Contents
- What is a Dehumidifier?
- How does a Dehumidifier Work?
- Benefits of a Dehumidifier
- Dehumidifier Usage
- What Type of Dehumidifier Do You Need?
- Desiccant vs Refrigerant Type Dehumidifiers
- Choosing the Right Size Dehumidifier
- Features to Look for When Choosing a Dehumidifier
- How to Choose the Right Dehumidifier
- Reviews of the Top 10 Best Dehumidifiers
- Best Rated 70 Pint Dehumidifiers
- Best Rated 50 Pint Dehumidifiers
- Best Rated 30 Pint Dehumidifiers
- Tips for Using
What is a Dehumidifier?
A piece of equipment for removing humidity in the air inside your home or a building is called a dehumidifier. The best dehumidifier can be portable or installed to an existing whole-house heating system and included in a new system installation. The prefix de- means to remove; therefore, a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air.
These portable appliances and whole-house units are provided in various sizes, shapes, features, and capacities. They are wonderful to have when moisture including window condensation is a problem.
Without going into a lot of science, condensation is not wanted because it causes many problems. When your windows are covered with condensation it is usually because the outside air is colder and the heat inside is very warm. You can have condensation with the little ice crystals known as Jack Frost and that is normally created by another problem—poor insulation.
A built-in humidistat is a wonderful feature to have, yet you can purchase them separately providing the same function. A humidistat is similar to a thermostat except it measures the amount of moisture in the air whereas a thermostat measures the temperature.
Hygrometer—measures the percent of moisture in a room. It provides a manual or digital reading. It can be purchased as a display for the wall that shows temperature inside, temperature outside and moisture and some other information things. It can be purchased as a small battery operated device that you can hold or put on a shelf or mantel. This instrument can be built into a humidifier and dehumidifier and can be combined with a humidistat. A hygrometer does not control humidity. Its purpose is to indicate the relative humidity only. The example shown here indicates relative humidity and indoor temperature.
Humidistat—does control the humidity level. The instruments are typically built-into a dehumidifier but can be purchased separately such as this unit example pictured here. Both of these devices have different functions with the hygrometer telling you the need for humidity or dehumidify and the humidistat telling you the humidity is being controlled by the humidistat unit. Make sense?
In summary, a humidifier adds humidity (moisture) to the air and a dehumidifier removes it. Dehumidifiers take the moisture from the ambient air and put it into a water tank on portable units. Whole-house dehumidifiers use a tube to dispense the water into a drain and these units are most effective with no emptying of water tanks making them more convenient.
How does a Dehumidifier Work?
- A dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air and that lowers humidity.
- The fan inside the unit removes the moisture.
- The air passes through cooling coils lowering the temperature.
- The air now has no moisture, is reheated, and is redistributed into the area.
- The dehumidifier now holds the moisture as water and puts that into a reservoir.
- Some units have a water reservoir and some have small hoses. With the reservoir type, you remove it, empty the water, and reinstall. With the hose type, you can take it to the sink to drain or other draining situations.
- Most units automatically shut off when the water level is high so you do not have water running all over.
Benefits of a Dehumidifier
Condensation triggers dampness that makes a room feel colder, grows mold, and creates rust and corrosion, wood rot, including mortar sagging because of greater transfer of heat. Excess humidity is not good for wood furniture, musical instruments, carpet, drapes, clothing, and other fabrics. It can make things stick together such as envelops and the paper in your printer. It’s not good for electronics. A damp basement is a sure sign of the need for a dehumidifier.
To lessen these problems and to be rid of them altogether, a dehumidifier will lower the humidity by removing the water in the air. You will sometimes see the kitchen windows have condensation when cooking from the increased stove heat in the room. Clothes dryers might put more condensation on the window in the laundry room from the moisture the dryer is removing from the clothes. Dehumidifiers can also be used with air conditioners.
Portable units typically sell from $100 to $400 depending upon the features you want, the water capacity, and output. A whole-house dehumidifier on the other hand can cost from $1000 to $2000 dollars. This again depends upon what type is best for you and your budget.
The benefits certainly outweigh the moisture concerns you might have. In addition, don’t forget health. Some people cannot breathe in lots of moisture, for instance, those with allergies, asthmatics, those suffering from respiratory conditions and COPD.
Conversely, when humidity is not balanced, being too dry can cause other conditions such as dry itchy skin, dry chapped lips, sore scratchy throats and dry coughs, itchy eyes, and you feel dry everywhere. If that happens you can use a humidifier when living in warm dry climates.
Dehumidifiers control the breeding of bacteria, viruses, dust mites, bed bugs, mold, mildew and more. The humidity is best at 45-50% and others like it lower at 30%. It depends on you and where you live. Dry climates like it at about 30-35%. High humidity will give you that musty smell that is in many basements and then permeates throughout the house.
