DEHUMIDIFIERS / EDITORIAL GUIDE

Best Dehumidifiers for Drying Laundry in UK Homes

UK households that dry clothes indoors need a dehumidifier that moves moisture quickly to speed up drying without a tumble dryer. The most important factors are extraction rate (how many litres of water removed per day), airflow for faster drying, and features like a dedicated laundry mode. We weigh these against energy use, tank size or continuous-drain options, and noise, so you can choose a unit suited to your laundry space and budget.

Published 24 September 2026

Quick comparison

#ModelBest forListed priceMerchantOffer
1MeacoDry Arete Two 25L Dehumidifier (Air Purifier & Laundry Mode)large households with heavy laundry loads.GBP 329.00CurrysView at CurrysMerchant link
2Duux Bora Smart 20L WiFi Dehumidifier (DXDH02UK)smart-control & quiet medium-duty drying.GBP 279.00CurrysView at CurrysMerchant link
3Devola DVHA20L Hybrid 20L Dehumidifier & Air Purifierclothes drying with air purification.GBP 199.99DevolaView at DevolaMerchant link
4Pro Breeze 20L Dehumidifier (PB-D-08W-B-UK)budget-friendly fast drying.GBP 161.49AmazonView at AmazonAffiliate link
5Meaco DD8L 8L Desiccant Dehumidifiercold rooms and small loads.GBP 334.00AmazonView at AmazonAffiliate link

Select a model for the full recommendation, or use View at merchant to open the selected offer directly. Prices and availability can change.

How to choose

When drying laundry indoors, larger-capacity dehumidifiers will remove moisture faster, but they cost more to run and are bigger. Models with a dedicated laundry mode or continuous-drain option can keep running through a full load without emptying. Desiccant types (like Meaco DD8L) work better in cold, unheated rooms, while compressor units need warmer air. Consider tank size (or a hose outlet) if you’ll dry many clothes at once. Also look at noise: quieter machines (often on low fan speed) are better for living spaces. Finally, compare energy consumption if you’ll run the unit for several hours per load.

Compare the details

Specifications and requirements from the sources below. Manufacturer claims are not independent test results.
ModelExtraction capacityLaundry modeTank capacityOperating powerNoise level
MeacoDry Arete Two 25L Dehumidifier (Air Purifier & Laundry Mode)25 L/day (at ~20°C)[2]Yes (smart laundry mode)[2]4.8 L[2]365 W (at 30°C)[2]Up to 50 dB (Turbo mode)[2]
Duux Bora Smart 20L WiFi Dehumidifier20 L/day[1]Yes[3]4 L[1]400 W[1]46 dB(A)[1]
Devola DVHA20L Hybrid 20L Dehumidifier & Air Purifier20 L/day[5]Yes (dedicated mode at 40%)[5]2.9 L[5]330 W[5]53 dB (max)[5]
Pro Breeze 20L Dehumidifier20 L/day[3]Yes[3]5.5 L[3]310 W[3]38 dB(A)[3]
Meaco DD8L 8L Desiccant Dehumidifier7.5 L/day (20°C, 60%RH)[4]Yes (quiet drying setting)[4]2 L[4]330 W[4]48 dB (max)[4]

Our picks

1

MeacoDry Arete Two 25L Dehumidifier (Air Purifier & Laundry Mode)

large households with heavy laundry loads.

Choose this if you need maximum extraction and quiet operation. It removes 25 L/day (more than 20 L units) and has a smart laundry mode, so it dries large loads faster. Its app control and HEPA/charcoal filters also improve air quality.

Before you choose: Heaviest and most expensive option; its extra HEPA/air-purifier features add cost you might not need if you only want drying. Also larger and requires castor assembly. Otherwise the Duux Bora (20 L) or Devola (20 L) cover similar needs with smaller tank.

More details

Removes up to 25 L/day; has a HEPA filter and app control; very quiet on low fan Pros: Very high extraction (25 L/day) for fast drying; Dedicated laundry mode speeds drying; Very quiet on low speed (38 dB). Consider: Large/heavy to move; More expensive; includes air-purifier features you may not need. Limitation: Has a modest 4.8 L water tank (though a hose adapter is included for continuous use). Quite heavy (16 kg), requiring assembly of castors.

GBP 329.00Checked 24 Sep 2026
View at CurrysMerchant link
2

Duux Bora Smart 20L WiFi Dehumidifier (DXDH02UK)

smart-control & quiet medium-duty drying.

Choose this for app control and quiet operation over budget models. It extracts 20 L/day and can be managed via smartphone, making it easy to monitor laundry cycles. It has a carbon odor filter and still offers a laundry mode.

Before you choose: Has lower extraction than the Meaco 25 L unit, so it dries slightly slower. The 4 L tank is also smaller. It has only a carbon filter (no HEPA) and costs more than basic models like the Pro Breeze.

More details

20 L/day; WiFi-enabled; includes carbon filter; moderately quiet Pros: App control (WiFi-enabled) for remote monitoring; Quiet operation (~46 dB); Carbon filter removes odors. Consider: Lower capacity (20 L) than flagship models; Small 4 L tank requires emptying or hose if running full cycles. Limitation: Made mainly for medium-sized rooms; the tank is small (4L). Lacks HEPA filtration (carbon filter only), and costs more than basic units with similar function.

