As the name implies the EcoAir DD322FW Classic is the bigger brother of the DD322FW Simple. They are basically the same machine however the Classic boasts extra features including the energy-saving E7 technology.
The auto-toggle E7 technology makes the DD322FW Classic an automatic dehumidifier whilst the DD322FW Simple is a manual type dehumidifier.
Pros
- Superb brand name
- E7 technology
- Electronic control panel
- Very powerful
- 2 years warranty plus extended warranty available
Cons
- Plain standard dust filter: While OK we were expecting a Silver Nano filter
- No Ioniser
- A little noisy at 42 dB(A)
Specifications of the DD322FW Classic
- Power Supply (Ph/V/Hz): 1-220~240V/50Hz
- Power Consumption: 400-720 W
- Moisture Removal: 10 L/Day
- Noise Level: 42 dB(A)
- Ambient Temperature: 1-40oC
- Water Tank Volume: 3.5L
- Net Dimension (H x W x D): 52cm x 41.6cm x 18.6cm
- Gross Dimension (H x W x D): 62.3cm x 49.1cm x 26cm
- Net/Gross Weight: 7.8/9.5 Kg
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Extraction Rate
EcoAir quote an extraction rate of 10 litres of moisture per day and this makes the EcoAir DD322FW Classic the most powerful desiccant dehumidifier on the market today.
Typical extraction rates for domestic desiccant dehumidifiers is between 6L – 8L per day so the EcoAir DD322FW Classic is quite a bit larger.
As always we must point out not to compare the extraction rates between desiccant and compressor dehumidifiers directly as the actual extraction rates will be vastly different.
The reason for this is that the extraction rates of many compressor dehumidifier are tested in climates of 30°C and 80% relative humidity (RH) while EcoAir tests its desiccant dehumidifiers in a climate of 20°C and 70% RH.
Also bear in mind that desiccant dehumidifiers become more efficient at extracting moisture from the air than compressor models at below 20°C.
Generally speaking, depending on the models in question, to compare equivalent extraction rates between the two you need to roughly double the desiccant extraction rate to get a similar compressor extraction rate.
So, broadly speaking, a 10 litre desiccant model will extract at the same rate as a 20 litre compressor model depending on model and temperature.
Water Tank and Filter
The enormous 10 litre extraction rate requires a large water bucket and the DD322FW Classic comes equipped with a very large 3.5 litre bucket.
This is very large considering that the typical water bucket size is 2 litres.
To empty the tank simply slide it out of the front of the dehumidifier with the build-in easy grip handle and carry the tank to the sink using the carry handle.
Remove the lid and tilt the tank to empty the contents. Place the lid back onto the tank and slide it back into the bottom of the dehumidifier.
Note that if the tank is inserted incorrectly the warning light on the control panel will light up and the dehumidifier will not operate until the tank is fitted correctly.
If the water tank becomes full during operation then the same warning light on the control panel will light up and the dehumidifier will automatically stop working to prevent overflow and spillage.
There is a plastic viewer on the front of the water tank so that you can gauge the water level without having to slide the water tank out. This allows you to empty the tank before it is full for continuous operation.
Continuous Drainage Option (CDO)
The EcoAir DD322FW Classic features a CDO which is accessible through the removal of a rubber plug at the rear of the water tank.
This feature is entirely optional but may suit those wanting a dehumidifier for a boat, caravan, motor home, mobile home, shed or other area which may not get daily attention.
The CDO is gravity led so the dehumidifier must be placed above the sink or drain in order for the water to flow down.
Most CDO systems are gravity led and only some are motorised which will allow you to place the dehumidifier below the drain or sink. We feel that motorised CDO’s are more likely to break than gravity led systems so we actually favour the gravity led systems.
The DD322FW Classic comes supplied with a 1 metre hose.
Dust Filter
We are slightly disappointed that the DD322FW comes with a standard dust filter.
Seeing that the other dehumidifiers in the DD range come with anti-bacterial or Silver Nano filters we would have expected the EcoAir DD322FW Classic to come with one as well.
The filter can be easily removed from the side of the dehumidifier and should be cleaned every 2-4 weeks. Doing this will prolong the life of the dehumidifier
To clean the filter simply remove from the rear of the unit and vacuum or brush lightly.
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The DD322FW Classic Control Panel
Those familiar with EcoAir dehumidifier control panels will instantly know how to use the DD322FW Classic soft touch control panel.
The electronic control panel of the Classic is a step up from the rotary dial control panel of the Simple.
The control panel is laid out with the fault lights at the top left while the main buttons are situated in a row along the bottom of the panel. Above the main buttons are the corresponding setting lights.
Working from left to right:
Water Full and Indicator Check Lights
On the top left we find the Water Full and Indicator Check lights.
On the left is the Water Full light and this light activates when the water tank is either full or incorrectly inserted.
To remedy the activated light simply empty or reinsert the water tank.
As mentioned above there is a plastic viewing window on the water tank so that the water level can be easily viewed. This way the tank can be emptied before the tank is full.
The indicator light will turn on if there is a problem with the machine such as a dirty filter, an operating temperature that is too high or too low or if the dehumidifier is getting too hot.
Timer Function
The first main button on the bottom left of the control panel is the timer button and this can be set for 2, 4 or 8 hours with corresponding lights in a column above the button.
