Dehumidifier Buying Guide

CR’s test engineers and survey teams assess every dehumidifier that enters our labs using the objective criteria below that define a quality appliance. The results are weighted and combined into the Overall Score for each model listed in our ratings charts.

• Water removal. We measure a dehumidifier’s ability to remove moisture from the air (the number of pints of water per day, as claimed by the manufacturer) in our test chamber set at 65° F and 60 percent relative humidity. 
• Humidistat accuracy. While in our test chamber, we also determine how closely each dehumidifier can reach and maintain a set humidity level. This is a crucial assessment because a dehumidifier should be able to bring indoor humidity to below 50 percent. Above that, dust mites, mildew, and mold can grow. 
• Energy efficiency. To gauge a dehumidifier’s energy efficiency, our engineers calculate the amount of energy it takes to remove a pint of water from the air. The best dehumidifiers use less energy, keeping electric costs to a minimum.
• Convenience. Our engineers evaluate how often you have to empty the tank. Generally, the larger the tank, the less often you need to do that. 
• Noise. Noise can be a concern in living spaces. The decibel measurements in our dehumidifier tests, which are taken from 3 feet away, range from the low 50s to the upper 60s. By comparison, normal conversation is around 60 decibels, while a clothes washer is about 70 decibels midcycle.
• Reliability and owner satisfaction. To gauge a brand’s reliability and satisfaction, we ask CR members who purchased a new dehumidifier and owned it for five years or less about their experience. The latest survey results, collected in 2023 and 2025, include data on about 13,632 brand-new models purchased between 2014 and 2025.

It’s possible—and perhaps even necessary—to mitigate some moisture problems without a dehumidifier. For everything else, here’s how to pick the right dehumidifier for your space.

Fix Existing Problems
Even the best dehumidifier might not work effectively if too much moisture seeps into your house from the outside. Unclogging gutters and making sure downspouts direct rainwater at least 5 feet from the dwelling can help. Keeping windows and exterior doors closed can also prevent humid air from entering your home.

Size Up Your Space
Consult our dehumidifier sizing guide—which offers step-by-step instructions and a handy chart—to help determine the ideal model for your space. In general, you’re better off with a somewhat larger unit.

Consider Noise
If you’re planning to put a dehumidifier in a bedroom, opt for a model that operates quietly. To narrow your search, consider buying one of the quietest dehumidifiers we’ve tested. All deliver strong performance overall.

Consider Tank Capacity
Dehumidifiers with small tanks—under 15 pints—need to be emptied more often than those with larger ones. If that’s a concern for you, pay attention to the tank size when viewing the specs on our dehumidifier ratings chart.

Determine Whether You Need a Drain Pump
The most hassle-free way to drain a dehumidifier is with a pump. CR’s ratings indicate which models come with one. Drain pumps can also expel water to an elevated location, a nice feature to have in a basement, says Misha Kollontai, an engineer who oversees our dehumidifier tests.

The labels and packaging for dehumidifiers sold since the beginning of 2020 typically claim that the units can remove 20, 30, or 45 pints in 24 hours. Earlier models cited removal rates of 30, 50, or even 70 pints per day. As more models are released using the new standards, the old standards become less relevant. But dehumidifiers still use the old claims in model numbers, which can be a bit confusing.

The lower figures don’t mean these new models remove less water, though. Rather, in accordance with more realistic government standards introduced in 2019, they’re tested by the manufacturer in a real-world scenario with less moisture to remove.

Dehumidifiers are typically used in basements, and the Department of Energy has changed its test standard by lowering the room temperature from 80° to 65° F to better reflect typical basement conditions. There’s less water to remove in cooler air, which is why the number of pints of water drops. The relative humidity level in both the old and new tests is 60 percent. CR uses the new standard in its tests.

How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
Dehumidifiers help guard against mold and mildew—two types of fungus that can pose health risks, especially to people with sensitivities—by removing moisture from the air. They use a fan to move air in a room over refrigerated coils, collecting moisture in a tank. Some models are more effective than others, so pay attention to the water removal test results in our ratings.

How Do You Clean a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier that’s not thoroughly cleaned can breed mold spores that are harmful to people with allergies. To prevent the growth of mold and other contaminants, CR recommends deep cleaning and sanitizing the emptied tank at least once every week or two. Filters should also be washed and dried regularly according to the manual to maintain efficiency. (Many models in our ratings have an indicator light that tells you when it’s time to clean the filter.) When a dehumidifier is in a dusty area, the filter needs to be cleaned more frequently, says CR’s Kollontai.

Do Dehumidifiers Cool the Air?
While a dehumidifier can make a space feel less muggy by removing moisture from the air, it doesn’t actually cool a room. In fact, it sometimes has the opposite effect of producing heat, which, in an isolated space, can raise the room temperature a bit. That said, any increase is probably marginal, to the point where the room may feel cooler and more comfortable because it’s less humid.

Should You Keep a Dehumidifier Running All the Time?
Worried that keeping your dehumidifier running will spike your energy bill? Don’t be. Most dehumidifiers use only 300 to 700 watts of electricity, depending on the capacity. That’s about the same energy consumption as a typical refrigerator, according to EnergySage, a website that helps consumers shop for renewable energy solutions. And there’s another reason it’s okay to keep a dehumidifier running: “It should respond to the humidity levels dropping, and kick back on when the levels climb again,” Kollontai says. Pro tip: “If you notice that the unit doesn’t seem to ever shut down, your dehumidifier’s capacity is likely too low for the space you’re trying to dehumidify.”

Can You Drink Dehumidifier Water?
Believe it or not, many people ask this question. The answer is a hard no, according to a Stanford magazine article. And before you start getting any ideas, know that dehumidifier water can’t be sterilized through boiling. Bottom line: Stick to drinking tap water or bottled water.