Desiccant dehumidifiers haven’t always had such an easy time. Before, they promised a quiet operation that did not rely on high-temperatures to work. They promised portability and an overall natural, effective use. The results, however, fell short, and the people pointed out that they are not as effective as the good refrigerant dehumidifier.
Nowadays, however, they work much better than desiccant dehumidifiers made in the past decade. Technology has improved, and while they still boast a more natural action, they are more effective at catching up with the humid air. They may be even more popular than your average refrigerant dehumidifier.
So, if you are looking for a good desiccant dehumidifier, you have come to the right place. By reading this guide, not only that you will receive tips on how to buy them – but you’ll also receive suggestions of some reliable models. All of these recommendations have been already tested by previous customers who know what to look for in the best desiccant dehumidifier.
Best Desiccant Dehumidifiers Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | DampRid Hi-Capacity Moisture Absorber |
| View On Amazon |
 | DampRid Hanging Moisture Absorber |
| View On Amazon |
 | DRY&DRY Premium Pure & Safe Silica Gel Packets Desiccant Dehumidifiers |
| View On Amazon |
Disposable Desiccant Dehumidifiers
1- DampRid Hi-Capacity Moisture Absorber
If you have problem areas that seem to attract a lot of moisture, then you may want to give the DampRid a try. Meant for rooms with an average dampness level of 50-70%, this disposable dehumidifier can make the air in your room feel more breathable.
This tub can be used in a variety of places, from bedrooms and small offices to crawlspaces, storage rooms, and basements. The product will attract the excess moisture, trapping it, and clearing the air in its assigned space. It will also eliminate the odors caused by excess humidity within the space.
The product is easy to set up and dispose of; all you have to do is take off the lid, and the crystals will work to attract the moisture. Once they have hardened and dissolved, you’ll know it’s time to dispose of the unit. Plus, it is spill-free, thanks to the safety cover.
2- DampRid Hanging Moisture Absorber
If you want a dehumidifier that also sends some scents in your home, then you might want to try this hanging moisture absorber. Featuring a lavender vanilla scent, this product will dry the air and prevent mold and musty odors from forming.
The package contains three packs – and each one is supposed to last up to two months. Plus, the package is spill-safe, so you will not have any “accidents” along the way. You can easily place it in your closet, without worrying that the crystals will dirty your clothes.
The moisture-absorbing properties of this unit are also very effective. In just one month, they can catch about one liter (33 ounces) of water – and it’s very easy to tell when it is time to replace them. Overall, it is very convenient to use and does a great job.
3- DRY&DRY Premium Pure & Safe Silica Gel Packets Desiccant Dehumidifiers
There’s nothing better for retaining moisture than silica gel. It’s the reason why every bag of shoes comes with at least a few packs. You can use these packages for anything, from your gun safe to your closet or jewelry box.
One or two bags can be used for small spaces, such as boxes – but if you want to absorb moisture from a wider place, you might want to place them in a bowl or their self-standing bag. If you no longer want to use them, then you might want to seal them inside their bag; this way, they will no longer retain moisture.
This product has been approved by the FDA for pharmaceuticals and foods. This way, if you do not want your food or medicine to be compromised by the moisture, you can easily use these. They do not contain cobalt chloride, which reduces their toxicity.
However, you may have to keep the small packs away from pets and children – as they may easily be swallowed or chewed on. They may be safe to breathe, but they are certainly not safe to eat.
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Eva-Dry New and Improved E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
 | Eva-Dry New and Improved E-500 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
 | Gurin DHMD-110 Renewable Wireless Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
Rechargeable Desiccant Dehumidifiers
1- Eva-Dry New and Improved E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier
If you want a modern-looking dehumidifier, but don’t want to go for the classic refrigerant, then you might want to try the Eva-Dry E-333. This renewable dehumidifier works on crystals that are moisture absorbent – and which you will have to replace once they have reached their absorbing capacity.
How often they will have to be replaced will depend on the humidity of your room. However, when you have to recharge it, the indicator window will change into a green color – telling you that it’s time for a recharge.
Recharging, however, is a very imprecise term. Once it’s plugged, the device will send a small amount of heat towards the crystals – drying them so that they can absorb moisture again. This does not take more power than your average phone charger, making it very convenient for your power bill.
2- Eva-Dry New and Improved E-500 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier
Eva-Dry is a frontrunner when it comes to dehumidifiers, which is why the E-500 is such a popular choice. Thanks to its very compact size, many people use it as a gun safe dehumidifier. Plus, considering that it doesn’t require any power to run, it’s an affordable solution – since you won’t have to bring power straight into the safe.
This unit is completely silent when it operates, making it a great choice for bedrooms as well. Not only is the indicator barely visible, but you also have no wheels turning – which means it will not wake you up in the middle of the night.
This unit has a 10-year lifespan during which you can recharge and reuse the unit. Plus, there are no messy spills, and you won’t have to buy refills. It is a very affordable dehumidifier that will help you save money (and your belongings) in the long run.
