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Best Dehumidifiers in Canada

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Written by: Alex Savy
Last updated on

Damp smell, mold, condensation on windows, and troubled breathing in certain rooms — if all these things are familiar to you, you probably have too humid air in your house.
And you’re also in the right place!
Because I’ve prepared a list of the best dehumidifiers in Canada so that you could breathe more easily and stop renovating your house every six months because of mold.
So, get cozy and take a look at my findings!

A Quick Preview 

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Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier Check Current Price on Amazon Check Current Price on Overstock
Midea 35 Pint Dehumidifier Check Current Price on Amazon
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Our List of the Best Dehumidifiers in Canada (January 2023) 

Best Overall — Editor’s Choice - Frigidaire FFAD2233W1

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Highlights

  • 9.1 pint (4.3L) tank capacity
  • can remove up to 22 pints (10.4L) per day;
  • 43-49 dB noise level.

And the first unit I want to place in my list of the best dehumidifiers in Canada is the Frigidaire. This is a compressor-based dehumidifier that can remove 10 liters of water from the air per day! And this is not the only one incredible feature it possesses. 

The bucket’s capacity is slightly over 4 liters, and when the bucket is full, the unit automatically shuts off. A nice bonus is that you don’t even have to discard the water from the tank thanks to the Continuous Drain feature

Now, the unit has a programmable delay mode, so you can postpone its operation up to 24 hours. On a digital panel, you can also choose the humidity level and fan speed. 

The dehumidifier comes with a washable filter that traps dust, which allows for both easy maintenance and efficient work. And it can operate even in lower temperatures, down to 41F (5°C).

With all of that said, the Frigidaire FFAD2233W1 is a great dehumidifier for large spaces with high humidity levels. It can continuously draw the moisture out and requires little maintenance.

Based on Our Tests

I liked how well the Frigidaire drained water from the air in large spaces during my review. The digital LCD panel also worked well during testing and it made it controlling the dehumidifier easier. The compact design also meant I could readily move the dehumidifier and place it in tight spots.

Best for Larger Living Spaces — Waykar 4,500 Sq. Ft. 

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Highlights

  • adjustable fan speed and LED lighting for improved convenience at night;
  • powerful enough to deal with extra-humid environments in larger spaces;
  • multiple safety features for your peace of mind.

Another Waykar dehumidifier I want to introduce to you belongs to a more powerful category. This is one of the best dehumidifiers in Canada that can operate in larger households without compromising its performance. I was testing this Waykar dehumidifier in my old basement and was surprised with the results. Only after a couple of days, that moldy, musty scent disappeared completely.

Another cool feature you might appreciate as much as I did is the automatic humidity. You can set your Waykar to the desired humidity level, and the device will keep it that way. Even when the humidity in the room changes, the Waykar can measure it and works as much as needed to achieve the desired level. I was testing this feature during a very moody week (weather-wise) when it was raining on and off. The Waykar adapted to the changing humidity levels and kept the environment in my living room stable and comfortable.

Based on Our Tests

This dehumidifier felt very intuitive during testing and I discovered I could play around with several useful settings such as the automatic humidity which helped maintain my preferred humidity level.  I reviewed the Waykar humidifier in a large room and the results were more than impressive.

Best Dehumidifier for Basement - Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier 

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Highlights

  • Small 20-pint capacity and portable design great for use in the basement
  • Smart control system that works with Alexa for ease of operation
  • No bucket operation for continuous draining

The Midea Cube 20 ping dehumidifier is an economical solution for basements up to 1,500 square feet. The outstanding feature of the Midea Cube compact dehumidifier, which I like, is its small size when not in use. 

The 13.5-inch cube will fit in a variety of small spaces. In use, the compressor unit sits on top of the bucket and is 27" high. This allows the bucket to be a surprisingly large 4.2 gallon, so it can be left unattended for long periods of time. For those needing full-time use, the top unit could sit on the side of a sink and drain continuously using the supplied hose.

The Midea Cube dehumidifier has a smartphone app that offers real-time monitoring of humidity and water levels with an alert system . There's also the possibility of voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant, which makes its operation easy to handle.

