Bathrooms are a breeding ground for humidity. Most of us have dealt with the frustration of a steamed up mirror as you’re rushing to get ready for work. Or perhaps you don’t have a bathroom window, and therefore have to struggle with your bathroom feeling damp and full of condensation, and your towels never fully drying.
When humidity rises above 50%, mold, mildew, and dust mites can become rife due to excessive warmth and moisture, which can lead to issues with the respiratory system. It can also be particularly problematic for those with asthma or allergies and may trigger asthma attacks or allergic reactions.
Mold, mildew, and dust mites are usually caused by hot showers, water spillage, and poor ventilation, so moisture cannot escape and the air becomes heavier to breathe.
Dehumidifiers work by drawing out this excessive moisture and cleansing the air, to get rid of that musty damp smell and reduce the risk of allergens such as mold and dust mites.
When it comes to dehumidifiers though, there are so many models and types to choose from. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of the best dehumidifiers available, and have also created a handy Buyer’s Guide so that you can make an informed choice and get your bathroom humidity-free as soon as possible.
In a hurry? Find our top pick below.
Summary of reviews
| Product name | Water capacity (size) | Color | Dimensions (inches) | Product link |
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| Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier | 5 Gallons | white | 23 x 14 x 11 inches | |
| hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier | 50 pints | white | 15.4 x 11 x 24.3 inches | |
| TOSOT Energy Star Dehumidifier | 30 Pints | white | 12.2 x 8.2 x 17.3 inches | |
| AUZKIN Small Dehumidifier | 70 Pints | white | 16.6 x 11 x 24.3 inches | |
| LONOVE Dehumidifier | 70 Pints | white | 16.6 x 11 x 24.3 inches |
Contents
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier
The Pro Breeze is compact yet efficient and is ideal for spaces of 1200 Cubic Feet (150 sq ft). It is capable of removing up to 9 ounces of water per day and has a 16-ounce water tank capacity with an automatic shut-off feature so the dehumidifier shuts off by itself when the tank is full.
The water tank is easily removed for draining and cleaning and seamlessly slides back into the unit. You’ll barely notice this dehumidifier is on, as it is ultra-quiet and won’t keep you up all night. It’s also energy-efficient, with an output of 23W per hour, which means it
only uses 0.55kW after running for 24 hours.
The design is lightweight and compact so can easily be moved between rooms or even taken away in a campervan, caravan or boat. It’s also small enough to be used in a wardrobe to eliminate any musty odors or mildew growing on clothes.
This is one of the most trusted models on the market and 500,000 happy customers are a testament to this.
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hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier
This dehumidifier is designed for larger rooms and can remove up to 50 pints of moisture from the air per day depending on the moisture level and the size of your room. This model from Homelabs eliminates moisture through its built-in pump compressor.
It also features a Turbo mode that increases fan speed from Normal Air CFM 165 (cubic feet per minute) to High Air CFM 188 for maximum moisture removal in particularly humid spaces.
You needn’t worry about noise though, as this dehumidifier has a quiet fan that won’t keep you up all night with that annoying buzzing noise.
While this is a large unit designed for bigger spaces, the manufacturer has taken into consideration portability, and the added wheels and handles make this easy to maneuver between rooms. It’s also user friendly. Easily switch between settings to find your ideal moisture removal level.
The machine can run continuously for 24 hours until the tank is full, and will shut-off automatically at full capacity.
HOmeLabs offers a 2-year warranty on this product, so you can rest assured that if you’re not satisfied with the unit, you’ll get your money returned.
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TOSOT Energy Star Dehumidifier
This Tosot dehumidifier can remove up to 50 pints of water every 24 hours, it’s also Energy Star rated for its efficiency, and UL-approved for safety, meaning it meets the highest standards for your home. Energy Star rated appliances also cost 30% less to run as opposed to non-Energy Star appliances.
The unit is ideal for an area of around 4,500 sq ft and promises to improve the quality of your air conditioning system as it’s easier to change the temperature of dry air than it is moist air.
