In the summer, sometimes opening the window just seems to let in more hot air. A dehumidifier can help with this, while preventing mould due to any excess moisture.
We've picked the top five most popular dehumidifiers with Which? members from May 2022 to May 2023 to help you choose.
Despite this, we've often found that just because something is popular, it doesn't make it the best choice.
(typical price £199.99)
As the Meaco DD8L is a desiccant dehumidifier, it can work at lower temperatures than regular refrigerant dehumidifiers.
Meaco claims that both the DD8L and the DD8L Zambezi are suitable for dehumidifying homes of up to five bedrooms, which seems quite a bold statement for such a small capacity.
While it was released at the beginning of 2010, this oldie is clearly still a goodie in the hearts of our members.
Read our to find out if it holds up to manufacturer claims.You can pick up the Meaco DD8L , or compare prices from other major retailers below:Which dehumidifier brand should you buy in 2023? See (typical price £259.99)
The more premium cousin to the Meaco DD8L, the DD8L Zambezi is a bit more high-spec, is more energy efficient, but costs a bit more.
Overall, the Zambezi is very similar to the DD8L but it has a few more bells and whistles, such as a digital display and a laundry mode.
It's not as old as the Meaco DD8L, either, as the Zambezi was released in 2016.
Does this old model still compete with the latest models in 2023? Read our to find out.You can pick up the Meaco DD8L Zambezi , or compare prices from other retailers below: with our expert advice(typical price £299.99)
Another Meaco dehumidifier, this time on the pricier side, takes the third most popular spot. This 16kg unit can draw out up to 25 litres of moisture per day, but you probably won't be pulling that since manufacturers base these claims on climates more humid than that of the UK.
It also has an air purification mode and a built-in HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) filter, which can help syphon out allergens such as dust and pollen.
We haven't tested how effective its air purification mode is, but you can read our reviews on air purifiers to find one that will do a good job.
You can buy the Meaco Arete One 25L , or you can compare prices from other retailers below:Keen to keep the air in your home free of allergens and dust? Read our (typical price £264.99)
This refrigerant dehumidifier from DeLonghi automatically adjusts its fan speeds to keep humidity at your desired level between 40%, 50% and 60% air humidity.
It also includes a laundry setting that regulates fan and power usage to help dry clothes. You can do this manually, too, if you prefer.
Read our to find out how well it does compared with other models.You can compare prices from major retailers below:Read our advice on (typical price £349.98)
It's one of the more expensive models we've tested, but is still popular for its compact size.
According to EcoAir, it's suitable for homes of up to five bedrooms.
It also has an automatic mode where it can maintain humidity at a desired level, alongside a laundry mode.
Is it worth paying more? Read our to find out.You can buy direct from , or compare prices from major retailers below:What does a dehumidifier do?Dehumidifiers are designed to keep a home's humidity levels in check by drawing out moisture from the air. This can make the air feel more comfortable and can help prevent mould or damp.
There are two main types of dehumidifying: refrigerant and desiccant.
Refrigerant dehumidifiers use a fan to pull in air through two coils. One coil is cold and the other is warm, which condenses moisture in the air and drips it into a water tank below. The dry air is then pulled out by the fan and dispersed around the room.
Refrigerant dehumidifiers work better in heated rather than unheated rooms, since they need the air in the room to be warmer than the cold surfaces of the first coil.
Desiccant dehumidifiers work differently: they use a heated rotor to absorb air, then use a condenser to pull moisture out of the warm air. The water drips into a tank and dry air is pushed out of the appliance.
This kind of dehumidifier is often more expensive and uses more energy. That said, they don't rely on air being heated. They typically work just as well in a heated living area as they would in a garage or unheated basement.
Read our advice on to find out why one might be good for your homeHow much does a dehumidifier typically cost to run?
While it mainly depends on which model you choose and how often you run said model, most dehumidifiers aren't super energy-hungry.
Manufacturers such as Meaco claim most of their dehumidifiers cost less than £1 per day for a few hours of use, but you should expect to pay between 10p and 26p per hour of use depending on the dehumidifier's wattage.
How to find a cheap humidifier
You can sometimes find dehumidifiers on clearance, on sale or refurbished from retailers. Buying from the clearance section or a refurbished model can save you money.
We've picked retailers who have clearance sections that sometimes have dehumidifiers on offer. While most don't have any on offer at time of writing, you can check their clearance pages below:
If you're struggling to find a deal, we'd recommend considering one of our Great Value dehumidifiers.
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