When humidity levels rise above 50 percent, they provide a fertile breeding ground for mold, mildew and dust mites which can trigger and aggravate respiratory issues. Bathrooms are mostly at risk because hot showers, spilled water and poor ventilation create a warm and moist environment where mold and dust mites thrive. The best dehumidifier for bathroom optimizes humidity levels by drawing out excess moisture from the atmosphere to prevent the proliferation of allergens and eliminate the musty odor associated with dampness.
We reviewed several bathroom dehumidifier models based on these significant factors; type of dehumidifier, tank capacity, dehumidification performance, size of coverage, and noise levels, among others. The type of dehumidifier will determine its mode of operation, while tank capacity will be dictated by the level of dampness and the area to be covered. We also evaluated noise levels and coverage area to get you the quietest models and the most extensive protection for your bathroom. Finally, we reviewed their dehumidification performance based on their effectiveness in optimizing humidity levels.
After comparing the performance of several models, we generated a list of the best dehumidifiers with the Pohl Schmitt MD500 on the top and captured their ranking in a comparison table incorporated in this review. The article also includes an in-depth review of their features, assets and any existing tradeoffs, followed by a buying guide that elaborates more on the crucial factors that determine the best dehumidifier for bathroom model. The review ends with an FAQ section, and a summary of our top three picks.
More features: ultra-quiet operation, 4 ft power cord
Maintaining good humidity in the air is not limited to the basement and living room. If you have humidity problems in small rooms or spaces such as the basement or bathroom, then you don’t need to choose an expensive big appliance. A compact and efficient model like the Pohl Schmitt MD500 might appeal to you.
First of all, know that the Pohl Schmitt MD500 is only effective for small spaces. So keep in mind that its use is limited to a room not exceeding 9.3 square meters or 100 square feet.
If you can keep it in a small room, you don’t have to worry about its performance. Sold at a low price (below $50), this device has some basic features found in higher-end models.
Its dimension is very compact; it measures 11.18 x 6.38 x 5.2 inches which means that it is not difficult to find a place for it to install it. Also, it weighs just a pound. Expect a dehumidification capacity of 296 milliliters per day. Its tank can take up to 16 ounces or 473 ml of water at each cycle. What that means is you will need to empty it frequently.
More features: washable air filter; LCD interface; adjustable fan
This Ivation model is a desiccant type of dehumidifier, although it has several advanced features mostly available in electric models which utilize a compressor. It is particularly designated for spaces in motion, such as bathrooms in recreational vehicles. Sudden movement activates the anti-tilting automatic shutoff feature to avoid spillage when the RV is in motion.
It has a dehumidification rate of 208 ounces per day which can cover spacious bathrooms measuring up to 270 square feet, in temperature as low as 0.56 degrees Celsius. The included water tank has a capacity of 61 ounces with continuous drainage facilitated by a drain hose.
There are multiple settings including variable fan speed, screen brightness, timer, and sleep mode which can be activated or adjusted on the user-friendly LCD panel.
A built-in humidistat keeps track of humidity levels at increments of 5% while the automatic restart function comes in handy after a power outage. The noiseless operation and the durable, washable air filter are additional benefits of owning this dehumidifier.
More features: 6.56 feet drain hose, operating temperature 23-122ºF, 40-45 dB noise level, 24h timer, wind adjust the angle
Do you need a dehumidifier to improve the air quality in your RV bathroom and for one of the floors in your home without having to spend on a high-end device? For a good compromise between size and efficiency, opt for the Afloia X3.
The Afloia X3 is a practical dehumidifier for medium to large-sized areas. It is rather effective for a smaller format device. Its many features allow you to adjust it so that it can meet your needs. The Afloia X3 is designed for a moderate area. It makes the ambient air simpler by reducing the humidity level in an area of up 430 square feet, or 40 m 2.
This helps to reduce the size of this device slightly so that it takes up a little less space in your rooms. However, this in no way affects its effectiveness.
It can remove up to 224 ounces or 6.6 liters of water that is in the air you breathe. Its tank is however slightly small with its capacity of 67.6 ounces or 2 liters. This implies that you have to empty it regularly if the humidity level in your home is high.
More features: requires no batteries; contains crystals that indicate when the unit reaches its capacity
If you are looking for an affordable rechargeable, super quiet dehumidifier that will save you money on power bills and replacement batteries while keeping your 333-square foot bathroom dry, Eva-dry E-333 is your best option.
