A Quick Note On Dehumidifier Capacity

The Vellgoo DryTank 3000 is marketed and sold as a 70 pint dehumidifier, which makes it look like it can remove even more moisture per day than the average 50 pint high capacity dehumidifier.

The truth is that it does not.

Vellgoo lists the 70 pint capacity at 90°F and 90% RH. The official DOE specification for moisture removal rate should be given at 65°F and 60% RH, and at this temperature and humidity level it only removes 22 pints of moisture per day.

As such, we will mostly compare the DryTank 3000 to other low capacity dehumidifiers in this review, despite the fact that it’s marketed and sold as a high capacity dehumidifier.

Performance Test Results

Energy Efficiency

The Vellgoo drew 284 watts of power in our tests. This is right around average power draw for a low capacity dehumidifier.

This model was also an average performer in our moisture removal tests compared to other low capacity units.

The bottom line – with average power draw and an average moisture removal rate this model has – you guessed it – average energy efficiency overall.

Noise Output

This unit’s raw noise output is low. Measured right above its control panel, its noise output is 62.8 dB on high fan speed and 59.0 dB on low fan speed. Measured 10 ft. away from the dehumidifier its noise output is 48.7 dB on high and 47.7 dB on low.

The reason why the Vellgoo’s raw noise output is low is its low CFM fan – it’s specified to have an output of 8829 CFPH which equates to only 147 CFM.

The problem is that the Velgoo’s low CFM fan can’t keep up with its compressor’s noise. Most competitor dehumidifiers mask unpleasant compressor noise with a more pleasant sounding fan noise. The Vellgoo cannot. Its compressor is loud and clear even on high fan speed. Its fan also makes a high frequency tapping noise on high fan speed.

The bottom line is that this unit is absolutely not recommended if low noise output is a priority for you, despite the fact that it has low measured noise output on a sound meter.

Moisture Removal

The Vellgoo was again, an average performer, this time in our moisture removal test. It took 14 minutes, 55 seconds to lower room humidity from 90% RH down to 40% RH in a 50 sq. ft. room. Older low capacity units we’ve tested were much slower but newer low capacity units we’ve tested are slightly faster than the Vellgoo dehumidifying the same 50 sq. ft. space.

The top rated Midea MAD20S1QWT for example took only 13 minutes, 25 seconds to lower room humidity from 90% down to 40% RH in the same room.

Hygrometer Accuracy

In our tests, the Vellgoo’s built-in hygrometer read room humidity to be 4% higher than it actually was.

Again, top rated models perform better. Again the Midea MAD20S1QWT is such an example – it gave readings that were within 1% of the actual room humidity.

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

Durability (Build Quality)

General Impressions

The unit’s main body is made using relatively high quality plastics. However, its control panel (both the “touch” buttons and the LCD display) is of a distinctly low quality.

Consumer Feedback

This unit has received mostly positive reviews from consumers, with 78% of reviewers giving this product a 5/5 and only 5% of reviewers giving it a 1/5 (as of the initial writing of this review). That being said, negative feedback is scathing – with lots of comments on poor build quality.

Overall Category Score

All things considered, we feel we’re being generous giving this unit a 3.5/5 for durability.

Adjustability

This unit features three fan speeds, a continuous mode, and a “comfort” mode. On “comfort” mode the target humidity level is automatically set based on the room’s temperature. On continuous mode there is no target humidity level – the dehumidifier just runs continuously until you turn it off. You can of course, also set a target humidity level – and the dehumidifier will turn off once this target humidity level is reached.

The timer on this unit can be set in one hour increments up to 24 hours. This is a more limited timer than you get on top rated units. On top rated models like the Midea Cube you can set the timer in half hour increments up to 10 hours, and then one hour increments past 10 hours up to 24 hours.

Overall Category Score

The Vellgoo gets an average score in the category – a 3.5/5.

Versatility

Set Humidity Range

On this unit, you can set a target humidity level between 40 and 80% RH. Most competitors let you set a target humidity level at least as low as 35% RH. Some models let you set them as low as 30% RH. So the Vellgoo is limited in this area.

Operating Temperature Range

The operating temperature range for this unit is 41° F to 95° F. This is the industry standard. Though some models, like the Hisense DH5026KP1G can run at temperatures as low as 38° F.

Gravity Drainage

There’s a drain plug on the back of the unit, to which you can connect an included 6.56 ft. hose. You can also connect a garden hose using an included adapter. In either case, you can drain the unit through a hose instead of having condensate collect in its water tank.

Built-in Pump

This unit does not feature a built-in pump.

Overall Category Score

Mostly because it comes with a gravity drain hose (many competitors do not come with hose) we give the Vellgoo a 4.5/5 for versatility.

Extra Features

Temperature Reading

This unit does not display temperature.

Defrost

This unit will automatically defrost its evaporator coil if it freezes up.

Check Filter

This unit does not feature a check filter light.

Overall Category Score

The Vellgoo scores an average 3.5/5 for the category.

Ease of Use

Setup Difficulty

The unit’s “touch” buttons are small and don’t feel great to use. The arrows to set target humidity only appear after you press the “setting” button. It’s not clear – without reading the manual – that the unit runs on continuous mode by default. It’s also unclear what “comfort” mode is without reading the manual.

Filter Removal Difficulty

The filter is easy to remove.

Manual Clarity

The product manual is illustrated well but some text is poorly edited.

Water Tank Size

This dehumidifier has a very close to average (for a low capacity unit, at least) 11.2 pint water tank.

The one big exception in the low capacity category is the Midea MAD20S1QWT which has a much larger than average 25.6 pint water tank.

Overall Category Score

This unit scores an average 3.5/5 for ease of use.

Portability

This unit has a slightly above average weight for a low capacity dehumidifier. It weighs 35 lb. while most competitors weigh a little less – closer to 30 lb.

It has two handles – one on the front and one on the back. Most competitors have side pocket handles or a top extendable handle.

There’s no bracket or strap attached to the DryTank 3000 to store its power cord. Many competitors have these components which makes cord storage easier.

Overall Category Score

Overall, the Vellgoo scores a 4/5 for portability.

Warranty (Manufacturer’s)

This unit comes with a 1 year warranty, but you can add a second year if you register your purchase with the manufacturer. Most competitors only come with a 1 year warranty.

Value

This unit is marketed and priced as a 50 pint dehumidifier. However, our testing clearly shows that it lacks the performance (and many of the features) of a typical 50 pint dehumidifier. This makes this unit a poor value.