Shopping for a Commercial Dehumidifier?
This buying guide should help.
Humid environments can be uncomfortable to work in, and excess moisture increases the risk of damage to property caused by mold, fungi, and mildew. Excess humidity in the work environment can damage furniture, rot paper packaging, and irritate employee allergies and ailments.
Therefore, in many climates it is vital to control the humidity inside a workplace.
Dehumidifiers are used for this purpose. These machines remove excess moisture from the air to keep the workplace fresh, cool and dry.
Commercial dehumidifiers come in many different configurations designed for specific types of environments.
But fret not! We are here to help.
In this guide, we recommend and review a few of the best commercial-grade dehumidifiers sold today for the most common sized workplaces and office environments.
Who Needs a Commercial Dehumidifier?
Commercial dehumidifiers are often confused with residential dehumidifiers. But they are quite different in many ways.
Commercial dehumidifiers are sturdy, rugged, high-performing machines.
They are used for commercial setups and large offices in humid areas. For example, warehouses often need a robust commercial dehumidifier to control moisture level to prevent products from spoiling.
Similarly, offices that depend on computers and other electrical devices can greatly benefit from a commercial dehumidifier by preventing mildew and mold and protecting furnishings and carpet from condensation.
Commercial dehumidifiers are also sometimes used in larger homes, especially ones close to large bodies of water. Houses with large indoor pools will significantly benefit from a good commercial dehumidifier.
Furthermore, basements that lack ventilation will also find a commercial dehumidifier helpful.
That said, commercial dehumidifiers probably won’t complement the interior design of any room. These devices are usually large, heavy, loud, and made with durable materials.
Therefore, to prevent an eyesore, they are best installed in basements, garages, open doors, or other areas – basically any place where they can’t be easily spotted.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 386 CFM airflow
- Dries up to 6000 square feet.
- Removes up to 190 pints per day.
- Removes 113 pints per day
- Dries up to 1200 sq. ft.
- Metal casing can withstand abuse.
- Dries up to 1200 sq. ft.
- Removes 50 pints per day.
- Energy-efficient.
- 24-hour timer.
What’s In This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
A commercial humidifier is a long-term investment, which is why you must be careful when buying one.
In this buying guide we review, compare, and recommend commercial dehumidifiers for use in a variety is situations.
After we review our top picks, we discuss the factors to consider when purchasing a commercial-grade dehumidifier for a workplace or large home.
We conclude by covering some of the differences between consumer and commercial products, especially when it comes to maintenance – and we answer a few common questions related to commercial dehumidifiers.
Best Commercial Dehumidifiers
- 1. Best for large spaces: COLZER 190 PPD
- 2. Best for basements and crawl spaces: AlorAir Sentinel HD55
- 3. Best Danby dehumidifier: Danby DDR050BJWDB
- 4. Best Perfect Aire dehumidifier: Perfect Aire 50 PPD
COLZER 190 PPD
Best for large spaces
Capacity
190 PintsWeight
97 PoundsFloor Area
6000 Square FeetEnergy star certified
No
AlorAir Sentinel HD55
Best for basements and crawl spaces
Capacity
113 pintsWeight
57.3 poundsFloor Area
1200 sq.ft.Energy star certified
No
Danby DDR050BJWDB
Best Danby dehumidifier
Capacity
50 pintsWeight
44.31 PoundsFloor Area
1200 sq.ft.Energy star certified
Yes
Perfect Aire 50 PPD
Best Perfect Aire dehumidifier
Capacity
50 pintsWeight
44.7 PoundsFloor Area
4,500 sq.ft.Energy star certified
Yes
Extensive warehouses or large commercial spaces will benefit a lot from this humidifier by COLZER.
The model is robust and is made to operate continuously. It can remove moisture from huge floor plans at a fast rate.
PROS
- Easily transportable.
- Protective design for longevity.
- Two-year warranty for maximum customer satisfaction.
- Usable in hot and cold climates (33-100oF.)
- Defrost technology makes it suitable for damage restoration purposes in varying weathers.
- An easily accessible and washable filter keeps the inner machinery protected.
