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10 Best Dehumidifiers of 2024

Updated
The creme de la creme of dehumidifiers.

Buying a dehumidifier can seem overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. With so many different brands and models vying for your attention, it’s no wonder many people get decision fatigue when shopping for a new one.

How big should it be? Do you need one for every room? What on earth is reservoir capacity?

We’ve put together an ultimate guide to help you find the best dehumidifier for your home. In conclusion, we also found 10 fantastic options that might be the right fit for your lifestyle.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Pro Breeze Mini
Best for RVs
Pro Breeze Mini
  • Lightweight & portable
  • Quiet enough for bedrooms
  • Auto-shutoff
Product Image of the Seavon Dehumidifier
Best Compact
Seavon Dehumidifier
  • Quiet below 35 decibels
  • Compact and portable
  • Eco-friendly and energy-efficient
Product Image of the AlorAir LGR 85-Pint Dehumidifier
Best for Crawl Spaces
AlorAir LGR 85-Pint Dehumidifier
  • Smart features
  • Five-year warranty
  • Commercial grade
Product Image of the Vremi Energy Star Dehumidifier
Best for Basements
Vremi Energy Star Dehumidifier
  • Portable with handles
  • Easy maintainance
  • Energy efficient
Product Image of the Pohl Schmitt Compact Dehumidifier
Best for Allergies
Pohl Schmitt Compact Dehumidifier
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Quiet enough for nighttime
  • Efficiently removes 10 ounces daily
Product Image of the Seavon Electric Dehumidifier
Best for Bathrooms
Seavon Electric Dehumidifier
  • Compact sizing
  • Quiet enough for nighttime
  • 16-ounce tank
Product Image of the Keystone HE Dehumidifier
Best 70-Pint
Keystone HE Dehumidifier
  • Huge 1.6-gallon capacity
  • Smart features
  • Easy to clean filter
Product Image of the Aprilaire E100 Pro
Best for the Whole House
Aprilaire E100 Pro
  • Easy maintainance
  • Auto-shutoff and restart
  • Removes 100 pints daily
Product Image of the Black+Decker BDT30WTA
Best 30-Pint
Black+Decker BDT30WTA
  • Easy to use
  • Includes auto shutoff
  • Extra drainage
Product Image of the HomeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier
Best for Garages
HomeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier
  • Portable with four wheels
  • Odor Remover
  • Large 1.6 gallon capacity

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we conduct thorough research and analysis on the best dehumidifiers to provide you with reliable, hands-on assessments and evaluations from a user’s perspective. Our experienced professionals measure and compare key factors and criteria, such as performance, energy efficiency, noise level, and design choices, to determine which products stand out from their competitors. We rank and review dehumidifiers based on quantitative data and first-hand experience, ensuring you have the necessary information to make an informed decision. Trust us to deliver expert advice and evidence-based recommendations to help you choose the perfect dehumidifier for your needs.



The Best Dehumidifiers of 2024

We put the top-rated products to the test. Scouring reviews from real users and industry leaders and using research and experience from our team of experts, we’ve identified 10 of the best dehumidifiers on the market this year. Check them out.

Pro Breeze 2200 Cubic Feet Mini Dehumidifier

Best Dehumidifier for RVs

Thanks to its lightweight, compact design and incredible efficiency, we love this dehumidifier for hitting the road.

When traveling with a dehumidifier, you don’t want something you’ll have to lug around. Luckily, moving and storing the Lonove dehumidifier is a breeze since it only weighs around five pounds.

Pro Breeze is ideal for overnight use, thanks to its quiet efficiency and auto-shutoff feature.

The tank is easy to remove, too: slide it out, empty it outside or over the sink, and slide it back in. You’ll know when it needs emptying, thanks to the transparent design.

With the Pro Breeze, your whole family can keep your RV’s humidity under control.

