Dehumidifiers are magical devices that can remove water from the air using electricity. They work like an air conditioner in reverse — cooling warm air and causing water to form and condense inside the machine.
The downside to many portable dehumidifiers is that they come with reasonably small water buckets. So they require continuous bucket changing or a gravity drain hose that can only move water downwards. This is especially true for very damp conditions like a basement or crawl space where the air needs dehumidifying daily.
A dehumidifier with a pump can move water through the device upwards to a sink in another location. They are great for attics or crawlspaces — it’s far easier to let the appliance do its thing with draining and no extra labor.
A dehumidifier with a pump will reduce the humidity in your home and won’t require you to spend loads of time lugging water around.
| Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations We buy all of our testing units with our own money to avoid un-due biases of “gifted” units and are happy to say when a product doesn’t live up to the hype. The HouseFresh team lives in locations with dampness and various building types where we can test any dehumidifier on the market. The leading brands in this space are Honeywell, Frigidaire and LG, with a ton of smaller generic Chinese brands that can be found for cheap but are not sure to perform in the long term, as we saw with the failure of our HomeLabs 4000sqft with pump. Finding residential designs with pumps was tricky, with most options having a gravity hose. So be aware of the exact model name when you purchase, as they can look the same but have no pump. |
We have carefully picked five dehumidifiers with a pump; here’s what we considered when narrowing them down:
✅ Capability — We looked at the amount of water that can be removed in one day and compared this with the total initial outlay.
✅ Size — Getting the right size dehumidifier is a skill, and we go into detail in our guide below, but generally, you should look for larger units for larger spaces.
✅Noise — If you plan to use a dehumidifier near people, you will be interested to know how loud they can get. We measure sound levels at all fan speeds.
Top 3 Dehumidifiers With a Pump
If you don’t want to read my full review of all the options, including a popular dehumidifier with a pump that you should avoid, check out my top three dehumidifiers with a pump in 2023:
| 👑 BEST OVERALL | 🛋️ BEST FOR INTERIORS | 💰 BEST BUDGET OPTION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moiswell 145 with Pump | Honeywell TP70PWKN | Midea Cube 35 Pint | |
 |  |  | |
| PRO 👍 | Suitable for small spaces (e.g. attic or crawl space) | Powerful built-in pump that moves wastewater far away | Suitable for small spaces (e.g. attic or crawl space) |
| CON 👎 | The brand is less well-known | The timer only offers a 12-hour option | The brand is less well-known |
| MAX ROOM SIZE 📏 | 6,000 sq. ft. | 4,000 sq. ft. | 3,500 sq. ft. |
| WEIGHT ⚖️ | 69 lbs (31.3 kg) | 45.2 lbs (20.5 kg) | 70.5 lbs (32 kg) |
| SPECIAL FEATURES ✨ | Ductable Auto Defrost | Airflow Blockage Alarm | Automatic Defrost Function |
| PRICE 💵 | $599.99 | $299.99 | $199.00 |
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Let’s dive into our list of what we think are the four best options for those looking to remove humidity from their home.
1. Best Overall: Moiswell 145 with Pump
Most residential dehumidifiers don’t have a pump and are designed to be used in small rooms. This Moiswel 145-pint unit is a commercial design suitable for low-height spaces like crawl spaces or attics and has a powerful pump that allows you to move the water vertically up to 16.5 ft.
With the ability to dehumidify a 6000-square-foot basement, you won’t need to upgrade if you move into a larger space. When it comes to running the Moiswell 145, I was pleased to see how simple and straightforward the control panel is: one button for switching on/off, two buttons for adjusting the humidity target and a button to set a timer function.
While it’s not as cheap as other options, it is still reasonably priced for a commercial design. For those with large spaces needing to keep free of dampness, this is the dehumidifier with a pump that we recommend; we can see it lasting many years.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Water it can remove in a day: | 145 pints |
| Recommended room size: | 6000 sq. ft. (557 mᶟ) |
| Water tank capacity: | No tank, option for gravity drain hose, internal pump and external pump |
| Airflow: | 206 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 19.2D x 12.2W x 13.3H inches (48.76D x 30.98W x 33.78H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 70 lbs (31.75 kg) |
| Noise levels: | 58 dB max |
| Other features: | All three sizes come with a continuous hose. Recommended for those looking to keep their humidifier running all the time. |
| Warranty: | 5 years |
2. Best Design for Interiors: Honeywell TP70PWKN
Honeywell is a brand that every American consumer knows, and they have an excellent reputation for building well-priced appliances. They also offer a 5-year warranty on all their dehumidifiers. So while there is a risk of pump failure with any residential design style dehumidifier, Honeywell will make good on it if the worst happens.
