A desiccant dehumidifier uses a moisture-absorbing material (often silica gel) to pull humidity from the air. Instead of relying on refrigeration, it removes moisture through chemical absorption, making it very effective in cold environments.
Desiccant Dehumidifier vs Compressor Dehumidifier, Which One Do You Need?
DEC 02, 2025
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If you're looking for the right dehumidifier in Australia, you’ve probably run into the big question: desiccant dehumidifier vs compressor dehumidifier—which one is actually better? Sure, both types are designed to reduce excess moisture, but in everyday use, they work in very different ways.
Maybe your bedroom feels damp every winter, your basement smells musty, or your laundry takes forever to dry indoors. The type of dehumidifier you choose can completely change your comfort level at home. In this guide, we’ll break down how each model works, what they’re good (and not so good) at, and help you figure out which one truly fits your lifestyle and climate.
In this article
What is Desiccant Dehumidifier?
1.1 How Does Desiccant Dehumidifier Work?
Think of it like those tiny silica packets inside new shoe boxes—but powered. A rotating wheel coated with desiccant absorbs moisture as air passes through. The wheel then heats up a separate section to evaporate the absorbed water, which drips into the tank.
No compressor. No refrigerant. Just absorption + heat.
This makes it extremely adaptable across different temperatures.
1.2 The Pros and Cons of Desiccant Dehumidifier
Pros
- Performs extremely well in cold climates (below 15°C), unlike compressor models.
- Lightweight and quieter, ideal for bedrooms.
- Produces a bit of warm air, useful in winter.
- Stable performance year-round, regardless of temperature.
- More compact and portable, great for small apartments.
Cons
- Uses more electricity because of the heating element.
- May warm the room, not ideal during summer.
- Lower water extraction capacity in very humid, warm environments compared to compressor models.
What is a Compressor Dehumidifier?
A compressor dehumidifier is the most commonly used and most traditional type of dehumidifier on the market today. It uses refrigeration technology—the same system found in fridges and air conditioners—to condense moisture from the air. This type is extremely popular in warm climates.
1.1 How Does Compressor Dehumidifier Work?
Humid indoor air is pulled into the compressor dehumidifier and directed across the evaporator coils. When the moisture in the air meets the cold coil surface, it turns into water droplets that fall into the tank, effectively removing humidity from the air. The now-chilled, dry air then moves over the warmer condenser coils, where it’s reheated slightly before being released back into the room.
1.2 The Pros and Cons of Compressor Dehumidifier
Pros
- Highly energy-efficient in warm climates (above 15°C).
- Removes large volumes of moisture per day—perfect for basements, living rooms, and laundry.
- Cost-effective long-term due to lower running costs.
- More powerful extraction, especially in summer.
Cons
- Performance drops significantly in cold weather (below 10°C).
- Heavier and bulkier because of the compressor.
- Produces vibration noise, not ideal for small bedrooms.
If you're thinking about getting a compressor dehumidifier, the Newentor model is one of the best options you can buy in Australia. It offers an impressive 25L of moisture removal per day and can cover areas up to 80m², making it perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, and any areas prone to mould. It also includes a dedicated Dry Mode, which speeds up indoor laundry drying.
Built with a high-efficiency De’Longhi x Newentor compressor, it delivers strong dehumidifying performance while keeping energy use low. The thoughtful design includes a retractable handle and 360° swivel wheels, so you can easily move it from room to room. With triple noise reduction technology and a washable air filter, it operates quietly, helps freshen the air, and gives you a more comfortable, cleaner home—especially when drying laundry indoors.
Newentor Portable Dehumidifier
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- Powerful Dehumidification With Brilliant Energy Saving
- 3-Fold Noise Reduction Technology
- Sleek and Portable Moisture Terminator.
- Small Air Dehumidifier for Mould, Bedroom, and Bathroom.
- Two Ways to Drain.
- 10-Year Warranty.
Desiccant Dehumidifier vs Compressor Dehumidifier, Which One Should You Choose?
The table below gives you a quick overview of the differences between these two types of dehumidifiers:
| Feature | Desiccant Dehumidifier | Compressor Dehumidifier |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Uses a moisture-absorbing desiccant material and heat to remove humidity | Uses refrigeration coils to condense moisture from the air |
| Best Temperature Range | Performs well in cold conditions (below 10°C) | Works best in warm environments (above 15°C) |
| Energy Consumption | Generally higher due to heating element | More energy-efficient in warm climates |
| Noise Level | Usually quieter | Louder due to compressor vibration |
| Weight & Size | Lightweight and portable | Heavier and bulkier |
| Room Effect | Releases warm air | Air comes out slightly warm or neutral |
| Moisture Removal Rate | Consistent in cold rooms but lower capacity overall | Higher extraction rate, especially in warm/humid climates |
| Ideal Use Cases | Winter, bedrooms, caravans, cold regions, indoor drying | Basements, large rooms, summer humidity, coastal areas |
Choose a Desiccant Dehumidifier If:
Desiccant models perform consistently in both cool and mild conditions, making them ideal for areas with four seasons—such as South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and the cooler parts of Western Australia. They’re also great for winter use when indoor temperatures drop below 10°C.
- You live in a colder region or your home often dips below 10°C.
- You mainly use your dehumidifier during the winter.
- You want quieter performance for bedrooms.
- You prefer a lightweight, easy-to-move machine.
- You dry laundry indoors during cold months.
Best for: bedrooms, winter laundry rooms, wardrobes, small spaces, caravans.
Choose a Compressor Dehumidifier If:
Compressor dehumidifiers shine in warm, humid climates—such as Queensland, the Northern Territory, and the warmer coastal regions of Western Australia. Their refrigeration system performs best when temperatures stay above 15°C.
- Your climate is warm or humid most of the year.
- You need fast and powerful moisture removal.
- You want lower energy costs in warm conditions.
- You’re dealing with larger rooms or basements.
- You need strong performance during the summer.
Best for: living rooms, basements, coastal homes, large apartments.
FAQs
1. If my dehumidifying area is large, which type of dehumidifier should I choose?
If you need to dehumidify a large area, a compressor dehumidifier is usually the better choice. Compressor models have stronger moisture extraction rates, higher capacity, and are more energy-efficient in warm conditions—making them ideal for spacious living rooms, basements, open-plan homes, or coastal regions. They can pull more water out of the air in a shorter time, which is essential when dealing with big spaces.
2. If there is a big temperature difference between day and night, which dehumidifier should I choose?
You need to consider the average room temperature throughout the year. Desiccant dehumidifiers tend to warm up the room, so if you don’t have air conditioning, keep this in mind when using one during hot summer months.
3. Can a dehumidifier cool a room?
Not really. Compressor models may make the room slightly cooler due to their coils. Desiccant models warm the room.
4. Should you keep the dehumidifier running all the time?
You can leave your dehumidifier on continuously without worrying about high electricity bills. The Newentor Dehumidifier automatically adjusts its operation as the humidity drops and restarts when the humidity level rises again.
Bottom Lines
Choosing between a desiccant vs compressor dehumidifier doesn’t need to be confusing. Once you understand how each type works, the choice becomes simple: desiccant for cold climates, compressor for warm ones.
The Newentor Dehumidifier features a powerful compressor capable of effectively dehumidifying spaces up to 80m². With its retractable handle and 360° swivel wheels, you can effortlessly move it from room to room, making whole-home moisture control simple and convenient.
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