Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Beat hot, humid air with our top picks.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
But did you know that excessive humidity indoors can be more than just an inconvenience?
Humidity can encouragemold growthand damage to your home, which is why having a dehumidifier is important.
This results in poor results, high energy consumption, and shortened lifespan of the unit.
Credit: Amazon
But sometimes a smaller unit is best for your space.
To learn more about how we tested small dehumidifiers, check outour testing processbelow.
It took a few hours of running before it made any noticeable change in humidity levels.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Chrissy Tassin
We appreciated how easy this small dehumidifier was to use.
We just pulled out the collection tank, dumped it in the sink, and replaced it.
Because of the small size, it wasnt heavy to carry to the sink.
The only real downside is that it takes awhile for this machine to make a difference in humidity level.
We noted it took about 4 hours before the machine started reducing the humidity level.
After six months of use, we were still impressed with this gadget.
The water tank only needed to be dumped about once per week in our experience.
After dumping out the water each week, we also gave the water tank a quick clean.
We didnt notice any grime or buildup with regular cleanings.
This dehumidifier is straightforward to setupjust plug it in and its ready to go.
We were particularly impressed with the long-term upkeep (or really, lack thereof) for this dehumidifier.
It continued performing well even months later, and it continuously showed humidity levels at a Comfort reading.
Credit: Amazon
The dehumidifier includes an air filter, but it cant be cleaned and reused.
Youll need to purchase replacement filters.
We tested it in a small bedroom and noticed an average humidity level change of 11.30%.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Once its on, it starts working right away.
Dumping out the water and cleaning the tank was just as easy as setting up the machine.
After 6 months, the product was still performing as well as it did on day one.
The tank was easy to clean out with soap and water every few weeks to keep buildup at bay.
Based on our tests, this dehumidifier works best for living rooms or bedrooms rather than highly humid bathrooms.
It has a minimalist and modern design that you wont have to hide away.
This model has an impressive 67.6-ounce water tank capacity, which we always emptied well before it was full.
If it did fill up, the machine includes an automated shut-off feature.
It also includes three handy timer prefs, 4 hours, 8 hours, or 12 hours.
This machine includes a filter, which we found easy to access, remove, and clean.
The entire setup and cleaning processes were straightforward.
TheTenergy Sorbi 1000ml Air Dehumidifieris a great value, offering two functions for the price of one product.
Credit: Amazon
In addition to removing excess moisture from the air, the Tenergy Sorbi dehumidifier also doubles as anair purifier.
It requires brand-specific replacements, so double-check to buy the appropriate filters to keep the machine running as intended.
The filter is easy to access and remove.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
This was one of the heaviest small dehumidifiers we tested at 7 pounds.
While still portable, we wished this had some pop in of handle to make it easier to carry.
It had the greatest effect on humidity levels, with a 21.90% average change in humidity level.
Credit: Crate & Barrel
we also noted any readings from built-in hygrometers of dehumidifiers to compare these readings with the separate hygrometer readings.
After a 12-hour period, we noted hygrometer readings to determine any humidity level changes.
In total, we spent over 1,000 hours testing dehumidifiers.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
We continued using the dehumidifiers for several months, recording progress at the 3-month and 6-month mark.
Descriptions will show two different types of product specifications: tank capacity and moisture removal capacity.
The tank capacity refers to the volume of liquid the water collection tank will hold.
In our list of the tank capacities ranged from about 16 ounces to nearly 68 ounces.
Unless, of course, you have a system that can be piped into your home plumbing system.
In any case, having access to the water reservoir for draining and cleaning is critically important.
TheTenergy Sorbi 1000ml Air Dehumidifierhad the highest moisture removal capacity at 1.6 pints per day.
One product, thePure Enrichment Dry Deluxe Dehumidifier, worked for rooms up to 500 square feet.
Youll know how noisy the dehumidifier is by checking the decibel rating on the product specifications, Jaramillo explains.
In general, small dehumidifiers operate quietly compared to larger models.
TheVeva Small Dehumidifierwas one of the quietest models we tested.
For comparison, a whisper is about 30 decibels.
Your Questions, Answered
How do dehumidifiers work?
Refrigerant dehumidifiers work by using fans to draw in air from the room into the gadget.
Then, the air moves over pipes or coils that are chilled through a refrigerant.
Do dehumidifiers help with mold?
Dehumidifiers help reduce moisture in the air.
Because moisture can encourage mold growth, using a dehumidifier can help with mold prevention.
However, if there is already mold in your home, a dehumidifier wontreduce any existing mold.
Does a dehumidifier use a lot of electricity?
A dehumidifier will use more or less electricity depending on its size and how often it is left running.
Wiseman has more than 15 years of experience in the HVAC business.
What is BHG Recommends?
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
