We are guessing you are reading this article because you are looking for a long-lasting treatment from issues caused by excess moisture. We know how taxing it can be to find the best dehumidifier that suits your requirements. That’s why research group has tested over 50 dehumidifier models in the last 3 years.
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In 2019, we picked 5 new products to put under the scanner. We choose 3 standard apartments in Louisiana, California, Florida, and Texas for the task as these are the most humid states in the USA. Before finalizing this list, we also spoke to at least 5 existing customers of each product to ensure the reviews are as helpful as they can be.
Best Dehumidifier Comparison:
10 Best Dehumidifier for 2019
Best dehumidifier over dozens of competitive models from different brands listed below:
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The Frigidaire 70-Pint Dehumidifier has been our top pick since the very beginning for a number of reasons. This highly portable machine is engineered to near perfection for medium-sized rooms. The side handles and top handles further add to the portability of the device. In the humidity reduction test, this model performs exceptionally well under any given environment. We set the relative humidity of 50 sq.ft test area with 80% relative humidity and the model brought it down to 50% RH in less than 4 minutes.
Not just that, even the power draw of the unit is significantly less compared to the moisture removal rate. Although the other 70 pints model we tested drew slightly less power than Frigidaire, they took a longer time to dehumidify. Since the exhaust fans are located on the sides of the system, so you can orient the machine itself to lessen the amount of audible noise.
Even at high fan speed, the noise level did not exceed 60.5 dB which is incredible for a unit rated for 70-pint. It even comes with a 24-hours timer that lets you tweak the machine according to your needs. So, if you are looking for a portable dehumidifier with high energy efficiency and fuss-free controls, this could be a great bargain for the money.
What we liked
- Durable and portable design.
- Highly energy-saving.
- Excellent dehumidifying capability.
- Silent operation.
- Easy adjustments.
What we didn’t like
- The built-in humidistat isn’t always accurate.
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At spot #2, we have picked a new contender of 2018 that impressed us with its consistent performance and massive capacity. With the 9-gallon reservoir capacity, the machine can operate for nearly 2 days in rooms up to 3500 sq.ft. While both Frigidaire and hOmeLabs can bring the RH to the desired level within the same lead time, there’s a reason why the latter isn’t our top pick.
We all know that the moisture level indoor increases with time. Now, this hOmeLabs model turns off automatically when the actual humidity level goes just 1% below the preset level. Whereas, the Frigidaire dehumidifier will remain on till the humidity level goes 5% below the set level. It will also turn itself on when the RH level goes 5% higher than the set level. However, hOmeLabs gets one extra point for including a water level indicator which the former model lacks.
During the power consumption test, we found that hOmeLabs draws about 560W at Turbo mode while the Frigidaire wouldn’t draw more than 483W at Hi settings. Once again, hoOmeLabs makes up for this glitch to some extent with its splash guard. The build quality is excellent, to say the least. It is made from premium quality plastic and has a great finish. Install it in a suitable corner of the room and it would quietly mind its business. Add to that, to make relocating the unit a breeze, it even has wheels at the bottom.
What we liked
- Solid construction.
- Precise timer and humidity level controls.
- Splash guard.
- Water level indicator.
- Suitable for medium to large rooms.
What we didn’t like
- The unit turns off as soon as the humidity level hits 1% below the set level.
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The only model we deemed capable of giving the above two devices a tough competition is Keystone KSTAD50B. What it lacks in capacity, it makes up for it with state-of-the-art features, compact design, and impeccable energy efficiency. Out of the ten 50-pint models we evaluated, this was ended up consuming less than 15% energy than its direct competitors. At 50% RH, it drew only 439W which translates to cost-cutting on the electricity bill. It can maintain a moisture level of 55% in rooms measuring up to 3000 sq.ft.
However, this also means you will have to keep the device on for a longer time to achieve the desired moisture level. In the 80% to 50% test, the KSTAD50B took roughly 9 minutes which is average. However, this should not be your top deciding factor while choosing a dehumidifier. The manufacturer has to cut some corners to keep the price reasonable for affordable units like this. Investing in it makes total less if need a less heavy-duty model to perform under not-so-extreme humid weather conditions.
Coming to other features, we absolutely loved their auto-defrost function which eliminates the frost buildup on the evaporator coils. This tiny feature is of significant value considering it increases the longevity of the compressor. It also comes with full bucket alert and clean filter alert which effectively help to prevent overflowing and filter clogging. Also, the dust filter gets cleaned in a jiffy and for further protection against overflowing, the system includes a continuous draining option as well.
What we liked
- Less bulky than 70-pint models.
- 15% more energy efficient than similar-priced 50-pint models.
- Water level indicator.
- Clean filter alert and overflow prevention.
- Auto-defrost.
What we didn’t like
- Takes longer to dehumidify a room than 70-pint devices.
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Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star, as all our testers agreed, is the easiest to use and maintain devices on our list. If you are buying a dehumidifier for the first time and not a tech-geek as such, this is worth a look. The highly responsive LED display brings all the necessary settings and controls at your fingertip. All you need to do is flick a switch to power on and off the machine. If you need to reduce the moisture level to safe limits in rooms up to 4500 sq.ft.
Another feature that gives this device a slight edge over others is the length of its cord. With the 6 feet long cord, we could install the unit at any corner of the room without using an extension cord. It has two high speed yet silent fans integrated into the system. On the downside, we did hear noticeable vibration and mild gurgling noise when the machine was on. It’s not too loud but one can surely do without it. We would strongly advise you to install this system near a direct-draining system to ensure continuous, lag-free operation.
What we liked
- Super easy controls.
- LED display.
- Dehumidifies rooms up to 4500 sq.ft.
- Easily removable filter.
