8 Best Dehumidifiers for Basements (2024 Updated Reviews)

The best dehumidifiers for basements effectively combat high humidity levels, preventing mold, mildew, and musty odors. When choosing a basement dehumidifier, consider key factors such as the size of your space, moisture removal rate in pints per day, bucket capacity, and drainage options. Top picks include the Midea MAD50S1QWT 50-Pint Cube Dehumidifier, ideal for large basements up to 2,500 sq ft, and the compact Pure Enrichment 22-Pint Dehumidifier for smaller rooms. Other excellent choices are the powerful Frigidaire High-Humidity Dehumidifier and the HomeLabs 4500 Dehumidifier, both capable of removing up to 50-70 pints of moisture per day. Look for features like energy efficiency, low noise levels, air filtration, and smart controls to ensure your basement dehumidifier meets your specific needs and keeps your home comfortable and healthy.

1. hOmeLabs 4000 Sq Ft Dehumidifier

hOmeLabs Dehumidifiers are a great way to reduce the amount of moisture in the air, especially in large rooms like basements and garages. By reducing the moisture in the air, you can also reduce the amount of mold, dust mites, mildew, and allergens in your home.

These dehumidifiers are also Energy Star certified, meaning they are not only good for the environment but also cost less to run than other dehumidifiers on the market.

The hOmeLabs Dehumidifiers are easy to use: simply set your desired moisture level and let the unit run its continuous 24-hour cycle. When the unit is full, it will automatically shut off until you empty it, so you don’t have to worry about overflow. For added convenience, the manufacturer has included a garden hose outlet so you can attach a garden hose for continuous draining if you prefer.

The turbo mode sets the hOmeLabs Dehumidifiers apart from other units, increasing fan speed from Normal Air to High Air to maximize moisture removal and odor reduction.

 If you are looking for a way to improve the air quality in your basement and save money on your energy bills, the hOmeLabs Dehumidifiers are a great option.

Pros:

• Energy Star certified
• 50-pint capacity dehumidifier
• 24-hour continuous cycle with a drain outlet
• Dehumidifier Auto-turn off
• Turbo mode fan
• Upgrade option w/ pump

Cons:

• Small water-holding (12.8 pints) means you’ll have to drain it over six times per day in high-humidity environments.
• The dehumidifier does not work in the same room as an evaporative cooler

Note: This is a 70-pint dehumidifier in the old rating system.

2. Vremi 50 Pint (Portable Dehumidifier)

Our second entry comes from Vremi, an appliance manufacturer that has mainly produced kitchen appliances through the years but recently expanded to all home appliances, including some of the best dehumidifiers for basements.

While the company has a fairly short history of manufacturing air-conditioning appliances, you can’t knock the quality and affordability of their 50-pint dehumidifiers.

If you are environmentally conscious or want to save a couple of dollars each month on your electricity bill, the first thing that will draw your attention to the Vremi dehumidifier for the basement is that it is Energy Star certified, meaning it reduces the humidity level in your home with minimal energy consumption.

Vremi designed the Moisture Maniac Dehumidifier with the end-users convenience in mind. It sports a sleek and clean look with convenient built-in caster wheels and handles to ensure that consumers can move it around the house as needed.

Also, this dehumidifier is incredibly quiet, ensuring you will not hear it operating in the background as it reduces moisture, odors, and allergens. This dehumidifier is great for those with allergies, as it cleans the air.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to run this machine, as you can easily set the ideal humidity level for your basement and then let it run in continuous 24-hour cycles until the water tank is full. You can drain it or attach a garden hose to an available outlet for continuous operation.

Pros:

• Energy Star certified
• Eco and pocket-friendly
• Easy-to-operate basement dehumidifier
• Drain hose slot for continuous operation

Cons:

• It comes from a brand that is more known for kitchen appliances
• Small water tank

3. AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 Dehumidifier

AlorAir and their specialized machines are on our list because they also do an excellent job.

The AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 has a high price tag but specializes in crawl space and basement dehumidifiers humidity level management. Like other AlorAir dehumidifiers, the Sentinel HDi90 also features epoxy-coated refrigeration coils that provide corrosion protection, thus maintaining heat transfer ability over the life of the coils. Moreover, the added corrosion protection reduces the chance of Freon leakage, thus extending the product’s overall life.

Because they’re below ground level, Basements and crawl spaces are known for being incredibly moist during any season, and thus you need dehumidifiers that can operate under low-temperature conditions.

These products feature the Hot Gas Valve Defrosting system for quick and energy-efficient defrosting under low temperatures, allowing it to run efficiently even at 36°F. The HGV defrosting system ensures that the unit works efficiently and continuously during low-temperature seasons without having to stop periodically to defrost, saving time and making the unit last longer.

Its remote control and monitoring function make the Sentinel HDi90 ideal for crawl spaces and basements. You can use the remote control to monitor the humidity level and set the unit’s performance without having to check on it physically. However, note that users must purchase the remote control separately, which is worth it if you ask us since it has a humidity sensor that enables you to monitor the humidity level.

Draining won’t be a problem as it comes with a heavy-duty built-in pump that easily attaches to the unit with a 20-inch lifting distance. The built-in condensate pump allows you to use a drain hose anywhere.

AlorAir stands by its products, which is why they offer a 5-year warranty on the Sentinel HDi90; its after-sales service is impeccable. You can easily reach their service team wherever you are in the country if you need replacement or assistance with your unit.

Pros:

• HGV Defrosting System
• Operates at low temperatures
• Epoxy Powder Coating on the Coils
• Remote control and monitoring function
• It comes with a heavy-duty condensate pump
• 5-year dehumidifier warranty

Cons:

• Customer service websites for AlorAir are in Chinese and can be difficult to interpret.
• The dehumidifier has a high price tag.

4. FRIGIDAIRE 50 Pint Dehumidifier

We were keen to put our hands on this Frigidaire with a wi-fi basement dehumidifier. Since it’s a successor to a highly popular FAD704DWD Frigidaire from 2014, we couldn’t wait to see which features the Frigidaire will put into their next dehumidifiers.

Are these Frigidaire dehumidifiers a worthy heir to one of the best dehumidifiers of the decade? 

Read on and find out!

The Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 70 pint best dehumidifier works like this – it pulls the excess humidity from the basements air in the form of moisture, collecting it in its 13.1 tank that has a splash guard, a handle, and the auto-shutoff function.

If you put it next to a drain and run it continuously, the Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 will be able to collect some 70 pints of moisture per day, which is impressive.

We liked how easy the Frigidaire is to operate this thing – the so-called “Ready-Select” control panel includes a control lock, the digital humidity level readout, and the beneficial 24 hours on/off timer that allows the user to set the time for a shutdown.

The Frigidaire screens are straightforward to read, letting you control the humidity percentage in whichever room you put this Frigidaire dehumidifier in, whether the basement, bathroom, or laundry room. The combination of a top handle, side handles, and caster wheels makes the machine very easy to move around – this is always a big plus in our book.

Pros:

• High-grade Basement Dehumidifier craftsmanship
• 70 pints of moisture per day
• Room Wise Portable Design
• Effortless humidity Levels Control
• Ready-Select Electronics Control

Cons:

• The sensor can break after a few years, resulting in an “F0” readout error
• Shorter lifespan compared to other basement dehumidifiers on this list

5. Keystone KSTAD50B Dehumidifier

These are highly efficient dehumidifiers that can remove 50 pints of moisture per day, coming with a set of electronic controls that are easy to operate and some notable features. Let’s see how it fared on our test!

Even though it looks very simple, the Keystone KSTAD50B 50-pint dehumidifier has a load of features that might seem hidden.

There is a display on the top part of these dehumidifier models, and every change the user makes appears on display, which is quite convenient. The readings are accurate, allowing you to set the desired humidity level in basements or any other room, almost like a thermostat.

