EcoSeb DD322EA-SIMPLE Review

Quick Review Summary

The EcoSeb DD322EA-SIMPLE is a full size desiccant dehumidifier that prioritizes functionality over features. This unit has exactly the same moisture removal rate and water tank size (functionality) as the DD322EA-Classic, but comes with a lesser price at the cost of its having less features. Speaking of features, the DD322EA-SIMPLE has exactly the same features as the DD122EA-SIMPLE, the only difference between these two units being that the 322 is more heavy duty (removes more moisture per day with a larger water tank). Throughout this review we will continuously make reference to all four full size desiccant dehumidifiers that EcoSeb manufacturers. To avoid confusion pay special attention to the number after “DD” and the word after the dash in the model number. The number after “DD” will be either “1” or “3”. “1” refers to the less heavy duty version while “3” refers to the more heavy duty version. The word after the dash will be either “SIMPLE” or “Classic”. “SIMPLE” refers to the less expensive less feature rich version while “Classic” refers to the more expensive more feature rich version. The four models of desiccant dehumidifiers that EcoSeb manufacturers are the DD122EA-SIMPLE, DD122EA-Classic, DD322EA-SIMPLE, and DD322EA-Classic. The subject of the current review is the DD322EA-SIMPLE.

Adjustability – Humidistat, Timer, Number of Fan Speeds, Extra Modes

The DD322EA-SIMPLE comes equipped with the exact same control panel (and all features and functionality that goes with it) as the DD122EA-SIMPLE. See our review for the DD122EA-SIMPLE here for our thoughts on both units’ features and functionality.

Energy Efficiency

The DD322EA-SIMPLE has the exact same power draw as its Classic counterpart, the DD322EA-Classic. Both units draw between 400 and 740 watts of power depending on mode and setting. The Simple will draw less power (closer to 400 watts) on less heavy duty settings such as when its set to either a low or medium dry mode and/or when its running on economy mode. It will draw more power (closer to 740 watts) on more heavy duty settings such as when its running on high or laundry mode and/or when its running on turbo mode.

Whether the DD322EA-SIMPLE is running on energy saving modes or modes that draw close to the maximum of 740 watts of power, this unit and all other EcoSeb desiccant dehumidifiers will in most cases always be less energy efficient than their compressor based counterparts.

70 pint compressor based dehumidifiers, for example, draw about the same amount of power as the DD322EA-SIMPLE on max. settings – around 700 watts. However, 70 pint compressor dehumidifiers remove up to 70 pints of moisture per day, while the DD322EA-SIMPLE, DD122EA-SIMPLE, and both of their Classic counterparts remove a maximum of 21 pints of moisture per day. Thus, while power draw is the same among all of the aforementioned dehumidifiers, any particular 70 pint compressor dehumidifier is much more energy efficient than a full size desiccant dehumidifier such as the DD322EA-SIMPLE only because of the much lower moisture removal rate of the desiccant unit.

Noise Output

The DD322EA-SIMPLE has the same noise output as the DD322EA-Classic. Both of these units are slightly more noisy than their 122EA counterparts. These inferences are made based on manufacturer specifications. Both the DD322EA-SIMPLE and Classic have a manufacturer specified noise output of 43 dB. Both 122EA models have a manufacturer specified noise output of 33 dB.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to subject any one of these four dehumidifiers to our own hands-on testing and thus can’t compare these manufacturer specified noise levels to those we measured on the compressor based dehumidifiers we actually tested. We can’t do so because the sound measuring equipment used and distance and location relative to the dehumidifier at which the noise measurement was taken most likely differs quite dramatically between what we used and where we measured compared to what the manufacturer used and where the manufacturer measured.

The only similar dehumidifier (to these 4 Ecoseb units) that we did test for noise output was the SPT SD-014. For a comparison of the SPT’s noise output measurements to average noise measurements for compressor based dehumidifiers and how this data relates to EcoSeb dehumidifiers see our DD122EA-Classic review here.

Moisture Removal

The DD322EA-SIMPLE removes 21 pints of moisture per day. This is the exact same moisture removal rate as what you’ll find on the DD322EA-Classic. Both 322 units have a slightly greater moisture removal rate than their 122 counterparts. The DD122EA-SIMPLE and Classic both remove only 15 pints of moisture per day.

Note that while the DD322EA-SIMPLE’s manufacturer specified 21 pint per day moisture removal rate sounds low compared to the type of moisture removal rate you get with a 70 pint per day compressor based unit, the former’s moisture removal rate does not fluctuate with temperature and humidity, while the latter’s rate does and quite dramatically so. For more information on this phenomenon see our DD122EA-Classic review.

Versatility

Operating Temperature Range

The DD322EA-SIMPLE’s 34° to 95° F operating temperature range exactly mirrors the operating temperature range of the DD122EA-SIMPLE. Both the 322 and 122 Classic units have a slightly greater operating temperature range of 34° to 104° F.

The most important thing to note about this unit’s operating temperature range is that its efficiency will stay consistent throughout the temperature range. It will use the same amount of power (on any particular mode) and remove the same amount of moisture (depending on mode) at 34° F as it does at 95° F. Compressor based units do not share this same trait or quality. A compressor dehumidifier will remove much less moisture at the lower end of its operating temperature range and at lower humidity than it does at the higher end of its operating temperature range and higher humidity. Again, for a more complete discussion of this phenomenon see our DD122EA-Classic review.

