Even though 30 pints of moisture removal daily isn’t a lot, finding the right 30-PPD among the vast sea of dehumidifiers is no easy task. That’s why we’re going to put three of the best models by Vremi, hOmeLabs, and Frigidaire in a head-to-head-to-head comparison to see which of them belongs in your home. Read the full three-way comparison below.
Area Coverage Capacity
All three of these machines are designed to reduce the RH level in spaces of up to 1,500 square feet, though they work optimally in rooms considerably smaller than that. Test runs for all three devices work evenly and well in equally sized rooms so moisture-removal efficiency is out of the question. In short, none of them outclass the others in terms of dehumidifying rate.
Water Tank Size
Vremi and hOmeLabs
Here’s where the three 30-pint dehumidifiers start to differ. First, the Vremi and hOmeLabs come with 8-pint water tanks which need to be empty multiple times every day. Babysitting a dehumidifier can be a hassle, especially if you plan on running it for 18 to 24 hours continuously.
Frigidaire
The Frigidaire isn’t better off by much. Condensed moisture particles drop from the chilling coils into a 12-pint trap bucket which fills up in a matter of hours. Sure, it can hold onto more water than the Vremi and hOmeLabs, but not by a significant amount that makes this unit a convenient one.
Conclusion: Apparently, smaller 30-PPD dehumidifiers are made with itty-bitty water tanks that don’t hold enough water for 24-hour operation. The good news is that all three of these dehumidifiers have continuous drain ports where a standard garden hose connects to keep the tank dry and the motor running constantly throughout the day.
Defrosting Mode
Vremi and hOmeLabs
One thing we wish came standard in all dehumidifiers, regardless of size, is a defrosting mode. It makes the dehumidifier useful throughout the year by preventing its copper coils from frosting over when temperatures drop. It makes the Vremi and hOmeLabs usable during the wintry months when basements or attics collect moisture from melting snow.
Frigidaire
Sadly, the Frigidaire does not come with this feature, making it an unreliable unit to have during the cooler months when temperatures drop to 41°F or cooler.
Conclusion: Do you absolutely need a defrosting mode in your dehumidifier? We can’t make that decision for you since it ultimately depends on where you live and whether you plan on running the dehumidifier in the winter or not.
Antimicrobial Filter
Vremi and hOmeLabs
In the Vremi and hOmeLabs, you’ll find washable pre-filters that trap large debris from entering the device and possibly impair their dehumidifying efficiency. When dealing with tinier particles (dander, bacteria, pollen), these pre-filters won’t be of much use.
Frigidaire
As for the Frigidaire, inside is an antimicrobial filter that’s designed to trap bacteria and prevent it from recirculating into the air. The filter works quite well with other tiny airborne pollutants but it’s definitely not a HEPA filter.
Conclusion: Finally, we have a point of difference between the machines where one of them is objectively better than the others. The Frigidaire’s antimicrobial filter works better at preventing tiny particles from passing through the machine than the Vremi or hOmeLab’s basic washable pre-filter.
Related Post: Air Purifier vs. Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier
Built-in Timer Function
Vremi and hOmeLabs
And here’s where things take a turn for the Vremi and hOmeLabs. The most basic convenience-adding feature—a built-in timer—can be found in these machines. They are programmable for up to 24 hours of continuous operations. When the timer runs out, their motors automatically shut off and will await further instructions.
Frigidaire
This dehumidifier, for one reason or another, does not have a timer function. It can cause potential problems when running the device in your bedroom overnight.
Conclusion: If you get the Frigidaire, be sure to set the desired RH level to between 40 and 50% if plan on keeping the device on all day long, especially before bedtime. If you decide on either the Vremi or hOmeLabs, their programmable timer can prevent over-dehumidification (if configured correctly).
Which 30-Pint Dehumidifier Should I Get?
In conclusion, there’s no clear winner between these three 30-pint models by Vremi, hOmeLabs, and Frigidaire. The Vremi and hOmeLabs have a defrosting mode and a timer. On the other hand, we have the Frigidaire which filters air better than the other two but is lacking a timer.
The good news is that all perform equally well in identical settings so you’re not losing much if you get any of these three 30-pint dehumidifiers.
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