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Best Dehumidifier Reviews UK 2023 – Top 10 Picks Compared

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Our Favourites

Editors Choice: Meaco 20L
Desiccant Choice: EcoAir DD122
Mini Choice: Pro Breeze 500ml

It’s no secret that a damp home is unwelcoming and uncomfortable. But increased humidity levels in your property can also be detrimental to your health and cost you more in heating bills over time. These factors alone are good reasons to buy the best dehumidifier in the UK. However, there are also other arguments for running a dehumidifier in your house. These appliances have many other benefits, from getting rid of condensation, mould and peeling paintwork to keeping your food fresher for a longer period of time.

So, whether you’re looking for a small, portable dehumidifier or one for the whole house, we’ve done the hard work for you. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 dehumidifier reviews, so you can easily compare dehumidifiers and find the right product for your home!

How We Compared Dehumidifiers

To find the right dehumidifiers we considered multiple factors including:

  • Types
  • Capacity
  • Filtration
  • Other Factors

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

To find out more about our process please see here.

Best Dehumidifier Reviews – Top 10 Picks

1. Meaco 20L (Editor’s Choice)

Meaco 20L

This 20-litre dehumidifier by Meaco is possibly the best dehumidifier in the UK and our editor’s choice. With its large capacity, this model is suitable for three or more bedroom homes with mould, damp and condensation.

It is a great choice if you have a medium to large home and are looking to save money on your energy bills. This dehumidifier has Smart Control Logic which is designed to balance low energy rates with high water extraction. One of the things we like about this is its digital display that lets you know what level of humidity your home has. It also gives you the chance to set your desired level thanks to the easy to use variable humidistat. What’s more, this dehumidifier comes complete with a HEPA filter which removes over 99% of particles from the air – making it an excellent choice if you have allergies or a young family. You can also use this product in drier months as an air purifier, which provides invaluable relief if you’re a hayfever sufferer. Easy-roll castors and a carry handle make it easy for you to move it around. There’s also a child lock, making it safe for families with young children.

Like most dehumidifiers, this product is a little on the noisy side, although not especially so. The instructions could be more helpful, particularly when detailing how to remove the water tank for emptying. Unfortunately, this is the main drawback to this unit and unless you’re extremely careful and precise, you’ll risk spilling a little water.

 

Pros:

  • 20 litre daily removal capacity & continuous drainage
  • HEPA filter
  • Low energy
  • Variable humidistat
  • Digital display
  • Includes laundry mode to dry clothes

Cons:

  • A little noisy
  • Easy to spill water when emptying
  • Limited instructions

2. EcoAir DD122 (Best Desiccant)

EcoAir DD122

The best desiccant dehumidifier in our selection is the EcoAir DD122. It has a seven litre per day water removal capacity, making it a good size for small homes.

Having an anti-bacterial filter, this simple desiccant dehumidifier would be a great choice if you or someone in your household suffers from allergies as it also helps to purify the air. Coming complete with anti-tilt protection and an easy-to-remove water tank with a lid and handle, you won’t have to worry about spilling excess water when you buy this model. On the other hand, the two-litre water tank may need emptying often if you have very high humidity levels.

It has an easy-to-use rotary control dial, although there is no digital display or humidity readout. While it does not come with castors, it does feature a carry handle. Weighing in at just 6kg, you should be able to lift it from room to room without a problem. If you have a small to medium-sized home and are looking for a desiccant dehumidifier, the DD122 is a great, easy-to-use option that will reduce your humidity levels, preventing condensation, mould and dampness.

 

Pros:

  • 7L daily extraction rate
  • Anti-bacterial filter
  • Anti-drip tank with lid and handle
  • Anti-tilt protection
  • Lightweight
  • Has a carry handle
  • Includes laundry mode to dry clothes

Cons:

  • Small water tank
  • No air moisture level reading
  • No castors

3. Pro Breeze 500ml (Best Mini)

Pro Breeze 500ml

The Pro Breeze is our best mini dehumidifier. If you are looking for a small, compact model for your cupboard space or for very small rooms, then it makes a great choice.

As a mini dehumidifier, it is extremely portable, making it easy to move to wherever you need to use it. It is a quiet dehumidifier compared to larger models and uses much less energy. It has a relatively large 500 ml water tank capacity and removes up to 250 ml of water per day When the Pro Breeze is full, an auto shut-off function stops it from overfilling and an indicator light lets you know it’s time to empty it.

