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Dehumidifiers eliminate excess moisture from the air, drying damp or excessively moist environments to prevent bacteria, mold, or mildew growth. They can also maintain the predetermined humidity level that you desire, making your room uninviting for allergens.
Dehumidifiers range in size, capacity, and available features. Small, compact dehumidifiers can be ideal for managing humidity levels in tinier spaces like bathrooms, crawl spaces, RVs, and children’s bedrooms. Since they’re portable, moving them from room to room is a simple and straightforward task. Read on for shopping considerations and some of the best small dehumidifiers available today.
- BEST OVERALL: Frigidaire High Humidity Console Dehumidifier
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Eva-Dry E-333 Wireless Mini-Dehumidifier
- UPGRADE PICK: Tenergy Sorbi 1000ml Air Dehumidifier
- BEST PORTABLE: Lononen 27 oz Small Dehumidifier
- BEST FOR RVs: Seavon Electric Dehumidifier, 16 oz Capacity
- BEST FOR CRAWL SPACES: Hysure Portable Mini Dehumidifier
- HONORABLE MENTION: hysure Quiet and Portable Dehumidifier
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Small Dehumidifiers
When shopping for a dehumidifier, it’s crucial to consider the maximum space it can dehumidify as well as the size of its basin. Ahead, learn more about these and other important features of dehumidifiers.
Coverage Area
Dehumidifiers come in different sizes to suit various spaces. Manufacturers typically list a dehumidifier’s capacity in either square feet, which is the area of the room, or cubic feet, which is a room’s total volume. Depending on the dehumidifier’s size, coverage area can range from as little as 100 square feet for a mini dehumidifier up to 300 square feet. Since ceiling heights can vary in rooms, some manufacturers will list the coverage area of their dehumidifiers in cubic feet (length x width x ceiling height) as opposed to square feet to convey the dehumidifier’s capabilities more accurately. Those with homes that have a standard 9-foot ceiling should use square footage, while those with an irregular ceiling height should use cubic feet.
Capacity
Dehumidifiers work by converting moisture in the air to a liquid and collecting it in a basin. A dehumidifier’s capacity refers to how much water the basin can hold before it needs to be emptied. A dehumidifier designed for small rooms can hold about 27 ounces, while full-size models are capable of holding several gallons of water. A dehumidifier should have a large enough basin to operate for a full 24 hours before requiring the user to empty it. Some dehumidifiers come equipped with a bib for a drain hose, allowing the user to bypass the basin and send the collected water directly into a drain. This design is ideal for basement dehumidifiers that are in close proximity to a floor drain.
Noise Level
Dehumidifiers use a fan to circulate air through cooling coils that convert water vapor into liquid. These fans generate a noise similar to the hum of a window air conditioner. The larger the dehumidifer’s capacity, the louder the device will be. Most small dehumidifiers produce between 30 decibels (comparable to a dull hum) and 50 decibels (comparable to the sound of a normal conversation), but manufacturers aren’t required to list the noise levels on their units.
Reading customer reviews is the best way to determine how noisy a dehumidifier will be. Placing the unit on a level surface can also help reduce noise.
Additional Features
There are a few other features that might make a particular model the best small dehumidifier for your needs.
- Filtration: Specific allergens require appropriate ecosystems to reproduce and thrive; dust mites, for example, need at least 65 percent humidity to thrive. Removing the moisture in your home can help minimize common allergy triggers such as animal dander, mold, pollen, and dust mites that can cause itchy or irritated eyes, wheezing, sneezing, and even chest pain. Many units feature filters, including HEPA filtration, that help collect dust and other particles, allowing the unit to last longer and the space underneath the home to stay fresher.
- Auto shutoff: Select dehumidifiers have automatic shutoff to prevent overflow or to keep the room from becoming too humid. When the basin is full, the dehumidifier will automatically turn it off.
Our Top Picks
As with most home appliances, there are hundreds of models of small dehumidifiers from dozens of manufacturers from which to choose. Read on to discover the top picks for some of the best small dehumidifiers on the market in a variety of categories to keep your modest spaces free of moisture.
Best Overall
Frigidaire High Humidity Console Dehumidifier
With its ability to remove 50 pints of water from the air per day, this console dehumidifier from Frigidaire has ample coverage to handle larger spaces. It features digital humidity controls that allow the user to dial in specific humidity settings and multiple fan speeds to control airflow. In addition to removing water, an air filter also helps clean dust from the air while protecting the dehumidifier’s mechanical parts.
The Frigidaire dehumidifier gives the user options for collecting condensation. A front-loading bucket holds up to 17 pints of water, or the user can attach a hose to a drain receptacle, allowing for continuous draining. An automatic shutoff turns the humidifier off when the basin is full to prevent overflows. Caster wheels and a handle make it easy to roll this dehumidifier from room to room as needed.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 2.1 gallons
- Max room size: 2,000 square feet
- Size: 24.5 inches long by 16 inches wide by 12 inches deep
Pros
- Large bucket capacity
- Option for direct drain
- High moisture removal rate
Cons
- High decibel level may be too noisy for some living areas
Get the Frigidaire small dehumidifier at Wayfair.
Best Bang for the Buck
Eva-Dry E-333 Wireless Mini-Dehumidifier
This wireless mini dehumidifier from Eva-Dry boasts one of the most straightforward installations of any humidity control device on the market: Just hang it up and it’s ready to go. It is ideal for installation in small spaces that are too awkwardly shaped for a standard dehumidifier or in rooms with no available outlets in the immediate area. Since there’s no need to run an extension cord into a closet or other small location—or worse, install a costly new outlet—this small dehumidifier saves time while being very energy efficient.
This compact dehumidifier absorbs up to 6 ounces of moisture from the immediate area and lasts for 20 to 30 days before the silica gel beads need to be recharged. Plugging the unit into an outlet dries out the silica gels, enabling it to be reused again and again. It’s nontoxic and safe to use around pets. It measures8.25 inches by 9 inches by 3 inches, weighs only 14.4 ounces, and works efficiently in areas up to 333 cubic feet, such as cars, boats, closets, cabinets, gun safes, and even gym bags.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 6 ounces
- Max room size: 333 cubic feet
- Size: 8.25 inches long by 9 inches wide by 3 inches deep
Pros
- Compact size
- Beads last for up to 30 days
- Doesn’t require electricity
Cons
- Is only effective in small spaces
Get the Eva-Dry small dehumidifier on Amazonor at The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Tenergy Sorbi 1000ml Air Dehumidifier
A standard dehumidifier will improve the air quality of a space by limiting musty odors, mold, and mildew. Adding an air purifier to the mix directly reduces dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens at the same time. This hybrid model from Tenergy provides double the comfort from one unit.
The dehumidifier feature can remove 750 milliliters of moisture per day in environments with 80 percent humidity at 86 degrees Fahrenheit. When the 33-ounce/1-liter water tank reaches full capacity, an automatic shutoff will prevent overflow. Using a true HEPA filtration system, this small dehumidifier can also remove up to 99.97 percent of microparticles and allergens from the environment at the same time.
It may cost more than a standard small dehumidifier but having the benefits of an air purifier in the same unit can save both space and money in the long run. This small dehumidifier is ideal for spaces up to 200 square feet, and it runs at a quiet noise level of 35 to 42 decibels.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 33 ounces
- Max room size: 200 square feet
- Size: 12.4 inches long by 8.5 inches wide by 7.7 inches deep
Pros
- Compact size
- Includes HEPA filtration system
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Tenergy Sorbi small dehumidifier on Amazon.
Best Portable
Lononen 27 oz Small Dehumidifier
Measuring 11 inches tall and 6 inches in diameter with a light weight of just 7 pounds, this compact dehumidifier from Lononen is small enough to take on the road. It comes equipped with a 27-ounce tank that’s capable of absorbing up to 350 milliliters of water per day, making it suitable for small rooms up to 190 square feet. In addition to being small, it’s also quiet at just 35 decibels, which is similar to a small fan.
An auto-shutoff feature will turn off the dehumidifier when the water tank is full, preventing potential overflows. While this dehumidifier is a good portable option, it’s also suitable for use in smaller rooms that don’t require a full-size dehumidifier, such as closets and bathrooms.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 27 ounces
- Max room size: 190 square feet
- Size: 11 inches long by 6 inches deep
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Can handle rooms up to 190 square feet
- Auto-shutoff feature prevents overflows
Cons
- Limited to small spaces
Get the Lononen small dehumidifier on Amazon.
Best for RVs
Seavon Electric Dehumidifier, 16 oz Capacity
Condensation forms when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface. One of the best ways to combat this natural but annoying process in an RV is to use a dehumidifier. This small dehumidifier from Seavon provides a 16-ounce/500-milliliter-capacity tank that can extract up to 10 ounces/300 milliliters of moisture each day. The ultraquiet technology, emitting only 30 decibels of noise, allows it to run day and night without disturbing passengers who are driving or sleeping.
The dehumidifier measures 7.2 inches by 6.2 inches by 11 inches and weighs 2.4 pounds; it won’t take up much room in a small space like an RV or in small rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, storage rooms, closets, wardrobes, and offices. When the tank is full, this dehumidifier shuts off automatically and triggers an LED light.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 16 ounces
- Max room size: 225 square feet
- Size: 11.5 inches long by 6.5 inches wide by 5.3 inches deep
Pros
- Compact size
- Automatic shutoff when tank is full
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Only 1 fan speed option
Get the Seavon small dehumidifier on Amazon.
