Home Basement Dehumidifiers Buying Guide

	Alen™ MDF-30	Delonghi DE400P	Comfort-Aire BHD-501	Danby DDR586R	Alen™ MDF3-70
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Rating					Best Value
Price	$179	$309	$310	$239	$239
Coverage Area	350 sq ft Small room	460 sq ft Mid-sized room	575 sq ft Mid-sized room	460 sq ft Mid/Large room	800 sq ft Large room
Pints	30	40	50	58	70
Energy Star	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Room Temperature Range	41° - 89°F	44° - 89°F	42° - 89°F	44° - 89°F	41° - 89°F
Removable Bucket Size	5 liters (1.3 gal)	6 liters (1.5 gal) + pump	10 liters (2.7 gal)	5 liters (1.3 gal)	9.5 liters (2.5 gal)
Pluses	Best value – low price for coverage area Operates at low end of temperature range (41° F) Easy access to water tank and air filter Intuitive electronic controls	Internal water pump Strong brand name Electronic controls	Electronic controls Operates down to 42° F Easy access to water tank Relatively large water tank	Attractive design with electronic controls Remote control Operates down to 44° F	Best value – low price for coverage area Operates at low end of temperature range (41° F) Easy access to water tank and air filter Intuitive electronic controls
Minuses	Drain hose not included	high price, removable bucket is small, continuous drainage is through the front so the drainage hose needs to be run under or around the unit.	higher price, difficult to access air filter, drain hose not included	small bucket size, drain hose not included	drain hose not included

Access to moisture is critical for both mold and dust mite growth and the use of a dehumidifier is the best way to control them.  Dehumidifiers that are rated at 70 pints or less are classified as small dehumidifiers and have casters for easy mobility.  A dehumidifier that is larger than this is typically referred to as an industrial dehumidifier and while they have much higher capacities, they tend to cost much more and not fit into the décor of a residence.