The Waykar PRO 30 Pint leads our picks because it is rated for exactly 1,500 sq ft, carries an ENERGY STAR label, and lists a 190-watt draw plus a 5 pints (0.62 gal) tank. This guide is based only on published specifications in our catalog. We compared square footage ratings, pump availability, tank sizes, energy labels, wattage, weight, and listed features to rank models rated for 1,300 to 1,800 sq ft.
Product data updated November 3, 2026
Quick picks
Situation
Choose
If you need a low-wattage ENERGY STAR pick rated for exactly 1,500 sq ft
Specs are the figures each maker lists. "Not listed" means we have no published figure yet.
The picks
Winner
1
Best overall for 1,500 sq ft
Waykar PRO 30 Pint
Rated for exactly 1,500 sq ft, this unit pairs an ENERGY STAR label with a 190-watt draw and a 5 pints (0.62 gal) tank. It lists smart modes, adjustable fan speed, a timer, and continuous draining. The 22.1-pound weight and 8.39 by 10.87 by 19.3-inch cabinet suit a living area.
Moisture removal
30 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,500 sq ft
Tank
5 pints
Pump
Not listed
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Rated for 1,500 sq ft
ENERGY STAR label
190-watt draw
5 pints (0.62 gal) tank
Watch out
Built-in pump not stated by the maker
Smallest stated tank among these picks
Good fit if
A 1,500 sq ft living area or bedroom
Buyers who want a low-wattage ENERGY STAR unit
Skip if
You need a built-in pump for a basement drain
You want a larger tank to empty less often
Verdict: The Waykar PRO 30 Pint is the best-matched 1,500 sq ft pick here for everyday residential use.
The Midea Cube 20 Pint is rated for 1,500 sq ft and carries an ENERGY STAR label. Its 25.6 pints (3.2 gal) tank is the largest stated tank among our picks, which means fewer emptying trips than the Waykar PRO 30 Pint above. The 214-watt draw and 33.3-pound weight sit between the Waykar PRO 30 Pint and the Midea MAD20C1ZWS 22 Pint below. Auto restart is listed; a built-in pump is not stated by the maker.
Moisture removal
20 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,500 sq ft
Tank
25.6 pints
Pump
Not listed
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Rated for 1,500 sq ft
ENERGY STAR label
25.6 pints (3.2 gal) tank
Auto restart listed
Watch out
Built-in pump not stated by the maker
No listed adjustable fan speed
Good fit if
A 1,500 sq ft space where you want fewer bucket trips
Buyers who prefer a compact cube footprint
Skip if
You need to drain upward to a sink
You want a very light unit to move between floors
Verdict: The Midea Cube 20 Pint is the pick for a 1,500 sq ft room when a large tank matters most.
Also rated for 1,500 sq ft and ENERGY STAR certified, this Midea model has a smaller 6.4 pints (0.8 gal) tank than the Midea Cube 20 Pint above but a taller, shallower cabinet at 10.51 by 15.31 by 19.8 inches. Its 295-watt draw is higher than the Midea Cube 20 Pint's, and it lists auto restart. It sits just below the Midea Cube 20 Pint because the tank is smaller and the wattage is higher.
Moisture removal
22 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,500 sq ft
Tank
6.4 pints
Pump
Not listed
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Rated for 1,500 sq ft
ENERGY STAR label
Auto restart listed
6.4 pints (0.8 gal) tank
Watch out
Built-in pump not stated by the maker
295-watt draw
No listed adjustable fan speed
Good fit if
A 1,500 sq ft bedroom or office with a shallow spot along a wall
Buyers who want a Midea unit with auto restart
Skip if
You want the largest tank in this guide
You need a pump for a basement drain
Verdict: The Midea MAD20C1ZWS 22 Pint is a solid slim choice for a 1,500 sq ft room.
This ALORAIR unit is rated for 1,300 sq ft, within our range, and adds a built-in pump plus an ENERGY STAR label. It lists a 500-watt draw, a 41.7-pound weight, and a 19.2 by 12.2 by 13.3-inch footprint. Compared with the Midea models above, it trades a 1,500 sq ft rating for pump drainage and a more commercial feature set.
Moisture removal
55 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,300 sq ft
Tank
Not listed
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Built-in pump
ENERGY STAR label
Rated for 1,300 sq ft
Adjustable humidity control and auto restart listed
Watch out
500-watt draw
41.7 pounds
Rated for 1,300 sq ft, not 1,500
Good fit if
A basement or crawl space that needs pumped drainage
Buyers who want a pump and ENERGY STAR label
Skip if
You want a unit rated exactly 1,500 sq ft
You prefer a lighter residential model
Verdict: The ALORAIR Sentinel HDi65 55 Pint is the pump-equipped pick for damp basements and crawl spaces.
Rated for 1,600 sq ft, this AprilAire model includes a built-in pump and lists anti-spill, automatic defrost, and automatic restart. It weighs 46 pounds and measures 9.71 by 25 by 9.86 inches, a wide but shallow shape. ENERGY STAR is not stated by the maker, which places it below the ALORAIR Sentinel HDi65 55 Pint above.
