
Last Updated: December 9th 2021
In 2014 we tested ten different high capacity dehumidifiers. A few years ago we tested six more. More recently, we tested an additional eleven units. So, as of the time of this updated 50 pint (70 pint 2012 DOE) dehumidifier review guide we’ve tested and reviewed twenty-seven different high capacity dehumidifiers.
Each dehumidifier was bought either online or at a local brick and mortar store. We didn’t receive any “review units” from any manufacturer. We also haven’t received any compensation from any manufacturers in writing our reviews. Rest assured, that each and one of our reviews are 100% unbiased, written with the single aim of helping you, the consumer, make the best possible decision in buying a large capacity 50 pint dehumidifier for your home or place of business.
Do You Need Pump Drainage?
Before we get started with our recommendations, we need to cover pump drainage.
Collected condensate (water) can be removed from a dehumidifier in three different ways:
- Empty and replace the water collection bucket – what most consumers do
- Drain the dehumidifier using gravity drainage – a standard garden hose is connected to the dehumidifier and the dehumidifier is drained using gravity
- Drain the dehumidifier using pump drainage – a pump pushes the collected condensate through a drain hose
It’s important that you know that a pump is only necessary if you’re looking to drain the dehumidifier to a location above it or far away from it (more than a few ft.). If you can drain to a location below it or close to it (only a few ft.) then gravity drainage will work just fine.
All 27 of the 50 pint units we tested have a water tank that can be emptied and replaced. All 27 can easily be drained using gravity drainage using no extra purchased parts except for a garden hose. And, you guessed it, all 27 units can be drained using pump drainage.
But, there’s something special about 5 of these 27 units. On 5 of them, no extra parts or accessories are required to facilitate pump drainage. These are what we refer to as built-in pump dehumidifiers.
To say it another way, 5 of the 27 50 pint dehumidifiers we’ve tested come equipped with a built-in pump – the pump is built into the dehumidifier and a drainage hose is included. To facilitate pump drainage with the other 22 50 pint units we tested you’ll need to buy a condensate pump and hosing separately.
Our Recommendation – Go With A Non-Built-In Pump Dehumidifier
Generally speaking, the best rated built-in pump dehumidifiers are not the best rated dehumidifiers overall. Every one of the built-in pump dehumidifiers we’ve tested has one or several major problems that prevents us from recommending it over any top rated non-built-in pump dehumidifier.
In addition, built-in pumps have a strong tendency to fail. A reliable stand-alone condensate pump costs in the neighborhood of $40. We think it’s safe to assume that dehumidifier manufacturers are spending nowhere close to as much on their built-in pumps.
How can we make this assumption? Just look at the failure rate of built-in pumps. We’ve surveyed countless consumer reviews for built-in pump units and we see time and time again how the unit’s built-in pump failed much earlier than the dehumidifier itself. Early pump failure is a known issue for built-in pump dehumidifiers.
With all of this in mind, our recommendation is, should you require pump drainage, that you buy a condensate pump and hosing separately. With a recommended non-built-in pump unit you’ll be getting a highly reliable durable dehumidifier at a lower price than a comparable built-in pump dehumidifier with similar features and functionality (outside of the built-in pump of course). With the money you save on buying a non-built-in pump dehumidifier you can easily buy a reliable condensate pump and hosing separately. This is our recommendation at this time.
Best Rated 50 Pint Dehumidifiers – Overall Rankings
#1 Frigidaire FFAD5033W1
#2 hOmeLabs HME020031N
#3 Black+Decker BDT50WTB
#4 Honeywell TP70WKN
#5 Vremi VRM010184
#6 Danby DDR050BJPWDB
#7 Keystone KSTAD504D
#8 Hisense DH7019K1G
#9 GE ADEL45LY (ADEW45LY)
#10 Toshiba TDDP5012ES2
#11 LG UD501KOG5
(click on the model for our review and buying options)
Our #1 recommended dehumidifier for 2023 is the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1. This model replaces the previously top rated Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 in our rankings. As a more budget friendly second option, we recommend the hOmeLabs HME020031N. The hOmeLabs has many of the same features and much of the same functionality as the Frigidaire, but it’s more inexpensive. The FFAD5033W1 will remove moisture faster and it’s definitely a more durable, reliable dehumidifier. However, if you’re on a limited budget then the hOmeLabs is by no means a terrible compromise.
Rounding out the top 3 is the Black+Decker BDT50WTB. This dehumidifier performed very well in our moisture removal tests and is a good all-around alternative if the top 2 units are out of stock and you need a dehumidifier today.
