Let me start with my own story because I believe you’ve had the same experience since you’re here.
For years, my family endured damp walls and cold floors in our bathrooms.
No matter how many times we got rid of the mold, it always came back like a stubborn headache that refuses to leave.
At one point, it got so bad that we began considering moving our house.
But at the very last minute when we were about to call in professional movers, one of my friends recommended that we could try a bathroom dehumidifier as the last resort.
We were really skeptical at first because years of wet floors and moldy walls had conditioned us into not getting our hopes up.
But we still gave it a try, and to our surprise, the dehumidifier was nothing short of a miracle!
Gone were the days of swampy bathroom air and wet walls, we could now strut into the bathroom and bask in its glorious dryness.
The mold growth completely stopped because the dehumidifier sucked out all the moisture from the air.
We turned it on after every shower and lo and behold! All the condensation was gone!
Over the years, we’ve tried and tested many dehumidifiers ever since we discovered how life-changing they can be.
Since we know the frustration that comes from having a perpetually wet bathroom, we figured we could put our expertise to use so that others would benefit.
Read ahead if you too want to say goodbye to humid bathrooms and moldy walls!
Best Dehumidifier for Bathroom Reviews
1 hOmeLabs 1,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier (Editor’s Choice)
Why it Stands Out to Us
The hOmeLabs HME is one of those dehumidifiers that immediately makes a difference – you can walk into a room and feel the improvement in the air.
Due to being a compressor model, it has a high moisture removal rate, making it efficient enough to remove 22 pints or 352 ounces of moisture from the air per day.
Along with that, the smallest version of this product has a coverage area of 1500 square feet, with the highest being 4500.
No matter the size of your space, hOmeLabs has got your back with its ultra-efficiency and state-of-the-art energy-saving technology.
Our Experience with the hOmeLabs HME020030N
The unit had an auto shut-off function, a large coverage area, and overall provided great value for money.
It was also easy to operate and move around.
Our bathroom is highly humid due to several people taking showers at various times of the day.
This causes a lot of condensation on the walls, and since the bathroom is quite large, we needed a dehumidifier strong enough and with enough coverage area to do an efficient job.
The hOmeLabs HME did an exceptional job at effectively reducing the humid air in our bathroom.
It works super fast and can cover a lot of ground easily.
For a unit that runs so smoothly, we expected more noise.
But to our surprise, this thing was remarkably quiet, especially when it was on the “comfort” setting or off-turbo mode.
We could keep it on all night without worrying about the tank overflowing as the unit automatically shut off when it was full.
This was a convenient feature as we didn’t have to get up in the middle of the night to turn it off.
The hOmeLabs was extremely user-friendly.
The unit’s multiple speed settings made it highly customizable for different humidity levels and the overall design made it easy to use.
It was also quite small for such a heavy-duty dehumidifier – unlike other units, it didn’t look like a large chunk of equipment that could ruin the overall appearance of a room.
We could also use this dehumidifier in our basement. It should be mentioned that our basement’s walls are very prone to mold growth so it would need a miracle machine to fix it.
It’s a good thing that we had the hOmeLabs HME because as soon as we placed it in our basement, the humidity levels went down from 75% to the mid-50s.
It halted the growth of the mold and we also felt a difference in the air.
What We Didn’t Like
We had to empty out the tank several times a day in high humidity conditions.
What Could be Improved
It would’ve been more convenient if the tank had been larger.
Due to the high efficiency of the unit, it extracts large amounts of moisture from the air, which makes the tank fill up quite fast.
With a larger tank, users would not have to frequently empty it or connect a hose for continuous draining.
Our Recommendations
If you’re placing the unit in an area with a high amount of humidity, you may want to connect a hose to it for continuous drainage as the tank will fill up fast and require multiple emptying sessions throughout the day.
You can position the dehumidifier on a level surface to reduce the noise level.
After receiving the unit, make sure to leave it unplugged for a day before you start using it.
Specifications
- Color: White
- Operation Mode: Continuous
- Floor Area: 1500-4500 Square Feet
- Upper-Temperature Rating: 35 Degrees Celsius
- The volume of Tank: 128 oz to 203 oz
Pros
- Great value for money
- Fairly Quiet
- Large coverage area
- Auto shut-off when the tank is full
- Environmentally friendly
- Auto shut-off function
- Easy operation
- Easy to move around
- Energy-saving
- 2-year warranty (additional 6 months if the purchase is registered)
Cons
- Tank capacity could be larger
2 Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier
Why it Stands Out to Us
While this isn’t a dehumidifier for heavy-duty use, it’s perfect for small rooms with its affordable price and energy-efficient technology.
