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Best Overall: MeacoDry Arete Two.
Best Overall: MeacoDry Arete Two.
The gold standard for UK flats. It’s incredibly quiet, cheap to run, and specifically designed for our damp climate.
The gold standard for UK flats. It’s incredibly quiet, cheap to run, and specifically designed for our damp climate.
Best for Cold Rooms: EcoAir DD1 Simple.
Best for Cold Rooms: EcoAir DD1 Simple.
If you dry laundry in a chilly spare room or hallway that stays below 15°C, this is significantly faster than standard models.
If you dry laundry in a chilly spare room or hallway that stays below 15°C, this is significantly faster than standard models.
Best for heavy laundry loads on a budget:Pro Breeze 20L.
Best for heavy laundry loads on a budget:Pro Breeze 20L.
A reliable, no-nonsense workhorse that costs less upfront but still features a dedicated laundry mode.
A reliable, no-nonsense workhorse that costs less upfront but still features a dedicated laundry mode.
Living in a UK flat during winter usually means one thing: the "laundry dance." You’ve got a drying rack taking up half the lounge, the windows are streaming with condensation, and you’re fairly sure your jeans have been damp for three days. Without a garden for a washing line or space for a vented tumble dryer, many of us end up with that familiar musty smell and a creeping worry about black mould.
A good dehumidifier changes the game. It doesn't just suck moisture out of the air; it creates a dry "micro-climate" that pulls water out of your clothes far faster than air-drying alone. In this guide, we’ve looked at the best models available in the UK that are quiet enough for flat living, efficient enough to keep the electric bill in check, and powerful enough to dry a full load of towels overnight.
What actually matters when buying (Read this first)
What actually matters when buying (Read this first)
1) Type: compressor vs desiccant
1) Type: compressor vs desiccant
If your flat is usually warm (heated rooms, modern-ish building): a compressor model is often cheaper to run.
If your flat gets cold (older building, heating kept low, cold bedroom): a desiccant model is usually the safer bet because it stays effective in low temperatures.
2) Noise (because you live 2 metres from it)
2) Noise (because you live 2 metres from it)
In a flat, the dehumidifier is often in your living room or bedroom. If it’s irritating, you won’t use it — and an unused dehumidifier dries exactly zero socks.
Rule of thumb: if you’ll run it in the same room while you watch TV or sleep, prioritise quieter models even if they cost a bit more.
3) Laundry mode + timer (practical, not gimmicky)
3) Laundry mode + timer (practical, not gimmicky)
A proper laundry mode with a timer helps you dry clothes without guessing (and without running it all day). On models like the Arete Two, laundry mode is designed to run for a set time depending on load size.
4) Running cost (what changes it)
4) Running cost (what changes it)
Running cost isn’t just “watts × time”. It depends on:
how damp the air is,
how warm the room is,
whether you’re drying a full clothes horse,
and whether you’re sealing the room (door closed) so it can actually do its job.
Simple rule: smaller, sealed room + decent airflow around the airer = faster drying and less run time.
5) Tank emptying vs continuous drain
5) Tank emptying vs continuous drain
If you dry laundry several times a week, you’ll either:
empty the tank often, or
use a continuous drain hose (brilliant if your bathroom/utility area setup allows it). Some models explicitly support continuous drainage.
6) Flat reality: space + airflow
6) Flat reality: space + airflow
You don’t need a massive unit if you’re drying in one closed room. You need a sensible one that fits your space and lets air move around the airer.
MeacoDry Arete Two — Best overall
MeacoDry Arete Two — Best overall
If you dry laundry indoors regularly and want the least friction day-to-day, the Arete Two is the most complete option for UK flats. It builds on the strong core performance of the original Arete, but adds features that genuinely make everyday use easier.
Useful features in practice
Laundry mode with timer (1–24 hours): You can set it to run for the length of a laundry session instead of guessing.
App and smart control: Useful if the unit is in another room or you want to check status without walking over.
Adjustable airflow and extra fan speed: Helps direct air towards a clothes airer, speeding up drying.
Clear LCD display: Makes it easier to see what the unit is doing at a glance.