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable, weighing five pounds.
  • Quiet enough for the bedroom.
  • Easy to use and empty the water.
  • Auto-shutoff prevents leaks.
  • Low power consumption saves energy.
  • Spacious 52-ounce water tank.

Cons

  • You can’t remove the top cover.
  • Might heat the room you keep it in.
  • Struggles to work well in super humid rooms.

Product Specs

Dimensions 6.6 by 9 by 12.69 inches
Weight 5.04 pounds
Removal capacity 18 ounces
Warranty 1 year
Room coverage 250 square feet

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

I'm impressed with this dehumidifier's ability to pull moisture from the air in smaller spaces like closets and bathrooms. It's not as quiet as I expected, but the noise is bearable and comparable to a large standing fan. While it may take some time to fully reduce humidity in larger areas, it's been effective in keeping my home comfortable without adding any heat to the room.

Seavon Small Dehumidifier

Best Small Dehumidifier

The Seavon dehumidifier is perfect for bedrooms, offices, or anywhere else you want peace and quiet. Because it’s so compact, you can also use it in closets or pantries.

This unit is designed for small spaces, so you’ll have to empty the tank regularly. But the auto-shutoff feature means you don’t have to worry about the tank overflowing. Feel free to leave it running overnight.

Despite its size, the Seavon packs a punch, collecting up to 12 ounces of moisture a day. It’s also a great eco-friendly option as it runs on minimal energy.

One thing to note is the bright LED light that the machine displays. This bothered some users at night.

Others found it helpful as it could double as a night light for kids’ rooms. Whether you love or hate this feature will come down to personal preference.

Pros

  • Quiet below 35 decibels which is great for nighttime.
  • Compact and portable.
  • Eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
  • Auto-shutoff function prevents leaks.
  • Removes 12 ounces of water per day.

Cons

  • Bright LED light is annoying at night.
  • Only works for tiny rooms (240 square feet maximum).
  • Not strong enough to decrease high humidity levels.

Product Specs

Dimensions 6.2 inches by 4.9 inches by 10.1 inches
Weight 2.55 pounds
Removal capacity 12 ounces
Warranty 12 months
Room coverage 240 square feet

Our Ratings

Performance
3.5 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

I recently purchased this mini dehumidifier to help combat humidity in my small bedroom, and I've been quite impressed with its performance. It's compact and quiet, making it a great fit for the space, and it's been effective in reducing the humidity from around 60% down to 52%. The only downside is the awkward placement of the charging port, which makes it difficult to hide the cord. Additionally, the bright light on the power button can be a bit disruptive at night, but it's a small trade-off for the increased comfort in the room. I do wish it had a longer lifespan like some other brands, but the company's excellent customer service more than makes up for it.

AlorAir LGR 85-Pint Dehumidifier With Pump

Best Dehumidifier for Crawl Spaces

This commercial-grade dehumidifier is designed for flooded areas, so it’s highly efficient. It’s waterproof and can be used in temperatures as low as 35 degrees, making it ideal for crawl spaces.

The AlorAir has many features, including a digital humidistat control, timer, condensate pump, and hot gas defrosting system. It can remove up to  180 pints of moisture a day at saturation. With a built-in pump, you can drain moisture from anywhere in your home.

It’s also stackable, which makes transporting it a breeze. Be wary of the weight, though. At 78 pounds, this isn’t the most portable dehumidifier. It also doesn’t come with wheels, so you’ll need to be careful about moving it safely.

Despite the hefty weight, users report that the dehumidifier is easy to use and clean. And you won’t need an extension cord in your crawl space, thanks to the 19.6-foot power cord.

Pros

  • Smart features, including auto operation and auto defrost.
  • Commercial grade, removing up to 180 pints per day.
  • Built-in pump allows for automatic drainage.
  • Remembers setting after losing power.
  • Suitable for industrial spaces, basements, and crawl spaces.
  • Five-year warranty included.

Cons

  • 78 pounds heavy.
  • Not the most durable option.
  • Coils freeze over often, so the unit has to defrost a lot.

Product Specs

Dimensions 22.8 by 13.7 by 17.3 inches
Weight 78 pounds
Removal capacity 180 pints per day
Warranty 5 years
Room coverage 2,300 square feet

Our Ratings

Performance
5 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Noise Level
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

This product works really well at removing humidity and is more energy-efficient than other consumer-grade units. I've had it running in my basement for over 6 weeks and it has significantly improved the air quality. The condensate pump is quiet, but the fan can be somewhat noisy due to air turbulence. Although it's a bit heavy and expensive, it's worth the investment considering its performance and capabilities.

Vremi Dehumidifier Energy Star Rated

Best Dehumidifier for Basements

This is our top pick for basement dehumidifiers thanks to its efficiency and lightweight, portable design. It’s ideal for basements of up to 1,500 square feet, which will suit most households.

With an easily removable tank and filter, users love how straightforward this device is to maintain. Its simple design makes cleaning the filter each month a breeze.

The Vremi comes with a removable tank and drain access, so you can decide how you want to use it. You’ll have to buy a separate hose if you want to run it continuously, though.

The tank can hold up to 22 pints, which some users found small compared to other basement dehumidifiers. The unit has an auto-shutoff feature, so it won’t overflow when the tank is full, but you may have to empty it once or twice a day if you run it a lot.

Pros

  • Portable with built-in handles.
  • Easy to maintain with a reusable filter.
  • Energy efficient model won’t cost you loads of money.
  • High-performance filter traps dust, mold, and bacteria.

Cons

  • Hose not included.
  • Small 1-gallon water tank.

Product Specs

Dimensions 16.1 by 10.4 by 19.9 inches
Weight 30.9 pounds
Removal capacity 22 pints
Warranty 12 months
Room coverage 1,500 square feet

Our Ratings

Performance
4.5 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

My experience with this dehumidifier has been mostly positive. It effectively reduces humidity in my home, even in large rooms, and is surprisingly powerful for its compact size. The continuous drain feature is convenient, but the plastic hose connector and small wheels could be improved. While the noise level is audible, it's not disruptive and can easily be tuned out when watching TV or sleeping.

Pohl Schmitt Compact Dehumidifier

Best Dehumidifier for Dust Mites and Allergies

If someone in your household is allergic to dust mites or other allergens, they might need their own dehumidifier. A portable dehumidifier is also great for anyone with a respiratory illness or families with small children.

We recommend the Pohl Schmitt dehumidifier because of its compact size and high efficiency. This unit is the perfect size to sit on a bedside table or shelf in a bedroom. It’s so small you can carry it around with you, effectively clearing the air in every room of the house.

The unit doesn’t have a compressor, so it won’t disturb your sleep at night. This makes it an excellent option for bedrooms and nurseries where you want to keep allergens to a minimum.

If your home is particularly damp, the unit may take some time to kick in. However, given its size, this is a small price to pay.

Pros

  • Lightweight, portable, and small enough for a bedside table.
  • Quiet operation is suitable for nighttime.
  • Highly effective at removing 10 ounces daily.
  • No harmful chemicals included.

Cons

  • Slow at extracting moisture.
  • Struggles to bring down levels by more than five percent.

Product Specs

Dimensions 11.2 by 6.4 by 5.2 inches
Weight 2.53 pounds
Removal capacity 17 ounces
Warranty Not specified
Room coverage Not specified—small rooms

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this dehumidifier has been a mix of pros and cons. On the positive side, it efficiently removes humidity in smaller spaces and has a handy automatic shut-off feature when the reservoir is full. However, I did notice that it takes a bit longer to fill up compared to other brands, and it may not be suitable for highly humid locations or larger rooms.

Seavon Electric Portable Dehumidifier

Best Dehumidifier for Bathrooms

In most houses, the bathroom is the dampest room. Even if you’re blessed with a dry home, regular showering, damp towels, and limited space means there is a lot of moisture in bathrooms. This is why it’s worth getting a small dehumidifier to keep in your bathroom, even if you have a dehumidifier for the rest of the house.

