Interest in indoor growing has been steadily increasing among people of various ages, myself included. If you need a dehumidifier for your growing space, you can choose from various sizes and different features you may need based on the area of your grow room or tent and the levels of moisture inside. I’ve chosen eight different dehumidifiers for your specific needs.
Whether you’re doing it as a hobby or a source of income, growing plants inside a grow room or grow tent requires proper care and maintaining the perfect conditions. Humidity is essential in the growth and health of plants. It must be on the right level depending on the type of plant and stage of growth.
Different plants thrive in different environments. Low humidity can cause dryness in the air that can negatively affect the plants. On the other hand, high humidity encourages the growth of mold and mildew. These organisms can be harmful to plants and to your health. To solve moisture problems in your indoor growing system, a dehumidifier is a good investment.
Top Picks for the Best Dehumidifier for Grow Room and Grow Tent
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Editor's Choice  |
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Best Dehumidifier for Lower Temperatures  |
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Highest Dehumidifying Capacity  |
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Budget Pick  |
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1. Best Dehumidifier for Grow Rooms: hOmeLabs 50-pint Dehumidifier
My top pick for a medium to large grow room is this dehumidifier by hOmeLabs. It extracts up to 50 pints of moisture from the air within 4500 square feet. For smaller grow rooms, you may opt for the 22-pint or 35-pint unit, which covers 1500 square feet, and 3000 square feet, respectively. This Energy Star dehumidifier ensures you of great performance and high energy efficiency.
With its built-in humidistat and intelligent control panel, you can set a target humidity level from 35% to 85%. You may also set a timer at 0.5 hour increments up to 10 hours, at 1 hour increments up to 24 hours, or run it continuously for 24 hours until the 1.6 gallon tank is full. The Turbo mode increases fan speed from Normal Air at 165 cubic feet per minute (CFM) to High Air at 188 CFM for maximum moisture removal and odor reduction. It also features auto shut-off, auto restart, and auto defrost functions.
If the moisture level in your grow room is excessively high, you might need to empty the tank at least once or twice a day. Manual draining is guaranteed hassle-free with its design, but if you don’t have the time for that you can attach a garden hose into the outlet for continuous draining. Although, some users have noted some issues when using the drain outlet. They have also noted poor performance in temperatures below 55F. This is the best dehumidifier for you if your grow room is typically warm and humid.
Pros
- Energy Star certified
- High performance in ideal conditions
- Long lasting quality
- Continuous drain option
Cons
- Below average performance in low temperatures
2. Best Dehumidifier for Lower Temperatures: Frigidaire 50-pint Dehumidifier
The strongest contender for our top pick is this Frigidaire dehumidifier. The hOmeLabs model ultimately won for its cheaper price and higher user ratings. Frigidaire’s dehumidifier stands out for its exceptional performance even in temperatures as low as 41°F. It removes moisture up to 50 pints per day up to 4500 square feet. Like the hOmeLabs model, this is Energy Star certified for optimum power efficiency.
This unit has custom control and timer that allows you to set your preferred humidity level for a specific time. You can choose from three fan speeds: Low at 167 CFM, Med at 194 CFM, and High at 229 CFM. It also comes with an easy-to-access washable mesh filter that removes dust, bacteria, and allergens from the air.
The full tank indicator alerts you when you need to clean it. The auto shut-off feature automatically turns off your device when the 2-gallon water tank is nearly full. The full tank alert lights up when this happens. You can drain the water easily using the front loading bucket with a handle and splash guard. For Continuous Drain mode, just attach a standard garden hose into the drain outlet.
Frigidaire’s SpaceWise design includes caster wheels and side handles so you can transport it with ease between your rooms. Because it is specifically designed to operate in lower temperatures, it doesn’t feature the auto defrost mode which turns off the unit to prevent frost buildup.
The only negative comment users have is on the durability of this unit. For a more expensive device like this Frigidaire dehumidifier, you might expect better build quality. Either way, if you live in a place with really cold winters, this may be the wisest choice for you.