Dehumidifier Usage
High humid areas in homes are often these 3 places: bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Why? Because they use the most water for necessities—cooking, bathing, laundry, and maybe a basement with a sump pump, and especially crawl spaces. By equalizing moisture, you will not have pollutants that are horrible for sensitive people with asthma and allergies. Your workshop, garage, craft room, RV, boat cabin, might also have high humidity levels that need to be balanced to preserve tools, furniture, and other treasured items. Humidity causes rust and corrosion to your most valued tools. Industrial and commercial places of business including warehouses can also be overcome with extreme moisture. Some of the mini-units can be used in cupboards and under sinks for moisture control.
If you are lucky enough to have in indoor pool, or hot tub, you will need to be concerned about increased humidity levels. The water itself can breed mold and bacteria.
The Midwest USA, South, East, and Pacific Northwest are the most humid areas outdoors. States west of the Mississippi River are less humid, and when living in the high plains and desert areas, it is very dry.
You have everything to gain using a dehumidifier for health benefits and controlling condensation and moisture for your property.
What Type of Dehumidifier Do You Need?
Residential, commercial, and industrial dehumidifiers are the two types available in the marketplace. Residential units are self-contained portable units that are well suited to decrease humidity in small, medium, and large rooms, open floor plans, and other humid spaces. The capacity for removing water are variable and they have many convenient features such as various fan speeds, some with manual or electronic control panels, casters, humidistats, and water containers.
The US EPA Energy Star® certified models save energy as well. Industrial and commercial dehumidifiers are more heavy duty and larger built for huge tasks. Their capacity for removing water from the air is greater than home units. They are low temperature operating using condensate pumps with abilities to work during power outages. These can be used in flood-damaged areas, and large public indoor pools. There are some light industrial units available for crawl spaces and basements in homes.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers are used for commercial and industrial applications and they do not use refrigeration, compressors, or coils to remove moisture from the air. These units dehumidify through an adsorption (not absorption) process. Adsorption is a surface occurrence where particles or molecules bind to the top layer of a material such as a silica gel, charcoal, and other materials. Absorption, in contrast, goes deeper, involving the entire volume of the absorbent. Absorption is the filling of pores or holes in a substance. Air is taken into the unit passing over a wheel rotating that is saturated with silica gel. The air going over the wheel with its humidity is absorbed by the silica gel before passing out of the dehumidifier as warm air. The use of desiccant dehumidifiers is good for low-temperature humidifying.
Whole-house dehumidifiers are worry-free for keeping your house or other space with too much humidity to be drier and more comfortable. They install to an existing or new system into your HVAC ductwork dehumidifying the air while it is cooler using the system. The cooler dry air is then reintroduced into the house through the venting and these are fantastic for homes around 1500-square feet and above. An HVAC contractor measures and calculates what you will need. Some manufacturers will not honor their warranty if a professional contractor does not do the installation.
Standalone dehumidifiers do not attach to your HVAC system and are portable to efficiently dehumidify a single floor that ‘plug and play’ and easy to operate and connect. Position the unit in a central area to dehumidify all areas at one time.
Desiccant vs Refrigerant Type Dehumidifiers
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
These perform better in cooler climates where there is a lower dew point. Both operate on different principles. Since no water is produced, these units work well at sub-zero temperatures. The rotor, the main component, is made of layered flat corrugated sheets infused with a desiccant, or an active element, that is formed into axial air channels that run parallel throughout the configuration. When the air goes through the cannels, moisture is transferred between the air and the desiccant as vapor. Through another process, the air is then sent to the outside.
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
This is the most common type and is inexpensive, easy to use, and effective in residential and commercial applications. It is a great performer used in warm humid situations. The most important thing to know is the difference between the air dry bulb temperature and the dew point. The air becomes warmer and dryer when it is first passed over the evaporator coil that cools it, then across the condenser to heat it. Then the cold evaporation coil lessens the air temperature where condensation happens and the condensation drips into a collection tray or water tank. Water is drained away or collected. The dew point is lowered, so the temperature for creating condensation becomes lower. Refrigerant types can freeze up.
Thermoelectric Dehumidifiers/Peltier
Heat pumps are great for using the resources of the Earth to heat and air condition homes, some buildings, and nursing homes. As you know, thermo means heat, so these dehumidifiers using the Peltier heat pump that cools and condenses the moisture in the air. It is quieter than a mechanical compressor with a poor COP (Coefficient of Performance) meaning the rate of heat produced to the energy supplied as a ratio with no physical dimensions. This type of design is used mostly for small dehumidifiers. Similar to refrigeration type dehumidifiers, ice buildup can be a problem.
