Performance Test Results

Energy Efficiency

In our tests, the DH7021KP1G drew 610 watts of power, which is considerably more than average (for comparison, the top rated Midea Cube drew only 512 watts of power under the same conditions).

The DH7021KP1G did remove moisture quickly in our tests though, which gives it reasonable energy efficiency despite the fact that it draws a lot of power.

Noise Output

The DH7021KP1G is one of the louder dehumidifiers we’ve tested. Its noise output was measured at 70.4 dB on high fan speed and 65.4 dB on low fan speed, with a sound meter placed right above its control panel. Its noise output was measured at 54.2 dB on high and 50.6 dB on low with the same sound meter placed 10 ft. away from the dehumidifier.

For comparison, the top rated Midea Cube was measured at only 66.4 dB (vs 70.4 dB for the Hisense) at the control panel on high fan speed.

Moisture Removal

The DH7021KP1G performed well in our moisture removal tests. In a 50 sq. ft. room, it lowered room humidity from 90% RH down to 40% RH in 8 minutes, 51 seconds. Top rated units like the Midea Cube (7 minutes, 39 seconds) and Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 (7 minutes, 56 seconds) were able to do the same in under 8 minutes, but the Hisense’s result is still better than average. The hOmeLabs HME020031N, for example, took 10 minutes, 3 seconds to lower room humidity from 90% to 40% RH.

Hygrometer Accuracy

The DH7021KP1G’s built-in hygrometer consistently measured room humidity to be 3% less than actual room humidity.

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

Durability (Build Quality)

General Impressions

This unit features only average build quality. Top rated units do use noticeably higher quality plastics and electronic components in their construction. Compared to the DH7021KP1G’s control panel, the Midea Cube’s control panel, for example, is of a noticeably higher quality with higher quality buttons and a higher quality LCD display.

Consumer Feedback

Consumer reviews for the DH7021KP1G are mostly positive.

Overall Category Score

Mostly based on our assessment of the unit’s build quality and how it compares to that of top rated units, the DH7021KP1G gets an average 3.5/5 for the category.

Adjustability

This unit has three fan speeds, a continuous operation mode, and an automatic mode.

Overall Category Score

It scores a 4.5/5 for adjustability.

Versatility

Set Humidity Range

The DH7021KP1G can be set to as low as 30% RH and as high as 80% RH. Most competitors can only be set to as low as 35% RH (the only way to achieve sub-35% RH with these models is to set them to continuous operation mode).

Operating Temperature Range

The DH7021KP1G can be operated at temperatures as low as 38° F. Most competitors can only be operated in temperatures as low as 41° F.

Gravity Drainage

This unit has a drain plug on the back to drain it with a garden hose.

Built-in Pump

The DH7021KP1G does feature a built-in pump. The pump drain plug is on the side of the unit. A 16 ft. pump drain hose is also included with the unit.

Overall Category Score

This Hisense dehumidifier is highly versatile. It scores a perfect 5/5 in the category.

Extra Features

Temperature Reading

This unit does not display ambient room temperature.

Defrost

This unit does feature an automatic defrost mode. When its evaporator coils freeze up it will automatically switch to this mode.

Check Filter

This unit does have a warning light to alert you when it’s time to clean its filter.

Overall Category Score

Overall, the DH7021KP1G scores a 4/5 in the category.

Ease of Use

LED Display Clarity

The unit’s LED display is clear and easy to read.

Setup Difficulty

Setting the unit to different modes is very easy to do.

Filter Removal Difficulty

We didn’t have any trouble removing or replacing the unit’s air filter.

Manual Clarity

Some brands do a terrible job explaining how to use their products. This is not the case for this unit. We found its manual very easy to read and understand.

Water Tank Size

This unit does have a fairly small water tank, with a capacity of only 13.6 pints. The top rated Frigidaire FFAD5033W1’s bucket has a capacity of 16.9 pints. The Midea Cube’s bucket has a capacity of 34 pints! Both of these units, especially the Cube, are much better optimized for tank drainage (vs gravity or pump drainage).

Overall Category Score

Mostly because of its water tank capacity, the DH7021KP1G gets only a 4/5 for the category.

Portability

At 41.7 lb. this unit weighs just about the same as most other 50 pint dehumidifiers we’ve tested. It has side pocket handles if you need to pick it up, and a strap on the back to hold its power cord for storage.

Overall Category Score

We give this Hisense dehumidifier a 4/5 for portability.

Warranty (Manufacturer’s)

This unit does come with a 2 year warranty. The industry standard is 1 year.

Value and Recommendations

The Hisense DH7021KP1G usually retails for $289 at Lowes. The equivalent model at Home Depot – the GE APHL50LB – usually retails for $279. We do think the Hisense unit is well worth the extra $10. For that extra $10 you get twice the warranty length (the GE only comes with a 1 year warranty) and a better dehumidifier (the GE did not perform as well as the Hisense in our tests).

The built-in pump version of the top rated Midea Cube usually retails for approximately the same price as the Hisense. If you have the patience to wait for an online order, we highly recommend the Cube over the Hisense. It removes moisture much more quickly, is more energy efficient, and quieter, and it can pump collected condensate just as well as the Hisense.