sterra dehumidifier review: complaints by users

 

Introduction

As Singapore embraces its rainy tropical climate all year round, indoor humidity can easily become problematic without proper management. While air conditioning helps control temperatures, a dehumidifier serves as an essential companion appliance to remove excess moisture from the air.

Among the dehumidifier options available in Singapore, the Sterra brand has gained popularity in recent times. Sterra markets two main dehumidifier models – the Sterra Sun and Sterra Breeze. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at Sterra dehumidifiers based on user feedback, technical specifications, features and performance.

Sterra Sun Dehumidifier

The Sterra Sun is Sterra’s flagship dehumidifier designed for mid-sized rooms up to 30 square meters. Here are its key specifications and design:

• Capacity: Up to 30L per day moisture removal
• Tank size: 3L detachable water tank
• Coverage area: Up to 30sqm room size
• Fan speed settings: Auto, Low, Medium, High
• Continuous operation mode
• Auto restart after power outage

Some notable features of the Sterra Sun include an ionizer function, humidity controller and sleep mode for quieter night operation. It’s compact at 12.8kg and comes in white coloring.

Based on over 150 reviews on Lazada Singapore, the Sterra Sun gets an average rating of 4.7/5 stars. Many reviewers note its effectiveness at reducing humidity, especially in enclosed spaces like bedrooms. The auto mode is praised for automatically adjusting fan speed based on sensed humidity.

However, some criticisms of the Sterra Sun include its tank filling up quickly requiring daily emptying. A few users also faced issues with the unit abruptly stopping or fan noise being louder than expected. But overall customer satisfaction seems to be high.

Sterra Breeze Dehumidifier

The Sterra Breeze is a more compact dehumidifier-cum-air-purifier targeted at smaller spaces up to 15sqm in size. Here are the Sterra Breeze specs:

• Capacity: Up to 15L per day moisture removal
• Tank size: 1.5L detachable tank
• Coverage area: Up to 15sqm room size
• Fan speed settings: Auto, Low, Medium
• Continuous operation mode
• Integrated HEPA filter for air purification

At 7.5kg, the Sterra Breeze has a more portable form factor than the Sterra Sun. Besides dehumidifying, its built-in HEPA filter also captures airborne particles, pollen and other allergens.

User reviews on Lazada are limited but mostly positive for the Sterra Breeze too. Its smaller size makes it well-suited for tight bedroom or study areas. Customers praise the dual functionality of dehumidifying and purifying indoor air quality. Reported issues are rare based on feedback so far.

Comparing Sterra Sun vs Breeze

While both Sterra models target humidity control, their intended usage differs based on room size:

Specification	Sterra Sun	Sterra Breeze
Recommended room size	Up to 30sqm	Up to 15sqm
Moisture removal capacity	30L/day	15L/day
Water tank size	3L	1.5L
Weight	12.8kg	7.5kg
Fan speed settings	Auto, Low, Med, High	Auto, Low, Med
Integrated air purifier	No	Yes (HEPA filter)

The Sterra Sun has a larger capacity for treating more extensive areas while the compact Sterra Breeze adds air purification. Both are suitably priced for their functionality. Choosing depends on one’s specific humidity and indoor air quality needs.

Performance Against Other Brands

How do Sterra dehumidifiers stack up against competing brands available locally? Let’s examine some popular alternatives:

• Xiaomi Dehumidifier: Highly rated at a lower price but slightly less powerful with 26L capacity. Easier to find replacement filters.

• Ivation Dehumidifier: Strong 70L capacity ideal for large spaces. More expensive than Sterra models and bulkier.

• Frigidaire Dehumidifier: Renowned American brand with reliable performance. Tank capacity is higher at 5.2L but twice the Sterra Sun price.

• MeacoDry Dehumidifier: Highly customizable and energy efficient. Smallest tank at 1.2L requires frequent emptying. Costliest option.

• TaoTronics Dehumidifier: Affordable yet effective within its 30L rating. Basic function lacking features found in Sterra equivalents.

Overall, Sterra dehumidifiers provide a good balance of effective performance, competitive pricing and ease of use suited for Singapore residences. Their build quality also reassures durability compared to less known brands.

Maintenance and Operation Tips

To ensure ongoing optimal performance from Sterra dehumidifiers, here are some useful maintenance and operation guidelines:

• Empty the water tank before it reaches max level to avoid automatic shut off.

• Clean the filter mesh with warm water and mild detergent every 2 weeks.

• Place unit on stable, even surfaces away from direct sunlight or heating sources.

• Close doors and windows when running to concentrate dehumidifying within target area.

• Inspect intake/exhaust vents annually and use a soft brush to remove dust buildup.

• Avoid overloading the unit beyond its indicated room capacity.

• Deactivate night/sleep mode during day to allow maximum moisture absorption.

• Contact Sterra service for repairs to maintain warranty eligibility.

Adhering to basic maintenance helps Sterra dehumidifiers last longer while operating them correctly ensures the design room coverage is achieved as intended. Timely maintenance is especially important in Singapore’s humid conditions.

Customer Support and Warranty

Strong post-sales support gives buyers assurance and peace of mind regarding their purchase. Here’s an overview of Sterra’s support policies:

• 1-year local warranty – Covers defects and workmanship issues within a year of purchase.

• 7-day refund policy on unopened purchases – No questions asked refund during the first week.

• Repair and servicing centers island wide – Walk-in support across Singapore for repairs/issues.

• Dedicated hotline and email support – Sterra provides multiple support contact options.

• Online community forums – Users help each other troubleshoot via official forums.

• YouTube tutorials – Sterra uploads DIY guides on installation, maintenance and usage.

Overall, Sterra’s locally backed warranty and dedicated after-sales team ensures any issues can be addressed promptly to keep the dehumidifiers running smoothly. This makes the purchase relatively risk-free.

Value for Money

Comparing specifications, features and performance with pricing, Sterra dehumidifiers present good value:

• Sterra Sun retails around $350 providing capacity for large spaces at an affordable price.

• Sterra Breeze starts from $250, offering dual functions and compact size suited for smaller rooms.

• Quality build facilitates longevity compared to unknown brands promising low rates.

• Local warranty and support adds reassurance minus risks of foreign imports without after-sales access.

• Positive consumer reviews demonstrate models live up to humidity control needs in tropical Singapore.

While upfront cost is higher than unknown brands, Sterra dehumidifiers have lower overall lifetime costs owing to reliable performance and years of trouble-free operation with their warranty and support. For most homeowners, they prove great overall value.

Conclusion

The Sterra brand has established itself as a leading dehumidifier provider for Singapore with highly capable models like the Sterra Sun and Sterra Breeze. Backed by strong performance eliminating indoor moisture, positive user reviews, comprehensive local support and reasonable pricing, Sterra dehumidifiers offer an ideal solution.

Whether seeking to handle humidity in large living areas or compact bedrooms, Sterra has an option tailored to individual space needs. With proper usage and scheduled maintenance, the units can run efficiently for years. Overall Sterra delivers on value as a trusted dehumidifying brand for homes.