3- Gurin DHMD-110 Renewable Wireless Dehumidifier
If you want a mini wireless dehumidifier that will work on a relatively larger surface than others of its type, then you might want to give Gurin a try. This unit works on a 500 cubic feet area, making it perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Considering that it does not require any cords or batteries, you can leave it inside a gun safe without any worries. The indicator will tell you exactly when the unit will have to be plugged – an action that will dry up the crystals for reuse.
The recharging timeframe is also fairly convenient compared to other desiccant dehumidifiers. You can get by recharging it once every week – but this will also depend on the humidity level of your home. If the corner where you are placing it is very humid, you might have to “recharge” two or three times a week.
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | EcoSeb SIMPLE Desiccant Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
 | EcoSeb CLASSIC Desiccant Dehumidifier with Ionizer |
| View On Amazon |
 | EcoSeb SIMPLE Desiccant Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
Full-Size Consumer Grade Desiccant Dehumidifiers
1- EcoSeb SIMPLE Desiccant Dehumidifier
If you are looking for a dehumidifier that had the ability to dehumidify a large room or even a house, then you might want to try this EcoSeb model. Having the size of a roller suitcase, it can filter up to 15 pints of water before you have to empty the tank.
The unit may be fairly large compared to other small dehumidifiers – but at the same time, it is very portable. You can easily move it from one room to another using its handle – and the fact that it only weighs 13 lbs makes it a highly lightweight choice.
This unit has a fair number of extra features. It has an auto-restart function that will kick in if a power failure occurs. Plus, it has an economy turbo-switch meant to enable energy-saving operation. It will rapidly dehumidify the room, keeping the damping problem under control until the “next round.”
2- EcoSeb CLASSIC Desiccant Dehumidifier with Ionizer
Classic is definitely great, particularly if you are an old-school person – which is why this dehumidifier is such a great choice. With its compact design and effective action, you can place this 15-pint model in a corner of a room and it will dehumidify your entire house.
This model features an E7 Technology that enables energy-saving. This way, you will only be dehumidifying when your home actually needs it. The unit is also very safe to use, thanks to its over-drying protection, as well as its auto-restart option. In case a power failure happens when you are not around, the unit will restart itself.
Its design is also ergonomic. The handle allows you to easily carry it from one room to another. Plus, the side tank can be easily removed and emptied. You can even opt for using the continuous hose if you don’t want to drain the tank yourself. All you have to do is attach it to the sink or the drain.
3- EcoSeb SIMPLE Desiccant Dehumidifier
If you need something with a slightly bigger capacity, then this 21-pint dehumidifier should definitely be a suitable choice. It may be large in capacity – but it is also compact. If you place it in the corner of a room, it won’t bother you in the slightest.
Its ergonomic design makes it easy for you to carry it from one room to another. The lid will keep the moisture from spilling while the handle will allow you to lift it from point A to point B.
This unit uses a desiccant technology – which means that among full-size units, it is one of the quietest. It doesn’t have a noisy compressor, nor does it work with harmful gas. You can leave it on during the night in your bedroom and you’ll barely notice it’s on.
Buying Guide for Desiccant Dehumidifiers
You’ve made up your mind that your house can no longer go on without a dehumidifier. Everything smells moldy, there are stains on the walls and furniture, and even your hair takes ages to dry without a blow dryer.
Still, there are several things to consider when it comes to desiccant dehumidifiers. Here are some factors that you might want to keep in mind.
Types of Desiccant Dehumidifiers
This might be a type in itself – but desiccant dehumidifiers work with different technologies. As a result, they can also be broken down into several other types:
Disposable Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Also referred to as moisture absorbers, these are generally among the most affordable options – mainly because they are disposable. Since they cannot be recharged or reused, the price is very low – so every few months, you will have to buy a new batch.
While they may be perfect for small rooms and safes, they may not be as suitable for larger rooms – unless you have a great load of desiccant. However, it is more practical to buy a full-sized unit than packing your room with disposable desiccants.
Rechargeable Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Reusable desiccant humidifiers are similar to disposable units when it comes to the price. The advantage, however, is that they can be recharged.
Still, “recharging” is not the technical term for it. Practically speaking, when the crystals for a desiccant dehumidifier become humid, they can no longer absorb the humidity from the air.
When you plug these dehumidifiers in to “recharge” them, you are practically activating the device’s heating system. This will start warming up the crystals, drying them up and getting them ready for future reuse.
The disadvantage of these units is that they cannot be used for wide spaces. Their action is local, and you can generally only use them in spaces such as gun safes, closets, drawers, and so on.
There are, however, some stronger units that will work with small rooms. Just make sure that you check for their power before you make the purchase. These rechargeable dehumidifiers can be as small as one’s palm – or they can be as big as one’s head.
Full-Size Consumer Grade Desiccant Dehumidifiers
This is the type of desiccant dehumidifier you want to get if you need to dehumidify an entire room. They are for residential use, and they are generally what everyone is talking about when “desiccant humidifiers” are mentioned.
