Types of Dehumidifiers
Models vary in the amount of moisture they can remove in a 24-hour span. CR tests each one in three categories based on the capacity and the volume of water the manufacturer claims the dehumidifier can remove from the air. Medium- and large-capacity models usually cost more than small-capacity models. There are also whole-house dehumidifiers, which can handle up to 5,000 square feet, according to manufacturers.
Small-Capacity Dehumidifiers
Areas of less than 600 square feet typically call for a small-capacity dehumidifier. Designed to remove less than 30 pints of moisture per day, these machines work best to dehumidify spaces that are damp rather than wet. See our ratings of small-capacity dehumidifiers.
Medium-Capacity Dehumidifiers
Midsized models typically remove 30 to 40 pints of moisture per day. They’re best suited for areas of 600 to 800 square feet that are slightly damp or have a musty smell. See our ratings of medium-capacity dehumidifiers.
Large-Capacity Dehumidifiers
Suitable for removing 40 pints or more per day, large-capacity dehumidifiers are designed for large spaces (roughly 600 to 1,200 square feet) and smaller spaces with big moisture problems, such as small puddles, condensation, or mold. Many can also handle a wider range of humidity levels. See our ratings of large-capacity dehumidifiers.
Whole-House Dehumidifiers
If high humidity tends to be a problem in more than one spot, you may want to consider getting a whole-house dehumidifier. These workhorses—available as portable units or add-ons to your central heating and air-conditioning system—can handle areas of up to 5,000 square feet, manufacturers say. Prices range from $400 to $2,500 for the unit and professional installation, according to HomeAdvisor, depending on the size of the model and local labor costs. CR does not currently test whole-house dehumidifiers.
How CR Tests Dehumidifiers
CR’s test engineers and survey teams assess every dehumidifier that enters our labs using the objective criteria below that define a quality appliance. The results are weighted and combined into the Overall Score for each model listed in our ratings charts.
- Water removal. We measure a dehumidifier’s ability to remove moisture from the air (the number of pints of water per day, as claimed by the manufacturer) in our test chamber set at 65° F and 60 percent relative humidity.
- Humidistat accuracy. While in our test chamber, we also determine how closely each dehumidifier can reach and maintain a set humidity level. This is a crucial assessment because a dehumidifier should be able to bring indoor humidity to below 50 percent—the point at which dust mites, mildew, and mold can grow.
- Energy efficiency. To gauge a dehumidifier’s energy efficiency, our engineers calculate the amount of energy it takes to remove a pint of water from the air. The best dehumidifiers use less energy, keeping electric costs to a minimum.
- Convenience. Our engineers evaluate how often you have to empty the tank. Generally, the larger the tank, the less often you need to do that.
- Noise. Noise can be a concern in living spaces. The decibel measurements in our dehumidifier tests, which are taken from 3 feet away, range from the low 50s to upper 60s. By comparison, normal conversation is around 60 decibels, while a clothes washer is about 70 decibels midcycle.
- Reliability and owner satisfaction. To gauge a brand’s reliability and satisfaction, we asked CR members who purchased a new dehumidifier between 2013 and 2023 about their experience, and 15,639 offered feedback on about 18,364 models.
What to Know Before You Buy a Dehumidifier
It’s possible—and perhaps even necessary—to mitigate some moisture issues without a dehumidifier. For everything else, here’s how to pick the right dehumidifier for your space.
Fix Existing Problems
Even the best dehumidifier might not work effectively if too much moisture seeps into your home from the outside. Unclogging gutters and making sure downspouts are directing rainwater at least 5 feet from the dwelling can help. Keeping windows and exterior doors closed can prevent humid air from entering your home.
Size Up Your Space
Consult our dehumidifier sizing guide—which offers step-by-step instructions and a handy chart—to help determine the ideal model for your space. In general, you’re better off with a somewhat larger unit.
Consider Noise
If you’re planning to put a dehumidifier in a bedroom, opt for a model that operates quietly. To narrow your search, consider buying one of the quietest dehumidifiers to pass through our labs. All deliver strong performance overall.
Consider Tank Capacity
Dehumidifiers with small tanks—under 15 pints—need to be emptied more often than those with larger ones. If that’s a concern for you, pay attention to the tank size when viewing the specs on our dehumidifier ratings chart.
Determine Whether You Need a Drain Pump
The most hassle-free way to drain a dehumidifier is with a pump. CR’s ratings indicate which models come with one. Drain pumps can also be used to expel water to an elevated location, a nice feature to have in a basement, says engineer Misha Kollontai, who oversees our dehumidifier tests.
