Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallMeaco MeacoDry Arete One 20L | Cold roomsMeaco DD8L Zambezi Desiccant | BudgetPro Breeze 12L Compressor Dehumidifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £220–£290 | £180–£240 | £120–£170 |
| Best for | Laundry | Cold rooms | Budget |
| Key feature | Excellent laundry mode and low energy use | Desiccant works in unheated spaces | Affordable compressor dehumidifier |
| Extraction | 20 L/day | 8 L/day | 12 L/day |
| Tank | 4.8 L | — | 1.8 L |
| Power | 480 W | up to 650 W | — |
| Type | — | Desiccant | — |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Meaco · Dehumidifiers
Meaco MeacoDry Arete One 20L
Excellent laundry mode and low energy use.
- Buy it if
- you dry clothes indoors and fight condensation
- Skip it if
- you need it for a cold garage
Pros
- Very efficient
- Quiet
- Great laundry mode
Cons
- Bulky
- Tank emptying in wet weather
Key specifications
- Extraction
- 20 L/day
- Tank
- 4.8 L
- Power
- 480 W
Meaco · Dehumidifiers
Meaco DD8L Zambezi Desiccant
Desiccant works in unheated spaces.
- Buy it if
- you need dehumidifying in cold rooms
- Skip it if
- you want the lowest running costs
Pros
- Works in the cold
- Light
- Quiet
Cons
- Higher power use
- Warms the room
Key specifications
- Type
- Desiccant
- Extraction
- 8 L/day
- Power
- up to 650 W
Pro Breeze · Dehumidifiers
Pro Breeze 12L Compressor Dehumidifier
Affordable compressor dehumidifier.
- Buy it if
- you need to tackle condensation on a budget
- Skip it if
- you need a quiet bedroom unit
Pros
- Affordable
- Laundry mode
- Continuous drainage
Cons
- Louder
- Smaller tank
Key specifications
- Extraction
- 12 L/day
- Tank
- 1.8 L
Compare more Dehumidifiers on Amazon Paid link
Who this list is for
Compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers for damp, condensation and drying laundry indoors. We show what each model does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, then gave every product a clear verdict: Buy, Consider or Skip. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not done.
What to look for
- Compressor models are most efficient in warm rooms; desiccant works better in cold rooms and garages.
- A laundry mode dries washing quickly indoors.
- Continuous drainage avoids emptying the tank.
Buying in the UK
In UK winters, a dehumidifier is often cheaper than a tumble dryer for drying clothes indoors – and it tackles condensation and mould at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Compressor or desiccant?
Compressor models are cheaper to run in heated rooms. Desiccant models suit unheated rooms, conservatories and garages.
Can a dehumidifier dry clothes?
Yes. Many have a laundry mode; in a closed room it dries clothes far faster than a radiator, with less condensation.