Just like our homes, commercial spaces are prone to mold problems. This often occurs when trapped moisture is left unchecked – from leaking pipes, faulty air conditioners, rainwater leaks, and more. If your business space is dealing with this problem, the best commercial dehumidifiers will be a big help.
Of course, it’s important to note that diagnosis comes first before the solution. Dehumidifiers will only do their job once you find the source of excess moisture. This way, you can also perform additional measures that will prevent excessive moisture from wreaking havoc in your commercial space.
Unlike residential or portable types, commercial dehumidifiers have a bigger capacity. This allows for fast and efficient dehumidification. Below, I reviewed 8 of the trusted dehumidifiers in the market.
See which of these units matches your needs!
| COMMERCIAL DEHUMIDIFIER | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! ECOR PRO 200 Industrial Grade Dehumidifier |  | Check Price |
 | Dri-Eaz 1200 Commercial Grade Dehumidifier | | Check Price |
 | ALORAIR Storm LGR 1250X Commercial Dehumidifier | | Check Price |
 | Aprilaire E100 Pro Commercial Dehumidifier | | Check Price |
 | BlueDri BD-130P 225PD Commercial Dehumidifier | | Check Price |
 | LUKO 180 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier |  | Check Price |
 | Kesnos 232 Commercial Dehumidifier | | Check Price |
 | COLZER 145 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier |  | Check Price |
8 Best Commercial Dehumidifiers
OUR TOP PICK
OUR #1 CHOICE: ECOR PRO 200 Industrial Grade Dehumidifier
Product Name: ECOR PRO 200 Industrial Grade Dehumidifier
Product Description: If you’re looking for the best commercial dehumidifiers, you’ll never go wrong with the ECOR PRO 200. This industrial-grade dehumidifier is rated for up to 3,000 sq. ft. and can remove up to 200 pints of moisture in the air. Moreover, this dehumidifier can be used in a wide range of temperatures, ranging from -4F to 104F. This is very versatile and suitable for restaurants, offices, cold basements, crawlspaces, rentals, and more. The ECOR PRO 200 is equipped with a built-in humidistat. It tests air and adjusts its dehumidification to ensure healthy moisture levels indoors.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Summary
Aside from that, this unit uses a desiccant method. There’s no need to empty water tanks and you don’t have to worry about the risk of overflowing. Even though it’s not a refrigerant type, this dehumidifier packs optimal airflow. It’s also reasonably quiet for just 58 dB. The only downside I see here is that desiccant types need an outdoor vent to funnel the moisture away from your building. This may not always come in handy for all commercial spaces.
Pros
It can operate in a wide range of temperatures.
No need to drain any collected water
Equipped with a built-in humidistat
It’s considerably quiet.
Cons
You need to place this unit strategically to allow an outside vent.
RUNNERS-UP
Dri-Eaz 1200 Commercial Grade Dehumidifier
If you prefer a portable refrigerant type, you should consider the Dri-Eaz 1200 Commercial Grade Dehumidifier. It can remove up to 145 pints of water from the air each day in up to 12,000 ft. of space.
Aside from that, this dehumidifier uses a hot gas bypass for auto and fast defrosting. This prevents ice from forming on the coils, especially in cold temperatures. Overall, this can run in temperatures as low as 33F.
Moreover, this has a built-in pump for continuous draining, so you can automatically channel the collected moisture into a sink, window, or drainage system. Don’t worry, since it comes with a long tube, and you no longer have to buy it separately.
In addition, the Dri-Eaz 1200 Dehumidifier has a rotomolded polyethylene chassis that resists damages. It also lasts long and remains lightweight compared to metal housings.
I also like that this unit is fitted with a handle and semi-pneumatic wheels. It makes moving the dehumidifier around the commercial space a total breeze.
Overall, this thing is a beast, but it can get really noisy on higher settings. Nevertheless, this is just a small niggle.
