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The Fral Dry Mec 16 (also called DM 16) is a portable refrigerant dehumidifier with a manual-rated extraction capacity of 16 litres per day at 30°C and 80% relative humidity. That figure is condition-specific, not a promise of everyday output. Its manual also gives a 5–35°C operating range, a humidity-control dial, a removable tank and an option for continuous gravity drainage. CHOICE lists the model as discontinued, and its public page does not reveal its expert test scores, so there is no basis here for a performance-test verdict or current-buy recommendation.
What kind of dehumidifier is the Fral Dry Mec 16?
The Dry Mec 16 is a portable domestic refrigerant dehumidifier. CHOICE’s public product record also classifies it as a refrigeration dehumidifier. It is intended to collect moisture from room air, either into its removable tank or through a continuously draining hose.
The available documents describe specifications and operation; they do not establish how this particular unit performs in independent hands-on testing. The figures below are therefore manufacturer or supplier claims, not test results.
How much water does it remove per day?
The English Dry Mec 16 manual specifies 16 L/day at 30°C and 80% relative humidity (RH). The Polish manual, whose footer is dated 12/2014, gives a second figure: 8 L/day at 27°C and 60% RH. These are different test conditions, so the two numbers are not contradictory and should not be treated as interchangeable estimates for a typical home.
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- [Smart Humidity Control – Auto Shut-Off & Restart] The compressor of the unit automatically shuts off when the humidity drops 3% below your set target, and restarts when it rises 3% above. After the compressor shuts down, the fan runs briefly to take advantage of residual coil cooling for continued dehumidification and improved energy efficiency. The unit also automatically resumes its previous settings after a power outage
In practical use, cooler or drier air can yield less water than warm, humid test conditions. The manuals provide no single expected daily output for an ordinary room, so do not assume the 16 L/day rating will describe your household’s results.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Published figure | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifier type | Refrigerant | CHOICE public listing |
| Water extraction | 16 L/day at 30°C and 80% RH | FRAL English manual; publication date not stated |
| Water extraction | 8 L/day at 27°C and 60% RH | FRAL Polish manual, footer dated 12/2014 |
| Power input | 260 W | FRAL English manual; publication date not stated |
| Operating temperature | 5–35°C | FRAL manual; publication date not stated |
| Weight | 11.2 kg | FRAL manual; publication date not stated. CHOICE rounds this to 11 kg. |
| Dimensions | 320 × 570 × 230 mm (H × W × D) | FRAL manual; publication date not stated |
| Water tank | 3.5 L | Moisture Cure Pty Ltd supplier sheet; publication year not stated. The manuals confirm a removable tank but do not state its capacity. |
| Fan speeds | One | CHOICE public listing |
Manuals and supplier material differ in how they report extraction conditions and round physical specifications. For a particular unit, check its accompanying manual and product label rather than assuming every published figure applies to every version.
How the humidity control and tank work
The English manual describes a humidity-control dial, with normal humidity control around 50–60%, as well as a continuous mode. In normal control, the unit switches off after reaching the selected humidity and restarts if the humidity rises again.
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- 【BUILT-IN PUMP AND CONTINUOUS DRAINAGE OPTIONS】 Equipped with a built-in condensate pump and included drain hose for automatic upward drainage up to 16.4 ft. Also supports gravity drainage for flexible installation. Designed for continuous draining without manual emptying, making it ideal for long-hour operation in warehouses, job sites, and restoration projects.
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When the tank fills, a light indicates that it needs attention and the dehumidifier stops. Empty the tank and reinstall it correctly before expecting operation to resume.
What temperature can it operate in?
The manual states an operating range of 5–35°C and describes automatic defrosting during low-temperature operation. This range is not a guarantee of equal moisture removal throughout: refrigerant dehumidifiers can collect less water in cooler conditions.
The Polish manual says frost may form below 12°C and reduce dehumidification effectiveness. It describes defrost mode operating down to 5°C; if ice remains, it advises switching the unit off and letting the ice melt. Treat this as operating guidance, not a promise of effective dehumidification at the lower limit.
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Can it use a continuous drain hose?
Yes. The English manual specifies a PVC hose with a 13 mm inside diameter. It says to route the hose below the drain outlet so water can flow by gravity, and to avoid kinks or uneven ground. The Polish manual also specifies a 13 mm PVC hose and requires downhill, free drainage, but the extracted text does not state whether that measurement is the inside diameter.
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- Check the manual for your unit’s version and confirm the hose dimension it specifies.
- Connect the hose to the drain outlet as directed in that manual.
- Route it downhill to a suitable drain, keeping it below the outlet and free of kinks or dips that could obstruct flow.
- Check that water drains freely before leaving the appliance to run unattended.
Do not assume that a hose described only by its outside diameter will fit the English manual’s 13 mm inside-diameter requirement.
What maintenance does the manual require?
- Clean the air filter every two weeks. The English manual warns that a blocked filter can reduce efficiency and increase electricity use.
- Unplug the appliance before cleaning or servicing it.
- Use professional service for faults. The Polish manual advises against attempting repairs yourself.
What independent test information is public?
CHOICE’s public page lists the Dry Mec 16 as discontinued and shows basic product details, including a claimed 16 L/day capacity, a 5–35°C operating range, an 11 kg weight and one fan speed. Its expert rating and measured results—including water removal, energy efficiency, noise and power—are restricted to members. The public information does not support a claim about how the unit scored or how it compares in measured performance.
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- Compact Design for Versatile Application: Measuring at only 19.2*12.2*13.4 inch(L*W*H), this compressor dehumidifier is perfect to fit in low-clearance crawlspaces and tight basements, while offering flexible placement options including freestanding, countertop, or suspension between floor joists.
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- Easy Operation: Featuring a intuitive control panel and a 6.56 ft drain hose, this basement dehumidifier offers set-and-forget operation with auto ON/OFF functionality to maintain preset humidity levels, along with auto drain, auto defrost, auto ON/OFF timer, continuous mode, and auto restart after power outages.
- 5-Year Covered: Designed for enduring performance, this commercial-grade dehumidifier is backed by a 5-year covered (2 years for the entire dehumidifier and an additional 3 years for the dehumidification system), ensuring peace of mind and long-term reliability.
The manual lists 260 W as power input, but that specification alone cannot determine electricity cost: actual cost also depends on runtime, cycling and the electricity tariff. No measured duty cycle or current tariff is established here.
Is the Fral Dry Mec 16 discontinued, and should you buy one?
CHOICE marks the model discontinued. That does not establish whether a particular seller has new, used or old stock today, and current availability and pricing have not been verified. If considering a listing, confirm the unit’s condition, included tank and hose arrangements, warranty, and whether service or replacement parts are available in your market.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe documented features make the Dry Mec 16 straightforward to understand: condition-specific extraction ratings, a humidity dial, tank shutoff, gravity drainage and manual-directed filter cleaning. But without public independent test results or verified current availability, the evidence does not support calling it a best buy or naming a substitute. For a comparison, match models on extraction at the same temperature and RH, measured energy use, noise, tank handling, drain compatibility, operating range and defrost behavior, portability, filter access, warranty and parts support.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
