I’ve been testing the Meaco Arete 20L Dehumidifier for a few months now, and it’s been an absolute game-changer for the damp, cold basement flat I live in.
Pros
- Perfect for larger spaces - from open-plan to garages
- High capacity tank
- Easy-to-use display with timer, air purification and dryer modes
Cons
- A little costly, but soon pays for itself in terms tackling damp
| Capacity: | 20 L Extraction |
| Dimensions: | 27.2D x 36.6W x 61.8H (cm) |
| Weight: | 15.1 kg |
| Wattage: | 204 W |
- Perfect for larger and more open spaces - 35-50 m sq. coverage.
- The extraction rate is impressive - at 20L in just 24 hours.
- Complete with timer and a dryer function for laundry.
- Easy to empty water tank
First off, it connects to your WiFi and syncs with a handy app on your phone. This is surprisingly convenient to tweak settings or without getting up (or even being home!). Although this is a fabulous bit of kit for keeping the moisture levels in the air to a healthy range, the best feature of the Meaco Arete 20L is that it’s a dream for drying washing.
Whether I’ve used the dedicated laundry mode or just left it running on the usual settings, it dries wet clothes in record time, and keeps bills low as it means you’re not faffing with expensive fans or blasting the central heating. If you’re tired of that damp smell from indoor drying, this will sort it right out. And in winter, it’s an absolute lifesaver – no more condensation on the windows or musty smells creeping into the house.
Another unexpected perk is the air purification mode. Living in a city, I’ve noticed a real difference in the air quality inside. It feels fresher, and I’m sneezing a lot less, which has been a huge bonus. It’s really like getting two machines in one – a dehumidifier and an air purifier rolled together (although I definitely should replace the filter soon!).
And sure, it’s not the best looking home appliance that has ever been invented, but it’s really not offensive either - for larger rooms it’s practically invisible when tucked next to a sofa or a bed. It’s also surprisingly quiet for such a powerful machine, which I really appreciate when I’ve got it running at night or while I’m working from home. In fact, I’ve come to enjoy the ‘drip, drip, drip’ of the water condensing into the reservoir, as it means it’s no longer hanging about in the air, making everything feel cold and clammy.
In terms of value, this RRPs on the pricier end for dehumidifiers. However, you do get what you pay for, and although the upfront price is more expensive, this is certainly more effective than every other dehumidifier I've used before. I think this price is well worth it, and will pay for itself in just a few months in comparison to having a conventional dryer, or cranking up the central heating constantly.
All in all, the Meaco Arete 20L has really exceeded my expectations. It’s super effective, versatile, and makes life so much easier – whether it’s drying washing, purifying the air, or keeping damp at bay. If you’re thinking of investing in one, I can’t recommend it enough.
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About the author
Fliss Freeborn is a content writer working across brands at Bauer Media. Her cold, damp basement flat has been the perfect testing ground for dehumidifiers!