The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (2024)

The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (1)

Too much humidity can contribute to more dust and an unpleasant musty odor. All that moist air can creep into the floors, ceilings, and walls of a home. And not only can it destroy wallpaper and home furnishings, but it can also contribute to the deterioration of your home’s foundation. When leaks or floods are the cause of excess moisture, a dehumidifier is your best line of defense against mold and mildew.

“For most homes, the humidity level should be between 30 percent and 50 percent,” says Ben Boyce, owner of Aire Serv of Newark, DE, a Neighborly company. “While these levels will change depending on the season and the region you live in, in general, the higher the moisture in the air, the hotter and stickier you’ll feel,” says Boyce. “High humidity levels also impact breathing, so people with asthma may want to keep the humidity levels lower,” he notes.

We tested 17 dehumidifiers in our homes, evaluating each on effectiveness, setup, ease of use, design, range of features, and overall value. Along with Boyce, we also consulted David Ragsdale, Production Manager at Servpro Industries, for expert advice on buying dehumidifiers. Our top picks include dehumidifiers of all sizes for every part of your home, including small bathrooms and larger basem*nts.

Our Top Picks

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Best Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier:

Midea 50-Pint Cube Dehumidifier at Amazon ($278)

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Best Dehumidifier for Basem*nts:

Frigidaire 35-Pint Dehumidifier at Amazon ($222)

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Best Dehumidifier for Garages:

Amazon Basics Dehumidifier at Amazon ($219)

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Best Overall Dehumidifier

Honeywell 30-Pint Smart Dehumidifier

The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (2)

Our Ratings

  • Setup

    5/5

  • Features

    5/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Ease of Use

    5/5

  • Effectiveness

    5/5

What Stands Out

  • It has smart features, as well as a control system to make it easily adjustable.

What Could Be Improved

  • It’s heavy, so it’s a good thing it’s on wheels.

The Honeywell TP30WKN didn’t take long at all to impress us with its performance; in fact, we noticed the air felt drier soon after turning it on. It’s rather easy to assemble out of the box, and it took just around 15 minutes to get everything up and running, including the app. The smart features on this model are fantastic—we especially love that the app alerts you when the tank is full, and we found that it does fill up rather quickly, so this is a great feature. We also liked that this Honeywell dehumidifier has auto-adjustable settings depending on the area of the house that you place it in.

It also has two fan settings (low and high), which you can adjust from the app or on the device itself. It comes with a drain hose, but the 30-pint capacity bucket is easy enough to pull out and empty on your own—though we learned the hard way it’s probably better to dump out in a tub than a sink. The back air filter comes out for easy cleaning too—the app will alert you when it’s time to clean, though we weren’t prompted to do this during the testing period.

The noise level is not at all distracting; in fact, we got used to it rather quickly. If you’re looking for a dehumidifier with an easy learning curve, this Honeywell is the perfect option for just about any spot in your home. Plus, despite the smart features it doesn’t have an unusually high price tag, making it a good value buy too.

Maximum Coverage Area: 1,000 square feet | Moisture Removal Capacity: 30 pints | Drainage: Continuous drain tube | Dimensions: 10.5 x 13.2 x 20.1 inches | Weight: 29.9 pounds | Energy Star Certified: Yes

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  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (4)

  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (5)

Best Budget Dehumidifier

Eva-Dry Electric Petite Dehumidifier

The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (6)

Our Ratings

  • Setup

    5/5

  • Features

    5/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Ease of Use

    5/5

  • Effectiveness

    5/5

What Stands Out

  • It’s as quiet as it is small, so it’s great for bedrooms.

We didn’t think it was possible for a dehumidifier to be cute, but here we are with the petite purple Eva-Dry. The setup is simple—just unbox and plug it in.

This dehumidifier certainly can’t take on large spaces, but it does well in smaller rooms. We first tried it out after a rainstorm and noticed that it removed some of the stickiness from the air and made the room more comfortable. After a few hours of operation, we noticed our allergy-prone cat wasn’t suffering as much, so there was a noticeable improvement in air quality.

Unlike a larger dehumidifier with a heavy water tank, this one has a tiny pint-sized one, so you’ll need to keep an eye on it. Given that it sits right on a table or bathroom vanity, it’s more accessible, so we were mindful of emptying it. It’s simple to remove the tray—we emptied it twice during a week of testing, even though it was only about half full each time.

