Dehumidifier Ratings, A Repairman Ranks The Brands...

We have given each brand a ranking of from 1 to 5 stars. A 5* rating means that, if we were shopping for our own home, we would choose that brand (if it was available). When more than one brand has a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive brand.

For your convenience, we have included the web address of the manufacturers as well as our comments regarding the advantages/disadvantages of their products.

We have divided our dehumidifier ratings into two groups to provide a fair comparison. The first group is for portable units that can be easily moved from one place to another. The second group consists of units that are either connected to the home's heating and cooling ducts or has their own independent duct system.

BRAND----------------WEB ADDRESS------------RATING---

AERMEC---------------aermec.com--------------<1*---This brand is from Italy and is available worldwide. The "SMUFFO" units feature environmentally friendly refrigerants and a washable filter. The DF 35R units feature an automatic defrost for operating in colder temperature areas. The units feature electro-mechanical controls instead of the more accurate digital controls. The manufacturer's website does not have a stated warranty policy.

ALDES----------------americanaldes.com-------<1*---The DH-100V unit has an optional condensate pump or a duct kit available. The fan can be ran continuously and the unit uses electronic controls. The FDH-90 units have optional HEPA or ACTIVATED CARBON filters available.

ALEN-----------------alencorp.com------------<1*---The MDF3 units are available in 30,50,and 70 pint/day sizes. The units have a two speed fan, electronic controls, and automatic defrosting. The units use a standard washable filter which does not clean the air very much. The units use R-410a refrigerant which is environmentally friendly. The warranty is for one year and is not as good as many brands but they are moderately priced.

AMCOR----------------amcorgroupusa.com-------<1*---This brand uses R-22 which is not environmentally friendly. The units are only available in 45 or 65 pint/day models. They have a two speed fan, a 24 hour on/off timer, and electronic controls. You can order them online from the manufacturers' website. The MD 250 model is a mini unit for small bedrooms or closets. It uses advanced PELTIER technology instead of a compressor and therefore is much quieter. It has only a one pint tank and a limited capacity of 250ml per day. The manufacturers' warranty is not very good at only one year in duration.

APRILAIRE------------aprilaire.com------------2*---The MODEL 1710 has a 90 pints/day capacity and a MERV 8 filter for improved air quality. The unit uses an electro mechanical control instead of electronic. The unit requires a condensate drain.

ARIAGEL--------------ariagel.it--------------<1*---This brand is made and sold in Italy. They feature a two speed fan and environmentally friendly refrigerant. They are available in 10, 16, and 20 liter/day sizes.

AUX------------------cnaux.com---------------<1*---This brand is made in China and is available in three sizes. They have a timer function to start and stop the unit, a tank full alarm, and automatic defrost operation. The unit can be controlled manually or with remote control. The units have activated carbon as well as washable filters for improved air quality.

BIONAIRE-------------bionaire.com-------------1*---This brand is from JARDEN CONSUMER SOLUTIONS. The QUIETECH BDQ24 units have a capacity of 24 pints/day while the BDQ01-UC model is a mini-dehumidifier that uses a Peltier cooling module for quiet and efficient operation. The units feature electronic controls and have preset humidity control ranges but the ranges are actually for the most part higher than is recommended for your home.

CALOREX--------------calorex.com-------------<1*---These units are made and sold in the U.K. The DH10 models have a capacity of 11.3 liters/day and feature an anti-bacterial filter and automatic defrosting. The units use electro-mechanical controls instead of digital.

COMFORTAIRE-------- comfort-aire.com ------<1*---This brand is from Heat Controller which manufactures hvac systems as well. The units are available in 30,50, and 65 pint/day models. The 30 pint/day model uses an electro-mechanical control instead of electronic (electronic is more accurate). The units have two fan speeds and automatic defrost. They have a dealer locator by state on their website.

COMFORTSTAR----------comfortstarusa.com------<1*---The NS series units are only available in one size (50 pint/day). They use electronic control and have adjustable fan speeds. The unit has a 3 gallon tank with water level safety switch. The unit uses R-22 which is not environmentally friendly. The warranty on the compressor is not very good at only one year.