ALORAIR Storm LGR 1250X Commercial Dehumidifier
A smart commercial dehumidifier? It’s now possible with the ALORAIR Storm LGR 1250X. This unit is rated to cover up to 3,000 sq. ft. It can remove a maximum of 264 pints of moisture from the air.
Aside from its efficient dehumidification function, this unit has smartphone app connectivity. Using the AlorAir app, you can check the dehumidifier’s power, target humidity, temperature, and more. You can also control your dehumidifier anytime, anywhere.
Moreover, this dehumidifier has a MERV-8 filter that traps dust and large particulates. It also has a built-in pump for a continuous drain option, so there’s no need to empty the tank manually.
This AlorAir unit has an auto-defrost feature that allows it to function in areas with low temperatures. It also has an auto-diagnosis system that troubleshoots the unit for errors. Above all, it has a memory restart, so the unit picks up where it left off.
I also like that a 5-year warranty covers this unit. It’s already a decent guarantee for a dehumidifier with this price range.
Aprilaire E100 Pro Commercial Dehumidifier
I highly recommend the Aprilaire E100 Pro Commercial Dehumidifier for those looking for an integrated dehumidifier. This is made to cover up to 5,500 sq. ft. of commercial space. Just note that it needs professional installation since it has to be ducted into your HVAC system.
Overall, this unit can extract up to 100 pints of moisture per day. And since it’s Energy Star-certified, the Aprilaire dehumidifier will consume less energy than other models.
This unit also has a smart sensing technology that automatically restarts and shuts down once the target humidity is achieved. Since it’s an integrated dehumidifier, there’s no need to drain a tank or tray. You can either use a hose to drain the water or simply place the unit on the floor.
You’ll get a dehumidifier, a 5443 filter, installation collars, drain connection, and screws in the box. It’s complete and ready for installation straight from the package.
The good thing here is that your entire commercial space will have controlled humidity levels all year long. For many, this is much better than using multiple portable types.
BlueDri BD-130P 225PD Commercial Dehumidifier
If you’re looking for another portable dehumidifier, you should consider the BlueDri BD-130P. This unit can remove up to 225 pints of moisture from the air per day. Whether you’re dealing with water damage or you just want to maintain healthy air in your commercial space, this BlueDri model will not disappoint.
Moreover, this has a simple control panel with a timer, power button, purge button, and an LCD screen where you can set your target humidity.
It’s also equipped with a powerful pump and a long drain hose. This way, you can leave it running without worrying about overflowing and overheating.
Aside from that, there’s a reusable filter inside to trap air particulates. This is a big plus since dehumidifier filters are either expensive to replace or difficult to find.
This unit has rotomolded housing designed to last for years. Overall, the housing comes with a 5-year warranty, and the dehumidifier itself is covered for 1 year.
My only gripe over this unit is that you have to pay for the shipping if you want to return it. But given its quality, returning is very unlikely to happen.
LUKO 180 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier
The LUKO 180 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier is made to cover up to 6,000 sq. ft. It can remove moisture up to 180 pints per day with an airflow rate of 386 CFM.
Aside from that, this unit has a 12-hour timer and digital RH reading. This ensures that your commercial space will have an ideal indoor humidity level. There’s also an auto defrost feature to prevent ice from forming when the dehumidifier is used at low temperatures.
I also like that this dehumidifier has an auto-restart after a power failure. It will pick up where it left off, so you can run the unit without too much supervision.
This is equipped with a heavy-duty pump for a continuous drain for added convenience. It’s also bundled with a 25.5-feet hose so that you can drain the condensate for up to 16 feet high.
In addition, this LUKO dehumidifier has a collapsible handle and durable wheels, making it easy to move around commercial space. It’s also stackable so that multiple units won’t consume too much floor space.
Kesnos 232 Commercial Dehumidifier
The Kesnos 232 Commercial Dehumidifier might be the best pick for large commercial spaces. This can remove up to 232 pints of moisture per day in a space as large as 8,000 sq. ft.
