Buying a dehumidifier can be a daunting process. Do you go for a compressor or a desiccant dehumidifier? We’ve reviewed some of the best desiccant dehumidifiers.
Fear not! I’m here to help you unpack all the information and to help you select the best dehumidifier for you. In this article I will briefly talk about the difference between compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers, and I will then go into more detail around the benefits of a desiccant dehumidifier. I will also provide honest, research-based reviews listing out the pros and cons of each desiccant dehumidifier listed below.
If you’re in a rush and already know all about desiccant dehumidifiers, then my top recommendation would be the Ivation 13-Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier. I’ll be reviewing that, and each of the following in detail this post. To know the exact price of each dehumidifier, click the “Check Price” button below each review.
The Top Desiccant Dehumidifiers:
- Ivation 13-Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier
- EcoSeb DD122EA-CLASSIC Desiccant Dehumidifier with Ionizer
- Meaco Zambezi 8-Liter Desiccant Dehumidifier
- Keystone DD7L Junior Desiccant Dehumidifier
Why Do You Need A Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers provide many benefits, especially for those suffering from allergies and asthma. If you live in a humid environment, you may know all too well that high humidity levels can be a breeding ground for dust mites, mold spores, mildew and other airborne pathogens which can trigger allergies and asthma. In fact, allergies are the number one trigger for asthma. With over 50 million adults in the US suffering from allergies, and 17 million suffering from asthma, it makes sense to try to reduce the airborne allergens in your home.
If you find yourself suffering through the humid summer months, a good dehumidifier can really help to improve your symptoms. And dehumidifiers are not just for homes in humid climates, in fact you might notice certain rooms in your home where moisture and humidity build up (for me it’s the kitchen and one bathroom with poor ventilation). A dehumidifier in those rooms of the house can help to improve any mold or mildew problems you might be facing.
The key benefits of a buying a good dehumidifier are:
- Health Benefits: as many airborne allergens thrive in humid environments (e.g., mold spores, dust mites, mildew), a dehumidifier will make the air you breathe less susceptible to these triggers.
- Comfort At Home: in helping to reduce the allergens from the air, you should notice an improvement in breathing, less itchy skin, and generally feel more comfortable in your home.
- Odor Control: if you’ve ever smelt the dampness of mold and mildew, you will appreciate the benefits a dehumidifier can provide in removing these musty odors from your home.
- Longevity: when you remove moisture from the air, you will notice that your fresh food will stay fresh for longer, and you won’t suffer from warping, rust, or damage to your furniture and electronics.
If you’re a visual learner (like me), you might find the below video on the benefits of dehumidifiers to be informative::
What Is A Desiccant Dehumidifier?
There are two types of dehumidifiers: compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers. In this post, I will mainly focus on desiccant dehumidifiers.
Compressor dehumidifiers are common and operate using a compressor and refrigerant. However, for some a compressor dehumidifier may not be ideal as they are very bulky, noisy, and can be inefficient.
A great alternative is a desiccant dehumidifier, which use a desiccant wheel to absorb the moisture in the air. These machines are very efficient, run quietly, and are much more lightweight than a compressor. I also like that the desiccant model is more eco-friendly and does not require a refrigerant.
The below video does a great job of comparing compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers:
For me, the key benefits to a desiccant dehumidifier are:
- More lightweight and portable than a compressor
- Runs quietly
- Eco-friendly with no refrigerant
- Consistent performance, even in lower temperatures
If you think a desiccant dehumidifier could be the solution for you, read on to see which models I rank in my top list.
Which is the Best Desiccant Dehumidifier?
1. Ivation 13-Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier
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The Ivation 13-pint desiccant dehumidifier is my top pick. It is highly effective at removing moisture from the air and has a whisper quiet operation. This machine is also very easy to operate. A user-friendly control panel shows the humidity levels, temperature, timer and various modes.
I love that this machine is very portable, so you can easily move from room to room in your home. It is super lightweight, has a convenient carry handle, and two options for water drainage – either via a removable water tank or a continuous drainage hose.
Customers have commented that it maintains great performance even after months of continuous usage. Many love the compact design, which makes is easy to move around the house.
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2. EcoSeb DD122EA-CLASSIC Desiccant Dehumidifier with Ionizer
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The EcoSeb DD122EA-Classic desiccant dehumidifier is a great choice if you have a small space or intend to use it in colder temperatures. Many customers have commented how well this machine works even in very cold temperature, where compressor dehumidifiers have failed..
One thing of note, many reviewers comment that the customer service at EcoSeb is not the best if you have any service issues to discuss. Something to keep in mind if you have any issues or need repairs.
In terms of maintenance, this machine requires a filter replacement every 6 – 8 months, and a new UV-C bulb every 10 – 12 months.
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3. Meaco Zambezi 8-Liter Desiccant Dehumidifier
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The Meaco Zambezi 8-liter desiccant dehumidifier is another great choice. From my research I can see that this model includes sterilizing ioniser which has been clinically proven to destroy viruses, bacteria, mold, odors and germs in the air. It also has a laundry mode, which helps to dry your laundry faster.
Like other models, this desiccant dehumidifier is lightweight, quiet operation, and works effectively even in cold temperatures.
I would note that some customers have commented that this model does consume a good bit of energy and heats up the air as it works, so that is something to consider if you are looking into this model.
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4. Keystone DD7L Junior Desiccant Dehumidifier
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The Keystone DD7L Junior Desiccant has the fewest reviews available; however, I’ve kept it on the list as Keystone is generally a very reputable company.
This dehumidifier is great for colder spaces in your home – such as garages, basements, crawl spaces, etc, as it works in temperatures down to 32°F without any loss in performance. This particular model allows you to set the humidity level at either 40%, 50%, or 60%, and the machine automatically shuts off once the desired level is achieved.
One downside, the water basin is rather small and will require you to frequently empty the water.
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The Air Control Guy Winner: Ivation 13-Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier |
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Of the four products I’ve reviewed, the Ivation 13-Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier is my winner for best desiccant dehumidifier. In my opinion it offers the best value for money, and it has great customer reviews. It could be a great choice if you’re looking to buy your first desiccant dehumidifier..
If you suffer from asthma or airborne allergies, or if you just notice a musty smell in some of your rooms, you could potentially benefit from adding in a dehumidifier. Studies have shown the health risks breathing in airborne allergens, and purchasing a dehumidifier is a great step towards a healthier and happier life in your home.
For more like this, check out our latest posts on Humidity Control (Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers) and Air Purifying.