CROSLEY--------------crosley.com--------------5*---These units are manufactured by Frigidaire and are available in three sizes (30, 50, or 70 pint/day). The units feature electronic controls and a two speed fan. They are suitable for low temperature operation. They have a very good warranty that includes ten years of coverage for the compressor which is the heart of the unit.

DAEWOO-------------- e-daewoo.com------------<1*---This brand uses R-22. They are available in 25,40,and 60 pint/day models. They have electronic controls, automatic defrost, and two fan speeds. They have a continuous mode as well as control by humidity setpoint. The units only have a washable filter so they do not improve the home's air quality.

DAITSU---------------daitsu.com--------------<1*---This brand is only available in Europe and only in 12 or 20 liter/day models. The units have four settings (continuous, 50%, 60%, and 70%). The 60 and 70% settings are too high for good indoor air quality. The units use electronic control for accuracy but only have a washable filter so they do not do much for cleaning the air.

DANBY----------------danby.com---------------<1*---This brand is available in the U.S. and Canada in many sizes so that you can get the proper size. The units have a two speed fan, automatic defrost, and a 12 hour off timer. The units use electronic controls. They have a 3 in 1 unit which works as a humidifier and an air purifier as well as the dehumidifier. They have a store locator by address, zip code, or city on their website.

DELONGHI-------------delonghi.com------------<1*---These units have a built-in pump for condensate removal which allows for flexibility of use. The units feature automatic defrost and a two speed fan. They are only available in 40 and 50 pint/day models. You can purchase them online from the manufacturer's site.

EBAC-----------------ebac.com-----------------4*-- This brand is from EBAC LTD GROUP. They offer a wide variety of units with a good warranty. They warranty is extended to five years when you purchase the units through their website. The POWERPAC model is a compact unit that features two fan speeds and a standard activated charcoal filter to improve the home's air quality.

ECOAIR---------------ecoair.org--------------<1*-- These units are made and sold in the U.K. The N range features compact units with a capacity of either 8 or 10 liters/day. The F range features units with either 12 or 20 liter/day capacities. All of the units have environmentally friendly refrigerant and electronic controls.

EINHELL--------------einhell.com-------------<1*-- This brand is available in two models. The LEF 10 is a basic unit with an electromechanical control and a washable filter. The NLE20E model uses electronic control and has a capacity of 19 l/day.

EVA-DRY------------- eva-dry.com ------------<1*-- This brand uses a Peltier module instead of a traditional refrigerant system whi8ch make sthem very quiet running. The duration of the warranty on the units is only one year.

FEDDERS--------------fedders.com-------------<1*-- This brand is a part of the AIRWELL GROUP. The units are available in four different sizes and feature automatic defrost. They are only available outside the U.S.A.

FREECOM------------freecomtech.com.tw--------<1*-- These units are available in only one size (14 liter/day) and use 50 HZ power which is not suitable for use in North America. The units use environmentally friendly R-134a refrigerant and have electronic controls for accuracy. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

FRIGIDAIRE-----------frigidaire.com----------<1*-- This brand is made by ELECTROLUX. The FDF models are available in two sizes and have a two speed fan. They use electronic control but only have a washable filter.

GE-------------------geappliances.com--------<1*-- The AHR series of units is available in four sizes and feature automatic defrost. They have a three speed fan but only a washable air filter. The AHK series units are also available in four sizes but they have a two speed fan. The warranty for this brand is not very good.

GOLDSTAR-------goldstarappliances.com--------<1*---This brand is from LG and features inexpensive units with either mechanical or electronic controls. The units are available in three sizes (30,40,50 pint/day). The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

HAIER----------------haier.com---------------<1*---This brand is available in three sizes and each size is available in both electro-mechanical as well as electronic control. The units have a built-in 12 hour timer function.

HiSEER---------------ymgigp.com--------------<1*---These units are available in four sizes (10,20,45,65 pint/day). They use an electronic control for accuracy but have a 2.25 gallon tank that must be dumped periodically.

