With household bills continuing to climb across the UK, consumers are increasingly seeking savvy ways to cut costs. One area ripe for savings is laundry, specifically the expensive process of drying clothes. Financial guru Martin Lewis has championed a simple switch that could save households significant money: using a dehumidifier instead of a traditional tumble dryer.
The "Demon Appliance" vs. The Energy-Saving Alternative
In a 2023 episode of his popular podcast, Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, took aim at conventional tumble dryers. He labelled them a "demon appliance" due to their high running costs, which can reach up to £1 per hour. His recommended alternative is a dehumidifier, a multipurpose machine that extracts moisture from the air to significantly speed up indoor drying times.
While requiring an initial investment, dehumidifiers are far cheaper to operate. Depending on the model's extraction rate and wattage, running costs typically range from 10p to 30p per hour. Lewis provided a clear example, explaining that a 200W dehumidifier would cost roughly 7p per hour to run, based on an electricity price of 34p per kilowatt hour.
Beyond Savings: Health and Home Benefits
The advantages of using a dehumidifier extend well beyond your wallet. These devices can help alleviate symptoms for allergy sufferers by reducing ambient moisture that encourages mould and dust mites. They also operate quietly and can combat problems like condensation, mould growth, and persistent damp smells in the home, creating a healthier living environment.
Top-Tested Dehumidifiers with Laundry Modes
For those ready to invest, several models with dedicated laundry-drying functions have been rigorously tested and highly rated. Here are four standout machines that combine efficiency with performance.
Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier: Previously £299.99, now available for £199.99. Expert tester Rachael Penn awarded this model top marks. It can extract up to 20 litres of water in 24 hours, making it ideal for homes with serious humidity. Features include a smart app, a carbon filter for fresher air, and a specific drying mode for laundry. It also boasts a self-cleaning function and auto-shut-off.
MeacoDry Arete One 20L Dehumidifier/Air Purifier: Reduced from £259.99 to £209.99. This dual-function unit also received a perfect score. Praised as one of the smartest and most energy-efficient models tested, it costs just 3p per hour to run. Its laundry mode dried clothes quickly without leaving a damp odour, and it can be controlled via an app or Alexa.
EcoAir DD1 Simple Desiccant Dehumidifier: Priced at £199.99. Described as a simple yet high-performing device, it has a 7.5-litre extraction capacity and a 2-litre tank. Its manual controls are easy to use, and its dedicated laundry mode is hailed as the perfect solution for avoiding the tumble dryer. A nano silver filter helps trap dust and allergens.
De'Longhi DEX212F Dehumidifier: Now £166.98, down from £249.99. This sleek model is suited to small or medium-sized rooms. Testers praised its quiet operation and effective laundry mode, which adjusts fan speed and power to accelerate drying times—a boon in winter. Its double-filtration technology also helps clean the air.
As the cost of living persists, adopting such household hacks can lead to substantial annual savings. Swapping a power-hungry tumble dryer for an energy-efficient dehumidifier not only cuts bills but can also improve your home's air quality and comfort.