It is a desiccant type of dehumidifier which uses silica gel in a plastic frame to remove water from the air through adsorption and does not include a water tank at all. Once the silica gel is saturated with moisture, the crystals change color from orange to green. You can monitor this change through the display on the side. Previous versions would turn from blue to pink.
Once this happens, plug the unit into power to recharge it for about eight to ten hours, a process that will heat up the silica gel to discharge the moisture collected. It is advisable to recharge this unit in a well-ventilated different room from the one you are trying to dehumidify so the moisture does not recirculate.
It removes eight to ten ounces of moisture from the atmosphere and can last up to a month before it requires recharging, and up to ten years before necessitating replacement. In more humid conditions, it can reach its capacity faster which will still be a couple of weeks, thus convenient.
This model is suitable for small and less humid bathrooms with coverage of 333 square feet. It runs noiselessly, and there is no risk of mechanical breakdowns because it does not have moving parts. Many customers have praised its performance and longevity.
More features: auto shut-off and LED indicator when tank is full; energy efficient 25W ETL certified adapter to prevent overheating
This model features thermoelectric peltier technology which transfers heat from one end of the dehumidifier to the other end via electrical energy. It covers a room of 150 square feet and can extract nine ounces of water from the atmosphere in a day, which makes it ideal for small bathrooms.
At a dimension of 6.5 x 5.3 x 8.5 inches, its compact size and power cord length of six feet give you more flexibility when installing it in restricted spaces.
The water tank has a capacity of 16 ounces so you will only need to empty it every two days if the humidity levels are not high. An LED indicator light notifies you once the tank is full, and the unit automatically shuts down to prevent overflowing of water.
Since peltier technology does not consist of a compressor, the dehumidifier runs reasonably quietly. The 25W adapter is ETL-certified for energy efficiency when preventing overheating.
The manufacturer recommends cleaning of the unit after every seven days with a smooth fabric for the exterior and a swift brush for the air inlet grills. Ensure you empty the tank regularly because this unit cannot be connected with a hose to an external drainage.
More features: three speed settings; removable washable filter; 24-hour on/off timer and control lock
This is the unit you should consider if you are looking for the best portable dehumidifier for the bathroom with a high moisture extraction rate.
With a tank that can hold 120 ounces of water extracted from the air at a rate of 224 ounces a day, this refrigerant model will dry out your bathroom to prevent breeding of microbes and thriving of mold. The unit automatically switches off once the full tank alert goes off to avoid the spillage of water. You also have the option to drain the extracted water into an external drainage system using a hose that is acquired separately.
It features a digital LED display where you can select high, medium or low speeds, and an on/off timer. The panel displays the current humidity level and other selected modes.
On low speed, it runs quietly at 46.1 decibels which is hardly a disturbance. Consumption of 320 watts on maximum settings makes this unit energy efficient, a characteristic that has been recognized and certified by Energy Star. It also includes a removable washable filter, control lock system, four castor wheels, and top and side handles for smooth mobility.
Owners have been impressed with its performance however some customers are annoyed with the frequent automatic switching on and off of the unit to check on humidity levels. The purchase comes with an attractive warranty of one year on full parts and five years of limited warranty for the sealed system.
More features: one-button operation; auto shut-off
Another option is the Hysure T8P-US-G1 which uses Peltier technology instead of compressor, refrigeration, and desiccant technologies in the other humidifiers listed. With a coverage area of between 160 and 270 sq. ft. the device should be a good fit for the bathroom as well as a few of the other smaller rooms in the household.
The Peltier technology has, in our opinion, proved to have several benefits. One is that it is quieter in operation. It is even rated to have a 33 dB maximum noise level. Additionally, if you’re worried about the utility bill, you’ll be glad to know the device is very economical with power.
It comes with a 68 oz water tank. Additionally, it’s capable of removing up to 26 oz of moisture in the air per day. If you use it in the bathroom, where humidity levels are likely higher than any other room in the house, you’ll probably need to empty the tank every few days, which can be a hassle. However, if you don’t mind that there isn’t much else to complain about.