Maximum Coverage Area: 225 square feet | Moisture Removal Capacity: 16 ounces | Drainage: Removable tank | Dimensions: ​​5.3 x 6.5 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Energy Star Certified: No

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  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (8)

Best Splurge Dehumidifier

Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump

The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (9)

Our Ratings

  • Setup

    5/5

  • Features

    5/5

  • Design

    4.3/5

  • Ease of Use

    5/5

  • Effectiveness

    4.8/5

What Stands Out

  • There are three ways to empty it.

What Could Be Improved

  • The tank is heavy and awkward to empty manually.

Large, moisture-rich spaces like basem*nts call for large dehumidifiers. If you want to dry out your basem*nt (or any other larger space in your home), this Frigidaire model will do the trick. It’s not surprising, though, that such a heavy-duty dehumidifier is, indeed, heavy. But we were glad to have the handle and built-in wheels to maneuver it into place in the basem*nt, though we did need a second set of hands to help us get the box in the door on delivery.

This dehumidifier comes with a drain hose, but for the purposes of testing, we emptied the water tank manually at first. It fills up quite quickly, which is a testament to its effectiveness. We found that it filled up in less than 12 hours, triggering the auto-shutoff feature. After a few cycles, we connected it to a drain hose after emptying it a few times—it’s quite heavy when you do it manually—and we are glad we did. The drain hose not only makes it easier to empty (it does the work for you!) but it will also keep it from shutting off automatically. We noticed a difference in the air when it ran continuously; the room felt dryer and more pleasant.

This dehumidifier doesn’t have smart capabilities, but it does have built-in features like an auto-shutoff when the tank is full, and custom humidity control. It also has an easy-to-clean filter, though we noticed the filter stayed good as new during testing, even with some light construction projects happening nearby. Overall, this Frigidaire is a pricier purchase than the others on our list, but for its effectiveness and ease of use—especially when you attach the drain hose—it’s an excellent value.

Maximum Coverage Area: 4500 square feet | Moisture Removal Capacity: 50 pints | Drainage: Built-in pump, continuous drainage option, or removable bucket | Dimensions: 24.75 x 16 x 12.25 inches | Weight: 41 pounds | Energy Star Certified: Yes

  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (10)

  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (11)

  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (12)

Best Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier

Midea 50-Pint Cube Dehumidifier

The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (13)

Our Ratings

  • Setup

    5/5

  • Features

    5/5

  • Design

    4.5/5

  • Ease of Use

    5/5

  • Effectiveness

    5/5

What Stands Out

  • The unique nesting design makes it easy to store when not in use.

What Could Be Improved

  • We found that mildew forms quickly in the water tank.

The Energy Star Most Efficient rating is proof enough of this dehumidifier’s efficiency, but we were still impressed by how the Midea lowered the humidity levels in a garage after a rainstorm. We were equally impressed by the smart and automatic features as well. For starters, there’s an auto restart function, so if your dehumidifier shuts off in a power outage, it will turn back on at the same settings. There’s also an auto defrost that keeps water in the tank from freezing, which could damage the machine.

Connect it to Wi-Fi, and there are smart features that will alert you for maintenance, such as when it’s time to empty the tank. You can do so manually, or, for continuous draining, attach it to a hose or position it right over a floor drain. Take note though that we were rather surprised to see mildew build up quickly in the water tank even though we emptied it frequently, although a wet soapy rag cleaned it easily.

Most of the features and functions on this dehumidifier are fairly intuitive, but for those that weren’t, we appreciated having a sticker on the machine that explained which buttons to press.

Despite this being a heavy-duty dehumidifier, it’s got a nesting design that allows you to extend or shorten it, depending on how much fill capacity you need. It also makes it easy to store when not in use.

Maximum Coverage Area: 4500 square feet | Moisture Removal Capacity: 50 pints | Drainage: Drain hose | Dimensions: 14.45 x 14.76 x 14.57 inches | Weight: 42 pounds | Energy Star Certified: Yes

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Best Dehumidifier for Bedrooms

Whirlpool 40-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump

The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (15)

Our Ratings

  • Setup

    5/5

  • Features

    4.5/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Ease of Use

    5/5

  • Effectiveness

    5/5

What Stands Out

  • It operates quietly, so it won’t keep you up at night.

What Could Be Improved

  • Water tank removal can be awkward.

