The one appliance that'll help you survive a humid summer

If you don't have air conditioning, a wet summer can feel like a survival situation.

You stick to the leather couch, the floorboards feel a bit damp, and your washing never quite dries.

That's why this summer, you'll need to switch your mindset from buying more fans to emptying the moisture in the air with a dehumidifier.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

How does a dehumidifier work?

Think of the air in your living room as a bucket. On high-humidity days, that bucket is full of water. When it overflows, that moisture gets onto your carpet, your walls, your curtains and onto your skin.

We usually cool down when sweat evaporates off our skin, but when the air is already full of water, that sweat has nowhere to go. It sits on your skin, making you feel hot and sticky. Ech.

A dehumidifier acts like a lung for your home. It actively sucks this excess moisture out of the air, and by emptying that metaphorical bucket, your body can cool itself down again.

Overall pick

Ausclimate Compact 16L Dehumidifier

Now $421.50

Ausclimate Cool Seasons Premium 10L Desiccant Dehumidifier

Was $499.99, $392.92

If you're looking for a humidifier, Ausclimate's Compact 16L Dehumidifier will be a reliable unit designed for rooms up to 25 square metres. It's great for standard bedrooms or helping dry clothes with its dedicated laundry mode.

If you're after a heavy-duty, award-winning dehumidifier instead, Ausclimate's Cool Seasons Dehumidifier can extract up to 10L of moisture for spaces up to 50 square metres. Plus, using a nano silver filter, it kills viruses and bacteria on contact.

For compact spaces

Breville Re-Fresha Mini Dehumidifier Kit

Was $99.95, now $79

Breville Smart Dry Connect

Was $419, now $359

Breville offers solutions for two different problems. If you're after a dehumidifier for a small, enclosed space, the Breville Re-Fresha Mini Dehumidifier Kit is a rechargeable unit that can be used to absorb moisture in drawers or cupboards. When the beads turn a certain colour, the unit can be plugged into its base to dry out for the next use.

If you're after a dehumidifier designed for bedrooms, the Smart Dry Connect is a suitable choice for rooms up to 30 square metres. The unit can house 10 litres per day of water, and has wifi control via its mobile app. Plus, it has a built-in humidity indicator.

Best value spotted

Kogan SmarterHome 20L Dehumidifier

Order for $199

If you are looking for maximum water extraction for under $300, the Kogan SmarterHome extracts up to 20L of moisture per day. It features a digital display and connects to the Kogan SmarterHome app, allowing you to set timers or check humidity levels from your phone. It also features a generous 6.5L water tank with automatic shut-off to prevent overflows, plus a continuous drainage option for set-and-forget operation in particularly damp environments.

Top-tier pick

LG 24L Smart Inverter Dehumidifier with Smart+ Mode

Now $999

If budget is less of a concern, LG's 24L Dehumidifier provides a premium unit that uses a smart inverter that adjusts speed dynamically. This means it runs at a quiet 32dB in its silent mode. Not only does it dry the air, but it also sanitises the internal fan blades using a UV Nanon LED technology to reduce bacteria. Plus, it even has a shoe and drawer dry attachment for optimal laundry drying. The premium, powerful laundry mode is the feature worth buying this unit for.

For the laundry

Ionmax 6L Desiccant Dehumidifier

Was $379, now $299

If you're after a dehumidifier under $300 right now, the Ionmax Desiccant Dehumidifier removes up to 6L of moisture a day using energy-efficient technology. It features three power levels and humidity controls to dial in the perfect dryness. With features like fall-down detection and auto-restart, plus a continuous feature for added convenience, you can safely leave it running.

For multitasking

Arovec Smart Dehumidifier and Air Purifier

Now $233.52

If you're after double-duty, the Arovec Arodry acts as a dehumidifier and air purifier. It uses a high-grade filter to capture airborne particles like dust and pollen while the unit dehumidifies. It has a 2.5L water tank, a modern digital display, and is designed with carrying handles and wheels for convenience in moving around the house.

You can't measure what you don't know

Before spending hundreds on a dehumidifier, consider investing in a digital dashboard for your rooms. You place them in your bedroom or living area, and you get a read of your environment.

If the screen reads under 50 per cent humidity, you can relax. But if the screen creeps upwards of a consistent 60 per cent, you're in the mould danger zone.

These digital gauges remove the guesswork of when to turn off and on your dehumidifier, but they do nothing to adjust the humidity. You'll likely need to buy the actual appliance if the numbers are high.

ThermoPro Digital Hygrometer

Was $23.98, now $19.98

Hatusoku Digital Thermometer and Hygrometer

Now $12.99

Eeekit 6-Pack Hygrometer Thermometer Digital LCD

Order for $23.99

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