Growing up in Minnesota with very humid summers and dry winters we had to alternate between dehumidifiers in the summer and humidifiers in the winter to battle dry central heat during a very cold winter. I was always amazed as a kid to see my dad pouring out gallons of water from the dehumidifiers.
A good-quality bathroom dehumidifier can be the difference between a musty-smelling bathroom and one that smells like a spa. Okay, you may need to do a little bit more work to get it smelling fresh but one of the main problems that a lot of readers face is keeping their bathroom dry.
Keeping the basement dry was a constant battle and even more important since we had a bathroom in the basement and the nasty 70’s craze of carpeted bathroom floors! Luckily now, there are really compact dehumidifier units that are also much more efficient and affordable than their predecessors
Quick Picks
At the end of the article, you’ll find a more in-depth look into the different factors that you need to consider before buying one including useful tables helping you determine the pint capacity you need for your bathroom size.
Let’s get right to our list of top dehumidifiers for bathrooms. All of these are built for relatively small spaces and get top ranks based on a balance of efficiency, tank capacity, and price and get overall high marks from past buyers.
Best Bathroom Dehumidifiers
Afloia Electric Portable Dehumidifier – Budget Pick
Afloia’s dehumidifier is very efficient and affordable. It can extract moisture quickly. This machine efficiently absorbs as much as 750 ml of water per day and has a maximum capacity of 2 liters in its tank.
Setup is easy, too. You can power it using a regular AC cable. The front tank is removable and very safe to use. It is designed with an auto-shut-off sensor, which goes off if the tank is full. This prevents the extracted water from overflowing. After emptying it, it will automatically work again.
hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier – Large Bathrooms
With this hOmeLabs model you can adjust it to your preferred moisture setting. After the initial setup, it is all good to go – and can run nonstop for a 24-hour cycle. It will automatically stop when the tank is full. But what if you are too busy to check if it’s full? Don’t worry – you can attach a drain hose outlet for automatic and continuous draining. How’s that for hassle-free operation?
This unit is highly portable. But despite its size, it is effective in reducing allergens and odors by making certain bacteria is extracted from the humid air. The built-in pump compressor works efficiently. You can use the Turbo Mode to enjoy higher fan speed (Normal Air uses 129 CFM, while High Air uses 138 CFM) to ensure maximum removal of odors and moisture.
This unit may seem too big for a bathroom but if you have a serious moisture issue, mold or mildew this is a high-efficiency unit that could be a good solution. Click here to read reviews by Amazon buyers that mentioned “bathroom“.
Eva-Dry EDV-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier – Best Compact
The Eva-dry Edv-1100 is an excellent choice for you if portability is a top priority. You can take it anywhere you go, at any time. Its small size and lightweight are key to this. But don’t let looks fool you. This unit uses a power draw of 22 watts, which is very low on the energy usage scale. This means that this tiny machine can extract moisture and odors from your surroundings without hurting your budget. Plus, it’s eco-friendly as well!
Frigidaire Dehumidifier with Effortless Humidity Control (35-Pint)
This 35-pint dehumidifier from Frigidaire is designed to protect you and your family from mildew and mold growth caused by too much moisture. It works to get rid of bacteria in the air, which can compromise your health. It can work continuously as long as you locate in an area that has proper drainage.
Ready-Select controls allow you to choose from the 24-hour timer, check the humidity readings, and control locks. It lets you maintain the exact amount of humidity that you want in a room. It is also designed to be portable and space-saving. With a top handle, caster wheels, and integrated side handles, you can easily transfer it from one room to another.
Ivation Desiccant Dehumidifier For Compact Bathrooms (13-Pint)
The Ivation dehumidifier uses a unique desiccant technology that allows it to perform multiple functions in spaces up to 270 square feet. Turning it on will eliminate moisture, get rid of mold and mildew, remove foul odors, control condensation, dry out rugs and wet laundry, and help facilitate drying after the occurrence of flood damage.
It is geared with an easy-to-read display with user-friendly controls. You can adjust the machine as you require.
Vremi Dehumidifier (22 Pint)
The Vremi dehumidifier is as simple as they come. You can adjust the moisture levels according to your preferences. It also has a 24-hour cycle capability, which shuts off automatically once the tank is full. Like most models, you can connect a drain to the outlet for nonstop draining and operation.
The primary purpose of this unit is to provide both convenience and style to your bathroom. While it runs and keeps your air clean and safe, it also sports a modern and sleek look. The built-in wheels and handles give it a clean look. This model runs with a quiet fan, so quiet you won’t even notice it!
Keystone 50-Pint Dehumidifier (Very Wet Areas)
This Keystone dehumidifier can remove as much as 50 pints of moisture per day in rooms as big as 3000 square feet so a great solution for very wet spaces, like a basement bathroom with chronic moisture issues.
This impressive capacity is housed in a modern and sleek body that is geared with user-friendly electronic controls. You can see your settings and readings on an LED screen. You can easily monitor the 24-hour timer and water level indicator.
There is also a hefty alert when the water bucket is full, which comes with the auto-shutoff feature. You’ll also get a detachable dust filter that is not just easy to clean, but also comes with an alert when it’s time to clean it!
In the case of a power outage, the auto-restart function will save your settings. If you need to use the machine in another place, moving it is easy-peasy thanks to the omnidirectional caster wheels.
Tenergy Sorbi Dehumidifier (+ HEPA Air Cleaner)
The Tenergy Sorbi dehumidifier weighs 7 lbs, making it a lightweight and portable machine. It’s not just cute and travel-friendly – it’s also energy-efficient. It is equipped with an LED monitor, a water level sensor, and an auto-shutoff function. It uses a basic plug-and-play setup that ensures anyone can use it with ease.
This unit captures more microparticles than the standard HEPA filter, thanks to its true HEPA filter. The efficiency of this filter is rated at 99.97%! If you want a cost-effective tool to reduce your allergies, this is one we recommend.
Colzer Portable Dehumidifier (30-Pint)
This dehumidifier from Colzer has a 30-pint capacity, a powerful compressor, and can work up to 1500 square feet. It’s capable of extracting 4 gallons of water or more from the room per day in a fast and efficient way. The tank can hold 4.5 liters of water, which will prompt an alert if it becomes full.
A huge selling point of this unit is its size and portability. It weighs only 29 lbs and can fit in small spaces discreetly. Despite the size, it is very durable and sturdy. You can roll it smoothly, thanks to the caster wheels.
Eurgeen Compact 20-Pint Portable Dehumidifier
This compact dehumidifier can extract up to 20 pints of water each day. Its water tank has a 1.5-liter capacity. This is ideal for bathrooms, closets, cabinets, kitchens, and other areas at home that can benefit from reduced humidity.
Its design is simple and straightforward. You only get one button for powering it on and off. Its safety system shuts it off on its own as soon as the tank’s limit is reached. Plus, it functions quietly – at no more than 50 decibels – so that you are not disturbed while you go about your day.
This lightweight and compact dehumidifier can give you a dryer, cleaner, and safer air wherever you choose to place it.
TOSOT Dehumidifier (20-Pint)
Finally, this TOSOT unit is another model worth considering. It can get rid of as much as 30 pints from the air. It is ideal for smaller rooms (up to 1500 square feet) and spaces that regularly experience a high humidity amount – like bathrooms and laundry rooms.
The continuous gravity drain lets you forget about the bucket and directly drain water into a floor drain or sump pump. Another good thing about this machine is its discrete design. You don’t always notice it, but it works nonstop. With only 48 decibels maximum, you won’t even notice it’s running.
Complete Guide: Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier reduces and controls the amount of humidity in the air in a given space. This electrical appliance is beneficial for health and comfort. It is often used to prevent mold and mildew growth and get rid of any musty odors in the air by extracting excess moisture in the area.
While excess moisture can cause serious problems such as caulk with mold and mildew or a sweaty toilet tank that does water damage to the bathroom floor, even just some extra dampness can cause towels to get stinky and leave your bathroom smelling anything but fresh.
