Danny as been writing about air purifiers for 10+ years. He is a major fan of home technology, which makes him the perfect person to test and evaluate products for HouseFresh
If your home suffers from too much moisture and humidity, you’ll probably notice a variety of issues. An increase in allergy symptoms, coughing, and sneezing are just some of the health problems associated with poor air quality. A humid atmosphere can also impact your productivity levels and leave you feeling more lethargic as well as compromising your quality of sleep.
Warning signs to look out for include patches of mold and mildew on walls, and you’ll likely notice an unpleasant, musty odor around you too. Thankfully, investing in a dehumidifier can help to resolve these issues and we’re here to help you find the right low temperature unit for your needs.
Unlike a regular dehumidifier, a low temperature system is designed to combat humidity when the ambient temperature is low. Even during the cold winter months, your home is still at risk of high moisture levels due to activities like cooking. Or if your basement remains cold even in the summer, a low temperature unit can effectively counteract humidity. Basically, if your home’s relative humidity (RH) goes above 50% then you need a low temperature dehumidifier.
When picking our top choices we looked at weight and tank size alongside special features such as:
- Indicator to let you know when the filter needs cleaning
- Adjustable fan speed settings e.g. turbo mode
- Automatic safety shut-off switches
Room size is also a crucial factor when choosing a dehumidifier. The Ivation 13-Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier is great for compact spaces and covers up to 270 square feet. But the Alorair LGR Compact Dehumidifier is ideal for larger areas and encompasses up to 2,300 square feet.
To ensure we found the best low temperature dehumidifiers, we used consumer reports analysis to remove any false reviews. This means that all our recommendations came from genuine people like you who have previously used and can endorse these units.
Last update on 2023-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Honeywell Medium Basement & Room Dehumidifier
Honeywell continues to be one of the most trusted brands for small household appliances, from portable air conditioners to dehumidifiers. The Honeywell Medium Basement and Room Dehumidifier meets the exceptional standard Honeywell has set with their other products.
This particular model has a maximum capacity of 50 pints daily, effective for areas up to 3,000 square feet. The unit has robust yet simple controls, with dual fan speeds, adjustable humidity settings from 30% to 90% relative humidity, as well as a timer and sleep mode.
The unit has a built-in 7-pint condensate reservoir to allow for maximum placement flexibility. If you prefer to set it up to run without having to constantly empty the reservoir, it comes with a 3-ft continuous drain line. The minimum operative temperature range for this unit is 41 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal to keep in a damp basement.
The unit measures 13.2 x 10.5. x 20.1 inches, making it easy to fit into nearly any space. It has a built-in swiveling handle on the top that can handle up to 150 lbs. so that you can easily lift it when needed. There are also casters on the base to allow you to easily move it around your space.
The Honeywell dehumidifier is also one of the few with integrated smart device compatibility. The smartphone app allows you to easily control your settings from nearly anywhere. It also integrates with devices like your Amazon Alexa to allow for simple and easy voice control.
- Tank Size: 7 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 3,000 sq. ft
- Weight: 36.3 lbs
- Special Features: Internet-enabled interface to allow for easy control from your phone
What we love
- The unit operates quietly, with a rating of 50dB
- The smartphone app allows you to set different humidity settings based on outdoor humidity ranges
- The control panel indicates when the reservoir is full and the filter needs to be cleaned
- The condensate reservoir has splash guards to minimize water spillage while emptying
We don't like this as much
- The short electrical cord and continuous drain line may limit where you can place the unit
- The condensate reservoir is on the smaller side for the capacity, requiring more frequent emptying in high humidity areas
2. Midea 3000 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Certified
Midea continues to lead the industry in not only effective dehumidifiers but also in finding more efficient methods of removing airborne moisture. This Midea model has earned the Energy Star Most Efficient award for 2021, with normal operation, your electric bill will only see a negligible increase with regular use.