CONS
- A little expensive
- Does not feature a humidistat to select the desired humidity level.
Features
- The 386 CFM airflow volume can remove up to 190 pints of water per day.
- Suitable for extensive floor plans measuring up to 6000 square feet.
- Heavy-duty internal condensate pump is built for 24-hour continuous operation.
- Automatic drainage of the condensate water via a 17-feet long wrinkle-free drainage pipe.
- Wheels at the bottom of the dehumidifier body make movement easy.
- User-friendly interface enhances customer experience.
Our Review
This high-performing commercial dehumidifier features wheels and a handle that make it easy to move it between sites. The wheels allow you to transport the unit without any harsh handling, thus protecting its internal components and parts.
A 17-feet long drainage hose solves the problem of discarding condensate. You can conveniently connect the hose pipe to the dehumidifier at one end and let it out of a window by the other end. Easy to use and mess-free.
Further enhancing the user-friendly design of this dehumidifier is an LCD interface. The LCD shows several factors like temperature and humidity levels.
An hour meter helps track job hours for better management. There is also a purge button that empties the pump so that the dehumidifier is easily transported.
This model can cover large floor areas measuring as wide as 6000 sq. ft., making it ideal for basements, warehouses, commercial areas, and even spas. Indoor swimming pools or areas recovering from flood damage will also find this model quite efficient.
Equipped with an HGV defrosting system, this dehumidifier efficiently removes frost from coils, allowing the device to function at low temperatures as well.
Furthermore, it has a high-density reusable filter that prevents dust and debris from damaging the internal components of the appliance.
Basements and crawl spaces might face higher humidity due to a lack of ventilation. They, therefore, need a well-functioning dehumidifier to counter moisture problems. The AlorAir HD55 is one such dehumidifier.
It is designed for basements and crawl spaces and is one of the best commercial dehumidifiers for basement warehouses or storage areas.
PROS
- Perfect for basements, crawlspaces, restoration areas with a floor plan of up to 1200 sq. ft.
- It is remote operable, enhancing convenience of use.
- Allows setting the precise humidity levels between 35% and 90%.
- Backed by a five-year warranty and facilitated by active customer service.
- Wide range of functioning temperature: 33.8~104℉
CONS
- Includes a relatively short hose of 6.5 feet.
Features
- A dehumidifying capacity of 113 pints per day at saturation level.
- Suitable for floor plans with a size up to 1200 sq. ft.
- Metal outer casing can withstand operational abuse.
- A MERV-8 filter protects the internal machinery from dust and debris.
- Internal defrosting machinery enables use in temperatures as low as 36oF.
- Sound levels of 52db do not make a loud racket.
- Allows setting the humidity level for a better experience.
Our Review
The AlorAir HD55 is a compact and self-installed dehumidifier. But do not mistake its small size with limited performance. The model is perfect for use on floor plans as big as 1200 sq. ft. The humidifier will efficiently and quickly remove excess moisture at a rate of 113 pints per day.
It works on low energy and makes minimal sound, ensuring your electric bill does not spike and you work comfortably.
As discussed earlier, this model is particularly suited to basements and crawl spaces. The compact and low-height design complements its use.
Furthermore, the sturdy metal construction allows it to handle bumps encountered when fixing it in a tight space. The dehumidifier also contains an easily accessible filter that protects the internal machinery from dust and debris and lowers the need for frequent maintenance.
An auto-defrost system protects the coils from frosting damage. It keeps them clear so that the dehumidifier works continuously.
One of the most prominent features of this dehumidifier is that it allows users to set humidity levels. Users can select the desired humidity level between 35% and 90%, and the unit will work to bring the moisture level down to that level. Once achieved, the dehumidifier turns off and turns on again when the humidity level rises.
In case the area loses power, the memory restart feature in this dehumidifier enables the device to start off right where it left. The plug-and-play design gives users convenience as the appliance does not demand constant supervision.
The design also features a Rare Earth Alloy Tube Evaporator that prevents Freon leakage and extends the appliance’s life. Lastly, the dehumidifier is operable via remote control.
