A basement that smells damp or fogs up its windows usually has a humidity problem, not just a cleaning problem. This guide explains the numbers Canadian guidance uses, how to read a dehumidifier’s capacity rating, and which two basement models are currently top sellers on Amazon.
Quick picks
Affiliate links (paid links) below. Details
| Model | Good for | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Midea 22-pint Energy Star | Average-size basement, certified mainstream unit | Check price on Amazon |
| KNKA 34-pint | Large or very damp basement; hose included | Check price on Amazon |
What humidity level should you aim for?
Health Canada recommends keeping indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%, and says to run a dehumidifier in damp areas such as basements, when moisture condenses on cold surfaces like windows, or when humidity is above 50%. For basements it also suggests running a dehumidifier year-round if needed with the windows closed, checking pipes for condensation, and using plastic bins with lids instead of cardboard boxes stored on the floor. (Source: Health Canada, Guide to addressing moisture and mould indoors.)
A cheap hygrometer (humidity meter) tells you where you actually stand before you spend money on a dehumidifier.
How to read the capacity number
Dehumidifier capacity is quoted in pints of water removed per day, and the figure depends on the test conditions. For example, the Midea listing below states 22 pints per day at 65°F and 60% relative humidity, and a much higher number at a hot, near-saturated 90°F and 95%. A cool basement is closer to the first condition than the second, so judge a unit by its rating at the cooler, lower-humidity test point, and expect less water collected in a colder room than the headline number suggests.
Two practical points follow. First, size up if the basement is large, open-plan or has a history of dampness. Second, check how the unit drains. Health Canada says to empty the drain pan regularly or drain directly into a drain, and continuous drainage with a hose saves you from emptying a tank every day.
Two top-selling basement dehumidifiers
Both models below appear on Amazon’s own Best Sellers list for Dehumidifiers (checked October 14, 2026), which is where this site takes its product shortlist from. Rankings change daily. Specifications are as stated in each product listing, so confirm them on the product page before you buy.
Midea 22-pint Energy Star dehumidifier
- Listing states 22 pints per day at the standard 65°F / 60% test condition and coverage up to 1,500 sq ft.
- Energy Star certified, Wi-Fi control, 47 dBA noise level.
- Has a built-in hose connection for continuous draining; the hose isn’t included.
- Best for: a finished or semi-finished basement of average size where you want a certified, mainstream unit.
KNKA 34-pint dehumidifier
- Listing states up to 34 pints per day and coverage up to 2,500 sq ft.
- Includes a 3.28 ft drain hose and has a 0.79 gallon tank; the listing quotes 37 dB in sleep mode.
- Best for: a large or very damp basement where the higher capacity and included hose matter. I couldn’t confirm an Energy Star certification for this model from the listing.
Watch: an independent dehumidifier test
This video is from HouseFresh, an independent site that tests dehumidifiers. It isn’t a review of the two models above, but it explains what separates good units from poor ones.
Quick buying checklist
- Measure humidity first. If it is already between 30% and 50%, you may not need a unit.
- Pick capacity for your coldest conditions, not the headline rating.
- Prefer a unit with a hose-drain option for a basement.
- Look for a humidistat (auto shut-off at your set humidity).
- Place it away from walls and furniture so air can circulate, and keep basement windows closed while it runs.
- Fix the cause where you can: leaks, gutters and grading, pipe condensation.
A dehumidifier lowers humidity but doesn’t repair a leak. If you see standing water, repeated mould growth or a persistent musty smell after humidity is controlled, the moisture source needs fixing.
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