The unit will continue pulling moisture from the air down to about 41 degrees Fahrenheit. You have the option of a 24-hour timer to delay start or automatically shut it off once it’s finished running.
The built-in humidistat allows you to automatically control your desired relative humidity between 35% and 85%. If you have a very damp space, you can set it for continuous operation as well. The unit also comes with a large 1.6-gallon reservoir so that you’re not constantly running to empty it. There is also a standard 0.75-inch male connection so that you can connect any standard garden hose for continuous draining.
You can easily move the unit around with the built-in rolling casters, and the molded hand-holds on the sides. The entire unit measures 14.5 x 14.76 x 14.57 inches, making it fairly inconspicuous for the power it packs. You’re also not likely to notice it running with the 49 dB average noise level it generates. Your energy bills will also thank you for the efficiency, with only 314 watts per hour consumption.
- Tank Size: 1.6 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 3,000 sq. ft
- Weight: 33.5 lbs
- Special Features: Turbo mode sets the power and fan speed to maximum for faster drying in very moist environments
What we love
- Swiveling handle on the 1.6-gallon reservoir for easy emptying
- It pushes through a massive 320 cubic meters of air per hour to accommodate large spaces
- Simple and intuitive settings to adjust fan speed and desired humidity
- The larger capacity reservoir allows it to run longer without as frequent maintenance
We don't like this as much
- The 33.5 lbs combined with small casters makes it difficult to move around on carpet
- The built-in humidity sensor tends to read a little high
3. ALORAIR LGR Compact Dehumidifier
When you need rapid and large capacity dehumidification, you want to look at an industrial option like the ALORAIR LGR. Unlike most other dehumidifiers you would use around your home, the ALORAIR does not have an internal condensate reservoir. However, to make up for not having this reservoir, the dehumidifier has a pump to allow the unit to rid itself of the condensate, even when the drain isn’t gravitationally downstream.
Being an industrial unit, it measures 22.8 x 13.7 x 17.3 inches and weighs 70.5 lbs. There are two handles on top of the unit to allow you to lift it and place it where it’s needed. This unit will remove an impressive 180 pints of moisture a day from a space of up to 2,300 sq. ft. The unit also has an extremely long 19.6 ft power cable and condensate drain line, allowing you to place the unit exactly where it needs to be to optimally combat moisture. It also uses a high-dense MERV-8 filter to remove airborne contaminants to protect the interior components.
The unit will continue working with a relative humidity range of 35% to 90%. It also has an extremely low-temperature tolerance, operating down to 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The onboard display shows you both the relative humidity at the inlet and the outlet, so you can monitor the change. These units are also stackable, allowing you to more rapidly dry a damp environment if you decide to pair them up. They also have a cord and hose storage onboard so that you can easily store both between uses.
- Tank Size: None
- Room Size Suitability: 2,300 sq. ft
- Weight: 70.5 lbs
- Special Features: Rare earth alloy used on the evaporator tube to extend the service life
What we love
- The unit has an incredibly high dehumidifying capacity compared to most consumer options
- It has automatic startup after a power failure, so you don’t have to worry about restarting it
- There is automatic defrost to help prevent the coils from freezing
- The 640W rating means that you won’t be breaking the bank by running this regularly
We don't like this as much
- We’d like to see optional wheels added to the unit for easy portability
- The unit operates at around 58 dB, meaning its not ideal for placement in quiet spaces
4. Inofia 30 Pint Dehumidifier
Inofia offers a budget-friendly option when you need a substantial dehumidifier for your medium-sized space. The Inofia is a very compact unit, measuring in at only 8.3 x 12.2 x 17.3 inches, and weighing only 23.8 lbs. It also operates quietly in the background, emitting less than 50dB, even when operating on high-speed mode. There’s also a molded handle built into the back of the top of the unit to allow you to pick it up and move it around.
