A damp basement is more than just an inconvenience; it can lead to mold growth, musty odors, and damage to your belongings. Controlling moisture is essential for protecting your home’s structure and ensuring healthy air quality. A 50-pint dehumidifier is a powerful solution for medium to large spaces, effectively removing excess humidity to create a drier, more comfortable environment.
With so many models available, choosing the right one involves considering coverage area, noise level, drainage options, and special features. From built-in pumps to smart app controls, today’s dehumidifiers offer convenience and efficiency. This roundup highlights nine of the best 50-pint dehumidifiers designed to tackle basement humidity effectively.
Our Top Picks for 50-Pint Basement Dehumidifiers
- TOSOT 50 Pint 4,500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
- hOmeLabs Dehumidifier for Home and Basement
- Frigidaire 50-Pint Portable Dehumidifier
- TOSOT 35 Pint 3,000 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
- Midea 4,500 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier With Pump Included
- GE Portable Dehumidifier, 50 Pint with Built-in Pump
- Midea Cube 50 Pint Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump
- Ivation 4,500 Sq Ft Smart Wi-Fi Energy Star Dehumidifier
- Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 50 Pint Dehumidifier
TOSOT 50 Pint 4,500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
This TOSOT model is built for large, demanding spaces up to 4,500 square feet. Its high-capacity moisture removal helps your air conditioning work more efficiently by reducing the load caused by humid air. The Energy Star rating provides assurance of energy efficiency during operation.
You have flexible drainage options with a 2-gallon removable bucket or the ability to connect a hose for continuous draining. The clear control panel offers real-time humidity monitoring, and you can set a precise target level or choose a non-stop mode for maximum moisture removal.
hOmeLabs Dehumidifier for Home and Basement
The hOmeLabs dehumidifier combines powerful moisture removal for areas up to 3,000 square feet with a design made for modern homes. It features built-in wheels and handles for easy portability between rooms like the basement, cellar, or office. Its operation is relatively quiet, at approximately 50 decibels.
Set your desired humidity level and let it run its continuous cycle. It will automatically shut off when the tank is full. For hands-free operation, you can use the drain hose outlet, though a standard garden hose is required separately for this setup.
Frigidaire 50-Pint Portable Dehumidifier
Frigidaire’s portable dehumidifier is an Energy Star rated unit known for reliable performance in basements, attics, and garages. It offers precise control with its Effortless Humidity Control feature, allowing you to select an exact percentage for your space. Three fan speeds let you balance power and noise level.
Portability is a key benefit, thanks to four wheels and an integrated carry handle. The 2.11-gallon tank has a splash guard and auto-shutoff, and a continuous drain hose can be attached for longer operation without manual emptying.
TOSOT 35 Pint 3,000 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
This TOSOT model is well-suited for mid-size rooms up to 3,000 square feet or particularly humid areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms. It removes moisture effectively and is designed for quiet operation, making it a good choice for bedrooms or living areas adjacent to the basement.
Similar to its larger sibling, it provides real-time humidity monitoring and programmable settings. The 1.5-gallon bucket is removable, and the continuous gravity drain option allows you to direct water to a sump pump or floor drain for maintenance-free operation.
Midea 4,500 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier With Pump Included
This Midea dehumidifier stands out with its integrated water pump, a major convenience for basement use. The pump can drain water vertically or horizontally into a sink or out a window, eliminating the need to ever empty a bucket manually. It handles large areas up to 4,500 square feet.
You can adjust the humidity setting from 35% to 85% to maintain an ideal environment. It also operates at a quiet 47 dBA, so it won’t be disruptive in your home while it works.
GE Portable Dehumidifier, 50 Pint with Built-in Pump
GE’s model is a strong performer for wet spaces like basements and garages, removing up to 50 pints daily. Its Smart Dry feature automatically adjusts the fan speed based on the room’s humidity, optimizing efficiency and performance without constant manual adjustments.
The built-in pump includes a hose, allowing you to drain collected water to a convenient location up to 16 feet away. This flexibility is perfect for setups where a floor drain or window is not directly next to the unit.
Midea Cube 50 Pint Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump
The Midea Cube offers a unique, space-saving design without sacrificing power. It features a water tank that is three times larger than many conventional models, meaning you can run it longer between manual empties if you choose not to use the continuous drain.
A built-in pump and an included 16-foot drain tube provide excellent drainage versatility. You can position it above a sink, near a window, or over a floor drain. It also offers smart control compatibility for added convenience.
Ivation 4,500 Sq Ft Smart Wi-Fi Energy Star Dehumidifier
For those who want advanced control, the Ivation dehumidifier connects to your Wi-Fi network. Using the free app, you can monitor and adjust humidity levels, check ambient conditions, set timers, and control the unit remotely from anywhere.
