Soleus Air CFM-25E

The compact Soleus CFM-25E is a good choice if you need a dehumidifier for one room. As with all dehumidifiers, we found some complaints about durability, but there are fewer for this Soleus model than for some others in its size and price class. At its best, the Soleus CFM-25E will extract 25 pints per day, and will do so more quietly than competitors' similar models. This dehumidifier will shut off when the 12-pint container is full and will automatically defrost if necessary. If you'll need a dehumidifier for a large area like a basement, reviews suggest the stronger but noisier Frigidaire FDF70S1 (discontinued); the Frigidaire also has the advantage of being able to empty through a hose into a drain.

Dehumidifiers get few professional reviews. Durability is a big issue in owner reviews at Amazon.com, where we found harsh criticism about longevity for all mainstream home dehumidifiers. A few user reviews are from people who bought a model that's too small for the job.