These thermoelectric units send an electric current through two different metals that transfer heat having the same effect used by compression technology. There are no moving parts and the only noise is slight from a fan circulating the air. These are less energy efficient than compressor types, better for small areas and very quiet.
Choosing the Right Size Dehumidifier
The size is established by the dehumidifier’s capacity for removing moisture. Capacity is measured in US pints (16 ounces) of moisture removed in a 24-hour time. When you see it stated ’30-pint dehumidifier’ it means 30 pints of moisture is removed in 24 hours. The capacity correlates to the amount of square-feet it will cover; therefore, you will get an approximate idea of what capacity humidifier you will need. A pint is not a mystery size unit and is well known and understood. If your space is somewhat damp, you can probably get by with the unit rated for your square footage, while if the area is severely damp, you would want more capacity, and when exceedingly wet, an even larger capacity unit will be needed.
A 70-pint dehumidifier has the capacity of absorbing 70 pints of water within 24 hours. This large size means it can remove moisture in a 1400-square foot area. This is a good choice for excess humidity relief quickly. The 70-pint versus a 30-, or 50-pint is about how much water the dehumidifier will remove from the air per day—not the capacity or ability to dispose of the water after it removes it. In essence, the bigger the area you need to dehumidify the larger the capacity of dehumidifier you need.
READ MORE: 8 Steps to Choose the Size of a Dehumidifier
Features to Look for When Choosing a Dehumidifier
This is determined by what you need for your specific humidity application.
- A built-in pump that will automatically pump water vertically and out to run constantly
- A gravity-fed drain with hose to a lower drain level such as a floor drain
- A time to clean air filter indicator
- A built-in humidistat for sensing moisture automatically shutting off when high water level is reached
- A low temperature setting for operating the unit as low as 41-degrees F.
- Automatically defrosts to keep unit from freezing below 65-degrees F.
- An automatic reset to your setting when power is lost
- Digital or manual control panel
- Visible water level
How to Choose the Right Dehumidifier
These are consideration to think about when shopping for a dehumidifier.
- Square-footage area for dehumidification
- Water removal method: tank collector or hose or both
- Energy usage of the dehumidifier
- Digital or manual display panel
- Air filter cleaning and replacement
- Energy efficient
- Full bucket alert
- 24-hour timer
- Automatically shuts off
- Noise level in dB
Reviews of the Top 10 Best Dehumidifiers
Best Rated 70 Pint Dehumidifiers
1. Frigidaire® Energy Star® 70-Pint Dehumidifier
The Frigidaire® model FAD704DWD is the #2 best seller on Amazon and can run continually when it is placed near a drain or sink. Its Ready-Select® Controls let you choose your preferred options with the touch of a button. The electronic controls with digital humidity readout are quick, easy, and practical. The Effortless™ Clean Filter is removable and washable of mesh and antibacterial in construction. This reduces bacteria, odors and other airborne particles for a healthier, more comfortable living environment. Being ENERGY STAR® Certified, you will use less energy to lower your utility bills.
Its Effortless™ Humidity Control lets you control the amount of humidity in your space for your greatest comfort. With the Effortless™ Automatic Shut Off feature, the dehumidifier automatically shuts off when the water tank is not quite full so you will have no spillage. You will be alerted with its Effortless™ Full Tank Alert System when the tank is at its capacity and it’s now time to empty the water bucket.
If you select the Effortless™ Continuous Drain Option, your unit will continually drain and you will not have to pour out the water bucket full of water. The handy Front Loading Bucket with Carrying Handle and Splash Guard lets you easily gain access to the carrying handle to quickly empty the water bucket that holds 16.3 pints of water. The noise level is dB (High): 53.4.
The unit’s SpaceWise® Portable Design features caster wheels with side and top handles to move it effortlessly to other rooms or areas. This dehumidifier is engineered and designed to operate at low temperatures down to 41-degrees F. It has 2 fan speeds for the intensity you want.
You will be protected from extreme moisture that causes mildew and mold to be healthy. It also eliminates airborne bacteria that can cause difficult breathing. The uncomplicated humidity control lets you set the level of humidity exactly the way you want it. The control panel displays temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
How it works—when the dehumidifier is turned on, it pulls air full of moisture across the dehumidifying coil. The coils then condense (pull moisture) from the air and that air flows through the side fins/louvers/horizontal slats into the area as warm and dry air. The moisture removed goes into the bucket in the front of the unit where it sides out from the bottom easily to be discarded. The slide-out bottom allows filter access to clean and wash. You must have the humidifier higher than the hose for the water to drain. Water does not flow uphill unless a heavy-duty pump is used. This unit is gravity fed. The hose is not included in the purchase price. Purchase a standard garden hose the length you need. Dehumidifies 70 pints each day.
The 70-pint dehumidifier will cover 1400-square feet. It has Safety Certifications UL/CUL.
