Are you tired of the musty odour that lingers in your home? A dehumidifier can solve your problems. We evaluated the best options for your home or office in New Zealand and provided all the information you need to choose the ideal option for your unique needs below. Let's get into it!
Our Top Picks
In a hurry? Here are our top three dehumidifiers in New Zealand from research and evaluation:
Mitsubishi Oasis Dehumidifier
Best consumer, performance-choice dehumidifier with a permanent dust filter, LED display, 22 L daily capacity, and auto-restart feature.
De’Longhi Tasciugo Ariadry
Best portable dehumidifier with anti-dust filters, 30 L daily capacity, LED display, auto-restart, and humidity level control.
Frigidaire FGAC5044W1 Dehumidifier
Best smart dehumidifier with Smart Adapt Humidity Control, Wi-Fi connectivity, app control system, and 24 L daily capacity.
Top 7 Dehumidifiers for Kiwis — In-Depth Reviews
After reviewing, researching, and evaluating several humidifiers on the New Zealand market, these were the best seven that stood out. You'll find out why in the mini-reviews below.
1. Mitsubishi Electric Oasis Dehumidifier
Best Consumer Performance Choice Dehumidifier
Power: 365 W/h
Operating temp: 1 - 30o C
Warranty: 2 years
For a reliable, high-performance dehumidifier that you can count on to help keep your home dry and free of musty odours, the Mitsubishi Electric Oasis Classic MJ-E22VX Dehumidifier is an excellent choice. This refrigerant dehumidifier has a built-in humidistat to control the humidity level, ensuring that moisture is removed from the air. And when not sure what humidity to set, the device operates on its own until the air is comfortable.
Its sleek and modern design makes Mitsubishi's dehumidifier look great in any room. Its powerful dehumidifying mechanism makes it perfect for areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. The unit also features an energy-saving timer setting that lets you control the duration the dehumidifier operates. The device includes a permanent dust filter that traps dust particles and eight operating modes.
Mitsubishi's Classic Dehumidifier has an auto-restart feature that controls the unit's power in the chance of a power outage or surge, so you won’t have to worry about turning it off every time you leave the house. And with its low power consumption, it is both efficient and cost-effective. In addition, it comes with a two-year warranty, so you know your investment is protected.
Pros
- LCD display
- Quiet operation
- Air purification system with anti-bacterial filter
- In-built humidity sensor
- Swing louvre function
- Child-Lock option
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- 1-9 hour timer can be limiting
2. Dimplex GDDEY40 Dehumidifier
Best Dehumidifier for Large Rooms
Power: 560 W/h
Operating temp: 5 - 32o C
Warranty: 2 years
For a dehumidifier that can tackle dampness in your large apartment, choose the Dimplex Premium GDDEY40 Dehumidifier. This efficient dehumidifier removes up to 40 litres of moisture per day. This is the highest capacity on our list, followed by the De’Longhi Tasciugo Ariadry 30 litres per day dehumidifier.
It features three fan speeds, a 24-hour timer, 3 operating modes, i.e., auto, continuous, and inside drying, and 1 operating function, a swing control for setting the direction of air. The dehumidifier has advanced sensors that detect the humidity level of your room and adjust its settings automatically.
The GDDEY40 boasts an easy-to-read digital LCD and a unique airflow system that helps maintain optimal performance. Plus, it’s compact enough to fit in any space, making it ideal for smaller rooms too.
Pros
- 24-hour timer
- Affordable
- Child-lock ability
- In-built humidity sensor
- Swing control option
Cons
- Noisy operation at night
- No anti-bacterial filters
3. De’Longhi Tasciugo Ariadry
Best Portable Dehumidifier
Power: 575 W/h
Operating temp: 5 - 32o C
Warranty: 2 years
The De’Longhi Tasciugo Ariadry Dehumidifier is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-move dehumidifier. Albeit portable, this unit is capable of removing up to 30 litres of moisture per day and is suitable for large-sized rooms. It is lightweight, compact, and comes with a comfortable handle that makes it easier to carry.
The Tasciugo Ariadry DD230P Dehumidifier has a powerful fan that helps circulate air quickly, ensuring your room remains dry and odour-free. Its large water tank has a capacity of 6 litres, which means you won’t have to empty it very often. You also get a range of features, including a timer, digital (LED) display, humidity level control, and automatic restart after power failure.
We recommend the De’Longhi Tasciugo Ariadry if you want an easy-to-move and efficient dehumidifier. With its impressive features and castors for portability, this unit is sure to help keep your home feeling fresh and dry.
