:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-best-dehumidifiers-for-basements-tout-56c6569eeda24bffa49600881b8494c8.jpg)
The Spruce / Kristin Kempa
Dehumidifiers for basements are a great way to keep the condensation level low in this often damp space. Moisture in areas without climate control, especially damp basements, is one of the top culprits behind mold growth. Adding a basement dehumidifier can help keep mold out of your home, improving the overall air quality and protecting your precious keepsakes from damage. “Ideally a home would be kept between 40 percent to 60 percent relative humidity,” said David Ragsdale, Production Manager at SERVPRO Cleaning and Restoration. “If your home or business is consistently higher than this range, a dehumidifier may be recommended.”
The best dehumidifiers for basements are easy to install and use. Many also have special features that work for your space, such as multiple fan speeds and adjustable humidity settings.
Best Overall
Frigidaire 35 Pint High Efficiency Dehumidifier
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/frigidaire-ffad3533w1-dehumidifier-moderate-humidity-35-pint-capacity-with-a-easy-to-clean-washable-filter-and-custom-humidity-control-906a187acdab4b499ef58962fafd0712.jpg)
Amazon
Multiple size options
Easy to maintain and empty
Continuous drainage option
Quiet
A bit pricey
For most basements, the Frigidaire dehumidifier is the perfect solution for moderate humidity. It comes in a variety of sizes so you can find the one that is the best fit for the size of your space without spending a ton on extra capacity that you may not need. The 35-pint size is good for medium-sized basements with moderate humidity. Sizes range from 22 pints for low humidity or small rooms up to 60 pints for large basements.
It also has a filter to capture dust, another common occurrence in basements. Not only does this help with air quality, it also ensures that your dehumidifier runs as efficiently as possible. When the filter gets dirty, just remove it, wash it, and reinstall it. You don’t need to worry about replacement filters or parts. The water collection reservoir is also easy to get to and empty. It pulls out right from the front of the unit and has a carrying handle. Just empty it into a utility sink and reinstall when it gets full. There is also a continuous drain option if you want to hook up a drainage hose.
There aren’t a lot of cons to this dehumidifier, other than the high price for the capacity. With all of the easy-to-use features, however, and reliability, we think it is still a great value. Putting out just 45 decibels at the lowest of the three fan settings, it is also very quiet.
Price at time of publish: $239
Dimensions: 12.19 x 15.97 x 24.25 inches | Capacity: 35 pints | Coverage: Medium room | Noise Level: 45 dB
Best Budget
ALRocket Small Dehumidifier with LED Light
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/alrocket-small-dehumidifier-with-led-light-22409e159ecb4348b43d2957e70cc59a.jpg)
Walmart
Budget-friendly
Easy to see if tank is full
Portable
Not great for medium or large spaces
No adjustable settings
You don’t need to spend a ton to keep small spaces and basements comfortable and free from moisture that can cause mold or damage. This dehumidifier is affordable and compact, as well as easy to use. Just plug it in, set the LED light, and let it run. It is designed for rooms up to 161 square feet, so it is only meant for small spaces. If you have a utility closet in your basement that needs extra attention or you want to run it occasionally, it is a good little unit to have on hand.
The LED light turns red when it is time to empty the 26-ounce tank. There aren’t a lot of special controls or settings in this unit. The LED light is the only indication that the tank is full, as well as a visual inspection of the clear tank at the bottom of the unit. It is also very quiet, at between 20 and 30 decibels when in use.
Price at time of publish: $39
Dimensions: 5.40 x 5.40 x 11.00 inches | Capacity: 26 ounces| Coverage: 161 square feet | Noise Level: 20-30 dB
Best Smart
GE 22 pt. Dehumidifier with Smart Dry
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ge-22-pt-dehumidifier-with-smart-dry-for-bedroom-basement-or-damp-rooms-e9e76daaaeae4cbda745735f2e7a46ac.jpg)
The Home Depot
Automatically adjusts for desired humidity
Works on large and humid spaces
Continuous use or tank
Needs to be positioned away from walls
This dehumidifier operates like most others, with three fan speeds, a collection tank, and optional continuous use drainage hose setup, which is included. It can remove up to 22 pints of water out of the air and is ideal for basements up to 1,500 square feet. It also includes Smart Dry, a sensor that automatically adjusts the fan speed based on the humidity reading in the room. All you need to do is set the desired humidity level and this unit does the rest.
The GE Dehumidifier with Smart Dry is also a great value, especially considering the advanced smart features. It includes an auto-start as well as an auto shut off when the tank gets full. It beeps if it is time to empty the tank, if it senses that the tank is not reinstalled, or if you need to clean the filter. The air intake is on the back of the unit so you’ll need to keep it positioned away from walls to get the best results.
