Meaco 20L Low Energy Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 8.4/10
Best for: Tackling damp, condensation and drying laundry around the home
Not for: Cold, unheated spaces below about 15°C, where a desiccant model copes better
Bottom line: A practical dehumidifier (20 litres/day) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
The Meaco 20L Low Energy's 20L Low Energy dehumidifier is aimed at tackling home damp and condensation, with a stated capacity of 20 litres per day and a laundry drying mode. This dehumidifier review UK positions it for everyday moisture control in typical indoor rooms rather than heavy-duty extraction.
Key specifications
| Specification | What it means |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 litres/day |
| Mode | Laundry drying |
| Use case | Damp and condensation |
| Coverage | Multi-room |
Pros
- Removes up to 20 litres/day
- Laundry mode for drying clothes indoors
Cons
- The water tank needs regular emptying unless you plumb in the drainage hose
- Running it adds to electricity use, so a humidistat or timer helps keep costs down
- Compressor models are less effective in cold rooms below about 15°C
Extraction Rate and Performance
With its stated capacity of 20 litres per day, the Meaco is designed to reduce dampness and support condensation management in homes where moisture levels differ by room. In practical use, performance depends on how much water vapour is present in the air, so results are most noticeable when humidity is consistently high. The unit can also be directed towards drying needs, as it includes a laundry drying mode.
Room Size and Coverage
Room size and coverage for the dehumidifier are best understood in terms of moisture control rather than square footage. It is rated at 20 litres/day and is intended for damp condensation and mould-prone areas. Suitability depends on how quickly damp air builds up, with moisture removal varying based on ventilation and insulation levels. For best results, place the dehumidifier where damp air can circulate and keep doors mostly closed while it is running. In larger or very leaky rooms, moisture removal may still help but can be slower. Multi-room use is possible.
Tank Capacity and Drainage
Tank capacity and drainage matter because how often the tank fills affects how continuous the dehumidifier can run in damp areas. The Meaco model is described as producing 20 litres/day, so the tank capacity will determine how frequently emptying is needed in real UK homes, where moisture rates can vary. The unit also supports a laundry drying mode, which can increase tank demand during load drying. Buyers should check whether they want to empty the tank manually, or drain water continuously if that option is supported. Continuous drainage usually reduces interruptions, but it needs correct pipe routing and access.
Noise Level
Noise Level is an important consideration because a dehumidifier may run for long periods, especially in damp rooms or during laundry drying. For the dehumidifier, the product title does not specify any decibel (dB) rating, fan speeds, or noise mode levels, so exact loudness is not stated. The main noise sources are usually the fan and the compressor cycle, and quieter operation matters most when the unit runs overnight. Reviewers may assess bedroom comfort by placing it in a doorway and checking whether it disrupts conversation or sleep. If noise is noticeable, moving the unit farther away can help, although results vary.
Energy Use and Running Costs
Energy use matters because a dehumidifier can run for long periods, especially in damp rooms or when laundry drying is active. The Meaco 20L Low Energy is rated for up to 20 litres per day, so it is intended to remove substantial moisture when humidity is high. That capacity indicates energy demand will be higher when the room is wet and when laundry drying adds extra moisture. In everyday use, it helps to run the dehumidifier only in rooms that need drying, since moving moisture around can increase the overall load.
Modes and Controls
The Meaco dehumidifier is designed to address damp problems in more than one way, with a specific "laundry drying" mode in addition to its main dehumidifying function. Modes and controls allow switching between general moisture removal and drying-focused operation, which can be relevant when damp results from washing indoors. The controls are intended to be straightforward, so households can set the task quickly rather than repeatedly adjusting settings.
Compressor or Desiccant
Choosing between a compressor and a desiccant dehumidifier matters because it affects how the unit removes moisture in different home conditions, particularly where indoor temperatures change or damp is linked to laundry drying. For the dehumidifier, the product title does not specify whether the drying method is compressor or desiccant. In general terms, a compressor unit is usually better suited to warmer indoor air, while a desiccant unit can perform more steadily in colder, less humid rooms, yet may cost more to run. The Meaco also highlights laundry drying and damp, so the chosen method can affect drying speed.
Who Is This Dehumidifier For?
This dehumidifier is for UK households dealing with damp condensation and a risk of mould, where air moisture builds up across more than one room. The dehumidifier also makes sense for drying laundry indoors, using its laundry drying mode rather than relying on outdoor weather. It suits homes that need around 20 litres per day of moisture removal, based on the stated capacity. A single-room, highly targeted solution is less likely to be the best fit.
Where to Buy in the UK
In the UK, the Meaco dehumidifier is typically purchased from mainstream home-appliance retailers that stock The dehumidifier's home drying range, including Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, and Argos. Availability can vary by region and listing details can differ between websites. Buyers can also check The Meaco 20L Low Energy's own stockist information, if listed, as product availability may change between pages and branches. For the best fit, they should confirm the unit is the 20 litre/day model intended for laundry drying and that multi-room use is suitable. When ordering online, compare delivery dates and returns, and ensure the listing matches home damp condensation and mould removal use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Meaco worth it?
If you have damp, condensation on windows, or laundry that will not dry, the dehumidifier earns its place by pulling moisture out of the air at up to 20 litres/day. It tackles the cause of mould and musty smells rather than masking them - check the current Amazon UK price, as it changes often.
Is this dehumidifier powerful enough for my home?
The Meaco is rated to remove up to 20 litres/day. The headline figure is measured in warm, very humid lab conditions, so real-world extraction is usually lower - size up if your problem is severe.
What does the dehumidifier cost to run?
Running cost depends on its wattage, how long it runs and your electricity tariff, so it is best checked against the stated power rating rather than a fixed figure. Using it on a timer or with a humidistat keeps running costs down.
Is the Meaco a compressor or desiccant dehumidifier?
Compressor models are most efficient in heated rooms; desiccant models cope better in cold spaces like garages. Check which type this is before buying for an unheated area.
How often do you empty the Meaco 20L Low Energy?
How often you empty the tank depends on the tank size and how damp the air is. For continuous running, look for a model with a drainage hose option.
Can this dehumidifier help dry laundry indoors?
Yes - the Meaco has a laundry mode that runs the fan and compressor harder to speed up drying clothes indoors, which also helps prevent the damp and condensation that indoor drying causes.
Will the dehumidifier stop damp and mould?
By holding the room's humidity down, the Meaco removes the moisture that mould and dust mites need, which helps prevent condensation on windows and musty smells. Existing mould should still be cleaned off; the dehumidifier stops it coming back.