Dehumidifiers come in a wide variety of sizes. If you need something compact and portable, then a Peltier dehumidifier might work for you. They use a method of dehumidification based on the Peltier Effect or thermoelectric cooling, hence the name Peltier or also called thermoelectric dehumidifiers.
The main difference from the more common compressor models is their size and coverage. It’s important to consider the size of your space and the levels of humidity, or your dehumidifier may not be effective.
Peltier dehumidifiers do not remove as much moisture as the more common refrigerant type dehumidifiers, or even some desiccant dehumidifiers. However, Peltier dehumidifiers are still popular with some users for their whisper quiet operation and inexpensive price.
So, if you don’t have extremely high levels of humidity and you need a small and quiet dehumidifier for a small bedroom bedroom, or something light and portable for your small RV or motorhome, then keep reading to see if a Peltier could be the best dehumidifier for you.
Best Peltier Dehumidifiers Comparison Chart
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Peltier Dehumidifier Reviews
Pro Breeze Mid-Size Dehumidifier
When talking about Peltier dehumidifiers, you can’t leave out the Pro Breeze. This small yet powerful portable dehumidifier extracts up to 18 ounces (500 ml) of excess moisture with a water tank capacity of 52 ounces (1500 ml). This means you only have to empty it at least every two days. It is perfect for any space up to 250 square feet. This smaller Pro-Breeze unit is probably the best-selling Peltier dehumidifier today.
The sleek design comes with a single button for the on and off switch that is found on top. It is also equipped with the auto shut-off feature for when the water tank is almost full, along with an LED indicator light that alerts you when this happens. Emptying the tank is also made hassle-free by the simple design. Slide the tank along the front of the dehumidifier, pull the plug out, then drain the water into the sink or drain.
Gurin Mini Dehumidifier
If you want something cheaper and smaller, another great brand of Peltier dehumidifier is Gurin. It can remove up to 8 oz (240ml) of excess moisture and its tank can hold 16 oz (480 ml). This Gurin thermo electric dehumidifier is ideal for spaces within 1100 cubic feet or around 100 square feet.
This small dehumidifier also features the standard auto shutoff to prevent water overflow, and an LED indicator light to warn you when the tank becomes full. This unit is incredibly easy to operate with just one button for the power switch. To drain, simply slide out the water tank from the front of the unit, remove the plug, and pour the water. Running on 22.5 Watts, it consumes about 0.54kW after 24 hours of use.
Afloia Mini Dehumidifier
A lot of today’s thermoelectric dehumidifiers have a design similar to the Pro Breeze and Gurin above. If you’re looking for something different, then this Afloia dehumidifier is a great choice. It can remove up to 11 oz (320ml) of excess moisture while the tank can hold 22 oz (650ml). It is ideal for spaces within 2300 cubic feet or 215 square feet. The air inlet is on the back while the exhaust is on top along with a single button for the on/off switch.
Similar to other dehumidifiers, Afloia is equipped with the standard auto shut off and the green indicator light will turn red when you need to empty the water. The tank can be accessed from the back of the unit. To drain, simply take out the tank, remove the cover, and pour out the water. Operating at 33 decibels, you can even use this small dehumidifier in your bedroom and place it on top of a bedside table or shelf.
Seavon Portable Dehumidifier
Another popular brand of Peltier dehumidifiers is Seavon. One of its mid-sized models is this unit with a 16 oz (450ml) daily capacity and a 35 oz (1000ml) water tank. It is recommended for rooms within 2600 cubic feet or 285 square feet.
This unit has two working modes: high speed and low speed which operates at 30 to 39 decibels. It also features a seven-color LED light. Along with the exhaust, it has two buttons on top, one for the power and the other to control the speed and light. It will shut off automatically and the red light will flash when the tank is nearly full.
SInce it’s on the bigger side, there’s also a recessed handle on the back. Another extra feature is the removable and washable filter on the back of the unit to catch dust and keep the air clean.
Honati Portable Dehumidifier
If you need something with a bigger capacity, this Honati dehumidifier can remove up to 25 oz (740ml) of moisture from the air in a single day. The large 68 oz (2000ml) water tank can hold at least two days worth of dehumidification. This compact dehumidifier can cover up to 2500 cubic feet or 269 square feet. It’s perfect for a bathroom, walk-in closet, and even an RV or trailer.
