If you are suffering with damp and mould, it might be time to look into purchasing a dehumidifier.
After all, excess moisture in the air is the cause of things like mould and mildew which can irritate the lungs of healthy people, as well as those who suffer from conditions such as asthma or general allergies. There are several health benefits of owning a dehumidifier
The way dehumidifiers work is that they remove the excess moisture from the air, collecting it in a water tank that is built into the body.
You have the option to have these continuously drain via a pipe, or to empty them by hand when they are full. With the moisture removed from your surroundings, many also act to kill bacteria and other nasties that may still be lingering.
While the dehumidifier is running, you can rest knowing that your home is moisture free. Take a look at the best dehumidifier reviews so that you can see which are considered to be the best.
Whether you need something small and compact, or are looking for something larger to absorb a lot of moisture, you are sure to find the perfect humidifier for you.
EcoAir DC12 Compact Portable Dehumidifier
Pro Breeze 500ml Compact Review
Best Dehumidifier Review (In Order)
1. EcoAir DC12 Review
Editors Pick
This compact Ecoair dehumidifier is easy to use and incredibly effective when it comes to keeping the air free from moisture.
The control panel itself is electronic with an active humidistat for easy adjustment.
The filter is both removable and washable, so you can keep everything clean and tidy.
Plus, there are two timer settings included and a defrost setting for the colder weather.
You have the option to use continuous drainage with this machine, and it is certainly one of the best dehumidifiers UK that you can buy.
It is ideal for not only keeping the mould and mildew away, but also for giving you a hand drying your laundry.
With a 2-year warranty included, it is a fantastic purchase for those that are in need of a slightly more compact machine.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Works even in cold temperatures
- Automatic defrost
- Automatic shutdown
- Automatic humidity adjustment
- Several timer settings
- Continuous drainage option
- Keeps away mould, mildew, and bacteria
- 2-year warranty
- Washable filter
Cons
- Very Noisy
This EcoAir dehumidifier is perfect for those that don’t have a great deal of space and are in need of something compact.
With a range of great tools and features, the small size certainly doesn’t take away from the overall function of this machine.
It offers a great deal of power and is incredibly reliable, especially as it comes from a trusted brand. It’s a great buy at a brilliant price.
EcoAir brand is also known for having best desiccant dehumidifiers for your home.
Design
Features
Price
2. Pro Breeze 500ml Compact Review
Budget Pick
This particular dehumidifier works in caravans and motorhomes, and is one of the best budget dehumidifiers on the market.
It is ideal for houses as well, and is sure to keep the mould and damp out of either your house or caravan.
Compact and lightweight, it still offers a lot of power and will keep the excess moisture away.
It has thermo-electric cooling so that you won’t require a compressor.
Due to this, it is energy efficient, allowing you to save money on your electric bill every month.
It runs quietly, so you can work and sleep with little to no interruption from this machine.
Plus, when the water tank is full it will automatically shut down so that you can empty it.
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Energy efficient
- Quiet when running
- Tank full indication
- Thermos-electric cooling system
- Can be used in a range of locations
Cons
- A couple of occasions where it has malfunctioned
- Some say it could be more powerful
This is one of the best dehumidifiers if you are looking for something cheap and practical. It is great for keeping the mould out and removing the excess moisture in the air.
While there have been a few occasions where things have gone wrong with the machines, this is rare compared to the thousands of people who have found this to be a fantastic value for money dehumidifier.
Powerful and affordable, it could be the perfect machine for you.
Design
Features
Price
3. Duronic DH05 Mini Compact Review
Best Budget Dehumidifier
This is one of the best budget dehumidifiers you can buy, and it is fantastically compact for use both inside and outside of the home.
Despite its small size, it offers a tremendous amount of power to keep your home free from excess moisture.
Plus, with a visible water level, you know exactly when it needs to be emptied.
When the water tank is full it will power off to avoid any kind of leakage from the water tank.
With one speed setting, it is ideal for homes that are suffering with mould and mildew, or at risk of developing them.
With a 2-year warranty, faith in the manufacturer is solidified when you go to make your purchase.
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Powerful considering size
- Automatic shut down when tank is full
- Perfect for mould and mildew
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Noisy
- Not as effective as other models
This Duronic small space dehumidifier is powerful and perfect for small rooms that are at risk of mould and mildew.
It has a 2-year warranty, so that you have something to fall back on if there are any issues with the machine.
While it might not be as high tech as other compact models, it certainly does the job and will help keep the air in your home as clear and dry as possible.
Plus, with its compact size it is easy to store away if ever it is not needed and it can fit into small spaces in your home.
FAQ's
Q: With it being a mini version i worry that i will forget to empty the tank in time is there an automatic switch off when the tank is full?
A: Yes like most of these models this Duranic GH05 has an automatic switch off system when the tank becomes to full.
Design
Features
Price
4. Ebac 3650e Dehumidifier Review
Most Energy Efficient
This is one of the best dehumidifiers available in the UK, thanks to the great energy efficiency and the smart controls.
