Home In The Home Best Dehumidifier: Buying Guide

Best Dehumidifier: Buying Guide

0
Best Dehumidifier: Buying Guide

EcoAir DD122FW MK5 ClassicWe will help you find the best dehumidifier for you! Whether you are looking for a dehumidifier to reduce damp, to assist with clothes drying or to prevent health problems then we hope you find this site useful; we have included details on what are the key points to consider when purchasing a dehumidifier plus in-depth best dehumidifier reviews.

Below you will find our handy best selling dehumidifier ‘Top 10’ comparison guide below. We have also included on this page 7 important points to consider when choosing a dehumidifier we would recommend in order to find the dehumidifier best buy for your needs.

If you would like to go straight to one of our dehumidifier reviews then simply select from the menu above.

Contents

Best dehumidifier comparison guide

[table “1” not found /]

 

Best dehumidifier comparison guide – how to use

Our comparison guide above features the best dehumidifiers for sale (based on the best selling Amazon.co.uk models and is checked and updated weekly).

This guide to the best dehumidifiers includes the following information:

  • Image – dehumidifier pictures. Clicking on the image will take you straight to Amazon.co.uk where you can find the latest prices
  • Model – dehumidifier brand and model name. Where we have reviewed the dehumidifier, this is indicated – click on the link to read the dehumidifier review
  • RRP Price – this is the current RRP (recommended retail price). Please note, stores like Amazon.co.uk offer big discounts so dehumidifier prices will normally be around 10-20% less than this price
  • Rating – the average user rating on Amazon.co.uk.  Maximum score is 5
  • Type – here we indicate if the dehumidifier is a compressor or dessicant type
  • Extraction rate – the figure provided is the litres of water extracted (from the air) in 24 hours. Please be aware that companies quote figures in different ways (see below for more details)
  • Power consumption – the average power consumption in watts

The columns can be sorted by clicking on the up or down arrows in the header row. You can also search by entering a word in the search box at the top of the table. This will filter results based on your search term and allow you to better compare dehumidifiers.

Go back to the dehumidifier comparison table

 Dehumidifier checklist

7 important points to consider when choosing a dehumidifier

When it comes to buying a dehumidifier, we consider the following 7 factors as being the most important in determining which dehumidifier is best.

1. Dehumidifier type – compressor or desiccant?

When it comes to domestic dehumidifiers there are two basic types – compressor or desiccant.

The table below shows the main differences between the two types.

Compressor vs desiccant dehumidifiers

Generally you will pay less for compressor units but desiccant models have a lot of benefits, just keep an eye on power consumption levels.

2. Extraction rate

Dehumidifier water tankExtraction rate performance is often a key feature quoted by the dehumidifier manufacturers; however extraction rate is not always as easy a comparison as it should be as different manufactures quote extraction rates at different “standards” of temperature and relative humidity for calculating extraction rate. Also compressor and desiccant type dehumidifiers operate best at different temperature ranges (compressor at higher temperatures). This makes comparing models from different suppliers difficult although you can still compare different models from the same supplier.

What is the best dehumidifier when it comes to extraction rate? You will typically see that compressor type dehumidifiers have far higher extraction rates than desiccant model but be aware: compressor models are rated at 30-32oC temperature and a relative humidity of 80% (both typically far higher than the average home). Therefore at normal operating condition the extraction rate will typically be 40-50% of the figure quoted. Please note that this only applies to compressor type dehumidifiers.

3. Power consumption – how much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?

One of the concerns with using dehumidifiers is the running cost. The average power consumption of the compressor type units we reviewed is around 230 watts compared to an average of around 525 watts for desiccant models. Also most desiccant dehumidifiers consume 600-700 watts at full speed settings. So for a like-for-like comparison a compressor model uses about the same amount of power as a refrigerator whereas a desiccant model uses about the same energy as a washing machine. Using a dehumidifier for long periods of time each and every day will add to your electricity bills but if you choose a model with a humidistat or even a timer then this will help to keep costs down.

The table below shows the power consumption of each dehumidifier model reviewed (please note that for desiccant model we have taken the average power consumption value).

ehumidifier power consumption chart

4. Dehumidifier noise levels

All of the dehumidifiers we reviewed operate at a minimum noise level of between 34 and 42 dB. Desiccant models will also operate slightly quieter than compressor models. Models with higher noise levels may be less suitable for use in a bedroom over night but generally dehumidifier noise levels (when used on normal settings) are regarded as unobtrusive.

The table below shows the minimum noise levels for each dehumidifier model reviewed.

Dehumidifier noise levels chart

5. Features

Look out for the following dehumidifier features:

  1. Ecoair DD122FW MK5 Classic dehumidifier controlsHumidistat – this allows you to set your humidifier at a certain humidity level and when this is reached the unit will automatically switch off.
  2. Laundry setting – some dehumidifiers have a laundry setting that operates the unit continuously at full speed to help dry wet clothes
  3. Timer function – a small number of dehumidifiers have a timer function which allows you to set the unit to switch off after a preset number of hours. This is an important feature if you are looking for the best dehumidifier for bedroom use
  4. Adjustable louvers – this feature allows you to redirect the air flow outlet vents from the dehumidifier. Not a main consideration but a useful extra feature

6. Portability

This is another important point to consider. How are you planning to use your dehumidifier and how often will you use it? For example, do you intent just to use over winter in a conservatory or damp room or do you need the unit to be permanently located in an area of the house? Weight is an important factor here as some units can weight around 10-12 kg so if you need to move the unit around the house then this can be an important factory. Also, in terms of portability, check if the unit has a carry handle or wheels. If these models are too big then it may be worth researching some of the best mini dehumidifier reviews and finding one of the top rated and best small dehumidifiers available.

The table below shows the weight of each dehumidifier model reviewed. 

Dehumidifier weight chart

7. Price

Last but by no means last is price. By now you are probably thinking that you want the best fully featured dehumidifier! The best selling dehumidifier units we review have a recommended retail price of between £130 and £200, so you need to consider what extra benefits you will get from a unit costing nearly 50% more (the more expensive dehumidifiers have better extraction rates and are generally quieter). Ask yourself: do you really need those expensive features? The best home dehumidifier could always be the cheapest dehumidifier.

Go back to the dehumidifier comparison table

Best dehumidifier reviews

If you have decided that you really want a dehumidifier and what features you need then you need to consider what is the best value dehumidifier for you. In the comparison table above we have listed the best dehumidifier available with details on key features and price. We have also shown the average Amazon.co.uk review rating as an indicator of user satisfaction.

If you would like to read one of our in-depth and 100% independent dehumidifier reviews on the dehumidifiers, then simply use the menus at the top of this page.

Hopefully, this information will allow you to make an informed choice about the most suitable and best price dehumidifier for you.