If no time setting is chosen then the dehumidifier will run continuously until it is turned off manually.
Louvre Setting
The EcoAir DD322FW Classic comes with a fully adjustable louvre which can be placed in 3 swing settings:
- Up swings the louvre in an upwards range of around 100°
- Front swings the louvre in a forwards range of around 50°
- Wide encompasses the above two settings in one and swings the louvre in a forwards and upwards range of around 150°
Used as above the louvre covers a wide area however if you want to pinpoint a spot, such as a clothes horse, simply hold down the Swing button until the LED light turns off.
The louvre is handy for drying laundry or other damp items such as umbrellas or waders inside.
DIY enthusiasts will also like the louvre as it assists with the drying of wet or freshly painted walls. The louvre also helps to dry glue faster.
Dry Mode
The Dry Mode button will be the main button you use (after the ‘On’/’Off’ button of course!).
There are three settings:
Economy Mode
As the name suggest Economy Mode places the unit in a quiet setting to keep the humidity in the 50%-60% range. This setting is ideal for both at night-time and after the Hi setting has driven the humidity down to around 55%.
Hi Mode
Hi Mode can be used to bring excessive levels of humidity down quickly. If left to its own devices it will bring relative humidity down to around 40%-45% which is at the lower threshold for healthy humidity levels in a domestic situation.
Once the required humidity level has been reached using Hi Mode switch over the Economy Mode to maintain the humidity level and save on energy consumption.
Auto Mode
Auto Mode is an automatic energy-saving mode which utilises EcoAir’s E7 technology.
Developed in 2012 after much research E7 technology transforms ordinary manual dehumidifiers into automatic machines through the manipulation of multiple algorithms.
While that probably sounds fancy what E7 technology does is it allows the dehumidifier to sense the temperature and humidity levels in the surrounding air. It then automatically selects the best setting chosing from Hi, Economy or Fan Only modes and toggles between these settings to maintain the desired humidity.
It is easy to see that over the longer term units with E7 technology will consume less power than the units which do not feature this technology.
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Laundry Mode
As the name implies Laundry Mode is ideal for drying laundry indoors.
Normally when drying washing or other wet clothes indoors humidity levels can increase by up to 30% providing a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
Especially prone to growth in these situations is the dreaded Aspergillus Fumigatus spores which can cause severe and permanent respiratory problems.
The solution of course is to use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels down.
Combined with usage of the adjustable louvre Laundry Mode can dry washing in about 4 – 6 hours depending on factors such as dampness of clothes and size of room etc.
The DD322FW Classic sports two Laundry Modes:
Summer Laundry Mode
This mode uses a low energy function to dry laundry and is best used in summer time. It is denoted by the LED lights signified by 2 shirts.
Normal Laundry Mode
This setting is the DD322Fw Classic’s most powerful setting and can dry clothes or a room at a rapid rate. Also known as Turbo Mode this setting should be used for winter drying. This setting is shown by the LED light with 3 shirts.
Power Button
On the right hand side of the main button row is the power button which simply turns the unit ‘On’ and ‘Off’.
As with all dehumidifiers when the machine is turned off leave the water tank in the machine for a few minutes to allow all of the water to be collected before emptying the tank.
The fan will also continue to spin for a little while after turning the machine off. This is entirely normal but be sure to leave the unit plugged into the wall while the fan continues to spin.
Also it is usual for a slight smell to occur when a new desiccant dehumidifier is used for the first few times. It is just caused by the Zeolite desiccant material and will stop after the unit is used a few times.
Box Contains
1 x Ecoair DD322FW Classic Dehumidifier
1 x continuous drainage pipe
Warranty
Domestic EcoAir dehumidifiers come with a 2 year Warranty
EcoAir dehumidifiers come with a standard 2 year warranty reflecting the confidence that EcoAir have in their products.
Extended warranties are also available as follows:
- 1 year extra for £45 to give 3 years cover in total
- 2 years extra for £60 to give 4 years cover in total
- 3 years extra for £75 to give 5 years cover in total
The above prices include 20% VAT
Verdict
While we really like the EcoAir DD322FW Classic we feel that several features reflecting the price are missing. For instance the dust filter should be upgraded and an ioniser should be included.
That said the DD322FW Classic is able to tackle big domestic and small office work where a standard dust filter will work just fine and where an ioniser probably isn’t needed.
If you can make do with a smaller, though still large, 8 litre extraction rate we recommend that you also check out the Meaco DD8L Desiccant Dehumidifier and the EcoAir DD128 Desiccant Dehumidifier.
Reviews
The DD322FW Classic rates well on Amazon at 4.4 / 5 stars from around 70 reviews. There are many happy verified buyers of the unit and here is what some have to say:
- “Perfect for my damp Sunlounge,works brilliantly”
- “after 8 days of operation I am totally delighted with my purchase”
- “I have had this unit for about 3 weeks now and am very pleased so far”
- “I have been running the Ecoair for a couple of weeks now and what a difference”
- “This compact machine drinks water where you wouldn’t even guess there was any”
- “The amount of water this thing sucks out of the air is incredible. You can really feel the difference”
- “Have tried many others, including refrigerant types, and this knocks the socks off them all”
Read Our Ultimate EcoAir Dehumidifier Guide Here
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