The Seavon is an excellent choice. It’s compact so that you can store it out of the way on a window sill or shelf.

This product also performs incredibly well, collecting up to 16 ounces a day. While this won’t be suitable for your whole house, it will keep your bath mat, ceiling, and mirror dry even when multiple people use the bathroom daily.

Customers love how easy this dehumidifier is to use and clean. With a user-friendly design and an auto-shutoff feature, this is one you can set and forget.

Pros

  • Compact enough to fit on tables or countertops.
  • Quiet enough for using through the night.
  • 16-ounce tank can hold a day’s worth of moisture.
  • Auto shutoff feature prevents leaks.

Cons

  • Not suitable for larger spaces.
  • It’s difficult to clean, and the lid can’t be removed.
  • Removes moisture too slowly for some situations.

Product Specs

Dimensions 7.2 by 6.2 by 11 inches
Weight 2.5 pounds
Removal capacity 16 ounces
Warranty 1 year
Room coverage 110 square feet

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Noise Level
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this dehumidifier has been a mixed bag. On one hand, it's been effective in collecting more water than my previous unit, and operates quietly enough to fade into the background. However, its performance seemed to decline over time, leading me to question its long-term reliability and forcing me to rely on a humidity sensor to monitor its effectiveness.

Keystone High-Efficiency 70-Pint Dehumidifier

Best 70-pint Dehumidifier

If you’re looking for a dehumidifier to cover large spaces, this 70-pint unit is a fantastic option. With a huge tank, you’ll spend less time emptying your dehumidifier and more time enjoying your home.

The Keystone has many smart features, including a transparent water level indicator and full tank alert. It also has an auto-restart function which will save your settings if there’s a power cut.

This unit allows continuous draining, although many users found this wasn’t as efficient as using the tank. Several customers also reported difficulty removing the bucket, which you’ll need to do to use the continuous draining function.

With a 1.6-gallon reservoir, however, you can still use the Keystone for long periods between emptying. Thanks to the simple design and four castor wheels, you can easily use this unit in any room of the house.

Pros

  • Huge 1.6-gallon capacity.
  • Smart features include a 24-hour timer and auto-shutoff.
  • Easy to clean the filter.
  • Continuous draining option, which is great for humid rooms.
  • Excellent for large areas up to 4,500 square feet.

Cons

  • Bucket difficult to remove and reinsert.
  • Many customers found it only worked for two to three years.
  • The sound level might be too loud, especially at night.

Product Specs

Dimensions 10.8 by 15.4 by 23.2 inches
Weight 40 pounds
Removal capacity 70 pints
Warranty 4 years
Room coverage 4,500 square feet

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Noise Level
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Feedback

I've been using this product for a while now, and it has effectively reduced the humidity in my home, improving the overall air quality and even helping with my allergies. However, I found that the heat generated by the device can be quite intense, raising the room temperature by a few degrees. Despite the noise being louder than my previous model, it still does a great job at dehumidifying and offers the convenience of continuous gravity draining with a hose attachment.

Aprilaire E100 Pro 100-Pint Dehumidifier

Best Dehumidifier for the Whole House

Got issues with mold, mildew, or allergies? Then you may want to invest in a whole-house dehumidifier. The Aprilaire is a fantastic choice for homes of up to 5,500 square feet. It can remove up to 100 pints of moisture every day.

You can connect the unit to your heating and air conditioning system for easy use. Many customers found that having it professionally installed yielded better results. Still, it’s easy enough to get it up and running yourself.

This dehumidifier is designed for continuous use. It doesn’t have a tank which makes it easy to maintain. Instead, the unit comes with a drain line allowing water to flow naturally.

