2024 Update

Frigidaire released a very minor update to the FFAD5033W1 this past year – the FFAD5034W1. The older FFAD5033W1 (left below) is sold as a “50 pint” unit and the new FFAD5034W1 (right below) is sold as a “50 Pint New 2024” unit.

We bought and tested the new FFAD5034W1 in early 2024, and our testing showed very little difference in performance between it and the older FFAD5033W1.

The new model didn’t remove moisture any more quickly in our moisture removal tests and it didn’t produce any less noise in our noise output testing.

The only test in which we saw a minor improvement in performance was our energy test. The older FFAD5033W1 drew 570 watts, while the new FFAD5034W1 drew 560 watts of power in this test.

Otherwise, the new FFAD5034W1 is essentially identical to the FFAD5033W1. If you want to buy a Frigidaire 50 pint unit, we recommend buying whichever model is cheaper at this time.

Check the FFAD5033W1’s current pricing.

Check the FFAD5034W1’s current pricing.

Performance Test Results

Energy Efficiency

The FFAD5033W1 was tested to draw 570 watts of power at 50% RH (relative humidity). This is right around an average result for this test.

The FFAD5033W1 was also a top performer in our moisture removal test.

The bottom line – average power draw but fast moisture removal gives this dehumidifier good energy efficiency.

Noise Output

At a location right above and to the front of the dehumidifier, the FFAD5033W1 was measured to have a noise output of 70.2 dB on high fan speed and 64.8 dB on low fan speed.

At a location 10 ft. away from the dehumidifier, it was measured at 54.6 dB on high fan speed and 49.8 dB on low fan speed.

These are all above (louder than) average results for this test.

On the positive side of things, the FFAD5033W1 does mask compressor noise very well with fan noise.

With many competitors you hear unpleasant compressor noise over much more pleasant sounding fan noise.

With the FFAD5033W1 you only really hear fan noise.

The bottom line – this dehumidifier is relatively loud but it produces a pleasant sounding noise that’s mostly comprised of fan noise.

Moisture Removal

In a 50 sq. ft. test environment the FFAD5033W1 lowered room humidity from 90% RH (relative humidity) down to 40% RH in only 7 minutes, 56 seconds.

Most competitors took at least 9 to 11 minutes in the same test.

Hygrometer Accuracy

In our hygrometer accuracy test we compare the dehumidifier’s reading of room humidity to that of a separate dedicated hygrometer.

The problem for the FFAD5033W1 is that it only displays room humidity in 5% increments. Anytime actual room humidity in our test space was a multiple of 5% the Frigidaire’s display would be accurate. For example, when room humidity was 50% the dehumidifier would display 50%. When it was 55% it would display 55%.

But when the room humidity was not a multiple of 5% it was impossible for the unit to display an accurate number. For example, when room humidity was 53% the unit would display 55% – likely rounding up. But we cannot say for sure in such an instance whether it was rounding up or not. All we could see was the display – not the internal read-out. And the display in such an instance was off by 2%. Thus, in a worst case scenario, the actual internal read-out is off by 2%. In a best case scenario the read-out is completely accurate but displays a rounded up or down number.

In any case, we consider the unit’s hygrometer to have an accuracy of ±2% because all that we could see during testing was the display, and the display was sometimes off by 2%. Most other 50 pint units on the market display room humidity in 1% increments and so we can assess their accuracy much better. Among such units, the Honeywell TP70WKN had the most accurate built-in hygrometer with an accuracy of ±1%.

Included Features, Functionality, Build Quality, Warranties, and Value

Durability (Build Quality)

General Impressions

The FFAD5033W1 features very good build quality and is made using very high quality parts and materials (compared to equivalent parts of most other dehumidifiers we’ve tested).

Consumer Feedback

Consumer reviews for this model are mostly positive. There are some complaints about its long term reliability, but there really isn’t a higher percentage of such complaints for this model than there are for most other compressor based dehumidifiers on the market.

Overall Category Score

Mostly because of our own observations handling and testing this unit, we give the FFAD5033W1 a 5/5 for durability.

