The best dehumidifiers for small and large spaces
Steven E / Friday March 28, 2025
Looking for a trusty dehumidifier that tackles excess moisture without hogging space or costing a fortune? You’re in the right place. We’re comparing a variety of models perfect for basements, bedrooms, and everything in between, so you can find just the right size and features for your home.
The info in this article might not perfectly match your specific appliance model. We try to dish out helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance repairs, but different models can bring their own quirks with troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, and so on. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your appliance’s manual or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.
Understanding dehumidifiers: capacity, features, and benefits
Dehumidifiers pull in humid air, remove moisture, and then release drier air back into the room. You’ll often find them in basements or areas prone to dampness. While they might seem straightforward, dehumidifiers come with different capacities, measured in pints of water removed per day. Smaller pint capacities are ideal for cozier rooms, while larger ones are better for big or super humid spaces.
As you explore the market, you’ll notice dehumidifiers offering extra features like built-in pumps for continuous drainage, auto-defrost mechanisms to prevent ice buildup, and various filters that snag dust and allergens. Tank sizes vary too, so choosing one that matches your room’s humidity level means you won’t have to empty it as often.
Most modern dehumidifiers sport digital displays, letting you track humidity and set your preferred levels. If you live somewhere really humid or have an older home, investing in a high-capacity model might be the way to go. On the flip side, smaller spaces, like a single bedroom or a storage closet, usually do fine with a smaller pint capacity, avoiding over-drying the air or hiking up your energy bill.
The best dehumidifiers for small spaces
Small spaces, typically up to 300 or 400 square feet like bedrooms, home offices, or laundry areas, don’t need anything too hefty. A compact dehumidifier that removes around 20 to 30 pints of water per day often does the trick. You’ll want a design that fits snugly in tight corners but still keeps your room’s moisture levels in check.
The best dehumidifiers for large spaces
Got a basement, a large open living area, or a home struggling with high humidity? A bigger dehumidifier is your best friend. Large-capacity models range from around 40 to 50 pints per day and sometimes even higher. They remove a ton of moisture before you need to empty the tank, and many come with features that make maintenance a breeze.
How to choose the right dehumidifier capacity
When you’re shopping for a dehumidifier, the sea of similar models can be overwhelming. You don’t want to overspend on something too strong or end up with a unit that’s too small and leaves your space still feeling muggy. Plus, you don’t want to miss out on vital features like auto-restart or easy maintenance. Picking the right capacity is pretty straightforward if you follow a few steps.
Here’s a quick guide to steer you in the right direction:
- Measure your room size: Grab a measuring tape for length and width, then multiply them to get square footage. Remember, larger or more open rooms often need bigger dehumidifiers.
- Assess humidity problems: If your space always feels damp or you’ve spotted mold on the walls, you might need more capacity, even if the space isn’t huge. Dehumidifiers with higher pint capacities reduce moisture faster.
- Compare energy efficiency: Check out the unit’s Energy Star rating. Dehumidifiers that run more efficiently save you money over time, especially if you need to run them a lot.
- Decide on handy features: Think about extras like continuous drainage, built-in pumps, and digital displays. If you want low maintenance, opt for a model with a direct drain setup so you can skip frequent bucket emptying.
- Check your model’s specs: If you already own a dehumidifier and want to confirm its capacity or parts compatibility, learn how to find your appliance’s model number by visiting how to find your appliance’s model number. This helps you pinpoint the exact unit you have and ensure you get the correct parts or features for it.
Additional features to consider
Once you’ve figured out the right size and capacity for your space, it’s worth checking out the extra features that can make using your dehumidifier more convenient, efficient, and long-lasting. These bonus functions aren’t always necessary, but they can really level up your experience—especially if you’ll be running the unit regularly.
Smart features (Wi-Fi, app control, voice commands)
If you love tech that makes life easier, look for a dehumidifier with smart capabilities. Some models let you control settings, check humidity levels, and get alerts through your phone or even smart home systems like Alexa or Google Assistant. Great for busy households or hard-to-reach areas like crawl spaces or basements.
Auto-defrost
In cooler rooms (think basements or garages), the coils can freeze up if your unit doesn’t have an auto-defrost feature. This function prevents the unit from icing over and keeps it running smoothly, even when temperatures drop below 60°F.
Built-in pump
If you don’t want to manually empty the water tank—or can’t easily rely on gravity drainage—a built-in pump is a game-changer. It lets you run a hose upward or horizontally to a sink or window, making it super easy to set and forget, especially in large or below-grade spaces.
Continuous drain option
Even without a built-in pump, many models come with a continuous drain port. Just hook up a garden hose and direct it to a floor drain or sump pit, and you won’t have to worry about emptying the tank.
Adjustable humidistat
This lets you set your target humidity level (like 40–50%), and the dehumidifier will cycle on and off to maintain it. It saves energy and keeps things comfortable without over-drying the space.
Filter alert and easy-clean filters
Most dehumidifiers come with a washable air filter to help trap dust. A filter alert reminds you when it’s time to clean it—keeping your unit efficient and the air a little cleaner.
Auto-restart after power loss
If the power goes out, this feature makes sure your dehumidifier turns itself back on with the same settings. Perfect for storm-prone areas or units running in unattended spaces.
Wrapping up
We hope this comparison of top models helps you pick the perfect dehumidifier for your space. If you ever need parts or more guidance, visit AppliancePartsPros.com for an extensive selection of appliance components and expert tips. You can also follow us on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter for regular updates. If you have any questions about DIY appliance repair or maintenance, feel free to reach out through our website, we’re here to help you find the right solution.
For any dehumidifier parts or additional repair advice, AppliancePartsPros.com is here to help. We’re reachable by phone or email whenever you need assistance.
With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.