre cloths
• Washing up Liquid
• Soft scrubbing brush - like this wooden dish brush from Wild and Stone
• Distilled white vinegar
• A Hoover with hose attachment

Step-by-step

1. Dismantle your dehumidifier

First thing’s first, make sure your dehumidifier is switched off before you start the cleaning process. It’s best to unplug it from the wall to be on the safe side. The next step is to remove the filter from the dehumidifier and the internal bucket. If you’re not sure where to find these parts, check the manual that came with your unit.

2. Clean out the internal bucket

Once you’ve removed the internal bucket from your dehumidifier, it’s time to give it a good clean.

'Cleaning the internal bucket of a dehumidifier regularly is important and shouldn’t be left uncleaned for long periods of time, otherwise mould can build up,’ says Adele Brennan, Home Electricals Buyer at VonHaus.

'We advise when emptying the water tank, if you’re not planning to use it again straight away, to clean with warm water and mild dish soap with a sponge ,and dry the appliance thoroughly to further prevent mould,' she advises.

A further step you can take to prevent mould and bacteria from growing is to clean the inside of the bucket using a white vinegar solution. Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water and put the solution into a spray bottle. Spritz the inside of the tank and leave for a few minutes, then wipe away with a dry cloth.

If you notice a brown coating forming on the internal bucket, leave the vinegar solution to soak in for around an hour before wiping it away.

3. Clean the filter

Now it’s time to clean the filter in your dehumidifier. Remove it from the unit and grab your hoover. Use the hose attachment on your hoover to remove any dust or lint from the filter.

If this is the first time you have cleaned your dehumidifier you might find this isn’t quite enough to remove absolutely everything. In this instance, give it a deeper clean by soaking it in water. Next take a soft scrub brush and a mild soap to loosen up any stubborn dust from the filter. Rinse thoroughly and dry before returning the filter to your dehumidifier.

4. Clean the outside of the unit

The final step is to clean the outside of your unit. 'Cleaning the exterior of your dehumidifier is just as important as maintaining its internal components,' says Joshua Warren at AO. 'Dust and grime can clog your unit’s vents and restrict airflow – which can affect its overall efficiency.'

'By wiping down the outer surfaces regularly, you not only enhance the appearance of your dehumidifier but also help ensure it functions at peak performance.'

FAQs

How do you get mould out of a dehumidifier?

If you’re not cleaning your dehumidifier regularly then mould can begin to form in the tank. As long as this is dealt with, it’s not a major problem and you can continue to use your dehumidifier as normal once it’s been removed.

‘If you do need to clean mould out of the internal bucket/water tank, we’d advise cleaning as soon as possible,' states Adele Brennan at VonHaus.

'Firstly, remove the water taken from the appliance. Fill the bottom of the tank with water and add in a few drops of mild dish soap. Clean the inside of the tank and clean off any residue that’s on the surface of the tank,' advises Adele.

'Swish the water for a couple of minutes before pouring it out down the sink. Fill the tank up with clean water and swish it around to get rid of all the suds and residual cleaner. It is important to note that you should not use boiling water to clean the water tank.'

What happens if you don’t clean a dehumidifier?

We get it, there are always endless jobs that need doing and it’s easy for those jobs that seem less important to be forgotten about. If you don’t clean your dehumidifier, mould can start to grow on the inside. Of course one of the main reasons for using a dehumidifier is to try to avoid mould growing in your home, but a dehumidifier with mould inside can release mould spores into your home.

In addition, if you’re not cleaning your dehumidifier around every couple of weeks (when it’s in regular use), it can become less effective the longer you leave it.

If you've enlisted the help of a dehumidifier to help you manage humidity levels inside your home, then you'll know that although these devices are easy enough to set and forget, they do require a little bit of maintenance to keep them in working order. Namely, emptying the water tank when it's full.

However, sometimes life gets us by and if you're away from home for a couple of days, you might find yourself returning to mould growth in your full dehumidifier tank. After all, even the best dehumidifiers will fail to thrive without the proper care and attention.

First things first, don't panic! While prevention is always the best solution, you can rest assured that it's easy enough to dispose of the water and make your device look as good as new. We asked experts for their best advice on what to do if you encounter a mouldy dehumidifier water tank, and how to prevent future mould growth.

1. Dispose of the water

'Dehumidifiers keep your home cleaner and healthier by removing moisture from the air to prevent mould and dampness from forming on your walls. It's important to regularly clean the tank to ensure that it functions properly,' begins Joshua Warren, AO.com's air treatment expert. 'If you return from holiday to find your dehumidifier's water tank full and mouldy, the first step is safe disposal.'

Wearing gloves to ensure protection against potential contact with mould, carefully pour the water down a drain or toilet. While it's more commonplace now to reuse dehumidifier water for plants, Chris Michael, managing director at Meaco, advises otherwise in this case. 'Since the water might be contaminated with mould spores, it's essential to avoid using this water for any other purpose,' he stresses.

2. Clean the tank

Once you've disposed of the water, the next step is cleaning the tank.

'Thoroughly clean the tank by using a mixture of warm water and mild detergent or white vinegar. After scrubbing, ensure you rinse the tank well and allow it to dry before reattaching it to the dehumidifier,' says Chris. Making sure it's fully dry is important.

Alternatively, Joshua also notes that you can use a mild bleach to clean the tank, if you prefer. This option may be more suitable if you're dealing with persistent mould issues with your dehumidifier.

3. Preventing future mould growth

To prevent future mould growth, if it's feasible, consider utilising your device's continuous drainage option. Many dehumidifiers come with a drain spout where a garden hose can be attached to continually drain water, saving you from having to manually empty it.

'To make the most of this setup, place the dehumidifier on an elevated, stable surface so the hose can easily direct the water down into a drain, sink, or shower tray,' advises Chris. 'This method is particularly useful when the dehumidifier will be left unattended for extended periods, such as on boat or in a garage during cold and damp months.'

If your main priority is using a dehumidifier to dry out damp walls, setting up a continuous drainage system and just letting it do its thing is ideal for the best performance.

If enabling continuous drainage isn't an option, planning ahead is the next best thing you can do. If you know you're going to be gone for a while, Holly Male, brand manager at Duux advises switching off the device if it's going to be left unsupervised for a long period of time.

Alternatively, Holly also suggests setting the target humidity to a higher percentage than you normally would so you can keep your dehumidifier running to prevent damp build-up, without having to worry about it working too hard too fast.

Shop our favourite dehumidifiers

At the end of the day, the only thing that will truly prevent mould from growing in a dehumidifier tank is frequent cleaning and maintenance. 'Regular cleaning of the tank and positioning the dehumidifier in a well-ventilated area also helps,' reiterates Joshua.

However, should you find yourself in the precarious situation of having to deal with a mouldy dehumidifier tank – whether that be right now as you're reading this or later down the line – you can rest assured that you're armed with the right knowledge and steps to take to get your dehumidifier back in tip-top shape and working order.

This MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier review puts the second generation of Meaco's bestselling Arete range through its paces to see if it lives up to its claims as being the brand's smartest, fastest, and cheapest dehumidifier to run yet.

As we're soon to transition into the winter months, concerns with damp, condensation, and mould have quickly come back to the forefront of our minds. Enlisting the help of the best dehumidifier can help to improve humidity levels and increase comfort inside your home.

Previously, the MeacoDry Arete One reigned as our overall top pick, scoring 4.5 stars in our review, boasting all the sought-after qualities a lot of people look for when buying a dehumidifier. This includes everything from a dedicated laundry drying mode to a built-in HEPA filter efficient enough to put even the best air purifiers to shame, with our only gripes being the Arete One's lack of timer, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Smart capabilities.

However, the new MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier solves all these previous issues we had with the Arete One. It's an extremely impressive step-up from its predecessor, allowing you even more control at your fingertips whilst still prioritising a user-friendly experience, brilliant performance, and quiet operation – standout features to us about the Arete One. Not to mention, the MeacoDry Arete Two is even more energy-efficient and cheaper to run, with running costs starting from just 3p an hour.

Similar to the MeacoDry Arete One, the Arete Two is available in four sizes to suit your home's needs: 10L, 12L, 20L, and 25L. For this MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier review, I tested the MeacoDry Arete Two 20L Dehumidifier, which has the ability to extract 20 litres of moisture from the air per day. This size is ideal for 3-5 bed houses and rooms of up to 75m² – which was ideal for my 3-bed terrace.

I tested the MeacoDry Arete Two 20L Dehumidifier's performance in different areas and rooms in my home – the kitchen, bedroom, and living room to see how well it extracts steam from cooking, its noise levels when relaxing and sleeping, as well as how efficient its 'Smart Laundry' mode was at drying wet washing indoors. Here's how it compares to the Arete One and why I think it's the best in the market right now.

MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier review

What are the specifications?

• Type: Compressor
• Extraction rate: 20L/day
• Water tank capacity: 4.8 litres
• Max room size recommended: 75m²
• Noise level: 38, 40, and 50dB
• Power: 207W
• Dimensions: H61 x W36 x D27cm
• Weight: 15.1kg
• Portable: Yes
• Automatic humidity sensor: Yes
• Continuous drain option: Yes
• Laundry mode: Yes
• Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes
• Timer: Yes
• Operating temperature: 5°C - 35°C

How I tested

What is the unboxing like?

The MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier is delivered in a singular (might I add, heavy) box. It was a very smooth delivery process overall and although its 15.1kg weight inevitably makes it quite the hefty box to try and manoeuvre, I got there eventually and was able to situate it in my living room ready for unboxing.

Similar to the way the Arete One arrived when we reviewed it last October, the Arete Two is secured between two pieces of polystyrene and covered in plastic. I'll carry the same criticism that some cardboard scaffolding could've been a more eco-friendly solution to ensure the dehumidifier remains unscathed during transit.

You can easily take the dehumidifier out of the box thanks to its built-in handle, which is something I was especially grateful for as it's definitely very heavy. Better yet, it comes with castors at the bottom of the unit so you it's simple to roll it into your desired spot.

As for the rest of the contents inside the box, you get a hose adaptor (should you choose to have your dehumidifier continuously drain), a free H13 HEPA filter, and an instruction manual.

How easy is the assembly and set up?

Like the Arete One, the Arete Two arrives pre-assembled and is essentially ready to use right off the bat once you remove all the external packaging. However, Meaco do note in the instruction manual that you'll just have to leave the dehumidifier to stand for at least six hours before turning it on to allow any refrigerant that may have moved during transit to settle.

If you wish to take advantage of the air purifying the MeacoDry Arete Two offers, remove the plastic bag around the H13 HEPA filter and insert it into the back of your dehumidifier.

As I mentioned earlier, a new addition to the MeacoDry Arete Two is its ability to be connected to Wi-Fi and as a result, its smart capabilities to be hooked up to your smart home system like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can download the new Meaco app to control your dehumidifier from your phone and I must say, the UI is nice and smooth when navigating the app. It's easy to use and you can link it up with voice control through the app.

Considering the Arete One didn't have these smart features, it's definitely a nice touch. With so many appliances prioritising integration into smart home systems, seeing Meaco get behind it as an already leading brand name in dehumidifiers has already set it a step above its predecessor.

How does the design hold up?

Admittedly, dehumidifiers aren't the most glamorous of household appliances. However, if we had to dub any the sleekest and most stylish of the bunch, the MeacoDry Arete Two is certainly a winner. It isn't awfully different from the Arete One, with the biggest differences being the addition of a louvre to allow you to direct airflow where necessary and a new and improved LCD 'chase' display offering you even more control and information at a glance. But, I'd go on to say that it looks more modern as a result of these features and is a nice addition to my living room, and doesn't look too obtrusive and out of place.

The MeacoDry Arete Two feels solid and durable, and despite its H61 x W36 x D27cm measurements, even my 20L model feels and looks far smaller because of its curved design. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely a big boy, but because the dehumidifier has been designed to sit flush against a wall, you can easily tuck it into a more discreet spot in your space. This is because the air intake at the back of the unit is set back a little, in case you're a tad worried about it not receiving adequate ventilation.

The water tank is accessible from the front of the machine and even comes with a little viewing window so you can see how full it is from a glance, for your convenience.

As I mentioned earlier, there's a retractable handle at the top and castors at the bottom of the unit which make manoeuvring it super easy; especially considering how heavy it is. The air filter is accessible from the back, and it just slides out with no fuss for easy cleaning and replacement. It even has a cable tidy at the back for easy storage. Overall, its design is top notch and extremely well thought out.

Is it easy to use?

After waiting the recommended six hours to let the refrigerant to settle, I immediately put the MeacoDry Arete Two to the test. As soon as I turned it on, I went straight to download the new Meaco app so I could connect it to Wi-Fi and take advantage of its smart functions right off the bat.

To connect the MeacoDry Arete Two to the app, simply plug your dehumidifier in and press the power button. Hold the Smart Laundry down for two seconds and the Wi-Fi indicator will light up on the LCD chase display. In the Meaco app, press the + button in and add your device by following the on-screen instructions.

I touched on this a bit earlier, but the interface of the app is well designed and easy to get around. From there, you can connect it to your smart home system. I'm a bit of an Amazon Alexa fanatic (I have three in my house), so I got to linking the Arete Two with the Echo Pop in my living room straight away – and it's been a blast being able to tell Alexa to turn my dehumidifier on, off, and set modes accordingly.

Of course, aside from the smart functionalities of the Arete Two, you can also just control it directly from the LCD chase display's control panel. Straight away, you can see the difference between the displays of the Arete One and Two, as you're not only given more comprehensive control with the Arete Two, but also more function with the addition of a timer – something we were long waiting for and wishing the Arete One had when we first tested it.