The machine has an auto-shutoff feature that activates as soon as the tank is full. At the same time, the included indicator light tells you it’s time to empty the tank. Also, given the compact design, the machine doesn’t need to be confined to the bathroom. You can easily move it to wherever you need it the most. Lastly, we liked the single-button interface. Even without a manual, operating this compact device should be a cakewalk.
More features: two speed settings; automatically switches off when the tank is full and the full indicator light lights up
This model is a compressor or refrigerant type of dehumidifier. Air drawn by a fan is passed along very cold coils which causes condensation. The condensate then drips into the reservoir. The cool air is then heated and pumped back into the atmosphere.
A sizeable bathroom measuring 200 square feet can be effectively protected from mold and mildew by this dehumidifier with a moisture extraction rate of 320 ounces a day, and a water tank with a capacity of 50.7 ounces. Once the tank is full, an indicator light turns on, and the unit automatically switches off to prevent overflowing of water.
A drain hose is provided for the option of continuous drainage. Since the hose does not have a pump, you should place the dehumidifier at an upper location so water can drain to the sink with the help of gravity.
There are digital controls to program your preferable humidity level between 40% and 80% at 5% increments. You can select any of the two fan speeds as well as the Clothes Dry option for higher performance.
The vent located at the top makes it easier to install the unit next to walls and other surfaces without worrying about obstruction of air flow. Other features include a relatively quiet operation at 50 decibels and four castor wheels for improved mobility and storage.
More features: 3 fan speeds, max. 229 CFM, max. 1160RPM, 47-51 dB noise level, built-in pump, washable filter, UL and cUL listed, Energy Star certified
The Frigidaire FFAP5031W1 offers all of the basic features found in good quality dehumidifiers; yet, it is both simple and efficient. Indeed, it can collect up to 800 ounces of water per day. Its tank, meanwhile, can hold a total of 256 ounces, which is rather high when compared to other similar products.
To optimize your comfort, you can customize the humidity level in the air to the desired level. The adjustment is done very simply, using the arrows on the control panel. A 24-hour timer also gives you complete control over how long the appliance is running. You can choose how long it takes to start and when to stop.
To facilitate the task of emptying, the container is provided with a splash-proof lid as well as a handle. You also have the option of continuous drainage, which is done by connecting a pipe from the unit to a drain.
Some people have mentioned that the Frigidaire FFAP5031W1 is not the quietest model. This is not a problem for those who do not use it at night, however. You can also select the lowest speed from the three available to reduce noise. This dehumidifier has been designed to be easily moved from room to room. It has four wheels and handles. Energy Star certified it comes with a filter that captures dust in the air before redistributing it. The filter washes easily and an indicator light lets you know when it’s time to do it.
This guide provides further information on fundamental features to consider when choosing a bathroom dehumidifier as well as some tips on maintenance. It explains the influence of these variables on the performance and technique of the dehumidifier.
Bathrooms provide the perfect warm and moist environment for microbes, mold, and mildew to thrive: hot showers that generate a lot of steam, poor ventilation due to space limitations, and water everywhere – splashed, spilled or leaking. The presence of microbes in the atmosphere makes us vulnerable to allergies and other respiratory complications while mold and mildew ruin our clothes, valuables, and structures. There is also the embarrassing odor that is common in damp environments.
Your bathroom needs to be dehumidified to extract the prevalent excess moisture from the atmosphere for clean, breathable air. Dehumidifiers also come with filters that keep airborne allergens under control.
The best dehumidifier for bathroom models should be evaluated based on the following features.
Knowing the different types of available dehumidifiers and the technology they use will help you choose the most suitable one for your needs. There are three main types of dehumidifiers:
Electric
These are also known as thermoelectric or peltier dehumidifiers because of the peltier module that they use to operate. Peltier is an electronic device which entirely depends on electricity to create a difference in temperature in the two heat sinks on each of its two sides. As the warm, humid air passes through the cold heat sink, moisture is extracted into a reservoir, and then the hot heat sink heats up the air before releasing it again into the atmosphere. Peltier models are smaller because they do not use a pump or compressor, only an electronic module, two heat sinks and a fan. They are also the quietest for the same reason. The downside is that this type of dehumidifier cannot operate without electricity. It also generally has a lower dehumidification rate than compressor and desiccant models.
