The Bora has been labelled as the ‘smart swap’ for homeowners…here are my thoughts
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(Image credit: Duux)
(Image credit: Duux)
T3 Verdict
Reasons to buy+Super fast moisture extraction+Carbon filter removes odours+Easy to transportReasons to avoid-App disconnects a lot-Not that quiet
Reasons to buy+Super fast moisture extraction+Carbon filter removes odours+Easy to transport
Super fast moisture extraction
Carbon filter removes odours
Easy to transport
Reasons to avoid-App disconnects a lot-Not that quiet
App disconnects a lot
Not that quiet
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
There’s no doubt that thebest dehumidifiershave become an essential investment for homeowners, especially during the winter months. Not only do they reduce condensation, but they’re able to combat damp and mould, something that can be incredibly difficult to remove once it takes form.
Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier: Price and availability
The Bora retails for an RRP £299.99 and is available fromDuuxand a few major UK retailers, includingCurrysandVery. It’s also available to purchase in most of Europe.
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Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier: unboxing and set up
Unboxing the Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier was a relatively easy experience. The only thing I had to do was take off the frame and insert the carbon filter in the holder, before putting the frame back on. The User Manual did a good job of explaining this, and it wasn’t long before I plugged the Bora in and got it going.
I soon discovered that the Bora was on the heavier side, but discovering it had wheels was a relief. When the tank is empty, it’s absolutely fine to carry upstairs, but I wouldn’t recommend it when it’s full of water. The handle was also strong, and I didn’t feel worried about carrying it to my second floor. The wheels make it easy to transport from room to room, however full the tank is.
(Image credit: Duux)
(Image credit: Duux)
Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier: design and features
There are two main ways to control the Bora, the LED operating panel or via the app. I began with the LED panel, and soon discovered there were a huge amount of functions. Although a little intimidating at first, it’s clear that Duux has considered the multiple benefits of dehumidifiers, implementing the very best features into the Bora.
To begin, there are two operation modes:AutoandContinuous.Autoreacts to the ambient humidity, adjusting the fan speed and extraction rate according to how much moisture there is in the air.Continuousmode will activate the compressor and fan at high speed, regardless of the ambient humidity. There’s also an option to manually set the fan speed.
There’s also a timer feature which allows the Bora to automatically shut down after the set time has been selected. This is great if you’re heading out for the day and want your dehumidifier to work without running up electricity costs.
Other features includeNight Mode, reducing its sound and dimming the LED display when activated, andCleaning Modewhich prevents the growth of mould and bacteria inside the device itself.
(Image credit: Duux)
(Image credit: Duux)
The second way to control the Bora is through the app, which was easy to download and complete registration. One registered, you just selectadd duux deviceon the main screen, search forBoraand press to continue. I then connected to my WiFi and followed further instructions to complete the pairing process. It was an easy process that was finalised in no time at all.
One of my favourite things about the Bora is the full water tank feature. When the tank is filled to capacity, the icon on the LED display will start flashing and anFLsymbol appears. This then automatically stops the compressor and fan, and a beep will sound for 10 times to remind you to empty it. There are a lot of good dehumidifiers that don’t have this, leaving you to guess when the tank is full and risking water infiltrating the device or leaking out. When the Bora’s emptied water tank is placed back inside, it will automatically resume.
I was also impressed to see that a drain tube was supplied for those who don’t want to frequently drain water from the water tank. This can be connected on the back of the Bora for continuous drainage. I didn’t try this as I was happy emptying the tank when needed, but I noticed the User Manual explained it very well.
(Image credit: Duux)
(Image credit: Duux)
Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier: performance
After a bit of research, I’d heard that the Duux app wasn’t the most seamless. I was aware that an update was taking place, so I waited for that to be confirmed before trialling it out.
Once it was connected, I found that the app worked well when I was sat near the Bora and had recently interacted with it. It allows you to set up schedules and control it remotely, which I found especially useful when working in the other room. If you have other Duux products, it also allows you to manage and overlook your own ecosystem, which is always going to be an attractive feature.
However, I found that when I accessed the app having not used it for a few hours, it would have disconnected itself from the dehumidifier. This got quite frustrating after a while, and I found myself having to get up and ‘wake up’ the Bora to make the app start working again. That being said, the voice commands via myAmazon Alexadid work, so that was good.
(Image credit: Duux)
(Image credit: Duux)
However, when it comes to the actual functioning of the Bora, I was extremely impressed. I’m rather lucky that there isn’t a worrying amount of damp in my house, but I do find myself having to wipe condensation from the front door and window sills. However, after just one night of using the Bora, the front door was completely dry the next morning. This also became the case for the window sills a few days later.
Within the first three days, I was emptying the tank four times a day. As this began to reduce, I could tell that the levels of moisture were diminishing, and that the Bora was doing its job really well.
I was also impressed with the fitted carbon filter, which is specifically designed to extract gases and odours to ensure clean and breathable air. I found that it efficiently removed any unpleasant odours from the air, and my home would feel fresh whenever I walked through the door.
I did find that the Bora wasn’t as quiet as it’s marketed to be, and it definitely wasn’t quiet enough for me to sleep in the room with it. However, I was able to hear the volume reduction when inNight Mode, and for some deep sleepers, I’m sure it’d be absolutely fine.
Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier: verdict
Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier: alternative to consider
As Duux’s Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier is on the larger side, one alternative to consider would be theMeaco Arete One 10LIt’s the perfect mid-level dehumidifier that’s designed to operate in average size homes. Just like the Duux Bora, it’s got smart controls, including a dedicated Laundry mode which operates with almost one-touch efficiency. If you’re worried the 10L would be too small, Meaco also sell a25L option, which is perfect for larger spaces. It’s a thumbs up from us!
Today’s best Dehumidifiers deals$7.29View$8.99View$25.60$20.49ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Dehumidifiers deals$7.29View$8.99View$25.60$20.49ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Dehumidifiers deals
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