These 6 Dehumidifiers Are Built to Last, According to Our Testing
Matching the machine to your home's conditions will ensure solid air-drying performance over the long haul.
Tested by Nikolas GreenwaldData Engineer
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Dehumidifiers are put to work in some pretty unpleasant places — dank basements, mildewy bathrooms, stagnant crawl spaces. Those tough conditions can cause premature failure in a dehumidifier, especially if you go for a cheap unit or one that’s not sized correctly for the space.
To find the best ones, our team in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute tested more than a dozen dehumidifiers across every size category. Job number one for any dehumidifier is pulling moisture from humid indoor air, quickly and efficiently. Our top picks all excelled at that performance test, which we conducted in our Lab as well as in the homes of expert testers, since we need to see how dehumidifiers perform in real-world conditions (the same way we do with other home comfort equipment, like portable ACs, air purifiers and ceiling fans).
Honeywell 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump
Pros
- Captures a lot of moisture in a hurry
- Built-in pump for continuous operation
- Clear, intuitive display
Cons
- Large enclosure takes up more space
Capacity: 50 pt | Tank size: 2.1 gal | Weight: 40.5 lbs | Dimensions: 15.4" x 10.6" x 24.1" | Drainage: Bucket or hose (with pump) | Noise level at highest fan setting: 51 dB | Fan speeds: High, medium, low | Energy Star certification: Yes
Honeywell’s 50-pint dehumidifier is such a standout machine that it’s been hard for shoppers to get their hands on recently. Fortunately, the latest model line is widely available, and it performed every bit as well as its predecessors in our tests, combining precise climate control with easy operation and exceptional energy savings (it carries the Energy Star's Most Efficient label, awarded to the best of the best).
In addition to its superb performance in our water removal test, the Honeywell's accurate humidistat helps it maintain steady humidity levels. And it includes an onboard pump, so you can continuously drain water vertically or horizontally, up to 15 feet. That's helpful if you want to keep the dehumidifier running in a damp basement, sending the collected water to a utility sink.
The Honeywell also scored points for easy upkeep. "The 50-pint line was one of the easiest dehumidifiers to take apart and clean, thanks to its accessible front-facing bucket with a handle," said Good Housekeeping Institute Lab Assistant Nikolas Greenwald. "Plus, we found the interface and digital controls to be clear and intuitive."
All that stellar performance comes at a cost: The Honeywell is an expensive model. It's also fairly bulky and on the noisy side, so it's best suited to basements or other isolated parts of the home, as opposed to your bedroom or family room.
Black + Decker 30 Pint Dehumidifier
Pros
- Excellent performance for the price
- Intuitive control panel
Cons
- Not suited to very damp spaces
Capacity: 30 pt | Tank size: 1.5 gal | Weight: 32.7 lbs | Dimensions: 9.7" x 13.2" x 19.9" | Drainage: Bucket or hose (without pump) | Noise level at highest fan setting: Not listed | Fan speeds: High and low | Energy Star certification: Yes
This 30-pint dehumidifier from Black + Decker is our top recommendation for budget shoppers, with the important caveat that it's not designed for extreme conditions, like a cavernous basement with condensation dripping from the walls. Like any small-size dehumidifier charged with such a task, it's liable to conk out before its time from an overworked motor.
But in the right setting, say a main floor family room or upstairs bedroom, the Black + Decker should deliver many years of capable service. Long-term Lab tests are still ongoing, but our experts have observed fast, effective moisture removal and quiet operation so far. The intuitive control panel makes for easy operation, including a digital humidistat display that's been accurate through early testing.
Continuous draining is possible with the provided hose, though there's no on-board pump with this model. The 50-pint version, which costs about $100 more and can dehumidify spaces up to 4,500 square feet, gets you that feature.
TCL 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifier
Pros
- Effective and energy-efficient
- Can be controlled remotely via app
- Auto-defrost function makes it suitable for cold basements
Cons
- Noisy when running on high
Capacity: 50 pt | Tank size: Not listed | Weight: 47 lbs | Dimensions: 25" x 17" x 13 " | Drainage: Bucket or hose (with pump) | Noise level at highest fan setting: Not listed | Fan speeds: High and low | Energy Star certification: Yes
For large, wet spaces, like an unfinished basement where moisture collects on the floor and walls, you need a dehumidifier that can remove at least 50 pints of water per day from the air, like this capable performer from TCL.
Behind its durable design and powerful motor, the TCL delivers exceptional air-drying for interior spaces up to 4,500 square feet. Despite all that oomph, it carries the Energy Star label, so it will keep both moisture levels and electricity costs in check. The built-in pump allows for continuous draining, though it’s important to note that this convenience will eat into your energy savings.