It will sense humidity levels in the room and automatically restart or shut down to maintain healthy indoor air in your building.
Also, this dehumidifier offers two drain methods. You can use the manual tank or the continuous drain, whichever you find more convenient. Don’t worry because the Kesnos dehumidifier will shut down once the tank is full to avoid spills.
Moreover, it has a very intuitive control panel, complete with a large LCD screen. I also like that the screen has auto error detection and will give you tips on fixing the problem.
I also like how powerful the airflow of this dehumidifier is. It packs a maximum airflow of 647 CFM paired with a high-flow filter to speed up drying.
The only thing I wish they would improve is the water hose. It’s a bit flimsy and can be longer for added convenience. But other than that, this dehumidifier is right on the money.
COLZER 145 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier
My last pick for this roundup is the COLZER 145 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier. This is made to cover up to 7,000 sq. ft. of floor area with a moisture removal rate of 164 pints per day.
Aside from that, this dehumidifier has an airflow rate of 206 CFM. It dries moisture rapidly, complete with a 6.56-feet drain hose. Don’t worry because this one still has a 1.3-gallon tank in case there’s no sink or drain nearby.
Moreover, the COLZER dehumidifier has a built-in humidistat for high-precision detection. There’s a control panel at the top of the unit where the RH reading is displayed. It also shows the current temperature, timer, and other details.
For durability, this dehumidifier is made with a metal outer casing. It resists corrosion and damage, especially when being moved throughout the building.
Overall, this is a great pick, but I hope they can make the wheels sturdier. This way, it won’t be prone to bending.
How to choose the best commercial dehumidifiers
If you’re in the market for a commercial dehumidifier, it’s important to consider the following aspects first:
✔️Portable vs. integrated
When getting a commercial dehumidifier, the first thing you should consider is whether you need a portable or integrated model. This will impact the unit’s ease of use, coverage, and installation requirements. Here are the differences between the two:
- Portable dehumidifiers. Portable doesn’t always mean small in terms of capacity. Many portable dehumidifiers can cover as much as 5,000 sq. ft. The good thing here is that portable dehumidifiers don’t need special installation and can be moved around your commercial space anytime. However, it requires regular draining and has capacity limitations.
- Integrated dehumidifiers. This type of dehumidifier is also called duct-able because it’s installed right into the HVAC system of the property. It offers a whole-house function since it extracts moisture with the help of the other air system components. While integrated dehumidifiers require professional installation and maintenance, it’s more convenient for very large spaces prone to moisture.
✔️Drying method
Another thing you should consider is the drying method of the dehumidifier. The most common options in the market are heat, refrigeration, and desiccant methods. Below is the rundown of these types:
- Heat. Dehumidifiers that use heat to dry the moisture in the air are often used in an industrial setting. Basically, it increases the air temperature to evaporate the moisture. This is effective, but the commercial space must be unoccupied, and the excess heat may damage appliances and similar items.
- Refrigeration. Dehumidifiers that use refrigeration are the most common option in the market. It works like air conditioners, which utilize refrigerants to extract moisture from the air. This allows users to run the dehumidifier even with people inside the building.
- Desiccant. This method propels the humid air into an absorbent material. Through this, the moisture will be collected. This can be used in large spaces as an alternative to refrigerant types.
✔️Coverage area
The coverage area of the dehumidifier is the most crucial feature you should check. This will dictate how efficient the unit will be in removing excess moisture from your commercial space.
For efficient functions, the dehumidifier should be sized based on the floor area of the place where it’s going to be used.
The good thing is that manufacturers always indicate a maximum floor area coverage on the dehumidifiers they produce. This makes it easy for buyers to identify how many dehumidifiers they need for a specific room.
However, if your commercial space is extremely damp, you should consider getting a much bigger dehumidifier than the standard recommended capacity. This way, the unit can keep up with the very high humidity levels.