Not all commercial spaces are huge and crowded. Some areas like small showrooms, shops, or offices do not require huge dehumidifiers. They require robust technology combined with a suitable dehumidification capacity.This is where Danby DDR050BJWDB shines.
PROS
- Smart mode allows for precise humidity control.
- Aesthetic design looks good even if placed within the main room.
- Small design fits easily anywhere.
- Timer-enabled for turning the dehumidifier on and off.
- LED display lets you know when it is time to wash the filter.
CONS
- Does not allow attaching a hose for drainage; you need to empty the drain bucket yourself.
Features
- With a capacity of 50 pints per day, the model is perfect for floor plans of 1200 sq. ft.
- Energy-efficient design also gives monetary savings.
- A smart timer allows on and off settings 24 hours before the operation.
- Smart mode allows precise humidification control between 35% and 80%.
- Reservoir capacity is equal to six liters or 12.7 pints.
- Four castors enable easier portability and enhance the user’s convenience.
Our Review
With its ability to remove 50 pints per day, this dehumidifier is perfect for offices, shops, and small warehouses. It is even usable in laundry shops that aren’t too busy. It has a reservoir capacity of six liters. The machine drains its reservoir to make room for more water.
Like most Danby models, this one, too, has earned an Energy Star rating due to its energy-efficient design. It uses less energy than other models of similar capacity and hence saves on energy bills.
There are quite a few user-friendly features on this model. It is directly connectable to the drain and even has a drain pump. A bright LED display lets the user know the status of the appliance.
While most dehumidifiers only allow setting timers for turning the dehumidifier on, this model is slightly more advanced. It allows users to set timers to turn the dehumidifier on, run for a specific time, and turn it off. This is doable 24 hours before the designated time.
This way, you can set the timer so that the dehumidifier turns on in the morning before you arrive for work rather than running all night long.
Furthermore, it allows for precise humidity control. Users can select a humidity level between 35% and 80%. Once reached, the dehumidifier maintains the specific humidity levels.
This model, too, has a washable filter. But the LED display indicates via a blinker light when it’s time to clean the filter.
Those who do not live in a highly humid area but still want a dehumidifier to tackle the humidity will find the 50 PPD a great purchase.
Like all other Perfect Aire products, this model too is based on design intelligence and efficient modeling. It is widely popular in areas with slightly higher than average humidity levels.
PROS
- Sleek silver body looks good when placed in a room.
- Caster wheels make transporting the dehumidifier quite convenient.
- Noiseless operation for undisturbed sleep and peaceful environment.
- An easy-to-read display portrays the status of the appliance.
CONS
- Drainage hose is not included in the package.
Features
- The model features a capacity of 50 pints and covers an area of 4500 sq. ft.
- Perfect for large rooms and basement.
- Energy certification is a testament to its efficiency and money-saving operation.
- Makes negligible sound which makes it quite helpful in placing in bedrooms.
- Continuous drainage to prevent overspill of condensate.
Our Review
The Perfect Aire 50 PPD truly is perfect for areas that are not highly humid but still pose the need for a dehumidifier. It has a dehumidifying capacity of 50 pints per day, which is quite sufficient for such regions.
The best places for placing this model are the basement or large rooms. Users often wonder if a dehumidifier is placeable in a bedroom, and we say yes.
This model is suitable for bedrooms because it has a small and compact design that would easily fit the corner of the room. Moreover, it does not make loud noises; it works ultra-quietly and creates no disturbance.
The drainage works continuously to get rid of the water. This model is also energy-efficient and is Energy Star rated. It is suitable for quiet setups and areas with small spaces.
Commercial Dehumidifier Buying Guide
After reviewing the best options available for commercial dehumidifiers, let’s take a look at some factors that determine what sort of commercial dehumidifier you would need.
Humidity Levels
The humidity levels of your region will govern your choice of a dehumidifier. Not all humid areas have the same moisture levels. Some are more humid than others.
Areas with very high humidity would need a higher pint per day (PPD) capacity than areas with lower humidity levels. Assess the moisture level in your region and then make the right purchase.
Installation Area
Users install a dehumidifier in all sorts of places. Be it garages, warehouses, or basements, a dehumidifier is usable anywhere.