While this is an excellent mini dehumidifier choice, you should bear in mind that it is really only suitable for confined spaces or at the very most, a small room. You may like to use it in your utility closet, bathroom or student accommodation. It would also be a good choice for your caravan or garage to prevent damp. Although, wherever you’re thinking of using it, you may need an extension lead as the power cord is a little short.

As it is much smaller than standard dehumidifiers, it will take considerably longer to remove moisture. So, if you have a very high humidity problem and are looking for a quick reduction in levels, you may be better off with a more powerful product. However, if you need to remove small amounts of excess moisture from a small area, this mini dehumidifier is a compact, energy-saving model that will get the job done.

 

Pros:

  • Removes up to 250 ml of water daily
  • Ultra-quiet operation
  • Small and compact
  • Portable
  • Full tank auto shut off and indicator

Cons:

  • Best suited to confined spaces
  • Quite slow
  • Short power cable

4. Pro Breeze 12L (Best For Whole House Usage)

Pro Breeze 12L

Are you looking for the best whole house dehumidifier? Ideal if you have humidity problems throughout your home in multiple rooms, the Pro Breeze can remove up to 12 litres of water per day and it’s easy to move around from room to room, thanks to its castor wheels.

Using its easy to read and program digital LED display, you can find out at a glance what your room’s current humidity level is and set it to your desired level. The 24-hour timer is extremely useful for setting it to come on any time, preventing humidity from building up in your absence. The child lock function is useful if you have young children as it will stop them from altering your settings.

A well designed and high performing whole-house dehumidifier, this is an excellent choice. However, the water tank could do with being a little bigger as it is just at 1.8 litres. Also, there’s no viewing window to see how close to maximum capacity it’s getting, although the machine will alert you when it’s full. Lastly, the user’s manual could provide more detail on all of this model’s functions and how to make the best use of them.

 

Pros:

  • 12 litres daily water extraction rate
  • Digital LED screen display
  • Has an automatic air moisture sensor
  • 24-hour timer
  • Child lock function

Cons:

  • Small water tank
  • Cannot view water level
  • Manual lacks detail

5. EcoAir DC14 Compact (Best Portable)

EcoAir DC14 Compact

If you need an easily portable dehumidifier, then take a look at the EcoAir DC14. This compact dehumidifier has been carefully designed so that you can easily move it from room to room, thanks to its easy-glide castor wheels.

With its 14-litre per day extraction rate and 3.5-litre water tank, this dehumidifier is recommended for small to medium homes. Instead of using a tumble dryer, you can dry clothes indoors during winter, simply wheel it in and use the laundry mode for a much faster drying time. It will also prevent excess moisture that leads to mould. The electronic panel is easy to use and allows you to set your humidity level. It has an auto shut off function when the desired level is reached, saving you money on your electricity bill. There is also a timer included, although it is limited to just choosing either two or four hours.

Unfortunately, the main drawback to this model is its filter which allows dust and particles to pass. If you or your family suffer from allergies, it would be better if you buy a dehumidifier with a HEPA filter or other similar filters that will efficiently remove more particles. This is fairly loud but not overpowering. However, if you’re a light sleeper, you may struggle to sleep with it nearby.

 

Pros:

  • 14L daily water extraction rate & continuous drainage
  • 3.5L water tank
  • Easy glide concealed castor wheels
  • Electronic control panel
  • Auto shut off and timer functions
  • Includes laundry mode to dry clothes

Cons:

  • Filter not very fine
  • Fairly loud
  • Limited timer options

6. MeacoDry ABC (Best with Laundry Mode)

The MeacoDry ABC dehumidifier makes an excellent choice if you are seeking an option designed for a medium to large-sized home. It comes from a leading UK brand and has an award-winning design that is compact and small in size.

The MeacoDry ABC can remove up to 12 litres of water from your home’s air per day. It features an easy to use control panel with a digital display so you can monitor the current humidity level.

For added convenience, this dehumidifier also features a laundry mode, automatic shut off, timer settings, auto defrost, and a child lock. The ABC dehumidifier is quite powerful but remains energy efficient to help keep your power bills as low as possible.

This dehumidifier has a white body with either a black, blue, grey or white top. It has a 12-litre capacity but a slightly smaller 10-litre version is also available. Each ABC dehumidifier comes with a two-year guarantee to cover parts and labour.

Unfortunately, this dehumidifier model does not come with a drainage hose so you will have to purchase one separately. In addition, it could be a bit heavy for some people to manoeuvre and may not be as quiet as some people expect due to the ultra-quiet advertising claims.

