Keystone has a good reputation with users and makes a line of budget-friendly dehumidifiers. In this Keystone Dehumidifier Review I will cover the current Keystone dehumidifier line including these models: KSTAD504D, KSTAD354D, and KSTAD224D.
Excess humidity is a homeowner’s greatest enemy during summer months in certain locations. You can try many alternatives, but a dehumidifier is the best solution to indoor humidity. For those who want a basic dehumidifier that’s cheap and easy to use, Keystone has got you.
Keystone is a budget dehumidifier with budget but solid quality. This much is obvious from the build and design of the control panel and LED display. However, it does offer all the standard features you can find in a modern dehumidifier and still performs relatively well for its low price point.
I have some experience myself, and I’ve also read through hundreds of user reviews on the other models, so you can leverage my research to help decide if Keystone is the right dehumidifier for you. Below you’ll find the important specifications of the three Keystone dehumidifiers and what most customers think after using these products.
Model | KSTAD504D | KSTAD354D | KSTAD224D |
Moisture Removal | 50 pints per day | 35 pints per day | 22 pints per day |
Tank Capacity | 12.8 pints | 6.4 pints | 6.4 pints |
Coverage Area | 4,500 sq ft | 3,000 sq ft | 1,500 sq ft |
Current Draw | 6.5 Amps | 4.7 Amps | 3.1 Amps |
Dimensions | 23.2 x 15.4 x 10.8 in. | 23.2 x 15.4 x 10.8 in. | 20 x 14 x 10 in. |
Weight | 40.00 lbs | 38.50 lbs | 28.60 lbs |
PROS | CONS |
Energy Star certified Auto shutoff with full bucket alert Programmable 24-hour timer Auto defrost with indicator light Continuous draining option Easy-to-use controls Budget price | High noise levels Low quality display Requires adapter for gravity drainage |
Keystone Dehumidifier Reviews
Keystone 50-pint Dehumidifier
The Keystone KSTAD504D, previously KSTAD70C (or KSTAD70B) 70-pint dehumidifier, is now rated to remove 50 pints of moisture per day under the current DOE testing standards. It is ideal for spaces within 3,000 to 4,500 square feet.
It has a 12.8 pint (1.6 gallon) water tank which is smaller than the average tank capacity of 14 pints (1.8 gallons) for a 50-pint dehumidifier. The largest today is the 16.9 pint water tank on the Frigidaire dehumidifier. With this capacity, you may have to empty the water at least two to three times a day.
This energy efficient unit is almost exactly the same as the older models, as well as the current smaller capacity units. Check out this video review of the Keystone KSTAD504D for reference.
Keystone 35-pint Dehumidifier
The Keystone KSTAD354D (previously KSTAD50B) has an almost identical appearance as the KSTAD504D. It also offers the same features and functionality, except for the moisture removal capacity and optimal area of coverage.
This unit removes 35 pints of moisture per day from spaces within 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. The 6.4 pint (0.8 gallon) water tank is considerably small even for a 35-pint unit. (And remember, this model used to be a 50-pint dehumidifier.)
Keystone operates from 41°F to 99°F, which is the standard for home dehumidifiers. Like any dehumidifier, it performs well in warmer temperatures (60°F and above) and average humidity levels (50% to 60%).
Keystone 22-pint Dehumidifier
The Keystone KSTAD224D, previously called the KSTAD30B, is noticeably smaller in size than the two other models. As of 2019, it is rated to remove up to 22 pints of moisture per day.
This dehumidifier comes with a 6.4 pint (0.8 gallon) water tank and all other features that the rest of the Keystone dehumidifiers have. It is ideal for smaller rooms, basements, or garages with areas up to 1,500 square feet.
For the prizes and functionalities that Keystone offers, it may be wiser to just get the highest capacity 50-pint unit. They’re almost exactly the same in physical dimensions, while the 50-pint provides the most powerful moisture removal. Although, you must still consider the size of the area. (More on this in the next section.)
Sizing Keystone Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers are given the pint ratings 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 of 80°F and 60% humidity. This new condition is supposed to give a more realistic comparison to the dehumidifier’s actual performance after purchase. Because of the new standards, previously rated 30-pint, 50-pint, and 70-pint Keystone dehumidifiers are now 22-pint, 35-pint, and 50-pint, respectively.
The coverage area recommended by the manufacturer is simply a guide. What is right for your space will depend on its current conditions. For an area within 1,500 sq ft or smaller, the 22-pint unit must be enough in a damp or slightly damp environment. For a wet or extremely wet environment, opt for the 35-pint Keystone. For a 2,000 sq ft area, start with the 35-pint. For more details, you may check this guide by Energy Star.
The three Keystone dehumidifier models all have an Energy Star certification. Having the Energy Star label ensures that the products exceed the EPA’s energy efficiency requirements for a dehumidifier. They effectively reduce excess moisture and its harmful effects, while saving your money in the long run.
