Best dehumidifiers for bathrooms of all sizes, from small to energy efficient models

Almost all of us have heard the classic "keep the windows open to stop your bathroom from getting mouldy!"

This is all well and good until the weather drops to baltic conditions and leaving the windows open is the last thing you want to do, especially in this economy. Sure, you'll probably want to keep it ajar while showering but on a more hour-by-hour basis, a dehumidifier might be the solution to your bathroom humidity problems.

However with lots to consider from safe-spacing to energy saving, the ES Best Shopping team decided to call on the expertise of B&Q’s energy-saving expert Paul Carroll.

What is a bathroom dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from the air, which can help prevent condensation, mould, mildew and other problems caused by high humidity. While most dehumidifiers are designed to slot into all kinds of rooms, you'll find some are more effective in bathrooms specifically than others.

“Dehumidifiers are a great way to protect your home from moisture and mould, as they remove the excess water in the air that can lead to condensation and damp problems,” Carroll explains. They also protect against dust, bacteria and germs, so a great addition to any home – especially during these colder months.

“Plus, lower humidity levels can make your home easier and cheaper to heat, and can help laundry dry quicker, too. Condensation is formed when a drop in temperature causes moisture to condense and form on cold surface areas. If left untreated, this condensation is what leads to damp.

“This is why all our dehumidifiers offered at B&Q are compressor or refrigeration dehumidifiers, which are best suited to everyday use in the home where temperatures are usually between 10 and 22C.”

What makes a good bathroom dehumidifier?

First of all, you need to consider the size of your bathroom and the amount of moisture it produces. The size of a dehumidifier is measured by how much water it can remove from the air in a day, usually in pints or litres. The bigger your bathroom and the more humid it is, the more powerful the dehumidifier you’ll need.

For example, a small bathroom might only need a dehumidifier that can remove 0.5 to one pint of water per day, while a large bathroom might need one that can remove four to five pints per day.

You'll also need to consider the features and design of the dehumidifier.

Some features that can make your life easier are:

How we tested

The ES Best Shopping team tested a range of bathroom dehumidifiers to identify the most effective models for combating excess moisture in compact living spaces. I moved into a typically small one-bedroom flat in London with a compact wetroom. Due to the limited space and ventilation, I quickly noticed that the flat would steam up quickly during showers. To combat this, I initially resorted to using mould spray and keeping the windows open constantly. However, this approach was less than ideal, especially during colder weather or when nearby construction compromised my privacy.

With this in mind, each dehumidifier was evaluated based on its moisture extraction efficiency, noise levels, energy consumption, and ease of use. What I found has since created a much more comfortable and healthier living environment.

Not sure where to start? We've rounded up all of the best dehumidifiers for bathrooms.

B&Q 10l/d Handle and LED display Dehumidifier D002A

Since introducing this B&Q own-brand model to my life, all my worries about mould have vanished - much like the humidity. This electric dehumidifier is a powerful choice for controlling excess moisture in medium-sized rooms. With a 2L tank and the ability to extract up to 400ml of water per hour, it helps to prevent damp and condensation efficiently. The automatic shut-off feature offers increased safety by stopping operation when the tank is full, while the LED display makes it easy to monitor and adjust settings. A built-in timer allows you to set it to run as needed, and the included drain hose offers continuous drainage for convenience. It also uses the environmentally friendly R-290 cooling gas, making it a low-impact choice for sustainable home moisture control.

Buy now £85.00, B&Q

MeacoDry Arete® One 10L Dehumidifier

If you’re looking for a dehumidifier that can handle damp, mould and condensation in your bathroom, this MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier ticks all the boxes. This compact and efficient device can extract up to 10 litres of water per day from the air, while using less electricity than other models. It has a 2.5-litre tank that can be easily emptied or connected to a hose for continuous drainage. It also has a built-in humidistat that automatically adjusts the fan speed to maintain the desired humidity level.

Buy now £159.99, Mean

De'Longhi DEX212F Dehumidifier

This DeLonghi DEX212F Dehumidifier is a versatile and powerful option that can remove up to 12 litres of excess moisture per day from the air. Its double filtration system captures dust and allergens and its optional HEPA filter also purifies the air from bacteria and viruses. Struggling to dry your clothes in the cold weather? This dehumidifier also has a laundry function that can help you dry your clothes faster and more efficiently, without high electricity bills.

