Pros

• Comes equipped with a built-in pump
• Very good consumer reviews
• Has a lot of features and is very easy to use
• Very accurate built-in hygrometer

Cons

• Very poor performance in our moisture removal tests – removes moisture more slowly than most of its competition
• No defrost mode
• No additional warranty on the dehumidifier’s sealed system

Included With Your Purchase

• Dehumidifier
• Hosing For Pump Drainage
• Instruction Manual

Category Ratings

Energy Efficiency	3.0
Noise Output	4.5
Moisture Removal	2.0
Hygrometer Accuracy	4.5
Durability	4.0
Adjustability	5.0
Versatility	4.5
Extra Features	3.0
Ease of Use	4.5
Portability	3.0
Warranty	2.0
Value	4.5
Editor's Score	4.3

Score is out of 5 possible points.

Quick Review Summary

The Hisense DH-70KP1SLE (also sold with model number DH-70KP1SDLE) is one of five dehumidifiers we tested that features a built-in pump. Simply connect the included pump drain hose to the pump drain connector on the back of the dehumidifier, press the “Pump” button on the unit’s control panel, and you’re all set to dehumidify and pump the collected condensate to wherever you need to drain the unit. Because it’s pump drainage, you can pump the condensate below, at the same level, or even above the dehumidifier. If you have a sink in your basement and need to drain the condensate into the sink, you can do it with this dehumidifier. And the best part is that you don’t need to buy any additional accessories to do so.

In addition to its built-in pump this dehumidifier also features gravity drainage (though it’s not its strong suit as we discuss below) and a 16 pint water collection bucket (a good size for this class of dehumidifier) should you need to collect condensate without employing external drainage. We subjected this dehumidifier to four different performance tests and also assessed its features and functionality. You can find our complete review with in depth analysis below.

Please note that the non-built-in pump version of this dehumidifier, the DH-70K1SDLE, is identical to the DH-70KP1SLE (and the DH-70KP1SDLE), except for the fact that it does not come equipped with a built-in pump. All other features and functions are exactly the same. If you’re looking for an editorial review of the DH-70K1SDLE, then you can by all means use the review below, noting that any discussion on the DH-70KP1SDLE’s built-in pump simply doesn’t apply to you.

Performance Test Results

Energy Efficiency

The DH-70KP1SLE was measured to draw 610 watts of power at approximately 50% relative humidity. Compare this measured result to the manufacturer specified 746 watts of power draw. Why the difference? Power draw varies depending on the “work load” of the dehumidifier. Thus, at lower humidity levels the dehumidifier will have less of a “work load” which results in less power draw. Conversely, at higher humidity levels the dehumidifier will work “harder” resulting in a greater power draw. Should your humidity problem be severe (approaching 80 to 100% relative humidity) you should expect the unit’s power draw to be closer to the manufacturer specified 746 watts. Should your humidity problem be less severe, you can expect the unit’s power draw to be closer to the quantity we measured in our test environment (610 watts).

Compared to the four other pump units we tested the Hisense was the second most energy efficient. Only the SPT SD-72PE was more energy efficient at a measured power draw of only 600 watts. Its manufacturer specified power draw is also lower at 720 watts. Should you require a pump dehumidifier that’s exceptionally energy efficient we would recommend the SPT. Still, the Hisense did very well in this test and would be a suitable option for anyone looking for a dehumidifier that features pump functionality on top of reasonable energy efficiency, if not for its terrible performance in our moisture removal tests. As we discuss here, moisture removal rate effects energy efficiency just as much as power draw, if not more, making the SPT, which performed much better in our moisture removal tests, even more of a better choice if you’re looking for an energy efficient built-in pump 70 pint dehumidifier.

Noise Output

The Hisense was a moderate performer in our close range control panel noise output tests and a slightly above average performer in our longer range tests at 10 feet away from the dehumidifier. At close range it finished 8th on both high and low fan speed out of the sixteen 70 pint dehumidifiers we tested. At long range it finished 6th on both fan speeds out of the sixteen large capacity dehumidifiers we tested.

Again, the only pump dehumidifier that outperformed it was the SPT, which finished fourth and fifth in the close range tests and fourth and third in the long range tests. At close range on high fan speed the SPT was measured at 59.6 dB while the Hisense was measured at 67.5 dB, quite a substantial difference. At long range (10 feet) the SPT was measured at 50.4 dB while the Hisense was measured at 52.1 dB. The takeaway here is that the SPT is a better choice in a more compact environment (at close range) while it has a negligible advantage over the Hisense in a more open environment (at long range). We should also note here that the SPT exhausts out of its side while the Hisense exhausts out of the top. As we discuss here, units that exhaust out of their side had a distinct advantage in our close range noise output tests. You should take this into consideration when evaluating the difference in noise output between these two units.