It’s super compact too, which means that it is unobtrusive wherever you place it and it’s also easy to move around.
It’s a Peltier module with built-in thermoelectric cooling technology that doesn’t use any noisy pumps.
That means you can just turn on the unit and forget it’s there!
Our Experience with the Pro Breeze PB-02-US
The Pro Breeze had an auto shut-off function, was budget-friendly, small, and super quiet. It was also easy to operate and move around.
This unit provided great value for money. It’s inexpensive and does the job, which is all we could ask for.
If your purpose is to clear out the humidity in your small bathroom, you’ve come to the right place.
The Pro Breeze ensures your bathroom is stripped of all condensation within an hour or two for under $50.
Since it’s so small, we could place it anywhere in the bathroom.
It didn’t require any designated space and doesn’t obstruct other items, which is a convenient feature for small bathrooms.
We could just keep it on the counter and let it do its thing.
The tank removal process is extremely user-friendly.
It didn’t take more than a few seconds to empty it out and put it back into the unit.
The long power cord was convenient as it allowed us to move the unit around without disconnecting it from the electrical socket.
Despite being so small and inexpensive, the unit still came with an auto shut-off function.
We could keep it on and it would turn off automatically whenever the tank was full.
What We Didn’t Like
Since it’s a Peltier module, it doesn’t function well in temperatures below 41°F and only works effectively in temperatures above 59°F.
It’s quite small, so it’s not as powerful as the larger models.
The water tank fills up fast if there’s a lot of humidity.
What Could be Improved
We would’ve liked a larger water tank.
Our Recommendations
This dehumidifier was made to be efficient in small spaces. We recommend not using it in large rooms.
Specifications
- Color: White
- Operation Mode: Continuous
- Floor Area: 150 Square Feet
- Upper-Temperature Rating: 30 Degrees Celsius
- The volume of Tank: 16 oz
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Super compact
- Great value for money
- Ultra-quiet
- Auto shut-off
- Environmentally friendly
- Auto shut-off function
- Portable
- Easy operation
- Energy-saving
- 1-year warranty (2 years if the purchase is registered)
Cons
- Not suitable for large rooms
3 Eva-Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier, White (E-333)
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is unfathomable how a dehumidifier can retail for under $20, yet here we are with the Eva-Dry E-333!
You’d think that something as inexpensive as this wouldn’t be functional at all but we urge you to think again – we were definitely forced to.
It’s a tiny beast that can extract more moisture than you’d think.
Moreover, the super tiny dimensions of 9 x 8.25 x 2.88 inches mean it can fit in every small space you can imagine, starting from your car, closet, and gun safe to even your small bathroom.
It’s a brilliant budget-friendly option and the perfect choice for users who have a small space that needs to be dehumidified but doesn’t want to spend a lot on a unit.
Our Experience with the Eva-Dry E-333
The unit was remarkably budget-friendly, super compact, and overall provided great value for money.
It was also easy to operate, charge, and move around.
It’s truly a wonder how such a small and inexpensive device could accomplish so much. We felt that the Eva Dry was perfect for enclosed, small spaces.
To test it out, we put it in a tiny bathroom after a hot shower.
We noticed that it could easily dehumidify a space as long as we shut the doors and made sure the device was only acting upon a small space.
Leaving the door open meant that we were exposing the unit to a larger space that it wasn’t manufactured to handle, therefore it was ineffective.
But limiting its range definitely ensured high performance.
Since it’s a chemical absorbent desiccant model, the Eva Dry is completely unaffected by freezing temperatures, unlike other types of dehumidifiers.
This means we could keep it running in winter without being afraid of the parts freezing inside and rendering it useless.
Moreover, since the unit doesn’t use electricity while it’s running, we could just hang it up anywhere.
We didn’t have to place it around electrical sockets, which was highly convenient as there are no plug points inside safes and cars.
Another feature that sets the Eva Dry apart is how it can run for weeks without needing to be charged.