Price at time of publish: $169
Dimensions: Liquid | Capacity: 32 ounces | Coverage: 1,500 Square Feet | Noise Level: Not listed
Best for Small Basements
Midea 20-Pint Dehumidifier
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/midea-1500-sq-ft-energy-star-certified-dehumidifier-with-reusable-air-filter-22-pint-2019-doe-previously-30-pint---ideal-for-basements-large-2ed5f31ad14d49c083aeb29fd34cd73b.jpg)
Amazon
Continous mode or collection tank
Tank is easy to empty and carry
Energy Star certified
Drainage hose not included
Does not have a built-in pump
For basements up to 1,500 square feet, this dehumidifier is an effective and versatile choice. You can use it in continuous drain mode or by emptying the collection tank, which can hold up to 22 pints. The dehumidifier is also very efficient, with a removable, washable filter and an Energy Star certification.
If you do want to use it in continuous mode, you will need to purchase a separate hose. It does not include a pump, which means that you’ll need to set it up so that gravity drains water away from the unit. For smaller basements, however, the collection tank is the easiest solution and requires almost zero setup. The unit alerts you when it is time to empty the tank, which includes a carrying handle for easy, spill-free transport.
Price at time of publish: $149
Dimensions: 15.2 x 10.24 x 19.69 inches | Capacity: 22 ounces | Coverage: 1,500 square feet | Noise Level: 46.5 dB
Best for Large Basements
hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier with Pump
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/homelabs-4000-sq-ft-energy-star-dehumidifier-with-pump--ideal-for-bedrooms-basements-bathrooms-and-laundry-rooms--with-digital-control-panel-24-hr-af94a671e36f4a5cb86f617ef7c447ae.jpg)
Amazon
Works in spaces up to 4,000 square feet
Continuous use or tank
Energy star certified
Expensive
Louder than most
This home dehumidifier works in spaces up to 4,000 square feet., enough for many basements and living spaces. The tricky part about getting the most use out of this workhorse of a dehumidifier is ensuring that the air can move around enough to get to the unit. It has a built-in pump as part of the continuous drainage system. If you don’t want to run drainage hoses or don’t have an accessible drain, you can let the condensation collect in the 50-pint tank and empty it yourself.
As expected, this unit is on the expensive side. But for the increased capacity, it might be more affordable in the long run than two smaller units. It will certainly be cheaper than dealing with water damage and mold. The noise level is 53 decibels, louder than most smaller units. Fortunately, it is energy-efficient so you don’t need to worry about astronomically high power bills, even if you use it continuously.
Price at time of publish: $300
Dimensions: 15.75 x 11.75 x 25.30 inches | Capacity: 50 pints | Coverage: 4,000 square feet | Noise Level: 53 dB
Best for Cold Basements
LG PuriCare 50-Pint Clear Bucket Dehumidifier
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lg-puricare-50-pint-dehumidifier-with-clear-bucket-with-handle-276331017485432e83603d42d0d3faac.jpg)
The Home Depot
Works in low temperatures
Large capacity
Quiet for its size
Expensive
If you have a cold basement space, even for part of the year, it’s important to look for a dehumidifier that can still operate in low temperatures. The PuriCare home dehumidifier from LG is designed for temperatures as low as 41 degrees. The tank holds up to 50 pints of water and is clear, a useful feature to help you know when it is close to full. The unit also alerts you to a full tank and will shut off when it can’t hold any more water.
This unit is expensive but works in a variety of spaces and locations. It is also quiet for its size, putting out only 48 decibels at the lowest fan speed. It also has auto shut off to prevent overflow or overheating and is Energy Start certified.
Price at time of publish: $499
Dimensions: 26.2 x 12.6 x 16.8 inches | Capacity: 50 pints | Coverage: 1,000 square feet | Noise Level: 48 dB
Best with Drain Hose
GE Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ge-50-pt-e-starportable-dehumidifier-w-pump-for-wet-space-grey-apew50lz-25be6b5751874c3cb2a3b71664b1cd5a.jpg)
Walmart
Can pump away from the unit
Drainage hose included
Affordable
Older model
For a continuous drain system, an installed pump is a must-have. It keeps the water moving from the dehumidifier where it collects, through a drainage hose, and out into a floor sump drain or utility sink. The GE dehumidifier with pump can move water up to 16 feet away from the unit. That allows you to position it in the ideal place for air circulation while also using it in continuous mode.
This is an older model, so it may be harder to find or get replacement parts to fix. But that also means that it is less expensive. The drainage hose is also included, making it an even better value. It does have a collection tank, allowing you to choose between continuous use and as-needed.
Price at time of publish: $268
Dimensions: 24.02 x 14.76 x 11.38 inches| Capacity: 50 pints | Coverage: 4,000 square feet | Noise Level: 50 dB
Best with Pump
Ivation 4,500 Sq Ft Large-Capacity Dehumidifier
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ivation-4500-sq-ft-energy-star-dehumidifier-with-pump-large-capacity-compressor-includes-programmable-humidity-hose-connector-auto-shutoff-and-restart-ef97b64881e04ad681a820762e675b74.jpg)
Amazon
Powerful pump
Can pump vertically out a window
Continous mode or collection tank mode
Heavy and bulky
This powerful unit includes a 16W pump that can move water up to 16.4 feet vertically away from the dehumidifier. That allows for setup away from walls, where air intake is optimized, while still running a drainage hose to a utility sink or even a window. It removes up to 50 pints out of the air, which can also be collected in a tank that you empty.
