Best dehumidifiers in the UK

Q: Can a dehumidifier dry clothes indoors?

Yes. Place it in a closed room with the washing, allow air to circulate and use laundry mode if available. Keep the intake and outlet clear.

Q: How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?

Multiply its power in kilowatts by the hours used and your electricity unit price. A 300 watt unit used for six hours at 25 pence per kilowatt-hour would cost about 45 pence.

Five practical picks for indoor laundry, everyday condensation and colder spaces, ranked using comparable product facts and clearly stated editorial criteria.

5 products comparedSpecs checkedNo paid placements

The shortlist

Our top five picks

Product information can change. Check the retailer listing for the latest specification, price and availability before buying.

Fact-ledExtraction, operating range and controls matter.

Use-case rankedThe best choice depends on room temperature and purpose.

Commercially transparentRetail commission does not affect scores.

At a glance

Quick comparison

Pick	Extraction	Type	Best for
MeacoDry Arete One 20L	20L/day	Compressor	Most UK homes
Pro Breeze 20L Premium	20L/day	Compressor	Indoor laundry
EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3	7.5L/day	Desiccant	Cold rooms
EcoAir DD3 Classic MK3	11L/day	Desiccant	Higher cold-room demand
Pro Breeze 20L Digital	20L/day	Compressor	Value

Method

How we reach the scores

We compare six areas: useful extraction in the intended conditions, energy demand, noise, controls, tank and drainage design, and overall value. Published capacity figures are measured under specified test conditions, so we treat them as comparative ratings rather than a promise of daily collection.

What matters most

Room temperature comes first. Compressor models are generally the more efficient choice in heated rooms; desiccant machines retain more performance in cold rooms. Laundry mode, a reliable humidistat and practical drainage can matter more than extra smart features.

Buying guide

How to choose a dehumidifier

Compressor or desiccant?

Choose a compressor model for a normally heated bedroom, landing or living area. A desiccant model is usually better suited to an unheated garage, conservatory or cold utility room, although its power demand is normally higher.

Choose the right capacity

Around 10–12 litres per day is a reasonable starting point for a small room or occasional condensation. A 20-litre model gives more headroom for laundry and several rooms. Tank capacity is separate: a larger tank simply needs emptying less often.

Drying laundry

Put the airer and dehumidifier in one closed room, leave space around the clothes and keep the machine's intake and outlet clear. Laundry mode normally prioritises sustained airflow and extraction. You can also compare our heated clothes airer guides.

Estimate running cost

watts ÷ 1,000 × hours used × electricity unit price = cost. For example, a 300W model used for six hours at £0.25/kWh costs about £0.45. A humidistat may cycle the compressor off once the target is reached.

Features worth having

Prioritise an adjustable humidistat, automatic tank-full shut-off, washable filter and continuous drainage. A timer and laundry mode are useful for planned drying sessions. Check quoted noise at the fan speed you expect to use.

Know what it cannot fix

A dehumidifier controls airborne moisture; it does not repair plumbing leaks, failed damp proofing, a leaking roof or inadequate bathroom extraction. Investigate persistent damp or mould at its source.

Common questions

Is a compressor or desiccant dehumidifier better?

Compressor models generally suit heated rooms and are often cheaper to run there. Desiccant models retain more extraction performance in colder spaces but usually draw more power.

What size dehumidifier do I need?

A 10–12 litre model can suit a small room or occasional condensation, while a 20 litre model gives more headroom for laundry or several rooms. Temperature, humidity, airflow and layout all affect real extraction.

Can a dehumidifier dry clothes indoors?

Yes. Use it in a closed room with space around the clothes and appliance. Laundry mode is useful, but airflow and sensible loading matter too.

How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?

Multiply its power in kilowatts by hours used and your electricity unit price. A 300W unit used for six hours at £0.25/kWh costs about £0.45.