Dehumidifiers are particularly effective in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements that tend to be the dampest parts of the house.
Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier
We know what it does and that it’s essential for any home. But how exactly does it benefit us?
Prevents Allergens, Mold, and Mildew
By reducing the amount of humidity present, dehumidifiers make your home less prone to allergens such as pollen and dust mites. It also fights the growth of mold and mildew, which thrive in moist environments.
Another annoying thing that goes with mold and mildew is unpleasant odors. By reducing the humidity, you also solve this problem. Say goodbye to pesky, musty, and rotting odors at home.
The great thing about them is how they keep working – quietly – in the background, as you go about your daily life. Most of the time, you won’t even notice it’s there. As a result, you prevent the possibility of mold and mildew growing on furniture, linen, clothing, and other fixtures.
Promotes Healthier Respiratory Function
Perhaps the most crucial function of the dehumidifier is this one. They minimize irritation to your respiratory system and skin. This lets you breathe easier, getting rid of sneezing fits. You’ll also feel a general improvement in the comfort level in the room.
Improves Day to Day Life
By reducing the humidity, you can dry your clothes much more efficiently. If you use the machine in the pantry or kitchen, you can keep staples like cereal and bread fresh for longer. When used in living areas, offices, and bedrooms, you can prevent corrosion and rust from taking over your electronics and tools.
You’ll also experience less rust at home, which reduces the need to clean as well.
Lowers Energy Costs
Finally, dehumidifiers can also let you enjoy significant savings on your energy spending. This is because it allows your air conditioners to run more efficiently. A room that has less humid air lets the AC unit cool easier. The lack of moisture means that your AC doesn’t have to work as hard. This not just saves on utility bills but also protects the life and longevity of your AC unit.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dehumidifier
All of the dehumidifiers we laid out above are worthy investments. So how do you know which one is right for you? Keep reading to learn more.
Is Humidity the Problem?
The first step is to identify the scope of your problem. Is the entire house humid, or just one room or area? The scope will help determine which humidifier you need.
There are dehumidifiers designed for the entire house and are tied into your home’s HVAC system. These include a drain pipe that directly empties into a sump pump, slop sink, or outside the house. These are heavy-duty and are thus more expensive. You’ll also likely need professionals to install it for you.
Meanwhile, portable dehumidifiers are cheaper and more user-friendly in terms of control and installation. You just plug them into the wall and run using their built-in interfaces.
Some of these also come with hoses that drain collected water outside or through a drain automatically, like many of our featured products earlier. Some only come with a tank or bucket, which you need to empty regularly manually.
Choose Energy-Efficient Dehumidifiers
Next, decide what kind of investment you want to make. Dehumidifiers certified with an Energy Star means that they utilize as much as 15% less energy than those that don’t have the certification. In addition to savings on your bills, these are also supremely better for the planet – they prevent around 2800 lbs of greenhouse gas emissions!
You can choose Energy-Star rated units, which we highly recommend, although they might cost a bit more at first. The savings, in the long run, will make up for this, though!
Which Size of Dehumidifiers is Right for You?
You’ll need to know the size of the bathroom or home. Before choosing a dehumidifier, you have to consider how big of a space you need to dehumidify – otherwise, you might end up buying the wrong machine for the job. If you don’t know your room or home’s measurements, take a measuring tape and get the width and length of the floor. Multiply the two values, and this is your room’s measurement (in either square feet or square meters).
Most buildings have an ideal RHL (relative humidity level) of 30-50% to keep the room comfortable and free from mold and bacterial growth. The majority of dehumidifiers in the market have a humidistat to control the settings for the best level of humidity for your home.
