9 / 11

Featuring a built-in pump, the Frigidaire 50-pint dehumidifier doesn’t need to be manually emptied and expels accumulated water up and into a sink or out a nearby window. If you feel like utilizing the internal water tank instead, splash guards and a carrying handle reduce the chances of annoying spills during transport. This model is appropriate for cooler temperature basements and can function as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

A washable filter captures airborne dust, increasing air quality as it lowers humidity. At 41 pounds, this additional pump feature does add some weight to the unit, but the collapsible handle and rolling wheels should make that less of an issue.

Pros

• Built-in pump for convenient emptying
• Continuous drain option
• Washable air filter
• Water level indicator

Cons

• Heavier than non-pump versions

10 / 11

The Ivation 13-pint desiccant dehumidifier is a different kind of machine. While not suited for general basement dehumidification on the whole, the unit is more than capable of handling moisture issues in smaller basement rooms—particularly basement laundry rooms or bathrooms. The Ivation model doesn’t use a condenser to achieve results. Instead, a desiccant and fan motor do the work.

Although dehumidifiers that use refrigerant for dehumidification tend to be more powerful, the Ivation handles quite a load for its size and construction. Capable of reducing moisture levels in rooms of up to 270 square feet, the machine can remove up to 13 pints of water daily. You can bypass the small, half-gallon reservoir by using the included drain hose if desired.

This dehumidifier is lightweight at just under 14 pounds, so it’s easy to move from room to room when necessary. Its small dimensions of roughly 10 by 7 by 18 inches make it easy to fit in just about any room and store when not in use.

Pros

• Small and lightweight design
• Drain hose included
• Easy to move and store
• Auto-tilt shutoff

Cons

• Small water reservoir

11 / 11

Readers might recognize the Alorair Sentinel HDi90 from our review of the best crawl space dehumidifiers. Unlike the other entries in our best basement dehumidifiers review, this powerful unit is best for permanent or semi-permanent and out-of-sight applications. While touted as a crawl space dehumidifier, the Sentinel HDi90 moves a whopping 210 cubic feet of air per minute and removes up to 198 pints of water per day, making it ideal for use in an unfinished basement.

The high-capacity model is even appropriate for whole-house dehumidification. Owners can easily tuck this unit away in the basement and all but forget about it. It can be vented to the outdoors by connecting duct work to the built-in adapter, and the machine comes with a condensate pump for easy placement above or below the nearest drain height. A wired remote control is also available for convenience above and beyond the unit’s settings memory that resets the machine after a power outage.

Pros

• Removes 90 pints per day
• Capable of whole-house dehumidification
• Condensate pump included
• Can work in temperatures as low as 36 degrees Fahrenheit
• Auto-defrost feature

Cons

• Expensive
• Not as pretty as cabinet-style dehumidifiers

What to Look for When Buying a Dehumidifier for Your Basement

Dehumidifiers are challenging to tell apart, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how they work. When searching for the best dehumidifier for your basement, keep these factors in mind:

• Size: As a general rule, the larger the dehumidifier, the more moisture it can remove from the air (measured in pints per 24 hours), and the more space it can effectively cover. It’s worth noting that in 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) changed the testing protocol used to test dehumidifiers, so the stated coverage claimed by most manufacturers is most likely overinflated, which is why we declined to include these specs in our product summaries. Actual coverage depends on the humidity level in your basement, but on average, a 50-pint dehumidifier can reliably cover about 1,200 square feet, and smaller, 20-pint models cover around 500 square feet.
• Tank capacity: If you plan on utilizing the humidifier’s water tank, choose the one with the largest tank capacity. The larger the tank, the more water it can hold before automatically shutting off, and the fewer times you have to empty it.
• Features: Dehumidifiers can have different features like alarms or LEDs that indicate when it needs to be emptied, automatic timers and options to set your preferred humidity setting. Some even include smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity and Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility.
• Noise level: Dehumidifiers aren’t the noisiest appliances, but some are louder than others. If the noise level is a priority to you, and you’re deciding between multiple options, compare their decibels (dBa) ratings to determine the quietest one.
• Drainage/pumps: In addition to a water reservoir, some dehumidifiers have an optional hose hookup, allowing you to continuously empty the water into a floor drain as it accumulates. Those with a built-in pump can do the same, but also have the power to force the water upwards, so you can drain into a sink or even out a window.
• Energy Star ratings: Dehumidifiers with Energy Star certifications indicate that they have met strict energy efficiency criteria set by either the DOE or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To be sure your dehumidifier is strong enough to function properly but still be energy efficient, choose an Energy Smart-certified model.

Types of Dehumidifiers

There are three basic types of dehumidifiers: refrigerant, desiccant and whole-house.