The dehumidifier will shut-off once the tank is full, however, there is also the option of attaching a dehumidifier drain hose (though this isn’t included) for continual drainage. Otherwise, you can easily empty the tank and replace it manually.
You can also set a target humidity level, and the machine will run continuously until this target is met, or until the tank is full (if you don’t have a hose attached). With a peak sound level of 51 decibels (using high speed), this unit is super quiet and is barely noticeable, so it’s ideal for a home with small children.
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AUZKIN Small Dehumidifier
This Auzkin dehumidifier uses Thermo-Electric Peltier Tech to condense air moisture through temperature difference from outside to inside.
The humid air is drawn in and passes through the Peltier element, and as its temperature decreases, the moisture in the air will condense on the surface of the Peltier element and will eventually drip into the water tank below.
This unit can remove 450ml of water per day in a humid environment of 86°F and 80% RH. It’s also energy-efficient and environmentally friendly too, with a power consumption of just 40 watts per hour, it uses only 0.96 kilowatts after running continuously for 24 hours.
Once it reaches full capacity, the unit will shut-off automatically, but thanks to the LED lighting, the tank will light up in red to remind you to empty it. When the tank is working, you can lock the light option so that it is lit up in color – so this dehumidifier is not just functional, but adds a decorative touch, too.
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LONOVE Dehumidifier
The Lonove Dehumidifier is so quiet you’ll forget it’s even switched on, thankfully though, it does have an auto shut-off function, so it’ll turn off by itself once the tank is full. This unit is compact but highly efficient and can remove 350ml of moisture a day to ensure you keep humidity below 50%.
It’s also purpose-built for smaller spaces and is great for reducing dampness in your bathroom, bedroom, campervan, or closet.
The Lonove has a simple one-button control which turns yellow when the tank is full and is blue when it’s functioning normally. It’s more energy-efficient than older, electric models, and uses a fan to move air over refrigerated coils, extract water from the air, and drip it into the tank.
The tank is then easily removed and emptied when full. The size of this dehumidifier also means it’s more discreet than larger, bulkier units, so it can easily fit on a bathroom countertop or can be moved between rooms.
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Best Dehumidifier for Bathroom Buying Guide
Type
There are different types of dehumidifiers out there. We’ll run you through the three main types and the main pros and cons of each:
Electric
Electric dehumidifiers are also known as thermoelectric or Peltier dehumidifiers because of the Peltier module that they use to operate. They have two “sinks” on either side, as the warm air passes through the cold sink, moisture is extracted and then the hot sink heats the air before releasing it again.
Because electric dehumidifiers only use an electronic module, two heat sinks, and a fan, they are usually smaller and quieter than other types of dehumidifiers, making them ideal for smaller spaces. The downside is of course that they require electricity to work.
Mechanical
Mechanical dehumidifiers are also known as refrigerant or compressor dehumidifiers, and they work by creating condensation as warm air is drawn over a refrigerated coil. The condensation is then dripped into a reservoir which heats the air and pumps it back out.
This type of dehumidifier has a higher rate of dehumidification as it can handle a larger volume of air at a time. However, because of their larger capacity they are usually heavier and larger and a greater source of noise pollution.
Desiccant
Also known as a chemical absorbent dehumidifier, this type of machine does not require electricity unlike the other two. A rotor draws in air and removes moisture through absorption. Once the desiccant has fully absorbed the moisture, it heats it to recharge it and releases the trapped moisture so it can start the cycle over again.
This type of dehumidifier is effective even in low temperatures and can work for weeks before needing to be recharged.
Energy efficiency
Most modern dehumidifiers are relatively cheap to operate. Energy efficiency is calculated by dividing the energy obtained by the dehumidifier (useful energy or energy output) by the initial energy it requires to run (energy input).
Energy Star rated machines have been recognized for being efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly, and are thought to cost 30% less to run as opposed to non-Energy Star appliances. One thing to consider is the capacity of your dehumidifier.