We charged it once every two weeks for around 8-10 hours and it was good to go.
Frequent charging can be a hassle so it was super easy to use this unit due to the low level of maintenance required.
The color of the beads indicated when the device needed to be charged.
It’s usually orange but it gets darker when it’s time to plug it in.
That was also convenient as the device itself let us know when it was running out of juice and we didn’t need to guess.
Overall, we felt that we got great value for money with the Eva Dry E-333 as it was functional and durable for under $20.
What We Didn’t Like
The charging time is quite long. It can take up to 10 hours for a full charge.
Keeping it plugged in for too long makes it too hot to the touch.
What Could be Improved
The charging time could be reduced.
But to be fair, the charge lasts for about two weeks so we felt that it was an understandable tradeoff.
Other than that, we don’t have any complaints.
Our Recommendations
Avoid overcharging it.
Specifications
- Color: White Sand
- Operation Mode: Continuous
- Floor Area: 333 Cubic Feet
- Upper-Temperature Rating: 50 Degrees Celsius
- The volume of Tank: 6 oz
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Ultra-quiet
- Great value for money
- Portable
- Compact
- Easy operation
- Energy-saving
- 5-year warranty
- Charge lasts for 4 weeks
- No batteries required
Cons
- Not suitable for large rooms
- Charging is time-consuming
4 ALROCKET Dehumidifier 35oz(1000ml) Small Dehumidifier
Why it Stands Out to Us
Since the Alrocket DH uses a thermo-electric Peltier module, it has no need for extra components such as compressors or pumps.
This means the unit can operate at full capacity without making any disruptive loud noises.
A noisy dehumidifier can be a dealbreaker for anyone who wants peace and quiet, so this is an extremely useful feature as dehumidifiers usually have to run for hours on end to extract moisture from the air.
Another feature that we really enjoyed was the multi-colored lights.
It was an aesthetically pleasing touch that many users will like, especially if they have kids around the house.
Overall, we appreciated the functionality of the device and were pleased to have all these features under $50.
Our Experience with the ALROCKET DH-CS01
The unit was practically silent, perfect for small spaces, aesthetically pleasing, and had an auto shut-off function.
It provided great value for money and was also easy to operate and move around.
Having used super old dehumidifiers that rumble and grumble to announce their presence to everyone in the vicinity, we were shocked and impressed with the quietness of the Alrocket.
This thing barely makes a peep – and the small amount of noise it does make easily becomes background noise.
We just turned it on and forgot it was even there!
The ever-changing lights were a brilliant touch. We could double the unit as a dehumidifier and a multi-colored night light.
The colors changed from purple to green to pink, and we could even fix the color to whichever one we liked best. It’s also possible to turn it off completely.
Coming to its actual dehumidifying performance – this thing is a tiny beast.
It was brilliant at reducing the humidity in our bathroom. We just kept it on for a few hours after our showers and baths, and voila!
All the condensation on the walls was gone.
Due to its small size, it could fit anywhere. We could even fit it on the bathroom counter instead of having to set up a separate spot for it.
The unit is super compact, portable, and sturdy, so we could easily carry it from room to room as well.
What We Didn’t Like
It is not significantly effective in large spaces.
The manufacturer mentions that it is suitable for areas that are 260 square feet, so anything exceeding that area lowers the efficiency of the unit.
Since it’s a Peltier module, the unit will not be functional in temperatures below 46 degrees.
The coils inside are prone to freezing and dehumidification is not very evident in these conditions.
What Could be Improved
We’d have to buy a larger unit if we wanted to dehumidify a large room.
It would’ve been better if the Alrocket could be used for both small and big rooms without compromising on the size of the unit itself.
Specifications
- Color: White
- Operation Mode: Continuous
- Floor Area: 260 Square Feet
- Upper-Temperature Rating: 50 Degrees Celsius
- The volume of Tank: 35 oz/1 L
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Ultra-quiet
- Environmentally friendly
- Auto shut-off function
- Portable
- Compact
- Easy operation
- Energy-saving
Cons
- Not suitable for large rooms
5 Waykar 2000 Sq. Ft Dehumidifier for Home and Basements
Why it Stands Out to Us
One thing we appreciate in a dehumidifier is an external drainage system.
The Waykar 2000 contains an internal water tank that can be drained manually and it also gives you the opportunity to continuously drain the condensate through an external pipe.
