Our Rating:
Key Features:
ENERGY STAR certified
Built-in Pump
Long 2.5-year Warranty
Coverage area of 4,500 sq. ft.
Functional, Powerful Dehumidifier that You Can Set and Forget
If you need a dehumidifier for your basement, or you just want to make your entire home more comfortable, we’d like to introduce you to the hOmeLabs 50 Pint Dehumidifier with Pump.
This powerful appliance proved ultra-effective in our small room test by cutting the humidity level in half in just 10 minutes. With the addition of a built-in pump, you can now take that power and put it to work in your home without constantly having to dump the water reservoir.
This ENERGY STAR-certified dehumidifier is brimming with functional features to take on damp conditions in areas of the home you don’t want to have to visit every day. It’s a bit noisy to use in your living space, but with a coverage area of 4,500 square feet, you can enjoy the benefits of this powerful machine without having to set it up nearby.
Review Criteria Ratings
Moisture Removal | 5/5 |
Noise level | 3.5/5 |
Energy efficiency | 5/5 |
Ease of use | 4/5 |
Extra features | 4/5 |
Pros
- Built-in pump automatically empties unit for continuous operation
- Multiple functions for versatile use
- Energy Star certified
- Powerful compressor for quick results
- Long 2.5-year warranty for registered users
Cons
- Noisy
- Short power cord
- The reservoir drawer is hard to get back in place
- Lag time in compressor responsiveness
- Mode setting takes some practice
Should You Buy It?
If you need a dehumidifier to tackle a damp basement or one powerful enough to make your entire house more comfortable, this hOmeLabs 50-pint dehumidifier with a built-in pump is what you need.
It has a powerful compressor, alongside a convenient automatic emptying via the included pump for set-and-forget situations.
hOmeLabs 50 Pint Dehumidifier with Pump Overview
We’ve had the chance to review many hOmeLab products in the past, including the Purely Awesome Air Purifier, 35-pint dehumidifier, and 50-pint dehumidifier without pump.
The 50-pint dehumidifier with pump has the same features as the standard 50-pint version. Both utilize a 1.6-gallon water reservoir, are rated for use in spaces up to 4,500 square feet, and both have a powerful compressor capable of pulling up to 50 pints of moisture from the air every 24 hours.
The big difference with this model, aside from a higher price, is the inclusion of a built-in pump. With the pump feature turned on, this model will automatically pump water out of the reservoir, through the connected drainage tube, and into a nearby drain, sink, or outside. The pump allows the unit to run without interruption.
Like other hOmeLabs dehumidifiers, this model also includes different operating modes such as target humidity level and timer mode.
In addition to purifiers and dehumidifiers, hOmeLabs also has a long line of small kitchen appliances and other home care devices. The company is based out of New York, but their products are made in China and have manufacturing plants worldwide. All dehumidifiers come with a long 2-year warranty out of the box or a 2.5-year warranty with registration.
We were impressed by the hOmeLabs 50-pint dehumidifier without a pump. This one promises all the same great features with the added benefit of hands-off operation. But does it live up to the hype?
Keep reading to see our full and honest hOmeLabs 50-pint dehumidifier with pump review.
How It Performs
I had the chance to put this “pumped-up” version of the 50-pint hOmeLabs dehumidifier to the test in my own home.
Below, you’ll find out how well it performed in terms of moisture removal, noise output, energy efficiency, and more.
Moisture Removal
Like the pumpless 50-pint, this version instantly impressed me with its moisture removal.
I conducted my standard “small room test” by using the dehumidifier in my bathroom after a shower. When I powered the unit on, the humidity level was a high 89%. After ten minutes on turbo mode, it had already fallen to 47%.
A 50% reduction in humidity levels in 10 minutes is on par with what large dehumidifiers used by mitigation companies can achieve.
Like the standard 50-pint and 35-pint versions, the moisture removal rate fell the closer the humidity level got to 40%. But this is expected and a common feature of even the highest quality dehumidifiers. (To understand why this is, check out our article on how dehumidifiers work.)
Note: The pump feature on this model will only kick on once the reservoir is full and doesn’t appear to affect overall moisture removing performance.
Like other models in this line, the compressor is a bit sluggish to respond. In target humidity level mode, you can expect the unit to overshoot the mark by a couple of degrees before turning itself off.
Noise Level
The price you pay for all that moisture-removing power is a noisier unit. At normal fan speed, this dehumidifier puts out about 58.5 dB. In turbo mode, it gets up to 61.4 dB.
Note: The pump function is amazingly quiet and does not add to the noise output in any noticeable way.
Each of these noise levels is high enough that you wouldn’t want this dehumidifier running in the same room with you while you’re trying to watch TV or listen to the radio. And this is the main reason we would recommend this dehumidifier for use in basements, crawlspaces, or to be set up in non-living spaces for whole-house dehumidifying.
Energy Efficiency
Like the other dehumidifier models we’ve reviewed from hOmeLabs, this model is also ENERGY STAR certified.
The hOmeLabs 50-pint dehumidifier consumes 5.76 kWh per day when you run it continuously. If you calculate the average cost of electricity in the US, this appliance will add $17.64 per month to your bill.