Even the coldest rooms won’t be a problem, thanks to the Auto-Defrost feature, which detects the buildup of frost on the coils and turns on the fan to melt it.

The automatic shut-off function, on the other hand, will shut down the KSTAD50B when the water tank is full so that it is ready for cleaning (this can also be easily done – the tank has a top handle as one of its parts so you can easily drain the water). It’s almost like providing you with notifications that the humidifier needs water drainage!

In the case of a power failure, these dehumidifier models have an auto restart feature. At the same time, the 24 hours timer allows the user to let these dehumidifier models work for a preferred amount of time. The Keystone KSTAD50B 50-pint dehumidifier did not disappoint after our testing.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use electronic controls and LED display
• Drainage hose outlet for continuous floor drain operation
• Filters up to 50 pints of moisture per day
• Auto basement dehumidifier shut off

Cons:

• The dehumidifier does not turn off when the water storage is removed
• The tank has to be emptied immediately – you can’t set it down because the bottom is not flat

6. Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier

Made by the famous Ivation,  this dehumidifier is an excellent machine that’s a great choice for a room measuring up to 4,500 square feet while pulling 70 pints of moisture from the air daily.

The best thing about these dehumidifiers is the significant number of handy features that it comes with – let’s take a look at the most important ones.

The first thing to notice here is the RHT meter with a simple LED display, which allows the user to check the basement humidity level whenever he wants and then set the ideal level of the automatic moisture control. There are two options for this – the regular and the turbo one since it has two fan speeds.

We should also mention the 24-hour timer, the Quick control panel switch, and the exceptional auto restart feature technology, which saves your favorite settings and turns on the device after a power outage.

Pros:

• Energy Star
• Auto-shutoff feature
• Cleanable filters
• Two fan speeds
• Portable basement dehumidifier
• Easy to use
• Dehumidifier Drain hose outlet
• Frost sensor for auto-defrost
• 4,500 square feet dehumidifier

Cons:

• A small water tank (10.4 pints) makes the floor drain hose necessary
• Generates a bit of heat during operation

7. MIDEA MAD50C1ZWS Dehumidifier

This MIDEA MAD50C1ZWS can take up to 70 pints of water from a 4,500 sq. ft. basement while staying quiet at 49 dB.

This model has many features that work together. One of these is the 1.6-gallon reservoir. It will get larger if you hook it up to a .75” garden hose and won’t have to stop working as much because it can drain quickly.

A MIDEA MAD50C1ZWS dehumidifier has a reusable filter. It makes it easy to know when the filter needs to be cleaned.

Pros:

• High Affordability
• Huge Coverage Area
• Ultra-Quiet basement dehumidifier
• Large working temperature range
• Longer warranty period

Cons:

• Improper maintenance can trigger mold growth
• The delicate hose can develop leakages quite easily

8. Danby DDR070BDWDB 70-Pint Dehumidifier

The Danby DDR070BDWDB dehumidifier fits comfortably within industry standards in many important regards; it can remove up to 70 pints of moisture per day over 4,500 sq. ft., and is also Energy Star rated.

This model can do something that other models cannot. It has an auto-defrost and direct drain. And it uses environmentally friendly refrigerant, so you can recycle it when the model stops working.

The Danby DDR070BDWDB is an easy-to-use dehumidifier. It has a user-friendly LED display and runs at 50 dB even when using either of its two powerful fans.

Pros:

• Energy Star-rated
• Auto Shutoff
• Three draining options
• Quiet basement dehumidifier operation
• Automatic Defrost

Cons:

• No Dehumidifier Pump
• No Drain Hose Included

Basements Dehumidifier Buying Guide

Reducing basement humidity is difficult. Knowing when you’ve got it under control is hard until a big storm hits and adds water.

You can buy a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers come in many sizes and typically work best within certain conditions to maximize their effectiveness. For instance, depending on the room size and cold, you may need one for your basement or crawlspace.