These great dehumidifiers are more expensive due to their power and capacity, and their prices can reach $350 – with the least expensive one being around $150. However, they are the only desiccant dehumidifiers that you can compare with a compressor-based one – mainly because they can handle large rooms.
They are much smaller and definitely more lightweight than their cousin – making them a preferable choice if you want to move the unit from one room to another.
The drawback is that they may remove less moisture from the air compared to a compressor dehumidifier. If the moisture in the house is very high, then you might want to consider a compressor-based unit instead.
Commercial Desiccant Dehumidifiers
These types of dehumidifiers are generally used on construction sites when materials that are sensitive to humid air are used. This will keep the materials dry so that the quality of the work is not compromised in any way.
These desiccant dehumidifiers have the ability to dry air that is already dry but also to dry air in extreme conditions – such as very warm or very cold temperatures. For this reason, desiccant dehumidifiers are chosen on commercial sites in favor of the compressor options.
How a Desiccant Dehumidifier Works
So, how do desiccant dehumidifiers work? Unlike your usual dehumidifier that “refrigerates” the air, cooling it down and absorbing the moisture, a desiccant dehumidifier will use desiccant materials to clean the air. Certain substances such as silica gel or crystal salt attract moisture – so they are literally able to squeeze the moisture out of the air.
When it comes to desiccant dehumidifiers, the desiccant material is placed on a rotating disc. A certain part of the disc will blow the air straight into the desiccant, which will absorb the moisture. This is where the condenser kicks in, turning the moisture into vapors.
The desiccant is rotated and heated inside the unit until the moisture is driven off – and then sent into the moisture tank. The blower (or blowers) will cool off the air that has been previously heated, which is then released again. The desiccant material is activated again, and the cycle starts over.
Commercial vs. Consumer Grade Desiccant Dehumidifiers
At this point, it has been made fairly clear that commercial and consumer-grade desiccants are not quite the same – and through this, we don’t necessarily refer to their size. They may share pretty much similar parts – but their action is not the same.
For example, in a consumer-grade dehumidifier, the air first passes through a condenser. The warm, humid air will take the moisture from the desiccant, condense it, and then release those drips into the collection tank. This makes it easy for the “consumer” to remove the water from the dehumidifier.
A commercial-grade dehumidifier, on the other hand, does not have a condenser. The air passes through the desiccant drum, and then it’s released directly through the ductwork. Because of this, the desiccant dehumidifier can dehumidify at lower humidity and temperature than your average consumer-grade model.
Desiccant vs. Compressor Based Dehumidifiers
A compressor dehumidifier is one of the most popular options, many customers preferring it for their homes. These work by creating a cold surface, which will attract the humid and warm air from the room, instantly chilling it. At this point, condensation starts – and the water will begin to separate itself from the air.
A desiccant humidifier, on the other hand, does not use such a cold surface. Instead of immediately drawing the water out from the air, “rejecting” it, the desiccant unit absorbs it just like a sponge.
Afterward, the desiccant will be heated by an internal heating system, drying out the crystals, and readying them for another cycle.
Since it does not use a cold plate, desiccant humidifiers are generally small. Some of them do not even need power, which is why they can be used as gun safe dehumidifiers. It is also one of the reasons why desiccant dehumidifiers are at the forefront of the market.
Pros and Cons of Desiccant Dehumidifiers
There are several benefits to purchasing desiccant dehumidifiers in favor of a compressor unit. Depending on your preferences, they may be a better choice for you and the environment you want to keep them in. Here’s how they might please you with their action:
- They usually have very quiet action. Depending on the strength of the fan that condenses the air, you may or may not hear them. Some dehumidifiers, however, have a “quiet” action that will render even the fan inaudible. Such options you may be able to locate at our home page where we got reviews and guides of various other air improvement devices for your home.
- They can work efficiently at a low temperature, which is great for rooms whose temperatures are way below the average.
- They are very lightweight and easy to carry. Generally, a desiccant dehumidifier with the same power of a refrigerant model will be half the weight of the latter option. The good quality small dehumidifiers generally made with desiccant, and they are even more lightweight than that.
- They can warm up the room (depending on the person and the weather, this can either be a good thing or a bad thing).
Obviously, just as there are positive things to consider when it comes to dehumidifiers, there are also some bads that you might want to keep in mind:
- They may not be as reliable as your average cold-action dehumidifier. They usually last for 10 years, while a refrigerant unit can last for decades.
- They are generally only meant for small spaces. In a large unit or a poorly insulated space, they are rendered useless.
So, weigh your options wisely and decide for yourself whether a desiccant dehumidifier is an optimal choice for you or not.
Concluding Remarks
Browsing for dehumidifiers is certainly not going to be an easy task. You need to decide on what type you want, and whether it would suit you best in comparison to a cold-action humidifier or not.
When it comes to weight and convenience, desiccant dehumidifiers are generally easier to handle – and easier on the ears. They are lightweight, silent, and perfect for small rooms.
Hopefully, this guide allowed you to narrow down your options so that you can choose the best desiccant dehumidifier for your house.
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