Have a question or comment? Let us know below.
Do not buy NOMA dehumidifier, they last for 1 to 2 years. Code E-9 comes up and there is no replacement part
my noma drhumdefier will not take in water
We have a Garrison that accumulates a filled tank in 3 days. In the same basement we plugged in a Noma from Canadian Tire. It runs but doesn’t accumulate any water in the tank. It seems to work and is new. What is the difference?
Thank you for the information. I did take your recommendation and purchased the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 dehumidifier. I do need a pump. Please recommend a pump for this unit. I must pump the water 17 feet across the floor to get to a drain opening that is 7 feet up from the floor. I am not sure if it is safe to use a heavyweight extension cord to position the dehumidifier closer to the drain pipe.
I agree
Noma failure after a year with intermittent use only
Cannot recommend at all
Same issue. ANY SOLUTIONS ANYONE?
I have. 50 pint noma dehumidifier. The code E9 shows in the display . you;d you tell me what this indicates?
never would buy a noma dehumidifier from Canadian tire was used 3 months on first and second one and doent work after 3 month no warenty left
Same here – Can Tire Noma dehumidifiers are absolute garbage. I’ve had 2 in 3 years both failing after first season. The help line ok first time and useless the 2nd.
why do they still sell them – giving Can Tire a bad name?
agree – 2 noma dehumidifiers bought at Can Tire in past 2 yrs – both failed – will nevver buy another noma product
i have a 50 pint dehumidifer by noma. it worked for one season.just put it out at rec room recently and it runs constantly but does not collect any water.i know the humidity level is high around 60 % but nothing happening.
I’d like to purchase the recommended Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 but can not find it available anywhere and there is no information about when it will become available. Are you able to locate any of your #1 recommended 50 pint units? If not, shall I get a 70 pint? Is there a quiet and effective unit you would recommend as an alternative?
Thank you! I appreciate the info on your site!
Unfortunately, no. I have no better insight into the FFAD5033W1’s availability than the average consumer. As to the best alternative – we recommend the hOmeLabs.
You can get it via Amazon. I just bought two.
I have a he 50pintdehumidifier model# Adel50ww2 it doesn’t drain out the hose
My new Noma dehumidifier doesn’t drain out the hose either. It just keeps filling the bucket. What a pain.
check the filter it is located top left corner when you remove the tank. the screen is small and it clogs easily it will shut the pump down if the hose wont drain, unscrew the nob and the little filter is in their, I have owned one of these dehumidifiers for 3 years and as long as the pump can drain it has worked just fine. I am draining it to a sink with a 4 ft rise, by the way they don’t tell you this in the instructions just trial and error.
good luck
Thank you for taking this question. The model de-humidifier that we have is FAD504dwd…..serial number KN12718102 and we have misplaced the instruction manual and unable to remember how to set the dial for the humidity level.
Is it possible that you can send via mail or by email instructions on how to set the humidity level. If so thank you in advance, if not any suggestions where we could get this info.
There should be up and down arrows near the center of the control panel. Press these arrows to set the desired humidity level.
I purchased a NOMA 50 pint dehumifier 14 months ago and now notice water leaking from underneath the unit (when the bucket reservoir is only partially full). I have inspected the unit and can’t locate source of the leak.
I contacted Noma toll free assistance and was in no uncertain terms was told “too bad” that the 12 month warranty had expired. She (Karrief?) suggested I go to the place of purchase and inquire about an extended warranty package. I doubt any business will permit extended warranties to be purchased after the factory warranty has expired. When I asked to speak to the call takers supervisor, the call was disconnected.
I would not recommend NOMA dehumidifiers and I will avoid any NOMA products in the future
Could you please give me review of the NOMA 50 pint dehumidifier
Thank you
Unfortunately, we only test and review units available for sale in the United States. Noma dehumidifiers appear to be exclusively sold in Canada.
I bought a 50 pint Noma 2 years ago, after like nine months of fair usage (not over-humid basement, maintained at 18 celsius), one evening I heard cracking noise. Went down to find out the unit literally froze which caused fluid leakage. Called Noma, been authorized to return the unit, I decided to switch with the 70 pint model with pump. Again after less than 6 months the unit couldn’t work anymore ! Returned it again, had to fight to get a refund… For me Noma is blacklisted !
Considering purchasing a Hisense 50 pint for Lowes. Your thoughts?
I had a Frigidaire 50 pint that lasted 16 years, but Lowes does not stock this. Comparison?
See our review of the 70 pint Hisense unit.