Pros
- Anti-dust filters
- Adjustable humidistat
- Hygrometer to measure humidity
- Thermometer to measure ambient temperature
- Pump system for continuous drainage
Cons
- No child-lock system
- Dehumidifying mode only
4. Panasonic F-YCL27N Dehumidifier
Best Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier
Power: 355 W/h
Operating temp: 5 - 35o C
Warranty: 2 years
The Panasonic Super Alleru-buster 27L F-YCL27N Dehumidifier includes a high-efficiency compressor and energy-saving auto-shutoff feature. It saves energy costs while keeping your home or office humidity levels in check. The dehumidifier features a programmable timer, an easy-to-read LED display, and a continuous drainage hose connection, so you don’t have to empty the reservoir constantly.
Panasonic's dehumidifier also comes with a helpful filter to capture dust, pollen, and other allergens. It has a quiet operation and lightweight design, making it easy to move around the house or office when necessary. The dehumidifier has 3 operating modes; dry clothes, dehumidifying, and fan mode. You also get a 5L tank capacity that auto shuts down when it reaches the full waterline.
For energy efficiency, Panasonic's F-YCL27N dehumidifier is our best bet. Though expensive, its ease of use, quiet operation, features, and convenience were very impressive.
Pros
- 3 operating mode
- Intelligent monitoring system
- Air swing operation
- Quiet operation
- Anti-bacterial and anti-allergen filters
- Continuous drainage system
Cons
- Expensive
- 2-8 hour timer
- No child-lock system
5. Frigidaire FGAC5044W1 Dehumidifier
Best Smart Dehumidifier
Power: 545 W/h
Operating temp: N/A
Warranty: 1 year
The Frigidaire Gallery 24L FGAC5044W1 is another efficient and easy-to-use dehumidifier. It features a smart display and an intuitive control panel, so you can easily monitor and adjust the settings. It can remove up to 24 litres of water from the air each day and is ideal for medium-sized rooms. The model also comes with several convenient features that make it even more user-friendly. For example, its Smart Adapt Humidity Control system allows you to customize your home's humidity level to your ideal preference.
Frigidaire has an Energy Star rating, meaning it's energy efficient and uses minimal electricity. Additionally, this dehumidifier has a built-in timer to save energy and money, so you can set it to turn off when not in use. It has Wi-Fi connectivity and can operate with the Frigidaire app control system. The dehumidifier has the perfect balance for anyone looking for convenience and efficiency in one affordable package.
Pros
- Built-in air ionizer
- Poppable handle on top
- Portable design with caster wheels
- Continuous drainage option available
- 24-hour timer
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- No child-Lock system
- Dehumidifying mode only
6. GE ADHR50LB Dehumidifier
Best Cheap Dehumidifier
Power: 770 W/h
Operating temp: N/A
Warranty: 1 year
The GE ADHR50LB is the best affordable dehumidifier with all the necessary features. This unit has an impressive 24L capacity, which is enough to cover an area of up to 4,000 square feet. It also has a removable air filter, adjustable humidistat, and an LED display.
The GE ADHR50LB has three fan speeds and adjustable humidity levels. It also features a 2 or 4-hour timer that allows you to set it to turn on or off at specific times automatically. Plus, it automatically shuts off when the tank is full, so you don’t have to worry about overflowing water.
The dehumidifier is ideal for large areas and is sure to help reduce musty odours and keep your home comfortable. But unlike other health-centred options, it doesn’t have an air purification system to remove pollens or bacteria. Another downside is that it comes with a one-year limited warranty only.
Pros
- Empty-bucket alarm
- Smart dry mode and auto-defrost control
- Adjustable humidistat
- Hidden wheels and pocket handles
- Soft-touch LED Display
- Built-in pump for continuous drainage
Cons
- No child-Lock system
- Only 1-year warranty
- 2 or 4-hour timer
- No anti-bacterial and anti-allergen filters
7. Smart Ape Desiccant Dehumidifier
Best Smart Desiccant Dehumidifier
Power: 650 W/h
Operating temp: 3 - 50o C
Warranty: 2 years
For an efficient, reliable, and lightweight desiccant dehumidifier for locations where temperatures may drop below 4o C, like caravans, cellars, basements, or garages, then the Smart Ape SKU35622946 Dehumidifier is your best bet. This dehumidifier has most of the features of a modern dehumidifier, but with a price tag that won't break the bank. It is designed to efficiently capture moisture from the air, helping reduce indoor humidity levels quickly and effectively.
This smart desiccant dehumidifier offers intelligent humidity control via a free Smart Life application, allowing you to easily adjust the settings, create schedules, and set timers for up to 8 hours. Its 2.5-litre water tank allows it to operate for up to 8 hours continuously, while the timer function allows it to be programmed to switch on and off at set times. Additionally, the dehumidifier includes an energy-saving mode for added convenience and energy efficiency.
The Smart Ape SKU35622946 Dehumidifier is the only desiccant dehumidifier model on our list, the rest being refrigerant units. But with its advanced features, 3 operating modes—auto, laundry, reduced energy—and user-friendly design, it is sure to help keep your home free from excessive humidity.