If you’re looking for a dehumidifier that won’t keep you up at night, we recommend the quiet Whirlpool WHAD40PCW. Setup is easy—just pop the wheels right into the bottom of the unit and you’re (literally) ready to roll. The controls on the dehumidifier are intuitive, so we had it up and running in minutes. The first thing we noticed—or rather, barely noticed—was how quiet this unit is while running. That makes it a great choice for bedrooms, as it won’t disturb your sleep at night. We tested this Whirlpool in a rather humid bathroom and found it dried the air out very quickly.

We liked that this dehumidifier had a built-in hygrometer so you can tell at a glance the humidity level of a room. It also has a humidistat, which turns the unit on or off when it reaches a particular humidity level. Or, you could simply use the built-in timer to turn off the device after a certain time of your choosing.

The large water tank holds about 40 pints of water, so you can keep the dehumidifier running for hours before you need to empty it. You can glance at how full it is through the window, though if you forget, an indicator light will illuminate you as a reminder to empty the tank. You can also attach a drain hose for hands-off maintenance. The air filter is simple to remove and clean, though there was no need to do so during the testing period.

Maximum Coverage Area: 500 square feet | Moisture Removal Capacity: 40 pints | Drainage: Built-in pump | Dimensions: 12.01 x 15.04 x 25.2 inches | Weight: 41.78 pounds| Energy Star Certified: Yes

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  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (17)

Best Dehumidifier for Bathrooms

Pure Enrichment PureDry Deluxe Dehumidifier

The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (18)

Our Ratings

  • Setup

    5/5

  • Features

    5/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Ease of Use

    5/5

  • Effectiveness

    4.8/5

What Stands Out

  • It’s small enough to fit on a shelf or counter.

What Could Be Improved

  • It doesn’t have a built-in hygrometer, and it’s not Energy Star certified.

This petite Pure Enrichment dehumidifier is simple and intuitive to operate, as it only has three buttons: power, high/low setting, and a timer button. Setting up this dehumidifier was as easy as taking it out of the box. We loved that the tank was very easy to empty—just slide it out of the bank and pop off the top. There’s a clear window in the tank so you can keep an eye on it as it fills. Considering this is the smallest dehumidifier on our list, we were impressed to see that it still has a 20-ounce water tank.

The dehumidifier is very quiet while operating; it sounds like a faint white noise machine, so it won’t get in the way of your activities or rest time at home. The tank is easy to clean, too—just some dish soap and a washcloth is all you need. The filter and back air intake are also easy to remove and clean, though neither needed to be cleaned during testing. When it is time for cleaning, just give everything a quick rinse and let them air dry before reinstalling.

It’s small for its effectiveness, which is why it works well for a bathroom. We liked that it didn’t leak, and the timer shuts off after four or eight hours for peace of mind. Even when it’s on low, it effectively pulls water from the air. In fact, we found that it not only lowered the humidity level in the room rather quickly, but it eventually improved the entire first floor of our home. We felt more comfortable and could breathe better on humid days when the device was running.

Maximum Coverage Area: 160 square feet | Moisture Removal Capacity: 1.5 liters (20 ounces) | Drainage: Removable tank | Dimensions: 5.5 x 9.1 x 12 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Energy Star Certified: No

  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (19)

  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (20)

  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (21)

Best Dehumidifier for Basem*nts

Frigidaire 35-Pint Dehumidifier

The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (22)

Our Ratings

  • Setup

    5/5

  • Features

    4.8/5

  • Design

    4.5/5

  • Ease of Use

    5/5

  • Effectiveness

    5/5

What Stands Out

  • The large tank is easy to empty manually.

What Could Be Improved

  • The power cord is short.

We tested this Frigidaire dehumidifier during a rainy weekend. After about six hours, the air didn’t feel quite so thick or smell as damp, and after 12 hours, the basem*nt felt noticeably less sticky. We were impressed with how quiet this dehumidifier is. As such, we like that it has a timer so it will shut off after a certain number of hours running in case you forget it’s on.

After running a full 24 hours of operation, the tank was full and the unit shut off automatically, which we appreciated as a safety feature. We were sure that emptying a full water tank would be a chore, but it wasn’t with this one, thanks to the lid and convenient carry handle, which ensured that we didn’t spill a drop en route to the sink or drain. The tank is rather large—we were on a daily routine of emptying it on humid days, but found it could be done every other day on dryer days. It’s easy to keep an eye on, since there’s a red line that rises when the tank fills up, so it’s uncomplicated to see when it needs to be emptied.