Based on Our Tests

Having tested the 20 pint dehumidifier, I found that it is quiet, easy to use and set up. Within two to three days, the dehumidifier brought the home humidity level down and significantly decreased condensation.

Best for Any Room — Midea Cube 35 Pint Dehumidifier

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Highlights

  • Works exceptionally well in low-temperature basements or any space indoors
  • Exceptional energy efficiency (EnergyStar label) for an overall lower cost of operation
  • Maximum noise level of 49.5 decibels for an extremely quiet basement

For those looking for a larger dehumidifier for around the same price of the Midea 20-pint model, the Midea 35-pint dehumidifier is a great option. It's 15 pints larger and has an extra 1,500 square feet capacity compared to the previous device. It is, therefore, ideal for big basements, medium to large-sized bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. 

Basements are considered a little colder than other areas of the home. Moisture extraction is much more difficult at low temperatures; therefore, homeowners will need to add more airflow to their dehumidifiers to be faster and more efficient.

Midea engineers managed to create an efficient 35-pint dehumidifier with a peak airflow volume of 430 m³ per hour and sound levels below 50dB (the maximum is 49dB, to be precise). All these translate to dehumidification efficiency for the basement while running efficiently

Based on Our Tests

I noticed that the Midea Cube 35-pint dehumidifier could drain more moisture from the air than the 20-pint model and I could use this model in larger spaces effectively. I also liked how quiet this machine worked during testing.

Best for Small Spaces — Ivation

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Highlights

  • desiccant design for improved efficiency;
  • super compact and space-saving, ideal for smaller spaces;
  • continuous drainage available to eliminate the need to empty the water reservoir.

The next item on our list of the best dehumidifiers in Canada is this little guy by Ivation. It is arguably the best portable dehumidifier in Canada. So, If you’re looking for something compact or want to target a specific area in your home (and don’t wish to overspend), the Ivation might be just the right pick. I used it in my kitchen after I started noticing mold growing on the tiles and the seams. Luckily enough, the Ivation managed to keep the humidity in my kitchen low. And yes, the mold did not reappear after that.

Another aspect that impressed me was the extra drainage option. This dehumidifier comes with a connection hose, so you can use continuous drainage and forget about emptying the water reservoir. This would come in handy in extra-humid spaces. Additionally, this feature can help save you some time. After all, the Ivation is rather compact. Therefore, you might have to remove the water reservoir too often if you don’t use the connection hose.

Based on Our Tests

During my tests, the Ivation dehumidifier performed effectively in small spaces to keep humidity levels at a minimum. I also liked the connection hose drainage option which helped drain water without needing to empty the water reserve.

Main Dehumidifier Types: Pros and Cons of Each Type Explained

When searching for a good dehumidifier in Canada, you’ll come across three major types:

  • compressor-based;
  • thermo-electric;
  • desiccant.

Main Dehumidifier Types

Let’s see what you can expect from each type.

Compressor-Based Dehumidifiers

Also known as refrigerant dehumidifiers, these are equipped with a compressor. As the air passes through the dehumidifier, it first goes into the filter system and then over cold coils (similar to those that can be found in fridges). The moisture present in the air condenses while passing over the coils and then drips into a tank inside the unit. Then the air is reheated to the room temperature and released back into the room.

Compressor-based dehumidifiers are the most common option you can find because of their advantages:

  • Extraction of large amounts of water from the air. We’re speaking about a gallon per day here, which is pretty impressive.
  • Good effectiveness in warm conditions. Refrigerant dehumidifiers are generally recommended for use in temperatures above 15-20°C.
  • Energy-efficiency. Compressor dehumidifiers consume less energy per hour than other types, so they’re cheaper to run.

However, this type of dehumidifier also comes with certain limitations:

  • Large weight and bulkiness. Since refrigerant dehumidifiers work with large amounts of moisture, they are heavier and bigger than other types, with a minimum weight being 10 kg. Keep this in mind if you plan to move the unit between rooms.
  • High noise levels. A compressor is the loudest part of the unit, and it can produce noise over 40 dB. So, if you’re looking for a dehumidifier for your bedroom, it’s better to choose other types.
  • Inability to work in cold climates. The compressor dehumidifier needs to be colder than the surrounding air in order to condense moisture on its coils. So, if you live in a colder climate (with an average temperature below 15°C), the refrigerant type might not be an option, as it will spend half of the time defrosting its coils, which will reduce the overall efficiency.

