Just like the larger model, the 10L has a laundry mode to dry your washing, and can double as an air purifier with the bundled HEPA filter inserted – although we found it a little less effective in our air-purifying tests than most dedicated models. As a dehumidifier, it’s hard to fault, working efficiently in small and medium-sized rooms to reduce humidity levels and get rid of mould and moisture. Throw in the intuitive controls and easily removable water tank, and this is the best of the compact options, and ideal for smaller rooms and homes. If you’re running a dehumidifier, keep the door to the room the dehumidifier is in open, so that air can circulate through your home. But close the window, so that damp air outside – which will migrate towards drier spots – isn’t drawn to the drier air indoors. We’ve tested a range of dehumidifiers from different brands – including DeLonghi, Ecoair, Ebac and Meaco – to uncover the best. Type: Compressor Dehumidifier | Extraction amount: 12L | Tank capacity: 2.1L | Dimensions: H42 x W32 x D21.5cm | Weight: N/A | Power: 250W | Cost per hour: 0.8p | Noise level: 45dB | Max room size: 35m²| Laundry mode: No | Warranty: 1 year What we like A compressor dehumidifier is the most common type in the UK as it works best in higher temperatures, such as in a heated home.

Compressor dehumidifiers work in much the same way as a fridge or freezer. They draw in air and cool it, condensing any moisture as it passes across a refrigerated coil. The water then drips off into a water tank below, while the air is reheated and released into the room. Compressor dehumidifiers can be noisy and may use more energy than other types, although new compressor technology and refrigerants are bringing improvements on both counts. They’re most efficient at warmer temperatures of 20°C and above, and your best bet if you need to remove lots of moisture from a larger space. A dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air to dry out the room, depositing it safely inside its water tank until you are ready to pour it away. Its job is to help you reach the optimum humidity level, and some even purify the air, removing allergens and dust through their filter. Type: Compressor Dehumidifier | Extraction amount: 25L | Tank capacity: 6L | Dimensions: H62.3 x W37.7 x D26.3cm | Weight: 13kg | Power: 320W | Cost per hour: 11p | Noise level: 41dB | Max room size: N/A| Laundry mode: Yes | Warranty: 1 year What we like Type: Desiccant Dehumidifier | Extraction amount: 7L | Tank capacity: 2L | Dimensions: H47.5 x W29 x D17.5cm | Weight: 6kg | Power: 300W | Cost per hour: 10p | Noise level: 34dB | Max room size: N/A | Laundry mode: Yes | Warranty: 2 years What we likeDesiccant dehumidifiers extract water using an absorbent material to draw moisture from the air. Then an internal heater warms it so the moisture condenses and drips into the tank below.

If you need a dehumidifier capable of reducing moisture in a larger space or have more significant damp levels, then you need a dehumidifier with a high extraction rate. This Russell Hobbs model can extract 20L of moisture from the air per day, and whilst it doesn't quite offer as much functionality as the comparable 20L MeacoDry Arete One (and can't beat the Meaco on energy efficiency) it is a cheaper upfront investment. Portability: A model with a handle or wheels/castors (or both) will be easier to move around, especially if you buy a large, heavy dehumidifier. If you’re only ever going to use the dehumidifier in one room and won’t want to put it away much, this might not be so important to you.Appliances Direct's own brand Electriq is good. I have the big 20litre one, and it’s very egos down supposed to be low energy. Significantly cheaper than more well-known brands too"(Tried and trusted by Mumsnet user gluenotsoup) Our verdict These are great. You can get them in Asda, Wilko's and other places too. Very satisfying to see the water collect!"(Recommended by Mumsnet user BigbreastsBiggerbeard) Our verdict Most of the dehumidifiers in our round-up feature automatic shut-off functions that mean they automatically switch off and sound an alarm or activate a warning light once the tank is full. However, a small capacity tank potentially increases the amount of time the dehumidifier will be out of operation before you notice and empty the tank. We’ve got a Meaco Arête One dehumidifier. It’s quiet enough to run overnight in the bedroom." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Catmummyof2 ) Our verdict It all depends on how much space you need to dehumidify. Dehumidifiers are often rated in terms of their extraction rate: how much water they can remove from the air in a single day. This is separate from their water tank capacity, which covers how much water they can store before you need to empty them out.