Pros
- Works well in low temperatures
- Energy Star certified
- Custom humidity control
- High performance
- SpaceWise design
- Continuous drain option
Cons
- Below average durability
- Higher price
3. Highest Dehumidifying Capacity: COLZER 70-pint Dehumidifier
This high-capacity dehumidifier by COLZER can remove up to 70 pints of moisture from the air in 24 hours. It is great for highly humid grow rooms up to 4000 square feet. You can see the current humidity level on the LED display and set your preferred level with the simple controls.
This smart dehumidifier stops automatically when the ambient humidity becomes lower than your setting, and restarts when it detects a higher level. Note that the set humidity needs to be lower than the current room humidity by at least 10% as the unit will not work otherwise.
The top display also includes the 24-hour timer and the button for fan speed where you can choose between fast and slow. This dehumidifier works in two modes: dehumidifying and drying laundry. You can access this on the control display as well. If you’re raising light sensitive plants, this unit has the added convenience of the lights off feature which turns off all the lights on the front and top display.
The compact structure of this unit reflects its small water reservoir. The measly 4.5-liter tank can fill up fast on a hot and humid summer day. This grow room dehumidifier has an audible and visible alert when the tank is full. Of course, not everyone has the time for manual draining two or three times a day. You may use the included 6.56-ft drain hose to allow for continuous drainage via gravity.
Like most modern units, this COLZER dehumidifier has the auto shut-off, auto restart, and auto defrost features. It also comes with a washable filter that you need to clean once or twice every month. It is not Energy Star certified like our top two picks, but it performs just as well in similar conditions.
Pros
- High dehumidifying capacity
- Easy-to-use intelligent controls
- Compact and portable design
- Continuous drain option with hose included
Cons
- Small tank capacity for its size
- Low energy efficiency
4. Budget Pick: Keystone KSTAD504D 50-Pint Dehumidifier
If you have a large space but you don’t want to splurge on a grow room dehumidifier, this Keystone unit is for you. It filters out up to 50 pints of moisture per day in an area as large as 4500 square feet. It is also one of the most energy efficient 50-pint dehumidifiers, rated as highly as the hOmeLabs and Frigidaire models and backed by an Energy Star certification.
The Keystone has a humidistat that can be set from 35% to 85% in 5% increments, and a timer that can be set for up to 24 hours. In continuous mode, it runs nonstop for 24 hours until the 1.6-gallon tank is full. While in automatic mode, it adjusts the room’s humidity level according to the set range pre-programmed by the manufacturer. It can drain continuously via gravity once a hose is attached. It also comes with a removable dust filter along with a filter indicator light.
The LED display and button controls look dated as opposed to our top picks. What the Keystone unit excels at is portability. It is noticeably smaller and lighter and designed with side handles and four caster wheels for easy movement. It’s not the best in terms of build quality, but with proper care and maintenance it should last as long as the top rated dehumidifiers in our list.
Pros
- Energy Star certified
- Above average performance
- Large coverage area
- Continuous draining option
Cons
- Below average durability
- Poor display quality
5. Best Dehumidifier for Medium Sized Spaces: Vremi 35-pint Dehumidifier
For a medium sized grow room or a highly humid grow tent, this Moisture Maniac dehumidifier by Vremi is the best you can find. It filters out up to 35 pints of moisture from the air within 3,000 square feet. It is essentially the same as the 50-pint unit except for the smaller tank capacity and coverage.
Like most of our top picks, Vremi is Energy Star certified. Standard features like auto shut-off, auto restart, and auto defrost functions are also present.
It features an easy-use control panel, an adjustable humidistat, and a Turbo mode for maximum moisture removal in your grow room or grow tent. This unit is comparatively lightweight for a 35-pint dehumidifier. It is built with wheels and side handles for easy movement.
You will have to manually empty the water tank a couple times a day if you opt to use the 1.6 gallon reservoir. There is a drain hose outlet for continuous draining but the hose is not included in the unit.
Users have also observed a loud buzzing noise coming from the compressor. This could be a deal breaker for you if you want an all-around dehumidifier for your home. But if you’re going to use this exclusively in your grow room away from your living space, then this may be one of the best choices in the market today.