Mechanical
Also known as refrigerant or compressor dehumidifiers, they work by drawing warm air over a refrigerated coil which causes condensation. The condensate is dripped or pumped into a reservoir, and then the cool air is heated and pumped back into the room. The pump speeds up dehumidification by drawing in and emitting large volume of air. Compressor models also feature large coils which extract more moisture because, unlike peltier or thermoelectric models, they use an integrated compressor to cool the coils instead of depending on electrical power only. The additional components, including a fan, a pump and compressor, make them heavier, larger and louder than other types. They usually have the best moisture removal rate provided the room is not so cold that it causes frosting on their refrigerated coils.
Desiccant
This type is also referred to as chemical absorbent dehumidifier. Unlike the other two types, this dehumidifier does not require electricity. A rotor draws air to the desiccant which removes moisture through adsorption. Once saturated with moisture, the desiccant is heated to recharge it and release the trapped moisture so it can continue to extract more moisture from the air. The best advantage of this technology is its effectiveness in extremely low temperature because the desiccant’s adsorption rate is unaffected by the room’s temperature. It also lasts weeks and months before it needs to be recharged.
Generally, the higher the rate of moisture extraction, the higher the maximum volume of water the tank can hold. A greater capacity eliminates the need for frequent emptying of the water tank. Frigidaire FAD301NWD has a water tank with a capacity of 192 ounces which can hold the large volume of moisture extracted from the air in big bathrooms.
Recent models include continuous drainage option which allows you to attach a hose to the water tank and drain the water directly into a sink or sewage through gravity, where the dehumidifier is positioned at a higher point than the drainage outlet.
This refers to moisture extraction capacity, and is measured by the amount of excess moisture the dehumidifier can remove from the air in 24 hours. This should guide you on getting the right dehumidifier for your humidity needs. Since humidity levels in bathrooms are typically high, choose a model with high dehumidification rate, such as Eurgeen Compact 20 Pint Portable Dehumidifier which extracts 320 ounces of moisture from the air in a day. If possible, always opt for higher moisture removal capacity than you need to accommodate fluctuating air conditions.
Calculate the size of your intended bathroom, including the height, and match it to a dehumidifier that can effectively process the volume of air in that space so you do not end up with a model that will underperform. Manufacturers indicate the size of space that their dehumidifiers can cover.
Almost all types of dehumidifiers feature a fan whose size and speed can affect the level of noise it produces. But fans are hardly the culprit because even at their loudest, they mostly produce white sound. On the other hand, compressor models additionally have pumps, compressors and other movable parts which can generate substantial buzzing and vibration noise.
The dehumidifiers featured in our review all run quietly. Despite being mechanical models, Eurgeen Compact 20 Pint Portable Dehumidifier and Frigidaire 30-Pint Dehumidifier have sound levels of 50 dB and 46.1 dB respectively. Afloia X3, a desiccant model, runs at 34 decibels. For perspective’s sake, a normal conversation has a sound level of 50 decibels.
Look for multiple speed settings in a unit so you can adjust speed to a lower setting for an even quieter operation.
The size and weight of a dehumidifier should be determined by the space to be covered and the level of humidity. Portable models are light in weight and compact. This makes them convenient to move and install in bathrooms with space limitations.
The size and weight can also indicate the type of unit, area of coverage, and water tank capacity. Compressor models are larger and heavier than other types due to the additional mechanical components but handles and castor wheels improve maneuverability. They also have the best moisture extraction rate in room temperature or warmer conditions. Frigidaire FAD301NWD is 19.8 x 11.54 x 14.57 inches with 1400 square foot coverage while Pohl Schmitt MD500 is only 6.65 x 4.92 x 8.46 inches with 161.5 square foot coverage.
Familiarize yourself with warranties of different brands and any added incentive like the 30-day money back guarantee for Hysure T8P-US-G1. You can get that information online from verified buyers and authoritative reviews such as this one.
These are some of the features that will improve convenience, save time, energy and money, and add value to your overall moisture removal experience:
Pohl Schmitt MD500 and Ivation 13-Pint Small-Area Desiccant Dehumidifier are tied in the top position because of their advanced features, which will transform your bathroom from damp to dreamy. They both have high extraction capacities, sizeable coverage, multiple speeds, and programmable humidity levels.
Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier is a practical dehumidifier at a reasonable price point. It is rather effective for a smaller format device. Its many features allow you to adjust it so that it can meet your needs.