Pros
- Affordable
- Portable and lightweight
- Smart remote control system
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Smart Life app to adjust the settings
- 90-degree adjustable oscillations
Cons
- 8-hour timer
- No anti-bacterial and anti-allergen filters
- No child-Lock system
Why Is a Dehumidifier Important in New Zealand?
New Zealand has high humidity levels, which can cause mould, mildew, and other moisture-related problems in your home or office. This means dealing with dampness, humidity, and wet air all year round. Investing in a dehumidifier is essential to keep your home or business fresh and dry. They absorb and collect moisture from the air in a container.
Whether you are using a desiccant dehumidifier to absorb moisture or a refrigerant dehumidifier for condensation, the air inside your home or business becomes drier, cleaner, and more comfortable. This also helps reduce the dust and allergens in the air, making it safer for those with asthma or allergies.
High humidity is not only damaging to the walls and furniture items, but it also poses a serious health risk to you and your family. People living in such an environment may experience fainting, heat exhaustion, poor sleep, dehydration, muscle cramps, fatigue, and even arthritis.
How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
A dehumidifier works by pulling moisture from the air, trapping it, and then releasing dry air back into the room. This can be done through a variety of methods, but primarily through desiccant and refrigerant technologies.
In both types of dehumidifiers or technologies, warm air is expelled from the machine, either directly outside or back into the room once the moisture has been removed. This process helps to create a comfortable room with reduced levels of humidity and fewer airborne contaminants.
Desiccant vs. Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
While both types of dehumidifiers work to reduce humidity and odours, there are some key differences to be aware of before you make your purchase.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers use chemical absorbent material to remove moisture from the air. As air is drawn into the machine, it passes over a cold evaporator coil, which cools the air and causes any water vapour to condense. The condensed water is absorbed into the absorbent material and held until it is released outside.
Reasons to buy
- Best to use in cooler environments or areas with temperatures below 20°C
- More energy efficient than refrigerant models
- Operates quietly
Reasons to avoid
- Takes longer to dehumidify a space
- Need more frequent replacements due to wear and tear
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
Refrigerant dehumidifiers work by cooling the air as it passes over an evaporator coil and condensing any moisture in the air on the coils. The condensed moisture is then collected in a container that needs to be emptied periodically.
Reasons to buy
- Better suited to warm and humid conditions
- Advanced models can operate in colder temperatures
- More powerful than desiccant models
Reasons to avoid
- Noisier
- More expensive to run
How to Choose the Best Dehumidifier?
When buying a dehumidifier, several key features must be considered to ensure you get the right model for your needs. Here are 7 essentials to look out for.
#1 - Room size and moisture level
The room size you need to dehumidify and the air's moisture level are important factors to consider when choosing a dehumidifier. Small dehumidifiers are ideal for smaller rooms and spaces, while larger units can be used in larger rooms with higher humidity levels.
#2 - Capacity
The capacity of the dehumidifier, measured in Litres per day, is another important factor to consider. Look for a high-capacity dehumidifier to ensure that it can effectively remove moisture from the air. A higher capacity means the dehumidifier can remove more moisture from the air in a shorter amount of time. The best dehumidifiers will have a dehumidifying capacity ranging between 24 to 30 litres per day.
#3 - Energy efficiency
Consider the energy efficiency of the dehumidifier, which its Energy Star rating can determine. Many modern dehumidifiers come with energy-efficient features with less power consumption (W/h). A more energy-efficient dehumidifier saves you money on your electricity bill.
#4 - Noise level
Consider the unit's noise level, especially if you plan to use it in a bedroom where you sleep or in other areas where you'll be spending a lot of time. Look for a unit with a low noise level of no more than 45 decibels.
#5 - Brand reputation and customer support
When shopping for a dehumidifier, consider the reputation of the brand and the customer support they offer. Take the time to read customer reviews to get an idea of how well the product works and how reliable the brand is. Also, check the warranty of the unit. Typically, a good warranty is an indication of the manufacturer's confidence in their product.
#6 - Additional features
Consider any additional features that you may find useful, such as a built-in pump, humidistat, air purification, UV-C light, remote control, adjustable fan speeds, and automatic shut-off. These can all help you to customize your dehumidifier to suit your needs best.
#7 - Price
Price is an important factor to consider when choosing a dehumidifier. Look for a unit that fits your budget but has the features and capacity you need. Dehumidifiers can range from relatively affordable to quite expensive, so set your budget and look for models that meet your needs without breaking the bank.
Mark Thompson
Goodbye to Musty Odours
Dehumidifiers are essential appliances for any New Zealander looking to reduce the amount of moisture in their home or office and keep it feeling fresh and clean. They are an excellent solution to bad air quality and musty odours in the home. And they come in a range of sizes, from quite large and powerful models to small and compact ones to suit your needs.
Compared to other forms of home comfort appliances, dehumidifiers are relatively cheap. With some dehumidifiers being portable, they can be moved around the home or business, making them an ideal solution for those who need a quick and easy solution to their damp and musty problem.
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