For example, it may have a low energy usage but a smaller capacity, so you’ll be emptying it more frequently. Therefore, when thinking about efficiency, pay attention to how much moisture the unit extracts over a 24 hour period, and how much energy it requires to do this.
Capacity
As a rule of thumb, the greater the capacity of the dehumidifier, the better its rate of absorption. A bigger tank is also more convenient as you don’t need to empty it as often. However, this may not be ideal for small bathrooms.
Automatic shut-off
Most modern dehumidifiers have a built-in automatic shut-off function so your machine will turn off by itself when the tank reaches its full capacity.
This avoids any spillage or overflowing and prevents the machine from overheating. However, if you have a particularly humid space that requires constant drainage, some models do have the option to attach a dehumidifier drain hose which means you can use the dehumidifier constantly.
However, if you do not have this option, you will need to drain the tank every time it is full before you can use the dehumidifier again. How often you drain the tank depends on how long you use the unit for at any one time, however, most can be used continuously for a 24 hour period before they fill up completely.
Weight and Height
How big your dehumidifier is should depend on two things, firstly, the level of moisture extraction you need, and secondly, how big of a space you have. Portable models are lighter and more compact, while some heavier models may have wheels to make them slightly easier to maneuver.
Sound
One thing to consider before purchasing a dehumidifier is the level of noise it will produce. Most designs have a fan, and the size and speed of this fan will determine how much noise the machine makes. Compressor dehumidifiers also feature pumps and other parts that can create a low buzzing noise which causes irritation for some people.
Extra features
You should think about some of the extra features you may want your dehumidifier to have so that it increases its efficiency and minimizes electricity consumption. An LED/LCD display can provide information and updates, while multiple speed settings can allow you to decrease noise levels and boost efficiency.
A timer for a delayed-start and an auto shut-off feature is also useful, as it means you can set the time for the machine to automatically start working, but can also trust that it will shut off by itself when the tank is full to avoid water spillage. Wheels and handles can also be useful for maneuvering the dehumidifier.
Maintaining your dehumidifier
You should clean the filter of your dehumidifier regularly to prevent it from clogging, and the air inlet and outlet should be cleaned occasionally. Always make sure your machine is unplugged before doing this, and when using your dehumidifier, keep six inches of space around the machine to promote air circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a shower while it’s switched on?
It’s best not to, as the machine might overwork due to the excessive steam and moisture in the air, and this could cause it to break down.
Are dehumidifiers worth it?
Yes – if you have high levels of humidity in your bathroom, and the moisture hangs in the air for hours due to poor ventilation, it can be bad for your health.
Dehumidifiers clean the air of allergens and can prevent mold, mildew, and dust mites – so they’ll not only improve how your bathroom looks and feels, it’ll reduce that nasty, damp smell and lower your risk of mold-related illnesses and allergies. It’s also thought that the machines can warn off invaders such as silverfish, cockroaches, and spiders too!
Are dehumidifiers good for asthma?
Humidity can be particularly damaging for asthma sufferers because the air is heavier and therefore harder to breathe. The presence of mold and dust mites can also trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory issues.
That said, too little humidity can also cause problems for asthma sufferers, as this can cause their mouth and throat to feel dry and uncomfortable. On average, humidity levels between 30-50% are optimum for people with asthma, and this is tolerable for people generally, too.
If your bathroom is particularly humid, a dehumidifier is a good way to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and promote better airflow, which reduces the risk of respiratory issues and asthma attacks.
How long do dehumidifiers last?
Dehumidifiers generally have a lifespan between 5-10 years, although this depends on the quality of the model, how frequently you use it, and how well you maintain it.
Many dehumidifiers come with a warranty of 1-2 years, which gives you some reassurance, though you should always check the manufacturer’s specification before purchasing. If you want a dehumidifier that will last for the long run, then you’re going to have to spend over $100, especially if you plan on using it every day.