Whether you need a small space dehumidifier for a closet or the best room dehumidifier for a home office, "small dehumidifier" covers two very different things, and the right dehumidifier for room use depends on which one you need. A compact compressor dehumidifier (20 to 35 pints a day) is a smaller version of a basement unit and really dries a room. A mini dehumidifier is usually a thermoelectric (Peltier) box that removes ounces, not pints, a day. Both have a place, but they are not interchangeable.
Small dehumidifiers compared
| Pick | Capacity | Coverage | Pump | Noise | ENERGY STAR | Price tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best small overall Midea Cube 20 | 20 pints/day (DOE) | Up to 1,500 sq ft (maker claim); Sylvane suggests about 300 sq ft | No | Not published by Midea for this SKU | Yes | $$$ | Check price |
| Best small room dehumidifier Midea 22 | 22 pints/day (DOE) | Up to 1,500 sq ft (Amazon listing) | No | Not published | Yes | $$ | Check price |
| Best value compact Frigidaire 22 (Wi-Fi) | 22 pints/day (DOE) | Not stated | No | Not published | Yes | $$ | Check price |
| Best 30 pint (old rating) Hisense 25 | 25 pints/day (DOE) | 700 to 1,500 sq ft (sources differ) | No | Not published | Not stated | $$ | Check price |
| Most efficient small AlorAir Helios D35 | 24 pints/day (DOE) | Up to 1,000 sq ft (Amazon listing) | No | Not published | Yes | $$$ | Check price |
| Best compact 35 pint Midea Cube 35 | 35 pints/day (DOE) | Up to 3,500 sq ft (maker claim) | No | Not published | Yes | $$$ | Check price |
| Best mini dehumidifier Tenergy Sorbi | See notes | Up to 200 sq ft (maker) | No | Not published | No | $$ | Check price |
| Best for closets Eva-Dry E-500 | See notes | Spaces up to 500 cubic feet | No | Silent (no fan or compressor) | No | $ | Check price |
| Pro Breeze mini dehumidifier Pro Breeze mini | See notes | Listings claim 150 to 215 sq ft | No | Quiet fan only; no compressor | No | $ | Check price |
Mini (Peltier) vs compact compressor
| Mini thermoelectric | Compact compressor | |
|---|---|---|
| Water removed | Ounces a day (Pro Breeze: about 9 oz in independent tests) | 20 to 35 pints a day (DOE rating) |
| Room size | Closets, bathrooms, up to about 200 sq ft | Bedrooms, offices, small apartments |
| Noise | Fan only | Compressor hum |
| Works when cool | Poorly | Poorly below about 65F |
| ENERGY STAR | No | Many models certified |
Best compact dehumidifier
Midea Cube 20 Pint Smart Dehumidifier
The Cube 20 packs a certified 20.16 pints a day and a 3.2 gallon expanding bucket into a small footprint, and folds down for storage. That makes it our best compact dehumidifier and best small room dehumidifier overall.
| Model number | MAD20S1QWT |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 20 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 1,500 sq ft (maker claim); Sylvane suggests about 300 sq ft |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published by Midea for this SKU |
| Bucket / capacity | 3.2 gal (12 L) expandable bucket, per the user manual |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (Sylvane listing) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 20.16 pints/day, IEF 1.70 L/kWh, about 249 kWh/yr (record for MAD20S1QWT) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- Big bucket, small body
- Wi-Fi
- ENERGY STAR
Cons
- No pump
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Midea US product page MAD20S1QWT; Sylvane listing (suggested room size, warranty); User manual (capacity, tank); ENERGY STAR certified product record (MAD20S1QWT).
Best small room dehumidifier
Midea 22 Pint Smart Dehumidifier
The Midea 22 pint is a conventional small room dehumidifier: 22.31 pints a day, Wi-Fi, continuous drain.
| Model number | MAD22C1AWS |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 22 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 1,500 sq ft (Amazon listing) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| Drain | Bucket or continuous drain hose (Amazon listing) |
| App | Wi-Fi, works with Alexa (Amazon listing) |
| Sibling model | MAD22S1WWT, sold elsewhere, has the identical ENERGY STAR result |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 22.31 pints/day, IEF 1.70 L/kWh, about 278 kWh/yr (record for MAD22C1AWS) |
| Price tier | Value (about $100 to $200) |
Pros
- App
- Efficient
Cons
- Standard bucket
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Amazon listing B07NRDBBH5 (Item model number MAD22C1AWS); Midea US product page MAD22S1WWT (sibling); Walmart listing MAD22S1WWT; ENERGY STAR certified product record (MAD22C1AWS).
