A lot of people around the world battle with high humidity issues daily, especially those that work in offices and construction sites, or those that go to nightclubs regularly. But what’s the reason behind the constant humidification battle faced by dwellers of these places? Quite simple! Such areas are hardly ever ventilated properly, making them ideal environments for the growth of mildew and mold. Thankfully, the best commercial dehumidifier offers a simple fix. But apart from being useful for nightclub and company owners, commercial dehumidifiers are also advisable for homeowners looking for superior whole-house dehumidification.
If you’re in the market for an excellent commercial dehumidifier and unsure of where to start from, we aim to put you out of your mystery with this compilation. Having considered important factors like coverage area, dehumidification performance, pump availability, and warranty, we’ve been able to round up a list of the top seven commercial dehumidifiers on the market.
In our effort to ensure that you don’t have a difficult time shopping for the right unit for your needs, we have neatly designed this article in a strategic manner. From our insight-giving comparison table to our complete products reviews to our all-inclusive buying guide, this article is packed with everything necessary to help you make a well-informed decision. We haven’t only designed it to tell you about the top products on the market, but we have also tailored it to help teach readers how to identify the best commercial grade dehumidifier autonomously.
More features: built-in humidistat, temperature display
Being one of the dehumidifiers with the largest coverage areas on the market, it’s easy to see why we’ve included this model on our list. With a coverage area of up to 7,000 square feet, the Dri-Eaz F413 Revolution Dehumidifier is the ultimate commercial dehumidifier. From its compact design to its fantastic energy efficiency, this model is faultless from all points of view, and it is particularly suitable for large spaces and buildings where excess moisture is an issue.
The F412 is also super-efficient when it comes to moisture extraction, as it boasts a daily extraction rate of 80 pints, which makes it an ideal choice for a highly moist area. The unit features a humidistat which allows you to automatically set whatever humidity level you desire. As the machine even enables a continuous operation, you can regularly keep up this perfect humidity level indoors regardless of where you are. Keep in mind that the safest range of indoors humidity is from 45 percent to 55 percent: anything higher or lower represents danger to your health.
One of the main advantages is the fact that this unit is capable of performing in extremely cold temperatures. Specifically put, it is capable of withstanding temperatures going from 33 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this dehumidifier comes with no wheels, which is really depressive considering its size. Consequently, movability can be a bit difficult, especially when you need to move it rapidly. Use a handtruck in case you need to transport it from one place to another. The dehumidifier’s design offers you to place one unit on another for even easier transportation.
More features: equipped with a “Hot Gas” defrosting system; Temperature and Humidity display at both inlet and outlet sides
Designed explicitly for flood and water damage restoration, the AlorAir Strom LGR Extreme Restoration Dehumidifier might be the machine you need to turn to if you’re working with areas that are especially hard to dehumidify – for instance, after an extensive rainfall or a flood. Besides the higher moisture absorbent power it packs, the AlorAir is also a relatively small unit that is easy to store away and transport as well as to use it as a crawl space dehumidifier. The compact nature of the machine also allows flood restorers to easily move several units during damage restoration.
Furthermore, the AlorAir Strom LGR Restoration Dehumidifier comes with a unique hot gas defrosting system, making it a perfect option for use under cold conditions. The unique defrosting system will guarantee an efficient and quick ice clearing from the coil, which enables you to utilize the machine in extremely cold temperatures, down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit also boasts the industry-leading epoxy coated coils, which help extend the life of the coils by providing protection in corrosive environments and maintaining the overall dehumidifier’s heat transfer ability.
The machine is also capable of drawing about 85 pints of humidity, which makes it a sound investment. Apart from that, it can also cover about 2,300 square feet, which is suitable for construction sites and office buildings. In case you’re wondering, it is also safe to use outside as it comes with an effective waterproof shell. And with the incorporated pump, you can easily get rid of the collected water.
More features: digital display shows inlet and outlet temperature and relative humidity; equipped with wireless technology to remotely track site conditions and equipment performance
Featuring a coverage area of up to 26,000 cubic feet and being able to extract about 130 pints of moisture per day, it’s safe to declare that the Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi Portable Refrigerant Dehumidifier is in a league of its own. With its capabilities and design, even a blind man would easily figure out that this unit was designed specifically for heavy-duty purposes. The humidistat incorporated in the machine offers superior humidity control.
