Meaco MeacoDry ABC 10L
A practical dehumidifier (10 litres/day) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
Compressor vs Desiccant Dehumidifier: Which Should You Buy?
The single biggest choice when buying a dehumidifier is compressor versus desiccant. They remove moisture in completely different ways, and the right one depends on where and how you will use it.
How they differ
A compressor (refrigerant) dehumidifier cools a coil so moisture condenses out of the air, like a fridge. A desiccant dehumidifier passes air over a moisture-absorbing wheel that is then gently heated to release the water. That difference drives everything else: efficiency, cold-room performance, weight and noise.
Where each wins
Compressor models are the most energy-efficient in normal heated rooms, making them the default for living rooms and bedrooms. Desiccant models keep working in cold spaces below about 15°C, where compressors lose efficiency, so they suit garages, conservatories, boats and unheated rooms. Desiccants are also lighter and run at a steady, quiet hum, but use more electricity in a warm room.
Which should you buy?
If the dehumidifier will mostly run in heated parts of the house, choose a compressor model for lower running costs. If it needs to dry a cold garage or conservatory, or you want the lightest, quietest option, choose desiccant and accept the higher power use.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Meaco MeacoDry ABC Range 12L
A practical dehumidifier (12 litres/day) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
#3 
Meaco MeacoDry ABC
A practical dehumidifier (compressor) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
#4
Meaco MeacoDry
A practical dehumidifier (compressor) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
#5 
AEOCKY 25L/d
A practical dehumidifier (25 litres/day, compressor) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
#6 
Pro Breeze 12L/Day
A practical dehumidifier (12 litres/day) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation.
Frequently asked questions
Is desiccant or compressor cheaper to run?
Compressor models are cheaper to run in a warm room. Desiccant models use more electricity because of their heater, but can be the more effective choice in the cold.
Which is quieter?
Desiccant models tend to run at a steady, quiet hum with no compressor cycling on and off, which some people find less intrusive overnight.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Meaco MeacoDry ABC 10L (our score 9.6/10) - A practical dehumidifier (10 litres/day) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation..