Best Small Dehumidifier in 2022 | Comparison: Small Dehumidifiers Vs Large Models | Buyer’s Guide

Why is it important to choose the right size of a dehumidifier? If the unit is too small for your room, it will not do the job. Meanwhile, dehumidifiers that are excessively large for your space, will make the air overly dry, something that may cause respiratory issues, stuffy nose, acne, and more. To choose a perfect dehumidifier that will keep a balanced humidity in your home, you should consider a number of features.

What is the Difference Between Small and Big Dehumidifiers?

• Capacity. Rated in pints, capacity is defined by the amount of moisture removed in 24 hours. So if you pick a 20-pint humidifier, this means that the device will remove 20 pints of moisture per day. According to approximate calculations, a small damp area (under 500 sq ft) requires a dehumidifier with a capacity of up to 30 pints, such as the Keystone KSTAD224D. Whereas a 70-pint dehumidifier like the Honeywell TP70WKN is more suitable for a space of up to 4,000 sq. ft.

   

• Humidity level. That said, you should take into consideration not only the size of the room but also humidity levels (light, moderate, or high) and the number of people who spend time there. If you live in a humid climate, your room is frequented by other people, and there are multiple windows, add 15-20 pints to the capacity recommended for your room size. For example, if the humidity level is around 80% in a 300-square-foot space and there are wet spots on the walls, opt for a 40-pint dehumidifier like that by Kesnos. For the same square footage but with lower humidity, a model with 30 pints of capacity like the BLACK+DECKER BDT30WTA will be sufficient.

• The Size of a Water Tank. Some dehumidifiers use a water drainage system like the Waykar 40 Pint Dehumidifier with an auto-drain feature, while others come with a water tank. If you choose the latter option, make sure that the water container is not too small for your home’s humidity levels. Otherwise, you will have to empty it several times a day, which is pretty inconvenient. It is logical that small dehumidifiers are equipped with smaller water tanks. However, large high-capacity models do not necessarily come with large water containers, so it is something you should pay attention to.

• Energy Consumption. This factor is important as it affects your energy bills. The average dehumidifier operates at 280 watts per hour, whereas larger models consume 600 watts and more. Keep in mind that some manufacturers use energy-efficient technologies to reduce wattage consumption.

• Noise Level. Large dehumidifiers tend to operate louder. It does not make a difference when the device is installed in the basement but in the bedroom, a noisy unit is likely to cause discomfort. It is noteworthy, though, that there is no direct link between the size and the noise level of a dehumidifier. Some manufacturers isolate a fan inside the unit or use quieter fans to reduce the noise. For example, this 35-pint TOSOT dehumidifier has a peak sound level of 50 dB when used at high speeds.

• Design. Small dehumidifiers are portable, compact, and can be placed on the table or desk. Large models are generally floorstanding and come with wheels, rolling casters, or carrying handles to move them around.

Best Small Dehumidifiers

To illustrate these differences, we will compare mini, small, and large dehumidifiers.

Best mini dehumidifier for small spaces like closets, cabinets, cars, boat cabins, bathrooms

You can place it near your bed, in a closet, or a car. The device will also be useful in areas where excess moisture accumulates, such as under the sink or in the bathroom. The good part about this model is that it does not require cords or batteries and is a great renewable solution. Just charge this mini dehumidifier in a power strip wall and it will keep removing moisture for a month before recharge.

The Eva-dry E-500 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier is a nice portable device that weighs less than 2 lbs and is just 5.5 x 5.5 inches in size. Unlike other models for small spaces, it does not contain any water tanks. Instead, it uses crystallized silica gel technology to absorb moisture from the air. The major benefit of this technology is that it eliminates the risk of leaking. However, you should opt for this model only if you are dealing with low humidity (no more than 50%) and need to dehumidify a small area in the room. The thing is that this device is low-capacity and can absorb 6 to 8 ounces of moisture from the air a day.

Best small dehumidifier for rooms up to 150 sq.ft.

If you need a device with a higher capacity but for a small space, choose the Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier. It has a half-a-pint capacity and covers 150 square feet. In addition to low power consumption, it uses Peltier Technology ensuring a whisper-quiet operation. It is suggested for use in spaces like the bedroom, kitchen, garage, and wardrobe.

Another distinctive feature is a water tank that comes with the product. The container has a one-pint capacity while the power output is 23W per hour. The unit is 11 inches tall and weighs 2.5 lbs, meaning it is a little bit larger than the mini option but is still lightweight and portable. 

Best for high humidity

For large spaces like the basement, pick the hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier. Depending on the humidity level, the device removes up to 50 pints of moisture per day and is equipped with a 14-pint water tank. You can use it to dehumidify areas of up to 4,500 square feet or spaces with elevated humidity (approximately 80%). 

With a weight of 40 lbs, the unit measures 15.4” x 24.3”. Despite the large size, it is convenient to use and built with wheels and handles. What we particularly like about this model is that it offers two water removal options. You can remove water from the container manually or use continuous draining through the attached hose. The dehumidifier has an auto shut-off feature so that it turns off when the tank is full.

Best-Selling Small Dehumidifiers | Comparison Table