Dehumidifier and moisture absorber – what’s the difference?

Dehumidifier

Frigidaire 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifier

Moisture absorber

DampRid FG100 Disposable, odorless moisture absorber

Whether you are dealing with dampness and condensation or wish prevent mold There are quick solutions to reduce humidity levels in the air in your home. And you might be wondering if there is one of best dehumidifiers or a moisture absorber would be more suitable for your needs.

Essentially, both devices do the same thing – they absorb moisture from the air and hold it inside the device to reduce the formation of condensation and dampness in the room. However, there are key differences between the two products. We’ll take a closer look at how they compare in terms of efficiency, ease of use and, of course, price to determine which one is best for your home.

Dehumidifier and moisture absorber – how do they work?

Honeywell Energy Star 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier in the Kitchen — (Image credit: Future)

The main difference is that dehumidifiers are electric machines and require electrical power, while dehumidifiers are non-electric and can be placed anywhere in the home.

Typically, a dehumidifier works by circulating air and removing moisture to dry out a room. There are two types: a compressor dryer, which sucks moisture through a coil that is cooled to a very low temperature by a refrigeration system. Or a dehumidifier, which draws moisture through a filter and passes it through an absorbent material called zeolite. Once saturated, an internal heater or fan blows warm, dry air through the zeolite, condensing the moisture into water, which is collected in a reservoir. Compressor dryers are a more popular choice in households, mainly due to faster water extraction and greater energy efficiency.

On the other hand, a moisture absorber does not provide air circulation. They are simply filled with granules that crystallize when they absorb moisture from the air. As a result, the absorber will need to be replaced as soon as the granules have released excess water – usually within a few weeks.

Dehumidifier vs Moisture Absorber – Price

Moisture absorbers

(Image credit: Amazon)

There is no denying that dehumidifiers can be an expensive investment compared to moisture absorbers. However, if you have an ongoing damp problem or live in a particularly damp environment, you’ll need to weigh up the long-term costs.

Typically, a basic dehumidifier can cost around $90 for a 30-pint container. However, prices will vary depending on the type, model, configuration and features – up to $500. You will need to consider the humidity level in your home and the area covered to determine what type of dehumidifier you will need. You may also want to know how energy efficient your model is, especially if you’ll be using it frequently.

On the other hand, moisture absorbers are much cheaper, starting at $17 for a starter kit. You can place them anywhere and you won’t have to worry about running costs. However, keep in mind that you will have to purchase reusable tablets (costing around $20), which may not be as cost-effective as you think in the long run.

Also note that moisture absorbers have a limited lifespan and are only suitable as short-term solutions. If you have a more severe and ongoing damp/humidity problem, a dehumidifier will likely be more valuable for your needs and long-term use.

Winner: Desiccant

Dehumidifier vs Moisture Absorber – Design

Honeywell Energy Star 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier in the Kitchen

(Image credit: Future)

Typically, dehumidifiers are fairly large box-shaped units available in different sizes depending on the power you need. If you have large spaces such as a basement with a lot of moisture, you may be better off investing in a larger capacity e.g. Honeywell 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier.

However, if you are worried about a bulky appliance taking over your room, you can buy these compact models. HomeLabs 22 pint dehumidifierwhich in our reviews we rated as the best for small spaces. You can also find dehumidifiers with wheels for easy transportation or with a convenient handle for carrying.

Moisture absorbers, in comparison, are much smaller and less noticeable and can be placed anywhere in the home. Additionally, there may be places in your home where a dehumidifier may not be ideal, such as a small room or closet.

You can buy these moisture absorbers for your countertops. DampRid moisture absorber which can be placed on shelves, in bathrooms, laundry rooms and storage areas. You can even find ones that you can hang in your closet or cupboard. In general, dehumidifiers are more discreet and can be tailored to your needs and aesthetic tastes compared to a dehumidifier.

Winner: Moisture Absorber

Dehumidifier vs Moisture Absorber – Efficiency

GE 35 Pint dehumidifier open

(Image credit: Future)

In general, dehumidifiers are easy to use when set up correctly. As soon as you have dehumidifier in the right place and program your settings, these devices can simply be left to do the job at hand. Most dehumidifiers come with automatic settings that change as temperature/humidity levels change, as well as other convenient features.

Unlike the humble moisture absorber, you can monitor levels and adjust settings via the LED screen on the control panel, which is always handy. They can also shut off when the water tank is full, which a dehumidifier cannot do. Instead, monitoring will always be required to check whether it is full or spilling. That being said, dehumidifiers require more maintenance and you need to know that. how to clean a dehumidifier correctly, as specified by your model. Additionally, some models can be noisy, which can be a nuisance if you prefer quiet evenings, without you even noticing (let alone hearing) the dehumidifier in the room.

In terms of performance, dehumidifiers can pull moisture from the air at a higher rate per hour and provide greater room coverage than dehumidifiers. They can typically cover up to 250 square feet, whereas a 26 pint dehumidifier, for example, can cover 2,500 square feet. Which is much better when working in conditions with a lot of dampness and mustiness.

On the other hand, moisture absorbers are much easier to install and place anywhere in the home without relying on a power source. They are also ideal for tight or confined spaces where a dehumidifier simply won’t fit. Although complex programming is not required, you still need to continually buy supplies of desiccant dehumidifier inside them to make it work more efficiently. And if you don’t replace them when necessary, it can leave you vulnerable to condensation.

So when it comes to practicality, performance (and peace of mind!), a dehumidifier will be more effective than a moisture absorber.

Winner: Desiccant

Dehumidifier vs Moisture Absorber – Verdict

While they both get the job done in removing moisture from the air, dehumidifiers are the clear winner here. These units effectively deal with constant humidity per hour and are more effective for larger spaces such as a basement. Plus, when programmed correctly, they are quite self-sufficient and will give you accurate reports of temperature/humidity levels. Additionally, dehumidifiers are great for improving indoor air flow and combating musty odors caused by mold.

However, if you have an occasional moisture problem or want to dry out a small or enclosed area such as a closet, then a moisture absorber is the way to go. These convenient, portable devices do not require a power source, require less maintenance and do not take up much space. Additionally, if you want to quickly get rid of a musty smell, they are great as a short-term solution. And while it’s certainly a cheaper option than a dehumidifier, you’ll still have to buy extra tablets for future use.

So, after weighing the pros and cons, it is fair to say that you are better off investing in a good quality dehumidifier. But before you do, be sure to check out our guide to What you should know before buying a dehumidifier. Just be sure to avoid it Common dehumidifier mistakes you may make.