Common Dehumidifier Features
Portable dehumidifiers often come with similar features. Some offer convenience, while others improve a machine’s ability to dry out a room. Here’s are a few popular options.
User-Friendly Controls
Electronic controls let you select a basic humidity level—normal, dry, very dry—while digital controls let you program a desired humidity level using percentage settings.
Auto Restart
Found on most dehumidifiers that CR has tested, auto restart turns the unit back on after a power outage, which is handy if there’s a blackout or another interruption of power while you’re away from home.
Hose Connection
All of the models in our ratings allow you to connect a hose that diverts the condensed water to a floor drain, sparing you from having to empty the bucket. In a basement without a floor drain, a dehumidifier with a pump can send water up to a window, a slop sink, or some other drain above floor level. That’s a lot easier than lugging a full tank of water around.
Timer
A timer can program the unit to turn on and off while you’re out of the house. It also can save you money by turning the dehumidifier on at night in areas with cheaper off-peak electricity rates.
Frost Control Sensor
Most of the dehumidifiers in our ratings have a sensor that shuts the machine off if frost forms on the coils, common in cooler spaces. That keeps the unit from wasting energy by running without dehumidifying.
Easy-to-Empty Bucket or Tank
Look for a unit with comfortable handles and a cover that permits convenient removal and carrying when full.
User-Friendly Controls
Electronic controls let you select a basic humidity level—normal, dry, very dry—while digital controls let you program a desired humidity level using percentage settings.
Dehumidifier Brands
CR’s market analysts monitor developments across more than 20 brands, tracking where each’s dehumidifiers are sold and how much they cost.
Changes in Dehumidifier Test Standards
The labels and packaging for dehumidifiers sold since the beginning of 2020 typically claim that the units can remove 20, 30, or 45 pints in 24 hours. Earlier models cited removal rates of 30, 50, or even 70 pints per day. As more models are released using the new standards, the old standards become less relevant. But dehumidifiers still use the old pint claims in model numbers, which can be a bit confusing.
The lower figures don’t mean these new models remove less water, though. Rather, in accordance with more realistic government standards introduced in 2019, they’re tested by the manufacturer in a real-world scenario with less moisture to remove.
Dehumidifiers are typically used in basements, and the Department of Energy has changed its test standard by lowering the room temperature from 80° F to 65° F to better reflect typical basement conditions. There’s less water to remove in cooler air, which is why the number of pints of water drops. The relative humidity level in both the old and new tests is 60 percent. CR uses the new standard in its tests as well.
Dehumidifier FAQs
How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
Dehumidifiers help guard against mold and mildew—two types of fungus that can pose health risks, especially to people with sensitivities—by removing moisture from the air. They use a fan to move air in the room over refrigerated coils, collecting moisture in a tank. Some models are more effective than others, so pay attention to the water removal test results in our ratings.
How Do You Clean a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier that’s not thoroughly cleaned can breed mold spores harmful to people with allergies. To prevent the growth of mold and other contaminants, CR recommends doing a deep cleaning and sanitizing of the emptied tank at least once a week. Filters should also be washed and dried regularly according to the manual’s advice to maintain efficiency. (Many models in our ratings have an indicator light that tells you when it’s time to clean the filter.) When a dehumidifier is in a dusty area, the filter needs to be cleaned more frequently, Kollontai says.
Do Dehumidifiers Cool the Air?
While a dehumidifier can make a space feel less muggy by removing moisture from the air, it doesn’t actually cool a room. In fact, it sometimes has the opposite effect—producing heat, which, in an isolated space, can raise the room temperature a bit. That said, any increase is likely marginal, to the point where the room may feel cooler and more comfortable because it’s less humid.
Should You Keep a Dehumidifier Running All the Time?
Worried that keeping your dehumidifier running will spike your energy bill? Don’t be. Most dehumidifiers use only 300 to 700 watts of electricity, depending on the capacity. That’s about the same energy consumption as a typical refrigerator, according to EnergySage, a website that helps consumers shop for renewable energy solutions. And there’s another reason it’s okay to keep a dehumidifier running: “It should respond to the humidity levels dropping, and kick back on when the levels climb again,” Kollontai says. Pro tip: “If you notice that the unit doesn’t seem to ever shut down, your dehumidifier’s capacity is likely too low for the space you’re trying to dehumidify.”
Can You Drink Dehumidifier Water?
Believe it or not, many people ask this question. The answer: Drinking dehumidifier water is a hard no, according to a Stanford magazine article. And before you start getting any ideas, know that dehumidifier water can’t be sterilized through boiling. Bottom line: Stick to drinking bottled water or tap water that’s not high in PFAS chemicals.
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