Pros
- Energy Star certified
- Large coverage area
- Easy-to-use controls
- Continuous drain option
Cons
- Higher noise level than most dehumidifiers of the same size
6. Best Dehumidifier for Grow Tent: Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier
Grow tents come in different sizes, from 2×2 feet to 10×20 feet. Not everyone needs a 50-pint model. It may be more ideal to get a cheaper, compact dehumidifier like the Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier. It is perfect for any space within 250 square feet.
This powerful, compact device extracts up to 18 ounces (500 ml) of moisture and holds up to 52 ounces (1500 ml) in its tank. This means you only have to empty it at least every three days. It uses the whisper quiet Peltier technology and thermoelectric cooling, which makes it great even for a bedroom.
It is easy to operate with simple controls and just one button for the power switch. It also has the auto shut-off function for when the water tank is nearly full, as well as an LED indicator light that alerts you when this happens. Emptying the tank is also very convenient. Simply remove it from the dehumidifier, pull the plug out and drain the water.
The Pro Breeze only requires 20 Watts, which makes it one of the most power efficient dehumidifier units today. Lightweight and portable, you can easily place it anywhere in your tent. One downside is this mini dehumidifier is designed to work in warmer climates, at optimal operating temperatures from 59-86°F. It will not work below 41°F. For a grow tent with minimal moisture, this is one of the best mini dehumidifiers you can find.
Pros
- Small, lightweight, and portable
- Low energy consumption
- Whisper quiet operation
- User-friendly controls
Cons
- No continuous drain option
- Ideal for warmer climates
7. Best Dehumidifier for Grow Tent: Eva-Dry EDV 1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier
For a grow tent as small as 5×5 feet, this Eva-Dry EDV 1100 dehumidifier is a great choice. It uses the same thermoelectric cooling technology and comes in a smaller and more compact design. It works by passing the air through the Peltier element where the moisture condenses and forms water droplets.
This small but powerful dehumidifier for grow tent has a maximum moisture removal of 8 ounces (220 ml) per day. It can hold up to 16 ounces (450 ml) in its tank. This means you will need to empty it at least every two days. Similarly, it works best at temperatures between 41F and 86℉. It will not work below 41℉.
As you may have already guessed, the Eva-Dry EDV 1100 covers an area of up to 1,100 cubic feet. It is the ultimate budget option for those who need a reliable dehumidifier but are concerned about their energy consumption. It only draws 22 Watts, so you can leave it running all day and barely make a difference in your bills.
This unit also features auto shut-off to prevent water overflow, and an LED indicator light to warn you when the tank becomes full. Similar to the Pro Breeze, this sleek design comes with just one button for the power switch. It is incredibly easy to use and maintain. When the container is full, simply pull the water tank at the back, open the lid, and empty the water into your sink.
On the downside, this unit is not built for heavy-duty use. Most Peltier dehumidifiers are designed to work under average conditions for shorter periods. Their optimal operating temperatures are usually from 65°F to 86°F. But for a small room with minimal moisture, the Eva-Dry is one of the best mini dehumidifiers you can find.
Pros
- Small, lightweight, and portable
- Low energy consumption
- Whisper quiet operation
- User-friendly controls
Cons
- No continuous drain option
- Ideal for warmer climates
Although compressor-based models are considered the “normal” dehumidifiers, not all spaces even need one. For small rooms, basements, and even campers or boats, it is more ideal to use a cheaper and more compact dehumidifier like the.
The Eva-Dry has the auto shut-off function to prevent any spills when the water tank is full. The LED indicator on the front lights up when this happens. Emptying the tank is not a difficult task. Just slide it out from the dehumidifier, remove the cover, then drain the water.
Like most mini dehumidifiers, the EDV-1100 uses the whisper-quiet Peltier technology or thermoelectric cooling, which makes it a perfect choice even for a bedroom. It is also extremely easy to operate with just a single button for the power switch.
Pros
- Small, lightweight, and portable
- Low energy consumption
- Whisper quiet operation
- Easy to use
Cons
- Very limited operating temperature range
- Light-duty components may need repair or replacement
8. Best Dehumidifier for Grow Box: Eva-Dry E-333 Wireless Mini Dehumidifier
For a single plant pot, a simple grow box may be enough. As small as it is, a grow box may accumulate moisture inside, causing mold, mildew, or bud rot. To prevent humidity issues, it is important to find the right dehumidifier for your grow box. The smallest and most portable dehumidifier on our list, the Eva-Dry E-333 Dehumidifier is as efficient as it is compact.