HISENSE------------ hisense-usa.com -------<1*---This brand features models with capacities from 30 to 70 pints/day. They are basic units with two speed fans. The manufacturer's website is not much help and the warranty on the units is not very good.

HYPER CLIMA----------hyperclima.com----------<1*---The UMISTOP units are available in Europe and are available in three sizes (10,16,or 24 liter/day). They feature an off timer of 2,4, or 8 hours and an ultraslim design. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

IVT------------------en.ivt.se---------------<1*---This brand is manufactured by MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC for sale by IVT. The units are available in Europe and feature oscillating louvres for good air flow. They have digital controls, an on/off timer, and child lock function. The child lock allows you to lock the keypad to prevent changing the settings of the unit.

KENMORE--------------kenmore.com-------------<1*---This brand is available in 35,50, or 70 pint/day models. The 35 pint/day model uses an electro-mechanical control instead of electronic. You can purchase them online through the manufacturers' site. They have automatic defrost for lower temperature operation. They only have a washable filter so they do not clean the air very much.

LG-------------------us.lge.com---------------3*---This brand has the best warranty outside the U.K. They are available in 40,45,50, and 65 pint/day models and they are all electronically controlled. They have a store locator by zip code on their website.

MICROMARK------------bdc.co.uk---------------<1*---These units are made for BDC which is a part of BRIDISCO GROUP and are available in the U.K. They are available in only one size (10 liter/day) and are basic units that are value priced. The warranty on them is not very good.

MIDEA----------------mideaaircon.com---------<1*---This brand offers a wide variety of units in both 50hz and 60hz. They feature automatic defrost and four stage humidity control. They use a washable filter so they do not clean the air very well.

MITSUI-----------mitsuiairconditioner.com----<1*---These units are made in Italy and available in Europe. They feature mechanical controls and are available in four sizes (12,16,20, and 35 liter/day). The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

OLIMPIA SPLENDID-----olimpiasplendid.it------<1*---This brand offers a wide range of units but they use 50HZ power and therefore are not available in North America. The SECCOPUR S units feature an activated carbon filter to remove odors from the air. They also feature an audible alarm as well as the traditional light when the reservoir gets full. A hose can also be connected for continuos draining.

PREM-I-AIR--------- prem-i-air.com --------<1*---This brand is made in China for EHS LTD. and is sold in Europe and Asia. They offer a wide range of units from mini models using PELTIER modules to 7, 8, and 10 liter/day models using desiccant. The standard units (with refrigerant system) have enhanced air cleaning available such as hepa filters, activated carbon filters, and an optional uv light. The warranty on the compressor in these units is not very good.

ROYAL SOVEREIGN------royalsovereign.com------<1*---This brand is available in three sizes (45,55,65 pints/day). They do not have a bucket to dump the condensate but have a built in pump. The units feature automatic defrost, a 24 hour timer, three fan speeds, and electronic controls. They have a washable filter so they do not do much in cleaning the air. The units use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly. They can be purchased online through their website.

SABRO----------------sabro.com.pk------------<1*---This brand is made and sold in Pakistan only. The Dh-100 has a capacity of 100 pints/day. Their website is very little help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

Sakura------------- sakura-aircon.com -----<1*---This brand offers three different sizes of units (10,12,or 16 liter/day) and either mechanical or electronic controls. The units are available in Europe and use environmentally friendly R-134a refrigerant. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

SANTA FE-------------thermastor.com----------<1*---These units have an optional pump kit available. They are high capacity units from 65-135 pints/day. The COMPACT and ADVANCE models are designed for crawlspace operation. They have an optional duct kit available and feature MERV 11 air filtration. The CLASSIC model is for basement operation and has optional duct kits and condensate pump. They also have a MERV 11 filter to clean the air.

SOLEUS AIR-----------soleusair.com-----------<1*---The units can be set for continuous or 50,60,70%. (The 60 and 70% settings are too high for good indoor air quality) The units use digital controls for accuracy but only have a washable filter.

