By Glenda Taylor | Updated Dec 22, 2021 9:12 PM

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Dehumidifiers for basement ventilation reduce the likelihood of mold and mildew growth leading to cleaner, safer air in your home. Since basements are located below ground level, they tend to absorb moisture from surrounding soil, making them damp and musty. Inhaling mold spores can incite respiratory and allergic disorders, while also damaging furniture and other items stored in the basement.

If you’re in the market for an appliance to remove excess moisture from the air, read on. You’ll learn how to choose the best dehumidifier for basements and other areas in your home, and get the lowdown on our top picks.

When asking: what is the best dehumidifier for a basement? One has to consider the special features to look for in products like this. Options for the best dehumidifier for basements will vary greatly in each product’s features, type, capacity, and ease of use. Before selecting a dehumidifier for your needs, consider the size of our space and how much humidity is suitable for your needs.

Different dehumidifiers operate in different ways, and some methods are better suited than others to the high humidity levels found in basements. Here are a few of the most common types of basement humidifiers:

Dehumidifiers are categorized by capacity (how much water they can remove from the air per day.) Though labeled “small, medium, and large,” this refers to their power, not to the size of their collection tank. Collection tanks hold between one to three gallons, and as a general rule, the more powerful the dehumidifier, the greater its capacity. To remove the high level of humidity present in many basements, a large-capacity dehumidifier is necessary.

It costs an average of $25 to $50 per month to operate a large capacity dehumidifier, depending on your utility rates, the size of your basement, and the humidity levels. While today’s dehumidifiers are more energy efficient than those of a decade ago, it’s wise to look for the Energy Star label when shopping. These models are the most efficient dehumidifier for basements and you could save up to 30 percent on electricity over a standard machine.

All dehumidifiers come with collection tanks, but some models also offer the option to attach a drainage hose (typically a standard garden hose) to direct collected moisture into a floor drain. The unit will automatically shut off when the collection tank is full, so if you won’t be able to empty it daily, you should probably purchase a unit with a drain hose.

Keep in mind that a pint weighs approximately one pound, so while a large capacity dehumidifier can collect up to 75 pints a day, tanks generally hold up to three gallons to allow for easy, frequent emptying—only the mightiest bodybuilder would want to haul a 75-pound collection tank around!

All dehumidifiers let you choose a basic humidity level—normal, dry, or very dry. But the top dehumidifiers for basements have additional features that you might find useful.

Dehumidifiers generate a noise similar to the hum of a window air conditioner, and the larger the capacity, the louder the device will be. Most dehumidifiers produce between 53 decibels (comparable to a normal conversation) and 65 decibels (comparable to the sound of street traffic), but manufacturers aren’t required to list the noise levels on their units.

Reading customer reviews is the best way to determine how noisy a dehumidifier will be. Placing the unit on a level surface can also help reduce noise.

The dehumidifiers for basements listed below all did great in independent testing and have highly positive customer reviews. One of these powerful machines can keep musty basement smells, mold, and mildew at bay in your home whether you are looking for a small, medium, or large basement dehumidifier.

Choosing the best dehumidifier for basements from the wide range of excellent devices available is no easy task, but the FRIGIDAIRE takes top spot for its combination of control, efficiency, and user-friendly features.

The compact unit has a 50-pint capacity suitable for spaces of up to 1,500 square feet. A 24-hour programmer is fitted, and it will restart automatically in the event of a power outage. A three-speed fan gives control over air flow, and a washable filter captures dust and dust mites.

The 16.9 pint bucket is front-mounted so it’s easy to access, and comes with a convenient carry handle. There is an automatic shut-off to prevent overflowing. A built-in pump offers continuous draining as an alternative, but a hose will need to be purchased separately (ordinary garden hose is fine). Castors are fitted to make moving it easy, and at 42 pounds it isn’t too heavy to be carried upstairs if required.

The hOmeLabs humidifier provides a budget-friendly solution for basements of up to 4,500 square feet. It offers many of the features you would expect from a quality device, with a 24-hour timer, overflow protection, automatic restart, and a washable air filter. There is also a defrost function, and a turbo fan to maximize moisture removal.

In order to make their humidifier as easy to use as possible, hOmeLabs have included a ‘Comfort’ button. Once set to the desired humidity level the device will maintain that balance while running 24/7, or until the tank is full. Continuous drainage is an option (hose not included).

The bucket holds 1.6 gallons. The plastic used in its construction is a little thinner than we would like, and the handle attachment is not particularly robust.

Those with smaller basements could find this compact 22 pint GE humidifier the ideal solution, yet despite the low cost it has all the features you would find on the best basement dehumidifiers.

The top-mounted LCD screen provides control over the on/off timer, and humidity level. Once the latter is set, the Smart Dry function means the dehumidifier can be left to run automatically. The three-speed fan boosts air flow when necessary. Dust is removed by a washable filter. There is auto restart should power be interrupted, and auto defrost.

Buckets generally have an overflow shutoff, but the front-mounted bucket on the GE humidifier also provides a useful audible alarm. It holds 8.5 pints.

At just 33 pounds, the compact Vremi dehumidifier is remarkably lightweight. Portability is enhanced by handles built into the top of the casing. Yet it still offers the range of features you would expect from much larger models.

Humidity is variable via the control panel, but the Vremi is very much designed for unattended operation. It will run automatically until the tank is full, at which point it will shut itself off until emptied. There is also an anti frost setting, auto restart, and a timer.