We love that it has an enviable range of features. These include auto-shutoff and restart, energy efficiency, and an easy-to-use panel. The Aprilaire is ideal for keeping your whole house at the perfect humidity level.

Pros

  • Easy to maintain with a continuous drainage option.
  • Great for large spaces up to 5,500 square feet.
  • Removes 100 pints daily to prevent mold and mildew.
  • Durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum coils.
  • Easy to set this up and get it started ASAP.

Cons

  • High price point.
  • 65 pounds heavy.

Product Specs

Dimensions 26 by 9 by 15 inches
Weight 64 pounds
Removal capacity 100 pints
Warranty 5 years
Room coverage 5,500 square feet

Our Ratings

Performance
5 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I'm thrilled with the performance of this dehumidifier in managing the humidity levels in my home. Initially, it ran continuously for a few days, but now it maintains a comfortable 45% humidity in my previously damp basement. The E100 model has been running smoothly for nine months, and I'm so satisfied that I'm planning to install an E130 in my attic for even better results throughout my living space.

Black+Decker BDT30WTA 30-Pint Dehumidifier

Best 30-Pint Dehumidifier

The Black + Decker 30-pint dehumidifier is a good choice for a small, portable option. It can extract up to 30 pints of water from the air in just 24 hours, making it ideal for basements, cellars, or smaller rooms in the house.

It’s not bulky or too ugly, either. So whether you have a modern or cozy aesthetic in your home, this dehumidifier has been designed to fit right in without being obtrusive.

It’s straightforward to use. On top of the unit is an electronic panel with LED lights so you can easily adjust your settings day or night. It has three fan speeds to choose from, depending on the humidity levels around you.

Pros

  • Easy to use with three simple settings.
  • Easy to read LED display buttons.
  • Includes auto shutoff and auto defrost.
  • Select your desired humidity levels between 30 and 90 percent.
  • Small and portable, suitable for most rooms.

Cons

  • Water tank doesn’t line up seamlessly.
  • Some leaking issues were reported.

Product Specs

Dimensions 10 x 13.4 x 19 inches
Weight 49.6 pounds
Removal capacity 30 pints per day
Warranty 1 year
Room coverage Not specified

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

Definitely a worthwhile purchase for tackling humidity in my 10x12 bedroom. This product is effective in reducing humidity levels, as confirmed by my separate hygrometer and the need to empty the bucket every other day. However, the noise from the compressor and fan can be a bit distracting, making it harder to sleep with the unit on. The installation was surprisingly simple, but the water reservoir could use some improvement in design for easier emptying and reinserting.

HomeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier

Best Dehumidifier for Garages

We love this dehumidifier for the garage because it eliminates odor as well as moisture. It will leave your garage smelling fresh and clean.

The unit covers a whopping 4,500 square feet and is, therefore, suitable for commercial and residential garages. It’s also fully portable, with four wheels for safe and easy handling.

With a 70-pint tank and an auto-shutoff feature, you won’t have to worry about emptying it often. If you want total peace of mind, you can attach a hose and set it up near a drain for continuous use.

However, some users found this cumbersome without a pump. The system is designed to let gravity do its thing, which can take longer.

Pros

  • Portable with four wheels.
  • Gets rid of bad odors.
  • Large 1.6-gallon capacity with a drawer-like tank.
  • Removes 50 pints per day, preventing mold.
  • Great for using after a flood or leak.
  • Includes a drain for continuous draining.

Cons

  • No pump, so it takes longer to drain.
  • On the pricey side.
  • Reaches 62 decibels, making it quite loud.