Like most high-end commercial dehumidifiers, this one also comes with reliable, hassle-free wheels for portability. Furthermore, the model boasts wireless technology to keep an eye on equipment performance and site conditions remotely. However, you’ll have to separately purchase a HygroTrac Remote Monitoring system to enjoy this feature fully.
Nothing has ever existed in the world without a flaw, so, what do we dislike about this particular unit? It’s actually tough to say since the Dri-Eaz F203-A is well-built and has great specifications. Despite it’s quite heavy, but the inbuilt wheels will let you move it without a fuss. The machine is also somewhat expensive, but you will figure out that it is worth every penny soon enough.
More features: 386 CFM airflow volume, 15 ft drain height
The word commercial is code for big, heavy, and powerful, and it accurate in the case of the Colzer 190 PPD commercial dehumidifier. This unit is seriously industrial, with the capacity to get a large warehouse or shop down to 50% humidity from 60% in 24 hours.
Our testing procedure took us to a damp and moldy basement that has been suffering from water seepage and condensation for years. In a night, this Colzer 190 PPD had the air smelling fresh and crisp with your hygrometer reading 48%.
The construction of this dehumidifier is very thoughtful. Even the weight distribution makes it easier to lug around, and the outlet hose has a one-way valve to avoid spilling water when disconnecting it.
One user said that they use two of these units to keep a 15,000 sq. ft space at 55% humidity when the outside levels are at 90%, which is a testament to the effectiveness of this model from Colzer. Since it came preassembled in our (except for the 17” outlet hose), we also recommend it for homeowners with humidity problems.
You can even hook the air outlet to a flexible air duct for whole-house dehumidification, which is quite neat.
More features: rugged rotational molded polyethylene housing
Perfect for construction sites, large greenhouses, and other places where it will be often moved around, the BlueDri BD-76-RED Commercial Dehumidifier is a sturdy and highly-efficient machine that guarantees outstanding performance. With its rigid handle, sturdy polyethylene housing, and semi-pneumatic wheels, maneuvering won’t be a problem with this unit. Also, the BlueDri functions in a wide range of temperatures, making it one of the most versatile units around. Its daily dehumidification rate of 76 pints is ideal for practically any condition from moist to total wet.
In addition, it features a digital control which is adequately protected from scrapes and bumps during transport. Apart from that, it also comes with a 25-foot cord that offers you a lot of flexibility when setting the machine up. The included drainage hose allows you to pump the collected water to a suitable outlet. You might also be glad to know that this machine comes in four different colors – green, gray, red, and blue – offering you the chance to choose your favorite color among a number of options.
While the manufacturer offers only a one-year limited warranty, its housing is backed by a five-year guarantee. Although the machine comes with limited instructions and is a little weighty at 81 pounds, a lot of users still love it for its superb performance.
More features: powder coated metal casing; removable filter
The next product on our list is the Active Air 100-Pint Commercial Dehumidifier. We have included this model specifically due to its higher humidity extraction capabilities and its extreme ruggedness. With its ability to extract up to 100 pints per day, its heavy-duty compressor, and the durable, heavy-duty powder-coated metal casing, none of our reasons for picking this model can be said to be unreasonable. However, considering it has a coverage area of only 861 square feet, this unit is probably the model with the smallest coverage area on our list. However, this feature adds to its compact construction.
For increased portability, the Active Air 100-Pint commercial dehumidifier comes with wheels. With the help of them, you can quickly move the unit from one point to another, despite its rather heavy construction. Like all the top models on our list, this one also boasts an integrated defrost system, which engages at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and thereby increases efficiency by reducing defrost time.
What’s more, the appliance also comes with an automatic restart feature, which allows for use with humidistat controllers. The removable filter also allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. Having mentioned all the upsides of this machine, it’s high time we mentioned the downside: despite having a quite small coverage area for a commercial dehumidifier, this machine is still a bit expensive. Nevertheless, it’s an adequate price for such a solid construction and superior workmanship.