When all the moisture in the air has been removed, it will shut down automatically to save you a little extra on your energy bills.
It’s ideal for the removal and prevention of mould and mildew.
Manufactured in Britain and made specifically for our climate, it is perfectly tailored for the British home.
It has three timer modes to help you dry laundry efficiently and keep the home dry, as well as a front loading water tank to prevent spillages when you go to empty it.
Plus, it has intelligent controls that are not only easy for you to use but can also be left to work independently.
Pros
- Works for multiple bedrooms
- Automatic shutdown when the air is dry
- Energy efficient
- Made in Britain
- Tank full indication
- Smart control system
- Three timer settings
- Front loading to prevent spillage
- Ergonomic design
- Perfect for British climate
Cons
- Could be more portable
This energy efficient model from EBAC is absolutely fantastic for those in a four-bedroom home that are in need of a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture or rising damp.
The satisfaction rate for this EBAC dehumidifier model has been exceptions, with little to no complaints about how this model works.
It has a range of features, including three timer settings, but is fine to leave alone as it can adjust itself automatically to suit the current indoor climate. A prime example of British-made excellence.
FAQ's
Q: Can you set it to start when the humidity reaches a certain percentage?
A: Yes, it has a humidistat so you can set and it will turn on and off to maintain a level of humidity.
Design
Features
Price
5. Amcor 8L Desiccant Dehumidifier Review
Ioniser and Power Saving Humidistat
This Amcor desiccant dehumidifier is ideal for homes with up to five bedrooms.
It is useable both in warm and cold conditions thanks to the anti-frost technology.
As a result, it is useable in every room – from garages to bedrooms. Plus, it runs quietly so you won’t find yourself disturbed.
There is a humidistat built in that will automatically adjust the humidity levels according to your home (or garage)and the current climate within it.
Ideal for mould and mildew, it will keep the it dry and free from excess moisture.
In addition to all of this, there is a power saving laundry mode for getting your clothes nice and dry.
Pros
- Excellent design
- Works even in cold temperatures
- Low noise levels
- Suitable for large homes
- Automatic humidity adjustment
- Power saving laundry mode
Cons
- Does not have a warranty
- Have been reports of leaks after a few months
This dehumidifier is perfect for those with large homes as well as small ones. It does an excellent job of extracting moisture from the air as well as drying your clothes efficiently.
While there have been a few negative reports of leaks, the general consensus is that this model runs well and comes at an affordable price.
With several brilliant extras, it’s a great model at a great price.
Design
Features
Price
6. Dihl Mini Portable Air Dehumidifier Review
Great for Your Car
This portable dehumidifier is compatible with car power adaptor with no issue.
Despite its small and compact size, this dehumidifier offers a great deal of power both in your home and the car.
Plus, when it is full it will turn off automatically to save you some extra power, and also to prevent your battery from running down.
This machine will help to prevent and remove mould and mildew from your home, and even rust from your car.
All of this is in addition to the excess moisture that has formed in the air.
The water container is front loading to prevent spillages when you go to empty it. One of the best budget dehumidifiers, it has a 12-month guarantee and is incredibly practical.
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Powerful considering size
- Automatic shut down when tank is full
- Perfect for mould and mildew
- 12-month warranty
- Fits perfectly in car power adaptor
- Front loading water tank
Cons
- A few issues with it breaking down after a few months of use
This nifty dehumidifier is ideal for those who need something small and powerful. Without draining your car battery, it can remove a large amount of moisture from your car (or even your home), preventing mould and mildew from forming.
With automatic shutdown when full and an easy to empty water tank, this machine will provide you with a quick and simple solution to your car and home damp problems – and all at a very reasonable price.
You may also check out our reviews of the Best Small Dehumidifiers.
Design
Features
Price
7. Meaco Home Dehumidifier Review
Low Energy Running Dehumidifier
This low energy Meaco dehumidifier is great for those who want to save money on their electric bills every month, as running a dehumidifier can be an expensive necessity.
However, with this model hardly anyone noticed an increase in their energy bills.
Once target humidity has been reached, it will also shut down automatically for 30 minutes while it waits for new humidity.
Plus, compared to most other dehumidifiers this one runs quite quietly, so you are unlikely to be disturbed.
The anti-bacterial filter works to keep the air clean and free from bacteria, so that those who are suffering from asthma and allergies are unaffected.
There is also the option for continuous drainage if it is wanted or required.
In fact, this model is recommended for use in places like museums for the protection of artefacts because it is so effective.
Pros
- Popular brand
- Good for drying clothes
- Energy efficient
- Automatic shutdown and restart when humidity levels reached
- Anti-bacterial filter
- Filter is easy to clean
- Continuous drainage option
- Quiet when running
Cons
- A couple of occasions where it broke down
- Customer service could be improved
This low energy dehumidifier is great for those who need something powerful but also won’t cost them a fortune when the energy bill comes in each month.