The dimensions are 16-1/8-inches wide x 11-5/16-inches deep x 24-3/4-inches high and it weighs 46 pounds.
Note: The unit cannot be used with an extension cord. The unit draws 7.8 amps and 745 watts of electricity for normal operation. That is too much current for a normal (skinny/thin) extension cord and could lead to a fire hazard in your home. A heavy-duty ‘appliance’ extension cord rated for more Amps and Watts than the unit needs should be fine.
The UL listed 6.5-foot cord plugs into a 115-Volt/60Hz outlet with the 3-prong grounded plug. Amps (cool): 7.8, horsepower (cool): 1.00, plug type: 5-15P, Watts (cool): 745.
You will receive instructions and a User’s Manual that should be read thoroughly.
Frigidaire® is an Electrolux brand so that you will understand when you read Electrolux here. Your appliance is covered by a Limited 1-year Warranty and a Limited 2 to 5-year Warranty on the sealed system (the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and tubing). For one year from your original date of purchase, Electrolux will pay all costs for repairing or replacing any parts of this appliance that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship when such appliance is installed, used and maintained in accordance with the provided instructions. From the second to the fifth year from your original purchase date, Electrolux will repair or replace any parts in the Sealed Refrigeration System (compressor, condenser, evaporator, and tubing) that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship. In years 2-5, the consumer will be responsible for diagnostic, labor and parts costs as well as any removal, transportation, and reinstallation expenses that are incurred during service on components other than those covered under the Sealed Refrigeration System 5-year Warranty. The unit is made in China.
2. Friedrich® Energy Star® 70-Pint Dehumidifier
The Friedrich® Company in San Antonio, Texas, USA, has been around since 1883. Their model D70BP with its built-in drain pump means that you never need to empty the bucket of water again. It can pump condensation horizontally or vertically up to 15-feet. The top-mount digital touch control shows you immediately the temperature and humidity level in percent in the room or area where it is located. The unit has caster wheels for easy rolling from place to place. The dehumidifier is easy to store in closets when not in use. The removable bucket holds up to 16.2 pints of water with continuous drainage at the outlet. It is easy to remove with the carrying handle. The unit has a 2-speed fan for high or low levels. It uses R-410A Refrigerant. The Styrofoam cube you will see is a float to shut off the dehumidifier if the water collection bin is full, so it needs to remain in place.
This dehumidifier is perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, basements, storage areas, electronic equipment rooms, kitchen, offices, and garages and anywhere you have too much humidity. It will remove 75 pints of moisture in 24 hours. The unit automatically shuts off when the tank is full of water. It covers 2500-square feet and will remove 25, 50, or 70 pints of water each day. It has a 24-hour timer.
The front panel is flat without louvers making it easy to clean. Dust and pet hairs do not accumulate here. Set your preferred humidity from 30% to 90% relative humidity and it will run 24 hours when setting that time on the control panel. The lower temperature setting goes to 41-degrees F. The unit automatically defrosts and the slide-out filter is washable. The unit vents the air from the top. There is a light to tell you the tank is full, but with continuously pumping out, you probably will not need it. There is no beep sound.
The dimensions are 23-1/4-inches high x 15-inches wide x 12-inches deep and weighs about 30 pounds.
The UL listed 6-foot cord plugs into a 110/120-Volt/60Hz outlet with the 3-prong grounded plug. The unit uses 746 watts of power and that computes to approximately 4.7 Amps. It is 220-Volt compatible. If you use an extension cord, be sure it is an ‘appliance’ type and the correct wire gauge for length.
The unit comes with 15-feet of 1/4-inch OD plastic tubing and a special connector that plugs into the pump port. You get 2 hoses: One for the pump drain and one for the gravity drain. You will receive a User’s Manual and a 1-year parts and labor Warranty and additional 4-years on the sealed refrigeration system. The dehumidifier is made in China.
Best Rated 50 Pint Dehumidifiers
3. Frigidaire® Energy Star® 50-Pint Dehumidifier
The Frigidaire® model FAD504DWD is the #4 best seller on Amazon and can run continuously when it is placed near a drain or sink. Its Ready-Select® Controls let you choose your preferred options with the touch of a button. The electronic controls with digital humidity readout are quick, easy, and practical. The filter is removable and washable in mesh and antibacterial in construction. This reduces bacteria, odors and other airborne particles for a healthier, more comfortable living environment. Being ENERGY STAR® Certified, you will use less energy to lower your utility bills.
Its Effortless™ Humidity Control lets you control the amount of humidity in your space for your greatest comfort. With the Effortless™ Automatic Shut Off feature, the dehumidifier automatically shuts off when the water tank is not quite full so you will have no spillage.
You will be alerted with its Effortless™ Full Tank Alert System when the tank is at its capacity and it’s now time to empty the water bucket.