This Honeywell series of dehumidifiers has various options but be aware that the “smart” version (TP70AWKN) has app support but no pump, so be sure you are buying the right one (TP70PWKN). The non-pump version still comes with a hose but will need gravity to support the flow, so you cannot move the water vertically.
The pump in the TP70PWKN allows you to drain the reservoir automatically to an outlet up to 16 feet away. It’s powerful enough that the drain can be above the unit, like a sink or out of a window. The unit comes with a drain hose and the proper attachment. Once the reservoir reaches the right level, the pump automatically turns on to remove water to keep it from overflowing.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Water it can remove in a day: | 70 pints |
| Recommended room size: | 4,000 sq. ft. |
| Water tank capacity: | 14 pints |
| Airflow: | 185 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 15.7 x 12.4 x 25.4 inches (40 x 32 x 64.5 cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 43.6 lbs (20 kg) |
| Noise levels: | 51 dB max |
| Other features: | Smart digital humidistat control. Full tank alert system with automatic shut-off. |
| Warranty: | 5 years |
| 💡 Pro Tip: We got a chance to dive deep into the 30-Pint version (1,500 sq. ft.), and we loved the build quality and helpful handle for carrying it into position. If you can afford it, our favorite would be the 70-Pint as it would be good enough for large spaces of 4000 sq. ft. If you have less space, get the 50-Pint (3,000 sq. ft.) version and save some money. |
3. Best Budget Option: Midea Cube 35 Pint
Most dehumidifiers are either residential or commercial design and look very similar but Midea brings a totally different design with it’s oversized cube-shaped water tank. This change in design means that the Mide Cube has three times more water capacity when compared with traditional residential designs – depending on your level of humidity, the Cube can deal with spaces up to 3,500 sq. ft.
This dehumidifier is truly smart. You can integrate it with your Google Home or Amazon Alexa system, which would allow you to control using voice commands. The Midea Cube also includes app support, which means you can set your required humidity level from the Android app or Apple app. It can even alert you about how much water is in the tank and when it needs to be emptied.
However, this particular Midea Cube also includes a pump, so you hopefully won’t need to change the bucket as it will start the pump when it reaches a certain level and can then pump this water to a nearby drain. This dehumidifier can remove up to 35 pints of water in 24 hours as per the latest DEO testing standards.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Water it can remove in a day: | 35 pints |
| Recommended room size: | 3,500 sq. ft. |
| Water tank capacity: | 30 pints |
| Airflow: | 255 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 14.76D x 14.45W x 14.57H inches (37.5D x 36.7W x 37H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 45.2 lbs (20.5 kg) |
| Noise levels: | 42 dB max |
| Other features: | You can connect to your Voice Control Assistant or download the Midea Cube Air App to control all functions in real-time from anywhere |
| Warranty: | 1 year limited warranty |
5. Frigidaire 50-Pint Portable Dehumidifier FFAP5033W1
Another well-known name — you will likely already have an appliance from Frigidaire in your home. Similar to Honeywell dehumidifiers, not all units have a pump included — the one we recommend is the FFAP5033W1. It is usually more expensive, so ensure you get the correct model.
The Frigidaire 50-Pint offers custom humidity control, capable of being set between 35% and 85% in 5% increments. It has a three-speed fan so that you can control how quickly it dehumidifies and the noise it makes. On low, it generates a mere 47 dB and on high, it is no louder than a normal conversation at 51 dB.
The water pump will push the condensate up to 16 feet horizontally or vertically. When you clean it periodically, there’s a splash guard to help keep it from spilling the condensate. There’s also a water level window on the condensate reservoir if you ever need to run it without the pump. When you do run it without the pump, the unit is protected from overflowing with the automatic full-tank shutoff feature.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Water it can remove in a day: | 50 pints |
| Recommended room size: | 2,600 sq. ft. |
| Water tank capacity: | 14 pints |
| Airflow: | 167 CFM (Low) – 194 CFM (Med) – 229 CFM (High) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12.19D x 15.97W x 24.25H inches (30.7D x 40.5W x 62 cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 43.6 lbs (20 kg) |
| Noise levels: | 51 dB max |
| Other features: | 24-hour timer to allow you to either delay starting the unit or turn it off automatically. |
| Warranty: | 1 year for parts and labor / 2-5 years for sealed system parts |
The Dehumidifier With Pump We Don’t Recommend
We used to recommend an affordable unit on this list, but we had to remove it as the internal pump failed during our 2-year long-term testing process.
❌ Not recommended: hOmeLabs 4000 sq ft Dehumidifier with Pump
This dehumidifier initially impressed us with its humidification-to-price ratio.
