Whirlpool DE20W5252: 20 L/day with 6.5 L tank

Whirlpool's claims in plain terms

The listing makes three performance statements. It says the unit can cut laundry drying time by 50 percent, lower room humidity by 30 percent within 60 minutes, and remove damp, mould and moisture quickly and efficiently. No test conditions are given for these figures, so treat them as the maker's guidance rather than a guarantee for your room.

Operation is through a touch screen used to choose programmes. The listing does not break down which programmes are available beyond its laundry focus.

Room size, tank and the missing numbers

Whirlpool quotes rooms up to 30 square metres, which is modest for a 20 litre machine. Read it as a single large room or a laundry area rather than a whole floor. The 6.5 litre tank is the strong point: on a wet week with clothes on the airer, it should need emptying noticeably less often than smaller tanks.

The specification lists a wattage of 50, which is not believable for a compressor unit, and no noise figure. The weight is 14 kg and the cabinet measures 24 by 34 by 57 cm, with a 30 °C upper temperature rating and a single fan speed listed.

Living with it

With one listed speed, there is less scope to turn it down at night, so it is better suited to a utility room, spare room or kitchen than a bedroom. No continuous drainage hose or humidistat is described, so the large tank does the work that a hose would on other models.

Compared with the Ariston and Dimplex

The Ariston Deos 21S NET quotes a 52 square metre area and a Super Laundry mode that adjusts its fan to conditions. The Dimplex EverDri 20L adds a comfort light, humidistat and carbon filter. The Whirlpool trades those extras for capacity in the bucket.