This is a convenient feature as you can keep the dehumidifier on for extended periods of time without having to take the trouble of emptying the water reservoir tank.
Due to being a compressor model, the Waykar is a highly efficient energy-saving machine that can dehumidify large spaces quickly.
Another feature that’s handy is the automatic shut-off valve.
This turns off the unit when the tank needs to be emptied and prevents overflowing. What’s more is that the brand packs all of this for under $200.
Our Experience with the Waykar 2000
This unit provided excellent value for money and had a large coverage area. It was also efficient, fast, and user-friendly.
For a unit that can cover 2000 square feet of space, the Waykar 2000 is quite small. It didn’t require a lot of space and was unobtrusive wherever we placed it.
Usually, units made for larger areas tend to be chunky and look out of place in a room.
However, we felt that the Waykar fit right in wherever we placed it due to its compactness. It also had a sleek and modern look that we appreciated.
Our bathroom is a bit on the larger side, so we needed something strong enough to combat a substantial volume of air.
It’s also in frequent use, with multiple people taking showers at various times during the day.
That means major condensation that can seep into the walls and produce mold. We were thoroughly impressed with the Waykar’s efficiency.
It easily extracted all the condensation and kept the bathroom looking and feeling dry.
Due to its multi-functionality, we could use this dehumidifier for any room in the house.
From the bathroom to the basement, this thing did a great job at extracting all the moisture from the air, no matter the size of the space.
It was easy to carry it around from room to room due to the 360° rotating wheels.
We could simply push it to wherever we needed it, which made it convenient and easy to use.
The unit is self-regulated, which means its built-in hygrometers were constantly monitoring the humidity in the room and automatically turned off the dehumidifier once the target levels were reached.
This is convenient as it shuts off by itself and does not waste any extra energy if we forget to turn it off.
What We Didn’t Like
We had to empty out the tank several times a day when it was put in high humidity conditions.
What Could be Improved
We felt that a larger internal tank could do wonders for users who live in extremely high-humidity areas.
It would mean they wouldn’t have to empty out the tank so frequently.
Specifications
- Color: White
- Operation Mode: Sleep
- Floor Area: 2000 Square Feet
- Upper-Temperature Rating: 35 Degrees Celsius
- The volume of the Tank: 2.5 L
Pros
- Covers a large area
- Quiet
- Contains a drainage hose
- Easy to use
- Quick
- Efficient
- Well-built
- Contains an automatic shutoff valve
- Energy-efficient
- Has a full-tank indicator light
Cons
- Does not come with a remote
Best Dehumidifiers for Bathroom – Buying Guide
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Size
Larger bathrooms require a large dehumidifier, simply because there’s more volume to cover.
Most of the small models can competently perform in approximately 110 square feet of space but anything larger will require you to upgrade to a bigger model.
This is especially true if your bathroom is used frequently and produces significant amounts of condensation.
Generally, a 30-pint bathroom dehumidifier should serve you well enough
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Type
1. Electric
These use thermoelectric technology or Peltier modules. They consist of two heat sinks on each side that use electricity to create differences in temperature.
Humid air goes through the cold sink and condenses into water, which is stored in the reservoir.
The air is heated up in the hot heat sink before being released into the atmosphere.
Due to not having additional pumps or compressors, Peltier models tend to be smaller and quieter.
However, they have a lower dehumidification rate compared to other models.
2. Mechanical
These are known as compressor models. They have quite a few elements – a fan, a pump, a compressor, and multiple large coils.
The coils are refrigerated, so when humid air is passed over it, the air cools down and becomes condensed.
The water is then stored in the water tank.
These models usually have a higher removal rate compared to the Peltier as the integrated compressors help in the cooling process alongside the electrical power.
3. Desiccant
Also known as chemical absorbent dehumidifiers, these models do not use electricity. Instead, they use a rotor that pulls air to the desiccant to absorb the moisture.
The desiccant is then heated so it can recharge and release the trapped moisture.
It continues its cycle of pulling and releasing air into the atmosphere.
Since this model’s absorption rate is not affected by the temperature of the room, it can function even in extremely low temperatures.
It can also operate for several weeks without being recharged.
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Noise output
Most dehumidifiers use fans that can produce various levels of noise depending on their size and speed.
