This is a review of the current line of hOmeLabs dehumidifiers. hOmeLabs has a range of well-respected appliance products including dehumidifiers, air purifiers, to microwaves, ice machines, and mini fridges.
The 50-pint hOmeLabs dehumidifier is one of the highest-rated dehumidifiers for residential use, and for good reason. We’ve recommended it over the past couple of years and it’s still one of our top picks due to its combination of reliability, performance, and affordability.
The 22-pint and 35-pint units are nearly identical in appearance and usability features as the 50-pint, and both are also top performers in their respective size/capacity.
I’ve analyzed the latest product specifications and poured over hundreds customer reviews across multiple platforms to determine my recommendations in this review, and I’ll also compare the hOmeLabs lineup with another highly-rated dehumidifier brand to help you evaluate the options.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Editor's Choice  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Pros
- Energy Star rated
- Easy to set up and operate
- Quick and efficient moisture removal
- Automatic humidity control
- Comfort, Continuous, and Turbo modes
- Automatic shut off with bucket full alert
- Low temperature operation down to 41°F
- Power outage auto restart
- 24-hour programmable timer
- Continuous drainage options
- Budget price
- Light and portable for its size
Cons
- Can be noisy
- Small tank capacity
- Average quality and durability
hOmeLabs 22-pint Dehumidifier
The hOmeLabs 22-pint dehumidifier removes excess moisture in areas up to 1,500 sq. ft. It comes with a 0.8-gallon (6.4-pint) water tank). It features a stylish rounded top and a sleek and light body with built-in handles on each side.
hOmeLabs 35-pint Dehumidifier
This 35-pint dehumidifier helps keep humidity levels stable in medium to large spaces up to 3,000 sq. ft.
hOmeLabs 50-pint Dehumidifier
The 50-pint (previously 70-pint) dehumidifier is ideal for large spaces up to 4,500 sq. ft. Similar to the 35-pint hOmeLabs unit, it has a 1.6-gallon water tank.
Dehumidification Performance
Dehumidifiers are rated through tests set by the Department of Energy. As of 2019, dehumidifiers are tested at 65°F and 60% humidity, 15° lower than the 2012 standards. Under this new testing standard, the HME020030N is rated to remove 22 pints, the HME020006N 35 pints, and the HME020031N 50 pints (DOE 2012 30, 50, and 70-pint, respectively).
With its Energy Star certification, the hOmeLabs dehumidifier is one of the most energy efficient dehumidifiers you can find. Having the Energy Star label means the dehumidifier exceeds the EPA’s energy efficiency requirements. It effectively eliminates excess moisture, mold and mildew, while saving your money in the long run.
The hOmeLabs has an operating temperature range of 41°F to 99°F, which is the standard for home dehumidifiers. Like any dehumidifier, it performs well in warmer temperatures and average humidity levels.
hOmeLabs HME020031N
Build Quality
hOmeLabs products are available in a neutral shade that blends well in any modern home. A few issues that come up in user reviews point to a poor build quality. This is the aspect where you’ll notice the cheaper value of the hOmeLabs compared to its strongest competitor, the Frigidaire.
The hOmeLabs dehumidifier is made from lightweight plastic that can be very soft and flexible. On the upside, this makes the unit extremely portable and light for its size. But the downside is it looks and feels flimsy. The water tank itself is made of thin plastic that may break over time. It also doesn’t have a splash guard to prevent spills. You have to be extra careful when removing the tank and dumping the water.
Additionally, the air filter is permanently glued to the intake grille. You need to remove the grille to access the filter. Since it is made of light and soft plastic, taking the filter may eventually lead to breakage. Based on the build quality alone, the hOmeLabs unit is evidently a budget option. However, this isn’t the only indicator of its reliability.
Adjustable Settings
The hOmeLabs dehumidifier has an onboard humidistat which automatically maintains the desired humidity level. Use the arrow buttons to adjust. The LED display shows the set humidity level from 35% to 85% and the room humidity from 30% to 90%, both in 5% increments.
On the control panel you can also see these buttons: COMFORT, CONTINUOUS, and TURBO.
If you choose Comfort mode, the humidity cannot be adjusted manually. Instead, it will set the recommended humidity levels based on the ambient temperature. Below 65F, the humidity will be set to 55%. From 65F to 77F, it will be set to 50%, and from 78F and above, the humidity will be set to 45%.
The Continuous button enables continuous dehumidification. When turning on, the dehumidifier is on Continuous mode by default. Press the button to manually input the humidity level.
The Turbo button controls the fan speed. Press to select either Normal or Turbo mode. For maximum moisture removal, set the fan to high speed. For quiet operation, set the fan to Normal mode.
You can also set a timer to automatically start or stop operation. To program the unit to turn on, press the Timer button when the unit is off. The TIMER ON indicator light will illuminate. Set the timer in 30 minute increments up to 10 hours, and one hour increments up to 24 hours. To program the unit to turn off, press the button when the unit is on. The TIMER OFF indicator light will illuminate. Set the timer in 30 minute increments up to 10 hours, and one hour increments up to 24 hours.