 

Pros:

  • 12L or 10L capacity
  • Award-winning design
  • 2-year parts and labour guarantee
  • Easy to use control panel and display
  • Child lock and auto shut off feature

Cons:

  • May be a bit on the heavy side
  • Drainage hose may need to be purchased separately
  • May not be as quiet as we would like

7. Finether 12L (Best Value)

Finether 12L

It can be tricky finding a dehumidifier that works well without spending quite a lot. However, there are some decent products out there. This dehumidifier by Finether offers all of the functionality of more expensive models at a much lower price, making it our best budget dehumidifier pick.

With its 12-litre per day removal capacity, this dehumidifier is great for small and medium-sized homes. It is ideal for preventing damp and drying out multiple rooms including indoor laundry drying.

This model has a touch button digital display complete with humidity level reading as well as an adjustable humidistat. Simply select your desired level and leave the dehumidifier to do the rest. The adjustable fan speed helps to speed up the process, while the four-way castor wheels and carry handle make it easy to move this dehumidifier from an area of your home to another.

While this budget dehumidifier has a transparent tank that’s easy to remove and empty, the capacity is just at 1.5 litres. If you have high humidity levels, you’re likely to end up having to empty it a lot. Additionally, if you’re planning to use it in multiple locations around your home, you may want to make sure that you have a spare extension lead as the power cable is on the short side.

Lastly, if you’ve never used a dehumidifier before, you may have problems understanding how to get started with this product. Unfortunately, the instructions aren’t well translated and as such, don’t always make perfect sense.

 

Pros:

  • Removes up to 12L daily
  • Touch button digital display
  • Adjustable automatic humidistat
  • Adjustable fan speed
  • Wheels and built-in handle

Cons:

  • Poorly translated instructions
  • Small water tank
  • Short power cable

8. De’Longhi Dex 16L (Best Power-Saver)

De’Longhi Dex 16L

When you’re looking for a new dehumidifier, choosing an energy-efficient model will allow you to use it as needed – without worrying about the cost of your electricity bill. The Dex 16 is the best low energy dehumidifier thanks to an optimised compressor that minimizes energy use.

This dehumidifier has an automatic shut off function, which will save you even more on your electricity bills. Designed to remove up to 16 litres of water from your home daily, it has three humidistat settings plus a setting for drying clothes, making it quick and easy for you to select your desired humidity level. There is also a long life, reusable filter included.

While the Dax is a quiet dehumidifier compared to many similar models, it is not quite as quiet as it is made out to be. Don’t expect to be able to sleep with it turned on in the same room. However, if you’re a sound sleeper and have it on low, you may be okay with it out on the landing. If you’re planning on using this throughout the day, you should be aware that it doesn’t have a timer function. Finally, another area for improvement is portability. As it has no wheels, you may struggle to get it from room to room.

 

Pros:

  • Up to 16 litres water removal per 24 hours
  • Optimised energy efficient compressor
  • Washable filter
  • Three humidistat settings plus a setting for drying clothes
  • Auto shut off

Cons:

  • No timer function
  • Noisier than stated
  • No wheels

9. Hysure Portable Electric (Best Small)

Hysure Portable Electric

Out of all our dehumidifier reviews, the best small dehumidifier is the portable dehumidifier by Hysure. It removes up to 0.75 litres of water per day making it a good choice for enclosed spaces.

This dehumidifier could be used in very small rooms, provided the humidity level isn’t too high. Due to its size, be aware that it will take some time to bring down your humidity level, so if you have a serious damp and mould problem, this model will probably not suffice.

With its simple single button operation, this small dehumidifier is extremely easy to use. Its two-litre tank is a decent size, therefore, you shouldn’t have to empty it too often. It also has an auto shut off function that comes into play when the tank is full, preventing it from overflowing. Compact and highly portable, this small dehumidifier is a good choice for box rooms, wardrobes, caravans or any small space where you have a higher than normal humidity level that you would like to reduce.

 

Pros:

  • Removes up to 0.75 litres daily
  • 2-litre water tank
  • Simple single button operation
  • Auto full tank shut off
  • Highly portable

Cons:

  • Only suitable for small spaces
  • Slow
  • Struggles to bring high air moisture levels down

10. Netta 12L (User-Friendly Choice)

Netta 12L

When looking for a dehumidifier, sometimes you need a product that not only has a substantial capacity but is also easy to use. If so, then the Netta 12L digital dehumidifier might be a great choice for you.

It is suitable for use in rooms up to 20 metres squared and can remove up to 12 litres per 24 hours. Although in high humidity rooms, it will need frequent emptying due to its small 1.5-litre tank. Unfortunately, there is also no water level viewing window, so you have to wait for it to cut out to know when it is full, something which is not helped by the extremely poor usage instructions.