Adjustability

This dehumidifier features a timer, three fan speeds, and a continuous mode (on which it will run continuously independent of measured room humidity).

Overall Category Score

Overall, the FFAD5033W1 scores a 4.5/5 for adjustability.

Versatility

Set Humidity Range

This model can be set to a target humidity level between 35% and 85%. This is a fairly standard range for this size and type of dehumidifier.

Operating Temperature Range

The same applies to its operating temperature range. It has a manufacturer specified range of 41° F to 89° F which is standard for its size (50 pint) and type (compressor based).

Gravity Drainage

This dehumidifier has a threaded outlet on the back to which you can connect a garden hose. There’s a cap that covers this outlet, and when the cap is in place the dehumidifier will drain into its water tank instead of through the outlet.

Built-in Pump

This dehumidifier does not have a built-in pump.

Overall Category Score

Overall, the FFAD5033W1 scores a 4.5/5 for versatility.

Extra Features

Temperature Reading

This model does not display room temperature.

Defrost

The FFAD5033W1 is unique among current dehumidifiers on the market in that it doesn’t offer a traditional “defrost mode”. Most competitors, like the hOmeLabs HME020031N, will automatically shut off their compressor and only run their fan when frost builds up on their evaporator coils. This defrosts the coil but comes at a cost: first, the unit doesn’t actively dehumidify while the unit is defrosting. And second, the fan still runs while the unit is defrosting and not actively dehumidifying. This means that the dehumidifier is actively drawing power while not dehumidifying (about 70 or 80 watts from running its fan). Clearly, this isn’t a very energy efficient mode of operation.

The FFAD5033W1 foregoes this traditional method of defrosting. The unit’s refrigeration system has been optimized for low temperature operation to prevent frost build up from happening in the first place.

The best example of this optimization is the unit’s high CFM output. At 229 CFM on high fan speed the FFAD5033W1 outputs at 40 to 50 more CFM than most other dehumidifiers on the market. The hOmeLabs HME020031N, for example, outputs at only 188 CFM on high fan speed. The Frigidaire’s unique ability to move a very high volume of air over its evaporator coils per unit time is one of the primary reasons it does not require a separate defrost mode operating at low temperatures.

Check Filter

The FFAD5033W1 does feature a check filter light.

Overall Category Score

Overall, we give the FFAD5033W1 a 4/5 for extra features.

Ease of Use

LED Display Clarity

We have no complaints here.

Setup Difficulty

This dehumidifier is very easy to use right out of the box. All of its buttons are clearly labeled and intuitive to use.

Filter Removal Difficulty

We didn’t have any trouble removing or replacing this dehumidifier’s air filter.

Manual Clarity

We have no complaints about this model’s manual .

Water Tank Size

The FFAD5033W1 has an above average 16.9 pint water tank. Many competitors have tanks in the 12 to 15 pint range.

Overall Category Score

Overall, the FFAD5033W1 scores a 5/5 in the category.

Portability

This model weighs 43 lb. which is very close to average for this type (compressor based) and size (50 pint) of dehumidifier.

It has a top extendable handle if you need to pick it up and casters on the bottom if you need to push it from one location to another.

It has plastic hooks on the back around which you can wrap its power cord.

Overall Category Score

Overall, this model gets a 4.5/5 for portability.

Warranty (Manufacturer’s)

The FFAD5033W1 comes with a 1 year warranty. This is the industry standard for 50 pint compressor based dehumidifiers.

Value

This model is usually priced very well relative to its performance and features.

Quick Comparison to Smaller Equivalents

The FFAD3533W1 is the 35 pint equivalent of the FFAD5033W1. The FFAD2233W1 (on the left in the photo above next to the FFAD5033W1) is the 22 pint equivalent. All three units feature an almost identical feature set, build quality, and overall design.

The FFAD3533W1 is a medium capacity dehumidifier. We really don’t think the slight cost savings is worth it for this model compared to the FFAD5033W1.

The FFAD2233W1 is a low capacity dehumidifier. It should only be used in small rooms and/or rooms with moderate to low humidity.