Moisture removal
50 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,600 sq ft
Tank
Not listed
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Not listed
Good
Built-in pump
Rated for 1,600 sq ft
Anti-spill and auto restart listed
Automatic defrost listed
Watch out
ENERGY STAR not stated by the maker
46 pounds
Wattage not stated by the maker
Good fit if
A 1,600 sq ft basement or commercial space
Buyers who want a pump without needing ENERGY STAR
Skip if
You want an ENERGY STAR certified pump model
You need a compact footprint
Verdict: The AprilAire E050PZ 50-Pint is a straightforward pump model for larger damp spaces.
This ALORAIR Galaxy is rated for 1,800 sq ft and includes a built-in pump. It lists automatic defrost and measures 21.3 by 14.1 by 11.7 inches. ENERGY STAR, weight and wattage are not stated by the maker, so it ranks below the AprilAire E050PZ 50-Pint above, which states more specs.
Moisture removal
60 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,800 sq ft
Tank
Not listed
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Not listed
Good
Built-in pump
Rated for 1,800 sq ft
Automatic defrost listed
Compact height at 11.7 inches
Watch out
ENERGY STAR not stated by the maker
Weight not stated by the maker
Wattage not stated by the maker
Good fit if
A 1,800 sq ft commercial space
Buyers who want a pump and a low height
Skip if
You want an ENERGY STAR label
You need a unit with stated wattage
Verdict: The ALORAIR Galaxy 60P 60 Pint is a low-profile pump option for larger damp areas.
Rated for 1,500 sq ft and ENERGY STAR certified, this Danby model lists a washable filter and four castors for room-to-room transport. It has a 6.3 pints (0.8 gal) tank and a 400-watt draw. It ranks below the pump picks because a pump is not stated by the maker and its wattage is higher than the Midea Cube 20 Pint's.
Moisture removal
22 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,500 sq ft
Tank
6.3 pints
Pump
Not listed
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Rated for 1,500 sq ft
ENERGY STAR label
Washable filter listed
6.3 pints (0.8 gal) tank
Watch out
Built-in pump not stated by the maker
400-watt draw
No listed adjustable fan speed
Good fit if
A 1,500 sq ft residential room with easy floor access
Buyers who want castors and a washable filter
Skip if
You need a pump for drainage
You want the lowest wattage in this guide
Verdict: The Danby DDR020BJ2WDB 22 Pint is a practical residential choice for a 1,500 sq ft space.
Rated for 1,500 sq ft, this Frigidaire model lists programmable operation, automatic moisture removal, and continuous draining. It has a 6.8 pints (0.85 gal) tank and a 250-watt draw. ENERGY STAR is not stated by the maker, which places it below the Danby DDR020BJ2WDB 22 Pint above.
Moisture removal
22 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,500 sq ft
Tank
6.8 pints
Pump
Not listed
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Not listed
Good
Rated for 1,500 sq ft
Programmable listed
Continuous draining listed
6.8 pints (0.85 gal) tank
Watch out
ENERGY STAR not stated by the maker
Built-in pump not stated by the maker
Good fit if
A 1,500 sq ft room where you want scheduled operation
Buyers who plan to use continuous drain
Skip if
You want an ENERGY STAR label
You need a built-in pump
Verdict: The Frigidaire FHDD2233Y1 22 Pint is a programmable option for a 1,500 sq ft space.
Rated for 1,500 sq ft, this GE model lists an 8.5 pints (1.1 gal) tank, adjustable fan speed, adjustable humidity control, and automatic defrost. It has a 250-watt draw and a 33-pound weight. Like the Frigidaire FHDD2233Y1 22 Pint above, it does not state ENERGY STAR; it states a larger tank but not programmable operation.
Moisture removal
25 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,500 sq ft
Tank
8.5 pints
Pump
Not listed
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Not listed
Good
Rated for 1,500 sq ft
8.5 pints (1.1 gal) tank
Adjustable fan speed listed
Automatic restart listed
Watch out
ENERGY STAR not stated by the maker
Built-in pump not stated by the maker
Good fit if
A 1,500 sq ft room where a larger tank helps
Buyers who want adjustable fan speed
Skip if
You want an ENERGY STAR label
You need a pump for drainage
Verdict: The GE ADHE25BWF 25 Pint is a larger-tank residential pick for a 1,500 sq ft space.
Rated for 1,500 sq ft, this BLACK+DECKER model lists a water level indicator, digital display, and portable design. It has a 6.8 pints (0.9 gal) tank and a 250-watt draw. It ranks last because ENERGY STAR is not stated by the maker and it lists no adjustable fan speed or auto restart.
Moisture removal
22 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,500 sq ft
Tank
6.8 pints
Pump
Not listed
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Not listed
Good
Rated for 1,500 sq ft
Water level indicator listed
Digital display listed
6.8 pints (0.9 gal) tank
Watch out
ENERGY STAR not stated by the maker
Built-in pump not stated by the maker
Good fit if
A 1,500 sq ft room where you want a visible water level
Buyers who want a simple portable unit
Skip if
You want an ENERGY STAR label
You need a pump for drainage
Verdict: The BLACK+DECKER BDM22WCDA 22 Pint is a basic portable pick for a 1,500 sq ft space.
