De'Longhi DEM10 Dehumidifier - White

Someone suggested to me that I get a dehumidifier to deal with the condensation problems in my old stone cottage where the damp was particularly bad (despite the walls being 'tanked') in one of the (downstairs) bedrooms - it's been a problem for years, especially in winter and our recent wet summers.Based on the mostly favourable reviews (and the reasonable price) of this dehumidifier, I thought I'd take a chance, but didn't expect miracles. Well, I was wrong - the machine's only been running on continuous for 1 day, and the full tank has been emptied four times, more than 8 litres in total in less than 24 hours. The back and side wall of the bedroom look transformed, and the musty smell of damp is quite gone already, the room smells lovely, fresh and clean which is an unexpected and welcome added bonus.I didn't think the machine was particularly noisy, certainly no more than a fridge, but then it is in a furnished room on carpeting. One thing that would be useful is to be able to monitor the humidity levels of the room in order to be able to adjust the dial setting of the dehumidifier to its most economical function, but a battery humidity monitor is cheap enough to buy separately.I am absolutely delighted with this dehumidifier, and my only regret is I didn't get one years ago. It doesn't run away with the electric either, and I should be able to save a bit on central heating because the dehumidifier is keeping the damp under control.The order was processed promptly, delivered quickly, and was all set up and ready to go after a 24 hour period of "settling" after delivery, and it's such a relief to be able to deal effectively with the condensation on mildewed cold stone walls, musty bedding and damp, stale air. Thank you.UPDATE: The machine has done such a good job I've invested in a second one for the upstairs, the cottage does get damp and fusty (with mildewed corners) especially in winter with wet dogs and people, and I've no doubt a second machine will be enough to keep the whole place sweet. I hadn't realised the cottage was running at over 80% relative humidity. No wonder the walls behind the furniture and in the corners got grey with mould spores from condensation, needing frequent cleaning with the mildew remover. I'd just learned to live with it. Now I've realised that I don't have to!!For a decent sized two bed cottage, one machine is adequate for one floor, but not quite man enough for two floors plus 'trouble spots.' The second machine should be well worth the investment, and won't need to be on continuously - when you look at the prices of a lot of compressor dehumidifiers, you're getting two of these for the price of one of a similar construction, so they seem to be pretty good value all round.UPDATE: June 2016. - Both these machines are still working very well and bringing humidity levels down from over 80% to 60 - 70% within a day, when weather conditions have caused a big rise. I don't have to use both machines - one is entirely fit for purpose now things are under control, and I only have to use the machine occasionally when the hygrometer starts to show a rise in the humidity levels.I haven't had any mildew on the 'cold' wall which is prone to condensation since I started using a dehumidifier, and no mildewing behind wardrobes either, which was another trouble spot.These De'Longhi machines have proved effective and reliable right from the outset.

Mine only arrived today, but so far it's very impressive.What I got was not exactly as pictured: the water tank on mine has a transparent front, which is an advantage as you can see at glance how full it is.After some minor difficulty removing and replacing the water tank I seem to have the knack now. It was necessary, as advised, to remove and replace it once before first use, as this resets the safety cut-out - otherwise it won't work. Having waited an hour as instructed, I got it going and over five hours it reduced the humidity in my hall, bedroom and kitchen from 70.5% to 61%, which is pretty reasonable. There is an occasional gurgle which reminds you it's working, and through the transparent front you can sometimes see it dripping at a about a drop per second - very pleasing. The tank was about a quarter full when I decided to leave it and empty the tank. It is very quiet indeed, hardly audible: I have two fans which are far louder. There would be no trouble sleeping with it on. [Later update: it's now sometimes a little louder when first turned on, but not intrusively so and it quietens after being on a few minutes]. It's rather heavy, but manageable.I'd give it five stars but for two or three things. No indicator of percentage humidity is provided, though this isn't essential and wasn't a problem for me as I already have a humidity gauge. The lead could do with being about five feet longer, though if you have an extension flex that's not a serious issue.Which leaves the last thing: having decided to turn it off and empty it, I belatedly noticed that the manual says, under "Electrical connections" - which many wouldn't read (you expect standard warnings which are just common sense): "Before using for the first time, the humidifier should be stood upright for 24 hours. Failure to respect this safety rule absolves the manufacturer from all liability". Well, it had been standing upright in the same place for only an hour when I started using it, so it's as well it seems OK: had it been faulty, and I'd been asked if I'd left it upright for 24 hours, I might not have realised it would be unwise to admit otherwise. This stipulation should appear far more prominently.This is the second item in a week I've had from Amazon which were delivered by Yodel. They have had a lot of adverse publicity (just Google the name) but were prompt and helpful in my case.Actually I'd give it 4½ stars if that were possible, as it's very good, and as long as it keeps on working I'll be delighted. Really just wanted to draw potential buyers' attention to the "24 hour rule".

In May we moved into a 200 year old cottage that had been empty for 10 months or so. There was evidence of an old condensation problem on some of the walls many of which felt damp but there was little or no rising damp. As an artist I work with paper a lot & due to the high indoor humidity this was cockling & you could feel it was damp to the touch. I had assumed that opening the house up & heating it would start to solve the damp problem. The summer has been so wet here this wasn't the case & I bought a Delonghi DEM10 dehumidifier. I chose this model because of the good reviews I had read which mentioned how quiet it was in operation. Within 2 hours it had reduced the humidity in my studio from 75% to 62% & after several hours this was reduced further to 52%. It is removing around 1 litre of moisture every 3 hours & my paper no longer cockles. The same results were found anywhere it has been used & it has reduced the overall humidity in the house by a good 8-10%. It is remarkably quiet & is no noisier than an oscillating table fan. I had planned to use it overnight when I am not working but it doesn't bother me when I'm working. I would definitely recommend this product if you have a smallish house & noise bothers you. One down side is the electricity it uses. It is rated at 230W so uses about 1 unit every 4 hours, not a lot but in constant use 24/7 this adds up. The same would be true for any appliance but it needs to be born in mind when choosing something like this. After 2 weeks constant use it is not now needed all the time & instead is turned on as required. It appears very well made & I have confidence it will give many years service. All in all a very good product.