If you select the Effortless™ Continuous Drain Option, your unit will continually drain and you will not have to pour out the water bucket full of water. The handy Front Loading Bucket with Carrying Handle and Splash Guard lets you easily gain access to the carrying handle to quickly empty the water bucket that holds 16.3 pints of water. The noise level is dB (High): 53.3.
The unit’s SpaceWise® Portable Design features caster wheels with side and top handles to move it effortlessly to other rooms or areas. This dehumidifier is engineered and designed to operate at low temperatures down to 41-degrees F. It has 2 fan speeds for the intensity you want.
You will be protected from extreme moisture that causes mildew and mold to be healthy. It also eliminates airborne bacteria that can cause difficult breathing. The uncomplicated humidity control lets you set the level of humidity exactly the way you want it. The control panel displays temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
How it works—when the dehumidifier is turned on, it pulls air full of moisture across the dehumidifying coil. The coils then condense (pull moisture) from the air and that air flows through the side fins/louvers/horizontal slats into the area as warm and dry air. The moisture removed goes into the bucket in the front of the unit where it sides out from the bottom easily to be discarded. The slide-out bottom allows filter access to clean and wash. You must have the humidifier higher than the hose for the water to drain. Water does not flow uphill unless a heavy-duty pump is used. This unit is gravity fed. The hose is not included in the purchase price. Purchase a standard garden hose the length you need. Dehumidifies 50 Pints each day.
The 50-pint dehumidifier will cover 1400-square feet. It has Safety Certifications UL/CUL.
The dimensions are 16-1/8-inches wide x 11-5/16-inches deep x 24-3/4-inches high and it weighs 37 pounds.
Note: The unit cannot be used with an extension cord. The unit draws 4.8 amps and 530 watts of electricity for normal operation. That is too much current for a normal (skinny/thin) extension cord and could lead to a fire hazard in your home. A heavy-duty ‘appliance’ extension cord rated for more Amps and Watts than the unit needs should be fine.
The UL listed 6.5-foot cord plugs into a 115-Volt/60Hz outlet with the 3-prong grounded plug. Amps (cool): 4.8, horsepower (cool): 0.71, plug type: 5-15P, Watts (cool): 530.
You will receive instructions and a User’s Manual that should be read thoroughly.
Frigidaire® is an Electrolux brand so that you will understand when you read Electrolux here. Your appliance is covered by a Limited 1-year Warranty and a Limited 2 to 5-year Warranty on the sealed system (the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and tubing). For one year from your original date of purchase, Electrolux will pay all costs for repairing or replacing any parts of this appliance that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship when such appliance is installed, used and maintained in accordance with the provided instructions. From the second to the fifth year from your original purchase date, Electrolux will repair or replace any parts in the Sealed Refrigeration System (compressor, condenser, evaporator, and tubing) that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship. In years 2-5, the consumer will be responsible for diagnostic, labor and parts costs as well as any removal, transportation, and reinstallation expenses that are incurred during service on components other than those covered under the Sealed Refrigeration System 5-year Warranty. The unit is made in China.
4. Friedrich® Energy Star® 50-Pint Dehumidifier
The Friedrich® Company in San Antonio, Texas, USA, has been around since 1883. Their model D50BP with its built-in drain pump means that you never need to empty the bucket of water again. It can pump condensation horizontal or vertically up to 15-feet. Top-mount digital touch control shows you immediately the temperature and humidity level in percent in the room or area where it is located. The unit has caster wheels for easy rolling from place to place. The dehumidifier is easy to store in closets when not in use. The removable bucket holds up to 16.2 pints with continuous drainage at the outlet. It is easy to remove with the carrying handle. The unit has a 2-speed fan for high or low levels. It uses R-410A Refrigerant. The Styrofoam cube you will see is a float to shut off the dehumidifier if the water collection bin is full, so it needs to remain in place.
This dehumidifier is perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, basements, storage areas, electronic equipment rooms, kitchen, offices, and garages and anywhere you have too much humidity. It will remove 75 pints of moisture in 24 hours. The unit automatically shuts off when the tank is full of water. It covers 2500-square feet and will remove 25, 50, or 70 pints of water each day. It has a 24-hour timer.
The front panel is flat without louvers making it easy to clean. Dust and pet hairs do not accumulate here. Set your preferred humidity from 30 to 90% relative humidity and it will run 24 hours when setting that time on the control panel. The lower temperature setting goes to 41-degrees F. The unit automatically defrosts and the slide-out filter is washable. The unit vents the air from the top. There is a light to tell you the tank is full, but with continuously pumping out, you probably will not need it. There is no beep sound.
The dimensions are 23-1/4-inches high x 15-inches wide x 12-inches deep and weighs about 30 pounds.
