Quick Review Summary

The ArcticAire ADR70A2G is another recommend unit in the 70 pint size class. Before we get started with our review we have to make you aware of a very important fact that you may not be aware of. The ArcticAire ADR70A2G and the Danby Premiere DDR70A2GP are both manufactured by the same company, Danby. Not surprisingly, both units have the exact same control panel, almost exactly the same dimensions, and share many of the same features. We cover all of the DDR70A2GP’s features (and therefore the AD70A2G’s features) in detail in our Danby Premiere DDR70A2GP review. Instead of discussing the exact same features of the ArcticAire in this review, we will only briefly cover those same features here and instead make extensive comments only when an ArcticAire feature differs from a Danby feature. For our discussion of all other features please see our Danby DDR70A2GP review.

What we will discuss in detail in this review is the ArcticAire’s performance in our real world tests, as its performance differed from that of the Danby in many categories. In some tests the ArcticAire performed better and in others the Danby performed better. At the end of this review we’ll discuss what we thought about both units overall, and which we would recommend. See our Danby review or our 70 pint dehumidifier buyer’s guide to see how both units stack up against other 70 pint dehumidifiers we tested.

Performance Test Results

Energy Efficiency

The first notable difference between the ArcticAire and the Danby – we measured the ArcticAire’s power draw at 620 watts in our real world test environment at approximately 50% relative humidity. Compare this measured value to only 590 watts for the Danby. Thus, if energy efficiency is a priority for you we would recommend the Danby over the ArcticAire if you’re debating between purchasing either one of these units.

Noise Output

Another notable difference between the Danby and ArcticAire units is noise output. The ArcticAire was the louder unit on high fan speed and more quiet than the Danby on low fan speed. In fact, the ArcticAire was the loudest 70 pint dehumidifier in our 10 ft noise output test at high fan speed. The unit fared much better at low fan speed as it outperformed all top exhaust units but the Frigidaire, placing in 4th place (out of ten) in our low fan speed 10 ft noise output test.

What can you take away from this information? The ArcticAire will do fine in environments that require lower noise output (such as a highly trafficked living space) as long as you leave the unit on low fan speed. If you require faster moisture removal (which would require you to set the unit to high fan speed) in the same living space then we would not recommend the ArcticAire.

If noise output is a deciding factor for you in choosing between the Danby and the ArcticAire, go with the Danby if your humidity problem is severe and you plan on using the unit setting it to high fan speed. If you have a more mild humidity problem and can leave the unit on low fan speed then the ArcticAire is slightly less quiet than the Danby. Overall, we give the nod to the Danby if you need a more quiet dehumidifier and are trying to decide between these two units.

Moisture Removal

The Danby outperformed the ArcticAire in both moisture removal tests. It was 20 seconds faster in our 90-40% test and over 40 seconds faster in our 80-50% test. If you have a severe humidity problem that requires fast moisture removal the Danby is again our recommendation. If you’re only going to be using the dehumidifier for a mild humidity problem then you can consider either unit as a possible buying option.

Hygrometer Accuracy

Like the Danby, the ArcticAire’s hygrometer was very accurate. It measured the ambient air’s relative humidity no worse than within 1% of the actual room humidity. Both units have excellent built-in hygrometers.

Included Features, Functionality, Build Quality, Warranties, and Value

Durability

Like the Danby, the ArcticAire’s condensate collection bucket isn’t braced to improve rigidity and stability. Both units have very similar build quality. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if both were manufactured in the same factory using many of the same materials. See our Danby review for our comments on these units’ build quality compared to other 70 pint units we tested.

Consumer Feedback

This particular model, the ADR70A2G, has very few consumer reviews written for it. In fact, the sample size is so small (only 4 reviews) that we cannot make any inferences as to the durability and longevity of the unit based on consumer feedback. Instead, refer to our comments on build quality in the Danby review for our thoughts on these units’ durability.

