The Best Garage Dehumidifiers of 2022 Reviewed
If your garage is damp, musty, or feels clammy even after cleaning it, there’s a good chance that there’s excess moisture in the air. This means mold and mildew will start to grow. And if you’re storing things like guitars or electronics in the garage—or even family heirlooms—they could also be damaged by humidity.
A garage dehumidifier is a great way to solve this problem. The best garage dehumidifiers will remove excess moisture from the air (rather than just masking it), leaving behind a dry, comfortable space that’s safe to work in or store items.
We’ve rounded up some of the best garage dehumidifiers on the market right now. They include everything from simple-to-use dehumidifiers that manually drain to nifty, smart garage dehumidifiers that automatically regulate the level of humidity. We’ll go over what we like and don’t like about each one, along with some buying tips.
- Top pick: hOmeLabs garage dehumidifier
- Best dehumidifier for large garages (up to 4500 sq. ft): Ivation dehumidifier for garage
- Best dehumidifier for medium-sized garage: Waykar 34 pint Dehumidifier for garage
- Best small garage dehumidifier: Pro Breeze portable electric dehumidifier
- What size dehumidifier for garage?
- Garage dehumidifier features to look out for.
- Best dehumidifier for garage Review
- Comparison Table for the Best Garage Dehumidifier Reviews: Capacity, Drainage Mode, Price & More
- Is there a difference between a regular home dehumidifier and a garage dehumidifier?
- What are the best garage dehumidifier brands?
- What is the best type of garage dehumidifier? Desiccant dehumidifiers vs refrigerant dehumidifiers.
- Garage Dehumidifiers Review – Final thoughts
What size dehumidifier for garage?
Garage dehumidifiers come in many sizes and capacities, so you should choose one matches your specific space and needs. A garage dehumidifier that’s too large for your space will waste energy and run up your electricity bill, but a unit that’s too small won’t do its job properly.
The first thing you need to do is determine how large and damp your garage is. You can do this by measuring the square footage of your garage. Also, consider the humidity of your space (use a hygrometer to measure the level of moisture build-up in your garage). If your garage is moderately damp, a dehumidifier with 25-40 pints of moisture removal capacity per day will do the trick. For extremely damp areas, you want a heavy-duty dehumidifier for garage that can handle 40-70 pints per day. The higher the capacity, the more moisture a garage dehumidifier will remove from a room. If you’re still not sure what size dehumidifier for garage to get, use our handy chart below to help guide you toward a model that suits your needs.
Table of garage dehumidifier sizes
Type | Space (sq. ft.) | Container Size | Dehumidifier |
Large garage or workshop | 2000 to 4000 | 70 pints | hOmeLabs garage |
Medium spaces | 1000 to 3000 | 50 pints | Keystone |
Small spaces/Single car garages | 300 to 1500 | 30 pints | Waykar |
Read also: The best car dehumidifier & moisture absorber
Garage dehumidifier features to look out for.
- The automatic restart feature ensures that after a power outage, the garage dehumidifier will automatically turn itself back on at the last setting, without you having to reset it manually. Without this feature, your garage dehumidifier would go on standby mode and have to be manually reactivated.
- The filter indicator feature alerts you when your drain garage dehumidifier’s air filter needs to be cleaned or changed.
- The auto humidistat monitors the air conditions and will automatically switch off when the air moisture is at the desired level.
- Low and high-temperature settings mean the garage dehumidification unit can be adjusted to work in temperatures as low 41°F and as high as 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The auto-defrost mode will keep the garage dehumidification unit from freezing in colder environments.
Best dehumidifier for garage Review
Ivation 70-pint Large Capacity Dehumidifier for garage
Ivation garage dehumidifiers offer both direct drain and tank drain modes, so you can pick the option that’s right for your space. They’re reliably good at combating moisture in your garage, and though compact, they can handle large rooms and super humid spaces up to 4,500 square feet. Plus, its Energy Star rating means that it won’t cost an arm and a leg to run. This large capacity garage dehumidifier is highly customizable to suit your needs, thanks to its simple LCD interface that allows you to set the fan speed, timer, filter alert, and more. The built-in humidity sensor displays how humid it is in your garage at any given moment— and you can set your ideal levels for automatic moisture control. It also features auto-restart, an automatic shut-off when the tank is almost full, and full tank alerts (for tank drainage modes). Plus, the garage dehumidifier operates quietly even at its highest setting.
The dehumidifier’s portable design includes smooth-rolling caster wheels and a long 6-foot power cord making it easy to move from one room to another. A built-in pump allows the unit to drain water above into your sink and the removable 2.25-gallon tank features a comfortable handle for removal, carrying, and emptying. Overall, a solid heavy duty dehumidifier for garages that need the removal of up to 70 pints of moisture a day.