However, if you plan to buy a dehumidifier for basement or crawl spaces, make sure it is compact and low in height. Open spaces can house bulky and tall dehumidifiers.
Drainage Outlet
When figuring out the installation place for the dehumidifier, you must also consider the drainage options.
Condensate water formed after the removal of moisture from the air needs discharging. A hose is connected to the dehumidifier that carries the water from the appliance and passes through a window or a hole in the wall. The water is then let out the other end.
Make sure that you have a window or some arrangement for the hose to discharge the drainage water.
What are Commercial Dehumidifiers, and How do they Work?
A commercial dehumidifier is a high-grade dehumidifier built to tackle large spaces and excessive moisture. These appliances are designed to perform continuously and remove moisture from large spaces such as warehouses, storage areas, shops, and offices.
These appliances use a hydrophilic material, such as silica gel, to attract water droplets suspended in the air. A fan pulls in moist air, which then passes through a rotating wheel lined with silica gel. The silica gel removes water from the air, and the air is let out of the dehumidifier.
This way, a dehumidifier effectively reduces humidity levels indoors.
Why Buy a Commercial Dehumidifier Over a Consumer-Grade Unit?
While consumer-grade units are ideal for homes and small spaces, they won’t suffice in a commercial setting. Commercial settings include large open spaces characterized by high moisture levels. Therefore, a small unit would not effectively reduce humidity inside.
A commercial dehumidifier is built to tackle such circumstances and can efficiently remove water from highly humid air.
Moreover, a consumer-grade dehumidifier would have to work harder and consume more energy for the purpose.
However, a commercial-grade humidifier is built on energy-efficient designs and consumes less energy, lowering power bills.
What to Look for in a Commercial Dehumidifier
Below are the basic features you should consider when buying a commercial dehumidifier so that your money doesn’t go to waste:
Coverage Area
Coverage area is measured in square feet and determines how big a floor plan the dehumidifier can work in. Dehumidifiers have capacities best suited to certain room sizes.
Commercial dehumidifiers have a coverage area between 1000 and 7000 square feet. Smaller spaces like offices, shops, or parlors will make good use of commercial dehumidifiers with a coverage area of 1000-1200 square feet.
However, large warehouses and storage areas or showrooms would need dehumidifiers made to tackle bigger spaces. In such circumstances, make sure to invest in a dehumidifier with a coverage area of 4500-6000 square feet.
For the best results, measure the floor area of your space and then tally it with the coverage range of the dehumidifier.
Air Flow
The airflow determines the amount of air processed by the dehumidifier to remove moisture. As a general rule, the higher the airflow, the better. Airflow is measured in cubic feet per meter (CFM), and ideally, anything above 250 CFM is good.
Tank Capacity
The condensate formed after removing moisture from the air is collected in the appliance tank as drainage water.
Usually, the tank capacity is smaller than the dehumidifying capacity of the appliance. The latter determines how many pints of water are removed in a day. Typically, this capacity varies from 50 to up to 200 pints a day.
Make sure that both these capacities are sufficient enough to cater to the humidity levels in your area. Otherwise, the appliance won’t make a difference, or the tank would overflow if the model does not support automatic drainage.
Noise Levels
Noise levels are related to airflow. The higher the airflow, the higher the noise. Because these are commercial-grade models, they are bulky and process large amounts of air. Understandably, they do have some operational noise.
A good balance between the airflow and noise level is 250 CFM and noise level below 55dB. When deciding on a dehumidifier, do take into account its noise level. The noise level can also be managed by placing the appliance in the basement or in a farther corner to prevent disturbance.
Drainage
As discussed earlier, dehumidifiers produce drainage. Most modern models have automatic drainage where users have to attach the hose to the appliance and let the other end of the hose out of a window or a door. The water is then drained through this hose outside.
Some appliances work on gravity drainage and use no specialized machinery to force the water out. Others use pump drainage that uses a water pump to force the water from the appliance through the hose and out of the room.
Assess your needs and see if you would need a pump drainage system or if gravity drainage suffices. We advise not to go for manual drainage because you will have to repeatedly empty the water reservoir yourself with those models.
