Depending on how familiar you are with the world of dehumidifiers, you may know that Meaco is one of the leaders in the market.
The brand is known for its hard-working devices to tackle the stress-filled, pressing and typically expensive concern of damp and mould in your home or office. Which is no doubt why the air purification specialist label has seen a surge in popularity in the last year or so.
If you’re anything like us and the energy crisis has you reluctant to turn on your central heating or use the tumble dryer, investing in electricity-efficient appliances like a dehumidifier is essential so you don’t end up with spores without racking up those bills. The colder temperatures and wet weather shows no signs of wavering so it’s time to call in reinforcements.
These devices also manage moisture levels in the warmer months too so are set to be your humidity-fighting hero all year round.
We put the 10L model through its paces, but it’s also available in 12L (up to three bedrooms) and 20L (up to five) form.
Specs
- Weight: 10.7 kg
- Dimensions: H472 x W319 x D237 mm
- Noise level: 35 and 38 dB(A)
- Approximate electricity costs: 5p / hour based on 34p / kWh
- Filter Type: Washable dust filter & optionally installable HEPA filter & charcoal filter
- Tank size: 2.5 litres
- Features: Digital display, Laundry mode and Child lock
- Room size: 42 m²
Functions
Press the button shaped like a water drop to activate the MeacoDry Arete One’s Smart Mode. This setting puts it to work removing condensation, damp smells and mould that can cause potential damage to walls, furniture or window sills.
The figure in the centre shows the current humidity level and when using the Smart Mode, it aims for the target of 55 per cent humidity and will stop when this is achieved - but not entirely. The fan then operates every 30 minutes to monitor the situation and will run again if it goes above a certain threshold (up three per cent). It is also possible to set a lower or higher target depending on your needs.
Wet and drying clothing create the optimal environment for mould growth. On the LED panel, there’s a button to represent laundry. When you press on the t-shirt, it activates the function to speed up the drying of your fresh load to encourage it to do so quicker, cheaper (over using a tumble dryer or in tandem with a heated clothes airer) and it does so on a timer for six hours so you can leave the house without thinking about it.
The dehumidifier doubles up as an air purifier and comes with a replaceable HEPA filter so that you’re not only removing moisture from the air but cleaning it too. This will be welcomed to allergy and hayfever sufferers as it tackles bacteria, virus particules, pollen and more.
There’s also Night Mode to provide a silent and light-free dehumifying experience, Child Lock and indicators when the water tank is full or when each function is in action.
User friendliness
This MeacoDry Arete One couldn’t be easier to use. Without even reading the manual (although we’d always recommend this to get the most out of your appliances), you can work it out. Remove the packaging, plug it and hey presto - you’ve got yourself a hard-working dehumidifier.
It is incredibly satisfying to watch the tank fill up. For those who live in a damp home, it really feels like you are making a difference as the moisture is attracted towards the dehumidifier. You can see tangible results by the reduction of condensation on windows and while it may offer a modest outlay in terms of energy usage, it should help to make your central heating more effective. Once the tank is full as shown by the indicator and the fact that the dehumidifier won’t work, you remove the front panel, empty and replace. Top tip, this is limescale free water so can be reused on appliances like irons and clothes steamers.
Design
The 10L model is fairly compact in size but has a spacious 2.5L tank and so should be able to last at least a day in a moist space. The MeacoDry Areto One comes with wheels and a carrying handle so can be easily transported from room to room as it’s needed.
Verdict
I couldn’t live without the MeacoDry Arete One. I recently moved into a new house that was visibly damp - there were spores in the wardrobes and on the walls. Once bleaching this, I needed to have something to prevent the mould from returning and the device has done a fantastic job with this. I place it next to the laundry when hanging up a fresh load which has certainly sped up the drying process and wheel it into different rooms around the house so that there’s a regular dehumidifying system. The amount that fills up in the tank speaks for itself on its effectiveness. Magic!
Buy now, £159.99 | Meaco
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MeacoDry Arete One
Buy now £159.99, Meaco
Meaco Arete One 12L Dehumidifier & Air Purifier
Buy now £190.00, Argos
Meaco Dry Arete One 20 Litre Dehumidifier
Buy now £275.00, Argos