The functions on the control panel are as such:

• Power button
• Smart Humidity mode – defaults to a target humidity of 55%RH
• Variable humidistat – allows you to set your dehumidifier to reach the target humidity of your choice
• Continuous – the dehumidifier will run regardless of humidity level and only turn off when the water tank is full
• Air purification mode – strictly purifies the air without dehumidification (if the H13 HEPA filter is installed the device is always purifying the air anyway)
• Smart Laundry mode – defaults to target humidity of 35%RH and high fan speed for 6 hours
• Timer – allows you to set timer between 0-24 hours
• Night mode (which doubles as a child lock) – fan speed is reduced to low, buttons will not beep, and lights turn off

There are a couple of other indicators on the control panel which let you know what function the dehumidifier is currently performing, when the water tank is full, when child lock is enabled, a wet indicator when humidity is over 70%RH, and even a heart indicator recommending the suitable target humidity level.

Switching between these modes and identifying these different indicators is super easy, and figuring out how to use them is very straightforward.

How is the MeacoDry Arete Two in terms of performance?

Testing the MeacoDry Arete Two dehumidifier was a dream. I tested it in a few different areas in my home, including the living room, kitchen, and even my bedroom to get as wide a range as possible when assessing what it's capable of.

When I first turned on the Arete Two to test in my living room, it detected humidity levels of around 70% and extracted a shocking amount of water within just the first 3 days of me using it on Smart Humidity mode, which sets the target humidity level to 55%RH. However, you can adjust the level accordingly between 40% and 70% in 5% increments to suit your preference.

While it's running, it'll adjust its performance and fan speed according to the detected humidity levels. Once it's reached the target level, the dehumidifier will automatically shut off. If humidity levels rise, it'll kick back into action. Therefore, there's no need to worry about checking on it frequently or turning it off manually. The best thing to do is to just set it and forget it.

My living room leads straight into the kitchen so I positioned the MeacoDry Arete Two a little closer to the cooking space to see how well it fared dealing with steam and moisture from cooking, and it did a fantastic job at clearing it quickly. Because of the H13 HEPA filter, I found that it was also great at getting rid of cooking smells. In fact, when humidity levels are fine, I even turn the dedicated Air Purifying mode on for a 30-minute blast to fully remove odours and because of its high capacity, it's brilliant at covering my entire downstairs floor.

I brought the MeacoDry Arete Two into my bedroom for a couple of nights, and in Night mode it's extremely unobtrusive and the fan is whisper quiet at just 38dB. For my personal use, I plan to keep the dehumidifier downstairs for my living room and kitchen as these are my main problem areas; however, it's reassuring to know that the Arete Two is sleep-friendly should using it in a bedroom be your main priority.

Now, for the function I was most excited to test: the Smart Laundry mode. I'll tell you now, it's an absolute gamechanger. Seeing as the Arete One was one of the best dehumidifiers we've tested for drying clothes, it's no surprise that the Arete Two delivers just as well.

With warmer, summer days slowly coming to an end, drying washing indoors is nothing less than a pain and you can expect your washing to have to stay up and hanging for at least a couple of days – especially in the winter months. However, when I had the MeacoDry Arete Two running on Smart Laundry mode, my wet laundry was dry within the six hours the mode stays active for – proving that dehumidifiers do help dry clothes.

The Arete Two sets the target humidity level to 35%RH and runs the fan at the highest speed (then adjusting accordingly) for six hours before it automatically shuts off. Meaco advise adjusting the louvre and ensuring the airflow is pointing directly to the washing, so I followed as suit. I was able to test this function with a couple loads of laundry, and each time I found that it was plenty of time to dry an entire 3-tier clothes airers worth of washing within the allocated time. These loads included everything from lighter shirts to heavier items like towels and jeans, which were always ready to fold and put away. Needless to say, I was extremely impressed.

Since I don't have a utility room, I have to dry my washing in the living room, but being able to do a load of laundry in the morning and put it away before the end of the day meant I could reclaim my living room space again. It's a 10/10 feature for me.

What about when it comes to energy use?

As with bringing any appliance into your home, it's important to take into account how much energy it uses. Although many appliances are a fantastic addition to your roster, if they're expensive to run and upkeep, that could very well be a reason to stay away.

The previous MeacoDry Arete One was one of the most energy-efficient dehumidifiers we've tested at roughly 4p per hour for the smaller sizes and 5p per hour for the larger sizes, which was already very affordable as is. However, the new Arete Two has cut down the cost of running a dehumidifier even more as the 12L uses a mere 136W and the 20L a relatively low 207W, costing you just 3p and 4p per hour respectively.

Compared to the Arete One's 12L 151W usage and the 20L's 216W usage, it's a small but notable difference that is definitely welcomed and makes the MeacoDry Arete Two the cheapest and most energy-efficient dehumidifier manufactured by the leading brand yet.

When you compare the energy use of a dehumidifier with the cost of running a tumble dryer, the more affordable option for drying clothes fast is crystal clear. Paired with one of the best heated clothes airers, using a dehumidifier and heated airer in tandem with one another can help you save on your energy bills this winter on just drying laundry alone. That in itself makes the MeacoDry Arete Two an investment worth making, in my opinion.

Is it noisy?

The MeacoDry Arete Two is very quiet and goes unnoticed when using it day to day in my home. I mentioned earlier how when I tested it overnight in my bedroom, it runs at a mere 38dB, causing no disruptions throughout the night. Even just going about my usual routine like watching TV in the living room or eating dinner, I didn't notice it being disruptive at all.

The Smart Laundry mode is undoubtedly the loudest function among the ones available, with the highest fan speed going up to 50dB. It's definitely more noticeable, but honestly I didn't really mind it as I'd either have the TV on louder in the background anyway or I'd be out of the room during the six hour period. All in all, I found the MeacoDry Arete Two very quiet irrespective of the mode it was running.

Is this easily portable?

I touched on this a little earlier, but the MeacoDry Arete Two dehumidifier is super easy to move around. Yes, it's heavy (15.1kg heavy, in fact) however it's been designed really intuitively with the retractable handle for easy lifting and castors on the bottom to help you easily roll it into place.

I found that it rolls smoothly on both hard flooring and carpet, and didn't find any issues with it getting stuck on anything, which is a huge plus.

What kind of maintenance does it need?

I tested the MeacoDry Arete Two dehumidifier in the 20L capacity, which means it can extract up to 20 litres of moisture from the air per day. With this size, you get a very generous 4.8L water tank capacity, so you don't have to find yourself constantly emptying the dehumidifier.

When the Arete Two is full, it automatically shuts off and the beeps, showing an indicator on the chase display that it needs emptying. This is a really nice feature to give you the peace of mind that it won't overflow or get damaged by over spilling of any kind. A window at the front of the water tank also lets you get a glimpse of its levels easily. These touches really let you hone into the 'set it and forget it' mindset.