Thermoelectric Dehumidifiers

These are also known under the name Peltier dehumidifiers because their work is based on the Peltier effect. 

The Peltier effect is when an electric current passes through a circuit of a thermocouple and heat is produced at one junction and absorbed at the other one.

Here’s how this phenomenon is implemented in dehumidifiers:

The electricity runs through a Peltier element (or Peltier module) in a dehumidifier, creating a temperature difference on its ends — one end of the module is cold and the other is hot.

The air is first drawn to the hot end and warmed up. Then, a fan pushes it further to the cold end of the module, thus causing dehumidification. The condensate collects on the cold side of the module and drips into the tank, and the process repeats.

Now, let’s talk about the features of such humidifiers:

  • Quiet operation. Since the Peltier dehumidifier doesn’t use any compressors — only a small fan — it’s much quieter than compressor-based dehumidifiers.
  • More durable than other types. The only thing that moves, and hence, can possibly break in the Peltier unit is a fan.
  • Little maintenance. The only things you need to do is discard the moisture in the tank and change filters from time to time, which takes just a couple of minutes.

Also, thermoelectric dehumidifiers may have a promising potential in situations where both lower power use and more compact design are required. Plus, they can control humidity more precisely due to adjustable input power (1).

However, Peltier units aren’t perfect, and here are some limitations they come with:

  • They are useless in extreme temperatures. Too cold or too hot air typically has very high humidity and Peltier units — even modern ones — typically don’t have enough power to deal with humidity levels above 70%.
  • They have limited capacity. The most spacious tank you can find in thermoelectric dehumidifiers is about… 1,500 ml. That’s a lot smaller than what other types can offer.

Overall, thermoelectric dehumidifiers typically are most effective in spaces of up to 25 sq.m. In larger rooms, their work may become unnoticeable, so you may want to consider other types for larger rooms and houses.

Also read: Best Portable Air Conditioners in Canada

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Finally, there are desiccant dehumidifiers.

And in my opinion, they’re the absolute best.

See for yourself:

These units work through the adsorption process, meaning they use a chemical agent (desiccant) to remove the moisture from the air. 

Don’t worry, though!

These chemicals are perfectly safe. They are similar to silica sachets you can find in your shoe boxes.

The unit features a rotating drum made of sheets soaked in the desiccant, and they absorb the water from the air. The water then condenses and drips into the tank, while the heater warms up the air and releases it back into the room.

So, what makes these dehumidifiers good?

  • Round-the-year use. Desiccant dehumidifiers don’t need to cool the air before extracting the moisture from it, which makes them good for sub-zero conditions (2).
  • No noise. The drum rotates very quietly while working, and the only potential noise you may hear is the hissing of the released air.
  • Suitability for chilly rooms. The desiccant dehumidifier can warm the air up to 5 degrees, which makes it a good choice for colder regions.
  • Good durability. Desiccant dehumidifiers don’t feature any high-maintenance parts like compressors, which makes their lifespan longer.

So, what could possibly go wrong with these units, you may ask? They’re almost perfect.

Well, almost.

Since these dehumidifiers heat the outlet air significantly, they might be not a good pick for you if your summer temperatures are high. In this case, it’s better to use a compressor-based unit that can maintain the same ambient temperature or even cool the air down a bit.

Also, desiccant dehumidifiers are generally more expensive than other types, so determine your budget first and see if you want to spend extra.

Other Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Dehumidifier

Once you have determined the dehumidifier type you want, let’s make your choice of the top-rated dehumidifier in Canada more refined by considering other essential features:

  • Capacity. The capacity of a dehumidifier is basically the amount of water it can collect at the end of the day. This is usually between the range of 20 pints (10 liters) to 70pints (30 liters) for the different kinds of humidifiers. While choosing based on capacity, you may unknowingly be choosing the size of the dehumidifier. So as not to end up with a cumbersome dehumidifier, it is important to be able to strike a balance between the dehumidifier’s capacity and your room size.