Moisture Removal

The DH-70KP1SLE’s performance in our moisture removal tests was very disappointing. It took the longest of all of the 70 pint dehumidifiers we tested to dehumidify our 50 square foot test environment from 90% relative humidity down to 40% RH. It was the second slowest in our 80% to 50% test. It took the DH-70KP1SLE a disappointing 13 minutes and 47 seconds to dehumidify the same room down to 40% RH in our 90% to 40% test. Consider the fact that four of the 70 pint dehumidifiers we tested took less than 10 minutes in the same test. This approximate four minute difference in speed may not seem like much but consider the fact that we only tested in a 50 square foot space. The space you’ll be dehumidifying is most likely upwards of at least several hundred if not over a thousand square feet. This large difference in moisture removal rate in such a small space will translate into an even greater difference in moisture removal rate in a larger space.

Hygrometer Accuracy

Unlike its performance in our moisture removal tests, the DH-70KP1SLE’s performance in our hygrometer accuracy test was excellent. This unit has one of the most accurate hygrometers of any of the dehumidifiers we’ve tested. It was measured to read the ambient air’s relative humidity to within 1% of the actual relative humidity. In fact, during most of the duration of our testing it was reading exactly the actual relative humidity.

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

Durability (Build Quality)

General Impressions

While Hisense isn’t exactly a household name when it comes to in-home appliances, it is a fairly large brand. You’ll find a variety of Hisense appliances ranging from air conditioning units to high definition TVs in big box stores such as Lowes and Best Buy. We definitely cannot recommend staying away from this brand based on name alone if brand notoriety was our only concern.

Observing the actual dehumidifier we tested, we noticed that its overall build quality is no less than average. That is to say, most of the parts making up this unit are of average quality (at least compared to the 15 other large capacity dehumidifiers we tested). Some of its stronger points are its braced water tank and its above average quality control panel. We’ll discuss its control panel in more detail later on in this review.

Some of its weaker points are its two air intake filters and its top handle. We discuss these two weak points later on in the review.

Consumer Feedback

The DH-70KP1SLE has received the most positive consumer feedback of any of the pump dehumidifiers we tested. Its negative review rate (percentage of 1 and 2 star reviews) is under 15%. Compare this mark with 19% for the SPT, 21% for the Delonghi, 22% for the Friedrich, and an incredible 51% for the Haier. The DH-70KP1SLE’s negative review rate of 14% also compares favorably to our previously top rated Frigidaire FAD704DWD which stands at 11% as of the time of this review. The takeaway here is that this unit has received an above average rate of positive reviews from consumers which indicates that it has above average durability and reliability. We discuss why we weigh consumer reviews so heavily in this determination in further detail here.

Overall Category Score

The Hisense performs admirably in this category. While we can’t give it our greatest recommendation based on our own observations (average build quality with some problem areas – air intake filters and top handle), consumer feedback for this unit indicates above average durability. We give it an above average 4/5 for durability.

Adjustability

Humidistat

Like every other 70 pint dehumidifier we’ve tested thus far, this unit’s humidistat reads humidity in 5% increments.

Timer

This unit’s timer has above average adjustability as it can be set in half hour (vs one hour for less adjustable units) increments up to 10 hours and in one hour increments up to 24 hours.

Number of Fan Speeds

This unit features three fan speeds – high, low, and auto. Setting the dehumidifier to auto fan speed allows it to automatically adjust fan speed based on the difference between the set humidity and the relative humidity of the environment. For example, if you set fan speed to auto and the ambient air is measured at 80% RH while the set humidity is 40% RH, the fan speed will automatically be set to high. If the ambient air is measured to be at 50% RH in this same scenario then the fan speed will automatically be set to low.

The auto fan speed feature is great for consumers who would like to “set and forget” their dehumidifier. In the same scenario we outlined above you may leave the unit on in an environment that has extremely high humidity compared to the set desired humidity, in which case you want the fan to be on its highest setting. However, as the unit dehumidifies the room over time, you would want the fan speed to be lowered to accommodate this change. By setting the fan speed to auto the fan speed will automatically be lowered as the room’s humidity approaches the set humidity. That’s one less thing for you to worry about when setting up the dehumidifier.

Extra Modes

This feature rich dehumidifier also features both a continuous mode and an auto mode. Setting the unit to continuous mode will force it to run despite what it measures as the ambient air’s humidity. This setting is great for severe humidity problems in which you want to run the dehumidifier for several days to correct the problem. The auto mode is less helpful as it will simply set the desired humidity level to 50% (which can easily be done manually) but it also sets the fan speed to auto (which is more helpful as we discussed above).

