# Meaco vs Ebac dehumidifiers

Source: https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/meaco-vs-ebac-dehumidifier
Published: 2026-10-11
Publisher: Damp and Dry

**In short:** Both are established British dehumidifier brands with humidistat control and UK support. Meaco offers a wider range, including desiccant models such as the DD8L and app-connected compressor units such as the Arete Two. Ebac is known for compressor models built in County Durham. Choose on the model that fits your room, then compare current warranty terms on each maker's site.

Meaco and Ebac are the two names that come up most when people in the UK look for a dehumidifier from a home-grown brand. Both have been selling dehumidifiers for many years and both sell spares and offer UK-based support. They differ in the breadth of their ranges and the kinds of controls they favour. This guide compares them on the points that matter after purchase, and avoids invented figures: check the current specs and warranty for the exact model you are looking at.

## The two brands in brief

**Meaco** is a Surrey-based company that sells a broad range: compressor dehumidifiers such as the Arete One and Arete Two, desiccant dehumidifiers such as the DD8L family, plus fans and air purifiers. Its Arete Two 20L is listed with Wi-Fi app control, an H13 HEPA filter and a five-year Meaco warranty.

**Ebac** is a County Durham manufacturer that has long been known for building dehumidifiers in Britain. Its range focuses on compressor units for homes, with automatic humidity control features designed to run the unit only as needed. It has a smaller range than Meaco and fewer desiccant options.

## Range and model choice

If you need a desiccant dehumidifier for a cold garage, conservatory or caravan, Meaco has more choice, with the DD8L listed at 8 litres a day and 660 W. If you need a compressor unit for a heated home, both brands have options across common sizes.

Pick the type before the brand. Our [desiccant vs compressor comparison](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/desiccant-vs-compressor-dehumidifier) explains which suits which room, and [what size dehumidifier you need](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/what-size-dehumidifier-do-i-need) helps with litres a day.

|  | Meaco | Ebac |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Based in | Surrey | County Durham |
| Compressor models | Yes, Arete One and Arete Two | Yes, main focus |
| Desiccant models | Yes, DD8L family | Few or none |
| App control | Arete Two | Check model |
| Spares | Sold direct | Sold direct |

Brand comparison at a glance (check the maker's site for current details)

## Humidistat and controls

Both brands let you set a target humidity so the unit switches off when the room reaches it and on again when it rises. That matters for running costs, because a dehumidifier on a sensible target runs far fewer hours than one left on continuous. Meaco's Arete Two adds app and voice control. Ebac has promoted automatic controls that pick a target for you.

Whichever you buy, a target around 50 to 60 % RH suits most rooms. See [what humidity to set a dehumidifier to](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/dehumidifier-humidity-settings).

## Warranty, spares and support

Warranty length is a real difference between brands and between models, and it changes over time. Meaco lists a five-year warranty on the Arete Two. Check the current terms on the Ebac site for the model you want, and register the product if the maker asks you to.

Both brands sell filters and common spares. A dehumidifier lasts longer when the filter is cleaned regularly, so see [how to clean a dehumidifier](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-a-dehumidifier).

[Compare the best dehumidifiers for UK homes](https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-dehumidifier-uk)

## Which to choose

Choose Meaco if you want a desiccant model, app control or the widest choice of sizes. Choose Ebac if you prefer a British-built compressor unit with simple automatic controls. In both cases, decide on type, size and noise first, because those affect how well it works in your home more than the badge does.

- Cold room or garage: Meaco desiccant
- Heated home, app control wanted: Meaco Arete Two
- Heated home, simple automatic control: Ebac compressor
- Unsure: compare warranty and listed noise for your size

## Running costs and noise

Running cost depends far more on the size and type of unit, and how many hours it runs, than on the brand. A compressor unit in a heated home typically draws a few hundred watts, while a desiccant unit draws more because of its heater. The Meaco Arete Two 20L is listed at 350 W and the Meaco DD8L at 660 W at full power. Check the rating plate or spec sheet for any Ebac model you are considering, then multiply watts by hours and divide by 1,000 to get kWh, or use the [running-cost calculator](https://dampanddry.co.uk/tools/running-cost-calculator).

Noise is worth checking for any unit that will run near a bedroom. Meaco quotes 38 dB for the Arete Two. Compare the stated figure for the Ebac model you have in mind, and remember that a fan on its lowest speed is always quieter than the headline number on high.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is Meaco or Ebac better?** Neither is better across the board. Meaco has the wider range including desiccant models; Ebac is known for UK-built compressor units. Choose the model that suits your room.

**Are Ebac dehumidifiers made in the UK?** Ebac is known for building dehumidifiers in County Durham. Check the product page for the specific model if that matters to you.

**Which brand has the longer warranty?** It depends on the model and changes over time. Meaco lists five years on the Arete Two; check the current Ebac terms for the model you are comparing.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-dehumidifier-uk
- https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-20-litre-dehumidifiers
- https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-desiccant-dehumidifier

## Sources

- [Meaco](https://www.meaco.com)
- [Ebac](https://www.ebac.com)
