Are you tired of the musty odour that lingers in your home? We have the solution—say goodbye to dampness and musty odours with a Dehumidifier. Discover the top dehumidifiers for your home or office in New Zealand.

We go over the features and benefits of each dehumidifier and provide you with every information you need to choose the best dehumidifier New Zealand has to offer. Let's get into it!

Our Top Picks

In a hurry? Here are the seven best dehumidifiers in New Zealand from our research and evaluation.

1. Mitsubishi MJ-E22VX Dehumidifier: Consumer choice dehumidifier for performance and reliability
2. Dimplex GDDEY40 Dehumidifier: Best dehumidifier for large rooms
3. De’Longhi DD230P Dehumidifier: Best Portable dehumidifier
4. Panasonic Alleru-buster Dehumidifier: Best dehumidifier for energy efficiency
5. Frigidaire FGAC5044W1 Dehumidifier: Best Smart dehumidifier for efficient control
6. GE ADHR50LB Dehumidifier: Best Affordable dehumidifier
7. Smart Ape SKU35622946 Dehumidifier: Best Smart Desiccant Dehumidifier

Still, we recommend reading our in-depth product reviews to get a better understanding of your choice of a dehumidifier.

Top 7 Dehumidifiers in New Zealand: 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 Classic Dehumidifier

Best consumer performance choice dehumidifier

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 comes with a built-in humidistat which allows you to control the humidity level ensuring that all the 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.

With its sleek and modern design, Mitsubishi's dehumidifier looks 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.

The Mitsubishi 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
• Incredibly quiet operation (noise level – 38 dBA)
• Air purification system with anti-bacterial filter
• In-built humidity sensor
• Swing louvre function
• Can be used even at temperatures down 1 degree C
• Have casters for mobility
• Child-Lock option

Cons

• A bit expensive
• 1-9 hour timer can be limiting

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2. Dimplex GDDEY40 Dehumidifier

Best dehumidifier for large rooms

For a dehumidifier that can tackle dampness in your large apartment, choose the Dimplex Premium GDDEY40 Dehumidifier. This powerful and efficient model can remove up to 40 litres of moisture per day. This is the highest dehumidifier 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. This continuous, also the laundry mode, helps keep your clothes completely dry. This dehumidifier is equipped with advanced sensors that detect the humidity level of your room, allowing it to adjust its settings automatically.

The GDDEY40 also 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. With its powerful motor and advanced sensors, you can be sure that your air will stay fresh and healthy all year round.

Pros

• In-built humidity sensor
• 3 operating modes
• Swing control option
• Digital LCD
• 24-hour timer
• Affordable
• Child-Lock ability
• Wheels for mobility

Cons

• Noisy operation at night (noise Level – 52 dBA)
• No anti-bacterial filters or air purification system

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3. De’Longhi Tasciugo Ariadry DD230P Dehumidifier

Best portable dehumidifier

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 to circulate air quickly, ensuring that 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. This dehumidifier also comes with a range of features including a timer, digital (LED) display, humidity levels control, and automatic restart after power failure.

Overall, we recommend the De’Longhi Tasciugo Ariadry 30L DD230P Dehumidifier for users looking for an easy-to-move and efficient dehumidifier for their homes. 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
• LED Display
• Adjustable humidistat
• Easy-roll casters
• Hygrometer to measure humidity
• Thermometer to measure ambient temperature
• 24-hour timer
• Pump system for continuous drainage

Cons

• No child-Lock system
• Single operation mode i.e., dehumidifying mode only
• No air purification system or anti-bacterial filters
• Noisy operation at night (noise Level – 54 dBA)

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4. Panasonic F-YCL27N Super Alleru-buster Dehumidifier

Best energy-efficient dehumidifier

The Panasonic Super Alleru-buster 27L F-YCL27N Dehumidifier includes a high-efficiency compressor and energy-saving auto-shutoff feature; this dehumidifier will help you save on energy costs while still keeping your home or office humidity levels in check. It is also a very convenient dehumidifier, with features such as 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 so you won’t have to worry about it being too noisy in your space. Plus, its lightweight design makes it easy to move around the house or office when necessary. The dehumidifier comes with 3 operating modes; dry clothes, dehumidifying, and fan mode, and has a 5L tank capacity, that when it reaches the full waterline, shuts down the operation automatically.

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 to check humidity
• Air swing operation
• LED Display with full tank alert
• Quiet operation (noise Level – 42 dBA)
• Anti-bacterial and anti-allergen filters
• Continuous drainage system

Cons

• Expensive
• 2-8 hour timer
• No Child-Lock system

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5. Frigidaire Gallery FGAC5044W1 Dehumidifier

Best smart dehumidifier for efficient control

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 the humidity level of your home 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
• Large LED Display
• Poppable handle on top
• Quiet operation (noise Level – 47 dBA)
• Portable design with caster wheels
• Customized humidity control with 3 fan speeds
• Bucket full alert
• Continuous drainage option available
• 24-hour timer

Cons

• No child-Lock system
• Only one year warranty
• Must reregister on the app once connectivity is lost
• Single operation mode i.e., dehumidifying mode only

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6. GE ADHR50LB Dehumidifier

Best Cheap Dehumidifier

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 a 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 automatically turn on or off 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 is sure to help reduce musty odours and keep your home comfortable. But unlike some other health-centred options, it doesn’t feature an air purification system to remove pollens or bacteria. Another downside is that it comes with a one-year limited warranty only.

Overall, the GE ADHR50LB Dehumidifier is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable and efficient dehumidifier. This unit is Energy Star certified.

Pros

• Built-in pump for continuous drainage
• Empty-bucket Alarm
• Smart dry mode and auto-defrost control
• Adjustable humidistat
• 3 fan speeds
• Hidden wheels and pocket handles
• Soft-touch LED Display

Cons

• No child-Lock system
• Only 1-year warranty
• 2 or 4-hour timer
• No anti-bacterial and anti-allergen filters
• Noisy operation at night (noise level – 50 dBA)

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7. Smart Ape Desiccant Dehumidifier

Best Smart Desiccant Dehumidifier

For an efficient, reliable, and lightweight desiccant dehumidifier for locations where temperatures may drop below 4^o 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 capture moisture from the air efficiently, 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
• Lightweight
• Smart remote control system
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Smart Life app to adjust the settings
• 3 operation modes
• 90-degree adjustable oscillations

Cons

• 8-hour timer
• No anti-bacterial and anti-allergen filters
• No child-Lock system
• Noisy operation at night (noise level – 52 dBA)

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Why Is a Dehumidifier Important in New Zealand?

New Zealand is known for its high humidity levels, which can cause mould, mildew, and other moisture-related problems in your home or office. Living in New Zealand means dealing with dampness, humidity, and wet air all year round. To keep your home or business feeling fresh and dry, investing in a dehumidifier is essential. Dehumidifiers are devices that absorb moisture from the air and collect it in a container.

By 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 to reduce the amount of 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. A dehumidifier can help to remove excess moisture from the air, preventing these issues and creating a more comfortable living or working environment.

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 Dehumidifiers 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 then absorbed into the absorbent material and held there 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, there are several key features to consider 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 size of the room you need to dehumidify and the level of moisture in the air 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 dehumidifier that has a high capacity 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 can be determined by its Energy Star rating. 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 noise level of the unit, 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 best suit your needs.

#7 - Price

Price is an important factor to consider when choosing a dehumidifier. Look for a unit that fits within your budget but also 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.

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.