Keeping windows shut and radiators turned on during the winter leads to high indoor humidity, which means fogged panes and clammy rooms.
The solution is a dehumidifier, which efficiently pulls excess moisture from the air to cut condensation and prevent mould.
Beyond comfort, a dehumidifier – especially one with a Laundry Mode, is perfect for speeding up indoor laundry drying without using an expensive tumble dryer.
For even speedier laundry drying, pair a dehumidifier with one of the best heated clothes airers to avoid clothes that stay damp for days.
Dehumidifier deals are coming thick and fast ahead of Black Friday this month, and you can check out our Black Friday dehumidifier deals hub to stay up to date with our top picks.
How we tested
We ran each dehumidifier in real homes with doors and windows closed, then noted how quickly it dropped humidity to a desired humidity level, how effective Laundry Mode was for drying clothes, how often the water tank needed emptying, and how quiet it was at night.
READ MORE TRIED AND TESTED
We also assessed build quality, portability, controls, and any added air purifiers or filters that help in smaller spaces.
Best dehumidifiers at a glance
6 best dehumidifiers, tried and tested
1. MeacoDry Arete One 12L Dehumidifier
MeacoDry Arete One 12L
£179.99
Pros: Tuned for UK homes, energy efficient, accurate humidistat, whisper quiet night setting, easy-rolling wheels, in-built air purifier
Most read in Home and Garden
Cons: Higher upfront cost, plain styling
Rating: 5/5
The Arete One 12L is our go-to choice for British homes because it gets the job done.
Its smart humidistat checks the room about every 30 minutes, matches the output to conditions, then naps between cycles to cut running costs.
Tap Smart Humidity and it aims for a comfy 55%, switching itself off when it gets there.
Laundry Mode is a lifesaver for drying clothes indoors, and Night Mode dims the lights, silences beeps, and lowers the fan to its quietest setting.
The controls are as simple as power, daily use, laundry and night. Bish, bash, bosh.
It is easy to wheel between rooms thanks to a retractable handle, and the built-in air purifier means one less gadget to plug in.
We have used it to reduce window condensation and to accelerate the drying of paint and plaster.
Dimensions: 47cm x 32cm x 24cm, Weight: 10.9kg, Extraction capacity: 12L per 24 hours, Power consumption: 165W, Water tank: 2.5L
2. Ecoair DD1 Classic MK6
Ecoair DD1 Classic MK6,
£199.99
Pros: Lots of different functions, compact size, lightweight
Cons: Basic look, no humidity display
Rating: 4/5
The Ecoair DD1 Classic MK6 dehumidifier is efficient and practical – not the most stylish device I’ve tried but I would rather a dehumidifier that’s easy to move around and store out of sight.
It can collect up to 7.5L of water a day, and is ideal for medium-sized rooms, with a handy carry handle for when you need to target a different area.
One of the most useful ways to use a dehumidifier is for drying laundry, especially during the autumn and winter.
The Ecoair dehumidifier has two laundry modes – I tested it by using the higher laundry mode for 3 hours beside a rack of wet laundry.
It did considerably speed up the time it took to dry, collecting half a tank (about 1L of water).
There’s a light to indicate when the tank is full, and it’s super easy to empty – it simply slides out of the side of the device.
In noticed that the dehumidifier doesn’t have a humidity display so you can’t see how much the humidity has reduced – however the three dry modes allow you to reduce and control humidity to between 40-60%.
Overall, I think it would work for most households – it’s fine for both compact and open spaces, plus it’s useful for drying laundry.
Dimensions: 47.5 x 29 x 17.5cm, Weight: 6kg, Extraction capacity: 7.5L per day, Power consumption: 25W on fan mode, Water tank: 2L
3. Russell Hobbs 20L Black Dehumidifier
Russell Hobbs 20L Dehumidifier
£159 (was £179.99)
Pros: Looks smart, good for larger rooms, clear LED readout, effective Laundry Mode
Cons: 3L water tank fills quickly in damp rooms
Rating: 4.5/5
Big, busy household? The Russell Hobbs 20L is the powerful dehumidifier I reach for when open‑plan spaces get swampy.
It’s rated for rooms up to 50 m² and pulls up to 20 litres per 24 hours, with a 3L water tank.
The sleek black design blends in rather than shouting ‘white goods’, and the wheels make it easy to move between zones .
In testing, it reduced the humidity in a very humid room from 82% to 60% within a few hours and cleared window condensation in about an hour.
The LED display tracks the fall in humidity at a glance, and running Laundry Mode for a couple of focused hours is a smart alternative to a tumble dryer, even at 440W, if you keep the door shut.
Dimensions: 51cm x 35cm x 24.5cm, Weight: 14kg, Extraction capacity: 20L per 24 hours, Power consumption: 440W, Water tank: 3L
4. MeacoDry ABC Range 10L
MeacoDry ABC 10L Dehumidifier
£149.99
Pros: Energy efficient, easy to use, compact, fairly quiet, laundry mode is handy
Cons: No castors as standard, feels heavy for frequent moves
Rating: 4.5/5
Drying laundry indoors with no garden or tumble dryer? The MeacoDry ABC 10L is my go-to.
