The downside is that this dehumidifier has a far lower extraction rate than most, extracting just 0.3 litres of water from the air per day. For comparison, the best in class Meaco Arete One dehumidifier can extract between 10 and 25 litres of water from the air per day depending which model you opt for. Water tank capacity is also reduced, with the Silentnight model only able to hold 0.6L of water. That means you'll be emptying the tank frequently. 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.

On the other hand, refrigerant models usually have a higher maximum extraction rate in ideal conditions (high humidity and temperature). What Sizes are Available? Size, which refers to the quantity of water a machine can extract per 24 hours, is one of the most important factors when choosing a dehumidifier. As a general rule, the larger or damper the room is, the greater the required capacity. If you're wondering how to get rid of mould in a poorly ventilated room, or trying to combat excess moisture or humidity inside the home, then a dehumidifier can be a useful tool in your arsenal. Key specs – Dehumidifier type: Desiccant; Tank size: 2l; Extraction rate: 6 litres per day; Dimensions: 48.5 x 29 x 17.5cm; Weight: 6kg; Warranty: 2 years Peltier dehumidifiers also cool the air and condense the moisture content into water, but they do it using a cold heat-sink rather than a compressor. They’re not as effective as compressors, removing smaller amounts of water in a given time, but they’re quieter and more energy-efficient. Peltier dehumidifiers tend to be compact, lightweight units designed for smaller spaces.RH is comfortable for most houses. This will protect properties and belongings from unwanted mould and moisture while controlling dust mites. Reducing humidity below 50% is unnecessary. Relative humidity (RH) is the measure of water currently in the air versus how much water the air can hold. It is generally written as a percentage, and 100% RH (also known as ‘dew point’) will condense on any surface. An example of this is when you are in a shower and the steam condenses on a cold surface such as a mirror.

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. Key specs – Dehumidifier type: Compressor; Tank size: 2.5l; Extraction rate: 10 litres per day; Dimensions: 47.2 x 23.7 x 31.9cm (HWD); Warranty: 5 years parts and labour All that said, the Russell Hobbs RHDH2002 20L dehumidifier still impressed our review team during testing. So, if you’re looking for a powerful dehumidifier with a cheaper upfront cost, the Russell Hobbs RHDH2002 20L is well worth considering. If you're looking for the best dehumidifier for the bedroom, then, in our opinion, it's all about finding a dehumidifier with low noise volume, and the Silentnight 39899 600ml Dehumidifier is one of the quietest dehumidifiers we've tested. The MeacoDry Arete One dehumidifiers are some of the best dehumidifiers we've tested. They're quiet, easy to use, work superbly and are very energy-efficient compared to other compressor models. Plus, all offer a built-in air purification function to improve air quality within the home in more ways than one.Air purifiershelp to remove allergy-causing dust, pollen and pollution from our homes. They work in a similar way to dehumidifiers, drawing air inside them through a vent. The air is then passed through several layers of filtering material (usually paper or fibreglass), where dust, pollen and pollution particles are trapped. Clean air is then recirculated around the room.