It can be damp and musty when you have those environmental conditions in your basement, it is time to start searching for mold. Or it is time to put the best basement dehumidifier down in that area of your home to block any mold growth that may occur.
There are many good dehumidifiers described as the best basement dehumidifier and this round-up reviews 5 of the best. We think that the BLACK+DECKER Dehumidifier is the top model of all 5 and to learn our reasons why, just continue to read our review. It has the information you want to know about.
The 5 Best Dehumidifiers for Basements According to Our Research
Why You Need a Dehumidifier in Your Basement?
It is not just any basement dehumidifier you need. You should get the top rated dehumidifier for the basement to make sure your mold problem never gets started. The reason why you need to use one of these devices downstairs is because most homes have wood floor joists and you store valuable items in your basement.
Both aspects associated with the basement can be damaged by mold. Then if you use the basement for play or recreation time, your kids and you will have a healthy environment to play in.
When you live in a high humidity one, it pays to protect both your home and your family from the health issues that mold and mildew brings with them.
What We Found
One may assume that all basement dehumidifiers have built-in pumps but as you can see by our quick comparison chart not all models do. That does not mean that those dehumidifiers without a built-in pump are not good. It just means that they have one less drain function than their competitors.
We also found out that good dehumidifiers for basement come in a variety of prices.
Reviews of the Best Dehumidifier for the Basement
Rank | Brand | Coverage Area | Continuous Drain | Built-in Pump | Editor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 1000 square feet | Yes | Yes | ||
#2 | 4500 square feet | Yes | Yes | ||
#3 | 4500 square feet | Yes | No | ||
#4 | 4000 square feet | Yes | No | ||
#5 | 4000 square feet | Yes | No |
#1. BLACK+DECKER Dehumidifier - Best Dehumidifier for Finished Basement
Black & Decker has been making tools and household appliances forever. Their reputation precedes them and their products generally are top-notch. Like this 1000 square foot rated dehumidifier for basement.
It clears out about 50 pints of excess moisture per day, putting that moisture in the 14+ pint water tank or through the continuous drain function. If you have a large wall or high sink you want the water to go to, then turn on the built-in pump and let it get the water to your preferred destination.
A 16 foot hose is included to help you drain that moisture. Along with the pump this unit has a timer, 2 speed fan, a washable and reusable filter, and an easy to use control panel with access to other important features. Recessed handles and good castor wheels makes this device easy to relocate.
What We Liked
- Built by Black & Decker
- Built-in pump
- 16 foot hose included
- Reusable filter
- Timer
What We Didn't Like
- Doesn’t always stop when desired levels are reached
- Quality control issues with pump
- Difficult to set up continuous drain function
#2. TaoTronics Dehumidifier Energy Star Dehumidifier - Best Dehumidifier for the Basement with Pump
We gave this model a very unique rating as it is very a very unique dehumidifier. It has the rating to remove 50 pints of excess moisture from a 4500 square foot room, plus, it has an intelligent humidity sensor that regulates its operation.
On top of that, it has a simple to use pump button that gets the built-in pump moving or you can attach a drain hose to let the unit drain continuously when you are not around. The 1 1/2 gallon water tank is large enough to limit your physical removal duties.
Then the auto-off and timer makes sure you do not have to worry about overflows or having to be home to turn it on. Convenience is the name of the game with this device. The control panel gives you easy access to all the buttons you need to push and makes sure you can read the digital display clearly.
What We Liked
- Great control panel
- Large water tank
- 3 ways to drain the moisture
- 24 hour timer
What We Didn't Like
- Bad pump design
- Flimsy tube connection
- Confusing owner’s manual
#3. TOSOT Energy Star Dehumidifier - Best Damp Basement Dehumidifier
When you have a very damp basement this may be the unit you should turn to. It removes 50 pints in basements measuring up to 4500 square feet. Plus, it has 2 drainage systems so you either manually dump the water from its 2 gallon water tank or set up the continuous drain function.
In addition to that, the motor on this dehumidifier is top of the line and very quiet. It reaches only about 51 decibels when turned on. Also, this energy star certified dehumidifier has auto restart to make sure it picks up where it left off when the power went out.
With the reusable filter, you get about 250 hours of operation before you need to clean that filter. Warm water and a mild soap is all you need to remove the dirt. The large water bucket fills up about once every 5 hours.
What We Liked
- 50 pints of collection every day
- 250 hours between filter cleanings
- Quiet motor
What We Didn't Like
- Weak pump connector and design
- Short 15 minute pump service
- Bad packaging
#4. Honeywell Large Energy Star Dehumidifier - Best Basement Dehumidifier with Drain Hose
It may not have a pump but as long as it has a drain hose and a good continuous drain feature then the dehumidifier should work well in your basement. This model has both and it works in rooms rated at 4000 square feet.
On top of that, this model also removes 70 pints of moisture in a 24 hour period. In addition, this unit comes with those standard features you expect from a top rated dehumidifier for basements.
There is a 24 hour timer, automatic humidistat, sleep mode, low temperature operation, auto re-start as well as a nice quiet motor. Everything is controlled by the easy to use control panel and only a fingertip is needed to activate all those features.
Once you have this device in the right spot, your humidity levels in your basement should drop immensely.
What We Liked
- Filled with good features
- Easy to operate
- Easy to relocate
- Handles large rooms
What We Didn't Like
- Difficult to connect garden hose
- Weak and malfunctioning humidistat
- Customer support is lacking
Last but certainly not least, this top rated dehumidifier for basements is rated to handle those lower spaces measuring up to 4000 square feet. Plus, it can remove about 50 pints of excess moisture in a 24 hour period.
Along with having an auto restart function, this device comes with an automatic humidistat to help maintain ideal humidity levels in your home. The control panel has the buttons to set your fan speed and your timer.
With an auto stop function and an auto-defrost feature, your device is well protected from any accidents or sudden drops in temperatures. The reusable filter is easy to clean and you should not have to replace it any time soon.
On top of all those fine features, this unit is energy star certified so you know you are not spending a lot of money lowering those humidity levels. Once you find the right location, just hook up the continuous drain function and forget about it. Or if you like you can use the water tank for extra exercise.What We Liked
- 50 pint moisture removal
- Energy efficient
- Easy to use control panel
- Defrost function
What We Didn't Like
- No built-in pump
- Fewer features than other models
- Unreliable humidistat
What to Look for in a Basement Dehumidifier?
Not every dehumidifier on the market is built to handle the humidity levels in your basement. Here are some key aspects to look for when you are doing your comparison shopping.
Basement Dehumidifier Faq
What size dehumidifier for basement?
Where to place dehumidifier in basement?
What humidity should I set my dehumidifier to in the basement?
How often to run dehumidifier in basement?
And the winner is...
It was very close and for the first time one competitor won by only 0.01 points. That is because both units are exceptional and have good companies standing behind their products. But we gave the edge to the BLACK+DECKER Dehumidifier for several reasons.
First, it has a large water tank, and second it is best for smaller homes with smaller basements. Not everyone lives in a mansion and needs a 4500 square foot dehumidifier.
Third, it is made by Black & Decker a well-respected company that has been around for generations. Finally, it did not lack any of the features found on the bigger models rated for larger spaces.
When you want a basement dehumidification system that is top-notch you should look at the Black & Decker option as well as its closest competitor.
Final Verdict
Having a good dehumidifier in your home, including the basement, helps your air conditioner perform at better levels. Just make sure you go with the best models available. In this roundup there are 5 top dehumidifiers for basements which should help you have a drier and healthier home.
Make sure you know what to look for so you do not get sold an inferior alternative that will only leave you frustrated.