The control panel is simple, with a robust display. Not only does the digital readout give you the current relative humidity, but also the temperature and operating status. The simple controls will allow you to set your fan speed and desired humidity level, between 30% and 80% relative humidity. There is a 24-hour time to allow you to delay start or have automatic shut off. The unit offers both a 4-pint condensate reservoir for maximum flexibility or a continuous drain option. The unit comes with a 6.5 ft drain line, so you can set it up for continuous draining right out of the box.
The machine will dehumidify up to 30 pints daily when operating at saturation. It’ll continue pulling moisture from your air down to about 41 degrees Fahrenheit. It also offers several safety and convenience factors, including automatic defrost to protect the unit against a frozen evaporator coil. There’s also a built-in restart after a power outage so that you don’t have to try to get to your unit once power is restored in the event of an outage.
- Tank Size: 4 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 1,000 sq. ft
- Weight: 23.8 lbs
- Special Features: Robust display to easily see settings, temperature, and relative humidity.
What we love
- It is extremely compact, making it easy to fit into just about any space
- Features automatic humidity control with increments of 5% relative humidity
- The unit runs relatively quietly, about the same as quiet dishwashers
- It’s very light compared to other models, allowing you to set it up on a counter or sturdy shelf
We don't like this as much
- We wish there were two handles located on each side for easier portability
- The display cannot be turned off, so it may not be ideal for rooms you want to keep dark
5. Waykar 4500 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier
When you need a larger capacity dehumidifier that is still stylish, then the Waykar 4500 sq. ft. home dehumidifier is the unit of choice. This model will remove an incredible 86 pints, or 9 gallons, of water every day from saturated air. It has a sleek design to match modern decor, but has a small footprint, measuring in at only 11.4 x 11.4 x 25.19 inches. It has built-in wheels and molded handles on the sides to allow you to move it around easily.
The simple controls of the unit allow you to select your fan speed, set your desired humidity, and set a timer for delayed start or auto-shutoff. It also has two convenient options for better control, allowing you to lock the screen to prevent accidental adjustments. There’s also the option to dim the light on the control display to allow it to run in dark spaces without disturbing the area, such as at night.
The large 1.18-gallon built-in reservoir means that it can run for longer periods with less frequent emptying. It also comes with a 6.5 ft drain line to allow you to set it up for continuous draining. The unit comes with built-in safety features, including an automatic shut-off when the condensate reservoir is full, and an automatic defrost to prevent frozen coils. You also have a power failure memory function, which restarts operation at the previous settings after a power interruption.
- Tank Size: 1.18 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 4,500 sq. ft
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Special Features: 4-way ventilation to improve dehumidification efficiency
What we love
- The condensate reservoir has a transparent window to easily check the level
- It also has a cover and swiveling handle to help minimize spills while emptying
- The silent operation and sleek design helps maintain, if not accentuate, the ambiance of the room
- The condensate reservoir cover comes off easily to allow for cleaning
We don't like this as much
- The unit doesn’t offer an indicator when the filter needs to be cleaned
- The reservoir is a little small for the volume of moisture it pulls from the air, requiring more frequent emptying
6. hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier
The hOmeLabs Energy Star certified dehumidifier is designed to fit perfectly in the modern home. The sleek design is smooth, curvy, and compact, measuring in at 15.2 x 10.2 x 19.7 inches and weighing in at 40 lbs. The unit comes equipped with rolling casters on the bottom and molded handles on the top to allow you to easily move it around.
The controls are simply presented with options for continuous dehumidification and turbo for high fan speed. Turn off the continuous setting and adjust the unit to run to your ideal humidity level. There’s a comfort setting to automatically adjust the humidity based on the room’s ambient temperature.
You’ll also know when your unit needs attention, with an indicator letting you know when the filter needs cleaning and when the condensate reservoir is full. It does offer a 1.6-gallon internal reservoir, as well as a continuous drain option with a standard 5/8-inch garden hose connection. The reservoir tank has a built-in handle and an easy pour spout to make emptying easy and mess-free.
