The Guardian - Meaco Arete 2 Review

Dehumidifer Reviews

Last Updated April 21, 2026

Managing indoor humidity and maintaining clean air can often feel like a juggling act. You want a comfortable home free from dampness, but you also want to avoid noisy appliances that disrupt your daily peace. Enter the MeacoDry Arete Two.

As the highly anticipated successor to the popular Arete One, this upgraded model brings impressive new features to the table. It does not just pull excess moisture from the air; it actively cleans it.

The Meaco Arete Two has been awarded Quiet Mark certification, meaning its noise levels have been independently tested and verified as quiet.

Highlighted in The Guardian as the "Best Quiet Dehumidifier". The reviewer said "I was impressed by the quiet. The average noise was just 5dB, and this went down to 4dB (considerably quieter than the manufacturer’s claimed noise level) in night mode. You can honestly forget that it’s on."

The Meaco Arete Two is available in 3 daily extraction sizes:

MeacoDry Arete Two 12L

MeacoDry Arete Two 20L

MeacoDry Arete Two 25L

This means that no matter the size of your space, there is a MeacoDry Arete Two that can efficiently and effectively remove excess moisture from the air.

Out of the box, the Arete Two comes equipped with dust filters and medical-grade H13 HEPA filters. This dual-action system captures microscopic allergens, dust mites, and pollen, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

You can easily tailor the machine to your specific needs. When it is time to buy refills, you have options. If you have pets or suffer from severe allergies, stick with the HEPA filters. If you want to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, or harmful VOCs (chemicals released by new furniture or fresh paint), simply swap the HEPA filter for an activated charcoal filter. Both replacement filters can be found at Air Con Centre.

Smart Control and Intuitive Design

Controlling your home's climate has never been easier. The Arete Two offers seamless integration with modern smart home systems.

You can manage the device directly through a dedicated smartphone app, or use voice commands via Google Home and Amazon Alexa. This hands-free control allows you to adjust settings without leaving the comfort of your couch.

The machine offers several practical modes:

Continuous: Runs constantly for severe dampness.

Smart: Automatically aims for a comfortable, middle-of-the-road 55% relative humidity.

Laundry: Helps dry your indoor washing quickly and efficiently.

Thoughtful Features for Daily Life

Meaco packed the Arete Two with clever details that make daily use a breeze.

One standout feature is the standby humidity alert. If you leave the unit plugged in but switched off, it continues to monitor your room. When it detects a relative humidity of 70% or higher, the screen flashes the word “wet.” This helpful nudge alerts you that it is time to turn the machine on to prevent mould growth.

Additionally, the device comes with a generous five-year warranty. This offers serious peace of mind and stands out as one of the longest warranties available for a dehumidifier.

Key Specifications

If you want a quick breakdown of what this machine can handle, here are the essential specifications:

Dimensions: 37 x 27 x 62cm (Width x Depth x Height)

Daily extraction rate: 20 liters

Tank capacity: 4.8 liters

Target humidity range: 40-70%

Peak power use: 230W

Average noise level (top setting): 5dB

Laundry setting: Yes

Running costs: 6p/hour

The MeacoDry Arete Two proves itself as a powerhouse appliance that handles both moisture and air quality with incredible efficiency. Its ultra-quiet operation, customisable filters, and smart home integration make it a top contender for anyone looking to upgrade their indoor environment.