Drainage Options
Drain Hose
All hOmeLabs dehumidifiers are equipped with Automatic shut off functionality. Once the water tank is full, the unit will shut off automatically. It will not operate until the tank is emptied and put back into place.
If you want your dehumidifier to run continuously, hOmeLabs dehumidifiers come equipped with gravity drainage functionality. Simply connect a drain hose (not included in your purchase) to the drainage port on the back of the unit. Make sure that the unit is in a higher placement than the drain and the hose is in a downward position towards the floor drain to allow continuous drainage via gravity.
Drain Pump
For added convenience, this 50-pint unit also has a built-in condensate pump for continuous drainage. This functionality allows you to continuously drain the water to a location up to a certain distance above the unit, as opposed to gravity drainage where you need to keep the unit elevated from the drain.
If your dehumidifier does not come with a built-in pump, you may purchase an external pump that works exactly the same way. In fact, external pumps are generally more durable than built-in ones.
Additional Features
Like most other units, the hOmeLabs dehumidifiers come with a washable filter to catch airborne impurities. On the control panel you’ll find the FILTER button and indicator. The Filter light will illuminate after 250 hours of operation to remind you to clean the filter. After cleaning and reinstalling the filter press the button to reset.
The hOmeLabs also comes equipped with the Auto Defrost functionality. The unit operates down to 41°F. When frost is detected on the coils, the compressor will stop while the fan continues to run until the frost melts. This is an important feature as frost buildup may affect the efficiency and ultimately damage the unit.
In addition, hOmeLabs has an Auto Restart feature. If the unit shuts off due to a power outage, the previous setting will be saved and the dehumidifier will automatically resume to normal operation when the power comes back.
Consumer Feedback on hOmeLabs vs. Frigidaire
When it comes to dehumidifiers, the hOmeLabs is often compared with Frigidaire, another highly rated 50-pint (previously 70 pint) Energy Star dehumidifier from a popular brand of home appliances. Let’s look at the product specifications to find out which is actually the better dehumidifier.
Build Quality
Both of these units have a sleek and stylish design that won’t stick out in any modern home. However, the Frigidaire is visibly more expensive and made from higher quality materials. The plastic enclosure of the hOmeLabs unit gives it a cheaper appearance. The Frigidaire wins this category.
Moisture Removal
Frigidaire and hOmeLabs both perform well in average room conditions. They remove unwanted moisture and lower humidity levels from 70-80% to 40% within a few hours of operation. They also have a highly accurate and reliable humidity sensor with the standard 35% to 85% humidity range.
Operating Temperature
Most compressor type dehumidifiers operate in temperatures from 41°F to 99°F. The same is true for all hOmeLabs and Frigidaire units. One thing to note, however, is the Frigidaire is designed to continue running in colder conditions, while the hOmeLabs, like most other dehumidifiers, have the auto defrost function. While on auto defrost, the unit will stop dehumidifying in order to melt any ice buildup.
Tank Capacity
The hOmeLabs 50-pint and 35-pint units both have a tank capacity of 1.6 gallons or 12.8 pints. In comparison, the Frigidaire 50-pint has a much larger 16.9-pint tank. Also note that the Frigidaire features a splash guard and a more rigid handle.
Drainage Options
All hOmeLabs and Frigidaire dehumidifiers have the gravity drainage functionality without an included hose. Both 50-pint units have a version that comes with a built-in pump. They offer similar functions.
Fan Speeds
Frigidaire has three fan settings: High, Medium, and Low, while hOmeLabs has two: Normal and Turbo. Normal mode for the hOmeLabs unit is around the same speed as Low for Frigidaire, and Turbo is equivalent to Medium. If you want a higher fan speed, Frigidaire is the winner.
Portability
Both units come with four caster wheels attached, as well as a cord storage at the back for easy movement. Frigidaire has a handle on top while hOmeLabs has two side pocket handles. Both are equally portable, which is better mainly depends on your preference.
Noise Levels
Both brands produce very quiet dehumidifiers. The main difference is the fan noise is more noticeable in the Frigidaire, while the compressor noise is more audible in the hOmeLabs. In general, the fan makes a more pleasant sound than the compressor.
Final Say on the hOmeLabs Dehumidifiers
In terms of overall performance, the hOmeLabs units are some of the best dehumidifiers in the 22-pint, 35-pint, and 50-pint size. It may fail in comparison to the Frigidaire in some categories, but it is still better than most other dehumidifiers of the same size.
It is also generally much more affordable than Frigidaire and other branded models. It comes with a longer warranty of two years, as opposed to the one-year warranty for Frigidaire.
If you want a reliable dehumidifier for your home, hOmeLabs is definitely one of the best you can get on a budget, without sacrificing efficiency.