Product Specs

Dimensions 15.4 by 11 by 24.3 inches
Weight 40 pounds
Removal capacity 50 pints
Warranty 2 years
Room coverage 4,500 square feet

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Noise Level
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

Excellent dehumidifier for maintaining indoor humidity levels! I've used both the Frigidaire and hOmeLabs dehumidifiers, and while both are effective, I find the Frigidaire to be slightly more polished and user-friendly. This product has made a noticeable difference in the comfort of my home, and although it may be a bit noisy and generate some heat, it's a small price to pay for the benefits it provides.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Dimensions Weight Removal capacity Warranty Room coverage
Pro Breeze Mini For RVs 6.6 x 9 x 12.69″ 5.04 lbs 18 oz 1 year 250 sq ft
Seavon Small Dehumidifier Small & Compact 6.2 x 4.9 x 10.1″ 2.55 lbs 350 ml 12 months 240 sq ft
AlorAir LGR 85-Pint Dehumidifier With Pump For Crawl Spaces 22.8 x 13.7 x 17.3″ 78 lbs 180 pints per day 5 years 2,300 sq ft
Vremi Dehumidifier Energy Star Rated For Basements 16.1 x 10.4 x 19.9″ 30.9 lbs 22 pints 12 months 1,500 sq ft
Pohl Schmitt Compact Dehumidifier For Allergies 11.2 x 6.4 x 5.2″ 2.53 lbs 17 oz N/A Small rooms
Seavon Electric Portable Dehumidifier For Bathrooms 7.2 x 6.2 x 11″ 2.5 lbs 16 oz 1 year 110 sq ft
Keystone High-Efficiency Dehumidifier 70-Pint 10.8 x 15.4 x 23.2″ 40 lbs 70 pints 4 years 4,500 sq ft
Aprilaire E100 Pro 100 Pint Dehumidifier For the Whole House 26 x 9 x 15″ 64 lbs 100 pints 5 years 5,500 sq ft
Black+Decker BDT30WTA 30-Pint 10 x 13.4 x 19″ 49.6 lbs 30 pints 1 year Not specified
HomeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier For Garages 15.4 x 11 x 24.3″ 40 lbs 50 pints 2 years 4,500 sq ft

Do I Need a Dehumidifier?

If your home is old, uninsulated, or doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, this moisture can linger and become trapped in your walls, floor, and ceiling. Damp homes are breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi, and allergens.

Having fungi and mold in the home can present serious health risks for you and your family. So it’s important to regularly clean, ventilate, and dehumidify your home.

Dehumidifiers collect excess moisture from the air. This lowers humidity levels and makes it harder for mold and dust mites to thrive.

Signs you should consider investing in a dehumidifier include:

  • Condensation on the walls or windows.
  • A musty odor.
  • Visible mold or mildew.
  • Allergic reactions to mold or dust mites.
  • A stuffy feeling inside.
  • Peeling wallpaper or blistering paint.

What Is the Optimal Humidity Setting?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends indoor humidity be kept below 60 percent. Most people find 40–50 percent is the sweet spot (1).

How to Choose the Right Size Dehumidifier

The size of your dehumidifier will depend on the size and dampness of your home. Just want to dehumidify a small room like a bedroom or office? Then you can get away with using a smaller dehumidifier.

What if, however, you want to use your dehumidifier in a large garage? Or, perhaps, in an open-plan living area? Then you’ll need something that can hold more water.

You should also consider whether you’ll be moving your dehumidifier between rooms or even buildings. This will determine whether you go for a heavier device or a lighter, portable one.

Types of Dehumidifiers

There are several types of dehumidifiers, and which one you choose will depend on your home, budget, and individual needs. The two most common dehumidifiers are compressor dehumidifiers and desiccant dehumidifiers.

Compressor Dehumidifiers

Compressor dehumidifiers use a fan, heat pump, and heat exchange coils to collect moisture from the air. The coils are extremely cold, which causes moisture to condense and collect in the tank. These are the most popular types of dehumidifiers and are best for warm, damp rooms.

Pros

  • Easy to use.
  • Great for warm or damp spaces.
  • Usually uses less electricity than other dehumidifiers.
  • Great for large spaces as they can dehumidify up to 70 pints per day.