The dehumidifier is easy to set up—just plug it in and it’s ready to go. It’s on wheels and is easy to move around, but we found we couldn’t go very far because of the short power cord. The unit is also quite easy to clean, though it didn’t need to be during the testing period. For the size of the room it covers and how easy it is to empty (there’s also a drain hose for hands-free maintenance), we think it’s worth the price tag.

Maximum Coverage Area: 4500 square feet | Moisture Removal Capacity: 35 pints | Drainage: Removable bucket or continuous drain | Dimensions: 24.75 x 12 x 12.25 inches | Weight: 39 pounds | Energy Star Certified: Yes

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Best Dehumidifier for Garages

Amazon Basics Dehumidifier

The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (24)

Our Ratings

  • Setup

    5/5

  • Features

    5/5

  • Design

    3.5/5

  • Ease of Use

    5/5

  • Effectiveness

    5/5

What Stands Out

  • It’s much more affordable compared to models of a similar size with similar features.

What Could Be Improved

  • It is extremely loud.

This Amazon Basics dehumidifier is ready to go out of the box, but we needed to peruse the manual first to make sense of the myriad of buttons on the top of the machine. We used it in a room that is quite humid (thanks, old windows!) and noticed a difference within the first half hour of operation. Not only did the hygrometer register a decrease in humidity, but the air felt crisper, too. Overall, we noticed a 34 percent drop in humidity over time. Even more, we noticed that the windows, which normally have condensation dripping down the panes, were dry when this machine was in use.

This Energy Star-certified dehumidifier has a number of features that keep it running at optimal levels, like auto-defrost and overflow protection. Not surprisingly, the auto-run feature never shut off because of the consistent levels of humidity, so we defaulted to using the timer to power down after a certain amount of time instead.

Despite its effectiveness, it is loud. We likened it to the roar of a large air conditioner. As such, It’s much better for the garage or some other infrequently used area of your home—unless you don’t mind raising the volume on the TV or constantly shouting. Also, the wheels (which come already attached) made it simple to move it around the house. The tank is large and easy to remove for emptying, but we found that we only had to do it once during a week of it being kept on nearly constantly.

Maximum Coverage Area: 2500 square feet | Moisture Removal Capacity: 35 pints | Drainage: Removable bucket and drain | Dimensions: 15.43 x 11.1 x 24.25 inches | Weight: 39.2 pounds | Energy Star Certified: Yes

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  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (26)

Most Versatile Dehumidifier

hOmeLabs 50-Pint Dehumidifier

The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (27)

Our Ratings

  • Setup

    5/5

  • Features

    5/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Effectiveness

    5/5

What Stands Out

  • The adjustable settings can address varying humidity levels.

What Could Be Improved

  • It’s quite large, so it won’t blend in with the decor

The hOmeLabs dehumidifier is truly plug-and-play—all you have to do is install the power cord storage bracket on this device, turn it on, and you’re ready to go. This compact dehumidifier is on wheels, so it’s easy enough to move about your home wherever you need it.

We like that this device could be programmed to work for different rooms and different humidity levels, though it’s powerful enough to take on entire floors, too. We tried it out first on the Comfort setting in a hallway that leads to several different rooms and found it kept the humidity level around 50 percent. For the more humid basem*nt, we kept it on Continuous Run with the high-speed fan and found relief rather quickly from the damp and muggy air. The Turbo setting uses a fan to pull the humidity out of the air more quickly; not surprisingly, the tank fills more quickly on this setting.

In addition to a variety of settings, this Energy Star-rated dehumidifier also has a sleep timer, an auto shutoff and restart feature, plus a defrost function. The water tank holds a whopping 1.6 gallons, so it will be a while before you have to empty it. But when you do, it’s not too much of a chore; plus, it comes with a drainage hose if you prefer to hook it up to a sink or drain instead.

Maximum Coverage Area: 4500 square feet | Moisture Removal Capacity: 1.6 gallons or 50 pints | Drainage: Removable water tank and gravity drain | Dimensions: 11 x 15.4 x 24.3 inches | Weight: 40 pounds | Energy Star Certified: Yes

  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (28)

  • The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (29)

Final Verdict

We chose the Honeywell TP30WKN 30-Pint Smart Dehumidifier as our best overall pick because it’s highly effective at removing moisture for improved air quality within your home. Plus, it’s easy to set up and even easier to maintain, thanks to the smart home capabilities. And it comes with an Energy Star certification, so you can be assured of its efficiency.