Though they are not silent, the sounds from fans are merely white noise or background noise.
However, some models contain compressors or pumps that can create quite a bit of vibration and noise.
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Power consumption
Compact dehumidifiers are small and energy-efficient. They utilize thermoelectric technology that goes easy on the electricity bills at the end of the month.
You’ll need to consider whether you want to opt for an energy-efficient model or one that uses more power.
Keep in mind that a more powerful model has to run for a shorter amount of time to dehumidify your bathroom.
However, using a model that has a low demand for power will be more environmentally friendly and money-saving in the long run.
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Water reservoir capacity
Your dehumidifier will collect all the water it extracts out of the atmosphere.
If your bathroom is especially humid, you may want to opt for an appliance with a larger water tank so you can avoid having to empty it frequently.
Most of the large dehumidifiers already come with large water reservoir capacities, so those might be more suitable for your bathroom.
However, if your bathroom is on the smaller side and does not have a significant amount of condensation, you can simply opt for a dehumidifier with a smaller water tank.
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Auto Switch-off
One of the best features of a dehumidifier is the protection valve that automatically switches off the unit when the water tank is full.
This prevents your dehumidifier from overflowing and gives you an indication that the tank needs to be emptied.
Some models even have LED lights indicating when the water reservoir tank is full.
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The Intuitive Controls and Handy Functions
Some dehumidifiers come with built-in hygrometers that display the relative humidity of the room.
This allows you to track how humid your bathroom is and lets you make adjustments accordingly.
Generally, the humidity should be between 40 to 50 percent during summer and 30 to 50 percent during winter.
Another feature is the humidistat.
It allows you to adjust the dial to your preferred humidity level and your dehumidifier automatically maintains it.
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Budget
Dehumidifiers can range from under $20 to well into the 1000s.
We included our favorite budget options and also some mid-range units – all of which are highly affordable.
You want to opt for a dehumidifier that fits your needs, so you don’t necessarily have to spend a large amount of money if all you need is a unit for your closet.
Some dehumidifiers can even get the job done for less than $50.
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Coverage Area
To make sure your dehumidifier is performing at its maximum capacity, you will need to ensure that its coverage area is appropriate for the size of your bathroom.
Most manufacturers provide a chart that indicates the coverage area of their dehumidifiers.
You can refer to the one attached below to get a feel of what kind of coverage you need.
❏ Bathroom Dehumidifier – Maintenance Tips
1. Consult your manual
Instructions on maintenance vary from dehumidifier to dehumidifier. Go through your user manual to know what your unit requires.
2. Clean your unit
You should clean your condensate bucket monthly in order to avoid mold growth. Ensure the bucket is dry before putting it back inside the unit.
3. Place it properly
Make sure not to place your dehumidifier on uneven surfaces.
Also, ensure that your unit is at least 6-12 inches away from all furniture and walls so it can efficiently take in and exhaust the air.
4. Replace the air filter
If you keep using the same filter for months on end, your dehumidifier will start to lose efficiency.
Your manufacturer will mention how often you should replace the filter. You can increase the lifespan of your unit by following the instructions.
5. Don’t short-cycle your unit
This is relevant for units that use a compressor. Avoid turning the dehumidifier on and off immediately as it will cause damage to the compressor.
Wait around 10 minutes so that the pressure can equalize and you can avoid overheating your unit.
❏ FAQs
➢ How often should I empty the water tank?
Most dehumidifiers have an auto shut-off function that turns off the unit when the tank is full. Some even have an LED indicator that will inform you when it’s time to empty the tank.
You can simply use these indications to know when to empty your tank.
➢ Should I leave my dehumidifier on all the time?
While there are no strict guidelines against it, you don’t necessarily have to keep your dehumidifier on all the time.
It is only necessary for you to turn it on if the humidity levels rise above 50 percent.
If your unit is perpetually running, it will need to be drained frequently.
So unless your unit can release the collected water to a floor drain automatically, you’ll have to manually empty the tank often, which might be inconvenient.
➢ Is it safe to take a shower while a dehumidifier is running?
While it’s not a safety hazard to run your dehumidifier while showering, it probably won’t be that effective to do so.
Ideally, you’d want to run your unit right after your shower or bath.
That way, your dehumidifier is not exposed to a constant increase in humidity and can perform more efficiently.