• Refrigerant dehumidifiers are the most common type seen in homes and make up most of the options on our list. Tom Nolan, founder of All Star Home, explains, “These use a set of cooling coils or a metal plate to collect moisture in the air. When water vapor collects on the plate, it drips into a bucket or tray that you can dump out.” Since this condensation process requires the surrounding air to be warmer than the humidifier’s coils, refrigerant dehumidifiers won’t work well at low temperatures.
• Desiccant dehumidifiers work very differently and use an absorbent material—similar to the silica packets packaged with moisture-sensitive products—to pull moisture from the air. Warm air then passes over the desiccant, extracting the collected moisture, which collects in a water tray. Nolan adds, “These dehumidifiers can work at lower temperatures, unlike condenser units, since they use mediums that don’t rely on condensation to remove water.”
• Whole-house dehumidifiers are built into your existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and, unlike portable versions that are meant to be used in individual rooms, they remove moisture from your entire home. These dehumidifiers are more expensive than portable options, and unless you know what you’re doing, they require professional installation. Whole-house dehumidifiers are almost always refrigerant types.

Why You Should Trust Us

I have over 30 years of field experience in home construction, remodeling and repair. I’m currently a DIY home products and services expert for several publications. That kind of experience allows me the ability to test, critique and evaluate each product with a keen eye for the details most important to consumers.

As an experienced writer, I’ve used many years of practical experience to put this review together and determine the features that made the best dehumidifiers worth including. I also personally tested several of the models included in this list to give a real-world perspective.

How We Found the Best Dehumidifiers for Basements

When choosing the options for this list, I called upon my own experience using dehumidifiers in the past and consulted with an expert in the field, Tom Nolan, founder of All Star Home, who has 15 years of basement construction and waterproofing experience. I then gathered a pool of popular options, online reviews, familiar brands and recommendations from Energy Star. After narrowing that list by excluding models that failed to meet my criteria, like obscure manufacturers with little online or customer service presence, poor reputations for quality control and those without basic features, like a humidistat, I landed on the options listed here.

To provide the most accurate information possible, I analyzed and evaluated numerous industry-leading dehumidifier models. In my quest to describe my best findings for our readers, I also tested some of the top products to ensure accuracy in our choices. Only the best ones made the list.

My testing included examining and evaluating dehumidifiers right from the start when they arrived. I evaluated every detail from unboxing, assembly and setup to storage features and everything in between. Details were recorded about the feel and durability of each product, the general operation, testing of additional or unique features and performance attributes.

Notes were taken when things went well and, more importantly, where improvements might be necessary. After testing, I examined the notes and rated the products based on the results.

FAQ

How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry a basement?

This depends on the size of your basement, as well as the initial humidity level. For example, a smaller, less humid basement dries much faster than a large, damp one. Luckily, the best basement dehumidifiers clearly state how many pints of water they collect from the air every 24 hours, so it’s easier to see which options work faster than others. Keep in mind that if you’re dealing with flood water, a dehumidifier alone isn’t going to cut it—you’ll need to use a shop vac as well.

Where should you place a dehumidifier in the basement?

To ensure your dehumidifier works efficiently, it should be placed as close to the source of moisture as possible. If your moisture isn’t coming from a specific area, place the dehumidifier in the center of the basement. Never place a dehumidifier against a wall, as it can obstruct its airflow and hinder its performance.

Will a dehumidifier get rid of a musty smell in the basement?

Yes! By removing the excess moisture that causes mold and mildew growth, a basement dehumidifier eliminates the musty smell caused by these uninvited guests. It may take a few days, but eventually, the basement dries out and the stinky odor goes away. (Basement odor eliminators are another smart way to get rid of that musty smell.)

Is a 50-pint dehumidifier good for a basement?

This depends on the humidity level and size of the basement, but in general, yes, a 50-pint dehumidifier is well suited for basement use. A 50-pint dehumidifier is considered a large-capacity model, and according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), is effective in up to 1200 square feet of space at 50% to 60% humidity levels. For spaces with extreme humidity levels of 80% to 100%, that shrinks down to about 800 square feet.

Should a basement dehumidifier run all the time?

No, a basement dehumidifier should not run all the time. According to our experts, the humidity level in your basement should hover between 20% and 60%, depending on the season, so when that’s reached, your dehumidifier should shut off. Most dehumidifiers feature an automatic shutoff that can be adjusted to your preferred humidity level.

Conclusion

When dealing with basement moisture, the problem is more than cosmetic. You may also be dealing with potential mold or mildew problems—or at least their potential. For that reason, choosing the best basement dehumidifier for your home’s specific needs is crucial.

To that end, we’ve strived to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to help you make a highly informed decision. Our evaluating and testing methods consider as many details as possible, including the least significant ones, to ensure we offer the best recommendations.

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