If the air in your home has ever felt musty, muggy, dank, fuggy, wet, mildewy, or worse, moist, you might benefit from using a dehumidifier. After nearly a decade of testing dehumidifiers, we’ve discovered that many of the top-performing models tend to perform well for a few years before unexpectedly failing. However, we have high hopes for the Wi-Fi-enabled Frigidaire Gallery FGAC5044W1, which we believe has the potential to offer a longer lifespan and a more convenient user experience. While most dehumidifiers we’ve tested function similarly, the Frigidaire Gallery stands out due to its exceptionally quiet operation and ability to alert you when it requires draining.
Frigidaire Gallery FGAC5044W1
The Frigidaire Gallery FGAC5044W1 is designed to cover areas of up to 1,200 square feet and comes equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity that alerts you when the collection tank is full. We believe that the ability to monitor and control dehumidifiers remotely is a significant advantage, especially since they are often used in out-of-the-way spaces such as storage cellars. With the Gallery, you can save yourself the trouble of checking on the machine frequently by receiving updates from the Frigidaire app, which is straightforward to install and operate. Additionally, it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice-activated control. The app’s alerts are accurate, and we found that it was easy to adjust the machine’s settings via the touch screen. While it lacks a pump, which would eliminate the need for manual draining, the Gallery can be set up to drain passively with a hose if positioned near a drain. As an Energy Star-rated device, it is an energy-efficient option for any space.
LG PuriCare UD501KOJ5
The LG PuriCare dehumidifier has a more stylish and compact design compared to the other models we tested. Its tall and narrow shape makes it easier to integrate into any living space, and it has a more attractive appearance that blends in well with your home decor. The PuriCare has similar drainage options to the Frigidaire, but its water bucket features an especially well-engineered design that is perfect for use in a living space where running a hose to a floor drain is not possible. The bucket slides in and out of the side of the unit, making it easy to see water levels at a glance due to its transparency, which is a unique feature that sets it apart from the other models we tested. The bucket also comes with a cover that completely covers it when you are transporting it, and half of the cover lifts away for easy pouring, making it a convenient and practical device. The connectors for drain and pump hoses were very similar to the Frigidaire, and maintenance was straightforward. The air filter was easy to access and clean, and we enjoyed the happy jingle-song sounds that the LG PuriCare made when it was turned on and off. Overall, the LG PuriCare dehumidifier is an excellent choice for those who want a stylish and practical device for their living space.
Midea 35-Pint Dehumidifier
PROS:
- Excellent water removal
- Quiet operation
- Energy-efficient
CONS:
- Bulky design
Midea, a trusted brand in the dehumidifier category, offers a high-performance unit at an affordable price point. The Midea dehumidifier can effectively remove up to 35 pints of moisture per day from a space of up to 3,000 square feet. According to our experts, it operates quietly with minimal noise from the motor or fan.
“If you have a midsize area that is damp but not wet, this medium-capacity unit is a very solid option,” says DiClerico. The 33-pound unit sits on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. However, its height of nearly 25 inches makes it a bit bulky. If you need to dehumidify a smaller space, consider a more compact unit.
Our experts have previously tested Midea’s Cube 20-Pint Dehumidifier and found it to be an excellent option, although it may be more challenging to find this season. If you’re looking for a compact dehumidifier that still provides effective moisture removal, keep an eye out for this model.
GE APER50LZ
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Capacity: 50 pints
- Drainage: Pump
- Energy Star certified: Yes
- Humidity sensor: Yes
- Frost sensor: Yes
- Auto restart: Yes
- Speeds: 3
- Warranty: 1 year
TODAY’S BEST DEALS:
- View at Best Buy
- View at Amazon
REASONS TO BUY:
- Consistently great performance in real-world tests
- Actively pumps water from tank
- Mostly positive user reviews
REASONS TO AVOID:
- No cord storage
The GE APER50LZ is a top-performing dehumidifier that comes with an active water pump, providing an excellent alternative to the Frigidaire FFAP7033T1. It features a digital display for humidity, timer, and speed settings, and performs exceptionally well with minimal noise levels, just like the Frigidaire. However, the GE APER50LZ lacks the option for wrapping or storing the power cord, and the handles can be difficult to grip. Additionally, setting up the passive drain is not very convenient. Overall, the GE APER50LZ is a reliable and efficient dehumidifier that can clear up to 50 pints of moisture per day, making it an excellent alternative to the Frigidaire if you can find it at a more affordable price.
Haier 20-Pint Dehumidifier
If you’re looking for a compact dehumidifier for a bedroom or small bathroom, the Haier HEN30T-L is a great option. Despite its smaller size, it still gets the job done and runs quieter than larger units. In our testing, we were impressed with how infrequently we needed to empty the tank, even when running it continuously. The convenient Smart Dry feature adjusts the fan speed based on the room’s actual humidity level, helping to maintain a comfortable environment. Plus, the small tank size makes it easy to move around the house.