To empty the water tank, simply pull the two large handles at the front of the unit and it'll pop right off. Naturally, 4.8 litres of water is a lot and if you're emptying when it's full, be sure to exercise some caution as you walk it over to a sink. The tank can be easily poured out through a little pouring holes located on both sides when you tip it over. It's very easy and straightforward overall. Alternatively, the Arete Two does offer a continuous drainage option, but in my case, I didn't opt to use this.

At the beginning of testing, I did have to empty the dehumidifier a lot more frequently as it had to deal with the overly humid conditions in my home right off the bat, but now in day to day use I don't have to empty it much at all as humidity levels have gotten fairly stable now.

Maintenance for the rest of the machine is pretty minimal. Just dust it and wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth every now and then to keep it looking its best, especially because it's white. However, Meaco advise to never spray it with water.

Since the MeacoDry Arete Two does come with a dust filter this should be cleaned pretty regularly too. Meaco suggest cleaning this a minimum of every two weeks to keep your dehumidifier running at its best. Simply remove the filter by sliding it out from the back (if you installed the H13 HEPA filter, you 'll need to remove this first) and cleaning it with the end of a vacuum or soapy water no hotter than 40°C. Rinse and ensure it's completely dry before reinserting into the device along with the H13 HEPA filter.

The H13 HEPA filter on the other hand, is not life-long, and should be replaced when it changes from white to grey. This varies depending on the environment your dehumidifier is in, but this is roughly around every 3 months. In between replacements, you can clean it by vacuuming it every so often. You can buy replacements for your respective size on the Meaco website.

How does the MeacoDry Arete Two compare to the Arete One?

Although from looks alone, it may not seem like the MeacoDry Arete Two is much different than its predecessor, the Arete One, I can tell you right now that the difference is almost night and day.

The Arete Two is not only sleeker and cheaper to run, but its added smart functionalities to let you integrate it into your smart home system easily make it the best in class. Whilst we would offer you alternatives to the Arete One in the past if smart features were a deal breaker for you, now that Meaco has answered to this lack and delivered on this front, it's hard to consider any other premium dehumidifiers offering the same level of all-roundedness the MeacoDry Arete Two does.

If you've been considering investing in a Meaco dehumidifier for a while now, upgrading and spending that extra bit on the MeacoDry Arete Two will be well worth it. Alternatively, if you're already a proud owner of the Arete One, it's not to say that this is no longer a viable purchase (because it's definitely still one of the best out there), as it still performs just as well. If you're not too fussy about having smart features and a timer, sticking with the Arete One will save you some extra pounds as the performance is still above many other dehumidifiers on the market. Therefore, the choice is ultimately yours.

If you want the best of the best, upgrading to the Arete Two unlocks a whole new level of potential because of its smart features. But, if simple is best for you, the Arete One will remain the ideal choice.

What's the final verdict?

So, should you buy the MeacoDry Arete Two dehumidifier? In my opinion, yes. Compared to other dehumidifiers we've tried and tested at Ideal Home, it's easily one of the best out there right now.

Its ability to extract excess moisture from the air is second to none thanks to its automatic Smart Humidity mode and does it very efficiently and quietly. Plus, the Smart Laundry mode does a fantastic job at drying wet washing quickly, cutting down indoor drying time from days to mere hours in even the dampest and draughtiest homes. This feature alone makes it well worth the investment, as it's been a gamechanger.

The Arete Two is sleek, stylish, and integrates into my living room decor pretty seamlessly without looking out of place and despite being a larger model, it sits flush and compact against a wall. It's not obtrusive or loud, and it's easy to control with the new and improved LCD chase display, through the Meaco app on my iPhone, or with a simple voice command to my Amazon Alexa devices.

The MeacoDry Arete Two 20L is a brilliant option for 3-5 bed houses, and its retractable handle and castors make it super easy and convenient to move from room to room. Better yet, the Arete Two is available in three other sizes – 10L, 12L, and an even larger 25L – to suit however big your home is, whether it's a small flat or a larger house, and to treat both mild and serious damp issues accordingly.

It's a mid-priced dehumidifier, with prices starting from £179.99 for the smallest 10L model and reaching £299.99 for the largest 25L model. However, considering how effective it is at doing its job efficiently with running costs setting you back roughly just 3p or 4p per hour, I think it's well worth the money and pays for itself in the long run. Not to mention, the MeacoDry Arete Two also offers a built-in air purification system, meaning you can save the extra hundred pounds on investing in a dedicated device.

The MeacoDry Arete Two solves all the problems we had with the Arete One – the lack of timer and Wi-Fi compatibility – and has officially secured itself a position at the top, overtaking its previous model. Overall, I think it's the best dehumidifier money can buy right now for reducing your home's humidity levels and drying big loads of laundry in just hours. These reasons make it my top choice.

Using a dehumidifier in the winter months is when this device comes into it's own helping us to battle with the wet and cold weather.

Although humidity might often be a trait associated with the stifling British summer, high humidity levels are actually on our tail more than ever during winter; making the best dehumidifiers all the more essential to help get rid of damp and condensation in the home.

Not only that, but dehumidifiers also work wonders to dry clothes fast if you're trying to steer away from relying on a costly tumble dryer to get the job done.

To properly reap these benefits, knowing how to use a dehumidifier in the winter months is one of the best favours you can do for yourself to get the most out of your appliance. So, we turned to experts to share their top tips for effective results.

1. Leave it running

One of the biggest dehumidifier mistakes people make is buying a dehumidifier to then only turn it on for a couple of hours every day.

Chris Michael, managing director at Meaco says this is 'counter-intuitive' because in order for it to achieve its purpose, you need to leave a dehumidifier running to effectively combat damp. 'Set the humidistat to 55% RH (relative humidity) and then let the dehumidifier decide when it should turn on or off,' he advises.

Although it might seem worrisome to leave a dehumidifier running 24/7 (especially when paired with the false narrative that dehumidifiers are a fire hazard), the best way to treat a dehumidifier is similar to how you would treat a fridge. In the same way you wouldn't unplug your fridge when you leave the house, it's best to just let your dehumidifier do its thing, too.

2. Optimal placement

The placement of your dehumidifier is not something that should be taken lightly, as it can make all the difference in whether or not it works its best.

'Position the dehumidifier closest to the sources of moisture. If your problem is based on a lack of extractor fan in the bathroom, then place it on the landing or corridor outside the bathroom. If your problem is due to large amounts of washing being dried indoors, then use the dehumidifier to dry the laundry,' advises Chris.

When in doubt, Joshua Warren, AO.com's dehumidifier expert simply recommends you to 'keep your dehumidifier in a central location within your home'. When doing this, keep any internal doors open for increased damp air circulation toward the appliance.

3. Set the right humidity level

We touched on this slightly in the first point, but ensuring you set the right humidity level will set you up for success – especially if your intention is to use a dehumidifier to dry out damp walls.

