Afloia Home Dehumidifier Review

Our largest and most expensive Peltier-technology dehumidifier has a somewhat imposing appearance compared to the other two options we’ve selected (though at least you can get it in white). Our Buying Guide contains a comprehensive description of the differences between compressor-based and Peltier machines, so we don’t need to get into that now.

What we’d better point out here is that this Afloia is not actually that much smaller than the compact Inofia, costs half as much and actually extracts far, far less moisture from the air under similar conditions.

On the other hand, it has a couple of useful features no compressor dehumidifier can duplicate. In particular, the Afloia and its sisters the Pro Breeze 1200 and Hauture Mini are much better choices if you need something to take along with you to a muggy office or even a hotel room.

Also, while compressors are generally restricted to using a 110 volt A.C. supply, this dehumidifier can be used with European mains electricity.

Ready to Roll

In contrast to the two smaller Peltier types that have made it onto our list, the Afloia has a suitcase-like handle indented in its rear for portability. Despite its bulk, which makes it more comfortable to toss in a car trunk than a suitcase, it weighs less than 6 pounds. In other words, you can easily place it on a kitchen shelf next to the stove while boiling pasta water, or stick it in a musty closet to keep your blankets from getting dingy.

Conveniently, though it will only operate correctly when upright, you don’t need to let it “rest” for an hour or so after moving it anything less than carefully – Peltiers can be turned on right away without any issue.

Easy to Use, But with Little Control

Unlike every single of the above dehumidifiers, the Afloia does not allow you to set the desired humidity level. It starts going when you press the on/off button; it stops when it’s pressed again or the water reservoir needs to be emptied. This shouldn’t be too much of a chore, as the tank holds about 4 pints, or about as much as this appliance can gather during three days of continuous running in hot and humid air. Like most dehumidifiers, it works best when it’s at least 68 °F.

This tank is translucent, while an indicator light will also remind you to empty it. It’s easy enough to slide it out from the bottom of the main body, but unfortunately, it has a lid you can’t take off without breaking something. You have to empty the bucket through a small hole near one edge. This does make it more likely that a young child will empty it without leaving a trail of puddles in their wake. Unfortunately, this kind of design is also much more difficult to keep clean – slime and mold growing in the water tank is a common problem with dehumidifiers.

A Cool Health and Lifestyle Accessory

The ability to be used anywhere, one-touch operation, a basic, reusable filter, and a fairly high power rating of 70 watts makes this a nice gift for anyone who’s sensitive to mold or heat. Using a Peltier block for cooling reduces the noise somewhat, but most of the sound in compressor-based dehumidifiers come from the fan pushing air through the unit in any case. The Pro Breeze and Hauture do seem quieter, but then again also don’t work nearly as hard.

Most people will select the Afloia for single rooms or small storage spaces. It is not a great solution to very humid environments, or where you want a dehumidifier to run unattended for a long time. In fact, this appliance kind of falls between two chairs: not as impressive as a “real”, compressor-based dehumidifier, yet very pricey compared to more portable Peltier dehumidifiers. It carries a 2-year repair/replace warranty.