The reservoir offers a transparent level window so that you can easily see its level. It also comes with the standard full reservoir shut-off and automatic defrost functions to protect your unit from overflowing and frozen coils. Should your unit lose power, it does offer an automatic restart function, which restores your previous settings. Finally, the unit moves an impressive 165 CFM, or cubic feet per minute, during normal operation and 188 CFM on turbo. This allows the single unit to service an area up to 4,500 square feet.
- Tank Size: 1.6 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 4,500 sq. ft
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Special Features: The Comfort mode automatically adjusts the humidity setting based on the ambient air temperature
What we love
- The defrost feature helps keep the unit running in very low temperatures
- The unit operates quietly, allowing it to run without disturbing the room
- It has an indicator to let you know the filter needs cleaning, with a simple reset button
- The full reservoir indicator includes an audible beep to alert you even when you’re not within eyeshot
We don't like this as much
- It doesn’t come with a drain hose, so you need to add one before using the continuous drain feature
- We’d like to see a pump included with the continuous drain feature, so condensate can be drained without the aid of gravity
7. Ivation 13-Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier
If you have a small space with cool temperatures that needs humidity reduction, the Ivation 13-pint dehumidifier is the right choice. The exceptional, compact model measures 10.59 x 6.85 x 17.52 inches and weighs a mere 13.96 lbs. Despite its small size, it has an incredible operational range, from as low as 33 degrees Fahrenheit.
The unit is small enough to not need wheels but does have a built-in handle at the top to assist in moving it. The controls are simple, allowing you to set the mode, adjust the humidity setting, and set a timer. It also allows you to dim the light on the display for use in dark environments. You have a built-in 0.5-gallon condensate reservoir and a continuous drain option, with an included three-foot drain line. The small size and lightweight make it easy to stash on a shelf above a drain or sink.
This unit uses a newer technology that doesn’t employ the standard compressor to remove moisture. Rather, it uses a desiccant rotor, reducing the noise it makes while running, and making it more energy-efficient. This tiny unit runs at 280W on low and 470W on high, so you’ll notice only a negligible impact on your utility expenses. No compressor also means the unit doesn’t depend on refrigerant, making it safer to operate in your home. It also has a unique anti-tilt shut-off safety feature. This is helpful given the small size, to prevent it from causing a spill or electrical hazard with sudden movement or if it knocks over.
- Tank Size: 0.5 gal
- Room Size Suitability: 270 Sq. Ft.
- Weight: 13.96 lbs
- Special Features: Offers an adjustable vent to direct ventilation airflow
What we love
- The desiccant rotor means there’s no risk of a frozen evaporator coil
- The rapid drying on high is perfect for air drying clothes
- Very low-temperature operation down to about 33 degrees Fahrenheit
- Automatic safety shut-off switches to prevent spills and electrical hazards
We don't like this as much
- The smaller-sized reservoir means frequent emptying when not using the continuous drain function
- You may need an extension lead to aid you with operating this unit, as the included cable is quite short
8. Ivation 4,500 Sq Ft Large-Capacity Energy Star Dehumidifier
Ivation has designed another winner with the 4,500 Sq Ft Energy Star Certified dehumidifier. Unlike its smaller 13-pint brother, this beast will remove 50 pints of water daily in a saturated environment. Even so, it remains compact at 15.4 x 10.8 x 23.2 inches, weighing in at 39.7 lbs, with rolling casters and molded handles in the side to lift it when needed.
To assist with dehumidifying your space, it has an internal 1.3-gallon condensate reservoir, along with a continuous drain option. The condensate reservoir has a built-in handle to help easily lift it out of the unit.
The controls are simple, with 2 fan speeds and a built-in humidistat to automatically maintain humidity levels. There is also a continuous setting to keep the unit running for heavy use applications. It also has indicators for a full condensate reservoir and when the air filter needs cleaning. You also have a 24-hour timer to delay starting the humidifier and to automatically shut it off after it starts.