'Most dehumidifiers allow you to set a target humidity level, so in winter, it's a wise idea to aim for a relative humidity of around 30-50%,' suggests Joshua. 'By doing this, you'll help prevent condensation on windows and walls without making the air too dry.'

4. Filter maintenance

As with any appliance, cleaning and maintenance remains paramount in keeping your dehumidifier at optimal performance and keep the cost of running a dehumidifier down.

'Keep on top of cleaning or replacing your air filter regularly, particularly in the winter. A clean filter ensures your dehumidifier runs efficiently and helps reduce its energy consumption in the more expensive months,' assures Joshua.

Chris adds, 'The cleaner the filter, the more moisture the dehumidifier will collect, the quieter it will run, and the longer it will last.'

Our favourite dehumidifiers for winter

Knowing how to use a dehumidifier in the winter months to ensure the most efficient and best results isn't all too different from what you've likely already been doing, but the above tips are the most important things to keep in mind when temperatures do drop.

Recently there have been few home appliances quite as popular in the UK as dehumidifiers, often quickly selling out whenever there's a sale on. But when it comes to dehumidifiers vs humidifiers, are you making the right choice for your home?

The best dehumidifiers are touted as helping in a myriad of ways in the damp British weather, and while that's undoubtedly true, there are situations where you might be better off looking at humidifiers instead. Here's how to tell which is most suitable for your home...

Dehumidifiers

When would you need a dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers are well known for how efficiently they can suck moisture out of the air in a room, which is especially helpful if you're trying to dry clothes quickly without a tumble dryer. However, they can come in handle in ways that don't include laundry.

'You'd want a dehumidifier when your indoor environment is too humid, typically above 60% relative humidity (RH),' explains Chris Michael, managing director of Meaco. 'Excess humidity can lead to problems like mould growth and a musty smell, which can be harmful to your health and damage your home.'

When shouldn't you use a dehumidifier?

While preventing mould is obviously incredibly important, there are definitely situations where a dehumidifier can actually do more harm than good.

'Avoid using a dehumidifier in a property that is already too dry, as it can make the air uncomfortably dry, leading to potential problems for health and home,' says Chris.

'Dehumidifiers can make the air too dry if overused, which can lead to discomfort and health issues.'

Humidifiers

When would you need a humidifier?

Conversely, as the name suggests, humidifiers add humidity into a room. While we may often see humidity as a bad thing, it can help you depending on the air in your home.

'A humidifier is needed when the air is too dry, usually below 40% RH,' says Chris from Meaco. 'Dry air can cause issues like dry skin, irritated sinuses, and can cause wood to crack, warp, and shrink, damaging furniture, flooring, and wooden instruments.'

When shouldn't you use a dehumidifier?

As delightful as healthy skin and wooden furniture sounds, some homes should steer clear from adding humidity.

'Do not use a humidifier in a property that is already humid, as this can exacerbate problems like mould and mildew growth,' warns Chris. 'A suitable relative humidity for the UK is between 45% and 55%.'

'Humidifiers, if not properly maintained, can disperse bacteria and mould into the air, which can cause health problems. They also require regular cleaning and filter changes to avoid these issues.'

How to quickly tell which you need

If you're looking for a speedy way to determine which you need when it comes to the dehumidifier vs humidifier, all you need to do is one easy test.

'One quick way to determine which device you need is by using a hygrometer, a cheap tool which measures relative humidity levels,' explains Chris. 'If the humidity is above 60%, you need a dehumidifier; if it's below 40%, you need a humidifier.'

'Additionally, common signs can help guide you: condensation on windows and musty smells indicate high humidity (dehumidifier needed), while dry skin, static, and irritated eyes or throat suggest low humidity (humidifier needed).'

Which should you buy?

So, which is right for you when weighing up the dehumidifier vs humidifier answers? While you shold be able to check based on the humidity in your home, if you like in the UK, there could be an even quicker answer.

'In the UK, where damp conditions are common, a dehumidifier is generally more useful for most households,' advises Chris. 'With high electricity prices in the UK a dehumidifier helps households by helping dry laundry indoors instead of using a costly tumble dryer. It also makes heating more effective as dry air is cheaper to warm than damp air.'

However, no size completely fits all. 'If your home tends to be dry, especially during winter when heating systems can lower humidity levels, then a humidifier might be more beneficial,' adds Chris.

Take a closer look at your home, figure out what the current levels are and you'll be able to easily tell which is right for you.

Dehumidifiers offer many benefits in any space they occupy, reducing humidity levels and in turn helping tackle damp issues you may be facing. But, does a dehumidifier clean air in any way?

Despite the many traits the best dehumidifiers on the market possess, they're not to be relied on in place of the best air purifier if clean, filtered air is your desired end result. Yes, both appliances work to provide increased comfort inside a home by treating the indoor atmosphere, but the reality is that they serve two entirely different purposes.

Although our best recommendation would be to invest in both to work in tandem with one another, we know that this isn't always a feasible option. So, we asked experts to explain this common misconception regarding dehumidifiers, and the next steps to consider taking to best meet your home's air quality needs.

Does a dehumidifier clean air?

In short, no, dehumidifiers do not clean air. 'While a dehumidifier reduces humidity in the air by extracting moisture, this does not mean it clears air like a conventional air purifier,' begins Joshua Warren, dehumidifier expert at AO.com.

'The primary purpose of a dehumidifier is to reduce the level of humidity in the air, which can significantly and help prevent issues such as mould, mildew, and dust mites, all of which thrive in humid conditions,' explains Chris Michael, managing director at Meaco.

Dehumidifiers can help dry out damp walls and assist in the task of getting rid of condensation, but as far as improving indoor air quality, these appliances are simply not specialised to achieve this.

'Most dehumidifiers come with a basic air filter that captures larger particles like dust and dirt, prevent them from entering the dehumidifier to help ensure it works efficiently, extending its lifespan,' notes Chris.

However, he stresses that these filtration capabilities are very limited and aren't effective at removing smaller airborne particles, pollutants, or allergens. In this case, it's worth investing in an air purifier instead.

If air quality inside your home is your main concern, investing in a good quality air purifier is second to none in helping with allergies, increasing comfort while sleeping, as well as other benefits. Before buying an air purifier, Chris recommends opting for a model with a HEPA filter for the best results.

Alternatively, if you don't want to choose between an air purifier and dehumidifier, another option is investing in a device with dual dehumidifier and air purification capabilities.

Not only will you save money by not having to pay for two different appliances, but you'll also reduce clutter and save on running costs. Seeing as dehumidifiers should be running constantly, only needing to account for one device in your energy bills is ideal.

Shop dehumidifiers and air purifiers

FAQs

Do dehumidifiers improve air quality?

'There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding dehumidifiers, the main one being that they clean the air within your home. Unfortunately, this isn't true as the main purpose of a dehumidifier is to create an indoor environment which makes it harder for mould and mildew to develop, simply by reducing the amount of moisture which is circulating within the home,' explains James Longley, managing director at Utility Bidder.

