We evaluated the best dehumidifiers 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 started!
Our Top Picks
In a hurry? Here are our top three dehumidifiers in New Zealand:
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 6 Dehumidifiers for Kiwis
After reviewing, researching, and evaluating several dehumidifiers on the New Zealand market, these six models stood out as the best. The mini-reviews below explain why.
1. Mitsubishi Electric Oasis Dehumidifier
Best Consumer Performance Choice Dehumidifier
Power: 365 W/h
Operating temp: 1 - 30o C
Warranty: 2 years
The Mitsubishi Electric Oasis Classic MJ-E22VX Dehumidifier is a reliable, high-performance unit that keeps your home dry and free of musty odours. This refrigerant dehumidifier has a built-in humidistat to control the humidity level. When you are unsure what humidity to set, the device operates independently until the air is comfortable.
Mitsubishi's dehumidifier looks excellent in any room. Its powerful dehumidifying mechanism is perfect for areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. The unit also has an energy-saving timer to control its operating duration. It includes a permanent dust filter that traps dust particles and eight operating modes.
The Oasis Classic dehumidifier has an auto-restart feature that controls its power in case of a power outage or surge, so you won’t have to worry about turning it off whenever you leave the house. Its low power consumption makes it 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. 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. Although portable, this unit can remove up to 30 litres of moisture daily and is suitable for large rooms. It is lightweight and compact and has a comfortable handle that makes it easier to carry.
De’Longhi's Tasciugo Ariadry DD230P has a powerful fan that circulates air quickly, ensuring your room remains dry and odour-free. Its large water tank holds 6 litres, so you won’t have to empty it often. The unit has various 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 efficient, easy-to-move dehumidifier. Its impressive features and castors for portability help keep your home feeling fresh and dry.
Pros
- Adjustable humidistat
- Hygrometer to measure humidity
- Thermometer to measure ambient temperature
- Pump system for continuous drainage
- Anti-dust filters
Cons
- No child-lock system
- Dehumidifying mode only
3. 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 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 has a helpful filter to capture dust, pollen, and other allergens. Its quiet operation and lightweight design make it easy to move around the house or office when necessary. The dehumidifier has three operating modes: dry clothes, dehumidifying, and fan mode. It has a 5L tank capacity and auto-shuts down when it reaches the full waterline.
The F-YCL27N dehumidifier is our best choice for energy efficiency. Though expensive, its ease of use, quiet operation, useful features, and convenience were 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
4. 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. The model can remove up to 24 litres of water from the air each day and is ideal for medium-sized rooms. It also has several convenient features that make it even more user-friendly. For example, its Smart Adapt Humidity Control system allows you to customise 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 of convenience and efficiency in one affordable package.
Pros
- Built-in air ioniser
- 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
5. 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. Its impressive 24L capacity covers an area of up to 4,000 square feet. The unit also has a removable air filter, an 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 automatically at specific times. 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 will help reduce musty odours and keep your home comfortable. However, unlike other health-centred options, it doesn’t have an air purification system to remove pollen or bacteria. Another downside is that it only has a one-year warranty.
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
6. Smart Ape Desiccant Dehumidifier
Best Smart Desiccant Dehumidifier
Power: 650 W/h
Operating temp: 3 - 50o C
Warranty: 2 years
The Smart Ape SKU35622946 dehumidifier is an efficient, reliable, and lightweight desiccant dehumidifier. It has most of the features of a modern dehumidifier but at 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 will enable 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.
Smart Ape's Dehumidifier is the only desiccant model on our list; the rest are refrigerant units. However, its advanced features, three operating modes—auto, laundry, and reduced energy—and user-friendly design will 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 keeps your home or business fresh and dry. They absorb and collect moisture from the air in a container.
Whether using a desiccant dehumidifier to absorb moisture or a refrigerant dehumidifier to remove condensation, the air inside your home or business will become drier, cleaner, and more comfortable. This will also help reduce dust and allergens in the air, making it safer for those with asthma or allergies.
High humidity damages walls and furniture and poses a serious health risk to people and their families. 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 pulls moisture from the air, traps it, and then releases dry air into the room. It can do this using various methods, primarily desiccant and refrigerant technologies.
In both 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 create a comfortable room with reduced humidity and fewer airborne contaminants.
Desiccant vs. Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
While both types of dehumidifiers reduce humidity and odours, you should be aware of some key differences before purchasing.
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 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 cool the air as it passes over an evaporator coil and condense any moisture 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?
Consider these key features when buying a dehumidifier to ensure you get the right model for your needs:
#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
Another essential factor is the dehumidifier's capacity, measured in Litres per day. Look for a high-capacity dehumidifier to ensure that it effectively removes moisture from the air. A higher capacity means the dehumidifier can remove more moisture from the air in less time. The best dehumidifiers have a capacity between 24 and 30 litres per day.
#3 - Energy efficiency
Consider the dehumidifier's energy efficiency, which its Energy Star rating can determine. Many modern dehumidifiers have energy-efficient features that use less power (W/h). A more energy-efficient dehumidifier can save you money on your electricity bill.
#4 - Noise level
Consider the unit's noise level, especially if you plan to use it in your bedroom or other areas where you'll spend 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
Consider the brand's reputation and customer support when shopping for a dehumidifier. Read customer reviews to understand how well the product works and how reliable the brand is. Also, check the warranty of the unit. Typically, a good warranty indicates the manufacturer's confidence in its product.
#6 - Additional features
Consider any additional features that you may find helpful, 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 customise your dehumidifier to suit your needs.
#7 - Price
Price is an essential factor to consider when choosing a dehumidifier. Look for a unit that fits your budget but has the needed features and capacity. 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 moisture in their home or office. They are also an excellent solution to bad air quality and musty odours.
Fortunately, dehumidifiers, from relatively large and robust models to small and compact ones to suit your needs, are relatively affordable compared to other home comfort appliances. Be sure to consider your needs and choose the best fit for your home humidity needs or problems.
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