We ranked picks using published specifications only. No unit was handled, used, or measured. We compared square footage ratings, pump availability, tank sizes, energy labels, wattage, weight, and listed features for models rated for 1,300 to 1,800 sq ft. All pint ratings in this guide are listed by makers without a stated rating basis, so we did not rank by pints per day. A model stating more useful specs won ties.
Why the square footage rating matters
A 1,500 sq ft space can be a finished basement, a large living area, or an open-plan main floor. The maker's square footage rating is a starting point. ENERGY STAR says the capacity you need depends on both the size of the space and how damp it is without dehumidification, and that it is better to oversize than undersize.
For a 1,500 sq ft area, look for a model rated between 1,300 and 1,800 sq ft. For a very damp or wet space, lean toward the top of that range, since ENERGY STAR advises oversizing over undersizing. See our capacity vs room size guide for more.
Pump or no pump for a 1,500 sq ft space
A built-in pump lets you send collected water upward to a sink or out a window. Without a pump, you rely on a gravity drain hose or the bucket. For a basement or crawl space below a drain line, a pump is often the practical choice. Our pump picks include the ALORAIR Sentinel HDi65 55 Pint and the AprilAire E050PZ 50-Pint.
If your 1,500 sq ft space is on the main floor with a nearby floor drain, a gravity drain or bucket may be enough. Check our built-in pump vs gravity drain comparison before deciding.
Tank size and emptying routine
Tank size affects how often you empty the bucket. In this guide, the Midea Cube 20 Pint has the largest tank at 25.6 pints (3.2 gal), while the Waykar PRO 30 Pint has a 5 pints (0.62 gal) tank. A larger tank means fewer trips, but it also adds weight when full.
If you plan to use continuous drain, tank size matters less. The Waykar PRO 30 Pint and the Frigidaire FHDD2233Y1 22 Pint list continuous draining. See our bucket emptying routines for a realistic schedule.
Energy labels and wattage
An ENERGY STAR label means the model meets efficiency criteria. The Waykar PRO 30 Pint, Midea Cube 20 Pint, Midea MAD20C1ZWS 22 Pint, ALORAIR Sentinel HDi65 55 Pint, and Danby DDR020BJ2WDB 22 Pint all carry the label. Wattage is a separate clue: the Waykar PRO 30 Pint lists 190 watts, while the ALORAIR Sentinel HDi65 55 Pint lists 500 watts.
Lower wattage does not always mean lower total energy use, because runtime depends on room conditions. See our how dehumidifiers use energy guide for the full picture.
Placement and clearance
ENERGY STAR notes that most portable units discharge air from the top and can be placed against a wall. If a unit does not discharge from the top, keep it away from walls and furniture so air can circulate freely, and keep doors and windows closed while it runs.
Check the listed dimensions before buying. The AprilAire E050PZ 50-Pint is wide at 25 inches, while the ALORAIR Galaxy 60P 60 Pint is only 11.7 inches high. See our airflow and clearance needs for placement tips.
Look for a model rated for 1,300 to 1,800 sq ft. ENERGY STAR's sizing chart recommends 20 to 30 pints per day for a slightly to moderately damp space, 25 to 40 for a very damp one, and 30 to 50 for a wet one. The picks here do not state their pint rating basis, so start with the square footage rating and how damp the space is.
Is a pump recommended for a 1,500 sq ft basement?
If the basement has no floor drain below the unit, a built-in pump lets you send water upward to a sink or window. Without a pump, you need a gravity drain or frequent bucket emptying. Our pump picks include the ALORAIR Sentinel HDi65 55 Pint and the AprilAire E050PZ 50-Pint.
How often will the bucket need emptying in a 1,500 sq ft space?
It depends on the tank size and the room's dampness. The Midea Cube 20 Pint's 25.6 pints (3.2 gal) tank needs emptying less often than the Waykar PRO 30 Pint's 5 pints (0.62 gal) tank in the same room. Continuous drain removes this task.
Is an ENERGY STAR label worth it for a 1,500 sq ft dehumidifier?
An ENERGY STAR label means the model meets efficiency criteria. It does not guarantee lower total energy use, because runtime depends on room conditions. Still, it is a useful filter when comparing models with similar specs.
Can one dehumidifier handle a 1,500 sq ft open floor plan?
A single unit rated for 1,500 sq ft can work if the space is open and air circulates. For a closed-off 1,500 sq ft area with separate rooms, you may need more than one unit or a unit rated higher. See our open vs closed rooms guide.
Why do some 1,500 sq ft picks have different pint ratings?
Makers list pint ratings under different conditions, and many do not state the rating basis. In this guide, all pint ratings are listed without a stated basis, so we did not rank by pints per day. We ranked by square footage rating, pump, tank, energy label, wattage, and listed features.
