Performance Test Results

Energy Efficiency

The WHAD50PCW was measured to draw 591 watts of power at 50% relative humidity. This is a worse than average result. Most competitors draw in the low 500s to mid 500s watts of power.

The WHAD50PCW also took much longer than most competitors to dehumidify in our moisture removal test (more on that later in this review).

The bottom line – this model’s high power draw combined with its low moisture removal rate gives it poor energy efficiency.

Noise Output

The WHAD50PCW was measured at 71.2 dB of noise output on high fan speed and 67.2 dB on low fan speed (the sound meter was placed right above and slightly in front of the top of the dehumidifier). These are also worse than average results. The top rated Midea Cube, for example, was measured at 66.4 dB on high fan speed and 65.4 dB on low fan speed.

The WHAD50PCW does a good job masking unpleasant compressor noise with more pleasant-sounding fan noise, especially on high fan speed. So, this is a positive for it in this category.

Moisture Removal

The Whirlpool WHAD50PCW took 11 minutes and 35 seconds to lower humidity in our 50 sq. ft. test room from 90% down to 40% RH (relative humidity). This was again a worse than average result. Most competitors took 9 to 10 minutes. The top rated Cube took only 7 and a half minutes.

Hygrometer Accuracy

Yet another worse than average result – the WHAD50PCW’s built-in hygrometer consistently gave a reading that was 7% more than then actual room humidity. Top rated competitors gave a reading that was within 1 to 2% of the actual room humidity.

How does this impact the Whirlpool’s performance?

Imagine this scenario – the Whirlpool is set to a target humidity of 40%. It should cycle off when room humidity reaches 40%. But, it does not. Because of its inaccurate hygrometer it cycles off when room humidity is actually 47%.

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

Durability (Build Quality)

General Impressions

The WHAD50PCW is built well with high quality parts and materials.

We’ve tested many dehumidifiers over the years and it’s immediately evident, once we unbox each unit, which models are made well with high quality parts and which models are not.

The WHAD50PCW falls into the former category – at least from our own observations, it appears to be one of the better built dehumidifiers we’ve tested.

Consumer Feedback

At the time of the writing of this review, there are very few consumer reviews written for this particular model. As such, there’s not much to take away from these reviews, at least when it comes to evaluating this model’s durability and long term reliability.

Overall Category Score

We still give this model a 4.5/5 for durability based on our own observations and handling of the dehumidifier.

Adjustability

This dehumidifier features two fan speeds, a continuous mode, and two automatic modes – a “bedroom” and “basement” mode. The automatic modes simply set the dehumidifier to “preprogrammed humidity levels” that the manufacturer believes are appropriate for these rooms. We didn’t really do any extensive testing with these modes to determine what those humidity levels are.

Overall Category Score

Overall, we give this model a 4/5 for adjustability.

Versatility

Set Humidity Range

The WHAD50PCW can be set to a target humidity level between 35 and 80%. This is a fairly standard range for this type of dehumidifier.

Operating Temperature Range

We only know that this model should not be used at temperatures below 41° F. No upper boundary is given by the manufacturer.

Gravity Drainage

This model features a threaded outlet on the back to which you can connect a garden hose. If you do so it will automatically drain through this hose instead of draining into its built-in water bucket.

Built-in Pump

Inside the gravity drain port there’s a secondary smaller pump drain port to which you can connect an included pump drain hose. The pump is only required if you need to drain to a location far away from or above the dehumidifier.

Overall Category Score

Mostly because of its multiple drainage options, this model gets a 5/5 for versatility.

Extra Features

Temperature Reading

This model does not display temperature.

Defrost

This model does feature a defrost mode, but there is no marked LED on the control panel that lights up to alert you when its activated.

Check Filter

This model does have an LED that lights up to alert you when you should clean its air filter.

Overall Category Score

Overall, the WHAD50PCW receives a 4/5 for extra features.

Ease of Use

LED Display Clarity

The LED display for this model is fairly low quality.

Setup Difficulty

Everything on the control panel is well labeled and intuitive except the bedroom and basement modes. You absolutely need to consult a manual to figure out what these modes do and what the respective button that toggles between them does.

Filter Removal Difficulty

You simply pull off a grille on the back of the dehumidifier to access its filter.

Manual Clarity

We have no complaints about the included manual. Some competitors do come with very poorly written manuals. That is not the case for this model.

Water Tank Size

This unit’s built-in water tank has a capacity of 14.8 pints. This is slightly below the average of 15.7 pints.

Overall Category Score

Overall, this model scores a 4/5 for ease of use.

Portability

The WHAD50PCW weighs 43.7 lb. which is heavier than the average of 42.5 lb. for the 16 most recent 50 pint dehumidifiers we tested.

Otherwise, it comes equipped with side pocket handles for picking it up and casters on the bottom for pushing it around on smooth flat surfaces.

It has a fairly average width and depth though it is slightly taller than average.

The last point of note here – this model does not feature any cord storage. Most competitors have a bracket on the back or at least a plastic strap to hold the power cord. This Whirlpool dehumidifier doesn’t offer any cord storage.

Overall Category Score

Overall, the WHAD50PCW scores only a 3/5 for portability.

Warranty (Manufacturer’s)

This model comes with a 1 year warranty, which is the industry standard. Very few full size compressor based dehumidifiers comes with longer warranties.

Value

This dehumidifier is normally priced close to $300, which makes it a fairly poor value relative to its performance in our tests.

Top rated competitors are usually priced in the mid $200 range and budget competitors are priced just above $200.