Best value compact
Frigidaire 22 Pint ENERGY STAR Dehumidifier with Wi-Fi
The Frigidaire FHDD2234W1 is a dependable 22 pint certified unit with Wi-Fi and continuous drain.
| Model number | FHDD2234W1 |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 22 pints/day |
| Coverage | Not stated by maker |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| Low-temperature operation | Down to 41F (Amazon listing) |
| Bucket / capacity | 1.7 gal (Amazon listing) |
| App | Frigidaire app, Amazon Alexa and Google Home (Amazon listing) |
| Drain | Bucket or continuous drain hose |
| Filter | Washable, with clean-filter alert |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 22.57 pints/day, IEF 1.70 L/kWh, about 283 kWh/yr (record for FHDD2234W1) |
| Price tier | Value (about $100 to $200) |
Pros
- Continuous drain
- Wi-Fi
- ENERGY STAR
Cons
- Standard bucket
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Amazon listing B0DFZHBSZX (Model Name FHDD2234W1); ENERGY STAR certified product record (FHDD2234W1).
Best 30 pint dehumidifier
Hisense 25 Pint (30 Pint pre-2019) Dehumidifier
Looking for a 30 pint dehumidifier? Under today's labels, that class is sold as about 20 to 25 pints (see the chart below). The Hisense DH3020K1W was a 30 pint model on the old test and is rated 25 pints now. It is basic, with one fan speed and a 1 gallon bucket, and it is the cheapest compressor unit here.
| Model number | DH3020K1W |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 25 pints/day |
| Coverage | 700 to 1,500 sq ft (sources differ) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Not stated |
| Noise | Not published |
| Bucket / capacity | 1 gal bucket |
| Old (pre-2019) rating | 30 pints/day |
| Fan speeds | 1 |
| Price tier | Value (about $100 to $200) |
Pros
- Low price tier
- Real compressor
Cons
- Small bucket
- 1 speed
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Hisense USA product page; Hisense Canada product page.
Most efficient small dehumidifier
AlorAir Helios D35 Portable Dehumidifier
The AlorAir Helios D35 meets ENERGY STAR's Most Efficient criteria at 24 pints a day and 1.95 L/kWh, well above the 1.70 typical of its size class.
Heads up: Amazon lists it as a 70 pint (saturation-condition) crawl space unit with a drain hose; its ENERGY STAR DOE-test rating is 24 pints/day.
| Model number | Helios D35 |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (crawl space / basement, low temp) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 24 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 1,000 sq ft (Amazon listing) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| Warranty | 6-year limited (Amazon listing) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 24.0 pints/day, IEF 1.95 L/kWh, about 274 kWh/yr; meets ENERGY STAR Most Efficient (record for Helios D35) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- Most Efficient certified
Cons
- Few published specs
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Amazon listing B0F5Q4VJY3 (Model Name: Helios D35); ENERGY STAR certified product record (Helios D35).
Best compact 35 pint
Midea Cube 35 Pint Dehumidifier
When a 20 pint unit is not enough but you still want something compact, the Cube 35 (35.82 pints, 2.01 L/kWh) is the next step.
| Model number | MAD35S1QWT (white) / MAD35S1QGR (gray) |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 35 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 3,500 sq ft (maker claim) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| Weight | 39.62 lb (retailer listing) |
| Warranty | 1 year (retailer listing) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 35.82 pints/day, IEF 2.01 L/kWh, about 378 kWh/yr (record for MAD35S1QWT-A) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- More capacity
- Efficient
Cons
- Larger
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Midea US product page MAD35S1QWT; Electronic Express listing MAD35S1QWT; ENERGY STAR certified product record (MAD35S1QWT-A).