The UL listed 6-foot cord plugs into a 110/120-Volt/60Hz outlet with the 3-prong grounded plug. The unit uses 746 watts of power and that computes to approximately 4.7 Amps. It is 220-Volt compatible. If you use an extension cord, be sure it is an appliance type and the correct wire gauge for length.
The unit comes with 15-feet of 1/4-inch OD plastic tubing and a special connector that plugs into the pump port. You get 2 hoses: One for the pump drain and one for the gravity drain. You will receive a User’s Manual and a 1-year parts and labor Warranty and additional 4-years on the sealed refrigeration system. The dehumidifier is made in China.
5. Keystone™ Energy Star® 50-Pint Dehumidifier
Keystone™ Products, Inc. is a Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA company that creates the model KSTAD50B that is a 50-pint standalone portable dehumidifier. Do not put in a window like a window air conditioner.
The top electronic LED control indicates the water level. The unit will remove 50-pints of moisture each day in an area up to 3000-square feet. The control settings are normal, turbo, and auto defrost to be set for 24-hours if you like. The dust filter is easy to remove, clean, and reinstall and you will receive a clean filter alert when done. It is Energy Star® Certified.
The unit continuously drains by a tube (not included) and it does not have a built-in pump. Garden hoses seem to be too big, bulky, and hard to work with. It works by gravity so the water drain, floor drain, sump pump pit, or bathtub must be lower than the unit. The timer does not automatically turn the draining by a hose off and on. The unit automatically shuts off when the full-bucket alert warns you, however. The auto alert remembers your settings and the unit will restart if there is a power failure. It has caster wheels to move it to another area.
The air flows out the right side front. The water bucket holds 1.3 gallons, which is about 10.4 pints. The ideal operating temperature is 41 to 98 degrees F.
The dimensions are 10.8-inches deep x 15.4-inches wide x 23.2-inches high and it weighs about 36 pounds.
The UL listed 7.22-foot cord plugs into a 115-Volt/60Hz outlet with the 3-prong grounded receptacle. The air flow CFM: 188 (high)/165 (low); Watts: 520; Amps: 4.7; single phase; plug: NEMA 5-15P; and noise level is 55 dBA using Refrigerant R410A/7 7.6-ounces, and EEV: 1.85L/kWH.
A User’s Manual is included with a Limited Warranty of 1-year for parts and labor and 5-years on the sealed system. It is made in China.
Best Rated 30 Pint Dehumidifiers
6. Frigidaire® Energy Star® 30-Pint Dehumidifier
The Frigidaire® model FAD301NWD is the #24 best seller on Amazon and can run continuously when it is placed near a drain or sink. The 30-pint dehumidifier will cover 1400-square feet. It has Safety Certifications UL/CUL. The mechanical top center temperature sensing control is a knob that you turn. This unit does not come with a digital control device.
The filter is removable and washable of mesh and antibacterial in construction. This reduces bacteria, odors and other airborne particles for a healthier, more comfortable living environment. Being ENERGY STAR® Certified, you will use less energy to lower your utility bills.
Its Effortless™ Humidity Control lets you control the amount of humidity in your space for your greatest comfort. With the Effortless™ Automatic Shut Off feature, the dehumidifier automatically shuts off when the water tank is not quite full so you will have no spillage.
You will be alerted with its Effortless™ Full Tank Alert System when the tank is at its capacity and it’s now time to empty the water bucket.
If you select the Effortless™ Continuous Drain Option, your unit will continually drain and you will not have to pour out the water bucket full of water. The handy Front Loading Bucket with Carrying Handle and Splash Guard lets you easily gain access to the carrying handle to quickly empty the water bucket that holds 12 pints of water. The noise level is dB (High): 53.3.
The unit’s SpaceWise® Portable Design features caster wheels with side and top handles to move it effortlessly to other rooms or areas. This dehumidifier is engineered and designed to operate at low temperatures down to 41-degrees F. It has one fan speed in the control panel. It does not tell you the humidity level. Purchase a stand-alone humidistat.
You will be protected from extreme moisture that causes mildew and mold to be healthy. It also eliminates airborne bacteria that can cause difficult breathing. The control panel displays temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
How it works—when the dehumidifier is turned on, it pulls air full of moisture across the dehumidifying coil. The coils then condense (pull moisture) from the air and that air flows through the side fins/louvers/horizontal slats into the area as warm and dry air. The moisture removed goes into the bucket in the front of the unit where it sides out from the bottom easily to be discarded. The slide-out bottom allows filter access to clean and wash. You must have the humidifier higher than the hose for the water to drain. Water does not flow uphill unless a heavy-duty pump is used. This unit is gravity fed. The hose is not included in the purchase price. Purchase a standard garden hose the length you need. Dehumidifies 30 Pints each day.