Buy now £229.00, Amazon

Russell Hobbs RHDH1061G Grey Dehumidifier

One of the biggest (if you'll forgive the irony) problems with dehumidifiers in small houses? Knowing where to store them. If that's the struggle, this Russell Hobbs option might be the best choice around. This is a compact and lightweight device that can fit in any small space, making it a great shout for bathrooms.

It can remove up to 300 ml of water per day from the air and has an auto shut-off function that prevents overflowing and an auto defrost function that prevents freezing.

Was: £51.99

Buy now £47.99, Amazon

Pro Breeze 1500ml Dehumidifier

The Pro Breeze Dehumidifier may look a little complex but comes with a simple LED display and a touch panel that allows you to adjust the settings and modes instantly. A lightweight device that can remove up to 500ml of water per day from the air, while using only 40W of power, it's powerful, portable and energy-efficient all at the same time. Its 1500ml tank can be easily emptied or connected to a hose for continuous drainage and it'll also auto-shut off when the tank is full.

Buy now £39.99, Amazon

EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 Black Desiccant Dehumidifier

This EcoAir Dehumidifier is both compact and efficient: able to extract up to seven litres of water per day from the air with a silver filter that kills bacteria on contact. It's quiet and lightweight despite its efficiency and also features anti-tilt protection that automatically shuts off the device if it falls over. It’s a great choice for small to medium-sized bathrooms or other spaces where you need to control the moisture and improve the air quality.

Was: £229.98

Buy now £209.98, Amazon

B&Q TCP Smart White 12l/d Dehumidifier

The TCP Smart 12L/d Dehumidifier is a sleek and powerful option for reducing excess moisture while improving air quality. Its built-in HEPA filter captures allergens, making it ideal for those who want cleaner, fresher air at home. With smart Wi-Fi connectivity, you can control humidity levels remotely via the TCP Smart App or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home. Featuring three dehumidifier modes, two-speed settings, and an ultra-quiet mode, it blends seamlessly into living spaces. The auto shut-off function prevents spills when the tank is full, while the included continuous drainage option ensures hassle-free operation.

Buy now £160.00, https://www.diy.com/departments/tcp-smart-white-smart-12l-d-dehumidifier/8720039609686_BQ.prd

Honeywell 24L TP Small Energy Star Compressor Dehumidifier

This Honeywell dehumidifier is one of the best for larger rooms when a smaller device just won't do the trick. One of the largest models around, it removes up to 24 litres of water per day from the air and has a smart digital humidistat that automatically adjusts the fan speed to maintain the desired humidity level. Choose between two fan speeds and 24-hour on/off timer and a sleep mode: once you've got the hang of its settings, it pretty much runs itself.

Was: £238.95

Buy now £175.99, Aircon Centre

Meaco 20 Litre Platinum Low Energy Laundry Dehumidifier

The clue's in the name of this bathroom dehumidifier: it's energy-efficient, powerful and versatile without costing you a fortune in electricity bills. A compressor dehumidifier that removes up to 20 litres of water per day from the air, while using only 255W of electricity per hour, it has a large six-litre tank that's easy to empty and a laundry mode that can help you dry your clothes faster.

Looking for cleaner, as well as drier, air? This model also has a washable dust filter and an optional HEPA filter that can help purify the air and remove allergens.

Was: £259.99

Buy now £238.99, Robert Dyas

Ebac 4850 Dehumidifier

Ebac's 4850 Dehumidifier is one of the best options around for peace of mind, thanks to its app that allows you to change the settings and modes from your phone or tablet. A dehumidifier that comes with all of the trimmings, it's able to remove up to 21 litres of water per day from the air and comes with a six-litre tank and a laundry mode, too. Its larger size means you'll utilise this dehumidifier best in large bathrooms or other spaces with plenty of moisture to soak up.

Buy now £399.00, Argos

Blyss Curve Moisture trap

Dehumidifiers are known for being pricey but this Blyss Curve Moisture Trap Dehumidifier is one of the most budget-friendly options around. This reusable device that can absorb up to 900 ml of water from the air in medium-sized rooms and has a spill-proof design and a water level indicator, so you can easily see when it needs to be emptied or refilled. You can choose from neutral or scented refills, if you're looking to step things up a notch.

Buy now £7.50, B&Q

Verdict

It's versatile enough to work in bathrooms of all sizes and comes complete with all of the features necessary to do the job - and then some. The B&Q 10l/d Handle and LED display Dehumidifier D002A takes our top slot for the best dehumidifier for bathrooms.