You might also like: GE Portable, a 50-pint garage dehumidifier with pump. We love its sleek design and cool grey color that blends right into your décor (1.8 Gallons tank capacity).
hOmeLabs Dehumidifiers for Small & Large Garages
hOmelabs dehumidifier is great if you have a large space and need a powerful machine that can handle garage humidity without being too loud or bulky. You can drain the water into a built-in tank, or you can directly dump it into your drainage system via a hose. This garage dehumidifier brand comes in different sizes and capacities; the small garage dehumidifier can remove up to 15 pints per day of moisture from a small 1,500 sq ft garage while the larger hOmelabs unit can remove up to 50 pints per day from a large 4,500 sq ft garage (and everything in between). And, as it’s an Energy Star certified dehumidifier, you can run it all day long without worrying about your energy bill. It also has an incredibly sleek, modern look to it.
This dehumidifier garage packs plenty of features and settings so it can be customized to your needs. Some of its modes include humidity level setting, auto shut-off, continuous draining, defrost, and auto-restart. Overall, hOmelabs tops our list of the best garage dehumidifiers for its incredible energy efficiency, sleek modern look, and easy operation. However, its 1.6 gallons tank capacity means you may have to drain it more often.
Waykar 34-pint dehumidifier garage
With a maximum dehumidification capacity of 34 pints, this is one of the best dehumidifiers for garages or workshops of up to 2000 sq. ft. This Energy Star-compliant dehumidifier has all the convenient and energy-saving features you want in your garage dehumidifier; – automatic shut off/on depending on water bucket levels, humidity auto control—which helps maintain pre-set humidity levels, and more. It even comes with two ways to drain—an auto-drain option that allows you to connect a hose for continuous drainage; and a reservoir tank that holds 0.66 gallons of water, which you can easily empty when full. Plus, it’s super quiet compared to other dehumidifiers on the market. This home garage dehumidifier also features rotating wheels and lift-up handle on the top for more portability.
Keystone 35-pint dehumidifier for garage (medium sized)
This garage dehumidifier is rated for spaces up to 3,000 square feet and can soak up an impressive 35 pints of moisture every day. The dehumidifier features full electronic controls and an LED display that allows you to set the humidity level and other functions, including auto-restart, a bucket full alert, and an automatic shut-off function. This model also has an automatic defrost setting that prevents the coils from freezing up in cold climates, making it a great choice for colder, damper garages. And because it is Energy Star compliant, the Keystone garage dehumidifier saves on energy costs too. Plus, it’s got a removable dust filter that you can clean easily—and it even has a clean-filter alert so you always know when it needs to be cleaned. The rolling casters make the unit easy to move to another location or room.
Pro Breeze dehumidifier for small garage space or workshop
The Pro Breeze mini garage dehumidifier is a great choice for anyone who has a fairly small, humid garage space or workshop. You can use it to remove humidity in garage- up to 18 pints of moisture per day from spaces of up to 250 sq ft (about the size of a typical walk-in closet). When the tank fills up, an LED light alert comes on and the unit automatically shuts off to prevent water from spilling over. The water is collected in a 52-ounce tank – so you don’t have to empty it for 3 days. And because this model is powered by a quiet compressor—and not an electric motor— this mini garage dehumidifier is quiet and energy-efficient too. We found this to be one of the best units for dehumidifying a garage or small workshop.
You might also like: Gocheer dehumidifier for small garage spaces and workshops with a 1.06 gallon capacity.
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COLAZE 30-pint Dehumidifier Garage with drain hose
An Amazon bestseller, this 30-pint garage dehumidifier is a great option for removing humidity from mid-sized garages or workshops (up to 2000 square feet). It’s sleek and modern, with built-in wheels and handles that make moving it around easy. The dehumidifier has a 0.66-gallon water tank, which you can either manually drain or connect via a hose to continuous drainage (hose included). The colors on the front panel show you the humidity level at a glance and the auto shut off function prevents overflow when the tank is full. Other useful features include auto defrost function that kicks in when the temperature dips below 64.4 ℉, and the humidity control feature automatically adjusts until the optimum humidity level is reached.
Comparison Table for the Best Garage Dehumidifier Reviews: Capacity, Drainage Mode, Price & More
Garage dehumidifier brand | Capacity/Room size | Water tank capacity | Product Dimensions | Drainage Mode | Price |
Ivation 70-pint dehumidifier for garage | 70 pints a day/4,500 square feet | 2.25 gallon | 11.1 x 15.28 x 23.5 inches | Direct drainage and tank (manual) options | $269.90 |
Waykar 34-pint dehumidifier for garage | 34 pints a day/2000 Square Feet | 0.66 gallons | 12.2*9*19.7 inches | Direct drainage and tank (manual) options | $169.99 |
hOmeLabs Dehumidifier for Large Garage or Basement | 70 pints a day/4,500 square feet | 1.6 Gallons | 26.38 x 16.93 x 13.19 inches | Direct drainage and tank (manual) options | $319.99 |
Pro Breeze portable dehumidifier for garage | 1.125 pints a day/ 250 Square Feet | 3.25 gallons | 6.6 x 9 x 12.69 inches | tank (manual) options | $69.99 |
Gocheer Dehumidifier | 2 pints a day/ 510 Square Feet | 1.06 gallons | 6 x12.28 x 8.85 inch | tank (manual) options | $89.99 |
Colanze 30-pint Dehumidifier Garage with drain hose | 30 pints a day/ 2000 Square Feet | 0.66 Gallon | 22 x 11.5 x 11 inches (package dimensions) | Direct drainage and tank (manual) options | $149.99 |
Keystone 35-pint dehumidifier for garage (medium sized) | 35 pints a day/3000 square foot garage. | 0.8 gallon | 10.8 x 15.4 x 23.2 inches | Direct drainage and tank (manual) options | $209.99$209.99 |
Is there a difference between a regular home dehumidifier and a garage dehumidifier?