Best mini dehumidifier
Tenergy Sorbi Dehumidifier with HEPA Air Purifier
The best mini dehumidifier for a powder room or closet-sized space is one that is honest about capacity. Tenergy rates the Sorbi at about 25 oz a day at 86F and 80% humidity, for up to 200 sq ft, and adds a HEPA filter.
| Model number | Sorbi 1000ml |
|---|---|
| Type | Thermoelectric dehumidifier + HEPA purifier combo |
| Coverage | Up to 200 sq ft (maker) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | No |
| Noise | Not published |
| Bucket / capacity | 1 L removable tank |
| Water removal | 750 ml/day (about 25 oz) at 86F and 80% humidity (maker) |
| Filter | Maker claims a True HEPA filter (99.97%) |
| Price tier | Value (about $100 to $200) |
Pros
- Mini with HEPA
- Quieter
Cons
- Ounces, not pints
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Tenergy product page.
Best for closets
Eva-Dry E-500 High Capacity Renewable Dehumidifier
For closets and cabinets, the Eva-Dry E-500 covers up to 500 cubic feet with no cord and no noise.
| Model number | E-500 |
|---|---|
| Type | Renewable desiccant (cordless) |
| Coverage | Spaces up to 500 cubic feet |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | No |
| Noise | Silent (no fan or compressor) |
| Bucket / capacity | Absorbs about 6 to 8 oz before renewing (retailer listing) |
| Time between renewals | About 30 to 60 days, depending on humidity (retailer listing) |
| Size | About 8 x 2.25 x 5.25 in |
| Price tier | Budget (under about $100) |
Pros
- Silent
- Reusable
Cons
- Closet-sized
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Zoro listing E-500 (500 cu ft); SupplyHog listing (30 to 60 days); BuyDig listing (6 to 8 oz).
Pro Breeze mini dehumidifier
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier
The Pro Breeze mini dehumidifier is one of the most common budget minis. Independent reviewers report about 9 oz a day, so use it for a closet or very small room only.
| Model number | PB-02-US |
|---|---|
| Type | Thermoelectric (Peltier) mini |
| Coverage | Listings claim 150 to 215 sq ft |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | No |
| Noise | Quiet fan only; no compressor |
| Bucket / capacity | About 16 oz |
| Real-world removal | About 9 oz/day (Top Ten Reviews and RTINGS); RTINGS rates its dehumidification very low |
| Technology | Thermoelectric (Peltier), no compressor |
| Price tier | Budget (under about $100) |
Pros
- Cheap
Cons
- Very low capacity
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): RTINGS review PB-02; Top Ten Reviews PB-02-US; Maker manual.
Best dehumidifier for kitchen
Kitchens produce moisture in bursts (boiling, dishwashing). A range hood vented outside is the main fix. If the kitchen stays damp, a 20 to 22 pint unit like the Midea Cube 20 placed away from the stove and sink handles it; a mini is too small for real cooking steam.
Do mini dehumidifiers actually work?
They work, in the sense that they remove some water, but much less than their box suggests. Independent testers measured about 9 oz a day from the Pro Breeze mini, and Tenergy's own rating for the Sorbi is about 25 oz a day in very humid, warm conditions. A 20 pint compressor unit removes roughly 320 oz. Use minis for closets, cabinets and small bathrooms, not for damp bedrooms or basements.
| Old rating (80F test, through 2019) | Approximate new rating (65F test, 2020 on) |
|---|---|
| 30 | 20 |
| 40 | 25 |
| 50 | 30 |
| 55 | 30 to 35 |
| 60 | 35 |
| 70 | 40 to 45 |
| 90 | 55 |
Source: ENERGY STAR, Dehumidifier Testing and Capacity, which calls this "a rough correlation" that varies by model. Some makers label their own conversions differently: Honeywell and Hisense, for example, market former 70-pint models as 50 pints under the 2019 standard.
Frequently asked questions
Do small dehumidifiers work?
What size room does a mini dehumidifier cover?
Is a 30 pint dehumidifier enough?
Sources
- ENERGY STAR: Dehumidifiers buying guidance and sizing chart
- ENERGY STAR: Dehumidifier testing and capacity
- ENERGY STAR Certified Dehumidifiers dataset (data.energystar.gov)