At over 45 pounds, it is a bit heavy and bulky to move. Fortunately, it has casters and a carrying handle if you want to reposition the dehumidifier. It works for basements and rooms up to 4,500 square feet. It is also Energy Star certified for efficient electricity usage, which is great given its large size and pumping capacity.
Price at time of publish: $285
Dimensions: 11.1 x 15.28 x 23.5 inches | Capacity: 50 pints | Coverage: 4,500 square feet | Noise Level: Not listed
Best Compact
Pro Breeze 0.9-Pint Electric Mini Dehumidifier
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pro-breeze-electric-mini-dehumidifier-1200-cubic-feet-150-sq-ft-compact-and-portable-for-high-humidity-in-home-kitchen-bedroom-bathroom-basement-caravan-office-rv-garage-with-auto-shut-off-e30111ef3b4b476abc4872a104ad0fdf.jpg)
Walmart
Portable
Plug and go
Affordable
Doesn’t cover a lot of space
Small tank capacity
For very small basements or occasional use, you may want something that doesn’t take up space with a bulky tank or hose system. This compact dehumidifier is the perfect solution. It has a 16-ounce capacity and can take up to 9 ounces per day out of the air. For basements that are not very humid, it may be just the thing. Installation is as simple as plugging it into any standard outlet and letting it run.
For larger spaces, you might need multiple units placed strategically around to ensure that all of the air circulates through since this model is only designed for rooms up to 250 square feet. The tank capacity is also small, so expect to empty it frequently if you use it in very humid spaces. Fortunately, it is also budget-friendly so you can buy multiple dehumidifiers and move them around your home as needed.
Price at time of publish: $60
Dimensions: 6.3 X 7.1 X 11 inches| Capacity: 16 ounces | Coverage: 250 square feet | Noise Level: Not listed
Our top pick, the Frigidaire Moderate Humidity Dehumidifier, has a size for every space and need. It can be used in continuous mode with a drainage hose or by emptying the large water collection tank. For a more budget-friendly solution, consider the ALRocket Small Dehumidifier with LED Light. It doesn’t have a lot of features but will work in small spaces to keep humidity levels down.
What to Look for in a Dehumidifier for Basements
Size and weight
Because basements can be quite damp, chances are you need a larger dehumidifier for that space than others in your home. With that power comes a larger size and heavier weight. Look for a dehumidifier that is small enough to move or has casters or a carrying handle for easy transport. Very large units may need to be set up and left in place.
Coverage and capacity
Home dehumidifiers can be great for spaces between 150 square feet to over 4,500 square feet. Consider the size of your basement as well as the humidity level. A less humid basement doesn’t need a high-capacity dehumidifier, even if it is a larger space. If you plan on emptying the collection tank instead of running a continuous use drainage hose, look for a tank that is large enough so that you don’t need to empty it every few hours.
Fan speeds and noise level
Many of the top rated dehumidifiers have three fan speeds. This allows you to customize the speed and effectiveness. For dehumidifiers with auto controls, switching between fan speeds is common. The higher speeds are typically louder than lower speeds, although many of the best basement dehumidifiers still keep things below 55 decibels.
Standout Features
Drainage and pumps
If you know that your basement dehumidifier will be working a lot, consider setting it up for continuous drainage into a nearby utility sink, floor sump drain, or out a basement window. If you will need to run the drainage hose vertically, make sure that you get a dehumidifier with a pump.
Energy star ratings
To maximize your energy savings while running your dehumidifier, look for a model that is Energy Star certified. This means that the model has met higher energy standards while still performing great.
-
What size dehumidifier do I need for a basement?
When deciding on the best size for your dehumidifier, consider the size of your basement as well as the typical moisture levels. Dehumidifiers that cover up to 1,500 square feet work for most basements with moderate or even high humidity. If your space is especially large or gets a lot of moisture, you may want something larger or more powerful.
-
When should you use a dehumidifier?
The ideal moisture level is around 50%. If your basement is a lot more humid, which you can measure using a humidistat, running a dehumidifier can make it more comfortable. Moisture levels often increase after wet weather. Seasonal changes, especially during the spring and summer, can also increase humidity.
-
Do dehumidifiers help with mold?
Dehumidifiers are great for reducing the chances of mold growth by creating an environment that is less hospitable to mold. Mold likes damp, humid air. If you already have mold, a dehumidifier can keep it from spreading a lot but you will likely need to remove and remediate the mold separately.
“Reducing the amount of moisture in a space will help reduce the likelihood of mold growth, but a dehumidifier will not reverse mold growth,” said David Ragsdale, Production Manager at SERVPRO Cleaning and Restoration. “If you have mold in your home or business have a SERVPRO professional inspect the structure and determine the best course of action to address mold removal.”
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. She has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. When considering this list, she looked for dehumidifiers that would work for a variety of sizes and moisture levels, as well as those that were easy to use and monitor. Melynn also gained insight from David Ragsdale, Production Manager at SERVPRO Cleaning and Restoration.