As a rule of thumb, to get the right capacity for your space, a 10-pint capacity dehumidifier goes for 500 square feet of space while it is recommended to add an extra 4 pints for clearance. If the space is more humid than average, then a 12-pint capacity for every 500 square feet is recommended while the extra 4 pints is constant. For example, a 2500 square feet space will need a 54-pint capacity dehumidifier. This way, you end up with the right size and capacity for your space.

  • Energy efficiency. All types of dehumidifiers are pretty equal in terms of energy efficiency. However, if you need something powerful for an overly humid room, you may choose something less energy-saving, such as a compressor unit. Desiccant dehumidifiers offer a stable performance all year round, but you may need to pair them with an AC unit to cool down the air, which defeats the purpose of energy-saving. Dehumidifiers that are ENERGY STAR Certified will be more energy-efficient on average.
  • Auto-defrost feature. If you go with a compressor unit and plan to use it throughout the year, the auto-defrosting feature is a must. It will protect your dehumidifier from damage and help maintain stable efficiency.
  • Hose connection. A hose connection can be used to set up a continuous water drain. It could be helpful in extra-humid environments by eliminating the need to empty the water tank multiple times a day.
  • Auto-restart. This feature may come in handy in areas with frequent blackouts. In this case, the dehumidifier will turn back on automatically when there’s a power outage to maintain stable results.
  • Noise levels.  Most dehumidifiers can go up to 50 dB (most fridges, for example, reach 30-40 dB). It might be enough to annoy some users, especially when trying to sleep or, let’s say, watch TV. That’s why it might be a good idea to read other shoppers’ reviews before placing the order. Checking what others have to say about the potential noise levels can help shoppers decide whether they could accept the noise or not.

Also, you want to look for features that will make your dehumidifier easier to use, such as auto shut-off, light indicators, mobile design, washable filters, easy-to-empty bucket, programmable timer, etc. 

Quick tip:

You Should Consider When Choosing a Dehumidifier

You can ease your choice of a dehumidifier if you refer to the table provided by Natural Resources Canada (3). It will help you choose the right capacity based on your room area and the level of humidity.

F.A.Q.

What should I set my dehumidifier to in the summer?

The optimal level of humidity is between 30% and 55% throughout the year. During summer months the air is usually more humid since you don’t use heaters, so it’s better to keep the humidity level at 35-40%.

What should I set my dehumidifier to in the winter?

45-55% is a good humidity setting during cold months. Heat sources usually make the room air drier, so it’s best to set a higher humidity level.

How quickly should a dehumidifier fill up?

A typical refrigerant dehumidifier should remove between 30% and 40% of their capacity rating for 55% relative humidity at around 20°C, and these numbers will vary depending on the tank capacity and climate in your home region. Note that the device will always fill up more quickly during the first run.

How to dispose of an old dehumidifier?

The best way to dispose of your old dehumidifier is to contact your local department of sanitation office or household hazardous waste facility and schedule an appointment for your device to be picked up and removed.

Conclusion

The microclimate in the house is important not only for your renovation works but also for your health. And a dehumidifier can help you achieve the right humidity and improve air quality so that you could breathe more easily.

All the models presented to you above work for different occasions, so be sure to check them thoroughly before making your final choice.

As for me, I’d go with the Frigidaire FFAD2233W1 dehumidifier. The things I liked the most are its capacity and the drain system that excludes your participation in discarding the water and allows you to run the unit continuously.

And what about you? Which model among these could be your go-to choice and why? Share your thoughts below!

References

  1. Wang Huajun, Qi Chengying (2010, May). Experimental study of operation performance of a low power thermoelectric cooling dehumidifier. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/44024843_Experimental_study_of_operation_performance_of_a_low_power_thermoelectric_cooling_dehumidifier
  2. Nina Holmberg, (2009, May 14). How Dehumidifiers Work. Retrieved from https://home.howstuffworks.com/dehumidifier1.htm
  3. Natural Resources Canada (2020, February 17). Retrieved from https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-products/product-information/heating-equipment-residential-us/dehumidifiers/13989

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