It is a desiccant dehumidifier which uses silica gel beads to absorb moisture from the air and lower the humidity level. The silica gel changes color from orange to green once they have reached maximum capacity. This usually happens in 20 to 30 days.
It is light and portable and can fit any grow box, closet, safe, or cabinet. You can even use it in other small spaces in your house that need dehumidifying, such as your kitchen, bathroom, or garage. As the name suggests, it can protect an area of up to 333 cubic feet.
Completely safe and environment-friendly, this Eva-Dry wireless dehumidifier doesn’t require batteries or electricity in order to operate. It contains non-toxic crystallized beads and is 100% leak-free, safe around children and pets. You can reuse these beads for up to ten years. When the silica gel beads have absorbed 4 to 6 ounces of moisture, just plug the unit into the wall socket to dry out. This process can take about eight to ten hours. Some may find this inconvenient, so if you want you can look for other renewable dehumidifiers you can charge in the oven instead.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Requires no batteries or cords
- Renewable and eco-friendly
Cons
- Small capacity
- Can take a while to recharge
Features to Consider When Buying a Dehumidifier for Grow Room
After researching, I’ve found that different dehumidifiers work best in different environments. The best dehumidifier for indoor growing depends mainly on the type of space you have, as well as its size and atmospheric conditions. To optimize the performance of your dehumidifier and maintain the perfect conditions for your plants, I highly recommend that you look at the following specifications before you make a purchase.
Dehumidifying Capacity
One of the most important things to consider before buying a dehumidifier is the maximum amount of moisture that it can remove from the air in 24 hours. In tropical climates, you may need a device with a higher dehumidifying capacity. Thirty or 50-pint capacity is commonly found in compressor types, the standard home dehumidifiers.
Higher capacity usually means larger coverage area. If you have a small grow room or tent with average humidity, a portable mini model may be enough. The smallest models can capture up to 9 ounces per day while the bigger ones can take 18 ounces or more. For even smaller grow tents or grow boxes where moisture issues aren’t that severe, you can opt for renewable mini dehumidifiers. They usually absorb at least 4 ounces of moisture before they need to be recharged.
Coverage
The area of your grow room plays a huge role in how efficient your dehumidifier will be. Standard 30- to 50-pint units can cover anywhere between 1500 and 4500 square feet. For smaller areas, all compressor units we featured have a 22-pint version with a smaller coverage.
Portable electric models can cover anywhere from 150 to 450 square feet. Meanwhile, renewable dehumidifiers are designed for tightly enclosed spaces like a box, closet, or safe.
Water Tank Capacity
If you do not have the time to check the water tank and manually drain it every day, you may choose a dehumidifier with a bigger capacity. For example, a device that extracts 9 ounces a day can fill a 16-ounce tank in about two days. Note that a larger reservoir also takes up a bigger space. However, if you get a unit with a continuous draining option, then you can just leave it in your bathroom to work all day and night.
Drainage
Water is collected in the built-in tank for manual emptying. For portable dehumidifiers, this is enough to last a day or two, depending on the humidity level and the unit’s dehumidification performance. Some portable models come with a large capacity of up to 4 pints.
Larger compressor models, however, give you an option to continuously drain the moisture collected. You won’t need to check the water level and drain it by hand. Just attach the appropriate hose onto the outlet, then place the device above a low-level drain or direct the hose into the drain or sink, and let gravity do the work for you.
Portability
To save in costs, you may look for a dehumidifier you can use in different parts of your house. For easy movement, you want a unit as small and compact as you can get. Modern dehumidifiers are built with wheels and handles for added portability. For smaller grow rooms or grow tents, a portable mini model may be enough.
Humidistat
Built-in sensors make it extra convenient to keep track of the temperature and humidity in any of your rooms. Most top-rated units have this feature and more. Your dehumidifier will shut off automatically until optimum humidity is reached, thus reducing your energy consumption. If you want to keep your rooms at a specific humidity level at all times, you may want to look for a dehumidifier that gives you accurate real-time readouts.