This unit has a side exhaust and front inlet with a removable and washable air filter. Simply pull out from under the unit, rinse and dry before reinstalling the filter. There is a single button on top for the power switch. The unit will shut off automatically and the LED indicator will turn yellow when the water tank is full. You can access the tank from the back of the unit. Pull out, remove the plug, and pour the water carefully.
Ivation IVADM45 Dehumidifier with Humidistat
Another brand you can trust when it comes to mini dehumidifiers is Ivation. One of its “large” Peltier units is the IVADM45 with a moisture removal capacity of 25 oz (740 ml) per day, and a large tank that can hold up to 68 ounces (2000 ml) of water or about two to five days worth of moisture removed from the air.
While most thermoelectric dehumidifiers will continue operating until you turn them off manually, the IVADM45 has an adjustable humidistat. You can set your desired humidity level from 40% to 80% and the dehumidifier will stop when humidity is 5% below your setting and start again when humidity rises 5% above your setting.
The power button is on the back of the unit, along with the air inlet and water tank. You’ll find the humidity display and the power on and full tank indicator lights on the front. The auto shutoff prevents overflow when the tank is full.
Seavon Dehumidifier with Remote
The second entry and my favorite from Seavon is this remote control operated Peltier unit. It can quickly remove 750 to 900 ml (25 to 30 oz.) of moisture in areas up to 560 square feet or 5,300 cubic feet.
Seavon also has the auto shutoff function found in most dehumidifiers along with a full tank indicator and a water-level window on the side. To drain, simply remove the 2000ml water tank from the side of the unit.
It has a sleek design with one button for the power switch and a magnetic remote to control the light and fan speed. In Sleep mode, the fan is set to low speed for ultra quiet dehumidification.
How does a thermoelectric dehumidifier work?
The thermoelectric cooling technology involved in thermoelectric dehumidifiers is based on the Peltier effect, named after French physicist Jean Charles Athanase Peltier. Electricity runs through the Peltier module which creates a temperature difference between its two sides. One side of the module is hot while the other side of the module is cool. The air travels through the entire Peltier module and the heat sinks on each of its sides.
Humid air is drawn by a small fan on one end of the unit and hits the cold side heat sink. As the damp air cools, the moisture condenses and drips down to the water tank. The now cool and dry air passes through the hot side heat sink. The warmer and dryer air then exits through the exhaust.
This process is not that different from that of a refrigerant-based dehumidifier, but instead of using a compressor to cool down the coils and remove moisture from the air, a Peltier dehumidifier converts the electricity into a temperature gradient between two sides of the module. As is the case with a compressor dehumidifier, the efficiency also decreases in cooler temperatures.
Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier Advantages and Disadvantages
A thermoelectric dehumidifier can work really well if used for the right purpose. Weigh the following advantages and disadvantages to determine if this type of dehumidifier is right for you.
Advantages
Here are the advantages that Peltier dehumidifiers have over compressor-based and desiccant dehumidifiers.
- Quiet operation
One of the best selling features of Peltier dehumidifiers is the ultra quiet operation. They can produce as low as 30 to 40 decibels on operation. The only part which makes noise is the fan, and it is generally a pleasant sound. Because of this, thermoelectric dehumidifiers are perfect for bedrooms or other small spaces where you need a quiet dehumidifier.
- Small and portable
Peltier dehumidifiers are great for very small spaces like bathrooms, bedrooms, or laundry rooms. This is a real advantage if you need consistent humidity control while travelling in your motorhome.
- Easy to use
A Peltier dehumidifier has a very basic design and almost anyone can operate this dehumidifier. There are only a couple (if not one) buttons. One push and the unit will start dehumidifying. There is no control panel or digital display you will have to decipher.
- Low maintenance
This type of dehumidifier needs little to no maintenance. Unlike compressor dehumidifiers, they have no removable parts except for the tank and maybe a filter. Both of which are very easy to maintain with a simple wash, rinse, and dry.
- Energy efficient
Energy efficiency is a common concern for homeowners. Compared to a compressor-based dehumidifier, a Peltier unit consumes very little power—even as low as 20 Watts for the smallest units or around 0.5kW for 24 hours. As long as you use it in the recommended area, you’ll feel a significant change in the relative humidity and barely notice it in your electricity bill.