It is a compact compressor with fuss-free controls and a Laundry Mode that actually shifts moisture.
Park it by a clothes airer and tent a sheet over the lot to concentrate airflow.
T-shirts and jeans go from soggy to wearable in a few hours, but they pull in plenty of water, so expect to empty the tank daily during damp weeks.
However, costs remain sensible thanks to the smart humidistat, and noise is minimal, so you can keep it running in the evening without it dominating the room.
It feels a bit heavy if you move it a lot and there are no castors as standard, though you can add wheels.
Dimensions: 47cm x 32cm x 24cm, Weight: 10.9kg, Extraction capacity: 10L per 24 hours, Power consumption: 165W, Water tank: 2.5L
5. Devola 12L Compressor Dehumidifier
Devola 12L Compressor
Dehumidifier, £139.99
Pros: Compact footprint for smaller spaces, whisper quiet at around 36 dB, clear humidity indicator, removable air filter, Laundry Mode
Cons: 2L water tank means more frequent emptying
Rating: 4.5/5
If you need something compact for flats, box rooms, or a utility, the Devola 12L is a tidy choice that quietly gets the job done.
It’s under half a metre tall and just over 25 cm wide, and at around 36 dB it’s a barely there hum.
In testing, it pulled a damp room from the 70s to the high 50s in under half an hour.
The colour ring makes it easy to read at a glance, red over 65 percent, green between 45 and 65, blue under 45, and there’s a small screen for exact humidity.
You get a dedicated laundry mode plus a removable filter that actually catches visible dust and rinses clean.
The trade off is a 2L water tank that fills quickly on wash days, so set up the continuous drain if you can route a hose.
Dimensions: 47 x 25.5 x 22 cm, Weight: 10.5kg, Extraction capacity: 12L per 24 hours, Power consumption: 185W; Water tank: 2L
6. Conopu Dehumidifier
Conopu Dehumidifier,
£43.61 (was £49.99)
Pros: Very affordable, tiny footprint, useful for cupboards and box rooms
Cons: Not suitable for drying laundry, no Laundry Mode, limited capacity
Rating: 2/5
Tight budget, tiny space? This ultra-compact Conopu is a handy damp deterrent for cupboards, box rooms, and en-suites, keeping musty smells in check and knocking back light condensation.
It’s rated to remove around 450ml per 24 hours, so set expectations accordingly: think of mould prevention rather than laundry drying.
In my testing, it collected a full tank, but it didn’t help with drying clothes indoors, and there’s no dedicated Laundry Mode, so I would skip it for that job.
The upside is a simple setup, a small footprint and an easy-to-empty tank.
At around £50, it’s a cost-effective way to target problem areas without lugging a big unit around the house.
Verdict: a tidy helper for very small spaces, not a whole-home solution.
Dimensions: 25.6x15x15cm; Weight: 1.25kg, Extraction capacity: 450ml per 24 hours
Dehumidifier FAQs
When selecting a dehumidifier, start by considering its efficiency.
Chris Michael, Managing Director at Meaco, says, “Energy efficiency is probably the most important consideration at present, given the ongoing high electricity costs”.
Check wattage against the litre class that fits your space, not just the sticker price.
As he puts it, “It’s a false economy to buy a cheap dehumidifier that has a high wattage” because running costs can wipe out any savings.
Drying laundry indoors? Prioritise Laundry Mode.
“In laundry mode, the machine runs for six hours, which is the average time it needs to dry a load of washing, then switches itself off to save on energy bills.”
Noise matters too if it sits on a landing overnight: “Low noise is important so that people can sleep and live with these appliances,” he adds.
Select a compressor for heated rooms and a desiccant for colder spaces, such as garages and conservatories.
Where to buy dehumidifiers in the UK?
There’s a huge range of dehumidifiers on the market, and knowing what to buy and why can feel overwhelming when you have to invest the money.
A fair few retailers stock reputable and own-brand dehumidifiers.
It is essential to purchase products that meet your needs, rather than simply because they’re on offer. Chris Michael explains that parting with your cash is worthwhile when it comes to dehumidifiers.
We spotted dehumidifiers for sale at popular retailers, including:
How does a dehumidifier work?
A dehumidifier pulls in damp air with a fan, passes it over a cold coil, where moisture condenses and drips into the water tank. It then warms the air slightly before blowing it back out, making it feel warmer and much drier.
A built-in humidistat checks humidity and cycles the compressor, so it is not running continuously, which helps reduce costs.
They work best in heated rooms. Compressor models are happiest at around 20°C, which aligns with the typical temperature of most UK homes.
Keep doors and windows shut while it is on; otherwise, you are trying to dry the whole house.
Got a cold garage or conservatory? A desiccant model utilises an absorbent wheel and a small heater to remove moisture, performing more effectively at low temperatures.
Empty the water tank regularly or hook up a drain hose.
Are dehumidifiers worth it in the UK?
Yes. For most UK homes, a dehumidifier pays for itself through autumn and winter.
