As winter arrives, cold, wet weather can cause condensation, damp, mould and musty smells in your home. Dehumidifiers draw excess moisture from the air and collect it in a tank that you empty when full. Keeping indoor humidity below 60 per cent reduces the risk of mould, mildew, condensation and dust mites, all of which thrive in humid environments. Drier air can also help people with asthma, allergies and eczema, as damp can aggravate these conditions.
Best dehumidifiers at a glance
- Best overall – MeacoDry Arete One 20L Dehumidifier: £249.99, Meaco.com
- Best budget buy – Lakeland 2.3L dehumidifier: £69.99, Lakeland.co.uk
- Best for small spaces – Sealy 10L dehumidifier: £195.25, Bigdug.co.uk
- Best for style – Duux Bora 20L: £279.99, Duux.co.uk
- Best low energy – Swan 20L Low Energy Dehumidifier: £149.99, Shop.swan.co.uk
Using a dehumidifier also helps when drying clothes indoors. Hanging washing on radiators puts water into the air; a dehumidifier pulls it back out, so clothes dry faster and smell fresher.
How I tested
Rachael Penn tested the machines in her Victorian terraced house, which is prone to damp and high humidity. Noel Fok, indoor air quality expert and CEO and co-founder of EcoAir, said: "Optimum indoor humidity levels are between 40-60 per cent." Below 60 per cent, he explained, "airborne bacteria, viruses and other microbes will not only stop breeding, but will struggle to survive." For heavier damp or mould, he advised bringing humidity down to 40 per cent. He also said: "It's a common misconception that turning the heating up will reduce humidity; however, warm air carries more moisture."
The MeacoDry Arete One 20L was the overall winner. It reduced humidity quickly, ran quietly and dried a full clothes horse in less than a day. The built-in HEPA air purifier was a welcome bonus. Its main drawback is its size: at 15kg, it is heavy to carry upstairs, though castors and an extendable handle help.
Other notable models
The Devola 8L and Sealy 10L both performed well in smaller rooms. The ProBreeze 30L offers higher extraction capacity for larger spaces, while the Duux Bora combines effective performance with smart controls and a stylish design. The Swan 20L impressed with adjustable humidity targets, but was noisy. The Zanussi 18L offered good value with a slim design, though its 2.5L tank fills quickly.
The right choice depends on home size, moisture levels and whether you want to dry laundry indoors. Consider extraction rate, tank capacity, noise level and operating temperature before buying.