The only real challenge with this otherwise excellent, and very affordable device is an 8 pint bucket which might need emptying relatively frequently. There is an option for continuous drain, though as usual a hose is not included.

With an adjustable fan speed, an easy-to-program LCD interface, and the ability to maintain preselected humidity levels in large areas, the Ivation 70-Pint Dehumidifier is a top-rated dehumidifier for basements. The Energy Star certified machine is easy to move from room to room (it weighs just 40 pounds and comes with caster wheels).

With a 70-pint capacity, it’s no wonder we selected this option as our best dehumidifier for large basements. Consumers can monitor the current humidity level and program the unit to come on at preset times. The Ivation features an easy-empty 1.3-gallon tank and an optional hose connection (hose sold separately). It also has an automatic shutoff and a restart sensor that detects frost buildup and turns the unit off to allow the frost to melt before turning back on.

With its black metal casing the high-quality LG Puricare dehumidifier makes an instant impression. It is stronger than many plastic models, though at 45 pounds there isn’t much of a weight penalty. It is also relatively quiet for a machine at this performance level.

A clear LED panel provides controls for humidity level, and timer. There is an overflow alarm, and an auto shutoff that ‘rests’ the LG humidifier for one hour in every 24 to prevent overheating. The bucket is side-loading, and has a 1.7 gallon capacity. Continuous drain is an option, and the LG also has a pump so water can be fed to a sink above the height of the unit if necessary.

Smart control comes from the SmartThinQ app. The LG humidifier can be started and stopped remotely via phone, and full bucket alert can be received. Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant gives further home integration options (other devices required).

The stand-out feature of the compact Midea Cube dehumidifier is how small it is when not in use. The 13.5” cube will fit in a variety of small space. In use, the compressor unit sits on top of the bucket, and is 27” tall. This allows the bucket to be a surprisingly large 4.2 gallons so it can be left unattended for long periods. For those who require full-time use, the upper unit could sit on the side of a sink and drain continuously using the hose provided.

The Midea Cube dehumidifier is another that benefits from a smartphone app, providing real-time monitoring of humidity and water levels, and a full bucket alert. There is also the potential for voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant.

Our second GE model is a high-performance device that can remove 50 pints of water a day, and provides accurate control over humidity. It can run non-stop if required. A three-speed fan allows for increased air flow to clear damp areas more quickly. There is an audible alarm when the bucket is full, and an alert when the air filter needs to be rinsed. It also has auto-restart in the event of power loss, and auto defrost.

At 15 pints, bucket capacity is better than many. Constant draining is an option, and this is where the GE’s main benefit lies. Where many dehumidifiers rely on gravity for this, the GE model can pump the water up to 16 feet from the unit to a convenient sink or other outlet. The hose is included.

The FRIGIDAIRE dehumidifier is a high-quality all-rounder. It has a comprehensive feature set, and sufficient performance for most people’s needs, though it isn’t cheap. This GE dehumidifier is a solid and budget-friendly alternative, but only for relatively compact spaces.

The important features to be considered when buying a basement dehumidifier are discussed in detail above, and these formed a key part of our selection criteria. However, most of the leading models share similar feature sets regardless of size, so it can be challenging to choose between them.

When making our choices we have tried to offer as wide a selection as possible. Brand reputation is another crucial factor. Generally-speaking, buying from the leading manufacturers ensures reliability and durability. Cost was another consideration, and the resulting list should offer something for different property sizes and budgets.

To get a better sense of the dehumidifiers on the market today, here are a few of the most trusted brands we recommend:

Choosing the best basement dehumidifier can be a complex process, as can be seen by the technical considerations, and product recommendations above. While that information is likely to have answered many buyers questions, there are a number of further issues that crop up frequently. We have provided answers for those below.

Ensuring moisture removal under the house can benefit the floor above. However, the most effective whole house solution is usually a humidifier that works with your HVAC system.

The size of the basement, and the level of humidity have an impact. Our top picks provide a variety of models to suit different areas.

It depends on humidity levels. It may be necessary to run the humidifier 24/7, but anywhere from 12 to 18 hours could be sufficient. Smart dehumidifiers provide constant monitoring so you can adjust accordingly.

It depends where the air exits the unit. If it’s at the top it can be placed near a wall. Otherwise it may need 12” to 18” of space for proper air flow. Try not to place it near windows or doors which attract excess humidity. The dehumidifier manufacturer should provide guidance.

The recommended summer rate is 30% to 50%. This should prevent the formation of mold and mildew. In winter it can be 40% to 60%.

It’s likely that the air in the basement is too cold. If it’s practical, try raising the basement temperature a couple degrees. If the humidifier is running all the time, try switching it off at night. It may also help to raise it above floor level.

Most drain into a removable bucket or via a hose, though the hose is often not included.

It can be challenging to dry a basement without a dehumidifier. Good air flow is very important, and a fan may help. Avoid putting damp clothes in the space. Charcoal or other desiccant material can help soak up some of the excess moisture.

Cleaning a dehumidifier should be relatively straightforward, most parts just needing to be wiped down with a damp cloth. It’s possible the reservoir may have a build up of limescale, which can usually be removed with white vinegar or lemon juice. An air filter usually needs a quick rinse once a month. To ensure the longevity of your machine it is vital you follow manufacturer’s instructions.

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