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Condensation on windows, black mould in corners and clothes that never quite dry are common problems in UK homes, especially in winter. A good dehumidifier tackles all three.
We compared compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers sold in the UK on extraction rate, energy use, noise and laundry performance.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Typical UK price |
|---|---|---|
| Meaco MeacoDry Arete One 20L | Best overall | £220–£290 |
| Meaco MeacoDry Arete One 12L | Best for flats | £170–£230 |
| Pro Breeze 12L Compressor Dehumidifier | Best budget | £120–£170 |
| Meaco DD8L Zambezi Desiccant | Best for cold rooms | £180–£240 |
The 4 best picks
1. Meaco MeacoDry Arete One 20L – Best overall
Efficient compressor model with an excellent laundry mode – one of the most popular dehumidifiers in the UK. Excellent laundry mode and low energy use.
Why we like it:
- Very efficient
- Quiet
- Great laundry mode
Watch out for:
- Bulky
- Tank emptying in wet weather
Key specs: Extraction: 20 L/day; Tank: 4.8 L; Power: 480 W.
Buy it if you dry clothes indoors and fight condensation. Skip it if you need it for a cold garage. Typical UK price: £220–£290.
👉 Check the price of the Meaco MeacoDry Arete One 20L on Amazon.co.uk
2. Meaco MeacoDry Arete One 12L – Best for flats
The same efficient design in a smaller size for flats and small houses. Efficient compact model with laundry mode.
Why we like it:
- Efficient
- Quiet
- Laundry mode
Watch out for:
- Smaller extraction
Key specs: Extraction: 12 L/day.
Buy it if you live in a flat or small house. Skip it if you have severe damp in a large house. Typical UK price: £170–£230.
👉 Check the price of the Meaco MeacoDry Arete One 12L on Amazon.co.uk
3. Pro Breeze 12L Compressor Dehumidifier – Best budget
Tackles condensation on a budget, with continuous drainage. Affordable compressor dehumidifier.
Why we like it:
- Affordable
- Laundry mode
- Continuous drainage
Watch out for:
- Louder
- Smaller tank
Key specs: Extraction: 12 L/day; Tank: 1.8 L.
Buy it if you need to tackle condensation on a budget. Skip it if you need a quiet bedroom unit. Typical UK price: £120–£170.
👉 Check the price of the Pro Breeze 12L Compressor Dehumidifier on Amazon.co.uk
4. Meaco DD8L Zambezi Desiccant – Best for cold rooms
Desiccant technology keeps working in unheated rooms and garages. Desiccant works in unheated spaces.
Why we like it:
- Works in the cold
- Light
- Quiet
Watch out for:
- Higher power use
- Warms the room
Key specs: Type: Desiccant; Extraction: 8 L/day; Power: up to 650 W.
Buy it if you need dehumidifying in cold rooms. Skip it if you want the lowest running costs. Typical UK price: £180–£240.
👉 Check the price of the Meaco DD8L Zambezi Desiccant on Amazon.co.uk
How to choose the right one
Compressor or desiccant?
Compressor dehumidifiers are most efficient in heated rooms above about 15 °C. Desiccant models work better in cold spaces such as garages, conservatories and unheated bedrooms, but use more electricity.
What size do you need?
A 10–12 litre model suits flats; 20 litres suits houses or homes with significant damp. Bigger models run less often, which can be quieter and more efficient overall.
Where to put a dehumidifier
Place it in the dampest room, usually a bedroom or the room where you dry laundry, with the door closed. Keep it a little away from walls and curtains so air flows freely. Set a target humidity of around 50% rather than running it flat out, and empty the tank or use continuous drainage.
Buying tips for UK shoppers
Drying washing indoors adds a lot of moisture to UK homes in winter. Running a dehumidifier in laundry mode in a closed room is often cheaper than a tumble dryer.
How we chose these products
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, and only included products that are widely available from UK retailers. Our picks are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not carried out. Read our editorial guidelines to see how we work.
Frequently asked questions
Will a dehumidifier stop mould?
It helps by lowering humidity, but also fix the cause – ventilation, leaks or poor insulation.
What humidity should my home be?
Around 40–60% relative humidity is comfortable and discourages mould.
How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?
Compressor models often use 150–500 W, so a few pence an hour at UK prices.
Our verdict
The Meaco Arete One 20L is our top pick for most homes. Choose the 12L for flats, Pro Breeze for budget, or the DD8L for cold rooms.