At first sight, the DD8L is not the most cutting-edge design in terms of dehumidifiers and looks even a bit outdated compared to the higher-end models from recent years, especially with its configuration options and buttons. However, this didn't stop the DD8L from becoming a best-selling model because it simply delivers what it sets out to do with no hurdles or errors. Normally, dehumidifiers come with rolling wheels and foldable carry handles. Thankfully, the DD8L doesn't need it and just includes a carry grip. If the easily manageable size is still not enough for you, you could save even more space by going for the Klarstein Shetland 600. Moving on to the internals, the device includes an ionizer unit and an antibacterial filter to cleanse the air from mould spores, bacteria and other nasty airborne particles. Drainage and Water Capacity The Meaco DD8L Zambezi dehumidifier impressed us by scoring well at extracting moisture from an outdoor environment, so it's ideal for garages or other out-buildings. It is nice and lightweight, so it's also easy to move about with the added help of a carry handle.' - Good Housekeeping Magazine Tried and Tested The easy way to programme and set your dehumidifier, the digital operation was the obvious choice for this unit:

Free unlimited phone support with a UK dedicated claims line. We have a dedicated claims line and are here to help. You can add as many “World Firsts” and high-tech features as you want to a dehumidifier, but if it’s terrible at extracting water it’s worthless. Fortunately, the DD8L Zambezi has fantastic water extraction capabilities. While the 8 litres/day extraction rate (at 20 degrees Celsius and 60% relative humidity) might seem low compared to refrigerant models, its ability to extract at lower temperatures means it’s much better suited to the conditions found in garages, boats and other cooler locations. Conservatories tend to be next to kitchens and/or become a convenient location for drying washing and these factors will increase the amount of moisture in the air.

Remove the lid from the water tank, so that there is a larger target area for the water to drip into the tank. There’s also a Laundry Mode – with a twist. Unlike regular laundry modes, which set the dehumidifier fan to full and run until you switch it off, the Meaco uses a humidistat to monitor humidity. As clothes dry, it reduces its energy usage to minimise the cost. The water tank can hold a maximum of three litres before it needs to be emptied. This is 50% bigger than the original DD8L, but smaller than models such as the EcoAir DC202 and Ebac 2650e. Even so, you won’t need to be continuously emptying the machine.

Desiccant dehumidifiers are a great way to improve your comfort and health, especially during the winter months, when many of us keep our windows closed and dry laundry inside. This provides a level of accurate dehumidification that is over-kill for domestic applications, however. The alternative provided by most compressor dehumidifiers is for the dehumidifier to turn off when the relative humidity target is reached. This saves energy but does mean that the dehumidifier potentially misses increases in relative humidity and could allow organic materials in the home to absorb the excess moisture and mould to grow.

The details

Most models also provide a tube for continuous draining. Other useful water tank features to look out for are tanks that have pouring spouts, lids, and handles, all of which can make emptying easier and spillage-free. Control Panel The DD8L was designed about 8 years ago now so it should come as no surprise to learn that lessons learnt over the years from the initial design have been incorporated into Zambezi, hence the internals only sharing one common part. For constant draining/extraction the DD8L includes a drainage port. This means the water tank won't need to be emptied and that the appliance needs very little supervision. With the ability to function at temperatures close the freezing this dehumidifier is perfect for most locations, including out buildings, garages, boats, caravans and conservatories Essential info Suitable for use in flats, apartments, all sizes of house, cellars, garages, boats, caravans, holiday homes and, in fact, anywhere you have a damp or condensation problem, the Zambezi offers more functionality, control and options than any other domestic dehumidifier on the market today. On its launch, it had no less than six world firsts for a dehumidifier unit: