Meaco is a UK based dehumidifier manufacturer which produces quality high-end, low energy using dehumidifiers. This article shows the differences between the Meaco’ DD8L Compact dehumidifier and the new Meaco DD8L Zambezi dehumidifier in a direct dehumidifier comparison.
We personally own a Meaco DD8L Compact and Meaco was kind enough to send us a Meaco DD8L Zambezi for test purposes. Therefore this comparison is based upon actual hands-on experience.
You should also know that the Meaco DD8L Compact and Meaco DD8L Junior are very similar dehumidifiers. The only difference being that the Meaco DD8L Junior lacks an ioniser and features a standard dust filter.
Meaco DD8L Dehumidifier Comparison
Both the Meaco DD8L Compact and the Meaco DD8L Zambezi are desiccant dehumidifiers with a stated 8 litre extraction rate.
Desiccant Dehumidifier
In our view desiccant dehumidifiers are the prefered dehumidifier for the UK climate as they are more efficient than compressor dehumidifiers in temperatures below 20°C.
Desiccant dehumidifiers are generally also:
- Lighter
- Quieter
- Able to operate at lower temperatures
- Able to operate at an even extraction rate
- More environmentally friendly
- Tested in UK type climates
When we use our Meaco DD8L Compact we usually do so by placing it upstairs on the hall landing. Downstairs we usually have either the heating on or the stove burning which keeps the downstairs sitting room nice and warm. The temperature on the landing upstairs would be well below 20°c (around 16°c – 18°c actually) so a desiccant dehumidifier is perfect for this type of usage.
You can read more about desiccant and compressor dehumidifier comparisons here.
8 Litre Extraction Rate
Both Meaco DD8L dehumidifiers have a stated 8 litre extraction rate. However while testing the Meaco Zambezi we found that the extraction rate was slightly higher than the Meaco Compact extraction rate.
We mentioned this fact to Meaco founder and CEO Chris Michael who agreed that the extraction rate of the Zambezi is indeed larger than that of the Meaco Compact.
The reason for this is that the condenser in the back of the Zambezi is slightly larger than the condenser in the Meaco Compact.
An important point to make is that the extraction rate for all dehumidifier varies. Some desiccant models might extract at 7.8 litres/day, some at 8.1 litres/day and others at 8.3 litres/day. For marketing purposes it is easier to round up/down to the nearest whole number.
Bottom line: The Meaco Zambezi has a more powerful extraction than the Meaco Compact.
Meaco DD8L Water Tank
The Zambezi water tank holds 3 litres of water versus 2 litres of the Meaco Compact. For a (mainly) domestic type of dehumidifier this is a very large water tank.
However a 3 litre water tank is ideal if you want to run the dehumidifier throughout the night to fight condensation.
The Zambezi water tank has handles for ease of lifting on its sides whereas the Meaco Compact water tank features a handle in the middle of the tank. This type of handle is fine for a 2 litre water tank but for a 3 litre container you will certainly need both hands to lift it if the container is full.
Anti-Mould Coating
The Zambezi water tank features an anti-mould coating which is a cool new feature. After all isn’t it ironic that after placing a dehumidifier away for storage you pull it out only to find mould in the water container when it has not been dried properly?
Auto Shut-Off Function
Both units feature a plastic viewing slot through which the operator can watch the water level before the unit cuts out because of the auto shut-off function.
All dehumidifiers automatically shut-off when the water tank is full to avoid spillage and accidents.
Continuous Drainage Facility
All DD8L dehumidifiers feature a continuous drainage facility making the units ideal for use in caravans, mobile homes, boats, sheds, garages etc.
Meaco DD8L Control Panels
The control panels of the Meaco’s vary enormously.
The Meaco Compact features a standard dehumidifier control panel which you can work very easily if you’ve worked a dehumidifier before. All the features and settings are logically laid out in a row and you will easily grasp how the unit works.
The Meaco Zambezi has a new benchmark control panel that is based on a TV remote control unit. Initially this control panel can look quite daunting but take it from us that within a few minutes you will know exactly how the control panel works.
Simply put; just sit down with the instruction manual for 5 minutes and you will understand exactly how the Zambezi works.
The Zambezi features a LED display panel which we really love. The display panel shows you all the settings as well as the current room humidity and temperature readings. By knowing the exact room humidity level you can make better informed setting choices for your dehumidifier.
Adjustable Louvre
The Meaco DD8L Zambezi features an adjustable louvre which allows the dehumidifier to blow out warm air at certain angles. This is handy for drying laundry indoors as well as DIY jobs such as drying wet walls so that you can apply another coat of paint faster.
The Meaco DD8L Compact does not have an adjustable louvre.
Laundry Mode
All Meaco DD8L dehumidifiers feature Laundry Mode which is when the unit operates at full power and drives the humidity down to 35% or so. As the name implies this mode is ideal for drying clothes indoors.
Laundry Mode Energy Saving Feature
Again Meaco has innovated with the Zambezi as the Zambezi contains an energy-saving feature within Laundry Mode.
As stated above the Zambezi will work to bring the humidity level down to 35% relative humidity however instead of running at full power (600 watts) when it reaches 35% RH the dehumidifier reduces output by 50% and runs at 300 watts.
If the RH falls below 35% then the Zambezi toggles into fan only mode after which if the RH reaches 40% the unit will switch back into operating at 300 watts.
Should the RH reach 45% again then the Zambezi will toggle into full power to bring the RH down to 35% again.
Ionizer For Allergies
Both DD8L dehumidifiers contain an ioniser which neutralises dust for a cleaner, healthier air which improves relaxation and breathability.
However the Zambezi ionizer covers an area up to 10 times larger than ordinary ionizers.
The average dehumidifier ionizer covers an area of up to 1 metres around the dehumidifier. The Zambezi ioniser covers an area up to 10 metres around the dehumidifier.
The Zambezi ionizer is clinically proven to remove bacteria, viruses, spores, pollen, odours and more from the air.
Filters For Allergies
Both dehumidifiers contain anti-bacterial filters which are ideal for those who suffer from airborne allergies such as hay fever or asthma.
An anti-bacterial filter combined with the Zambezi ionizer provides a very clean air with lower positive ion levels for easing of allergy symptoms, greater relaxation and lower stress and anxiety levels.
Dehumidifier Timer Function
Both dehumidifiers feature a timer function but again the Zambezi thinks outside the box.
The Meaco Compact features a timer that you turn on and can set for a 1,2, 4 or 8 hour running time.
The Zambezi however contains a daily timer feature through which you can set the dehumidifier once to come on and turn off at the same time every day. The Zambezi remembers the timer settings that you program into it.
This setting is ideal as you can set the Zambezi to come on in the middle of the night to battle condensation or you can set it to turn off while you are at work.
Energy-Saving Control Logic Feature
One of Meaco’s strengths is to fit it’s best dehumidifiers with an energy-saving feature called Control Logic.
Control Logic operates by setting the dehumidifier to reach a specific RH (50% for example). The dehumidifier will work to bring the RH down to this level and once it reaches this level the dehumidifier goes to sleep.
This is a major difference between Meaco dehumidifiers and their competitors. Competitor dehumidifiers will continue to operate in ‘fan-only’ mode however the DD8L’s will turn their fans off ensuring greater energy savings.
So when the set RH has been reached the DD8L’s go to sleep, with the fan off, for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes the dehumidifier toggles into fan only mode for 5 minutes while it samples the air for the new RH level.
If the RH has stayed the same the DD8L will go back to sleep for another 30 minutes. However if the RH has risen while the DD8L was asleep the dehumidifier will toggle back on into the correct setting and bring the RH down to the set level.
Therefore while the DD8L may run on fan-only mode for 10 minutes out of every hour competitor dehumidifiers run their fans for the full hour.
The DD8L are therefore much more energy-efficient than their competitors.
Compare Prices
Meaco DD8L Compact
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Meaco DD8L Zambezi
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Meaco DD8L Compact Features 
- Auto Restart
- 8 Litre Capacity
- Ioniser
- Covered Tank
- Simple style control panel
- Continuous Drainage
- Anti-bacterial filter
- Ideal for domestic Applications
- Ideal for drying laundry
- Up to 80% less energy consumption
- Great for the environment
Meaco DD8L Zambezi Features
- Anti-bacterial and anit-virus ionizer
- Daily run timer plus on/off timer control
- Low energy laundry drying mode
- High humidity turn me on indication
- Child lock
- Unique 20+ Meaco Control
- 3L water tank
- Carry handle
- Multi function digital display
- Multi direction air distribution
- Anti spill, mould resistant water tank
- Super condenser to increase dehumidification
- Anti bacterial air filter
- Anti mould coating on the water tank
- Patented anti blockage system
Meaco DD8L Compact Specifications
- Power Supply (Ph/V/Hz): 1-220~240V/50Hz
- Moisture Removal: 8L/Day
- Power consumption 30/330/650W
- Noise Level: 39/43/48 dB(A)
- Water Tank Volume; 2.0l
- Operating Range 1 – 37 °C
- Applicable Area 18 – 30 (m2)
- Net Dimension (W*H*D) 351mm x 500mm x 188mm
- Net/Gross weight 6.4 / 7.4Kg
Meaco DD8L Zambezi Specifications
- 8 litres per day Extraction rate
- Power consumption: 45/350/660W
- Power Supply: 220-240V / 50Hz
- Capacity water container: 3 litres
- Air Flow: 85/105/150m3/h
- Suitable for flats up to a small 5 bedroom home
- Operating Range: 1-37°C
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 358 x 200 x 548mm
- Continuous drainage option through hose
- Net Weight: 7.8Kgs
- Gross Weight: 9.0Kgs
- Sound Pressure Level: 41/45/50dB
- Ozone rating: 0-0.5ppm
- Fuse Rating: 250V/10A
Extra Meaco DD8L Zambezi Features
The Meaco DD8L Zambezi is the new benchmark dehumidifier and as such it contains 6 new features previously not seen on a dehumidifier previously.
These features are:
- Child Lock
- Meaco 20+ Control
- High Humidity Turn-On Dehumidifier Notification
- ‘On’/’Off’ Daily Timer Setting
- Low Energy Laundry Mode (discussed above)
- Anti-Virus and Anti-Bacterial Ioniser
The Zambezi contains many more features which are discussed in-depth in the ByeMould Meaco DD8L Zambezi review.
Final Thoughts
While the Meaco DD8L Compact dehumidifier is a very, very good dehumidifier the Zambezi is simply better in any ways. In fact it is our opinion, as the above dehumidifier comparison shows, that the Zambezi is the new benchmark in desiccant dehumidification.
The range of features, and the quality of those features, on the Zambezi is simply not matched by the Meaco Compact however these features also come at a price and those watching their budget may want to choose the Meaco DD8L Compact.
There is nothing wrong with the Compact and as stated we own one ourselves and are very happy with it.
If you do want the best dehumidifier on the market then you simply must choose the Meaco DD8L Zambezi.