Like other TCL dehumidifiers we've tested, the 50-pint model is loaded with smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly app that allows you to monitor and control the machine remotely. The auto-defrost feature makes this dehumidifier suitable for use in basements and other locations where the temperature gets down to 41°F. The brand doesn't list noise levels, but some testers found the fan to be a bit loud on its highest setting, so we recommend a smaller, less powerful dehumidifier for bedrooms and TV rooms.
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Midea Cube 35 Pint Dehumidifier
Pros
- Excellent air-drying power
- Collapsible design for easy storage
Cons
- Some users might find it cumbersome
Capacity: 35 pt | Tank size: 4.2 gal | Weight: 41 lbs | Dimensions: 15" x 15" x 14 " | Drainage: Bucket or hose (with pump) | Noise level at highest fan setting: Not listed | Fan speeds: High, medium, low | Energy Star certification: Yes
The Midea Cube is not like other dehumidifiers. Its two-part design consists of a storage bucket and a condenser unit that nestles inside the bucket during storage and on top of it when you're ready to put it to work. The clever design means its tank can hold about three times as much water as traditional humidifiers. But at full capacity, the bucket weighs almost 40 pounds, plus lifting and twisting the 38-pound compressor into place takes some muscle.
If you're willing to put up with that extra work, you won't be disappointed by the Midea. It does a superb job dehumidifying spaces up to 3,500 square feet with minimal noise from the motor or fan. Its auto-defrost function means it's safe for use in basements or other cold rooms. The 35-pint model comes with a hose for continuous draining, though no built-in pump. However, the 50-pint version of the Midea Cube does feature a pump.
Frigidaire 50 Pint Dehumidifier
Pros
- Excellent moisture removal
- On-board pump
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- No frost control sensor
Capacity: 50 pt | Tank size: 1.7 gal | Weight: 44 lbs | Dimensions: 15.97" x 12.19" x 24.25" | Drainage: Bucket or hose (with pump) | Noise level at highest fan setting: 51 dB | Fan speeds: High, medium, low | Energy Star certification: Yes
We find that moisture removal capacity between 40 and 50 pints per day tends to be the sweet spot for dehumidifiers intended for large living spaces since those models offer the best combination of value, performance and efficiency.
In extensive Lab tests, this 50-pint dehumidifier from Frigidaire did an excellent job of drawing moisture from the air, while consumer testers praised the long list of user-friendly features, including intuitive controls, an accessible water bucket and a washable air filter.
You'll pay a premium for this Frigidaire, but one feature in particular makes it worth the splurge for many homeowners: The on-board pump enables you to continuously drain water from the bucket to a location up to 15 feet away, including a utility sink or other elevated spot.
On the downside, the dehumidifier is not suited for spaces that get below 40°F, since it lacks a frost control sensor, a feature found on other dehumidifiers that automatically shuts the unit off whenever ice crystals start to form on its coils. That's why we like this model for living spaces, such as a family room or bedroom, as opposed to a chilly basement.
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Frigidaire 35-Pint Dehumidifier
Pros
- Portable design
- Fast, effective water removal
- Front water bucket has handles for easy emptying
Cons
- High fan setting may be noisy in a small room
- No pump for elevated draining
Capacity: 35 pt | Tank size: 1.5 gal | Weight: 40 lbs | Dimensions: 15.97" x 12.19" x 24.25" | Drainage: Bucket or hose (no pump) | Noise level at highest fan setting: 45 dB | Fan speeds: High, medium, low | Energy Star certification: Yes
A 35-pint dehumidifier like this Frigidaire will be overworked in a large, damp basement, increasing the likelihood of a blown compressor. But if you're only dealing with a little moisture in a confined space, like a bathroom or home office you can save money without sacrificing comfort with a small-capacity dehumidifier.
This dehumidifier was a top pick in our tests because it has so many simple, helpful features that make it easy for daily use. A digital readout helps you monitor the current humidity and customize how much moisture you want in the air. The power cord wraps around hooks on the back of the unit for easy storage, and the side handles and wheels make it a breeze to move this 40-pound dehumidifier.
When it comes to maintenance, we found it easy to access the reservoir bucket, since it's right in the front of the unit. The bucket's built-in carrying handle means you can hoist it up and empty the water down a drain or into the yard with less effort.
The big drawback with this Frigidaire is that, while it comes with a hose for continuous draining, there's no onboard pump to send water to an elevated drain source, like a utility sink or nearby window. The highest fan setting may also be loud in a small room.
If your humidity level is on the lighter side, Frigidaire offers an even smaller 22-pint-capacity version with continuous draining. If you've got high humidity to fight, the 60-pint version with its extra-large 2.64 gallon tank might be the best option for you.
Other dehumidifiers we recommend
Our top picks are standouts from our latest tests, but these other models also have a lot to offer.
GE 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Pump: This GE is another good pick for chilly spaces, thanks to its auto-defrost function, which automatically shuts off the unit if frost starts to form on the coils. Weighing in at 44 pounds with a large housing, the dehumidifier is fairly bulky, but its wheels and handle made it easy to transport during our usability tests.