It’s a quiet machine with a range of superb features to keep your home free from excess moisture as well as mould and mildew.
With the option for continuous drainage and an air purification system, it’s not one you will want to miss out on.
You may also check out Delonghi dehumidifiers that are ultra quiet.
Design
Features
Price
How Much Does a Dehumidifier Cost to Run?
It is difficult to tell exactly how much your dehumidifier will cost to run because it can vary so much between the different models, makes, and the wattage.
There are also some that will cost less when running in certain weather, a prime example being that a desiccant dehumidifier will be cheaper to operate in cold weather than a compressor dehumidifier.
There are many factors to consider when looking at the running costs, but we have a rough guide below for you to look at. Please do remember that these prices are an estimate, and the actual cost may vary slightly.
Power Rating | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Week |
|---|---|---|---|
100w | £0.02 | £0.18 | £1.28 |
250w | £0.04 | £0.46 | £3.19 |
500w | £0.08 | £0.91 | £6.38 |
750w | £0.11 | £1.37 | £9.58 |
1000w | £0.15 | £1.82 | £12.77 |
1500w | £0.23 | £2.74 | £19.15 |
You can find the wattage for your dehumidifier on the back with the rest of the model information. The estimated figures above are based on a running time of 12 hours per day. However, while a dehumidifier may be sold with a specific wattage, that does not mean that it will use that amount of power all the time.
This is because most dehumidifiers have multiple settings that you can use, ranging from low to high. The low and medium modes do not tend to remove moisture as quickly, but they do use less power, and therefore cost less to run.
Upon purchasing your first dehumidifier, you will likely leave it on full power all day to establish a baseline level of humidity. However, once it has been determined, you will only need it on for a few hours each day on the power level that suits the situation best.
Here are a few features to look out for when looking for the most cost-effective dehumidifier:
How Long to Leave a Dehumidifier On?
When you first get your dehumidifier, you will need to leave it on max power all day to establish the baseline humidity. This means that they will be on for at least 12 hours, and possibly even longer.
However, once you have figured out how much moisture needs to be extracted (which is the point that the dehumidifier stops collecting water), you can adjust the amount of time it needs to be on for accordingly.
You should also be around to monitor your dehumidifier when you first get it because it is not uncommon for it to become completely full after only six hours of running.
The automated dehumidifiers are an excellent option as well because you can either select a specific running time or they will turn off when a specific humidity level is reached.
In short, you will likely need to run your dehumidifier for 12+ hours per day until the baseline is determined, but after that it will only need to be on for 2-6 hours each day, depending on how damp your home is.
Can You Leave the Dehumidifier on Overnight?
The answer to this question is both yes and no, because it can depend on the type of dehumidifier you have. The first thing that you need to consider is the capacity that the dehumidifier has, because if you leave it on while you sleep, you may end up waking up to a flood because the tank has overfilled.
So, to leave it running safely you either need one with a massive tank or that has a continuous drainage system. Leading on from this, automatic start and stop features are incredibly beneficial because they allow you to sleep peacefully without worrying about flooding.
When the tank fills up, or the correct humidity level is reached, it will shut down until you empty it. As an extra bonus, if there is a power outage, it will automatically restart and carry on extracting water from the air.
The humidistat is also an important feature because it lets you know how much humidity is in the room. This means that you will know whether or not you need to leave the machine on overnight.
Similarly, you should pick a model that has quiet running if it will be on while you sleep, otherwise, you may find that the noise actually ends up keeping you awake all night.
Best Time of Day to Use a Dehumidifier
There are several times each day that is best to run your dehumidifier, each of which we will run through in this section:
Early morning and late evening
It is at these times of day that dew is beginning to form, the air is becoming cooler, and you get higher rates of condensation. As a result, having your dehumidifier on at these times will prove very effective and help to rid your home of the issue.
It is also around the time that most people will have a shower – creating more moisture and humidity for the machine to work through.
Mid-afternoon
This tends to be the warmest time of day, and therefore the humidity levels usually increase. This also means that the dehumidifier will be more effective at collecting excess moisture from the air.
It is not as effective as the early morning and late evening, but is worth doing if your home is very damp and you are just starting to get back to regular humidity levels.
To Conclude
When you go to select a dehumidifier it is no easy task. After all, there are a large number of makes and models available, all of which claim to do different things. One thing that all dehumidifiers are not, however, is expensive.
There are a large number of budget dehumidifiers available, and several of them are listed here in our top selections. So if you don’t want to spend a small fortune on a dehumidifier, there are several options open to you.
If you like tech and gadgets, then the best dehumidifier with smart technology might be the best option for you, like those manufactured by companies such as Ebac.
Are there ones that you would have added to the list? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!
Last Updated on February 25, 2021 by Gemma Tyler
Gemma Tyler is a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for consumer publications. She has tested and reviewed a wide range of household items from vacuum cleaners to washing machines and dehumidifiers to steam irons. Her attention to detail and exhaustive testing certainly makes her an expert in her field.
