Best dehumidifers for basements
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WHAT IS A DEHUMIDIFIER?
The job of a dehumidifier is to remove excess moisture from the air of your home. The main reasons for using them are:
-
You live in an area of high humidity -
You have someone in your family who has allergies -
You want to protect electronics from damage -
You have a room or basement that has had a leak or flood
Whatever your specific needs, the type of dehumidifier you buy will vary based on the type of drainage you need (ranging from emptying the collected water from a bucket to pumping the water out to emptying down the drain), the size of the room the dehumidifier is in, and your budget. Generally, you can expect to spend $175-$275 on a good dehumidifier.
Here we review some of the best options. Each of the dehumidifiers reviewed is well-respected and an extremely solid piece of technology. The difference between them is all about the smaller details, and about your specific requirements. Read on to see our detailed review of the options available, and find the right dehumidifier for you.
METHODOLOGY
We reviewed the best and most popular dehumidifiers from four leading brands. We compared them based on price, capacity, design, and functionality. Each of the models we reviewed has a range of different variants (30, 50, or 70 liters, for example), so we compared models to give the best range of options for you based on your specific needs.
our overall winner
The best dehumidifier was the Frigidaire 70-pint dehumidifier. Although there was some close competition, this model is in the sweet spot of price and quality. It is one of the fastest dehumidifiers on the market, meaning it gets the job done quickly and (energy) efficiently.
In addition, the ability for it to run 24 hours when connected to a drain means that you can leave this running without the need to empty the bucket and constantly monitor it.
QUICK COMPARISON CHART
COST
PINTS PER DAY
energy star certified
warranty
-
Frigidaire
$200-$250
70
Yes
5 year sealed
system
1 year p&L -
hOmeLabs
<$200
70
Yes
2 years
-
Black + Decker
$250
70
NO
5 year
compressor parts
1 year p&L -
Honeywell
$210-$280
50
Yes
5 year sealed
system
1 year p&L
Best OVERALL dehumidifier
Frigidaire 70 Pint Dehumidifier
The Frigidaire 70 pint dehumidifier’s big selling point is its ability to remove large volumes of moisture from the air with relative energy efficiency. If placed next to a drain, it can operate continuously over a 24-hour period. Overall, the quality and durability of this dehumidifier mark it as one of the highest-quality options on the market.
COST
This model is in the $200-250 range, meaning it’s squarely in the middle of the models reviewed. Sure, you could spend more, but a higher cost won’t necessarily get you a better model in terms of core functions (i.e. how quickly it can get the moisture out of your room).
Frigidaire 70 Pint Dehumidifer Specs:
- Model Number: FFAS7033R1
- Dehumidification - 70 pints per day
- Dimensions: 11.6 x 15 x 24.4 inches
- Bucket style: Front Pull-Out
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Warranty: 5 year sealed system/1 year full parts and labor
PROS
- Speed. One of the fastest dehumidifiers on the market - in
tests it removed moisture quicker than other comparable dehumidifiers. - Energy Efficiency. This model operates at a lower temperature, meaning it uses less energy (and costs less) than others on the market.
- Portability. With wheels and handles, this is designed to be moved easily and efficiently.
CONS
- Size. The water tank is smaller than average, meaning you either need to empty it more frequently or use the drain feature.
What People are Saying:
-
“First and foremost, it does best what a dehumidifier is designed to do – it removes moisture quickly and, just as importantly, it does so efficiently.” – Dehumidifier Buyers Guide
-
“The Frigidaire FFAD70331R1 70-pint dehumidifier is one that will prove to be a good investment for anyone looking for a high-
quality product.“ – HVAC Training 101
Best budget dehumidifier
hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft
Energy Star Dehumidifer
The hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier was our best budget option, coming in at less than $200. hOmeLabs may not be the first name you think of when you think appliances, and for good reason – they’re new on the market. Perhaps reflecting this, the generous warranty means you are covered for 2.5 years – longer than its competitors.
Although some of the components seem to be cheaper than on established models, they function well (and are under warranty) and serve to bring the overall cost down significantly.
hOmeLabs is a relatively new company in the world of dehumidifiers. However, their 70-pint option is a well-regarded budget choice for those who want a simple set up. The two-year warranty on all parts is a big sell (this raises to 2.5 years if you register online). Although the machine is unlikely to win any design awards, and the components aren’t always of the highest quality, if you want a machine that does the job without breaking the bank, this is the one for you.
