If you live in a humid area, or have problems with mould, mildew or allergies, you know how important it is to keep the moisture level in your air under control.
But you don’t have to spend a fortune on a fancy dehumidifier - there are plenty of affordable options that can do the job just as well, if not better, than some of the more expensive models.
What should you look for in a dehumidifier?
Sure, you want something cheap and cheerful. But you also want something that's actually going to do the job, rather than an oversized lump of plastic that just takes up space in your living room or bathroom.
When choosing your dehumidifier, keep in mind the following factors:
- Capacity: How much water the dehumidifier can remove from the air in a given time, usually measured in pints per day? The higher the capacity, the more powerful and effective the dehumidifier is. Choose a dehumidifier that matches the size and humidity level of your room.
- Drainage: This refers to how the dehumidifier gets rid of the collected water. There are three main options: manual, continuous and pump. Manual drainage means that you have to empty the water tank yourself, which can be a hassle if the tank is small or the dehumidifier is very efficient. Continuous drainage means that the dehumidifier has a hose that connects to a drain, so you don’t have to worry about emptying the tank. Pump drainage means that the dehumidifier has a built-in pump that can push the water up to a higher level, like a sink or a window, which gives you more flexibility in where you place the dehumidifier.
- Materials: This indicates the quality and durability of the dehumidifier’s components, including the fan, the coils, the filter and the casing. You want a dehumidifier that's made of sturdy and reliable materials that can withstand frequent use and resist corrosion and wear and tear.
You should also look for a dehumidifier that has a washable or replaceable filter, as this can help improve the air quality and extend its lifespan.
We've rounded up all of the best cheap dehumidifiers
BANRIN 1L/Day Dehumidifier for Home
The BANRIN 1L/Day Dehumidifier is a great choice for anyone who wants to improve the humidity level and the air quality in their home without spending a fortune. Its large water tank has a capacity of 2.2L, which can collect up to 1L of water per day.
It also has a drain hose that can be connected to a sink or a bucket for continuous drainage: perfect for those who want to set the thing up and leave it to work its magic without interruption. For those that need some (dehumidifying) help in the bedroom, it has a quiet operation, with a noise level of less than 40dB and a sleep mode that reduces the fan speed and the LED light for a more comfortable night's sleep.
Buy now £73.99, Amazon
Challenge 0.5 Litre Mini Dehumidifier
This Challenge 0.5 Litre Mini Dehumidifier is renowned for being both a compact and efficient device that can help you reduce excess moisture in your home. It's suitable for small rooms up to 15m² and can extract up to 0.3 litres of water per day. While it's a smaller dehumidifier, it's ideal for rooms that don't require quite as much work but still need a helping hand now and again.
Buy now £49.94, Argos
electriQ Quiet Peltier Dehumidifier with 900 ml Tank
The electriQ Quiet Peltier Dehumidifier comes with a large 900ml tank and is designed for larger rooms that need a little more assistance. It uses Peltier technology, which is a type of thermoelectric cooling that doesn't require a compressor, making it more energy-efficient and quieter than traditional dehumidifiers.
This model has a simple on/off operation, a transparent water tank that's easy to keep an eye on and an indicator light that alerts you when the tank is full and needs to be emptied. It also has child-safe vents and can be used in caravans, motorhomes or boats.
Buy now £39.89, Appliances Direct
Princess 0.7 Litre Compact Dehumidifier
This Princess 0.7 Litre Compact Dehumidifier is a popular choice with allergy sufferers, who praise the huge difference in the air quality and their ability to sleep much better at night since using it. It can extract up to 0.7 litres of moisture per day, depending on the settings, and has an auto shut-off feature for when it gets too full. It's compact and lightweight, and it doesn't use much electricity, either.
Buy now £79.94, Argos
CONOPU Dehumidifier
Do you have a room that constantly needs a helping hand when it comes to moisture? This CONOPU Dehumidifier has a large water tank capacity of 2300 ml, which can hold up to 800 ml of water per day. It has three modes: strong, sleep and auto, as well as a timer function and a humidity sensor display for ease of use. The dehumidifier automatically shuts off when the water tank is full and alerts the user with a red light and a beep sound, which means you don't need to constantly check back when it's reaching its full point.
Buy now £59.99, Amazon
ABSODRY Duo Family Moisture Absorber
The ABSODRY Duo Family Moisture Absorber works a little differently from most dehumidifiers. It uses a special bag of crystals that absorb water from the air and collect it in a container, which makes emptying it a far smoother process than many other models. That unique design also prevents weird odours, which other dehumidifiers can pick up if left to stand for too long. With its modern and minimalist design, it's not quite as intrusive as others and has a water level indicator and a twist-and-pour function that makes it easy to empty and refill.
Buy now £34.99, Currys
Russell Hobbs RHDH1061G Portable Dehumidifier
This Russell Hobbs RHDH1061G Portable Dehumidifier is ideal for taking from one place to the next, thanks to its portable design. A top choice for small rooms (or also for storing away easily when not in use), it comes with a 600ml water tank that can hold up to 300 ml of water extracted from the air in 24 hours. If you're worried about using a dehumidifier in cold weather, this model also features a defrost function that prevents the device from freezing in cold temperatures.
Buy now £39.99, Currys
SILENTNGHT 39899 Dehumidifier
If you're short on budget but want something effective, this SILENTNIGHT 39899 Dehumidifier promises to do the trick. One of the cheapest dehumidifiers around, it's both quiet and effective, with a 600ml water tank capacity and a touch control panel. Perfect for use in the bedroom, it automatically shuts off and indicates when the tank is full and has a green night light that can be turned on or off.
Buy now £47.99, Currys
DAEWOO COL1382 Dehumidifier
Impressively lightweight and portable, this DAEWOO COL1382 Dehumidifier is a great choice for removing up to two litres of excess moisture per day, creating a healthier and more comfortable living space. Ideal for those with allergies or asthma, as it reduces mould, musty odours, and allergens in the air, it's suitable for rooms up to 20 square metres, and has a 2-litre water tank that can be easily emptied. The compact design of this model also means it's easy to find a space for it in the cupboards when not in use.
Buy now £69.99, Currys
IGENIX IG9706 Air Cooler & Humidifier
The IGENIX IG9706 Air Cooler & Humidifier has a remote control and an LED display that lets you adjust the settings easily. It also has three fan speeds, an oscillation function, a seven-hour timer, and a five-litre water tank: all of the essentials to keep your room free of humidity in one go. Perfect for seriously hot weather, it comes complete with something a little special: two reusable ice packs that can make the air even cooler while keeping it clean and dry.
Buy now £89.99, Currys
Verdict
Not only is it budget-friendly but it's also equipped with all of the necessary features to fit in seamlessly with your day-to-day life. The BANRIN 1L/Day Dehumidifier is our favourite cheap dehumidifier.
