Ebac 2650E 18 Litre Dehumidifier with Air Purification and Laundry Mode Review

For damp or mould-prone rooms, run the 2650E in Smart mode and let it manage itself — Ebac's own guidance is that this can save up to £50 a year in running costs versus a basic humidistat-controlled dehumidifier, since it only draws power when moisture is actually detected.

For laundry, the dedicated 8-hour drying boost is designed to be used with the room closed off and a clothes airer nearby — reviewers report a full load dry overnight, in line with the Meaco and Pro Breeze laundry modes.

Because it keeps working down to 3°C, it's a better fit than most rivals for a cold hallway, integral garage or single-skin extension that a compressor unit would otherwise struggle in during winter.

Placement matters more than most people expect. Stand the 2650E in the middle of the room, or at least a good 20-30cm clear of walls and furniture, so air can be drawn in and pushed out without obstruction. Tucked behind a sofa it will work harder and sound louder for the same result. It is also a heavy machine, and according to independent reviewers it has no castor wheels, so pick its home carefully rather than planning to shuffle it between rooms every day. If you do move it, keep it upright and let it stand for a few minutes before switching on.

Running cost follows a simple rule: power draw x hours running. Because Smart mode cycles the compressor on and off as the humidity sensor dictates, the hours that count are the ones where it is actually extracting, not the hours it is plugged in. Check the rating plate for the wattage, multiply by your daily running time, then apply your own tariff. A hygrometer next to the unit helps you see when it has done its job, since the 2650E has no digital humidity readout of its own. For a habitually damp room, aim to hold humidity between 40% and 60%; anything persistently above that invites mould and dust mites.

Keep on top of the filter. The carbon filter behind the intake grille catches dust and pet hair before they reach the coil. Pull it out every month or so, vacuum it gently, and replace it when it looks grey and matted. Buyers with older Ebacs often describe a unit that has grown noisy and less effective, and a clogged filter is a common cause. Empty and rinse the water tank regularly too, so it never turns slimy or smelly.

Noise deserves an honest mention. Independent reviewers found it louder than newer rivals, so the Quiet Mode speed is the one to use in a bedroom or home office, while the faster speed suits a utility room, hallway or garage where nobody sits for long. Remember also that the 18 litres/day figure is a lab-condition rating at 32°C and 90% humidity, so expect less in a typical cool British home.