COST
The hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier costs less than $200.
hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifer Specs:
- Model Number: HME020031N
- Dehumidification - 70 pints per day
- Dimensions: 15.4 x 11 x 24.3 inches
- Bucket style: Front Pull-Out
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Warranty: 2 years on all parts
PROS
- Value. One of the few 70 pint dehumidifiers that come in below $200.
- Portability. The 70-pint version weighs 20% less than its competitors.
CONS
- Quality. The low price is driven by the use of cheaper parts.
- Noise. The slightly lower quality components mean that the noise output is higher than comparable models.
What People are Saying:
- “The hOmeLabs HME020031N is one of the better performing 70 pint dehumidifiers we’ve tested.” - Dehumidifier Buyers Guide
- “It is the ultimate set up and go equipment.” - HouseholdMe
Best High-End dehumidifier
Black + Decker 70 Pint
Portable Dehumidifier with Pump
If price is no issue, then the Black + Decker 70 Pint Portable Dehumidifier with Pump is the best option for you. With three fan settings, two drainage options, and space-age looking design, this is the model if you want something portable yet robust that can handle the vast majority of situations.
The Black + Decker 70 pint model with pump is the top-of-the-line dehumidifier – as reflected in both quality and price. The display makes it easy to use, control the thermostat, the timer, and choose your preferences for automatic use.
This model gives you a range of options – from fan speed (three) to drainage (two) – meaning you can tailor it to various different situations and circumstances. Put simply, if you have the cash to spend, this is the model that gives you the best quality, reliability, and flexibility.
COST
The Black + Decker 70 pint model with pump costs more than $250.
Black + Decker 70 Pint Portable Dehumidifier with Pump Specs:
- Model Number: BDT70PWT
- Dehumidification - 70 pints per day
- Dimensions: 11.2 x 15.2 x 24.9 inches
- Bucket style: Front Pull-Out
- Warranty: 1 year for labor/1 year for parts/5 years for compressor parts
PROS
- Fan. The three-speed fan setting gives you versatility when it comes to using.
- Design. The slick control panel looks (and functions) like the high-end model it is.
- Quality. In every criterion (temperature, drainage, energy efficiency) this model is the top of the line.
CONS
- Noise. The fan noise of this model compares unfavorably with its Frigidaire competitors.
- Price. This is the high-end model and will set you back over $250.
What People are Saying:
- “The Black & Decker 70 Pint Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier boasts a modern electronic control center packed with advanced features to make humidity control a hassle-free process.” - Business Insider
- “Amazing dehumidifier. Better than any of the ones I've owned previously for household duty.” - Amazon
Best Low-Maintenance dehumidifier
Honeywell 50 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier
The defining feature of this dehumidifier is its sleek and ergonomic design. With an intuitive LED system telling you the status of the room’s humidity, a built-in humidistat that turns the machine off when it is not needed, and alerts for when the tank needs emptying this is a low-maintenance option to ‘set and forget.’ The Energy Star efficiency keeps it low maintenance on both energy usage and noise.
COST
The Honeywell 50 pint Energy Star dehumidifier costs between $210-$280.
Honeywell 50 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier Specs:
- Model Number: TP50WK
- Dehumidification - 50 pints per day
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 13.2 x 20.1 inches
- Bucket style: Front Pull-Out
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Warranty: 5 year sealed system/1 year full parts and labor
PROS
- Design. The machine is sleek, with a simple digital display and LED lights.
- Eco-Friendly. With Energy Star certification, re-usable air filter and built-in humidistat, this machine is one of the greenest options around.
- Powerful. Despite a 50-pint limit, this model can work even in rooms up to 3,000 square feet.
CONS
- Durability. The construction and design of the water tank mean that it is not up to the high standards of the rest of the system.
What People are Saying:
- “The Honeywell Energy Star 50-pint (30 Pint 2019 DOE Standard) dehumidifier is the trusted choice for a reliable, long-lasting dehumidifier for your home.” - My Home Climate
- “What sets this unit apart is the mirage front LED indicator which tells you the current RH.” - Amazon