There is a 6-foot power cable, allowing for more placement flexibility. Safety features include an automatic frost sensor and full reservoir automatic shutoff to prevent damage to the evaporator coil and condensate overflow. If you lose power while using the dehumidifier, it has an auto-restart feature once power is restored. Maintaining the unit is simple, with a washable filter that should be cleaned about every 250 hours. The condensate reservoir is open to allow for easy cleaning to prevent mildew development.
- Tank Size: 1.3 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 4,500 Sq. Ft.
- Weight: 39.7 lbs
- Special Features: LCD display for reading current humidity
What we love
- It has a large reservoir that only needs emptying once or twice a day
- The caster wheels are large for easy movement even on carpet
- Humidistat improves energy efficiency by shutting the unit off when the humidity reaches the set level
- The compact profile allows it to fit in just about any setting
We don't like this as much
- The condensate reservoir doesn’t have a lid, so take care not to spill it when it’s full
- We wish this unit had a remote control feature for easier operation
FAQs about Low Temperature Dehumidifiers
What is the lowest temperature a dehumidifier will work?
A conventional dehumidifier works by creating a surface cold enough to condense the moisture out of the air. When the ambient temperature drops below about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, your unit risks freezing the coils that create that cold surface, damaging the unit.
Some units have special features that allow them to operate at much colder temperatures. For units that use the conventional refrigerant and compressor, they have a built-in defrost feature to keep the coils from freezing. Other units use entirely different technology, such as the desiccant rotor, which doesn’t rely on a temperature differential to pull the moisture from the air.
How can I clean my low-temperature dehumidifier?
Without proper cleaning, your dehumidifier creates the perfect environment for mildew and mold. It is also a prime place to collect airborne contaminants as the air moves through the intake filter. To prevent any of this, there is some minor maintenance cleaning your unit needs.
Start by cleaning your air filter regularly. Many low-temperature dehumidifiers have washable filters that need periodic washing. Some models also have a light to indicate when it needs to be cleaned.
Your condensate reservoir needs cleaning about every other week. Simply use a solution of water and mild soap, such as dish soap, to clean it out.
There are also grills on the exterior of the unit, usually on the back and the front. Gently vacuum these grills to keep them clean and ensure air can pass through them easily.
Is it OK to run a dehumidifier all the time?
There really is no need to keep your dehumidifier running all the time. Rather, have it run when your humidity reaches over 50% relative. Many models have a built-in humidistat that will automatically turn your unit on and off to keep your desired level.
You’re not likely to bring your humidity down below 30%, so running it all the time is a waste of energy. Further, doing so increases the strain on your unit, leading to premature breakdowns and a shortened service life. Also, if you have a continually running dehumidifier, you’ll have to empty the condensate reservoir frequently, if you don’t have continuous draining set up.
Which Dehumidifier is best for you?
The EPA suggests that 30% to 50% relative humidity is the ideal level for good indoor air quality. Drier than 30% and things are too dry, leading them to create more dust, including your furniture and skin. Humidity exceeding 50% creates an environment that encourages mold and mildew to grow.
As you consider your needs for a low-temperature dehumidifier, there are three factors that will help you determine which one is right for your setting. The size of space you’re trying to dehumidify is the first and most important factor. Next, consider how much moisture you’ll need to remove from the room continuously. Finally, consider the temperature your dehumidifier will be operating under.
Smaller rooms are typically those that are smaller than 500 square feet, and therefore are easy to bring down and maintain the humidity. When these small spaces include campers or RV’s, you might need one that can operate below the standard range. Mid-range rooms are generally anything up to about 1,500 square feet. Typically, these rooms include bedrooms and possibly basements, which may need lower operating ranges. Finally, for larger spaces, you’ll be looking for a high-end, powerful unit that quickly and efficiently processes the surrounding air.
Small room – Ivation 13-Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier
Mid-range room – Honeywell Medium Room Smart Wi-Fi dehumidifier
High end – ALORAIR LGR