Need a dehumidifier? We’ve got all the best dehumidifiers for basements, homes, and even tiny spaces in this guide. Along with advice on what to look for before you buy, we’ve compiled dehumidifier reviews to help you make a decision.
So, what does a dehumidifier do? Dehumidifiers work by extracting moisture from the air and collecting it in a tank. The most basic dehumidifiers will collect water in a small tank and will need emptying regularly. Larger, more sophisticated dehumidifiers will be better for expansive areas or basements. This is because they have more fan speeds, larger water tank capacities, and some have an in-built pump so you don’t even have to empty them yourself.
Before you buy a dehumidifier, there are a few things to consider. First up, how big is the area that you need your dehumidifier to reduce moisture from? There’s no point buying a cheap, tiny dehumidifier to take out moisture from a huge room. Instead, take note of the square footage a dehumidifier can work with.
Next, have a look at the capacity of water each dehumidifier can hold. If you need the dehumidifier to tackle moisture in large areas such as basements, opt for a model that can hold up to 70 pints of water. For the bigger capacity dehumidifiers, pick a model that has an in-built pump so that you won’t have to empty it yourself.
Finally, to help keep the cost to the environment and to you as low as possible, look for Energy Star-rated dehumidifiers as these will be more economic to run in the long term.
If it’s cleaning the air in your home you need, check out our guide to the best air purifiers.
1. Soleus Air DSX-70EMW-01: Best overall dehumidifier
Removing up to 70 pints of water a day, the Soleus Air DSX-70EMW-01 Dehumidifier delivers everything you’d expect from a large capacity model and more. The only model in our round up that’s WiFi-enabled, the Soleus Air DSX-70EMW-01 can be programmed from your phone and allows you to create schedules that suit you.
The Soleus Air DSX-70EMW-01 is Energy Star-rated and also features MyHome Mode, which has a selection of pre-programmed humidity levels that are optimum for each of the rooms in your home. With handy wheels so that you can move this model around, the Soleus Air doesn’t have an in-built pump so you will have to manually empty its water tank.
With all the smart features and a large capacity, this dehumidifier offers good value and a great option for removing lots of moisture in areas such as basements, large rooms or whole homes.
2. GE APEL45LY Dehumidifier: Best dehumidifier with a pump
Adding convenience with an in-built pump, the GE APEL45LY Dehumidifier will take care of emptying its water tank with very little effort on your behalf.
Collecting up to 45 pints of water a day, this dehumidifier has an LED digital display, auto shut-off, and is also Energy Star-rated. Other great features about the GE dehumidifier are the three different fan speeds, its dark finish, and how quiet it is when operating.
What it does lack, however, are smart features so that you can control it from your phone which would make this model even more attractive.
- Read our GE APEL45LY Dehumidifier review
3. Frigidaire FAD704DWD: Best dehumidifier for basements
The Frigidaire FAD704DWD Dehumidifier can remove up to 70 pints of water a day, so it’s ideal for large areas or damp basements. The water reservoir is large but this model doesn’t have a pump, so emptying out the tank will be pretty heavy.
This dehumidifier is also missing a 24-hour timer and auto defrost modes but it is Energy-Star rated. Its sturdy design and casters mean it’s relatively easy to move around should you need to change the rooms you use it in. The Frigidaire FAD704DWD is also a quiet model and the sealed system of the humidifier is protected by an extended warranty.
- Read our Frigidaire FAD704DWD review
4. Keystone KSTAD504D dehumidifier: Best energy-efficient dehumidifier
The Keystone dehumidifier is great for removing moisture from rooms up to the size of 4,500 square feet. It doesn’t come with a pump but it can collect up to 50 pints of water in one day. Handy features include an LED display, full bucket alert, and auto shut-off when the water tank reaches full capacity.
There are three useful functions: auto, turbo, and normal and there’s also an alert when the filter needs cleaning - helping you to stay on top of the maintenance of the unit. The dust filter is removable so that you can take it out and give it a good clean, too.
Energy Star-rated, this model will also auto-restart if there’s a power outage, remembering all of your settings in the process.
5. Pro Breeze PB-02-US Dehumidifier: Best bathroom dehumidifier
If you’re looking for a dehumidifier that can tackle moisture in huge basements or rooms in your house, then the Pro Breeze PB-02-US Dehumidifier is not the one. However, this dehumidifier is not designed to take on huge rooms. Instead, this model will be a great fit for bathrooms, wardrobes, or small spaces that don’t require a huge capacity dehumidifier.
The Pro Breeze dehumidifier is energy efficient and operates really quietly, making it ideal for small offices too. An LED light will let you know when the Pro Breeze’s tank needs emptying and although there isn’t an in-built, with a much smaller tank, you wouldn’t really need one.
How to maintain a dehumidifier
Foremost amongst the tasks you should regularly undertake to keep your dehumidifier in top condition is empty the collection tank frequently and clean it out with soap and warm water or disinfectant. Like a humidifier, mold and mildew can build up quickly where water is stored, and any impurities inside the machine can get dispersed into the air.
Secondly, be sure to clean the intake and exhaust grills at least once a season with a vacuum and brush attachment to help improve the longevity of the system. And, while we’re talking about exhausts, be sure to maintain at least a 6-inch gap between the back of the dehumidifier and the wall so the exhaust is not blocked, which could cause the machine to overheat.
And, thirdly, always make time to check the dehumidifier’s humidistat and adjust it when necessary to keep the humidity levels between a safe 40 and 50 percent.