Energy Efficiency
Because commercial-grade dehumidifiers are large appliances that process volumes of air, they consume a significant amount of energy. Therefore, we advise you to always look for certified energy-efficiency models that run on low power and do not add to the electric bill.
Maintenance Costs
Another factor that would determine the operational cost is the maintenance of the dehumidifier. We advise you to invest in models that come with removable and washable filters.
Otherwise, filters that prevent dust and debris from entering the dehumidifier would need replacing every time. This would increase running costs.
Other than that, look for models that come with a good-quality hose that does not break easily.
Pros and Cons
Like all things, there are several pros of using commercial dehumidifiers. Accompanying them are some cons as well. Let’s take a look at both.
Pros
Tackles Large Spaces
Commercial humidifiers can remove damaging moisture from large spaces. They minimize the chances of mold and mildew growth and keep the environment fresh and breathable.
Protects Wood and Stored Items
These appliances are widely used in commercial setups, including warehouses and showrooms. Many warehouses store food items that might go bad if moisture persists.
In such areas, a commercial dehumidifier plays a key role in preventing food spoilage.
Moreover, wood furniture is prone to damage in the presence of moisture. A dehumidifier protects the wood in homes and furniture showrooms.
Reduces Stuffiness
You spend a good part of your day in your workplace. Commercial settings employ many people, and therefore in humid areas, they become quite stuffy. The unpleasant environment not only makes it difficult to breathe but also makes the area hot.
A commercial dehumidifier lowers moisture levels in these large and busy spaces, making them much more livable.
Cons
Noise
Commercial dehumidifiers are large appliances processing lots of air at a time. Therefore, they produce noise. While some models may produce lesser noise, the noise is rarely entirely absent.
Cleaning and Maintenance
With proper cleaning and maintenance, commercial dehumidifiers will definitely last longer than expected. Here are a few tips on how to properly clean and maintain commercial dehumidifiers.
- Unplug the dehumidifier and move it away from the power outlet.
- Drain the collected water via the hose.
- Next, take a damp cloth and wipe it down on all sides. Make sure to rub off any dirt marks.
- Reach and take out the filter.
- Wash the filter gently with cold water and rub it gently to remove all the stuck dirt and debris.
- Let the filter dry completely.
- Check the coils of your dehumidifier. Make sure that they are not dirty; otherwise, they can cause overheating. Vacuum the coils to clean them.
- Detach the drainage hole and inspect it for blockage. Remove any dirt balls or other blocking objects.
- Make sure that the hose is not ruptured from any part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average lifespan of a commercial dehumidifier?
A commercial dehumidifier is built with good-quality material that can run for long hours and take operational harshness. If used daily for more than 12 hours, a commercial dehumidifier would easily last for five to seven years. With less frequent use and proper care, it may last even longer.
What is the water removal capacity of a commercial dehumidifier?
The dehumidification capacity of commercial dehumidifiers varies from model to model. Smaller models can remove up to 50 pints per day of moisture while bigger units go up to a capacity of 200 pints per day.
How difficult is it to clean commercial dehumidifiers?
Cleaning a commercial dehumidifier is not difficult, but it may take some time. There is no complex uninstallation or removal of parts required. For the most part, you have to wipe the appliance or vacuum it. Other than that, a simple inspection for blockage or damage is required.
How much capacity do robust dehumidifiers hold?
Robust dehumidifiers built for large floor plans of approximately 5000-6000 square feet will remove around 200 pints of moisture from the air a day.
Are commercial dehumidifiers usable in residential setups?
Yes, commercial dehumidifiers are usable in residential setups. This is particularly true for large establishments or houses near water bodies. Furthermore, homes with basements, saunas, and indoor pools also benefit from commercial-grade dehumidifiers.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Commercial Dehumidifier?
From amongst our discussed options, we believe that the COLZER 190 PPD is the best commercial dehumidifier. It is usable for floor plans as big as 6000 square feet.
It also harbors robust defrost technology and automatic drainage. All these features are quite useful in a commercial setup.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