Our Testing Process

We acquired 17 popular dehumidifiers and sent them to testers to use in their own homes. When the dehumidifiers arrived, we first timed how long the unboxing and setup process took, and noted any challenges we ran into. We then let the dehumidifiers stand upright for 24 hours before use, which is necessary to allow the oils in the decompressor to “settle”.

After 24 hours, we turned each dehumidifier on and let it run for no less than 12 hours at a time. Using a hygrometer, we measured humidity levels in the areas around the dehumidifiers before usage. We then repeated this process after 12 hours to see if any changes occurred. We used each dehumidifier in three different locations, being sure to maintain it correctly (i.e. emptying the tank, cleaning the tank, and rinsing the air filter).

Throughout the testing process, we considered a variety of factors, including noise level, ease of operation, ease of emptying, and efficacy. We also took note of any features, like a built-in hygrometer, auto-off feature, or a frost control censor. Ease of maintenance was also considered, as well any smart home capabilities. After two weeks of testing, we rated each dehumidifier across a range of categories. We will be long-term testing the dehumidifiers, and will update this article as necessary throughout.

The 9 Best Dehumidifiers, According to Weeks of Testing (Plus, Our Best Overall Pick is 25% Off Right Now!) (30)

How to Shop for Dehumidifiers Like a Pro

Capacity

Size and capacity are important factors when shopping for a dehumidifier, says Ben Boyce, owner of Aire Serv of Newark, DE, a Neighborly company: “An undersized unit will not properly remove the humidity from a home.”

The size or capacity of a dehumidifier—often referred to as “pint capacity” or “moisture removal capacity”—is measured in pints per 24 hours. It refers to the amount of moisture the dehumidifier claims to absorb in a day. Be sure not to confuse this with the bucket capacity, which simply indicators how much water the bucket can hold before it needs to be emptied. According to David Ragsdale, Production Manager at Servpro Industries: “A dehumidifier’s physical size is really irrelevant. What is important is the amount of water the dehumidifier will remove from the air in a 24-hour period.”

To determine what capacity dehumidifier you'll need, consider both the size and condition of your space. Per the Energy Star website, here are some guidelines to adhere to when shopping for a dehumidifier:

Condition with DehumidificationRecommended Pint Capacity for a Small-Medium Room (<2,000 sq. ft)Recommended Pint Capacity for a Large Room (>2,000 sq. ft)
Slightly to moderately damp:50–75 percent humidity; for damp areas with intermittent musty odor20-30 pints30+ pints
Very damp: 75-90 percent humidity; damp spots are visible25-40 pints40+ pints
Wet: 90-100 percent humidity; laundry rooms or where wall "sweat" or other seepage is evident30-50 pints50+ pints

Noise Level

While no dehumidifier is truly silent, there are some that are so quiet that you’ll nearly forget they’ve even on, like the Whirlpool WHAD40PCW 40-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump. Smaller ones should be quiet enough so that you can carry on a conversation or enjoy watching TV or music without being distracted. However, note that industrial-strength dehumidifiers designed for large spaces like a garage or basem*nt might indeed be louder during operation.

Drainage

Dehumidifiers fill up with the water they collect from the space—which leaves you to the task of emptying it. Ideally, you’ll want a setup where you connect a hose to the dehumidifier so it can empty continuously into a drain or even a sink. For manual setups, however, you’ll have to keep an eye on the water tank and empty it often. The larger the water tank, the less you have to do this—but keep in mind that larger tanks contain more water and are therefore heavier to carry to a sink or drain.

Features

Boyce suggests looking for user-friendly controls, including dehumidifiers with timers and auto-restart functions. Washable air filters make it easy to keep your dehumidifier clean—and there are some on our list that will alert you when it's time to clean out your filter.

Like many other home appliances, dehumidifiers now come with smart features, like Wi-Fi connectivity. You can connect to your dehumidifier via an app and to operate it remotely, which is helpful if you are in a different room or away from home. The app will also alert you to when the bucket is full and needs to be replaced, which is key if you don’t have your dehumidifier hooked up by hose to a drain. Our best overall pick, the Honeywell TP30WKN 30-Pint Smart Dehumidifier, is a smart model.