While many home dehumidifiers can be used for garages, garage-specific dehumidifiers like Ivation will give you the best results as they are designed specifically to remove extra humidity from your garage, allowing you to store your items without worrying about mold or mildew. The best garage dehumidifiers typically have a larger capacity than regular home dehumidifiers and are often made of rugged plastic and metal construction.
What are the best garage dehumidifier brands?
When shopping for a new garage dehumidifier, you want more than just convenience and reliability – you’re also looking for durability. Some of the best garage dehumidifier brands include Ivation, hOmeLabs, Frigidaire, Honeywell, Wayne, Danby, and Frigidaire. However, you should consider features that are important to your needs, including the size of the garage, garage humidity levels, drainage system, and energy-saving capabilities.
What is the best low-energy garage dehumidifier?
Low energy dehumidifiers may use less power, but they might not be as effective in removing moisture. To get maximum efficiency out of any unit, find an Energy Star garage dehumidifier.
What is the best type of garage dehumidifier? Desiccant dehumidifiers vs refrigerant dehumidifiers.
Desiccant garage dehumidifiers are the best option for low-temperature or unheated garages. They are most effective at around 5°C (41°F) but work just as well up to 30°C (86°F) Also, they require no defrosting time, and they have better results in a shorter time. But they cost more than refrigerant garage dehumidifiers. On the other hand, refrigerant dehumidifiers are more effective in warmer spaces and are most effective above 20°C (68°F). Their effectiveness falls quickly at lower temperatures though. Additionally, the colder the temperature, the more time the machine will need to spend in “defrost” mode. This wastes energy and the dehumidifier can’t remove moisture when in this mode. Overall, desiccant garage dehumidifiers do a better job in colder temperatures whereas refrigerant garage dehumidifiers models are more effective in warmer conditions.
Where to place a garage dehumidifier?
A garage dehumidifier is a great way to keep your space cool and dry, but where do you put it? If you have a small garage dehumidifier, you can place it in the center of the space with everything else around it. The ideal location for larger garage dehumidifiers is near walls, outlets, and a drain. Just make sure there’s enough room around it so air can circulate.
What is the best dehumidifier for a large garage?
If you are dehumidifying a garage measuring 3000+ sq ft, you’ll probably need a more powerful garage dehumidifier. One of the best and most popular efficient dehumidifiers for large garages is hOmeLabs dehumidifier model – a good choice for large spaces and garages measuring 2500sq.ft plus.
What’s the best kind of dehumidifier for a garage without drainage?
If you don’t have a drain in your garage, you will want to buy a dehumidifier with a water tank. You will have to manually empty the tank once full, but if you have a drain, go with a garage dehumidifier with a drain hose that can direct the water straight into it.
What is the best quiet dehumidifier for a garage workshop?
If you work in your garage for any extended periods, the noise made by some garage dehumidifiers can be quite jarring. You’ll want the quietest dehumidifier for garage workshop spaces and the Ivation dehumidifier brand is a good place to start.
Draining Options: Tank or drain garage dehumidifier?
When you’re looking for a dehumidifier for garage, one of the most important things to consider is what your drain options are. There are two main ways that a dehumidifier can drain: into a tank or directly into your drainage system. Garage humidifiers with tanks collect water in an included tank until it’s manually emptied. If you don’t empty the tank regularly enough, you risk an overflow. With direct-draining garage dehumidifiers, though, the water automatically drains into a sink or drainage system. For most of these direct-draining units, water runs down a hose into floor-level drainage (if your space doesn’t have floor-level drainage, buy the best garage dehumidifier with pump so you can drain water into a basement sink).
Energy Efficiency
Typically, dehumidifiers for garages run 24/7, which is why it’s important to find an is energy-efficient dehumidifier so you can save on your electricity bills. Just how good a garage dehumidifier is depends on its performance against the energy used – a good garage dehumidifier will extract the most moisture from the air using the least amount of energy – and od it faster than other dehumidifiers on the market.
So, when you’re looking for the best garage dehumidifier, consider going for an Energy Star-certified model. These are the most energy-efficient dehumidifiers on the market compared to other products.
Garage Dehumidifiers Review – Final thoughts
No matter what size your garage is, there will be a dehumidifier to suit your needs. If you don’t know how much moisture your garage produces, or what size dehumidifier you need, choose one based on the square footage of your garage. We recommend the hOmeLabs range of dehumidifiers (from1,500- 4,500 sq ft capacity models) This brand ranked highest for customer satisfaction and best value for your money.
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