It’s a high-capacity, Energy Star rated unit effective for spaces up to 4,500 square feet. Along with smart features, it includes a generous 2.25-gallon reservoir and a continuous drain hose connector for flexible water removal.
Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 50 Pint Dehumidifier
This Frigidaire model is built with the brand’s reliable Effortless Humidity Control, giving you command over your basement’s moisture levels. It is designed to remove moisture efficiently in medium to large rooms, helping to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Expect user-friendly features like a digital display, auto shut-off, and a removable water bucket. Its portable design with wheels makes it simple to move to where it’s needed most in your home.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a 50-Pint Dehumidifier for Your Basement
So, you’re looking at the 9 best 50-pint dehumidifiers for basements and trying to figure out which one is right for your space. I get it, the specs can start to blur together. Having used a few of these over the years, I’ve learned that not all 50-pint models are created equal, especially for a tricky area like a basement. Here’s what I always check before making a choice.
First, let’s talk about that “50-pint” number. It’s the crucial starting point. This rating means the unit can remove 50 pints of moisture from the air in a 24-hour period under specific testing conditions (usually at 80°F and 60% relative humidity). For a standard, moderately damp basement (up to about 2,000 square feet), a 50-pint dehumidifier is often the sweet spot. It’s powerful enough to handle the job without being oversized for most residential spaces. If your basement is very wet, has standing water, or is exceptionally large, you might need to consider a 70-pint model.
Next, focus on features that make basement life easier. A built-in pump is a game-changer. Most dehumidifiers collect water in a bucket you have to empty, or they let you attach a hose for continuous drainage—but that only works if your floor drain is higher than the unit. Basement drains are usually in the floor. A condensate pump lets you send the water up and out to a sink or window, giving you way more placement flexibility. Trust me, it’s worth the extra cost.
Look for smart controls, too. An auto-restart function is a must for me. If the power flickers (which seems to happen more often than I’d like), the dehumidifier will turn back on and resume its previous settings. You don’t want to come back from a weekend away to a damp basement because of a brief outage. A digital humidistat is also key; it lets you set your desired humidity level (I aim for 45-50%) and the unit will cycle on and off automatically to maintain it, saving energy.
Finally, think about the practical stuff. How loud is it? If your basement is a living space, a quieter model matters. How easy is it to move? Sturdy caster wheels and good handles are non-negotiable for dragging it around. And what about filter access? A washable, easy-to-remove air filter helps keep the air clean and the unit running efficiently. Keeping these points in mind will help you sort through the list of the 9 best 50-pint dehumidifiers for basements and find the one that actually fits how you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 50-pint dehumidifier big enough for my basement?
In most cases, yes. A 50-pint dehumidifier is generally recommended for areas up to 2,000 square feet that feel damp and musty. It’s the most common size for residential basements. If your space is larger, has persistent standing water, or feels like a swamp, you might need to size up to a 70-pint unit. A good rule of thumb: if your basement is moderately damp, 50-pints should work well.
Why is a pump so important for a basement dehumidifier?
Most basements have floor drains, which are lower than the dehumidifier itself. Gravity drain hoses only work if the drain is above the unit. A built-in condensate pump actively pushes the collected water upward through a small hose, allowing you to drain it into a utility sink, out a window, or into a drain that’s at floor level. It gives you total freedom on where to place the unit, which is a huge convenience.
How often will I need to empty the bucket on a 50-pint model?
If you’re using the bucket and not a continuous drain, it depends entirely on how humid your basement is. At full capacity in very damp conditions, a 50-pint unit could fill its standard 1-2 gallon bucket in as little as 4-6 hours. That’s why using a hose for continuous drainage (with or without a pump) is the preferred setup for basements—it means you never have to think about emptying it.
Where is the best place to put the dehumidifier in my basement?
Place it centrally in the open area, at least 6-12 inches away from walls and furniture to ensure good airflow. Avoid corners. If you’re using it to dry out a specific problem area, like near a foundation wall, point it in that direction. Most importantly, make sure it’s on a level surface and that the air intake and exhaust grilles are completely unobstructed.
What maintenance does a basement dehumidifier need?
Regular maintenance keeps it running efficiently. The big one is cleaning the washable air filter every few weeks or as recommended—a dirty filter makes the motor work harder. You should also occasionally wipe down the internal coil (when the unit is off and unplugged) to remove dust. If your model has one, check the drain hose and pump outlet for clogs, especially if you notice it’s not draining properly.
Can I use a 50-pint dehumidifier in my basement all year round?
You can, but you might not need to. In colder climates, basements often dry out in the winter because cold air holds less moisture. Running a dehumidifier in very cold temperatures (typically below 65°F) can cause the coil to frost over, which can damage the unit. Many newer models have an auto-defrost feature that prevents this, allowing for low-temperature operation. I usually run mine from late spring through early fall and store it for the winter.