If you wake up to beads of water on your windows, that is a sign your indoor humidity is high and a dehumidifier will help.
Drying clothes on radiators or airers? A dehumidifier speeds things up, cuts that damp, clammy feel, and reduces the moisture load that leads to condensation and mould, which is better for your home and helpful if anyone is sensitive to allergens.
It is also a smart alternative when you don’t have a tumble dryer, keeping laundry days moving without cranking up the heat.
Modern units use a humidistat to hit a sensible target and cycle off, so you are not running them constantly.
Net result: less condensation, faster laundry, fresher rooms.
Does a dehumidifier cool a room?
Not in the air‑con sense. A dehumidifier doesn’t lower the actual temperature; it pulls moisture out of the air, making the space feel less clammy and more comfortable.
That drop in humidity helps sweat evaporate faster, which is why rooms can feel cooler even when the thermometer barely moves.
In fact, the compressor and fan can add a touch of warmth, so you may notice a slight rise in the measured temperature.
Good news in summer: pair it with a fan or AC, and the drier air helps your cooling work more efficiently.
Whatever the season, close doors and windows while it runs so you are not trying to dry the whole house at once.
What size dehumidifier do I need?
Bigger the home, bigger the dehumidifier Chris Michael, managing director at Meaco explains.
Chris Michael, Managing Director at Meaco, says, “The number of occupants and how damp the property gets are other variables to consider when choosing a more powerful model”.
As a quick guide:
- Up to a 2-bedroom flat, aim for 10L
- Up to a 3-bedroom house, 12L
- Up to 4 bedrooms, 20L
- Five bedrooms or larger, 25L
If you dry laundry indoors or deal with heavy condensation, consider upgrading to a larger model for extra headroom.
Match capacity to your space, keep an eye on wattage, and you will reach a comfortable humidity faster and more efficiently.
How much do dehumidifiers cost?
Dehumidifier prices range from about £50 for basic units to a few hundred pounds for larger models with larger water tanks, quieter fans, and extras like air purifiers.
The right spend depends on room size and how damp your home gets, but also consider running costs.
If possible, prioritise an efficient compressor with a reliable humidistat that cycles off at your target humidity level.
That way, you pay less to buy once and less to run.
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?
Use a quick formula: cost per hour = wattage in kW × your electricity unit rate.
Example: a 160W model uses 0.16 kWh an hour; multiply by your tariff to get the price.
More important than sticker price is efficiency, and real-world costs are usually lower than the headline maths because most units have a humidistat and smart modes that cycle off once they reach your desired humidity, rather than running 24 hours straight.
For best results, keep doors and windows shut while it’s on.
Does a dehumidifier help with mould?
Yes. A dehumidifier cuts the moisture that mould thrives on, making rooms far less welcoming to spores.
Aim to keep indoor humidity between about 30% and 50%; that range is widely recommended for mould control.
Important note: a dehumidifier won’t kill or remove existing mould. You still need to clean the affected areas and address the underlying cause, such as leaks or poor ventilation, to prevent the problem from returning.
For best results, run the unit in a heated room, close doors and windows to prevent it from drawing in new, damp air, and set a sensible target on the humidistat.
Position it near problem spots, such as bathrooms, cold external walls, or areas where condensation forms, and empty the water tank regularly.
Alternatively, attach a drain hose. The payoff is less condensation, fewer musty smells, and a healthier home.
Does a dehumidifier dry clothes?
Yes, and it can be a game-changer if you do not have a tumble dryer.
Use Laundry Mode and place the unit close to a clothes airer. Tent a sheet over the lot to concentrate airflow, and you will see socks and jeans move from damp to dry much faster.
Results depend on the room, so keep doors and windows shut to stop it from chasing fresh, moist air and to cut running time.
For best performance, run it in a heated space and aim for a sensible target on the humidistat.
Simple, efficient, and far cheaper than blasting the radiators.
How long does a dehumidifier take to dry a room?
It depends on room size, starting humidity, temperature and the unit’s capacity.
Small rooms can feel drier within a few hours, and a typical dehumidifier can reduce the humidity in a 10 m² space to around 50% in roughly two hours.
Medium to large rooms often require 6 to 12 hours, and large open-plan spaces may take a full day.
Sorting out serious damp, leaks, or post-flood drying takes longer: expect 24 to 72 hours and continue until levels stabilise.
Speed up the process by closing doors and windows, warming the room to approximately 18 to 20°C, ensuring the unit has clear airflow, and using a drain hose for extended runs.
In testing, we saw a very humid room drop from 82% to 60% within a few hours with a 20L model.
Can you leave a dehumidifier on all night?
Yes, you can. It’s safe to run a dehumidifier overnight, and experts agree it can be beneficial in high humidity homes.
As Chris Michael, Managing Director at Meaco, told us: “Most dehumidifiers are placed in hallways or on landings and are often switched on overnight to dry wet washing.”
Modern units use a humidistat or smart modes, so they are not blasting away nonstop.
For best results, keep doors and windows shut while it’s on so you are not trying to dry the whole house at once, and run it in a heated room for quicker moisture removal .
