Dehumidifiers Product Database

HOmeLabs 50 pint

If you are serious about controlling your basement humidity, I recommend the hOmeLabs dehumidifier.

This large-capacity dehumidifier will not have the same coverage as the AlorAir Sentinal commercial model, but it still works well in larger basements with a lot of humidity. 

It can reduce moisture levels quickly, and during my testing, it was able to bring the relative humidity down from 65% to 30% in just under 8 hours.

I found that using the turbo mode to remove moisture more quickly worked well, as this was particularly useful after heavy rainfall or flooding.

Despite the impressive performance, the hOmeLabs dehumidifier is simple to use. It has several easy-to-use features and a single digital display to control everything.

Even those with limited experience should have no issues getting the most from this model.

This hOmeLabs model is low maintenance too, which is always a bonus.

The Chill Brothers HVAC technician Francis Kasper agrees. He says, "One feature I love is the drain hose outlet—hook it up, and you can practically set it and forget it. Perfect for anyone dealing with those classic basement humidity woes."

 It also has an auto-restart, auto-defrost, and a programmable timer.

What impressed me the most with this powerful dehumidifier was its efficiency. It draws very little power when running and has an energy-efficient cycling system that limits electricity consumption.

This makes it cheaper than comparable dehumidifiers like the Fridigaire, and it's great for homeowners who need dehumidification year-round but can't afford an inflated electricity bill.

The only thing to be aware of with this dehumidifier is that it doesn't maintain the exact humidity level.

It will run until 1% below the programmed level and only turn on again when the humidity is 5% above that point. It will keep you within 5% of the target level, but you shouldn't expect complete precision.

This slight inaccuracy was not a big issue for me, and it won't be for most homeowners. 

This dehumidifier is fast-acting, simple, and great for continuous use. If you are a homeowner who needs to manage humidity year-round, you won't find a much better model at this price point.

Santa Fe Compact70

AlorAir Storm Ultra

The AlorAir Storm Ultra is a portable, rugged dehumidifer, and it my top choice dehumidifier for flooding and water damage. 

This beast of a machine removes water extremely quickly, and during my testing, it was able to reduce the high humidity in the air from 76% to under 50% in just 12 hours.

This dehumidifier will help you quickly dry out your home and belongings and remove moisture you didn't even notice at a rate of up to 190 pints per day.

The AlorAir Storm Ultra is one of the easiest units to set up with a single connection to your outlet.

It comes with a built-in pump, too, so it can drain water even if you don't have floor drainage.

I'll admit that this model is a bit extreme for standard basement dehumidification, and because it's so fast-acting, it is louder as well. That said, it you deal with flooding issues, this one is going to be your best friend.

This model does have a control panel on the front, but it also comes with an app.

I'm a big fan of using modern technology with appliances, so I couldn't resist trying out the app.

The app gives you full control over the operation and the humidity level, and you can even use it to empty the dehumidifier tank. Plus, it displays error codes if the appliance stops working.

The design, features, and technology are what stood out for me about this dehumidifier, and it’s why I would recommend it for water damage restoration.

It is more expensive than the AlorAir Sentinel HDi90, but also much more portable, meaning you can potentially save the day for your neighbors after a storm, as well.

AlorAir Sentinel HDi90

If you have humidity levels above 75% in your basement, I recommend the AlorAir Sentinal.

It's tough, fast acting, and has a very high capacity of up to 198 pints per day. It will quickly remove moisture and provide commercial-grade protection to your basement.

This is one of the most powerful dehumidifiers I've tested and almost three times as powerful as the hOmeLabs model.

During my testing, it was able to reduce the humidity from 70% to 35% in just 4 hours.

This blew all the other basement dehumidifiers out of the park, and even for a commercial-grade model, this is impressive.

Not only is the AlorAir Sentinel powerful, but it's also durable, and comes from one of the top US dehumidifier brands.  

The outer casing is made from reinforced metal and is tougher than most dehumidifiers.

It also has auto-defrost and auto-restart features and can operate in low temperatures. Basically, it will keep running no matter what you throw at it.

Despite how powerful it is, it's a fairly compact dehumidifier, and it will fit in tight spaces, with the option to duct into your existing HVAC.

The control panel is simple enough to use, but I would recommend buying the remote control model to make life easier.

This dehumidifier is really only designed for continuous drainage, but it doesn't come with a drainage hose. There are very cheap options available, but I would recommend buying an AlorAir brand hose for superior compatibility.

This model is more expensive and will be overkill in most homes, and unless you have a very large basement and very high humidity, the hOmeLabs is a better value option. 

However, the AlorAir Sentinel offers extreme moisture removal for those who need it most.

