It’s a mildly unpleasant truism about any enclosed space that people spend time in — it can get sweaty and muggy pretty fast. There are spaces like basements, garages, and RVs that just trap moisture, and it can be especially hard to clear it up if there aren’t that many windows. The best way to keep those small spaces dry is with a dehumidifier.
The mechanics of dehumidifiers are not dissimilar from those of air conditioners. In the case of dehumidifiers, moist air is cycled in using a fan, and warm dry air is emitted into the space. Some of the benefits of a dehumidifier can be immediately felt. Obviously, a room that isn’t overly damp is more pleasant to be in. But the most important benefits of a dehumidifier are ones that you may not immediately notice. Mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions, so running a dehumidifier results in healthier air. This can be especially helpful for those who suffer from allergies.
The problem with some dehumidifiers is their size. Many dehumidifiers are large, heavy, and loud. They’re practically big enough to be a roommate. This isn’t ideal in small spaces like RVs, for example. If you’re looking for a dehumidifier that’s powerful enough for muggy spaces but compact enough to fit in in an RV, basement, or any small space, these options are a good place to start.
1. Pro Breeze Mini Dehumidifier, 2200 Cubic Feet
This mini dehumidifier from Pro Breeze is small and lightweight enough to be kept on a counter, and it’s designed to be able to dehumidify a 250 square foot space. The water tank can collect up to 52 oz of water before having to be emptied out, and the unit will automatically shut off when the reservoir is at capacity.
Pros: Unit can effectively dehumidify 250 square feet, so it’s ideal for small rooms.
Cons: Somewhat expensive.
2. Pro Breeze Mini Dehumidifier, 1200 Cubic Feet
If you have a very small space that you’re looking to dehumidify, such as an RV or camper, this compact dehumidifier is a good option. It has the same features as the other Pro Breeze option, but in a smaller package. It’s designed for spaces that are 150 square feet, and the reservoir has a 16 oz capacity.
Pros: Good option for small spaces such as an RV or camper. Runs quietly
Cons: Very small reservoir.
3. Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier
While most dehumidifiers work by using a fan and coil system to filter moist air, this compact and affordable option uses silica gel to absorb the moist air. It’s designed to be used in very small spaces, up to 48 cubic feet. As the silica gel retains moisture, they’ll change from orange to green. That indicates that the unit should be plugged in to dry out the beads for reuse. When dehumidifying, the unit does not need to be plugged in.
Pros: Doesn’t rely on electricity to dehumidify, compact enough for closets, pantries, and other small spaces.
Cons: Unit can get hot when plugged in to reset silica beads.