Meaco MeacoDry ABC 10L
A practical dehumidifier (10 litres/day) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
Dehumidifier Buying Guide: How to Choose (UK 2026)
Dehumidifiers look similar but differ in the things that matter: the technology inside, how much water they remove, how often you empty them, and how much they cost to run. This guide walks through each so you can match a model to your home.
Compressor or desiccant
Compressor (refrigerant) dehumidifiers are the most energy-efficient in normal heated rooms and are the usual choice for living spaces. Desiccant models use a moisture-absorbing wheel, run quietly, are lighter, and keep working in cold rooms below about 15°C where compressors weaken, but they use more electricity. Pick by where the unit will mostly run.
Extraction rate
Extraction is quoted in litres per day, but that figure is measured in warm, very humid lab conditions, so real-world output is lower. Treat it as a maximum. As a rough guide, 10 to 12L/day suits a flat or small house, while 20L/day or more suits larger or very damp homes. It is not the same as the water tank size.
Tank, drainage and controls
A bigger tank means less frequent emptying; a continuous-drainage hose lets the unit run unattended into a sink or drain. A humidistat is the feature that saves money: set a target humidity (45 to 55% is ideal) and the unit switches off once it is reached, rather than running constantly. Useful extras include a laundry mode, a timer and a night mode.
Noise and running cost
Noise is quoted in dB(A), usually at the lowest fan setting, so expect more at full power; this matters for bedrooms. Running cost depends on the model's power draw, how long it runs and your electricity tariff, so check the stated wattage rather than any headline 'low energy' claim, and use a humidistat or timer to keep costs down.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Meaco MeacoDry ABC Range 12L
A practical dehumidifier (12 litres/day) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
#3 
Meaco MeacoDry ABC
A practical dehumidifier (compressor) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
#4
Meaco MeacoDry
A practical dehumidifier (compressor) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
#5 
AEOCKY 25L/d
A practical dehumidifier (25 litres/day, compressor) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
#6 
Pro Breeze 12L/Day
A practical dehumidifier (12 litres/day) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important spec?
For most homes it is the type (compressor vs desiccant) and the extraction rate matched to your space. A humidistat then keeps it efficient and cheap to run.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
It depends on the model and how long it runs. A humidistat cuts running time by switching off at the target humidity, which is the biggest lever on cost.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Meaco MeacoDry ABC 10L (our score 9.6/10) - A practical dehumidifier (10 litres/day) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation..