After capacity and cost, choosing the quietest dehumidifier is probably next on the list for most buyers. To get the full benefit from your new machine you are going to need to be able to stand being within 15 feet of it for more than a couple of minutes. But how do you know which machine sounds like a whisper in a library? And which one sounds like an airliner taking off?
How We Worked Out Which is The Quietest Dehumidifier
We want you to get the most from your dehumidifier, so we’ve tracked down information about the sound output of each one then worked out the average decibel level of each machine. The results are a simple top three of the quietest machines, as well as the top three quietest split into size category.
But how exactly were the machines tested? A number of the most popular machines were tested on high speed and low speed fan settings with a sound meter placed right on top of each machine and again from ten feet away. We’ve taken the resulting decibel (dB) ratings and averaged them out to find out which machines are quietest over a range of operating conditions.
Next we’ve found the top three quietest machines in the 70, 50, and 30 pint categories, as well as the three quietest machines overall. So, if you choose one of these machines, you can be sure you are opting for one of the quietest machines on the market.
How Quiet is Quiet?
Just one more thing before we reveal the winners – how loud is a decibel anyway, we hear you ask. We realise that reading a number on your screen won’t really help you to imagine exactly what level of noise you’re dealing with. So, the following table is here for you to use as a helpful reference when you are comparing the dehumidifiers.
| Decibel Rating | Equivalent Sound | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| 20-30 dB | Rural Home, Forest, Breeze, Whispering | 1/16th as Loud as 70 dB |
| 40 dB | Air Purifier, Ambient Urban Noise | 1/8th as Loud as 70 dB |
| 50 dB | Moderate Rainfall, Refrigerator Compressor | 1/4th as Loud as 70 dB |
| 60 dB | Dishwasher, Normal Conversation | 1/2 as Loud as 70 dB |
| 70 dB | Freeway Noise, Vacuum | Threshold of "Loud" for Most People |
| 80 | Screaming Baby, Noisy Restaurant | 2x Louder than 70 dB |
| 100 dB | Chain Saw, Helicopter | 8x Louder than 70 dB |
| 120-150 dB | Jet Engine, Aircraft Carrier Deck, Thunder Clap | Acute Hearing Damage to Eardrum Rupture |
Remember that decibels aren’t measured on a linear scale. Instead they are measured on a logarithmic scale. On a ruler, ten inches is twice as long as five inches, but decibels don’t work this way.
Instead, for every increase of 10dB there is a ten-times increase in sound (which feels, more or less, like a doubling of sound to your ears). Therefore a sound of 20dB is ten times more intense than a sound of 10dB.
If you see that a dehumidifier has a rating of 60dB, compared to one of 50dB, the sound will be much more intense from the 60dB machine. Generally, the larger capacity machines are quieter than the smaller units. We believe that this could be down to the greater weight of the larger units having a dampening effect on the sound.
The Top Three Quietest 70 Pint Dehumidifiers
If you have decided that a 70 pint model is for you, then check out these models for a damp-free home that’s noise-free, too.
RCA RDH705
Average dB Rating – 48.75 dB
This machine can remove up to 70 pints of water per day from a room measuring 4500 square feet. There is a digital control panel, and an auto-restart feature which will keep the unit running after a power outage.
Casters help you move the RDH705 into position – it is the lightest of our top three 70 pint machines, and weighs in at 39.7 pounds. It measures 10.8” x 15.4” x 23.2”.
The 2.1 gallon bucket can be a bit tricky to empty if you wait till it’s completely full – but this is true for all the 70 pint machines, as none of them have a lid on the water tank. If you use gravity drainage, which this machine is capable of, you won’t need to empty the tank. What is great about this machine is that it has a minimum operating temperature of just 11°F, which is lower than many other dehumidifiers.
Keystone KSTAD70B
Average dB Rating – 49 dB
This unit is a similar weight and size to the RCA machine. It weighs 40lbs, has casters for easy positioning, and measures 11.2” x 15.5” x 23.2”.
The Keystone KSTAD70B has a user friendly LED display and an auto-restart feature. A convenient 24 hour timer makes this unit very easy to live with, and it also features an easy-check transparent water level indicator. If you don’t notice the tank getting full, the integrated alarm feature will warn you, and switch off the dehumidifier till you can empty the tank.
If tank emptying isn’t for you, why not use the continuous drain option to save yourself time and hassle? Along with the easy clean filter (with another handy alert function), this unit has plenty of time saving features.
SPT SD-72PE
Average dB Rating – 49.3 dB
The SPT SD-72PE has numerous drainage options so you’ll be able to find the perfect solution for your home. Choose from passive, direct or continuous drainage, the unit can empty to anywhere – a sink, window, or drain, perhaps – up to 16 feet away.
The SPT has an auto-restart feature, a full bucket indicator and auto shut-off when full. Again, casters on this machine help you position it exactly where it is required. Measuring 15.4” x 11” x 23.2”, and weighing 40 pounds, this is a very similar size and weight to the others in the top three.
Also, like the others, there is no lid on the drain tank, so empty this a little before it’s full for the easiest experience.
The Top Three Quietest 50 Pint Dehumidifiers
SPT SD-52PE
Average dB Rating – 53.5 dB
While using the same body as its bigger 70 pint brother, this 50 pint model is a couple of pounds lighter (37 pounds). It has a built in pump, unlike our other 50 pint offerings, and can drain water up to 16 feet away – vertically, if necessary.
An Energy Star certification means that this unit is economical to run, and it is easy to maintain too, with a washable air filter.
The SD-52PE can be set to a humidity level as low as 35% and as high as 85%, and it can effectively remove moisture from the air in any space up to 800 square feet.
Frigidaire FFAD5033R1 (tied for second place)
Average dB Rating – 54.6 dB
This is a good looking dehumidifier, and features an attractive circular water level gauge on the front. The Frigidaire FFAD5033R1 includes a gravity drain option for less emptying. Frigidaire recommend this model for operating in temperatures as low as 41°F, and have gained Energy Star Certification for this model.
This is a well designed unit. There are top and side handles provided, as well as casters, to help maneuver it into place. Best of all, the drain tank has an easy carry handle and a splash guard – something that some of the other machines lack.
Keystone KSTAD50B (tied for second place)
Average dB Rating – 54.6 dB
The KSTAD50B is rated for operation in a room up to 3000 square feet. It has an LED display and convenient 24 hour timer, so using this in conjunction with the continuous drain option means you can forget about the unit while it does it’s job.
This machine is Energy Star certified, and is easy to maintain with a transparent water level gauge and an easy-clean air filter and full filter alert. Four durable casters make moving the 36.3 pound unit easy.
The Top Three Quietest 30 Pint Dehumidifiers
Frigidaire FFAD3033R1
Average dB Rating – 54.2 dB
The quietest in our 30 pint category, this machine has inherited the good looks of its 50 pint big brother. It also shares many of the same features.
Emptying the FFAD3033R1 is easy due to the well designed front-load bucket with splash guard. It doesn’t feature a pump, but can have a hose attached for gravity drainage to save the hassle of emptying.
There is also an Energy Star certificate, easy-clean filter and electronic controls with 24 hour timer.
It has the same top and side handles as the larger model for easy moving, but is smaller and lighter than the 50 pint model. This unit weighs just 34 pounds and measures 10.5” x 13.8” x 20.5”.
GE ADEL30LR
Average dB Rating – 61.2 dB
This unit has all the features you would expect as well as being quiet. It measures 21.1” x 18.4” x 15.8” and weighs 35.7 pounds, and moving it around is easy because of the casters.
The front of this model has a large translucent water gauge that is easy to see from a distance, but, if you don’t want to keep an eye on water levels you can attach a hose to the threaded drain outlet for continuous gravity draining from the 9.5 pint bucket.
There is an auto shut-off feature if the bucket does get full, together with an auto-restart for after a power outage.
Haier DM32M
Average dB Rating – 63.4 dB
The Haier DM32M-L has 10 pre-set humidity levels for you to choose from. You can set any of the three fan speeds to reach the desired humidity in the time frame you need.
This model has a drain connector for passive draining, and a ‘bucket full’ light and audible warning for use if you choose not to take advantage of the continuous drainage option. You can also check the water level using the transparent indicator panel. A hidden handle makes emptying easy and spill free.
THis is the lightest of our dehumidifiers at 29 pounds, and is also the most compact, measuring 19.5” x 10.6” x 13.4”.
The Top Three Quietest Dehumidifiers Overall
If you guessed that the smaller capacity units may be quieter to run than their bigger counterparts, then you may be surprised. The larger units turned out to be the overall quietest too.
Of the smaller 50 and 30 pint machines, the SPT SD-52PE is the quietest, with the FFAD3033R1 coming a close second. But, without further ado, here are the overall three quietest dehumidifiers in our test –
1 – RCA RDH705
2 – Keystone KSTAD70B
3 – SPT SD-72PE