GBP 279.00Checked 24 Sep 2026
View at CurrysMerchant link
3

Devola DVHA20L Hybrid 20L Dehumidifier & Air Purifier

clothes drying with air purification.

Pick this if you want built-in air purification along with drying. It extracts up to 20 L/day and its dedicated laundry mode increases airflow and holds humidity at 40% for faster drying. An oscillating louvre spreads airflow over clothes.

Before you choose: Heavier and bulkier (13.9 kg) and somewhat louder (up to 53 dB) when on max setting. It requires HEPA filter maintenance. If you only need basic drying, a simpler 20 L dehumidifier might suffice.

More details

20 L/day; HEPA + UV cleaning; oscillating louvers; continuous-drain option Pros: Built-in HEPA filter, UV and ioniser for clean air; Oscillating louvre targets airflow over laundry; Continuous-drain option for unattended drying. Consider: Loud at full fan (up to 53 dB); Heavier and more complex (requires filter maintenance). Limitation: Designed for medium/large rooms; its 2.9 L tank is small (though continuous drain avoids frequent emptying). If you don't need air purification, a standard dehumidifier is simpler.

GBP 199.99Checked 24 Sep 2026
View at DevolaMerchant link
4

Pro Breeze 20L Dehumidifier (PB-D-08W-B-UK)

budget-friendly fast drying.

Choose this if you want a high airflow 20 L dehumidifier on a budget. It moves air at 195 m³/h and still removes 20 L/day. Unlike smart models, it has just basic controls, which keeps cost down.

Before you choose: No smart features or purification; manual controls only. Its 5.5 L tank fills quickly during large laundry loads, so you’ll need to empty it more often or attach a drain hose.

More details

20 L/day; 5.5 L tank; highest airflow ~195 m³/h Pros: Very high airflow (195 m³/h) for quick drying; Dedicated laundry mode. Consider: Basic controls only (no Wi-Fi or HEPA filter); Moderate 5.5 L tank fills quickly during heavy use. Limitation: Designed for simple drying tasks; lacks any air purifying or smart features. No wheels (just handles) and requires frequent emptying of its 5.5 L tank.

GBP 161.49Checked 24 Sep 2026
View at AmazonAffiliate link
5

Meaco DD8L 8L Desiccant Dehumidifier

cold rooms and small loads.

Pick this if you need a compact unit for unheated spaces. It still dries clothes (7.5 L/day at 20°C) and has a laundry mode to protect damp loads. Its low temperature performance and quiet fan make it ideal for small, cold rooms.

Before you choose: Much lower capacity than bigger models; best for one or two loads. The 2 L tank is small, so continuous drying means frequent emptying. It also won’t cool ambient air (desiccant release heat).

More details

8 L/day (7.5 L at 20°C); lightweight 6.4 kg; runs quietly Pros: Efficient operation at low temperature; Very quiet (much quieter on low fan speed). Consider: Lower extraction rate (8 L/day); Small 2 L tank. Limitation: Best for small rooms or holiday homes. It won’t dry as fast in warm rooms compared to compressor units, and the tiny tank limits unattended operation (wall-mount kit optional).

GBP 334.00Checked 24 Sep 2026
View at AmazonAffiliate link

How we assess products

This guide is based on current manufacturer data and product specifications, not on independent testing. We gathered official specs and user reports for each model to compare key laundry-focused performance features. We focus on published extraction rates, presence of a laundry mode, and other laundry-specific features. Claims are sourced from manufacturer or retailer technical pages and feature lists. Editorial ranking is based on how well each model meets indoor laundry drying needs, not on any hands-on trial.

Last editorial review: 24 September 2026.

Sources and product information

  1. Currys: Duux Bora 20L dehumidifier specifications
  2. Currys: MeacoDry Arete Two 25L dehumidifier specifications
  3. Pro Breeze 20L Dehumidifier product page
  4. Meaco DD8L Desiccant dehumidifier (official page)
  5. Devola DVHA20L 20L Hybrid Dehumidifier/Air Purifier specifications

Frequently asked questions

How does a dehumidifier’s laundry mode speed up clothes drying?

Laundry mode runs the fan continuously or at higher power to keep humidity low, so moisture is pulled from clothes faster. It essentially forces the dehumidifier to run non-stop, unlike in auto mode. Using laundry mode or setting a very low humidity target helps remove dampness more quickly, giving clothes a boost in drying speed.

What size dehumidifier do I need for drying laundry indoors?

For a normal-sized room or heavy wash load, a 20–25 L/day dehumidifier is ideal. These units (like the Meaco Arete Two 25L) can extract 20–25 litres of water per day, which handles large loads well. Smaller spaces or lighter loads can use 8–12 L units. Always check the quoted extraction rate; higher is better for faster laundry drying.

Are desiccant dehumidifiers better for winter laundry drying?

Yes. Desiccant models (like the Meaco DD8L) run effectively at low temperatures and even produce warm air. They maintain their extraction rate in cold, unheated rooms, unlike compressor units which slow down below about 10°C. So in winter basements or cool garages, desiccant units can dry laundry when compressors struggle.

How much power does it take to run a dehumidifier for laundry?

Dehumidifiers use a few hundred watts. For example, the Meaco DD8L uses about 330 W. A 20L compressor model might use 300–400 W on high. Running at full power for 3–4 hours costs only a few pence per hour. Check the label (or spec sheet) for power use, and multiply by your electricity rate (about 30p/kWh in the UK) to estimate costs.

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