Still, the internal pump failed in our internal tests, which we know was risky with all residential designs that use pumps.
While it was running for over a year without a problem, we wanted to inform potential customers that sometimes an initial low price might need to be better.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Water removal in 24 hours (2019 DOE Standard): | 50 pints |
| Water tank capacity: | 7 pints |
| Recommended room size: | Up to 4000 Sq. Ft. |
| Noise level full power: | 53dB |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 11.75″D x 15.75″W x 25.3″H |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 42.50 lbs |
| Energy consumption: | 520 watts or $44 per month |
What To Look For When Getting a Dehumidifier With a Pump
This is our list of questions you should ask yourself when purchasing a dehumidifier:
1. What kind of space are you dehumidifying?
First, decide whether to look for residential or commercial dehumidifiers. Residential designs are usually much cheaper, from $250-400, but the pump is usually the weakest component and is not easy to fix.
Commercial designs can be used in small crawlspaces and attics and have more powerful, easy-to-maintain pumps. It also helps that most commercial designs default with a 5-year warranty, but they cost upwards of $500, with sizeable whole hose ducting units costing many thousands of dollars.
2. What is your budget?
While I understand that most people won’t want to pay more than $500, we have seen many cases of a residential pump failing within two years, including during our long-term test. So, we only recommend units from two of the largest brands, Honeywell and Fridgdaire.
For those with the means and who have large damp spaces, going for a commercial design today means no costly replacements in the future.
3. How big is your space?
Once you have decided on style, you must look to get the right size unit. Most units are clear about the water level they can remove in 24 hours but be aware that many will share the amount of water in very damp conditions.
For very damp spaces and large spaces above 200 square feet, you will need at least 50+ pints removed daily. You will likely need even more for huge and damp spaces, with commercial dehumidifiers providing up to 160+ pints daily.
4. Do you need smart features?
While smart features are helpful, we have seen some manufacturers provide smart features or pumps, and we would much rather have a pump than app support for an appliance like a dehumidifier.
We feel much more confident with a recognizable brand for the residential style units, but we have been very impressed with the new brand Moisair with their 145-pint commercial style.
Most dehumidifiers run below 60 dB, but many have features for running quieter at a reduced air fan speed. The quietest dehumidifier with a pump was the Frigidaire FFAP5033W1, with a max sound of 55 dB.
FAQs About Dehumidifiers with Pump
Fortunately, dehumidifiers generally work the same way, regardless of whether they have a pump. However, the pump plays an integral part for some users, changing what the unit does with the moisture it pulls from the air.
In most standard units, the condensate collects in the reservoir tank. You then have to empty that reservoir or use a continuous drain function. The standard continuous drain feature relies on gravity to allow the condensate to drain to a floor or sink drain.
A pump, on the other hand, doesn’t need gravity to drain the condensate. Instead, the pump pushes the water out, allowing you to drain vertically to a sink or out of a window.
The primary benefit of a dehumidifier with a pump is that it is independent of you to remember to drain the reservoir. Similarly, it does not depend on gravity to pull the condensate away from the unit. This consistent draining allows the unit to continue operating with less dependence on regular interaction or maintenance.
Compared to a continuous drain feature, the pumps push the condensate vertically, sometimes as much as 16 feet. This allows you to drain it to a sink or out of a window rather than depending on a nearby floor drain.
The distance also enables better unit placement, rather than requiring it to sit directly next to wherever it’s draining.
There are two options for condensate pumps, either internal or external. For internal models, it comes installed with your dehumidifier; you only need to connect a hose to start using it.
If you decide to acquire an external pump, there’s a minor assembly required. First, connect the hose to the continuous drain plug on your dehumidifier. Then attach the other end to the external condensate pump.
Next, you’ll connect another hose to the output connector on the pump and run it to a drain or window. Finally, be sure the pump sits lower than the drain connection on your dehumidifier to ensure the water flows properly to the pump.
Wrapping Up
Choosing a dehumidifier can be tricky. The first thing to consider is the size of the space you’re attempting to treat. If you get a unit that doesn’t pull enough air through it, it won’t effectively reduce moisture in the room.
Likewise, you’ll want to consider the amount of moisture you need to remove. Dealing with overflowing water from a sump well differs from the average moisture in your household air. With that, consider any water sources in the space you’re treating and what that means for dehumidifying the space regularly.
Next, consider where you will pump the condensate and where you will plug it in for units with pumps. You want to ensure the power cable is long enough to reach a GFCI outlet from where you plan to set the unit.
Ensuring the pump can get the water to your intended drain or outlet is also essential. In most cases, the distance rated on the unit is the total distance for the condensate drain tube. Once you know these factors, it’s time to consider your budget.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
