How we test dehumidifiers

Overall score breakdown

Our dehumidifiers test includes:

Water removal

We measure water removal rates over 24 hours across a range of temperatures and humidity levels typical of New Zealand conditions. We use the average to produce a water removal score, giving slightly more weight to the most challenging (coldest) conditions and less weight to the least challenging conditions.

Low temperature performance

We use the water removal rate measured at 8°C and 90% relative humidity to issue a low temperature performance score.

Energy efficiency

We measure how much energy is used per unit of water removed to provide an energy efficiency score.

Ease of use

We assess tank emptying, layout and readability of controls, clarity of instructions, cleaning and how easy each dehumidifier is to move.

Other

We calculate daily running costs based on 8 hours’ use a day. We record how much noise each dehumidifier makes. And we make a note of each dehumidifier’s features and specifications.