Considering how little energy this product uses, you can run it as often as needed to remove moisture from damp basements or battle oppressive summer humidity. To further cut down on your energy bill, you can take advantage of its power-saving modes such as the timer function, comfort mode, and the target humidity level mode.
Ease of Use
If you’ve read my other hOmeLabs dehumidifier reviews, you know what my biggest gripe with these appliances is.
While they have a ton of great features, the way the control panel operates leaves a lot to be desired. You’ll need to follow a very specific order of operations, especially when combining modes.
Note: If you don’t press the buttons in the correct order, the machine will default away from the setting you’ve chosen.
In addition to this, the target humidity level function does not have its own on/off button. Instead, you have to ensure comfort and continuous modes are off, then use the arrows to input your desired humidity target.
All this is to say is it will take some time to figure out how to program this dehumidifier and familiarize yourself with the quirks of the control board. I don’t consider this a dealbreaker, but rather something to be aware of if you decide to bring this product home.
I’ve also talked before about how the size and weight of this line of dehumidifiers make them less than portable. In the case of the 50-pint with pump model, this isn’t as much of a factor. Dehumidifiers with pumps are very much meant to be set up in one location. So, even if the unit is 42 pounds and 2 feet tall, it doesn’t really factor in its ease of use all that much.
Not sure where to place your new dehumidifier? You’ll want to read our article on how to use a dehumidifier to find out that and more.
Extra Features
Like the other models in this line, this dehumidifier comes with a ton of great features and run modes. These include:
- Pump Mode – Turn the pump on or off with the touch of a button. When on, the pump will automatically engage when the water reservoir reaches maximum capacity.
- Comfort Mode – In this mode, the unit automatically determines the optimal target humidity level based on the room’s temperature. The unit will turn off and on as needed to maintain that level.
- Continuous Mode – Continuous mode allows the unit to run without pause. Combined with the pump function, the unit will only stop to defrost automatically. This is a great function for leak mitigation or basement dehumidifier use.
- Turbo Mode – Switch between standard and turbo fan speed when humidity is exceptionally high.
- Timer Mode – Adjust the run time between 30 minutes and 24 hours. This can be paired with comfort mode and the set humidity level mode.
- Target Humidity Level Mode – Use the arrows to set your target humidity level as low as 35% and as high as 80%. The unit will turn off and on as needed to maintain this set level.
Alternatives
The hOmeLabs 50-pint dehumidifier with pump is an excellent option if you want a powerful dehumidifier that you can set and forget. But if you need a dehumidifier in your living spaces or a more affordable option for whole-house use, we’ve got some alternatives to consider.
The hOmeLabs 35-pint dehumidifier has all the same great features as the 50-pint minus the pump and with less noise output. This model is nearly as powerful as the larger capacity one but a better choice for use in bedrooms, living rooms, and other living spaces.
If having a pump is a must, then the Gree 50-pint dehumidifier with pump is worth looking into. This unit doesn’t have as many features or modes as the hOmeLabs option, but it has a quieter operating output and costs less.
Model | hOmeLabs 50-pint with pump | hOmeLabs 35-pint | Gree 50-pint with pump |
Rating | 35 pint/3,000 square feet | 50 pint/4,500 square feet | 50 pint/4,500 square feet |
Pump/Reservoir Size | Yes/1.6 gallons | No/1.6 gallons | Yes/2 gallons |
Noise Output (on lowest setting) | 58.5 dB | 56.9 dB | 47 dB |
Price | $$ | $$$$ | $$$ |
Things To Consider Before Buying
Before you purchase a new dehumidifier for your home, it is a good idea to examine your needs to ensure you end up with the best product for you. Here are a few things worth considering.
- Intake Capacity – The intake capacity measures the internal compressor or motor’s power. The higher the capacity, the more moisture the unit will pull out of the air in a 24-hour period.
- Reservoir Size and Drainage Capability – If you are constantly battling maintaining your home’s humidity levels, consider getting a unit with a large reservoir and higher intake capacity. If you want a dehumidifier you can set and forget, choose one with a built-in pump.
- Noise Output – Dehumidifiers with 55dB noise output are still tolerable to use in living spaces like the bedroom. Anything over 60dB is better suited for use in basements or areas of the house that you don’t spend a lot of time in.
- Water Pump – Water pumps significantly reduce how much maintenance your dehumidifier will require. These types of dehumidifiers are meant to be installed in one spot and not moved often. They also cost more than pumpless options.
Conclusion
Dehumidifiers are a necessity in humid climates and a smart thing to have on hand for emergencies in any other environment.
For homes with damp basements, mold problems, or high summer humidity levels, the hOmeLabs 50-pint dehumidifier with pump is a great option.
This powerful dehumidifier pulls in moisture at an impressive rate while self-emptying so you can set and forget it. With a host of different run modes and the peace of mind that comes with an ENERGY STAR Certified appliance, you can enjoy a more comfortable home or basement without worrying about higher energy bills.
To learn more about the hOmeLabs 50-pint with pump dehumidifier or purchase one for yourself, click here.