Brand Reputation

ArcticAire is a relatively unknown brand. Danby, on the other hand, is well known for manufacturing household appliances. Rest assured, that Danby is indeed manufacturing all ArcticAire units. If you’ve had good experiences with Danby in the past then you can apply the same expectations to this ArcticAire unit as you would for the Danby Premiere unit.

Adjustability

The ArcticAire’s humidistat and timer adjustability in addition to number of fan speeds and extra modes is identical to the that of the Danby’s.

Versatility

Again, the ArcticAire as the exact same set humidity range (30-90%) and operating temperature range (42.8-95° F) as the Danby. The ArcticAire also includes a 7 ft gravity drain hose as does the Danby. Neither unit has a built-in pump.

Extra Features

Again, both the Danby and the ArcticAire have the exact same extra features. Both have a separate temperature display and both lack a check filter light. Both also have a defrost mode which makes both units excellent options if you’re looking for a dehumidifier that can be operated at low temperatures.

Ease of Use

See our Danby review for comments on ease of use as both units have the same control panel and thus the same clear LED display. Both units also have nearly identical user manuals and both feature bottom slide-out air filters.

Aesthetics

The ArcticAire doesn’t have the same front grille as the Danby. The ArcticAire’s front grille is much more of an industry standard design and allows for less airflow than the Danby’s grille. As you’ll see shortly, not surprisingly the Danby outperforms the ArcticAire in our moisture removal test and this design choice could very well have contributed to the ArcticAire’s less exceptional performance.

As we mentioned in the introduction to this review, both units have the exact same control panel. Thankfully, it is a very high quality panel with a professional look. We certainly felt like both the Danby and ArcticAire units had one of the best looking control panels and LED displays of any of the large capacity units we tested. Only the Delonghi had a better looking display but it also had the only LCD display of the large capacity units we tested. It’s also much more expensive at around $350.

Portability

The ArcticAire is 2 lb heavier than the Danby at 45.4 lb (the Danby weighed in at 43.4 lb). Both units do not have a top extendable handle but feature side pocket handles instead. Both units also do not offer cord storage and have average quality casters.

Warranty (Manufacturer’s)

Both the ArcticAire and the Danby have the best warranties of any of the large capacity units we tested. Most other units come with only a 1 year warranty on the unit itself and an extended 2-5 year warranty on the sealed system (compressor and related parts). The ArcticAire and Danby units come with a full 2 year warranty on the unit itself and all parts. Both units also include a 2 and a half year warranty on plastic parts, specifically.

We simply cannot overstate the value of having an extra year on a dehumidifier’s warranty. Definitely take this unit’s superior warranty into consideration as we discuss the next category.

Value

Both the Danby and the ArcticAire 70 pint units are a little bit more expensive than comparable units that also do not include a built-in pump. The Danby retails for about $240 while we’ve seen the ArcticAire priced between (approx.) $240 and $260 depending on the retailer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering purchasing this particular model, you’re probably asking yourself two different questions right now. One, should I go with ArcticAire or the almost identical Danby Premiere? Two, should I purchase either one of these units instead of less expensive alternatives at lower price points?

Let’s tackle these questions one at a time. First, should you consider the ArcticAire over the Danby? The short answer here is no. The Danby performs better in almost all of our real world tests. The Danby is more energy efficient, generally produces less noise, removes moisture more quickly, and features identical hygrometer accuracy. Granted, it does not outperform the ArcticAire by a large margin in any one of these tests.

Under what circumstances should you consider the ArcticAire over the Danby? If you think the ArcticAire looks better than the Danby, your moisture problem is mild and you do not need a quiet dehumidifier, go with the ArcticAire. If you can find the ArcticAire for a lower price than the Danby, then we also suggest you go with the ArcticAire. Otherwise, our recommendation is the Danby.

Your second concern is probably how these units compare to other 70 pint dehumidifiers on the market. See the end of our Danby review or our 70 pint dehumidifier buyer’s guide for our thoughts on how that particular model compares to its competition. Of course, we can recommend the ArcticAire for the same reasons we can recommend the Danby if only because both units are nearly identically constructed and designed.