Build Quality
In this aspect you can clearly see that Keystone is of a lower value than top-rated dehumidifiers like the Frigidaire or Honeywell. First, it features a bright white finish that may easily become dirty with use. Another thing most users do not like is the LED display and touch buttons.
Keystone features a basic two-digit display that shows the humidity or the number of hours while you set the timer. The air intake is on the front while the exhaust is on the side of the unit. The removable dust filter can be accessed from behind the intake grille by simply pulling it up. This is a big plus for Keystone. Other dehumidifiers may require you to remove the tank or intake grille and get under the unit just to access the filter.
Speaking of the tank, Keystone has some of the smallest water tank capacities in dehumidifiers. The small water tank can be removed by sliding it out from the lower front of the unit. It has a handle but no splash guard or lid to prevent spillage when removing the tank or dumping the water. Most users find the continuous drainage functionality more convenient. We’ll get to that in a bit.
Overall, Keystone scores below average in terms of build quality. It’s undeniably an inexpensive appliance with quite an outdated design. If you’re a tech savvy person then you might not like this about Keystone.
Keystone Dehumidifier Control Panel
Digital Humidistat
The small digital display shows the current humidity and the preferred humidity setting. Press the arrow buttons to select the desired humidity level from 35% to 85% in 5% increments. The dehumidifier automatically turns off at the chosen humidity level and starts dehumidifying again when the room humidity rises above your setting.
Timer
You can set the Keystone dehumidifier to turn on or turn off automatically. To program the unit to automatically turn on, press the Timer button when the unit is off. Using the arrow buttons, set the timer in 30 minute increments up to 10 hours, and one hour increments up to 24 hours. The Timer On indicator will light up. To program the unit to automatically turn off, press the button when the unit is on. The Timer Off indicator will light up when you finish setting the timer.
Turbo
The Turbo button controls the fan speed. Press to select either Normal or Turbo mode. For maximum moisture removal, set the fan to Turbo speed with 188 CfM airflow rate. For quiet operation, turn off Turbo mode.
Normal
In Normal mode, you can set your ideal humidity on the control panel. The unit cycles on and off to maintain this level. When turning on, the fan speed is automatically set to Normal mode with an airflow rate of 165 CFM.
Continuous
Turn on Continuous mode to let the dehumidifier run its 24-hour cycle regardless of the current humidity level. When first turned on, the dehumidifier is on Continuous mode by default. Press the button to disable Continuous operation and manually input the humidity level.
Filter
Keystone dehumidifiers have a washable and reusable filter to catch dust and other airborne particles and maintain proper functioning. The Clean FIlter alert will light up after 250 hours of operation as a reminder to clean the filter.
Pull the filter up from behind the grille on the front of the unit. Clean the filter with warm, soapy water, and let it dry completely before reinstalling. Press the Filter button to reset the filter indicator and the light will turn off.
Drainage
By default, Keystone collects water in its tank. The unit comes with the standard transparent water level indicator, auto shutoff feature, and a corresponding indicator light to alert you when the tank is full. As mentioned, Keystone has a water tank that is smaller than most dehumidifiers of the same size. On the upside, this makes the Keystone lighter and more portable. But the downside is you will have to empty the tank more frequently.
The good news is, most dehumidifiers allow automatic drainage through a standard garden hose. Keystone dehumidifiers give you this option for your convenience. The only drawback is Keystone requires an adapter to attach the drain hose. The unit comes with this adapter and two screws for installation.
To use the gravity drainage functionality, attach the adapter to the outlet port and connect a standard 0.5-inch hose (not included). Make sure the unit is higher than the drain, there are no kinks or obstacles, and that the end of the garden hose is level with the floor drain. Detach the hose and adapter if you want to use the collection tank instead. Other brands also offer units with a built-in pump, but this isn’t the case for Keystone.
Customer Feedback on Keystone Dehumidifiers
Like any product, you’ll find positive and negative reviews for each Keystone dehumidifier in most online retail stores. Perhaps Keystone’s biggest selling point is the affordable price range. The 50-pint unit usually comes at about $30 cheaper than other top dehumidifiers such as Frigidaire and hOmeLabs. The same is true for the 22-pint and 35-pint Keystone in their respective sizes.
One recurring complaint among users is the loud operation of Keystone dehumidifiers. This is common in units with a side exhaust. The compressor is noisy and the fan noise doesn’t mask this sound well enough. Keystone claims to make a maximum 55 decibels, but actual operation may produce higher noise levels. This may not be a big deal if you run the dehumidifier away from living or sleeping areas, but it can still be annoying for some people.
Overall, Keystone makes budget dehumidifiers that perform well in average conditions. Unsurprisingly, the affordable price comes with some drawbacks. If you can live with these drawbacks, then Keystone is a good choice for you. Otherwise, prepare to invest a little more money in a higher quality dehumidifier.