Cons

  • Difficult to move since they are larger.
  • Coils can freeze in colder conditions.
  • Can be noisy, with a minimal level of 40 decibels.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

You know those little silica gel packets you get when you buy new shoes, bags, or electronics? They’re there to attract moisture and protect your new purchases. Desiccant dehumidifiers work similarly, using materials such as silica gel to attract and absorb moisture.

Pros

  • Portable, since they are more compact.
  • Ideal for cold environments.
  • Quieter than other types, often less than 35 decibels.

Cons

  • Can be pricey to run.
  • Not the best option for medium or large spaces.
  • They are a more expensive option to buy.

How to Choose a Dehumidifier

Researching the right dehumidifier for your needs will ensure you are satisfied with your purchase and save you money in the long run. Here are some of the things you should consider before making a purchase.

Indoor Temperature

As with size and weight, this depends on where you’ll use your dehumidifier most. Planning on setting it up in a cold area of the house — such as the garage or basement? Then you need to check that the unit can withstand lower temperatures.

Remember, the coils are extremely cold, so lower temperatures may cause them to freeze!

Noise

Dehumidifiers can be loud! Usually, the bigger the unit is, the noisier it will be. This is something to keep in mind if you prefer a quiet home or want to dehumidify your child’s room while they sleep.

In this case, a smaller, portable dehumidifier might be your best bet. They don’t have room for all the moving compressor parts that create noise. As such, they’re generally quieter and more peaceful.

Dehumidifiers range from 30 to 70 decibels, so look at each product’s noise rating.

Tank Capacity

Your dehumidifier’s tank — or reservoir — capacity will determine how much water it can hold. This will, in turn, determine how often you’ll need to empty it.

Want to set your dehumidifier going and not worry about it for a while? It might be best to get a larger unit that will take longer to fill.

However, if you don’t mind emptying the tank every day and want the convenience of a portable dehumidifier, a smaller unit may be just what you’re looking for.

We recommend something around one gallon, but for smaller dehumidifiers, half a gallon is more realistic.

Built-in Pumps

If you don’t want to worry about emptying tanks at all, you can opt for a unit with a built-in pump. These don’t come with a tank to collect water and are designed to extract moisture from the air in a continuous flow.

Since they don’t have space to collect water, you’ll need to position the pump near a drain or vent. This would allow the vapor to escape.

Additional Features

Modern dehumidifiers are packed with features to make your life easier. Here are some common features you might want to look for:

  • Humidistat or hydrostat: These instruments measure the humidity in the area and allow you to set your optimal humidity level.
  • Auto-shutoff: This is handy if your unit has a tank to collect water because it will automatically switch off if the tank becomes too full.
  • Full tank alert: Similar to the auto-shutoff feature, this prevents your tank from overflowing. It notifies you when the tank is full and needs to be emptied.
  • Clean filter alert: As the dehumidifier sucks in air, its filters collect dust and debris floating about. The clean filter alert will notify you when you need to clean the filters to keep the unit running smoothly.
  • Defrost: This feature is invaluable if you use your dehumidifier in cold areas where the coils can freeze. The defrost function allows you to quickly and safely defrost the coils. Thus, you avoid damage to your machine and ensure it continues to run smoothly

Top Dehumidifier Brands

When you’re looking for a new dehumidifier, you’ll notice that a few brands seem to dominate the market. And for good reason too.

Frigidaire

Frigidaire is a leading kitchen and laundry appliance brand that sells dehumidifiers ranging in capacity from 30–95 pints. Based in the US, their appliances tend to be energy efficient and highly respected. All of their dehumidifiers come in a sleek, white design that will suit any room.

HomeLabs

Specializing in home and kitchen appliances, HomeLabs delivers intuitive, easy-to-use dehumidifiers. Their no-frills approach lends itself well to the market, where customers appreciate efficiency and ease of use. Their products are highly rated and provide excellent value for money.

Black+Decker

Black and Decker manufacture various products, from power tools to home appliances. They are customer-focused, striving to create quality products that provide value for money. You know you’re in good hands with a brand that’s been going for over 100 years!