The following guide will inform you of things to remember when purchasing a basement dehumidifier. It would help if you familiarized yourself with these characteristics before shopping online.

Factors to Consider

When you’re buying a dehumidifier, there are many different factors that you need to think about.

That’s because the best dehumidifier sizes are considered by the appliances used in different areas of the house. It is important to consider the room size and average room temperature when choosing between top-performing units.

Additionally, the size of a dehumidifier does not always correspond with how much moisture it collects.

These are only a few details you will need to consider before purchasing a dehumidifier. For more insights into how these details will affect your unit’s operation, speak with a handyman or plumber in your area.

Room Size

Dehumidifiers are designed to be used in only one room. Still, because they’re often too small for the space, it’s important to consider the dimensions of your desired area before purchasing.

To get an approximation of the square footage covered by your furnishings, measure the width and length of each wall. If any room has a different shape or size than others, include its measurements separately in this calculation.

Use this number to calculate how much moisture is present on average: divide the total square feet (measured above) by 50. 

For example, a moderately damp area of 2000 sq. ft may only need to be dehumidified with 25 pints. On the other hand, average square footage of 3,500 sq. ft., with floor sweat, will need a 50-pint capacity dehumidifier.

Room Temperature and Average Humidity

If your basement is designed to be a cozy living space or even a spare bedroom, the temperature will most likely not fluctuate as much. Extra insulation paired with an efficient heating system and effective window seals will make the air temperature steadier. You should not need to worry about dehumidifier freezing in these conditions.

However, if your basement is not energy-efficient or adequately insulated, there’s a chance that the frosty winter temperatures will affect even the best dehumidifiers for basements. In this case, it’s crucial to use a device with auto-defrost and low-temperature settings so that your basement can still be kept dry without taking a toll on your wallet.

Ducting

Dehumidifiers for basements can have ducting, allowing them to heat more than one space at a time. It also makes it possible to tuck the dehumidifier away discreetly in a closet or other area so that it doesn’t infringe on your living space. Remote controls, humidistats, and timers add to the functions available on a basement dehumidifier.

Noise

A high-capacity dehumidifier can work for light use if you don’t plan on living or entertaining in a space. For dense carpeting with fewer higher-pile areas, it’s best to opt for a dehumidifier that emits less noise and is unobtrusive.

Important Features

Now, let’s explore the features a high-quality basement dehumidifier should have. To select your final product, you will need at least a few of these features if you plan to use the unit for an extended time. Most of these features affect performance and are important considerations when selecting a new device.

Hose Drain Outlet (Drainage)

Consider a model with a hose and drainage solution if you use your dehumidifier for an extended period. The drain outlet will prevent you from having to empty the condensation tank.

Installing this type of hose drain allows you to use gravity drainage to remove moisture from dehumidifiers instead of spending time emptying them.

Auto-Humidistat

Many modern best dehumidifiers are fitted with an auto-humidistat. This valuable energy-saving feature causes the dehumidifier to shut off when optimum moisture levels are reached. It closely monitors moisture levels and will start back up again if humidity levels begin to rise.

Condensate Pump

Basements with uncommon areas of high humidity have to run condensate pump systems to keep the moisture content at reasonable levels. Condensate pumps use downward pressure, created by a dehumidifier, to move the water it collects off-site into collection points like floor drains.

If your basement needs an additional condensate pump, you might need to do some research. Quality dehumidifiers can come with a built-in condensate pump, allowing for more flexibility over the unit’s lifespan.

Auto Defrost

Dehumidifiers built to work in basements often rely on cold condensation units. To avoid a potential issue with freezing, be sure to purchase an auto-defrosting feature for your dehumidifier.

Dehumidifiers with a built-in auto defrost mechanism eliminate the need for deactivating (defrosting) them after use, which means their efficiency is increased.