Dehumidifiers for the Whole House
For spaces over 2500 square feet, you are better off with a whole-house dehumidifier. In such cases, the unit will be connected to a pre-existing central air or heating system. You can also opt to get it installed on its own. These can work for areas up to 3000 square feet. It’s no secret that these are fairly expensive – at least initially – but you’ll enjoy savings in energy and money eventually since they’ll make your air conditioner/s work efficiently.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers create a cooler space. You can pick from either desiccant or refrigerant dehumidifiers. Desiccant models often have lower capacity ratings than their refrigerant counterparts, but they work better in places that have low temperatures. So if your room typically falls below 65°F, you can do better with desiccant dehumidifiers. These are also more silent than refrigerant units.
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
Refrigerant units are the opposite of desiccant models. These are best suited for humid and hot rooms. They have higher capacity ratings and are more effective when placed in areas of high temperatures. You need to take note of this because if you operate a refrigerant unit in temperatures below 65°F, it can experience problems and damage from the ice that can form on its evaporator coils.
What Capacity Dehumidifier to Buy?
The capacity that you need depends on how damp your bathroom is. Like the size of the room, you’ll need to measure this one, too. You can check this using a humidity meter, which can be very accurate. But for this particular purpose, you don’t need to be ultra-precise. You only need to obtain a general idea of how damp the room is. You’ll only need to check for the obvious signs of humidity, such as damp spots on walls and the presence of condensation in the windows.
Here are the four levels of dampness/wetness:
- Moderately Damp – when the air feels damp and clammy. There is often a musty smell during humid weather.
- Very Damp – when you smell musty odors, and the air feels damp. There might be damp spots on the walls and the floor.
- Wet – there are water beads formed on walls and floors. There is moisture that seeps around the room’s edges. You feel and smell dampness consistently.
- Very Wet – there is visible standing water on the floor.
Let’s find out which dehumidifiers are ideal for each level of dampness.
Moderately Damp Spaces
For moderately damp rooms, you need a dehumidifier with a capacity of 10 to 26 pints. This capacity (or size) refers to how much water can be extracted from the air in a span of 24 hours. If your room is only somewhat damp, there is no need for an ultra-high capacity unit. The capacity depends on the size of the space.
Here are the standard recommendations for moderately damp areas:
| Moderately Damp Spaces | |
| Room Size (Square Feet) | Dehumidifier Capacity (Pints) |
| 500 sq ft | 10 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 1,000 sq ft | 14 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 1,500 sq ft | 18 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 2,000 sq ft | 22 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 2,500 sq ft | 26 Pint Dehumidifier |
Very Damp Spaces
Go for 12 to 32 pints of capacity if you have a very damp room. These areas need slightly higher capacity and you’ll also need to consider how big space is.
Here are the standard recommendations for very damp areas:
| Very Damp Spaces | |
| Room Size (Square Feet) | Dehumidifier Capacity (Pints) |
| 500 sq ft | 12 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 1,000 sq ft | 17 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 1,500 sq ft | 22 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 2,000 sq ft | 27 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 2,500 sq ft | 32 Pint Dehumidifier |
Wet Spaces
Go for dehumidifiers with 14 to 38-pint capacities for wet spaces.
Here are the standard recommendations for wet areas:
| Wet Spaces | |
| Room Size (Square Feet) | Dehumidifier Capacity (Pints) |
| 500 sq ft | 14 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 1,000 sq ft | 20 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 1,500 sq ft | 26 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 2,000 sq ft | 32 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 2,500 sq ft | 38 Pint Dehumidifier |
Very Wet Spaces
For very wet spaces (where there is obvious, visible standing water on the floor), go for 16 to 44-pint capacities. These are the highest capacities available in the market.
Here are the standard recommendations for very wet areas:
| Very Wet Spaces | |
| Room Size (Square Feet) | Dehumidifier Capacity (Pints) |
| 500 sq ft | 16 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 1,000 sq ft | 23 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 1,500 sq ft | 30 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 2,000 sq ft | 37 Pint Dehumidifier |
| 2,500 sq ft | 44 Pint Dehumidifier |
Dehumidifiers are great accessories to have at home because they eliminate excess moisture, particularly from indoor spaces. We hope this buying guide has helped choose the right bathroom dehumidifier for you. Let us know which one you picked in the comments section!
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