Pros
Excellent all-round drying performance for flats
Quieter and more refined in everyday use
Timer and app reduce over-running and wasted energy
Strong brand reputation and UK support
Cons
More expensive than the Arete One
Smart features aren’t essential if you prefer manual control
Best for: Flats drying laundry several times a week who want convenience and control
Avoid if: You’re happy to switch it on and off manually and want to save money
EcoAir DD1 Classic MK6 (desiccant) — Best for cold flats / winter drying
EcoAir DD1 Classic MK6 (desiccant) — Best for cold flats / winter drying
If your flat is cold in winter or you dry clothes in an unheated room, this desiccant model avoids the performance drop that some compressor units experience in low temperatures.
Useful features in practice
Desiccant technology: Maintains drying performance in colder rooms.
Consistent output: Laundry drying times stay predictable in winter.
Lightweight design: Easier to move between rooms.
Pros
Reliable winter performance
Helps with condensation in cold bedrooms
Good option where heating is kept low
Cons
Can cost more to run than efficient compressors in warm rooms
Not always the quietest option
Best for: Cold flats, winter drying, older buildings
Avoid if: Your flat is warm year-round and you prioritise lowest running cost
De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry (Multi range) — Best budget
De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry (Multi range) — Best budget
De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry (Multi range) — Best budget
De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry (Multi range) — Best budget
This is a sensible budget choice if you want reliable drying without paying premium prices. It doesn’t feel as refined as the Meaco models, but it gets the job done.
Useful features in practice
Clothes drying function: Straightforward mode for laundry use.
Continuous drain option: Less tank emptying if used frequently.
Compact footprint: Fits smaller flats reasonably well.
Pros
Good value for money
Widely available and well-supported brand
Capable for typical flat laundry loads
Cons
Louder than premium models
Fewer control and airflow options
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers and smaller flats
Avoid if: You’re sensitive to noise or dry laundry daily
MeacoDry ABC 10L — Best for small flats / bedrooms
MeacoDry ABC 10L — Best for small flats / bedrooms
If space is tight and you want something that feels manageable (and not like a fridge with a handle), this is the compact pick.
Useful features in practice
Compact form factor for small rooms
Good for reducing bedroom condensation while helping laundry nearby
Typically easier to live with in a flat footprint
Pros
Fits small spaces well
Usually “use it daily” friendly
Great for 1–2 person flats drying smaller loads
Cons
Not ideal for heavy damp or huge laundry loads
May take longer if you’re drying thick items (towels/bedding) constantly
Best for: Small flats, bedrooms, lighter laundry routines
Avoid if: You’re fighting serious damp or drying big family loads daily
Pro Breeze 20L (compressor) — Best for heavy laundry loads on a budget
Pro Breeze 20L (compressor) — Best for heavy laundry loads on a budget
If you’re drying a lot of laundry and want strong pulling power without paying premium-brand prices, this is a common go-to.
Useful features in practice
Higher-capacity moisture removal for bigger, wetter loads
Helps in larger rooms or flats with persistent condensation
Often includes continuous drainage capability (varies by model/version)
Pros
Strong performance for the price
Useful if you’re drying towels, bedding, or frequent loads
Can make a noticeable dent in damp air quickly
Cons
Bulkier in a flat
Typically louder than “flat-first” models
Best for: Bigger laundry loads, damper flats, value-driven shoppers
Avoid if: You need near-silent operation or have very limited space
Ebac Powerdri 18 — Best for serious damp issues (semi-pro)
Ebac Powerdri 18 — Best for serious damp issues (semi-pro)
This is more “sort the damp problem” than “gently help the clothes horse”. It’s built for tough moisture removal jobs and is stocked by UK trade retailers.
Useful features in practice
Built for demanding environments (strong, rugged use)
Pulls moisture aggressively (useful if damp is entrenched)
Better suited to “problem property” situations
Pros
Tough and effective where basic models struggle
Good for persistent damp scenarios
UK availability through well-known retailers
Cons
Not the most discreet flat companion (noise/size)
Overkill if your main issue is just laundry drying
Best for: Flats with significant damp problems that need serious moisture removal
Avoid if: You mainly want a quiet, everyday laundry helper
Buying guide (deep but clear)
Buying guide (deep but clear)
Compressor vs desiccant — which should you pick?
Compressor vs desiccant — which should you pick?
Warm-ish flat + daily living room use: go compressor (often cheaper to run).
Cold bedroom / older building / winter drying: go desiccant for performance consistency.