If air quality inside your home is an issue, then an air purifier might be a better investment to help create the desired environment

Is a dehumidifier better than an air purifier?

It's hard to pit a dehumidifier against an air purifier because it's not really a case of which appliance is better, but rather which of the two is better suited to target your specific issue.

'Dehumidifiers should be used predominantly for preventing mould growth, reducing dust mites, and improving home comforts in overly humid conditions,' explains AO.com's Joshua Warren.

'If you're looking for an appliance to clean air or perhaps remove allergens, an air purifier is a far better appliance for your needs.'

Although a dehumidifier may not clean air, it excels in its own right to tackle damp and condensation issues inside the home, making it a worthy investment nonetheless and ideal for the upcoming wetter and colder months ahead.

When temperatures start to soar, we’re once again reminded that UK homes aren’t equipped to deal with hot weather. And as our homes are generally built to keep the heat in, this can make the summer months unbearable. But if you have a dehumidifier at home, you might wonder… does a dehumidifier cool a room?

Although the best dehumidifiers are famously known for their ability to combat damp issues within a home during the colder months of the year, there has recently been some curiosity about whether these appliances could serve an entirely different purpose.

Seeing as dehumidifiers help to dry clothes indoors, it's not entirely farfetched to assume they could also help with tackling the summer heat, but what do the experts have to say on the matter? I asked them whether a dehumidifier can cool a room, and the answer probably isn’t as black and white as it may seem.

How a dehumidifier can cool a room

The short answer? No, a dehumidifier won't cool a room in the same way that one of the best portable air conditioners or the best fans will, for example. The same can be said if you're questioning whether an air purifier cools a room, too, as it’s important to remember what these appliances are typically designed for. The long answer is a little more complicated, though.

'However, if the room is hot and humid, a dehumidifier can make the room feel cooler to its occupants as it replaces the humid air with dry air,' explains Chris Michael, MD of Meaco.

So, although a dehumidifier will not lower the actual temperature of a room, by removing excess humidity and stickiness from the air, the room will feel a lot cooler, comfortable, and more pleasant.

Nathan Paul, air appliance expert at Appliances Direct, echoes this, stating that a dehumidifier typically affects the people in the home more than the temperature of the home itself during the warmer months.

'This is because lower humidity levels reduce the body's perception of heat,’ he says. ‘This is more apparent in inherently humid countries or heatwaves.'

Seeing as these conditions are often the case in British summertime, this cooling effect should be especially effective. And paired with another appliance, this could be an alternative way to keep a bedroom cool in the coming months if you have them readily available.

For this, you might want to weigh up the fan vs air conditioner debate to see which one suits you and your needs best. And if you opt for a fan, you’ll be happy to know that experts say that a fan will undoubtedly help a dehumidifier keep your room cool when paired together. You’ll just need to be mindful of your energy bills and how long you use them for to keep costs down.

However, it's important to remember that although using a dehumidifier can help, Joshua Warren, AO's dehumidifier expert, stresses that it's not the appliance's primary function and the effect will be 'typically modest'.

'Unlike an air conditioner, which actively cools the air by removing heat from it and then expelling the heat outside, a dehumidifier doesn't significantly alter the temperature. For this reason, an air conditioner may suit your needs better if you're after a cooler room,' adds Joshua.

Warnings consider when using a dehumidifier to cool a room

If you have particularly small rooms, you also need to be aware that a dehumidifier can have the opposite effect. Tom Coverdale, Head of Design at British dehumidifier manufacturer Ebac, warns, ‘A dehumidifier pulls in humid air, then cools it down to condense the moisture and remove it from the air, the heat is then re-introduced before releasing it back into the room - so the air coming out of the product is slightly warmer.’

He adds, ‘You won’t notice it in a large room over a short period of time, but in a closed room with a dehumidifier running for a few hours, the temperature will steadily creep up.’

This is only really something you’ll feel if you leave your dehumidifier on constantly (which you won’t want to do, considering the cost to run a dehumidifier and the rising energy prices), and the comforting properties will certainly outweigh the heat it produces in the long run. It’s still something to consider, though.

So, while a dehumidifier doesn't exactly function as a dedicated cooling device, its ability to reduce humidity can improve overall comfort and make a room feel cooler. Because of this, we wouldn't recommend purchasing a dehumidifier to use it purely as a cooling device.

After all, there are way better options on the market if cooling down a room is your primary concern.

Shop the best heat-busting appliances

FAQs

Do dehumidifiers let out hot air?

Many dehumidifiers - specifically compressor dehumidifiers - do produce heat, and you may find that you can feel some hot air coming from the appliance. This is completely normal and all part of the running process. However, it’s important to note that this heat should only be minimal and shouldn’t affect the temperature of the room too much.

If you find that your dehumidifier is letting out too much hot air to the point where it’s noticeable, you should stop using it immediately, as there may be a fault with it.

Should I run a dehumidifier in the summer?

Although many people associate dehumidifiers with colder weather and the winter months, you can still run a dehumidifier in the summer. In fact, dehumidifiers can make your home more comfortable if you struggle with the sticky heat, as this appliance will remove excess moisture from the air and reduce the overall humidity of your home.

Not only can this help you sleep during the hot weather, but it can also help those who struggle with allergies during this time. Plus, using a dehumidifier in the summer can also prevent the growth of mould, which typically thrives in the hot, humid weather.

So, now we know whether a dehumidifier can cool a room, all you need to do is figure out how you want to cool down your house this summer!

How long should you let a dehumidifier run? The age-old question that never fails to spark debate in a household. We're sure we all have different opinions about how long you can keep this must-have household appliance running – both from a necessity and energy-saving point of view.

At this point, we're sure that the best dehumidifiers require no introduction. Although we might be welcoming the onset of springtime, the UK weather doesn't always seem to get the memo, meaning wet and rainy days are still regrettably in our midst. Thankfully, snapping up a dehumidifier is a surefire way to combat and tackle the task of getting rid of damp in your home.

Although we've learned that you can leave a dehumidifier on overnight, just how long can you keep it running throughout day-to-day life?

How long should you let a dehumidifier run?

'The length of time to utilise an appliance such as a dehumidifier simply depends on the task in hand, and every area of dampness is different,' begins James Longley, managing director at Utility Bidder. 'The end goal is ultimately to maintain a lower humidity and prevent dampness in the process.'

In short: the worse your humidity problem, the longer you're going to want to keep your dehumidifier on. This means no 'set' time would be classed as right or wrong as it's all on a case-by-case basis.

'If the room humidity is above 70% then you should keep it going to prevent mould. If it is below that, then it doesn't matter how long you run it for,' explains Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance repair expert at Domestic & General.

