If you don't yet know the humidity level in the room, start by measuring it before buying a dehumidifier. If an additional appliance seems appropriate, compare the model’s specifications with the room’s actual conditions, then consider noise, energy use and drainage. Ventilation still needs to be checked: a dehumidifier is no substitute for maintaining it or carrying out any necessary work on the property.
If damp persists, you can measure the room’s temperature and humidity before choosing an additional appliance, while continuing to check the ventilation. A thermo-hygrometer measures both; it does not diagnose the cause of the damp.
You’re looking for an appliance whose extraction conditions, noise level and water drainage suit the way you’ll use it. A capacity quoted in litres per day should be considered alongside the temperature and humidity conditions it was measured at.
For an unheated room, check the technology and operating range of the exact model rather than comparing the stated capacities alone. Meaco describes the DD8L Pro as suitable for unheated rooms, among other uses; this is the manufacturer’s positioning, not the result of an independent test.
First check whether an additional appliance is the right next step, then compare how well it suits the room and what it will be like to use. ADEME points out that ventilation removes moisture from the home; for rented properties, ANIL distinguishes major or structural repairs from routine maintenance.
| What matters | What to check | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Whether an additional appliance is appropriate | Temperature and relative humidity readings; check the ventilation and, if necessary, contact your landlord. | If I don’t yet know the room’s conditions, I want to measure them before choosing an appliance. Around 29% of consumers prioritise checking whether an additional appliance is appropriate. |
| Suitability for the room | Usual temperature; room volume and the conditions linked to the stated extraction capacity. | For a cold room or one with an unusual volume, I want to check that the figures match how I’ll use it. Around 23% of consumers put suitability for the room first. |
| Noise during use | Stated noise level and the mode it applies to; whether you can schedule operating times. | If the appliance will run in an occupied room, I want to consider the noise and plan when it runs. Around 18% of consumers prioritise reducing noise disturbance. |
| Electricity costs | Power consumption in the mode you use; actual operating time and whether it switches off when the target humidity is reached. | If the appliance will run regularly, I want to be able to estimate its energy use using my electricity tariff. Around 18% of consumers prioritise running costs. |
| Water drainage | Tank capacity and full-tank alert; whether a hose or optional pump is included and compatible. | If I want to empty the tank less often, I check where the water can drain and which accessories are suitable. Around 12% of consumers prioritise easy drainage. |
A dehumidifier is no substitute for checking the ventilation or carrying out major repairs that may be the responsibility of the property owner. For rented homes, ANIL distinguishes these repairs from routine maintenance.
Include ventilation checks in your plan and tell your landlord about any problems that may require major repairs.
Buying an appliance and paying for the electricity it uses won’t resolve a repair that needs to be done.
The 16 L/24 h stated for the De’Longhi DEXD216RF applies at 30 °C and 80% relative humidity; this figure doesn’t automatically reflect how much it will extract in a cooler or less humid room.
Compare capacities alongside their temperature and humidity conditions, and check the stated operating range for the exact model.
A gravity-fed hose needs to slope downwards, without kinks or blockages. A drainage outlet doesn’t mean that a pump is included.
Check where the water can flow and what’s included in the box before choosing where to put the appliance. If you need a different set-up, confirm that any solution is compatible with the exact model.
If water can’t drain away by gravity, you may need a different set-up or a compatible accessory.
The Tasciugo AriaDry Multi DEXD216RF is an example of a compressor dehumidifier with stated extraction figures, built-in measurements and continuous drainage.
The DD8L and DD8L Pro let you consider desiccant dehumidifiers for a cold or unheated room.
The Extrême Dry Compact+ gives you a chance to compare practical features such as scheduling, tank capacity, a hose and humidity display.
The 45.2020 analogue thermo-hygrometer is a way to measure temperature and humidity, rather than an appliance that extracts water.
These options are domestic compressor dehumidifiers with different capacities, stated room coverage and drainage systems.
Image unavailable
Worth considering as an additional appliance for a room whose stated volume suits your needs, with the option of continuous drainage.
Stated capacity of up to 10 L/24 h; stated volume: approximately 40 m³ (16 m²); 2.1 L tank; R290 refrigerant.
The product description recommends cleaning the filter every two weeks.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a domestic appliance with a dedicated laundry-drying mode and two stated options for draining water.
Stated capacity of up to 25 L/day; 2.8 L tank; continuous drainage hose stated as included; R290 refrigerant.
The stated clearance around the appliance is at least 10 inches. The product description says the compressor stops below 15 °C during automatic defrosting.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a room close to the stated floor area, with scheduling and a laundry-drying mode.
Stated area: approximately 32 m²; stated capacity of up to 16 L/day; 24-hour timer; continuous drainage.
The product description recommends an ambient temperature of 5 to 35 °C and says the compressor stops below 15 °C during defrosting. The stated clearance around the appliance is at least 10 inches.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if the stated floor area suits your room and you want to compare emptying a tank with continuous drainage.
Stated capacity of up to 12 L/day; stated area of up to 25 m²; 3.8 L tank; R290 refrigerant.
After transport or tilting, the product description recommends leaving the appliance upright for two hours before using it for the first time. The stated clearance around the appliance is at least 10 inches.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a room that matches the stated floor area if you want to schedule operation and choose how to drain the water.
Stated capacity of up to 16 L/day; stated area of up to 32 m²; 3.1 L tank; four modes; R290 refrigerant.
The product description recommends an ambient temperature of 5 to 35 °C and says the compressor stops below 15 °C during defrosting. The stated clearance around the appliance is at least 10 inches.
No. A dehumidifier is an additional measure and doesn’t replace checking the ventilation. ADEME points out that ventilation removes moisture from the home.
If the rented property doesn’t meet the standards for decent housing, Service Public says the landlord must take action. ANIL explains that major or structural repairs that aren’t the tenant’s responsibility are generally the landlord’s responsibility; this information alone cannot diagnose the cause of the damp.
Not with a gravity-fed hose alone: Meaco says the hose needs to slope downwards, without kinks or blockages. For a different set-up, check that the solution is compatible with the exact model; a drainage outlet doesn’t mean a pump is included.
You can calculate a cost using the energy consumed in kWh and your tariff in €/kWh. Using the stated power rating, multiplying the power in kW by the operating hours gives only an estimate, not a measurement of energy use. The 285 W rating for the De’Longhi DEXD216RF is a manufacturer’s figure and isn’t enough to work out a monthly bill.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies, under the conditions set out by law, to defects that existed when the goods were delivered. Service Public says the defect must appear within two years of delivery, including for second-hand and refurbished goods. This statutory guarantee is separate from a commercial extended warranty.