✔️Tank capacity
Concerning the coverage area, you should also consider the tank capacity of the dehumidifier you will get.
Commercial dehumidifiers are often available in at least 10-pint models. One of the biggest units I’ve seen can remove up to 200 pints of moisture from the air.
However, it’s important to understand that commercial dehumidifiers are often in a continuous drain setting. If we are to consider the tank size alone, it would be around 10 to 20 pints, so multiple draining is necessary.
Also, many commercial dehumidifiers don’t use tanks. Instead, they are equipped with pumps, so the collected water is drained right away to your sink or somewhere else.
✔️Drain options
Speaking of draining, commercial dehumidifiers can either be using a built-in water reservoir/tank or a continuous drain. Most of the time, it would be the latter.
Continuous draining allows you to run the unit for long hours. Also, you no longer have to worry about overflowing since the water isn’t collected inside the machine.
However, the good thing is that many dehumidifiers have dual drain options. You can use them in a continuous drain or utilize the tank inside.
✔️Temperature range
Take note that each dehumidifier has an ideal operating temperature range. This means that the unit will only be efficient when used within a specific temperature.
It’s typically equipped with an auto-defrost feature to avoid icicles from forming. For example, most dehumidifiers in the market won’t run when used in temperatures lower than 60F. Meanwhile, there are models explicitly made for low-temperature conditions.
✔️Built-in humidistat
The dehumidifier of your choice must have a built-in humidistat. This is a non-negotiable feature to ensure that the unit isn’t drying the air too much.
Aside from that, it will allow you to set a specific humidity target. Once it’s achieved, the dehumidifier will shut down or engage automatically.
This will also serve as a safety feature so that the dehumidifier won’t overheat or overflow.
✔️Noise level
Take note that commercial dehumidifiers will be noisier than compact types. This is due to the higher capacity, larger motor, and higher airflow. It’s a trade-off if you want efficient dehumidification.
If noise is an issue, you’re better off using an integrated dehumidifier. This model is tucked away from the usable space of your building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How effective are commercial dehumidifiers?
A: Commercial dehumidifiers are effective in removing excessive moisture in the air. Unlike small residential types, these industrial-grade machines can suck out more moisture in the air. It also has a larger tank, so you can leave it running for hours. Overall, commercial dehumidifiers are extremely effective in fixing the aftereffects of flooding and significant leaks.
Q: How long do commercial dehumidifiers last?
A: Commercial dehumidifiers are made to endure harsh environments. If maintained well, a unit can last for a decade or more. Of course, it also depends on the overall quality of the dehumidifier, level of usage, and the condition of the place where it’s stored. If your dehumidifier is already old, you should consider replacing it with a modern unit.
Q: Are commercial dehumidifiers safe?
A: Commercial dehumidifiers are safe as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You should always place it on a stable surface. Also, you should place the dehumidifier away from walls, furniture, or any surface that could block airflow. You should invest in a dehumidifier with safety features like auto shut-off to avoid untoward incidents.
Q: Should I run a commercial dehumidifier constantly?
A: You can run a dehumidifier constantly as long as you use a continuous drain setting. This way, the unit won’t risk overflowing or overheating. Aside from that, you should ensure that the dehumidifier is suitable for continuous use to avoid damages. Despite that, you should still monitor the humidity levels of your commercial space to avoid making the air too dry.
Q: Can a dehumidifier be too big?
A: A dehumidifier can be too big for a room. The unit will consume more electricity and make the room too dry when it happens. It’s important to monitor your indoor humidity to ensure that your dehumidifier isn’t overdoing its task.
Final words
The best commercial dehumidifiers will let you combat excessive moisture in large buildings. Unlike those made for residential use, commercial types have a bigger capacity, higher airflow rate, and added features for the best results.
What do you think of these dehumidifiers? Which one suits your commercial space? Share your thoughts below!
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