Overall Category Score

The DH-70KP1SLE is highly adjustable. It features above average timer adjustability, above average fan speed options, and above average mode options. It easily earns a perfect score of 5/5 for this category.

Versatility

Set Humidity Range

The DH-70KP1SLE can be set to a desired humidity level as low as 30% and as high as 80% (the humidifier will read humidity levels as low as 30% and as high as 90%). Compare this set humidity range to 35-85% for the SPT, 30-90% for the Friedrich and Haier, and 30-80% for the Delonghi. As we discuss in many of our other reviews (see here for more information), being able to set the desired humidity level to as low as 30% is much more helpful than be able to set it as high as 80%. The fact that this unit can be set to as low as 30% (the lowest that we’ve seen for large capacity dehumidifiers) is a definite positive for this unit in this category.

Operating Temperature Range

The manual for the DH-70KP1SLE states that it can be operated in environments as cold as 38° F. There is no explicit maximum temperature stated in the manual. This operating temperature range is above average (in terms of rank, not in terms of temperature) as only the Kenmore KM70 has a lower minimum recommended temperature (35° F) out of all sixteen 70 pint dehumidifiers we tested. Most other dehumidifiers in this class have a minimum operating temperature around 41° F.

We find it necessary to caveat this unit’s apparent above average operating temperature range by first mentioning that this unit does not feature a defrost mode. Thus, should frost build up on the unit’s evaporator coils, you will manually have to turn off the unit until the frost melts before manually turning it back on. Secondly, we want to note here that just because the minimum stated operating temperature is 38° F does not mean that frost will not build up at temperatures greater than 38° F. In fact, frost can build up in temperatures as high as 50° F or 60° F depending on other variables in the environment.

Gravity Drainage

Like every other 70 pint dehumidifier we’ve tested, the DH-70KP1SLE can also be drained using gravity. To employ gravity drainage you’ll need to connect a garden hose to a drainage connector inside the dehumidifier. It can be accessed by opening the drain cover on the side of the dehumidifier. You can also remove the unit’s water collection tank to have another angle on the drainage connector and connect the garden hose more easily.

Built-in Pump

Like four other 70 pint dehumidifiers we tested, the DH-70KP1SLE comes equipped with a built-in pump. To use it, you’ll need to connect the included 16 foot pump drainage hose to the back of the dehumidifier. While the connector for the gravity drain system is threaded requiring you to hand tighten the garden hose to it, the connector for the pump drainage hose simply clicks into the pump drainage connector on the back of the dehumidifier. To activate pump drainage you’ll need to press the “Pump” button on the dehumidifier’s control panel. A corresponding LED will illuminate to confirm that pump drainage is activated.

The built-in pump adds verticality to the unit’s drainage capabilities. You can now drain to a sink or out of a basement window above the dehumidifier. This is definitely a great added feature that many consumers find very helpful. We discuss many of the benefits of pump drainage in addition to some alternatives to built-in pump drainage in much more detail here.

Overall Category Score

The DH-70KP1SLE is an exceptionally versatile dehumidifier. It features an above average set humidity range and operating temperature range in addition to a built-in pump. We deduct half a point in this category for its less than stellar gravity drainage functionality. Other designs such as those of the FAD704DWD (which has a gravity drainage connector easily accessible on the back of the dehumidifier) allow for much easier access to the gravity drainage connector and subsequent connecting and disconnecting of a garden hose in order to use gravity drainage. The DH-70KP1SLE still earns a well above average 4.5/5.

Extra Features

Temperature Reading

This unit’s control panel does not show the ambient air’s temperature.

Defrost

This unit does not feature defrost functionality.

Check Filter

There is a clean filter light on this unit.

Overall Category Score

The DH-70KP1SLE gets below average marks in this category as it doesn’t show the ambient air’s temperature and it also doesn’t feature a defrost mode. It scores a 3/5 for its lack of extra features.

Ease of Use

LED Display Clarity

This unit features a good quality LED display.

Setup Difficulty

The DH-70KP1SLE’s control panel features very nice high quality buttons with clear, large, high quality fonts. We had no difficulty selecting the mode we wanted, the desired fan speed, or the timer for a delayed start. Activating the unit’s built-in pump is also very easy – simply press the “Pump” button to activate it.

Filter Removal Difficulty

The filter design on this dehumidifier is definitely one of its more unique features. There are two long rectangular filters on each side of the dehumidifier. These filters are easily removable and it’s also very easy to replace them. However, the filters have a lot of clips on them which can easily break over continued use over time. So, while the design allows for easy filter removal, it’s not very good in terms of durability.