Disadvantages
This type of dehumidifier has a very specific target market. Not everyone can benefit from them. Here are the disadvantages in using a Peltier dehumidifier.
- Limited capacity
As mentioned, thermoelectric dehumidifiers have very small capacity, typically ranging from 250 ml to one liter per day (or around 0.5 to 2 pints). In comparison, a full-size desiccant dehumidifier has a rate of 10 to 20 pints per day, while compressor-based dehumidifiers can remove 20 to 50 pints of moisture per day.
- Small coverage
Because of their small physical size and moisture removal capacity, Peltier dehumidifiers can only be used in very small spaces (typically around 100 to 200 square feet). They will make little to no impact on humidity levels in a large room.
- Will not work in extreme temperatures
The optimal operating temperature for small dehumidifiers is from 59°F to 86°F. They will not work below 41°F. When the air is too cold or too hot, the humidity may also rise. In this case, the Peltier will not be able to absorb moisture effectively.
Peltier Dehumidifier Buying Guide
Peltier dehumidifiers are typically inexpensive and very easy to maintain, but it doesn’t mean you should just get anything and expect it to work the way you want. Manage your expectations and consider the following factors first to find the best dehumidifier for your specific needs.
Dehumidification performance
Although there isn’t a huge difference in capacity between the mini, mid-sized, and large Peltier dehumidifiers, it’ll still help to know exactly how much moisture it’s able to remove before you make a purchase. The mini models have a moisture removal rate of 6 to 10 oz per day, while mid-sized models have around 11 to 18 oz capacity. Large units can take at least 20 oz per day.
Tank capacity
Unlike compressor-based and desiccant dehumidifiers that need to be drained a few times a day, the Peltier type has a tank large enough to hold multiple days up to a week’s worth of moisture. The tank is very easy to remove, empty, and replace. Make sure to rinse before reinstalling to avoid mold growth.
Coverage area
Peltier dehumidifiers can usually cover around 100 to 200 square feet, but the performance may decline in larger spaces. Manufacturers indicate the recommended area it can operate on, sometimes in cubic feet instead of the more common square footage. Measure the length, width, and height of the room to ensure that your dehumidifier can handle it alone. For large bedrooms, you may consider running one unit each on two or more corners of the room.
Portability
These thermo-electric dehumidifiers are generally very light and portable, with the smallest units weighing less than 2 pounds and the largest at 6 to 7 pounds. If you want to use your dehumidifier on a bedside table or bathroom counter for example, it will be helpful to know the dimensions and weight to ensure it can fit where you need it.
Extra features
Peltier dehumidifiers have a very basic design, usually with just a single button for the power switch. And that’s fine for the most part, but this limits your option and it can also be wasteful of energy. Larger units give you more control over the fan speed and noise level, and even the humidity level in the case of the IVADM45 unit. Some also come with a removable and washable dust filter.
How to Use and Maintain your Peltier Dehumidifier
Peltier dehumidifiers require little to no maintenance. It has no moving parts except the fan. The most you’ll have to do is replace this with a generic 12-volt fan in the rare case that it breaks. This is easy to find and install with some basic knowledge in electronics.
Use your dehumidifier in the right place. Keep a few inches distance from other objects to promote airflow. Like any dehumidifier, it’s also important to keep your unit clean to maintain proper functioning for a long time. Do not let standing water stay in the tank for days. Empty and clean the tank as soon as you can and let it dry before putting it back into the unit. For dehumidifiers that come with a filter, make sure to also wash it at least every few weeks.
FAQ
Are Peltier dehumidifiers effective?
Yes. They should work well if used in the right space. Keep in mind that they have a limited capacity and coverage.
What is the average noise level?
Peltier models are very quiet with noise levels around 30 to 40 decibels. This is similar to the sound of whispers, while compressor models are more on the level of normal conversation with 40 to 60 decibels of noise.
Where can I use these dehumidifiers?
They are ideal for small spaces with average conditions (86℉ and 80% RH). This includes bedrooms, bathrooms, and other small spaces in your home, as well as RVs and boats. Manufacturers indicate the recommended area of coverage for each model.
