Premiair EP1608E
Mini Dehumidifier

The Premiair EP1608E Mini Dehumidifier is a small dehumidifier which will be effective in enclosed areas of limited size, such as closets and cupboards. It is similar to the PMD1608 although a little larger overall. It removes water from the air using the same thermo-electric Peltier process but is has nearly twice the water extraction capability of the smaller model.

The Peltier process does not require moving parts to cool a surface onto which water vapour will condense. The dehumidifier exploits the "Peltier effect" whereby passing electricity through a composite of two materials generates heat on one side and cools the other side.

A fan is still required, to draw in and expel air. A by-product of the Peltier effect is heat, which warms the expelled air. This may be an advantage in an enclosed space since raising air temperature increases the amount of water that air can "hold", lowering relative humidity. This reduces the likelihood of water vapour condensing as liquid water.

As the warm air rises cooler air will descend creating air circulation. Since the warm air will encourage liquid water to evaporate this accelerates the drying effect within an enclosed space. Thus this dehumidifier will be effective in drying, and keeping dry, a wardrobe, a storage cupboard or similar area.

The Premiair EP1608E Mini Dehumidifier has a moisture extraction rate of 0.65 litres per day, a little less than the volume of a standard wine bottle. This level of water removal is inadequate to control humidity in a room, with the possible exception of a small, self contained lavatory. Even a small room requires a dehumidifier which extracts several litres of water per day rather than a fraction of a litre.

The 0.65 litre rate was measured at 30°C and 80% relative humidity. At lower temperatures and in drier conditions the rate will be less although this simply reflects the smaller amount of water vapour in the air.

The Premiair EP1608E Mini Dehumidifier is rated for operation in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C so is not suitable for use in cooler areas, within or outside the home.

The EP1608E operates on mains electricity via a 12v adapter supplied with the unit. This will require a cable to be running from a power socket to the dehumidifier.

The Premiair EP1608E has a water collection container with a capacity of 2.2 litres, very large in relation to its power. The water container will require emptying at intervals of around three to ten days depending on the ambient temperature and relative humidity of the space being dehumidified.

The EP1608E is configured for continuous drainage which is achieved by running a small hose from the unit to a nearby water outlet. There may be circumstances in which advantage may usefully be taken of this feature but, in the main, the inconvenience of running both a pipe and a power cable from the cupboard to other locations in the room will probably outweigh the advantage for most users.

Please note that continuous drainage is by means of a gravity feed so the drainage hose must be sloping downwards all the way to the drain.

If you choose to use the water container there is no danger of overflow as the Premiair EP1608E has an auto cut-off switch which stops the unit as soon as the container is full. An indicator light will also glow to alert the user of the need to empty the container.

The EP1608E is relatively compact with dimensions of 23.0 x 14.0 x 36.0cm. Although a little larger than the PMD1608 the increase in size is far less in proportion to the increase in water removal capacity.

Its weight, of 2.1kg is less than that of the PMD1608, according to published sources. This seems a little unusual and we are still seeking confirmation that both stated weights are correctly given.

We have been unable to find any information concerning the noise output of the Premiair EP1608E. The absence of a compressor will make it a little quieter than a refrigerant dehumidifier although it is the fan that is the principal source of noise.

The larger the fan the noisier the dehumidifier so the small size the EP1608E would suggest a fairly quiet performance. It will not be inaudible, however, and we cannot state with certainty that this is a quiet machine.

The Premiair EP1608E Mini Dehumidifier will undoubtedly do the job of keeping a closet free from excess moisture. The open question remains whether such a sophisticated and relatively expensive dehumidifier is required. A damp closet in an otherwise dry room suggest a problem of damp penetration which should be remedied. A damp closet in a damp room is better dealt with using a dehumidifier for the room and simply leaving the closet door(s) open.

If a closet dehumidifier is the only solution consideration may be given to one or more rechargeable, silica gel dehumidifiers which are smaller, cheaper, silent and use much less power to recharge than a dehumidifier constantly drawing mains electricity. In addition they do not require a power cable to be run from the room into the closet.

While innovative and sophisticated this dehumidifier may be the proverbial "hammer to crack a walnut".

Full details of the Premiair EP1608E are presented in the table below.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Heating effect

Disadvantages

Purchase price

Running cost

Noise?

Power cable

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