Midea 35-Pint Dehumidifier: Unlike the Cube, this Midea looks and functions like a standard dehumidifier. It removes water from the air in medium-sized spaces effectively and quietly. The 33-pound dehumidifier sits on wheels for easy transportation from room to room, though at nearly 25 inches tall, it's on the bulky side.
hOmeLabs 22 Pint Dehumidifier: Our experts say this 22-pint model will do a capable job of removing moisture from the air in small- to mid-size spaces. It's the most compact unit from our tests, so it's a nice option if you're working with a tight space, like a laundry room or home office.
How we test dehumidifiers
Our product experts in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute survey the marketplace and manufacturers to identify the models that consumers nationwide are most likely to find in stores and online. From there, we select models for testing across different size categories to cover every need and budget.
Hands-on testing begins in our Lab under controlled humidity and temperature conditions. The key performance-based test measures how much water each dehumidifier collects in a 48-hour time period. Our engineers also use a decibel meter to assess how loud each machine is when running at its highest fan speed.
Usability is another important part of our evaluation; it happens in the Lab, as well as in the homes of consumer testers, allowing us to test the dehumidifiers under real-world conditions. We look at factors such as portability, how intuitive the display and controls are and ease of cleaning, including how simple it is to wash the filter and empty the water reservoir. To evaluate noise, we use a decibel meter (pictured), measuring the volume produced by each dehumidifier when set at its highest fan speed.
Finally, we assess each brand's customer service by contacting their help lines with a pretend problem and seeing how quickly it is remedied by the representative.
What to look for in a dehumidifier
Keep these points to in mind to find the best dehumidifier for your needs:
✔️ Size: Generally speaking, the bigger the unit, the more moisture it can remove from the air. The calculation gets tricky when you have a small area with serious humidity. In that scenario, go for a model designed for medium-sized rooms so it has the power to pull all that moisture from the air without taking up a huge amount of floor space.
- A small humidifier removes 20 to 25 pints of moisture at 65°F, or 30 to 40 pints at 80°F (about 400 to 600-plus square feet).
- A medium humidifier removes 30 to 35 pints of moisture at 65°F, or 50 to 60 pints at 80°F (about 800 to 1,000-plus square feet).
- A large humidifier removes 40 to 55 pints of moisture at 65°F, or 70 to 90 pints at 80°F (about 1,200 to 1,500-plus square feet).
✔️ Noise: You might not need to consider this if you plan on placing the unit in a basement or other room you're not in that often, but if you want to put it in your bedroom or dorm room, consider how loud the machine gets. Below 50 decibels is ideal; anything above 60 decibels could be a nuisance at night.
✔️ Features: Dehumidifiers have many features to consider, but these are the ones our pros recommend focusing on:
- Hose connection: If you'll be using a large dehumidifier for a particularly wet job, finding a dehumidifier with a hose connection can save you from having to empty the machine manually.
- Pump: Attached to the hose, a pump can send water up to a sink or window. Many can move water up to 15 feet.
- Auto-humidistat: This can sense the moisture in the air and turn off automatically once the desired level is reached.
- Low temperature setting and/or auto-defrost: These features are helpful if the dehumidifier will be in a cool place, as they help ensure the unit can operate properly in cooler temps.
✔️ Maintenance: Some dehumidifiers are easier to clean and maintain than others:
- Accessible water reservoir: Front-facing buckets with a comfortable handle are the easiest to remove.
- Filter indicator: This feature reminds you to clean your machine's air filter. That's also a good time to clean the grill at the back of the unit, following the manufacturer's instructions.
How does a dehumidifier work?
Dehumidifiers use two heat exchangers and a condenser to pull moisture from humid air. An interior fan draws air from the room into the first heat exchanger and trades heat for a refrigerant in the heat exchanger. This process causes the air to drop below its dew point, or the temperature at which condensation starts to form.
This condensation is then deposited into the dehumidifier's reservoir. The evaporated coolant flows into a condenser where it's returned to its liquid form and the heat it produced in the process is absorbed back by the air.
This way, cold air isn't coming off the dehumidifier. The air that leaves a dehumidifier will always be slightly hotter than the air that enters.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dan DiClerico has been testing and writing about dehumidifiers for 25 years. In that time, he has also spearheaded numerous investigative reports on the topic of indoor air quality, working closely with outside experts from government, industry and the home services space. As Director of Home Improvement & Outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Dan oversees dehumidifier testing in our Labs, as well as in-home consumer testing that allows us to evaluate these devices in real-world conditions.
GH Institute Data Engineer Nikolas Greenwald added to our latest round of dehumidifier testing. Before joining GH in 2022, Nikolas worked on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays in the labs of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
As a data engineer in the Good Housekeeping Institute, Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.
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