Using a desiccator seems effortless, but picking the right desiccant is crucial for a successful drying process. Reactions apart from the hydratisation of the desiccant must also be considered, as well as the capacity, drying speed, residual moisture, safety precautions, and the regeneration of the desiccant. This study found that magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate are good drying agents with a high capacity that can easily be renewed and show some residual moisture even when they are drying slowly. The residual humidity at a higher speed is shown by molecular sieves and silica gel, but they need higher temperatures to be regenerated or may contain hazardous indicators and show a lower capacity. A general choice for graduate students may be copper sulfate. It possesses a moderate capacity, medium residual humidity, and a high absorption rate and a "built-in" indication. It is possible to regenerate it, but due to its harmfulness to the environment, safety precautions must be taken, making it potentially inappropriate for undergraduates. Higher desiccant speeds or more complete drying require other desiccants, and higher safety requirements must be accepted or side effects, especially acid base reactions, must be considered. There is no desiccant suitable for every propose, but many good choices for different application.