Although the Haier HEN30T-L is not Energy Star certified, its efficient Smart Dry feature and small size make us believe it won’t consume excessive amounts of energy. We also give this unit bonus points for its sleek and modern design.
According to our editor, “It looks nice, it’s not too loud, and it has every feature I could imagine wanting in a small dehumidifier.”
What to Know About Dehumidifiers Before Shopping
When searching for the best dehumidifiers, it’s important to consider the size of the room you want to dehumidify and the dehumidifier’s efficiency in reducing moisture in that space. The capacity of a dehumidifier refers to the amount of moisture it can remove from the air in a day, helping you determine which model to purchase for your home.
For spaces ranging from 500 to 1,500 square feet, a dehumidifier with a capacity of 34 to 40 pints is suitable. For rooms between 1,000 to 2,500 square feet, you should be looking at dehumidifiers with a capacity of around 40 to 60 pints. For areas larger than 2,500 square feet, such as basements and garages, you’ll want a dehumidifier with a capacity of 60 pints or more. If you’re searching for the best dehumidifiers for your entire house, you’ll need a machine with a capacity of at least 40 pints, depending on the size of your home.
Dehumidifiers have two ways of handling the condensation they collect: storing it in a built-in tank or expelling it through a drainage hose. The best dehumidifiers offer both options, while some models only offer one. Before purchasing a dehumidifier, consider where you plan to install it. If you’re placing it in a large, high-humidity room, a dehumidifier with a drainage hose is ideal since you won’t need to empty a water tank multiple times a day. However, you’ll need to install it near a drain to expel water safely. A dehumidifier with a tank is more versatile, as it can be used in any room inside your home, including bathrooms and bedrooms. However, you’ll need to empty the tank at least once a day since most models will automatically shut off when the tank is full.
The size of a dehumidifier’s collection tank determines how much condensation it can hold without needing to be emptied. A larger tank means less frequent emptying, but it also means carrying a heavier container to a nearby sink or drain, which may be difficult for some users.
The dimensions of a dehumidifier are important to consider since they can come in various sizes and capacities. The larger the water-removing and tank capacity of a dehumidifier, the larger it will be. Most portable dehumidifiers are around 10 to 25 inches in height, length, and depth, small enough to fit inside a room without being too noticeable, but large enough to require careful positioning to ensure it can pull in as much air as possible while operating.
Dehumidifiers operate at a noise level ranging from 40-60 decibels, which is comparable to a quiet library or a room with background music playing. While they’re not the loudest household appliances, their noise level could still be bothersome to some, especially while sleeping or having a conversation.
FAQs
When do I need to use a dehumidifier?
While there is some level of personal preference, the optimal humidity level in most rooms and homes is between 30 and 50 percent. Most dehumidifiers can be programmed to set the humidity level between 30 and 80 percent.
If your home is very humid, you might experience problems with mold or mildew growth as well as general discomfort. If you see any signs of mold or mildew, especially in spaces like basements or bathrooms, it is a good idea to set up a dehumidifier as well as treat the existing problem.
What size dehumidifier do I need?
Look for a dehumidifier that is capable of handling the square footage of your room. It is best to get one that can work for larger spaces than you need to ensure that it can be effective. You should also consider the typical humidity level in the room and how much it may need to run. Most dehumidifiers have recommended space sizes and humidity levels.
“A dehumidifier’s physical size is really irrelevant,” says David Ragsdale, Production Manager and Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification Instructor SERVPRO. “What is important is the amount of water the dehumidifier will remove from the air in a 24-hour period. This is measured in either pints or liters per day.”
Are dehumidifiers hard to clean?
Most dehumidifiers can be cleaned with mild soap and water in the collection tank. The exterior can be wiped down.
Where should you put a dehumidifier?
Bathrooms and basements are the most common places to put dehumidifiers, since they are the rooms that typically get the most humidity and moisture. You can put a dehumidifier in any room, however, and set it for your desired humidity level.
David Henry
Hello, everyone! I'm David Henry, a dedicated customer and enthusiastic reviewer of Tractor Supply Company. As a farmer and agriculture enthusiast, I frequently visit Tractor Supply Company to explore and purchase a wide range of agricultural supplies, tools, and equipment. Over the years, I have accumulated extensive experience and knowledge in shopping at Tractor Supply Company, and I aim to help others make wiser choices through my sharing. I understand the importance of selecting the right products for farmers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. That's why I enjoy sharing my insights and recommendations to assist individuals in finding the best-suited products for their needs. Join me as we embark on a journey of discovering quality products and making informed decisions at Tractor Supply Company. Together, let's enhance our farming and outdoor experiences through valuable insights and practical advice.