The dimensions are 14-5/8-inches wide x 11-5/8-inches deep x 19-7/8-inches high and weighs 31 pounds.
Note: The unit cannot be used with an extension cord. The unit draws 3.4 amps and 320 watts of electricity for normal operation. That is too much current for a normal (skinny/thin) extension cord and could lead to a fire hazard in your home. A heavy-duty ‘appliance’ extension cord rated for more Amps and Watts than the unit needs should be fine.
The UL listed 6.5-foot cord plugs into a 115-Volt/60Hz outlet with the 3-prong grounded plug. Amps (cool): 3.4, horsepower (cool): 0.43, plug type: 5-15P, Watts (cool): 320.
7. Gurin Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier 1-Pint Peltier Technology
The Gurin model DHMD-210 dehumidifier is affordable under $50 on Amazon with 5 out of 5 stars. It is whisper quiet and uses low energy with a renewable water reservoir.
The small compact size is ideal for RVs, bathrooms, and any small- to mid-sized rooms and basements up to 1100-square feet where dampness is a concern. It is portable and can be taken with you to a humid work area, a desk, workbench, or in the garage. The moisture is removed from the air and stores in a water reservoir for removal. When the water tank in the bottom front is full, the unit will automatically shut off. The full alert indicator light will warn you and it holds 16-ounces (1-pint) of water.
It is the perfect size for the bathroom to remove the condensation from the window and mirrors while showering or bathing. Removes moisture from the tiles and floor. Mildew, mold, and algae will not build up in your bathroom using this device.
This unit uses no compressor that is the Peltier technology and that makes it light weight and quiet. It is CE and UL approved
Plug into a 110/120-Volt USA outlet. It comes with a 9-Volt D/C power adapter and weighs 2.4 pounds.
Gift-wrapping available. The unit comes with a User’s Manual. Warranty information and where made are unavailable.
8. Ivation™ Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier 1-Pint Peltier Technology
The Ivation™ model GDM20 covers 100-square feet and uses the Peltier technology and has no compressor. Compressor types are not of the past, are not obsolete, and are very beneficial. Each type has different functions for different space sizes and the amount of water you want to remove daily. This unit just so happens by design not to have a compressor. It has no timer—just an off/on switch.
The mini-sized Ivation™ covers an area up to 100-square feet (1100-cubic feet is volume). It is whisper-quiet with no moving parts. It effectively pulls the moisture from the air and stores it in the front water reservoir for removal. The tank holds 16-ounces (1-pint) of water. When it is full, the LED light warns you, and it will automatically shut down. The air filter is easy to remove, clean, and put back in.
This unit is meant for small spaces, with high humidity. It can hold up to 16 ounces (1-pint) of water, and works great in closets, bathrooms, mechanic’s workshops, craft rooms, and many other small spots. If you have a bigger room, than get 2 or purchase the larger units. The unit removes mold and keeps the musty odor down.
The dimensions are 5.75-inches wide x 5.32-inches deep x 8.78-inches high and weighs about 2.5 pounds.
Plug the 6-foot UL listed cord into a 110/120-Volt, 50/60 Hz USA outlet. It comes with a 9-Volt D/C power adapter output that are 9 VDC and 2.5 Amps, power consumption: 22.5-Watts.
Gift-wrapping is available. A User’s Manual is included. Warranty information and where made are unavailable.
9. EcoSeb 15-Pint Desiccant Technology
The EcoSeb desiccant dehumidifier model DD122EA-Simple classic with ionizer is compact and effective and portable to take with you with its carrying handle. It is wonderful in the laundry room and bathroom, the high-humidity areas, to control mold, mildew, condensation, viruses, bacteria, and bad odors caused by humidity.
The rotary humidistat level can be set that will save energy, a cost savings to you. Safety features include the automatic shut down when the water tank is full, detection of heat to shut off, and is has tilt protections. It is ergo-designed for less spillage and easy handling. The water tank is on the side and is easy to remove and replace. The louvers are adjustable and the drip tank has a lid with handle for your convenience.
The electronic control panel runs from high and is quiet at 34 dBA with turbo and economy settings for the laundry room. When it takes 2 days to dry a bath towel after a shower, it is time to get it dried out! This unit will remove up to 15-pints of moisture when it’s cold. The desiccant method will do this efficiently whereas the compressor types need to defrost that could be a consideration for you. Desiccant keeps the unit dry with its material that holds moisture that is lightweight, has no gas or chemicals, and has little fan noise but unlike a compressor, no noise.
The timer can be set from 2-, 4-, and 8-hours with 3 auto louvre settings. After a power failure, the unit will restart at the setting you had it set for. The water tank holds 4.2 pints with an optional continuous drainage method.