Manual Clarity

The DH-70KP1SLE has an unnecessarily confusing manual. It’s confusing if only because it covers five different models. While it’s not uncommon for a manual to cover more than one dehumidifier (many manuals cover both the 70 pint and 50 pint versions of a dehumidifier, for example), the fact that this unit’s manual cover five different models leads to unnecessary confusion as it tries to cover features available across all of the different models. You’ll need to read through the manual carefully to avoid getting confused about their discussion of features and functions that may or may not be present on the particular model you purchased.

Water Tank Size

The DH-70KP1SLE features a 16 pint water tank which is above average for this class of dehumidifier (70 pint). If you’re comparing this unit with other built-in pump dehumidifiers we’ll note here that the SPT features a 14.8 pint tank, the Friedrich features a 16.2 pint tank, and we could not find any documentation discussing the tank size for the Delonghi or the Haier.

Overall Category Score

This Hisense dehumidifier is very easy to use. It’s control panel is very good quality with a very logical arrangement and easy to read fonts. Removing the filters on this unit is very easy to do. The unit’s 16 pint water tank makes for minimum hassle in terms of the frequency with which you’re going to need to empty and replace it. The only negative for this unit in this category is its confusing manual. We still give it a well above average 4.5/5 for ease of use.

Aesthetics

The DH-70KP1SLE features a two tone look – it’s white in the front and green on the back. We have no complaints regarding the aesthetics of this unit. It really does look like a very high quality modern appliance.

Portability

Weight

At 46.2 pounds the DH-70KP1SLE is one of the heavier large capacity dehumidifiers we tested. Only the Delonghi, Friedrich, and Frigidaire FFAD7033 are heavier weighing 46.3, 47, and 47 pounds respectively.

If you’re looking for a highly portable 70 pint dehumidifier we suggest the Keystone KSTAD70B at 40 pounds and if you’re looking for a highly portable 70 pint dehumidifier with a built-in pump we suggest the SPT SD-72PE which also weighs 40 pounds.

Handles

This unit only has a top handle with no side pocket handles. Unfortunately this one handle isn’t very good quality with a lot of play when pulling it side to side. Coupled with the unit’s above average weight (46.2 lb) we feel that this issue is a definite cause for concern if you’re at all planning on moving the dehumidifier from one location to another on a frequent basis.

Cord Storage

Power cord storage for this dehumidifier is excellent. There’s a triangular indentation on the back of the unit with three plastic hooks around which you can wrap the unit’s power cord for easy storage.

Overall Category Score

Above average weight (for its class) and a flimsy singular top handle gives this unit a well below average score for portability which is only slight boosted by its above average cord storage. It earns a 3/5 for portability.

Warranty (Manufacturer’s)

This unit has a full 1 year warranty but no additional warranty on the sealed system like most other 70 pint dehumidifiers we tested (this additional warranty covers only the sealed system and lasts for an additional 4 years in most cases).

Value

The DH-70KP1SLE retails for around $260. The Haier HM70EP is the least expensive built-in pump dehumidifier we tested, retailing for just over $200 (approx.), however we don’t consider it a viable option for reasons we discuss in its review which you can read here. Eliminating the Haier from contention, we’re left with the SPT (approx. $240), the Friedrich (approx. $270), the Delonghi (approx. $300), and this Hisense (approx. $260) as the four built-in pump dehumidifiers you might consider buying. Evidently, the Hisense is a fairly good value as it’s the second least expensive 70 pint built-in pump dehumidifier we’ve tested and it’s only more expensive by about $20.

Final Thoughts

First let’s take a look at the positives. Although we have small concerns about its build quality the DH-70KP1SLE has received a very low number of negative consumer reviews, indicating very good durability and reliability. It’s highly adjustable, highly versatile, and is a good value. But that’s the thing about this dehumidifier. It’s just, well, good in those areas. There’s really nothing exceptional about its features or functionality except for its adjustability – it has three fan speeds, a continuous mode, and an auto mode (something that can only be said for this dehumidifier and only two others of the sixteen 70 pint units we’ve tested thus far).

On the negative side, the most glaring issue we have with this unit is its terrible performance in our moisture removal tests. At the end of the day you want your dehumidifier to dehumidify and you want it done quickly and efficiently. The truth is that this dehumidifier just doesn’t dehumidify very quickly. In our opinion, this one big negative trumps all positives and compels us to not give this dehumidifier our recommendation. Our recommendation is in fact that you look elsewhere if you’re looking for a built-in pump large capacity dehumidifier.