Running cost (what affects it — realistically)
Running cost (what affects it — realistically)
You can’t pin a single “cost per hour” without knowing your humidity and temperature, but here’s what reliably changes costs:
You can’t pin a single “cost per hour” without knowing your humidity and temperature, but here’s what reliably changes costs:
Higher humidity = more work (and usually more benefit).
Cold rooms reduce compressor efficiency — which can mean longer run times.
Closed door helps: dehumidifiers work best when they’re not trying to dry the entire building at once.
If you’re worried about bills, a model with a sensible “set humidity” mode and a good laundry timer is usually the sweet spot.
Noise in flats: the reality
Noise in flats: the reality
If you’ll run it near your sofa or bed, prioritise the models people actually live with day to day (Arete Two, ABC-style compact units). A louder “power” unit may technically dry faster, but if it annoys you into switching it off, it loses.
Placement for laundry drying (simple and effective)
Placement for laundry drying (simple and effective)
Put the dehumidifier in the same room as the airer
Keep some space around it (don’t cram it behind the sofa)
Close the door if you can
Aim airflow so it’s not blocked by hanging clothes
Maintenance: tank emptying vs drain hose
Maintenance: tank emptying vs drain hose
If you dry laundry often, look for the option of continuous drainage so you’re not emptying a tank every day. De’Longhi explicitly highlights this on its range.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Buying for the whole flat instead of the laundry room: focus on the room you dry in.
Picking a compressor for a cold room: it may underperform when temps drop.
Ignoring noise: you’ll stop using it.
FAQs
FAQs
1) Will a dehumidifier actually dry clothes faster?
Yes — it lowers the moisture in the air so clothes can release water instead of “hovering damp” for days. It’s most noticeable when the room is closed and the air is already humid.
2) What’s the best type for a cold flat?
A desiccant dehumidifier is usually the safer choice for cold rooms because it keeps performing when compressor units can struggle.
3) Are dehumidifiers expensive to run?
It depends on humidity, temperature, and how long you run it. In general, using a timer/laundry mode and drying in a closed room helps reduce run time.
4) Will it stop mould?
It helps by reducing humidity (mould’s favourite environment), but it won’t remove existing mould. You’ll still need to clean any mould you already have.
5) Where should I put it when drying laundry?
Same room as the airer, with the door closed if possible. Keep airflow clear around the machine and don’t block it with hanging clothes.
6) Is a quiet dehumidifier worth paying extra for?
In a flat, often yes — because you’ll actually use it. The best-performing model is the one you don’t mind running for hours.
7) Do I need a big 20L unit for a flat?
Not always. If you’re drying in one room, a smaller unit can work well. Bigger units help if you’re drying heavy family loads or dealing with serious damp.
8) Can I run one overnight?
Yes, as long as it’s placed safely and you’re comfortable with the noise. If you’re putting it near bedrooms, quieter models are the better bet.
9) Do I need to open windows as well?
Some ventilation helps overall, but don’t run a dehumidifier with windows wide open — you’re just trying to dry the outdoors.
10) What if my flat is damp and I dry laundry indoors?
Prioritise a stronger unit or a model designed for tougher damp problems (and consider whether the room is cold — that affects the type you should buy).
Final recommendation
Final recommendation
For most UK flats, the MeacoDry Arete Two (12L) is the best all-round choice for drying laundry indoors: it’s designed around real home use, has a proper laundry mode you can time, and it’s generally easier to live with day to day.
If your flat is cold in winter (or you keep heating low), go for the EcoAir DD1 Classic MK6 because desiccant units stay effective in colder rooms.
If you want a strong, reputable option for less money, the De’Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry range is the sensible budget pick — especially when discounted — and it includes clothes-drying and continuous drainage features that matter in real life.
Pick the one that matches your flat’s reality (warm vs cold, noise tolerance, load size), and you’ll stop guessing — and your laundry will stop feeling like a damp waiting room.
Trust + transparency
Trust + transparency
How we chose: We prioritised models that are widely available in the UK, suit flat living (noise/space), support regular laundry drying (useful modes/timers), and offer practical features like continuous drainage and cold-room suitability — while avoiding gimmicky “mini” units that don’t meaningfully dry laundry loads.
Update policy: Review and refresh every 3–6 months (availability, pricing bands, and standout new models).
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