In stockMeaco DD8L Desiccant Dehumidifier Review
The Meaco DD8L is a desiccant dehumidifier built for cold, unheated spaces where a standard compressor unit like Meaco's own Arete range starts losing effectiveness — and with 1,210 Amazon ratings at 4.6 stars, it's one of the most consistently well-reviewed desiccant models on Amazon.co.uk.
Our verdict: The Meaco to buy for a cold, unheated space — a conservatory, garage, boat or caravan — where a compressor unit like the Arete range loses effectiveness. Noticeably better reviewed than Meaco's own DD8L Pro, at a lower price.
Pros
- ✓ 4.6-star rating across 1,210 Amazon ratings — a genuinely large, consistently positive review sample for a desiccant model
- ✓ Desiccant technology keeps working effectively in cold, unheated spaces where compressor units like the Arete range lose efficiency
- ✓ Releases gentle warmth as a by-product of dehumidifying — reviewers repeatedly describe rooms feeling noticeably warmer, not just drier
- ✓ Laundry mode dries a load in around 6 hours for roughly 48p, cheaper than running a tumble dryer
- ✓ Continuous drainage hose option, useful for unattended use in a boat, caravan or garage over winter
Cons
- ✕ At 39dB it's noticeably louder than Meaco's own Arete compressor range (35-38dB) — several reviewers say it's not suitable for a bedroom at full power, only on its lowest setting
- ✕ Running cost of roughly 8p/hour is higher than the Arete Two's 5p/hour, reflecting the heating element desiccant technology relies on
- ✕ Only a 2-litre tank, smaller than the Arete Two's, needs emptying more often when working hard
- ✕ Only 2-year warranty versus the 5 years Meaco offers on its Arete compressor range
Full specifications
About Meaco
Unlike the compressor technology used in Meaco's Arete range, the DD8L uses a desiccant wheel to absorb moisture, which keeps working at effectively any temperature rather than losing efficiency below roughly 10°C. As a by-product, it releases gentle warmth into the room — reviewers repeatedly describe a conservatory or boat cabin feeling noticeably warmer as well as drier after a few hours of use.
At £169.99 it sits below Meaco's own DD8L Pro (£259), and the review pattern reflects that gap clearly: 4.6 stars across 1,210 ratings for the standard DD8L, against 3.8 stars across just 16 ratings for the Pro. For most buyers choosing between the two, the standard DD8L is the better-evidenced pick.
How to use it
For a conservatory, garage, boat or caravan, run the DD8L on its automatic humidity setting (40/50/60% options) and leave it — the continuous drainage hose option means it can be left unattended over winter without needing the tank emptied. Reviewers consistently report eliminating window condensation and stopping black mould forming in cold, poorly heated rooms within a few days of regular use.
For laundry, the dedicated laundry mode dries a load in around 6 hours at roughly 8p/hour — reviewers estimate about 48p per load, cheaper than running a tumble dryer, though slower than Meaco's compressor-based Arete Two.
At 39dB, several reviewers specifically note it's too loud for their bedroom on its standard setting, though usable on the lowest fan speed. For overnight use in a bedroom, the quieter Meaco Arete One or Arete Two compressor models remain the better fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Meaco DD8L better than the DD8L Pro?+
On review evidence, yes for most buyers — the standard DD8L holds 4.6 stars across 1,210 ratings versus the Pro's 3.8 stars across just 16 ratings, and costs almost £90 less. The Pro adds Wi-Fi app control and a redesigned display, but the standard DD8L has a far larger and more consistently positive track record.
Why choose a desiccant dehumidifier over a compressor one?+
Desiccant technology keeps working effectively at any temperature, including well below 10°C, where compressor units like Meaco's own Arete range start losing efficiency. It's the right choice for a cold garage, conservatory, boat or caravan rather than a normally heated room.
Is the Meaco DD8L quiet enough for a bedroom?+
Not ideally — at 39dB on its standard setting it's louder than Meaco's Arete compressor range (35-38dB), and several reviewers specifically say they wouldn't use it in a bedroom except on its lowest fan speed. For overnight bedroom use, the Meaco Arete One or Arete Two are the better fit.
How much does the Meaco DD8L cost to run?+
Meaco quotes roughly 8p per hour based on typical UK electricity rates — higher than the Arete Two's 5p/hour, reflecting the heating element desiccant technology uses, but reviewers note the gentle warmth it produces can offset some heating costs in a cold room.
Should you buy it?
Buy the Meaco DD8L if your problem is a cold, unheated space — a conservatory, garage, boat or caravan — where a compressor dehumidifier loses effectiveness. If your room is normally heated, the quieter, cheaper-to-run Meaco Arete One 12L or Arete Two 20L are the better choice.
Check price on Amazon.co.uk — £169.99Alternatives worth comparing
In stockMeaco MeacoDry Arete One 12L
The best dehumidifier for a bedroom or a flat — quiet enough to sleep next to, backed by the same 5-year warranty as Meaco's bigger models, at a noticeably lower price.
In stockMeaco MeacoDry Arete Two 20L
The best all-round dehumidifier for a UK home battling condensation, damp or slow-drying laundry. If budget allows, this is the one we'd buy first.
Explore more dehumidifier guides
7 dehumidifiers compared · Amazon.co.uk prices checked July 2026
Meaco DD8L Desiccant Dehumidifier
£169.99