Low-Temperature Setting

These can prevent the dehumidifier from frosting or freezing over in temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit. This can allow continuous use throughout the seasons. It also lowers the risk of potential damage from ice and frost.

Timer

Dehumidifiers make noise, and some people might not like that. It can be hard to use because it is close to someone else’s office or basement.

A built-in dehumidifier timer can help with this problem by automatically turning off the unit when the dehumidifier is operated. This is helpful for those who want the unit to run only when they are not present at home because they may hear it, and it also collects ambient humidity in an area where there is a direct source of moisture, such as wet basement laundry.

Home Local Climate

The local climate type is a huge factor for a consumer to consider when looking at basement dehumidifiers. Will it have to work all year in a high-humidity climate, or will it need to cope with freezing temperatures in winter and high humidity levels in summer? 

Features such as Low-Temperature Settings and Auto-Defrost can be invaluable in areas with colder winter climates. Drainage options will depend on the climate too. 

Climates that are warm and humid all year may benefit from a floor drain outlet to avoid frequent emptying from almost constant use. In contrast, climates that experience freezing winters may be better suited to an internal pump as it will be less exposed to freezing temperatures.

There are various other features a consumer can keep a close eye on when choosing a basement dehumidifier. They may not affect the efficiency of the dehumidifier itself. They can, however, make your life a bit easier and help to keep the dehumidifier running smoothly.

Filter Indicator Light

A clogged air filter can reduce the efficiency of a dehumidifier. If a filter is allowed to become blocked completely, it may stop the system from working altogether. A filter indicator light can be convenient to let you know when the filter is close to needing a change. This can save an expensive call-out, a repair fee, and downtime from an ineffective dehumidifier.

Auto-Reset

This is a handy feature. In the event of a power outage, your dehumidifier will reset automatically to its previous settings when it restarts.

Compressor vs Desiccant

Compressor dehumidifiers are the most common and use a refrigeration cycle to capture moisture from the air by removing heat. Because of this, they do not work as well in basements where temperatures fluctuate widely due to the coldness of the basement floor and the surrounding walls. Desiccant dehumidifiers use an adsorption cycle, capturing moisture from the air by removing water vapor. Thus they can work in basements and other places where temperatures are more consistent.

FAQ

Where should I place it?

If you have a basement, it’s a good idea to place your dehumidifier in the room that receives the most water and foot traffic – this will help cut down on the amount of time needed to run your dehumidifier.

What Size Do I Need?

If you have a 500-square-foot basement with medium humidity (70%-80%), you need at least a 50-pint dehumidifier.

Should I Get an Oversized Unit?

An oversized basement dehumidifier could seem expensive, but it has the potential to save you a lot of money in the long run.

A small-capacity dehumidifier will not be adequate for large rooms like basements and is more likely to break prematurely.

Will this Product Reduce Humidity Upstairs?

Yes, there is often a connection from the basement to the upstairs of most houses. Humidity from the basement can seep through and cause dampness on other floors, but dehumidifiers in your basement will keep humidity levels low and avoid this problem.

Is It Possible to Dehumidify the sub-floors and the Rest of the House With One Whole Unit?

Yes, installing a whole-house dehumidifier in the basement can help with moisture problems throughout your house.

How to Measure the Humidity in a Sub-basement?

• Buy a hygrometer. With this device, you’ll instantly find out the humidity level in your basement.
• You can also test the humidity in your basement by taping a piece of aluminum foil to the wall. Return later and compare it to another untouched strip.

How Necessary Is this Unit?

A dehumidifier will keep the air in a basement or crawl space dry, which keeps it from absorbing excess moisture and resulting in musty odors. This helps maintain the area’s ideal indoor relative humidity (RH) level.

Will a Sub-level Unit Help an Air Conditioner?

Yes, a basement dehumidifier makes the air better. It cleans and filters the air, controls moisture, and reduces odors. Running a dehumidifier in your air-conditioned home will reduce your energy usage. This is because it makes removing moisture from the air easier for your air conditioner to work more efficiently.