Wheels might not be a high-tech feature, but they are useful for larger dehumidifiers, especially if you want to move yours from room to room in your house. Keep in mind that wheels will be especially helpful if you have to empty your dehumidifier manually—simply roll it over to the drain or sink.

More Dehumidifiers to Consider

GE AWHR50LB 50-Pint Smart Portable Dehumidifier: We found this GE dehumidifier to be quite effective in pulling moisture from the air. However, after repeated attempts, we could never connect it to the app. Given that smart features are the selling point of this device, it was disappointing that we had to use it manually.

LG UD501KOG5 PuriCare 50-Pint Dehumidifier: This LG model was effective at lowering the humidity levels of a room. However, even with a digital display, humidity levels were only given in increments of five percentage points, so the readings weren’t precise. The water tank was also awkward to empty manually; you must tilt it out to remove it, causing water to splash out.

Questions You Might Ask

How does a dehumidifier work?

A dehumidifier takes in the air from a space, removes the moistures from it through condensation, and then sends it back into the room. The condensation collects in a water tray that can either be emptied manually or hooked up to a drain hose for automatic removal. Before buying a dehumidifier, take note that “you need to determine if underlying factors need to be addressed, such as poor seals around window or door openings, or even a water leak,” says Ragsdale.

Can a dehumidifier cool down a space?

Don't confuse a dehumidifier with an air conditioner, says Boyce. But if you use a dehumidifier in collaboration with an air conditioner, you will have a much cooler space. "[A dehumidifier] can help the air conditioner do its job by reducing the humidity in the home, allowing the HVAC unit to function better," he explains.

Do dehumidifiers remove mold?

Dehumidifiers can’t remove mold, though they are a key tool in preventing its growth. Any time excess moisture is present, there is a risk for mold growth. This is why dehumidifiers are important in moisture-prone areas like basem*nts and bathrooms. They are especially important when cleaning up after a flood or other water damage in a home.

By removing as much moisture from the air as possible, dehumidifiers are indeed effective in preventing mold, though not removing it. For that task, you’ll need bleach or other mold removers. In the event of severe flood damage, you will more than likely need to hire a mold remediation company that will use industrial-strength fans and dehumidifiers in their plan of action.

How much electricity do dehumidifiers use?

Depending on their size, dehumidifiers range greatly in the number of watts (W), the measurement of electrical power required to power an appliance. A large machine that removes 70 pints of moisture per day might use around 700W, while one that’s small enough to sit on a table or window ledge might only require 20 watts, per Perch Energy.

How this information might affect your electric bill is a different story, depending on how long you run your dehumidifier each day. The average price for electricity in the U.S. is 16.11 cents per kilowatt hour (as of April 2023, per EIA.gov), but it may be much higher where you live.

Kilowatt hours (kWh) the units you’ll see on your electricity bill. This is the calculation to figure out how much you’ll pay to run an appliance:

kWh = W x Time (Hours) / 1,000

Let’s take a dehumidifier that uses 350W and runs for 8 hours a day:

350 x 8 = 2800/1000 = 2.8 kWh

Next, multiply the kWh by the national average cost of electricity per kWh:

2.8 x $0.1611 = $0.45 (per day)

44 cents per day might indeed seem like pocket change. But add it up over the course of a very humid summer—where you might indeed be running your humidifier beyond eight hours per day—and the cost of running this useful appliance can rise.

How do you clean a dehumidifier?

In addition to emptying the water tray, you'll also have to keep an eye on the air filter. Some dehumidifiers on our list will alert you as to when it's time to empty a tray and/or clean an air filter.

"For ease of cleaning, look for a unit that has washable air filters," says Boyce. Some filters are super easy to wash—just use lukewarm water with a mild detergent and then let them air dry before replacing.

Take Our Word for It

Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance home and garden writer. She lives in Staten Island, where her basem*nt dehumidifier works hard all summer long. To compile this list, we tested 17 dehumidifiers based on their moisture-removal capacity, efficiency, and ease of use, and maintenance. For expert advice on what to look for when shopping for a dehumidifier, we consulted Ben Boyce, owner of Aire Serv of Newark, DE, a Neighborly company, and David Ragsdale, Production Manager at Servpro Industries

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed aReal Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned theReal Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

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