That's right. It might seem a little surprising, but it's true. Should you need further confirmation, Chris Michael, managing director at Meaco adds, 'If the dehumidifier never seems to switch off and is still collecting water, the answer is to leave it running.' That being said, not letting it run for long enough is a common dehumidifier mistake people often make.

'Modern dehumidifiers have a built-in humidistat that measures the temperature and relative humidity of the room and tells the dehumidifier whether to sleep or dehumidify,' he further explains.

What's more, if you're buying a dehumidifier and using one in your house for the first time, Chris prefaces that it will be 'running flat out for around two to four weeks while it dries out all of the air in the house' as well as having to account for the moisture being released in the air naturally through showering, cooking, drying clothes indoors, etc.

Only once has it caught up and brought things under control you will find your dehumidifier will turn off, allowing you to settle into a cycle of turning it on and off as required. Therefore, so long as require the use of a dehumidifier to dry out damp walls or need a dehumidifier to dry clothes, for example, then you simply keep it running until the problem subsides.

If you're worried about safety, Chris assures us that the way a dehumidifier works is very similar to a kitchen fridge – and as you know, these appliances are always running 24/7 with no cause for concern.

'Dehumidifiers switch off automatically if the target humidity is met or if the water tank is full. Switching them off prematurely stops them from doing the job intended and costs more electricity in the long run,' he explains.

Although how long you let your dehumidifier run will depend on a handful of factors including the room size, current humidity levels, and the size of your dehumidifier, James recommends keeping it running between 6-12 hours in a day.

This will ensure you don't continually hike up the cost of running a dehumidifier as well as allow you to assess its effectiveness throughout the day, letting you make an informed decision on whether it needs to keep running or can rest.

FAQs

How long should you run a dehumidifier after a leak?

After a leak, it's important to keep a dehumidifier running as long as you possibly can. 'If you have an excess humidity problem in your home (continually 60%+ without dehumidifier), then chances are you're going to need to keep your dehumidifier running for at least 12 hours a day, for it to keep the humidity levels down,' advises Nicholas Auckland, energy expert at Trade Radiators.

'Some may choose to have it running 24 hours a day, as this will provide the most benefits and keep it down all day and all night. However, this will use energy and the dehumidifier could be distracting when sleeping.'

As Meaco's Chris Michael revealed to us earlier, so long as the dehumidifier is still collecting water and doesn't switch off, the best practice is to keep it running as it will automatically turn off.

Can I run a dehumidifier all day?

'In damp rooms, it is safe to use a dehumidifier continuously. It should then automatically shut off once the tank is full,' assures Katie Holland, marketing manager at Russell Hobbs. 'However, we would always recommend that people only operate dehumidifiers for 8 hours at a time when doing tasks such as drying laundry.'

'It's also important not to leave a dehumidifier on unattended when you leave the house.'

How often should you run a dehumidifier?

You should run a dehumidifier as often as you need it. Most new dehumidifier models will have a built-in humidistat that will measure the relative humidity levels in the room and will switch on and off as necessary.

The last thing you want is to leave a dehumidifier running for too long past its necessity, as this can result not only in wasting electricity but can also run the risk of overdrying a room. After all, balance is key.

If you want to reduce the amount of moisture in your home, you’ll be happy to know that it’s now easier than ever. But you’ll also want to consider whether dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers will suit your home better. 

At Ideal Home, we’ve had the pleasure of testing the best dehumidifiers on the market. Through these rigorous testing sessions (and the fact that the whole team has at least one of these dehumidifiers in their home), we’ve fallen in love with its moisture-absorbing abilities. But it’s also important to realise that it’s not the only product that can get rid of damp and reduce condensation in your home. 

Moisture absorbers are a budget and portable alternative to this best-selling electrical appliance, but can a moisture absorber live up to the hype of dehumidifiers? Well, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. It’s time for the dehumidifier vs. moisture absorber debate. 

Dehumidifier vs moisture absorber 

To protect your health and home, you should keep it at the perfect humidity. And while dehumidifiers and moisture absorbers can get rid of damp, there’s no denying that they’re two very different products. That’s why we’ve decided to compare the two regarding efficiency, ease of use, and affordability to see which product comes out on top. 

Dehumidifier vs moisture absorber: What’s the difference?

In essence, a dehumidifier and a moisture absorber are very similar. Both gadgets pull moisture from the air and trap it in the appliance to reduce condensation and dampness in your home. 

However, they’re also very different. Nicholas Auckland, heating and energy expert at Trade Radiators, explains, ‘Dehumidifiers are electric devices, while moisture absorbers are non-electric.’ This means a dehumidifier will only work when plugged in, while a moisture absorber can be placed anywhere in your home. 

The way a dehumidifier and moisture absorber work is also very different. To reduce the humidity levels in your home, a dehumidifier circulates the air, drawing out the moisture as it does so.

Joshua Warren, dehumidifier expert at AO.com, says, ‘Dehumidifiers are very handy appliances for households, particularly those who suffer with allergies or asthma. They work to improve air quality by reducing humidity levels, which, when high, can often make a room feel uncomfortable or sticky. When using your dehumidifier, high humidity is no longer an issue, and the circulation of air to your appliance also frees up your home of any potential allergens.’

On the other hand, a moisture absorber is filled with granules which crystallise when they absorb moisture from the air. No air circulation is required for this process, and the absorber must be replaced as soon as the granules have extracted as much as they can. This normally takes a few weeks or sometimes a few months. 

While most dehumidifiers are similar in terms of style and appearance, it’s also important to realise that moisture absorbers come in many different styles, shapes, and sizes. 

You could buy a countertop moisture absorber like this UniBond Aero 360 Compact Device from Dunelm, and this looks very similar to a diffuser or air freshener. 

On the other hand, you could buy hanging moisture absorbers (like these Nyxi Set of 6 Hanging Interior Wardrobe Dehumidifiers from Amazon) or moisture traps (like these Lakeland Moisture Traps).

So, moisture absorbers can be tailored to your personal aesthetic and taste more than a dehumidifier. 

Dehumidifier vs moisture absorber: Which is more efficient?

While both dehumidifiers and moisture absorbers can remove excess moisture from your home, most experts would agree that dehumidifiers are much more efficient. 

Chris Michael, Managing Director of Meaco, explains, ‘A dehumidifier has lots of time and energy saving features such as laundry mode that an absorber doesn’t. Every time a dehumidifier is used to dry a load of wet washing instead of a tumble dryer, it saves £1 on electricity bills, which cannot be said of a moisture absorber.  In addition, a moisture absorber does nothing to filter the air, whereas a dehumidifier with a HEPA filter removes viruses, mould spores, pollen and pollutants from the air.’

Not only that, but you’ll also find that most dehumidifiers are more powerful, can cover a larger area of your home, and come with various settings. And when Rachael Penn, our Ideal Home reviewer, tested the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier, she raved about the max room size recommendation of 40m² and its extraction rate. 

