
Basement, Bathroom, Bedroom, Laundry, Garage, Crawl Space, Whole-Home
Humidity shows up as foggy windows, musty odours and towels that never dry. The trick is to size the dehumidifier to the space and how you use it. Below are specific model picks that suit each room. Where possible, we chose different brands so you get the best tool for each job.
Quick picks by room
- Basement → Frigidaire 50-Pint FFAD5034W1
Quiet for its size, very consistent humidity control, reliable auto-defrost and excellent bucket design. Optional continuous drain via hose.
Rating: 4.7/5 • View on Amazon
- Crawl Space → AlorAir Sentinel HD90 (90-pint, internal pump)
Low-temp performance, built-in pump and duct options make it ideal for tight, cold spaces.
Rating: 4.6/5 • View on Amazon
- Bathroom → hOmeLabs 25-Pint
Compact compressor unit that clears steam quickly. Simple timer, washable filter and easy tank.
Rating: 4.4/5 • View on Amazon
- Laundry Room → Midea Cube 50-Pint with Pump
Bucket-within-a-bucket design holds a lot of water or you can hook up the pump for continuous run. Great “laundry dry” mode and strong fan.
Rating: 4.6/5 • View on Amazon
- Bedroom or Nursery → TOSOT 14,000BTU
One of the quieter compressors, sleep mode and auto stop so it will not wake you at night.
Rating: 4.6/5 • View on Amazon
- Garage or Workshop → Honeywell TPFIT50PWK 50-Pint
Solid build, low-temperature auto-defrost and a tough exterior that copes with seasonal swings.
Rating: 4.4/5 • View on Amazon
- Whole-Home → Aprilaire E100 (100-Pint) Ducted Dehumidifier
Attic or basement mount, integrates with HVAC or a dedicated return. Set a single RH target for the entire house.
Rating: 4.7/5 • View on Amazon
Why these models
Basement: Frigidaire FFAD5034W1 (50-Pint)
- Best for finished or storage basements of roughly 800 to 1,200 sq ft.
- Key features consistent humidistat, continuous drain port, auto-restart after power cuts, good ice management in cooler air.
- Keep in mind give it airflow on all sides and set 45 to 50 percent RH for a must-free baseline.
Rating: 4.7/5 •
Crawl space: AlorAir Sentinel HD90
- Best for damp or coastal crawl spaces where a portable will not fit.
- Key features 90-pint removal at AHAM, internal condensate pump, MERV-8 filtration, duct collars and remote control options. Operates efficiently in low temperatures.
- Keep in mind usually a pro or advanced DIY install. Consider a ground vapour barrier for best results.
Rating: 4.6/5 •
Bathroom: hOmeLabs 25-Pint
- Best for small bathrooms that stay steamy even with the fan on.
- Key features compact footprint, 24-hour timer, turbo fan for post-shower clear out, easy-carry tank.
- Keep in mind run the extractor fan as well, then let the dehumidifier finish the job for 30 to 60 minutes.
Rating: 4.4/5 •
Laundry room: Midea Cube 50-Pint with Pump
- Best for laundry or utility rooms 300 to 600 sq ft where clothes air-dry.
- Key features very large water capacity when “nested”, built-in pump for a sink or standpipe, strong airflow that speeds drying. App control if you want it.
- Keep in mind the nested bucket is tall when fully extended, so measure shelf clearance.
Rating: 4.6/5 •
Bedroom or nursery: TOSOT 14,000BTU
- Best for bedrooms, nurseries and home offices where quiet matters.
- Key features sleep mode, low fan noise, auto stop and easy-roll casters.
- Keep in mind aim for 45 to 50 percent RH to keep air comfortable without over-drying sinuses.
Rating: 4.6/5 •
Garage or workshop: Honeywell TPFIT50PWK 50-Pint
- Best for attached or detached garages with seasonal temperature swings.
- Key features robust body, auto-defrost, continuous drain option, full-tank alert you can see at a distance.
- Keep in mind most portables should not run below about 41°F. If your garage dips lower, switch it off to protect the compressor.
Rating: 4.4/5 •
Whole-home: Aprilaire E100 (100-Pint)
- Best for homes with persistent humidity in multiple rooms or open-plan layouts.
- Key features 100-pint capacity, ductable to supply or return, on-board humidistat, simple filter maintenance and Made-in-USA support.
- Keep in mind professional installation is recommended and you will need a condensate route.
Rating: 4.7/5 •
Sizing and setup in two minutes
- Target RH 45 to 50 percent for comfort and mould prevention.
- Capacity Basements and garages usually need 50 to 60 pint units. Bedrooms do well with 20 to 35 pints. Crawl spaces and whole-home systems start at 70 to 100 pints.
- Drainage Use a hose to a floor drain or sink where possible. Choose a model with a built-in pump if the drain is higher than the machine.
- Noise Bedrooms deserve <50 dB with a sleep mode and lights off.
- Maintenance Rinse filters monthly and vacuum coils and grilles seasonally to keep efficiency high.
Final thoughts
Start where humidity hits hardest. If the basement smells musty, the Frigidaire FFAD5034W1 is a dependable first buy. If the whole house feels clammy in summer, step up to the Aprilaire E100 and be done. Bedrooms need quiet, so the TOSOT 14,000BTU keeps nights peaceful. Pair the right model with proper drainage and you will notice the difference within days.
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FAQs
Can I run more than one portable instead of going ducted
Yes. If you only struggle in a couple of rooms, two well-placed portables are cheaper than a whole-home unit.
Why does my unit ice up in the basement
Cool air plus restricted airflow. Pick a model with auto-defrost, clean the filter and keep at least 6 inches free on all sides.
What hose do I need for continuous drain
Most portables use a standard garden hose thread. Check your manual, attach and route with a gentle fall to the drain.
See also
If you’re tackling damp and musty smells, start with our Best Dehumidifier for Mold guide — it explains sizing and the models that actually shift moisture fast. If the air still feels stuffy or you’re dealing with spores and allergens, pair it with a purifier from Best Air Purifiers for Mold. For real-world picks, our Blueair Pure 211i Max Air Purifier Review covers a powerful living-room unit, while the Levoit Core 300 Review is a quiet, budget-friendly option for bedrooms.