- Cord length.
What we didn’t likes
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The 50-pint model from Frigidaire is a smarter option than the 70-pint model if you need to treat smaller rooms. As far as the moisture removal capacity is concerned, it is nearly at par with the Keystone dehumidifier. At 50% relative humidity, it drew approximately 460 W which is just a tad above average. However, it took significantly lesser time to complete the 90% to 40% test than all the other 50-pint dehumidifiers barring Keystone.
Coming to the noise production, at high speed, all you will be able to hear is white noise. Granted, it is not as silent as our top pick, but at this price-point, you simply cannot expect a flawless product. One piece of advice from us would be to use a separate hygrometer. If you want precise humidity control, relying on the built-in humidistat won’t be a wise move.
What we liked
- Best suited for small rooms.
- Durable construction.
- Quick and efficient.
- Full tank alert feature.
- Simple electronic controls.
What we didn’t likes
- Built-in hygrometer.
- Cannot be used with an extension cord.
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At #6, we have a product you can count on when you don’t have the time to monitor your dehumidifier all the time. What makes this product truly stand out is its smart memory that remembers timer+RH level combinations you regularly use. Thanks to the hose and the drain port, you don’t have to worry about emptying the tank from time to time as well.
To further prevent overflowing, like all quality dehumidifiers, it also comes with an auto shut-off feature.Another feature that makes it a solid contender for the title of the best dehumidifier is its incredible energy efficiency. This small beast consumes only 90 watts of power. You can conveniently dry out the air in 208 sq.ft rooms with approx 80% RH using this ultra-compact device.
What we liked
- Continuous drain hose.
- Smart memory that remembers the settings you use.
- Breezy clean-up.
- Extremely energy-efficient.
- Auto shut-off.
What we didn’t likes
- Only suitable for small rooms, car, and RVs.
- Low moisture removal capacity.
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Apart from a small office basement, we also tested this specific model in a car and an RV. Based on our reports, this machine is engineered mainly for vehicles, condos and hostel rooms of 200 sq.ft. The water tank can hold up to 3000 ml. At an approx 70-80% RH level, you may have to empty the tank only once in every two days. Its sleek and compact design lends a very small foothold which makes it easy to install and carry.
We have to admit that the noise output wasn’t exactly pleasing while reading a book or sleeping. That’s an issue common with almost every budget model in the market. The electronic controls are pretty smooth as well. Once you set the desired humidity level, the system can take care of the rest. Do not expect the moisture removal to be nearly as good as the previously listed models. It does bump the RH level down to about 5% real quick in a small studio or car.
What we liked
- Best for studio apartments, RV, car, and boats.
- Fuss-free maintenance.
- Continuous Operation mode.
- The tank is easy to open and refill.
- Full tank alert.
What we didn’t likes
- Not designed for rooms over 300 sq.ft.
- The built-in hygrometer is exactly accurate.
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While even the most expensive and well-built dehumidifiers lack an accurate built-in hygrometer, the one installed in this model left us pleasantly surprised with its accuracy. Another key feature is the built-in pump. In simple terms, it relieves you from the task of emptying the reservoir when it is filled. The machine itself takes care of it. Moreover, it doesn’t cycle on and off frequently.
The +/- 5% hysteresis range isn’t worth going ga-ga over. However, if you are solely buying a dehumidifier for your music room or ensure proper plant growth, this gets the job done. Decent features aside, the major components of this machine are seemingly made from premium materials and should stand the test of time if taken care of, properly.
What we liked
- +/- 5% hysteresis range.
- In-built pump.
- Sturdy build.
- Accurate humidistat.
- Bright and responsive LED display.
What we didn’t likes
- Low dehumidifying output.
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This elegantly designed, compact dehumidifier from BLACK+DECKER can easily remove up to 70 pints of moisture from rooms up to 1000 sq.ft. While filling the tank is a breeze, our testers did find it a bit difficult to empty the reservoir without splashing the collected water. In 2018, we tested this model in a 1000 sq.ft apartment in Florida.
Throughout the day, it was able to keep the RH level stable at 45%. Another plus point of this humble dehumidifier is the full reservoir alarm along with a Red light indicator. Using the pump feature, you can continuously direct the water to an external receptacle. The unit releases only a low humming sound which is least likely to bug you.
What we liked
- Can be relocated easily from place to place.
- Continuous drain function.
- Seamless controls.
- 3 fan speed modes.
- Produces only white noise.
What we didn’t likes
- Removing the reservoir without spilling water is challenging.
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The LG PuriCare boasts of an infallible combination of practical design and useful features. You can run the drain pipe through an exterior wall like we did if you don’t like emptying the tank two times a day. Connecting the line to the outside drain is fuss-free. DIY enthusiasts can definitely get the job done in a heartbeat without any additional help.
During the rainy season in Florida, the unit collects about 1.5 gallons of water a day which is huge. You can use it for treating rooms over 850 sq.ft to maintain the RH level at 50-55%. While the operation isn’t virtually noise-free, you can hear only a low humming sound if you really pay attention.
What we liked
- Works well for rooms sizing around 850 sq.ft.
- Easy-peasy installation.
- Very low noise output.
- Compact design.
- Chore-free maintenance.
What we didn’t likes
- Overheats a little if you run it 24/7.
Final Verdict
Choosing the 10 best dehumidifiers out of a massive line of products was a daunting task, indeed. But the hard work pays off when our reviews help you select the right product without exceeding your budget. Dehumidifiers, apart from being the ultimate solution for damp air, also prevent the growth of mold and mildew. So investing in one of these is more of a necessity than a luxury. While the market will always leave you spoilt for choices, carefully considering the features, pros, and cons of multiple products side by side will significantly ease the decision for you.