The Eco E7 technology uses many algorithms to operate in parallel for managing power, humidity, and temperature that increases performance to save you energy. The E7 provides powerful features into this unit. One is the automatic toggle power saver that senses the ambient room air temperature and humidity and toggles between full-power, economy power, and standby. This will save you 40% on your energy.
The built-in automatic sensor constantly monitors air humidity and when to toggle to the dehumidification mode. This too saves energy and everything is under control for your humidity level that you preset. The warm heat comes out of the top.
The dehumidifier has 3D louvres to direct airflow in a spot or wide area, as you need it. The wide channel improves airflow distribution and the spot channel isolates areas where mold can grow.
The water bucket in on the right side making it easy to remove with its own handle. The unit has a built-in heater and has a 2-minute time delay for cooling down then shutting down. You can hook up the 30-inch tube (included) for continuous drainage. A garden hose type is not used.
The dimensions are 13.8-inches wide x 21.7-inches high x 9.1-inches deep and it weighs 13.2 pounds.
Use this dehumidifier to dry your laundry indoors, remove moisture and condensation from the bathroom, wonderful in RVs, and basements where temperatures are normally cooler. Reduce humidity that causes rusting and corrosion in your mechanical shop; use this to preserve wood, papers, and books, furniture and wall paper. It’s a wonderful unit for electronics equipment and musical instruments. The only things loving humidity are trees and plants.
Plug the 6-foot UL listed cord into a USA 110/120-Volt/60Hz receptacle. It is 2-prong.
The dehumidifier is rated at 615-Watts on high and 330-Watts on low, so be sure if you are using a power strip it will carry the load. It uses 2.5 Amps in economy mode and the full-power mode uses 5 Amps.
Gift-wrapping is available. A User’s Manual is included and a 2-year Limited Warranty. It is made in China.
10. Eva-Dry Wireless Mini-Dehumidifier
The Eva-Dry model 333 mini-dehumidifier is a #2 bestseller on Amazon under $20 and is wireless. This dehumidifier will eliminate dampness, mold, and mildew from small areas such as closets for clammy shoes, and any damage and odors to fabrics. Add one of these units to a plastic storage box to absorb moisture and musty odors.
Great for inside kitchen cabinets where dry products are stored such as crackers, cereal, chips, and cookies that become mushy from moisture. They are a wonderful item under the sink where things are stored that can become full of moisture and smell bad becoming unusable. Underneath kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks, mold harbors.
Use this unit in your gun safe to protect the metal parts from rust and corrosion and to protect the wood from too much moisture. It is great in your safe deposit box where you store valuable papers; great in the laundry room; bedroom, basement and anywhere there might be a risk to allergies and mold from excessive humidity.
This unit will last 20 to 30 days before needing to be renewed. This dehumidifier works to cover 48-square feet. It uses no batteries or cords and will work up to 10 years when you renew it—simply plug it in to renew for 10 to 12 hours. It is non-toxic and pet and child safe. Great to have in your gym lockers and dorm rooms. Absorbs odors and clothes dry quicker. At the office, it protects electronics such as printers, scanners, laptops, and paper from sticking together due to moisture. Use on your boat or yacht for a dryer cabin.
This unit uses a renewable silica gel (100 grams) using no batteries or power cords. When it absorbs moisture, an indicator window containing crystals will change from blue to pink once having reached its capacity of 4 to 6-ounces. This can take from 2 to 4 weeks to accomplish depending on the specific conditions you are dehumidifying. After the crystals have turned pink, plug it in for 8-12 hours in a well-ventilated area. When the crystals have turned back to blue, the unit is renewed and ready to use again. There are no spills, nothing to clean, and nothing to buy.
The unit measures 6-1/4-inches long x 1-1/4-inches wide x 4-3/4-inches high and weighs 1.2 pounds.
The recharging cord plugs into a 110/120-Volt USA receptacle and a converter ($2 at Radio Shack) will let you use it at 220/240-Volts. Do not purchase a transformer—that is a different application.
Gift-wrapping is available. A User’s Manual is included and a 5-year Limited Warranty. It is made in China.
Tips for Using
- Read the instructions in the User’s Manual for installing hoses and plugging into an electrical outlet
- Keep coils clean of dirt and dust that can cause the dehumidifier to freeze
- Clean the filter one a month and buy a new one when it shows wear
- Keep all invoices and documents should you need to file a warranty claim
- Do not use thin extension cords that are used for lamps or something drawing less energy. You will need an ‘appliance’ type that is thicker and has the correct wire gauge.
Final Thoughts
We hope we have given you enough information on your trek for a dehumidifier. They are wonderful when your environment is dripping with moisture and your windows are covered with condensation. They do help remove that musty smell and keep bacteria and mold at bay. Your environment will be healthier with a dehumidifier pulling out the excess moisture. Happy shopping and be well.
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