More features: rugged housing with shock absorbing semi-pneumatic tires; comes with a 25-ft. power cord and a 20 ft. long drain hose
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding, the powerful XPOWER XD-125 Industrial Commercial Dehumidifier is the ideal machine to turn to. This model is capable of extracting 125 pints of moisture per day in a totally saturated environment, which explains why we consider it as a desperate solution. Not only is the appliance capable of controlling the humidity levels effectively, but it will also do it in an accelerated and timely manner.
The unit also sports an innovative recessed digital control panel which is completely easy to program and use – just set the humidity level you desire and the device will pump water through the drainage hose automatically when full, thereby saving you the stress of constantly monitoring the tank level. Moreover, the XPOWER unit can also operate in a wide range of temperatures as it is designed to handle cold to hot conditions with its highly efficient rotary compressor.
To guarantee several years of service, this machine has a durable, rugged housing with shock-absorbing semi-pneumatic wheels for improved portability. The convenient wheels mean you can easily bring it to the basement, water damage restoration sites, grooming salons, disaster relief areas, construction sites, or wherever a professional moisture extraction is required. However, you must keep in mind that this unit comes with only a one-year warranty.
Commercial and home dehumidifiers work quite similarly, only that a lot more is demanded from commercial models since industrial spaces are usually larger and require a more intense and constant operation. The guide below will help you choose the right commercial unit for your needs.
As we have already mentioned earlier, there are many factors to think about when choosing the right commercial dehumidifier for your office or business. Below are some of the most vital features that you must consider.
The measure of space that can be covered by the dehumidifier has an enormous expanse. These machines can cover areas as large as 10000 cubic feet and above.
This is vital since the sum of energy needed to run your appliance will differ considerably based on the energy efficiency of the product and the amount of space it needs to cover. Keep in mind that this rating can significantly vary between various brands and even different models within the same brand.
A dehumidifier with one of the most impressive coverage areas on our list is the Dri-Eaz F413 Revolution LGR Dehumidifier which is suitable for spaces of up to 7,000 square feet.
If your office or business is large in space, you will most likely require a model with a 70-pint daily dehumidification rate at least. It’s essential to know exactly what you need before making your purchase. With the 190 pints per day, the COLZER 190 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier has the highest dehumidification rate on our list.
It’s important to buy a commercial unit with a built-in pump for increased convenience. A built-in pump pushes the collected water automatically through a hose attached to a sink or a drainage hole somewhere around. Since they’re automatic, the moisture can be vertically pumped out. Considering their usual large sizes and heavy weights, it’s practically unreasonable to buy a commercial dehumidifier that doesn’t have a built-in pump as you would have to be emptying the water container manually. Thankfully, each product on this list comes with an inbuilt pump.
Nobody likes noisy appliances. Averagely, most models out there rate 50 decibels and more. At higher levels it can be rather disruptive and irritating, especially during meetings or at night. We recommend you to purchase a model that boasts two-speed fans, which will guarantee smooth and quiet operation regardless of the level of humidity. Quiet units are energy efficient as well.
Test the noise level of an appliance to verify its decibel spec before you buy it.
If you choose a bulky and heavy commercial dehumidifier, think about going for one that has caster wheels. Machines with caster wheels can be moved quickly from one room to the next whenever it’s needed. Additionally, look for units that have handles as they allow for improved portability. Models that boast both handles and wheels are XPOWER XD-125 Industrial Commercial Dehumidifier, Active Air Commercial Dehumidifier 100 Pint 2018 Model, BlueDri BD-76-RED Commercial Dehumidifier, and Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi Portable Refrigerant Dehumidifier.
Buying an electronic appliance without a warranty is like jumping off a plane without a parachute. While both cases may not be evenly fatal, they are still somewhat comparable. When looking to buy the right commercial dehumidifier for your office or business, one of the first things you must consider is the warranty offered along with the product. That way, you will be able to sleep peacefully knowing that the company will be there to provide you with a solution should anything go wrong with your unit within the stipulated period of time.
You might also have to consider some useful additional features such as a defrost system and inbuilt humidistat. The defrost system is particularly useful as it allows the machine to be used in extremely cold temperatures by automatically clearing any ice build-up on the coil. Also, check the quality of the housing and the material with which it is made, and consider if the package includes hoses and cords as you don’t want to be spending extra money on accessories.