AprilAire E070 

If you’re looking for a reliable, long-term dehumidifier solution for your basement, the AprilAire E070 is a premium option worth considering.

This unit is versatile enough to be used as a standalone basement dehumidifier, but it can also be integrated into your home’s ductwork and function as a small whole-house dehumidifier. 

That flexibility makes it ideal for homeowners who might want to expand its use later on.

Upfront, yes—this unit is pricey compared to some of the more basic models. Still, you're not just paying for moisture removal; you're paying for AprilAire’s proven durability, energy efficiency, and excellent support. For me, that peace of mind is well worth the investment.

The E070 is rated to remove up to 70 pints of moisture per day, which is more than enough for most basements, even in high-humidity regions.

And with a coverage area of up to 2000 square feet, it’s perfect for medium to large basements.

One standout feature is the extra-wide operating temperature range—from 40°F to 140°F. 

That makes this dehumidifier a great choice for challenging basement environments, including server rooms, home gyms, or storage areas that might get very warm or very cold. 

It’s a tough unit designed to keep running where other dehumidifiers might stall.

Compared to something like the Santa Fe Compact70, the AprilAire E070 offers a sleeker, HVAC-ready design and easier installation—especially if you're working with limited clearance in a crawl space or tight basement corner.

Like the rest of the AprilAire line, the E070 is built with corrosion-resistant materials, has reliable gravity drainage, and includes a washable MERV 8 filter.

The controls are simple and responsive, and the build quality is exactly what I expect from a brand that's earned its place at the top of the market.

If you need a high-performance, low-maintenance basement dehumidifier that can also be scaled up for whole-house use, the AprilAire E070 is a dependable choice that won’t let you down—just be ready to pay for that premium tag up front.

Frigidaire 50 Pint

If you love modern appliances with all the bells and whistles, then I would recommend the Frigidaire dehumidifier.

This smart dehumidifier can be controlled from anywhere and is perfect for residential basements.

This modern dehumidifier is Wi-Fi enabled and it can be controlled through a dedicated app or paired with your Google Home.

The app is straightforward to set up and will send you push notifications and alerts (like when there's a full tank or it needs cleaning).

I love smart features on traditional appliances, but what I really like about this model is the power.

It doesn't have as much coverage as the AlorAir Sentinel, but it still has a good capacity and a big tank which means it will work well in larger basements. 

The large fan circulates air quickly, and on the highest fan speed setting, it can reduce the humidity dramatically in just a few hours.

It also comes with a washable dust filter, similar to what you would see in an air purifier as a pre-filter. This allows the dehumidifier to remove impurities and improve the air quality in your basement.

It uses reusable filters, so you won't need to pay extra to replace them.

One thing to bear in mind with this smart dehumidifier is the noise level (around 47 decibels on low).

This is the loudest dehumidifier on my list, but I would still compare the noise level to that of a window air conditioner.

However, this modern dehumidifier is perfect for any homeowner who loves intelligent gadgets. The core appliance works very well, and the user-friendly smart features make it very simple to use.

Related article: Top rated smart window air conditioners

Where should I place my basement dehumidifier?

Your dehumidifier should be placed in the middle of your basement for maximum effect. This is because it allows for maximum airflow, thus reducing the moisture level more quickly.

Should you run a dehumidifier in the basement all the time?

You can run a dehumidifier all the time, but it is best to turn it off once the ideal humidity level has been reached. 

What should I set my dehumidifier to in the basement?

The ideal humidity for basements is 50-60% so be sure to set your dehumidifier to this level.

This will remove enough moisture from the air to protect against mold spores, dust mites, and other contaminants.

Related article: How to find your ideal dehumidifier settings

How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry a basement?

It can take up to 24 hours for a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels but will vary significantly depending on the current humidity, your model, and the size of the space.

Will a dehumidifier get rid of musty smell in the basement?

A musty smell is usually caused by dampness. A dehumidifier, or multiple dehumidifiers, will help to remove the moisture causing the dampness and lessen the smell.

Air purifiers will be more effective than a dehumidifier at removing the smell.

Do dehumidifiers help with mold?

Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, which prevents mold growth. They cannot get rid of existing mold.

Will a dehumidifier in the basement help the whole house?

Dehumidifiers in basements will collect moisture, and this will stop it from spreading up into your home. If you have high humidity inside the house, it is recommended that you use dehumidifiers in those rooms as well.

How to dry a basement without a dehumidifier?

The best way to dry out a basement when you do not have a dehumidifier is to improve the ventilation. By opening windows or setting up fans, you can direct the collected moisture out of the basement and dry the space.