STIEBEL ELTRON ------stiebel-eltron.de-------<1*---These units are only available in 17 liter/day models. They use environmentally friendly R-134a refrigerant. They use a 6 liter tank with no option for continuous drainage. They feature electronic controls and a two speed fan.

SUNPENTOWN-----------sunpentown.com----------<1*---This brand is available in three sizes and have electronic controls, and a two speed fan. They use environmentally friendly R-134a refrigerant. The "T" models have active carbon filters as well as TiO2 and a UV lamp. You can purchase this brand online through the manufacturers' site. They make a "mini dehumidifier" that does not use refrigeration process but instead use PELTIER cooling technology. The manufacturer's warranty is not very good when compared to other brands.

WHIRLPOOL------------whirlpool.com-----------<1*---The DRIER HOME model is a 25 pint/day unit with electro mechanical control. The basement models are available in two sizes (25 & 35 pint/day) and have automatic defrost, a two speed fan, and an electrostatic filter. They offer an ULTRA LOW TEMP model for unconditioned basement applications. It can operate down to a temperature of 38 degrees.

WINDCHASER-----------windchaserproducts.com--<1*---This brand is only available in 20 liter/day size. They offer a range of mini dehumidifiers which do not use the refrigeration process. They use a process known as PELTIER cooling.

WOODS----------------wcwood.com--------------<1*---This unit is available in several sizes, either electro-mechanical or electronically controls, and 50 or 60hz units. The MD series (MILLENIUM GENERATION) features auto defrost, an LCD display, and environmentally friendly refrigerant. They only have a washable filter so they do not clean the air very well. The TRADITIONAL series units use electro mechanical controls.

BRAND-----------WEB ADDRESS-----------RATING

AIR SPONGE------- wfc-fc.com ----------4*---This brand is from PHOENIX MANUFACTURING INC. which is a part of WILLIAMS COMFORT PRODUCTS and can be a stand alone system or incorporated into a forced air duct system. The unit has a built-in float switch to protect from damage caused by a clogged drain line. The unit has 130 pint/day capacity.

ALDES--------------americanaldes.com-----4*-- The DHV units are available in either horozontal or vertical mounted units. They combine fresh air, filtering, and dehumidifying operations. The units are to be added to an existing ducted hvac system. They are controlled by a standard 24 volt remote control panel and an optional programmable controller is available.

APRILAIRE----------aprilaire.com---------5*---This brand is from RESEARCH PRODUCTS CORP. They offer two different models which are the same except for their capacity. (MODEL 1750 has a capacity of 90 pints/day while MODEL 1770 is 150 pints/day.) They use automatic controls.

CENTURY---------- century-hvac.com ----4*---This brand is manufactured by Heat Controller which makes other hvac equipment as well. The unit has a capacity of 130 pints/day and must be connected to a forced air duct system. The unit has auto sampling where it periodically runs to check the humidity level. The unit uses a nylon mesh filter that does not do much to clean the air. They have a dealer locator by state on their website.

COMFORT-AIRE ---- comfortaire-hvac.com 4*---This brand is identical to the Century brand.

GeneralAire--------generalaire.com-------4*---This brand has a capacity of 130 pints/day. It is connected to a forced air duct system. It has an auto sampling function to check the homes' humidity level every hour. An optional wall mount control is available. This unit uses a nylon mesh filter which does not do much for cleaning the air.

HONEYWELL-----yourhome.honeywell.com-----5*---The unit has a capacity of 90 pints/day and can bring in fresh air from the outside. The unit has a MERV 11 filter standard on the unit to clean the air. They are connected to a forced air duct system.

ULTRA AIRE---------thermastor.com--------4*---This brand is available in four sizes and can bring in fresh air from the outside. They have a MERV 11 filter as standard on the units to clean the air.

YORK---------------yorkupg.com-----------5*---This brand is a part of JOHNSON CONTROLS. The unit has a capacity of 130 pints/day and features automatic defrost. The unit has a standard washable filter so it does not do much to clean the air. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

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