Eva-Dry

Eva-Dry has been creating small, efficient dehumidifiers for 10 years. All of their dehumidifiers are compact.

They’re designed for use in small areas such as closets, vehicles, or small rooms. Despite their size, their highly efficient products make Eva-Dry a great choice for all those small areas in your home.

Keystone

Keystone creates tools, accessories, and appliances for the home and garage. Their dehumidifiers are some of the highest rated on the market, combining quality and affordability. There’s not a lot of information about the brand’s history out there, but Keystone products speak for themselves.

DampRid

DampRid specializes in desiccant dehumidifiers. They’ve been around for a while — over 70 years — and are a household name to many. Their products are created with a solid gel that absorbs moisture and odor in the air.

Their products are cost-effective and natural. If you want to keep a small space, such as a closet or a drawer, fresh and dry, this brand is worth a look.


Dehumidifier FAQs

Where Is the Best Place to Put a Dehumidifier?

This will largely depend on your home and lifestyle. Many people find they only need a dehumidifier for certain problem areas in their house, such as the bathroom or basement. Others find they need one in multiple rooms to get a manageable humidity level for the whole house.

Finding the best place for your dehumidifier may take some trial and error. We recommend opting for a portable unit if you’re unsure where to place your dehumidifier. That way, you can move around as needed.

What Fan Speed Should I Use?

Most dehumidifiers come with three fan speeds: low, medium, and high. Higher speeds will collect moisture faster, meaning you won’t have to run your dehumidifier for long.

Bear in mind, however, that higher speeds generally create more noise. So, if you’re running the unit at night or in a quiet office, you may want to opt for a lower setting.

How Long Should I Run the Dehumidifier?

This depends on the size of your unit and the humidity level in your home. You don’t need to run it 24/7; this will make your electricity bills skyrocket!

We recommend measuring the humidity levels in your home and running your dehumidifier in areas over 60 percent. You can switch the dehumidifier off when the humidity level drops below 50 percent.

Does the Dehumidifier Filter Need to be Replaced?

Most dehumidifiers have removable filters you can clean and reuse. Some models, however, use disposable filters that you will need to replace regularly. Check your manual or contact the manufacturer to find out how to replace or clean the filter on your particular model.

Do I Need to Buy a Separate Hygrometer to Measure Humidity?

Many modern dehumidifiers have built-in hygrometers — or humidistats — to measure the humidity in your home.

If your model doesn’t have one, we recommend buying a separate one. This will allow you to monitor the moisture levels in your home and ensure your dehumidifier is working efficiently.

How Much Electricity Does a Dehumidifier Use?

How much electricity your dehumidifier uses will depend on the model, its size, and how frequently you use it.

If you want to keep your electricity usage down, we recommend looking for a model with the Energy Star rating. This means the unit uses up to 20 percent less energy and usually costs the same as other models.

How Much Does It Cost To Run a Dehumidifier?

How much you spend to run your dehumidifier will depend on the size of the unit and how many hours a day you run it.

You can run smaller dehumidifiers for as little as $25 a year. Larger units (70 pints or more), on the other hand, can cost up to $350 a year. Most dehumidifiers will cost around $100 a year, depending on the model and how often you use it.

Should I Run a Dehumidifier In Winter?

You should run a dehumidifier in the winter if the moisture content inside is above 50 percent. Winter air is often damp and the perfect breeding ground for mold spores.


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About the Author

Matthew Sullivan

Matthew Sullivan is a technical writer with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the realm of HVAC, humidity, air purification, and mold prevention. With a background rooted in mechanical engineering, Matthew seamlessly blends the intricate world of technicalities with the everyday challenges that homeowners and businesses face. His vast expertise has led him to collaborate with leading HVAC manufacturers, consult on cutting-edge air purification systems, and become a sought-after voice on mold mitigation.