Low temperature setting
Most modern dehumidifiers have the auto defrost function to prevent frost build-up inside the machine when the temperature reaches near freezing point. When it senses low temperature the unit shuts off automatically to melt the frost, and starts back up again.
The standard compressor dehumidifier can continue to operate at temperatures as low as 41F. Some are specially designed to run at even colder conditions. Particularly, the Frigidaire doesn’t need the auto defrost function since it is designed for low temperature operation. Additionally, mini dehumidifiers are best for highly humid small spaces, while desiccant models are especially known to have the ability to operate in temperatures even as low as 33F.
Other Features
An easy-to-use control panel with a stylish modern design is definitely a plus for us. All models we listed include the auto shut-off feature to prevent spills. You may find it useful to have indicator lights for when the tank is full or when you need to wash the filter. Also consider the different fan speeds and operation modes that each model offers.
Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
In my experience, it can be hard to tell when your crops are suffering from high humidity levels until it’s too late. However, after a few mistakes, there are some signs you’ll learn to watch out for. White fuzzy mold or powdery mildew on the leaves or stem indicates high humidity. These fungi directly affect photosynthesis. It prevents your plants from absorbing water, light, and air through their leaves.
In particular, bud rot is a type of mold that develops inside cannabis buds. It can be hard to spot and eliminate. Once an area of your indoor garden is infected, there is a high possibility that it spreads to the rest of your crops. When you see pests such as aphids, ants, caterpillars, or spider mites, that may also mean you have excess moisture.
Another sure sign you have a humidity problem is when you find puddles of water in your grow room. Stagnant water can damage your plants and make your soil more hospitable to unwanted organisms. Make sure not to over water and drain any excess.
Where to Place Dehumidifier in a Grow Room or Tent
Ideally, you want to place your dehumidifier where it can cover the entire grow area and address your humidity problems at its main source. It is also best to place it as close to the power supply as possible, and at a distance from your plants. If you have a grow light, the dehumidifier may be placed next to it.
It depends on the size of your grow area and the capacity of your dehumidifier. To be sure that moisture has no way of causing problems, you want your dehumidifier where you can easily access it to see if it’s working correctly. You want to be able to check the water levels and remove the tank without any trouble. If you have a drain outlet or sink nearby, you may use the continuous drain option available in bigger models.
Calculating the Size of Dehumidifier You Need
It is absolutely essential that you find the right size of dehumidifier for your needs. This can mean the physical dimensions of the device or the amount of space it can dehumidify. If you have a grow room converted from a spareroom, the size may be irregular as opposed to grow tents that come in standard sizes of 4×4, 5×5, etc.
For grow tents in 5×5 size or smaller, a mini dehumidifier like the Pro Breeze may be more than enough. If your humidity problem isn’t that serious, the brand has a smaller unit than the one we featured. For a 3×3 or 2×2 tent, you may use a mini desiccant dehumidifier like the Eva-Dry E-333 or its larger version, the E-500. It’s always best to get the larger or more powerful unit than you think you need.
How to Lower the Humidity in Your Grow Room or Tent
Besides using the best dehumidifier for your grow room, there are a few other ways you can prevent excessive moisture and maintain optimum humidity levels at any growth stage of your crops. First is by ensuring it is properly insulated. Insulation maximizes the energy efficiency of your electrical units and helps maintain ideal temperatures during extreme weather conditions.
Plants naturally produce moisture as a part of the photosynthetic process. To prevent excess moisture from accumulating into water, avoid over watering and always drain any stagnant water in the area.Healthy crops need proper care through every stage of growth. It is important to control the humidity levels in your grow area. If moisture is too low, the roots have to work extra harder to take the water it needs. If moisture in the air is high, the plant drinks water through the leaves and reduces the work for its roots. This also means it takes less of the nutrients in the soil.
High humidity can bring a variety of problems in the grow room. Depending on the size of your grow area, its current conditions, and the requirements of your plants, there is a dehumidifier that is just right for you.
It’s also best to increase ventilation inside your room or tent. If possible, install a fan or air conditioner in combination with your dehumidifier. If there is a grow light, ensure that the heat is just right or use it only during the coolest time of day. Also put enough space between your plants.