The digital control display is clearly set out. It offers you the choice of two fan speeds as well as adjustable humidity control so you can set the unit to your desired humidity level. Thanks to its auto shut off and a 24-hour timer, you are sure to be energy efficient using this model, rather than having one that merely runs on continuous mode. Furthermore, the built-in handle and casters make this dehumidifier easy to move around from an area of your home to the next as needed.

 

Pros:

  • Removes up to 12 litres of water daily
  • Two fan speeds
  • Digital control panel with adjustable air moisture control
  • 24-hour timer
  • Auto shut off

Cons:

  • Small water tank
  • Can’t see the water level
  • Poor instructions

Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier

1. Hinders Mould Problems

mould on the window sill

There are several signs to look for that indicates you need to buy a dehumidifier. One of these is when you are finding water stains on the ceiling or walls, seeing black spots (which are mould spores) in the bathroom or kitchen, or detecting a musty smell in some areas of your house. Mould spores can contribute to respiratory issues, including a general “heavy” feeling on the chest as well as triggering asthma. Using a dehumidifier will help to starve the mould of the moisture it needs to grow, thus making your home a healthier place to breathe easy.

2. Reduces Respiratory Issues

A humidifier is useful when you are congested because of a cold, or have dry skin or chapped lips, but a dehumidifier comes in handy when dealing with allergies and asthma, which can be triggered by contaminants during hay fever season and too much moisture in the air.

3. Limits Condensation

Using electric fires, electric heaters, bathroom heaters or even taking a really hot shower at home during cold weather can cause condensation. Dehumidifiers work by removing this excess moisture. Less condensation means your food stays fresh for longer. It will also prevent electrical connectors and tools from corroding or rusting. They can help you save money on your energy bills too because you won’t use a costly tumble dryer and your air conditioner won’t have to do double-duty dehumidifying.

What to Look For When Choosing a Dehumidifier

1. Types

Using a new device

There are three basic types of dehumidifiers you can buy. They are categorised below by the way they operate.

a. Refrigerant Dehumidifiers

Sometimes known as compressor or heat pump dehumidifiers, they use a pump to pull air inside and then remove moisture as a fan blows across heat-exchange coils containing refrigerant. The machine then releases the excess liquid into a collection tank and reheats the air to be released back into the area.

b. Ventilators

These are for attics and crawl spaces. They simply just keep humid air from entering living spaces.

c. Desiccant Dehumidifiers

They are sometimes called chemical absorbent dehumidifiers. These pass air through heated silica gel and desiccant substances to remove excess moisture. Desiccant dehumidifiers are becoming more popular over time and perform better in lower temperatures.

2. Capacity

The most important consideration in narrowing down your choice for the best home dehumidifier will be its size which is measured in two different ways.

a. Water Tank

woman pouring liquid out of the tank

Also called the condensate bucket, it collects the water extracted from the air. The bigger the tank of the product you buy, the lesser time you’ll spend emptying it out. Just remember that this is not potable and should be disposed of properly.

b. Water Extraction

It is the amount of liquid (in litres) that the dehumidifier can remove per day. Anything smaller than 500ml is suitable primarily for enclosed spaces like cupboards, wardrobes or small areas like kitchens and garages. Next, 5-10 litre machines will take care of areas that are around 30-60 square metres. Lastly, 10-20 litre machines can handle 60-120 square metres of space.

3. Other Factors

Some other things which should enter into your decision are whether a dehumidifier has an adjustable humidistat to let you choose the target humidity for the area, a digital display, a multi-speed fan and an automatic shutoff (when the collection tank is full).

If your dehumidifier will be permanently left in a single spot, a drain hose (or at least a connector) is desirable so you don’t have to manually empty the machine’s tank every day. Higher-end units will also have options like directional louvres, pumps to assist in evacuating water from the machine, and automatic defrost (for refrigerant dehumidifiers).

Conclusion

There is such an array of high-performing models included in our dehumidifier reviews that you may still be wondering which dehumidifier you should choose. Having carefully examined the top dehumidifiers in our list, we think the best all-around option is without a doubt the Meaco 20L Dehumidifier.

With an outstanding daily water extraction rate of 20 litres, a HEPA filter that improves and purifies your air quality, not to mention its energy-efficient low rates, digital display and variable humidistat for ease of use; the Meaco 20L is our personal favourite. It is suitable for all medium to large homes and its proven track record means it thoroughly deserves to be crowned the best dehumidifier UK consumers prefer.

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