Best dehumidifiers for 2024
Types of dehumidifiers
Some dehumidifiers are built with the option for a hose connection.
Dehumidifiers typically operate via condensation or desiccants, with condensation models being the most common and most effective. Among condensing dehumidifiers, some smaller units can only be drained manually, requiring the storage tank to be removed and emptied periodically. (Most dehumidifiers shut off when their reservoir becomes full.)
Many larger units are also built with the option for a drain hose attachment, allowing the dehumidifier to drain continuously through the hose directed to a sink or floor drain. Although this relies mainly on gravity, some units also have a drain pump so that condensation can be directed upwards to a sink for regular draining and emptying.
Size and volume of the dehumidifier
When choosing a dehumidifier, finding the right size for your space is crucial.
Most dehumidifiers are classified by their range, the square footage you can expect to dehumidify, as well as their volume, usually measured in the number of gallons of water per day it can remove from the air. The typical range of average floor dehumidifiers is between 1,500 and 4,500 square feet, with a capacity typically between 20 and 70 pints of water per day. However, this capacity does not necessarily indicate the volume of the reservoir of a particular model. To ensure that the dehumidifier removes the maximum number of pints from the air per day, the device must be able to drain continuously through a hose, or the reservoir must be emptied manually as often as necessary.
As for the size of the dehumidifier itself, if you’re trying to dehumidify an average-sized room in your home (i.e. not a closet or bathroom), dehumidifiers are typically placed on the floor and have a relatively large footprint. . The ones on this list average about 12 inches deep and 15 inches wide, with a height of about 24 inches. Smaller units are available that can be placed on a counter, dresser or desktop, but these are typically only effective for dehumidifying small, enclosed spaces and have a significantly smaller capacity for collecting condensation.
Dehumidifier functions
Dehumidifiers have a wide range of controls, including sleep timers, custom humidity settings, and multiple speeds.
In addition to range and capacity, you may want to consider a number of other features when purchasing a dehumidifier. Select models have smart capabilities, meaning you can monitor and control them remotely when they’re connected to your home Wi-Fi network. Models with pumps allow you to drain water to the top of a sink without relying on gravity. A defrost function can be an attractive feature if you use your dehumidifier in a damp and cold environment. Dehumidifiers can also feature a wide variety of controls, including sleep timers, custom humidity settings, and multiple speeds.
