Performance Test Results

Energy Efficiency

The Insignia NS-DH50WH1 was tested to draw 552 watts of power at approx. 50% relative humidity (RH). The average for the 16 most recent large capacity (50 pint) dehumidifiers we tested is 567 watts of power draw under the same conditions.

In our moisture removal test the NS-DH50WH1 removed moisture the fifth fastest, and so it has both below average power draw and a faster than average moisture removal rate. This makes it a highly energy efficient dehumidifier overall.

Noise Output

The NS-DH50WH1 intakes untreated humid air through the back and exhausts treated dried air through the side of the dehumidifier.

Among side exhaust units it was the third quietest model we tested. It was measured at 60.4 dB on high fan speed and 58.2 dB on low fan speed on a sound meter placed a few inches above and to the front of the dehumidifier’s control panel.

It was measured at 53.6 dB and 51.2 dB at a location 10 ft. away from the dehumidifier.

Most side exhaust competitors were also measured around 60 to 61 dB close the dehumidifier on high fan speed.

Top exhaust units were measured between 66 and 73 dB at the same location.

And so, you can see how side exhaust units like the NS-DH50WH1 generally have a lower raw noise output compared to top exhaust units (like the top rated Midea Cube, for example).

The caveat is that side exhaust units like this Insignia dehumidifier don’t mask compressor noise as well as top exhaust units.

All compressor based dehumidifiers emit some type of compressor noise and top exhaust units, because they emit fan noise upward and omnidirectionally, are able to mask that compressor noise very well with a more pleasant-sounding fan noise.

Side exhaust units like the NS-DH50WH1 emit fan noise unidirectionally – only in the direction that the exhaust is pointing – and so compressor noise is much more prominent on side exhaust units at every location not in the direct “line of sight” of the exhaust.

The bottom line is that the raw noise output for this unit is low but it doesn’t produce a very pleasant sounding noise unless you’re in the direct “line of sight” of its exhaust.

Moisture Removal

We tested how fast the NS-DH50WH1 could lower humidity in a 50 sq. ft. room from 90% RH (relative humidity) down to 40% RH. It took the NS-DH50WH1 9 minutes and 23 seconds to do so, which is good for the sixth best result among the last 16 large capacity dehumidifiers we tested.

For comparison, the top rated Midea Cube took only 7 minutes and 39 seconds in the same test. Most other competitors took between 8 and 12 minutes.

Hygrometer Accuracy

The NS-DH50WH1’s built-in hygrometer consistently gave readings that were within 1 to 2% of the actual room humidity. This is a very good result. Many competitors gave readings that were much more inaccurate. Even the top rated Frigidaire FHDD5034W1, for example, gave a reading that was only within 3% of the actual room humidity.

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

Durability (Build Quality)

General Impressions

The NS-DH50WH1 features only average build quality. Top rated units like the Midea Cube and Frigidaire FHDD5034W1 are definitely better built with higher quality parts.

The best example of this is the NS-DH50WH1’s LCD display. It’s of a noticeably lower quality than the Midea’s display and the Frigidaire’s display. The Insignia also has lower quality buttons, a lower quality grille for its air filter, and a lower quality bucket for collecting condensate.

Consumer Feedback

So far, consumer feedback for this model is mostly positive. It has received very few complaints about its durability and long-term reliability.

Overall Category Score

Overall, we give the NS-DH50WH1 only a 3.5/5 for durability, mostly based on our own observations using and testing the dehumidifier.

Adjustability

The NS-DH50WH1 only has two fan speeds – standard and turbo. Many competitors have three – low, medium, and high. This isn’t really much of a disadvantage for the NS-DH50WH1 though, as two fan speeds (low and high) are sufficient for the vast majority of applications.

The NS-DH50WH1 also features a continuous and automatic mode like most competitors.

Its timer can be set in half hour increments up to 10 hours, and in one hour increments past 10 hours up to 24 hours. Most competitors also have a timer with the exact same limitations.

Overall Category Score

Overall, the NS-DH50WH1 earns a 4.5/5 for adjustability.

Versatility

Set Humidity Range

You can set the NS-DH50WH1 to a target humidity level between 35 and 85%. This is a fairly standard range for a full-size compressor based dehumidifier.

Operating Temperature Range

The operating temperature range for this dehumidifier is 41° F to 90° F. It will not work as effectively at temperatures outside of this range.

Gravity Drainage

The NS-DH50WH1 features a gravity drain port on the back of the dehumidifier. If you want to collect condensate (water) in the bucket at the front the dehumidifier, you’ll need to keep this port closed (there’s a cap that’s screwed onto the port out of the box). If you want to drain through the port – and through a garden hose – you’ll need open up this port (by taking the cap off, of course).

Built-in Pump

This dehumidifier does not have a built-in pump.

Overall Category Score

Overall, this unit receives a 4.5/5 for versatility.

Extra Features

Temperature Reading

This unit does not display room temperature.

Defrost

If ice builds up on this dehumidifier’s evaporator coil it will cycle off its compressor and run only its fan to melt the ice – this is called defrost mode. Defrost mode is activated automatically and there’s an LED on the control panel that lights up to alert you that it’s activated. Of course, this mode will only be activated at lower temperatures.

Check Filter

This dehumidifier has a reusable filter that needs to be cleaned periodically. There’s an LED on the control panel that will light up to alert you when it’s time to clean it.

Overall Category Score

Overall, this unit scores a 4.5/5 for extra features.

Ease of Use

LED Display Clarity

This unit does not have a very high quality display.

Setup Difficulty

We didn’t have any difficulty inputting settings on this dehumidifier’s control panel. It’s well-labeled. You would only really need to consult a manual to understand what the “Comfort” button does (it’s an automatic mode that sets a target humidity level between 45 and 55% depending on the current temperature of the room). All of the other buttons are easy to understand and make sense to use without a manual.

Filter Removal Difficulty

The NS-DH50WH1 has a grille with an integrated filter on the back. It’s relatively easy to remove the grille/filter combo and replace it.

Manual Clarity

The included manual is very basic but clear and easy to understand.

Water Tank Size

Water tank capacity for this dehumidifier is only 12.6 pints. The average for the last 16 large capacity models we tested is 15.7 pints.

Overall Category Score

Overall, the NS-DH50WH1 scores only a 3/5 for ease of use, mostly because of its very small water tank.

Portability

The NS-DH50WH1 weighs only 40 lb. which is fairly light for a full size compressor based dehumidifier. Many competitors are upwards of 42, 43, even as heavy as 46 lb.

This Insignia dehumidifier is just about the same size as most full size competitors.

It also features good quality casters and two side pocket handles if you need to pick it up.

It includes a bracket that you install on the back of the dehumidifier for cord storage.

Overall Category Score

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

Warranty (Manufacturer’s)

This unit only comes with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty, though this is the industry standard – most competitors also only come with a 1 year warranty.

Value

The NS-DH50WH1 has an MSRP of $250 though it’s often on sale for approx. $210.

On sale, it’s a good value. This unit doesn’t offer the same level of performance as top rated units but top rated models are not really available at this lower price point.