‘The Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier can extract up to 20L of moisture from the air per day, which makes it a pretty high capacity machine,’ she said. ‘I tested it out in my damp-prone Victorian terrace in South Wales, where it definitely had its work cut out for it, and found it performed well.’

In fact, Nicholas believes that one dehumidifier offers the equivalent of many moisture absorbers. He says, ‘You will need a high number of moisture absorbers in the home in order to attain the same level of moisture absorption as a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are a lot more efficient at removing moisture compared to moisture absorbers.’

However, it’s important to note that you also need to be careful when using a dehumidifier in a bathroom, and this is where a moisture absorber shines.

When Thea Babbington-Sitt, Ideal Home’s Assistant Editor, tested the Absodry Moisture Absorber in her own bathroom, she was extremely impressed by its moisture-absorbing qualities and how stylish it looked.

She said, ‘I've been using the machine since July and have been pleasantly surprised by how well it's worked – and I did have my doubts. It lives in my bathroom, which has no windows and is prone to damp due to lack of proper ventilation.’

‘Within a couple of weeks in situ, I noticed the water indicator slowly filling up, showing the moisture that was taken from the air. Towels were drying more quickly but, even more exciting to me, because of the odour absorption the smell of damp completely disappeared.’

Considering all of this, we’d still say that dehumidifiers still win in terms of efficiency, but moisture absorbers should also be given their flowers.

Dehumidifier vs moisture absorber: Which is easier to use?

Over the years, we’ve tested both dehumidifiers and moisture absorbers, and there’s no doubt about the fact that they’re both very easy to use. Once they’re set up and placed where needed, you can simply leave them to their own devices. 

However, you could say that dehumidifiers are a little more fiddly than moisture absorbers. While they need to be plugged in and programmed for the correct setting, this isn’t the case with a moisture absorber. 

However, most experts agree that dehumidifiers are easier to use in the long run. Chris explains, ‘In terms of ease of use, a dehumidifier can be left alone to work towards reducing the humidity to a target level. It’ll then only switch on again if needed.’

‘It will also switch itself off when the water tank is full, preventing a spill. A moisture absorber, on the other hand, cannot be adjusted to reach a target humidity and requires regular attention to check if it's working or if it's full or overspilling.’

Of course, another downside of moisture absorbers is that you need to buy refills of the moisture-absorbing desiccant inside of them. This can leave you vulnerable to mould or condensation build-up if you fail to replace them as often as you need to. 

However, a moisture absorber can shine if you’re limited on space - and plug sockets - and looking to deal with dampness and condensation in smaller nooks and crannies like wardrobes, under-the-stairs cupboards, or even in your car.

In fact, I use these TRIXES Pack of 4 Hanging Interior Wardrobe Dehumidifier Bags from Amazon in one of my kitchen cupboards to tackle the condensation (and very strange smell) that was once coming from the water main supply pipe that sits at the bottom of the cabinet. 

Since popping one of these bags in the cupboard, the musty smell has gone, and I can visibly feel that the desiccant balls inside the bag are absorbing the moisture. And I’m not the only member of the Ideal Home team who uses these moisture absorbers, either. 

Our Deputy Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight, also uses moisture absorbers in all of her rooms that don’t have a plug socket and in her wardrobes. 

She says, ‘One of the biggest dehumidifier mistakes you can make is not giving it the space to ‘breathe,’ so putting one in my wardrobe just isn’t an option. The Lakeland No Spill Hanging Moisture Traps are my favourite to use, and I don’t know how people don’t have the hanging ones for their wardrobes.’

‘Of course, they are messy and quite expensive in the long run. I'm looking to upgrade my bedroom one to a proper small dehumidifier, but I'm such a light sleeper I'm worried I won't cope with the sound.’

So, whether a dehumidifier or moisture absorber is easier to choose is largely down to personal preference and usage. 

Dehumidifier vs moisture absorber: Which is more affordable?

When evaluating the affordability of dehumidifiers, two factors need to be considered: the upfront cost of the appliance and the cost of running a dehumidifier. 

In terms of the upfront cost, dehumidifiers can be expensive and set you back a few hundred pounds. But it’s also possible to find the best dehumidifiers under £100 if you opt for the cheaper end of the spectrum.

In fact, one of our top-rated dehumidifiers of all time is the best-selling ProBreeze 1500ml Mini Dehumidifier, which retails at just £69.99 when it’s not on sale for less.

But while this is more expensive than moisture absorbers (which you can buy for as little as £2.99 if you go for something like this Mini Moisture & Condensation Trap from Lakeland), it’s important to remember that moisture traps are only temporary. 

Chris says, ‘Moisture absorbers have a limited lifespan, are less effective over time and need to be thrown away after use, contributing to plastic waste. It’s a false economy to repeatedly buy and throw away moisture absorbers when a dehumidifier does a more effective job of protecting health and home from damp.’

So, dehumidifiers lose this round because they’re more expensive in terms of upfront costs. But if you continually use moisture absorbers, you may find that you spend more money in the long run. 

Final verdict: Which one do you need?

Dehumidifiers seem to always win in the battle against moisture absorbers, and there's good reason for that. 

Chris says, ‘Basically, the only time and place that a moisture absorber trumps a dehumidifier is if you want to keep a cupboard or sealed box dry (a sealed environment where there is no air exchange with the wider room where the dehumidifier might be). Apart from that, they are fairly useless and can be a hazard where you have children or pets present.’

However, there’s an argument that having both in your home is ultimately the best option if you want to keep your home moisture and mould-free. Nicholas echoes this idea, saying, ‘Having both in the home is a great idea, especially if you're struggling to maintain low humidity and moisture levels.’

‘Placing your dehumidifier out in the open in the centre of a room will help take moisture from the wider area, while placing a moisture absorber in wardrobes, cupboards and any other internal location will help take moisture from the air in these areas, which will help to prevent mould growth on clothes, belongings, towels, etc.’

In fact, he’s even given an option to those who are unsure whether a dehumidifier is right for them. ‘If you start noticing a problem with humidity levels in your home, you could start out by investing in a moisture absorber. If this fills up quickly, you know you probably need to upgrade to a dehumidifier instead,’ he explains. 

In our eyes, it’s the perfect solution! 

FAQs

Are moisture absorbers effective?

Yes, moisture absorbers are effective - but it’s important to realise that they’re limited in their capabilities. While they are perfect for smaller spaces like wardrobes and cupboards and for areas of the home that lack nearby plug sockets, these products do have their downsides. 

For starters, moisture absorbers have a limited lifespan, which means that they need to be replaced every so often. They’re also not as effective as dehumidifiers, as they don’t circulate the air in the process. 

What is the best thing to absorb moisture?

Dehumidifiers are designed to absorb the moisture in your home, and there’s a reason why they are so popular. While the initial price of this appliance may be more expensive than a dehumidifier, they are more efficient and way more effective in terms of removing moisture and other pollutants from the air. 

Did you expect this outcome from the dehumidifier vs. moisture absorber debate?