Best for Crawl Spaces
Hysure Portable Mini Dehumidifier
and basements are the most common locations for moisture to accumulate. Any space below ground is subject to the cooling effects of earth and clay surrounding the house, shielding it from the warming sun. Moisture will naturally condense on cold surfaces. Left unchecked, this will encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
A standard-size humidifier is awkward to maneuver in a tight crawl space or basement closet. In these situations, consider this portable mini dehumidifier from Hysure. It weighs only 4.8 pounds and boasts a compact size of just 12 inches by 9 inches by 6.3 inches, making easy work of emptying the portable tank when full. The humidifier extracts up to 250 milliliters of moisture per day from rooms up to 210 square feet and runs at a level lower than 37 decibels. This level of efficiency makes it ideal for placing in tight crawl spaces.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 52 ounces
- Max room size: 250 square feet
- Size: 12 inches long by 9 inches wide by 6.3 inches deep
Pros
- Compact size for crawl spaces
- Can handle over 200 square feet
- Low noise level
- Automatic shutoff when reservoir is full
Cons
- May not be powerful enough for larger crawl spaces
Get the Hysure small dehumidifier on Amazon.
Honorable Mention
hysure Quiet and Portable Dehumidifier
Measuring 12 inches by 6 inches by 5.7 inches and weighing only 2.55 pounds, the compact dehumidifier by hysure is easy to take with you wherever you need to go. It is equipped with a large 600-milliliter-capacity tank, which extracts up to 300 milliliters of moisture each day (at 86 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 80 percent). The streamlined design is ideal for small spaces where people are sleeping, like a baby’s room or small bedroom. The dehumidifier operates at a noise level below 33 decibels, which is equivalent to the ambient noises of a quiet, rural area.
The humidifier features a one-touch operation interface, and it‘s an environmentally friendly and energy-saving solution for mitigating the effects of household dampness and condensation issues. An LED indicator lets you know when the tank has achieved full capacity, and the unit will automatically shut off at that point.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 20 ounces
- Max room size: 161 square feet
- Size: 8.94 inches high by 5.75 inches wide by 5.75 inches deep
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Quiet operation volume
- Extracts 300 milliliters of moisture per day
- One-touch operation interface
Cons
- May become noisy over time
Get the Hysure portable dehumidifier at Wayfair.
Our Verdict
A dehumidifier is only as good as its ability to reduce the humidity levels in a room. With its ability to remove up to 50 pints of water per day, large 17-pint capacity, and option for a direct rain line, the Frigidaire small dehumidifier is one of the best dehumidifiers on the market. Those looking for a more compact and affordable option may want to consider the Eva-Dry small dehumidifier, which measures just 8.25 inches high and 9 inches wide.
How We Chose the Best Small Dehumidifiers
We used several criteria to narrow the field of dehumidifiers down to the top picks for our list. A dehumidifier should be capable of removing a significant amount of water vapor from the air. With that in mind, we chose models that had the capacity and dehumidifying power to remove enough moisture to lower the humidity in at least a 150-square-foot room.
Since dehumidifiers have basins with a limited capacity, we chose models with auto-shutoff features that turn the unit off when the water tank is full, preventing overflows. The dehumidifier’s dimensions were also an important factor when making our selections. We chose full-size dehumidifiers for basements and living areas and compact models for small spaces, such as in an RV, crawl space, closet, or bathroom.
FAQs
If you’re wondering how a dehumidifiers works, whether it will cool a room, or how it differs from an air purifier, read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about this home appliance.
Q: How does a dehumidifier work?
A dehumidifier works by using a fan to draw warm humid air in. The warm air comes into contact with refrigerated coils inside the dehumidifier that remove moisture, creating condensation that collects in the dehumidifier’s reservoir.
Q: Does a dehumidifier cool a room?
A dehumidifier doesn’t cool the air in a room as an air conditioner does; however, by removing moisture from the air, it can make the room feel a few degrees cooler.
Q: Is an air purifier the same as a dehumidifier?
An air purifier is not the same thing as a dehumidifier. An air purifier uses a filter to remove particles from the air that can irritate the respiratory system. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, decreasing the humidity in the room.
Q: Can you reuse water from a dehumidifier?
You can reuse water from a dehumidifier for certain purposes, such as to flush a toilet, water plants, or fill a car radiator. However, you should never ingest dehumidifier water.
Q: What can I use instead of a dehumidifier?
There are several ways to dehumidify a room without a dehumidifier. Opening windows and doors improves air circulation, decreasing the humidity levels. You can also purchase houseplants such as ferns, lilies, and ivy that will absorb humidity, thereby dehumidifying a room. An open box of baking soda will absorb excess moisture in a room, lowering the humidity.