This was definitely the most important “ease of use” category we considered in the review process. Water tank size has to do with the capacity of each dehumidifier’s condensate collection bucket (we use the terms “water tank” and “condensate collection bucket” interchangeably). All of the moisture that the dehumidifier removes from the ambient air is collected in a water tank nestled into the bottom half of the dehumidifier’s plastic housing. All units have a float switch attached to the top of the water tank that activates a cut-off switch when the water level reaches a certain height (when the bucket is full). Now that we’ve gotten the mechanics of things out of the way, let’s get to what really matters.
Simply put, the larger the water tank size, the better. Unless you’ve implemented gravity or pump drainage you will have to remove the water tank, empty its contents, and replace it each time it fills up. If the dehumidifier is operating continuously this means that you’ll have to go through this process at least 3 or 4 times per 24 hour period. Your dehumidifier having a larger tank means that you won’t have to go through this process as frequently as you would if it had a smaller tank.
For example, let’s compare a 50 pint dehumidifier with a smaller 12 pint tank to another 50 pint unit with a larger 16 pint tank. The dehumidifier is rated to remove up to 50 pints of moisture per day (per 24 hour period). On the unit with the 12 pint tank you’ll have to replace the bucket 4.2 times per day (divide 50 by 12). On the unit with the 16 pint tank you’ll only need to do so 3.1 times per day (divide 50 by 16). That’s 1 more time per day that you’ll have to empty the unit with the smaller capacity water tank. Over the course of weeks and months of use you can easily see how much more work you’re going to have to do to empty a unit with a smaller capacity tank vs one with a larger capacity tank.
Another factor you have to consider is the time between when the dehumidifier automatically shuts off (when the bucket is full) and when you actually empty the bucket and replace it. You might be planning to use the dehumidifier you purchase in a part of your home that’s not highly trafficked such as a basement. Now you’re in a situation where you’re likely to not hear the dehumidifier when it beeps signaling that its bucket is full. The unit might be full and have automatically turned off for a few hours before you check on it and realize its full, empty the bucket, and replace it. That’s several hours over which the dehumidifier wasn’t dehumidifying. The dehumidifier having a larger water tank means that it will continue to operate for a longer period of time before the bucket fills up. This means that it will be operating for longer periods of time between bucket replacements, resulting in more effective and efficient dehumidification overall.
Have a question or comment? Let us know below.
What is the little red pea sized bobber for, inside the clear part of the dehumidifier buckets? My new dehumidifier does not have one. It’s one tbat has a built in pump also.
Dehumidifier- must fit in the following parameters: must hold at least 10 liters of water, no bigger than 13 inches wide, 28 inches tall.
If there is auto(continuous) drain option, can I use a small humidifier( 22 pint) for 2200 Sqft home?
A Long narrow plastic piece came in the water tank of our omnimax dehumidifier and we don’t know where it fits or what it is for.
I’m not familiar with the particular model you mentioned, but the item you’re describing is likely either a power cord “buckle” that you fit into the back of the dehumidifier to wrap the power cord around or it’s some type of adapter to connect to the dehumidifier if you want to drain it instead of having condensate collect in its bucket.
What dehumidifier has the largest bucket capacity? Our it’s located in an area not highly traffic. It kept running. It was empty twice a day. We’re looking for one with a bigger bucket.
The Kenmore KM70 has the largest bucket of any dehumidifier we’ve tested, with a volume of 19.2 pints. But, it’s now discontinued.
For your application I would recommend the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1. It doesn’t have the largest bucket but it still has a very large bucket, with a volume of 16.9 pints, and it’s a very good dehumidifier otherwise.
I need to confirm this but I think the humidifier tanks are the same size for the 25BNP and the 70BP. Maybe more
water is extracted more quickly and, leading to the necessity of draining more often. I don’t know.
Please confirm.
I need to replace the tank for a Friedrich 70BP. I see on eBay that it appears that the tank that the 25BNP uses is the same as the tank for the 70BP. How is this possible? Doesn’t the larger unit have a larger tank? Is it possible that it is the same size tank?
How can you find a dehumidifier with a large tank I want it to hold at least 30 pints. Most of them extract 30 pints of water with a 1/2 gallon tank.
I am looking for the same. Most only have a small 1 gallon or less tank requiring you to use a hose and I cannot use one. Did you ever find one with a 4-5 gallon tank?
Does the tank size reflect the size of the dehumidifier motor. So a 16 pt should be used in a smaller room.
Where a 50 pt can be used in a larger area
I have a 70 pint Frigidaire dehumidifer. The water tank is very heavy when full. is there a way to adjust the indicator bar so that the tank will not fill so full. Sometimes it is so full that it spills when I carry it to the sink. Hope you can help me. Thank you.
I have a sunroom heated by a vent free gas stove. We bought the house and discovered the exhaust fan is useless as it empties into the attic and not out a roof vent. I know these units are usually used for basements and crawl spaces. Will a dehumidifier take care of this? The room obviously gets very damp. We only use it sporadically and turn the heat off when it’s not in use. I assume we’ll need a 50 pint unit?
I have a 12X12 damp room . I can only lift a gallon bucket. What size dehumidifier should I look for? A quiet one possibly?
I would recommend a 22 pint model like the FFAD2233W1.
I am looking for a water tank for a 2000 Oasis dehumidifier. Can you help me?
what units are made in USA ?
None of the dehumidifiers we’ve tested are made in the USA. Made in the USA units are usually heavily specialized and/or extremely expensive. For example, Aprilaire whole house units are made in the USA but are industrial grade $1000+ (approx.) units.
I’m my house I need a dehumidifier that would work QUIET and in a open room concept. That being said I have two floors. My basement isn’t humid but last summer it was upstairs a little.
The top rated Frigidaire will work just fine for your application.
Two thumbs up for all your thorough research!! Thank you very much. Ideally I’d like to find the most energy efficient rated model that has the LARGEST bucket capacity….it’s in the basement, sits in one place so I don’t care how heavy it is, noise level and heat output do not matter. I just need it to draw moisture and not send the electricity bill through the roof. I do not have the capability to run it to a drain or pump. I just can’t get there every day to empty it. From what I could find on your data – the biggest bucket is 16.3 (about 2 gallons). Is that correct? Nothing bigger than a 16.3?
The Kenmore KM70 has a 19.2 pint bucket but the unit with the largest bucket that we’d recommend is the Frigidaire FAD704DWD – with a 16.3 pint bucket.
Hello! I dropped my dehumidifier bucket and a small red ball fell off. I’m guessing this is part of the float switch mechanism. Is the holding tank going to over flow without the red ball? Thanks very much!
I have a unit with a 8-12 pint. After 13 hours it was 5/8 full is normal or would the room be considered a low humidity room? I am trying to gauge whether I have a house with high humidity content or not.
Hi,
I am looking for a 70 pint dehumidifer with a large tank. I had previously owned a Danby which was great, lasted 10 years. I sent away for the Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 but the tank was so small I had to return it. Lugging a 50lb dehumidifier to home depot was not a thrill. Many stores do not have dehumidifiers on display and you have to rely on the internet. The dehumidifier is for my basement, any suggestions?
Thank you,
Susan
The Frigidaire FAD704DWD is an excellent choice if tank size is a priority for you. It comes equipped with a 16.3 pint water tank.