Drainage

Gravity drainage on the DD322EA-SIMPLE works exactly the same way as it does on the DD322EA-Classic. For details see our Classic review here.

Ease of Use

Setup Difficulty

The DD322EA-SIMPLE is very easy to setup as it doesn’t come with nearly as many modes and settings as you’ll find on its Classic counterpart. Its control panel is comprised of one analog dial and one analog switch. You simply turn the dial clockwise to turn on the dehumidifier and select a drying mode. The switch simply toggles between economy mode and turbo mode. Note that this unit’s control panel is exactly the same as the DD122EA-SIMPLE’s control panel.

Filter Removal Difficulty

The filter is easily accessed on the side of the dehumidifier.

Manual Clarity

The manuals for all of the EcoSeb dehumidifiers we’ve reviewed are all very well written, very well illustrated, and very complete and comprehensive of their coverage of each of the dehumidifier’s functions and proper care and maintenance for it.

Water Tank Size

Other than moisture removal rate, the other major difference between 322 and 122 EcoSeb dehumidifiers is water tank size. The DD322EA-SIMPLE and Classic both have a 7.4 pint tank while the DD122EA-SIMPLE and Classic have a much smaller 4.2 pint tank.

Water tank size is important because it dictates how frequently you’ll need to empty it. A larger tank (assuming similar moisture removal rate) will require that you remove and replace it less frequently than a smaller tank. The DD322EA-SIMPLE and Classic remove 21 pints of moisture per day and have a 7.4 pint tank. In order to run either unit continuously with as little downtime as possible for 24 hours you’d need to empty each unit’s tank 2.8 times (21/7.4 = 2.8) within those 24 hours. The DD122EA-SIMPLE and Classic remove 15 pints of moisture per day and have a 4.2 pint water tank. These units would require that you empty their tanks 3.6 times (15/4.2) within the same 24 hour period.

Durability (Build Quality)

See our DD122EA-Simple review for more information on the durability of this type of dehumidifier.

Portability

Both the DD322EA-SIMPLE and Classic are very light and portable dehumidifiers. Both weigh 18.7 lb., much less than even the smallest capacity compressor based dehumidifier. Compressor dehumidifiers weigh between 30 and 50 lb. depending on capacity. That being said, if portability is a large priority for you, you’d probably be better served purchasing either the DD122EA-SIMPLE or Classic instead. These units weigh even less – they weigh only 13.2 lb. each – and are also smaller in size. The DD122EA-SIMPLE and Classic are about 19 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and have a depth of about 7 inches. The DD322EA-SIMPLEand Classic are about 21 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and also have a depth of about 7 inches.

Warranty (Manufacturer’s)

All four EcoSeb desiccant dehumidifiers, including the DD322EA-SIMPLE, come with a 2 year warranty. This is a better warranty than what you’d find on the average compressor based dehumidifier which only comes with a 1 year warranty. Most compressor based units also come with an extra 2 to 5 year warranty but this additional warranty only covers the dehumidifier’s sealed system – its compressor, condenser, etc. Should something go wrong with a part not related to the sealed system (which is much more likely), you’re only covered for 1 year. The extra year of coverage on these EcoSeb dehumidifiers should be an important factor you take into consideration as you debate between purchasing one of them vs purchasing a compressor based dehumidifier.

Value

The DD322EA-SIMPLE is the second most expensive EcoSeb dehumidifier on the market, retailing for about $280. It’s about $35 more expensive than what we recommend as the top rated compressor based dehumidifier, the Frigidaire FFAD7033R1. It’s about $60 less expensive than its Classic counterpart, which retails for approximately $340. The extra $60 (approx.) you’re paying for the Classic gives you extra modes and settings only. Both units have exactly the same size water tank and moisture removal rate.

The DD322EA-SIMPLE is about $30 more expensive than the DD122EA-Classic (approx. $250) and about $90 more expensive than the DD122EA-SIMPLE (approx. $190). Both 122EA units have a slightly lower moisture removal rate and a much smaller water tank than their 322EA counterparts. The DD122EA-SIMPLE has exactly the same features and functionality as the DD322EA-SIMPLE. The DD122EA-Classic has exactly the same features and functionality as the DD322EA-Classic. Thus, for approximately $30 less you get a much more feature rich dehumidifier in the DD122EA-Classic than the DD322EA-SIMPLE, but one that removes less moisture per day and one that comes with a smaller water tank. For approximately $90 less you get the DD122EA-SIMPLE which comes with exactly the same functionality as the DD322EA-SIMPLE but removes less moisture per day and comes with a smaller water tank.

Final Thoughts

The DD322EA-SIMPLE finds itself in an interesting place in the market as it is a very basic but heavy duty and expensive full size desiccant dehumidifier. The Simple lacks the bells and whistles of the Classic version at a savings of about $60. However, it’s still a $280 (approx.) dehumidifier. And $280 (approx.) is a lot of money to spend on a dehumidifier with a limited number of features. For our full recommendations regarding each of the four EcoSeb dehumidifiers on the market, please see the “Final Thoughts” (at the end of the page) of our DD122EA-Classic review here.