Placing your unit in a region where there will be an efficient air circulation is one of the secrets to maintaining a commercial dehumidifier. Keep the unit at least six inches away from the wall so that nothing will block its air intake and exhaust. These machines are most efficient with a room temperature of 65°F at least; the motor can be burnt or frozen by extreme temperatures except it’s a unit specifically designed for an extremely low or high temperature.
Apart from the temperature of the room, another factor that determines the lifespan and efficiency of a dehumidifying machine is the room’s humidity level. These machines are most effective when used in 40 to 50 % humidity range. The humidity level can be controlled by making adjustments on the humidistat, which is a machine that helps monitor and maintain a preferred level of humidity in a room. Some models like the Dri-Eaz F413 come with an inbuilt humidistat.
Dehumidifiers typically come with a filter that helps to remove dust, allergens, and other unsafe particles from the atmosphere. The filter serves as a protection to the unit and its components from unwelcome elements and also helps create a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable indoor air. Every model comes with a guide that says a recommended period after which its filter will have to be changed. Some filters can be regularly cleaned instead. Adhere to the recommendations consistently so you will enjoy your unit for many years to come.
The coils of these machines have a tendency of causing freezes whenever a lot of dust is stuck in them. In fact, this may consequently damage your unit if adequate care is not taken. In order to prevent this from happening, you must clean and vacuum the coils of your dehumidifying appliance on a regular basis.
Sometimes, ice may build up in your dehumidifier if it has been running in a very cool temperature. Consequently, the daily efficiency of the machine may be affected by this, and may even cause permanent damage to the appliance. If you have a feeling that ice is accumulating in the unit’s coils, try to check the coils for frost as soon as you’ve turned it off. In some units, checking the internal coils is not possible, so you will have to contact the manufacturer to get the coils checked.
Follow the instructions and troubleshooting tips provided in the manual. Some models such as the AlorAir Commercial Water Damage Restoration Dehumidifier and the Active Air 100-Pint Commercial Dehumidifier feature automatic defrost system. The unit automatically detects frosts and turns its compressor off while allowing the fan to run so that the built-up ice can melt. Within a very short time, the appliance is back running normally.
Only emptying your machine’s container or utilizing soap doesn’t guarantee a clean water container. In fact, employing a disinfectant in cleaning the water tank can cause a layer of yeast and germ deposit at the base of the container. As a consequence, the accumulated debris could end up infecting the indoor atmosphere and lead to a host of respiratory issues. To prevent a potential health hazard like that, monitor the container regularly to make sure it is always free of germ. Again, adhere to the recommendations provided in the manual to perfectly understand the most effective techniques to use in cleaning the tank of a particular model.
Just like all electronic appliances, wait for ten minutes at least to turn the unit on again after turning it off. It’s vital to maintain this time gap as it allows the machine some time to even out the pressure that was manufactured when the machine was operating. Apart from allowing the appliance lesser time to eliminate humidity effectively, turning the unit on instantly after turning it off can also cause damage to its compressor. Due to this reason, in particular, some models have a delayed-start feature that protects the appliance by preventing the occurrence of short-cycling.
High-quality dehumidifiers usually come with a defrost system. This system will turn the machine off and enable the ice-covered evaporator coils to defrost. As soon as the coils have been defrosted, the unit will restart automatically.
Owing to its super large coverage area and a host of advanced features incorporated into it, the Dri-Eaz F413 Revolution Dehumidifier is our clear winner of this round. Apart from being useful for commercial places, people with large homes can also employ the service of this powerful machine, thanks to its versatility.
Our second choice is the AlorAir Commercial Water Damage Restoration Dehumidifier, which is a machine in which we have found almost no flaw whatsoever. Covering a relatively large area and being sold at a reasonable price, coupled with the hot gas defrosting system built into it, it’s very hard to fault this machine.
Our third pick and our choice for the most pocket-friendly model is the COLZER 190 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier . It is a compact, yet powerful and durable dehumidifeir that can cover the area up to 861 square feet.