The Aprilaire E100WKPZ 100 Pint leads this guide for its continuous draining, Energy Star certification, and automatic defrost. We ranked pump-equipped dehumidifiers from published specifications only, focusing on drainage features, auto restart, tank size, and energy use. A built-in pump lets you push condensate upward to a sink or window, which matters when a floor drain sits above the unit. The picks below cover large basements, crawl spaces, and finished rooms.
Product data updated November 3, 2026
Quick picks
Situation
Choose
If you need continuous draining in a large basement
Specs are the figures each maker lists. "Not listed" means we have no published figure yet.
The picks
Winner
1
Best for large basements
Aprilaire E100WKPZ 100 Pint
8.9Spec score
This model pairs a built-in pump with continuous draining, Energy Star certification, and automatic defrost. It lists 5,500 sq ft coverage and a digital display with adjustable humidity control. Compared with the next pick, it lists continuous draining and a digital display, but it is heavier at 64 pounds and is rated at 828 watts.
Moisture removal
100 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
5,500 sq ft
Tank
Not listed
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Energy Star certified
Continuous draining with built-in pump
Automatic defrost listed
Digital display and adjustable humidity control
Watch out
Heavy at 64 pounds
828 watts is high for a portable unit
No stated tank size
Good fit if
Large basements where the only drain sits above the unit
Spaces that need continuous drainage without bucket emptying
Skip if
You need a lightweight unit to move between floors
You want a stated tank size
Verdict: A strong pump-equipped choice for large, damp basements when continuous drainage is available.
This Energy Star model lists 7,500 sq ft coverage and includes auto restart, auto defrost, and a 14.8 pints (1.85 gal) tank. It weighs 38.6 pounds and draws 580 watts, lighter than the Aprilaire above. Compared with the next pick, it states a larger coverage area and a tank size, but it stands 24.22 inches tall.
Moisture removal
149 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
7,500 sq ft
Tank
14.8 pints
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Energy Star certified
Auto restart after power blinks
14.8 pints (1.85 gal) tank
7,500 sq ft stated coverage
Watch out
580 watts
Tall at 24.22 inches
Good fit if
Basements that lose power and need settings restored
Large open areas up to 7,500 sq ft
Skip if
You need a compact unit for a crawl space
You want a lower wattage model
Verdict: A solid large-space pump model with auto restart and a stated tank size.
This pump-equipped unit stands 13.3 inches tall (19.2 by 12.2 by 13.3 inches), with a carrying handle and washable reusable filter. It lists auto restart, auto defrost, and crawl space use. Compared with the Waykar above, it covers a smaller stated area at 1,300 sq ft, but its compact shape fits crawl spaces and tight corners.
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
Auto restart and auto defrost
Crawl space listed in recommended uses
Washable reusable filter
Carrying handle for placement
Watch out
1,300 sq ft stated coverage is limited
500 watts for a compact unit
Good fit if
Crawl spaces with low clearance
Basement corners where a low profile helps
Skip if
You need to dry a large open basement
You want a stated tank size
Verdict: A practical pump model for crawl spaces and low-clearance areas.
This model weighs 30.5 pounds, lighter than the other picks that state a weight, and lists 7,500 sq ft coverage. It includes auto defrost, auto shutoff, and a built-in pump, plus a 12.8 pints (1.6 gal) tank. Compared with the ALORAIR Sentinel HDi65 55 Pint above, it is taller and lighter, but the maker does not state Energy Star certification.
Moisture removal
50 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
7,500 sq ft
Tank
12.8 pints
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Not listed
Good
30.5 pounds, easy to move
12.8 pints (1.6 gal) tank
Built-in pump
7,500 sq ft stated coverage
Watch out
Energy Star certification not stated by the maker
No auto restart listed
Good fit if
Finished basements with stairs
Rooms where you move the unit between floors
Skip if
You need auto restart after outages
You need a low-profile crawl space unit
Verdict: A light pump model for finished basements.
This Energy Star pump model includes a 15 pints (1.9 gal) tank, continuous draining, auto defrost, and a washable filter. It lists 4,000 sq ft coverage and draws 510 watts. Compared with the hOmeLabs above, it has a larger tank and washable filter, but it weighs 40.5 pounds and covers a smaller stated area.
Moisture removal
50 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
4,000 sq ft
Tank
15 pints
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Energy Star certified
15 pints (1.9 gal) tank
Washable filter
Continuous draining with built-in pump
Watch out
4,000 sq ft stated coverage
40.5 pounds
Good fit if
Rooms where you prefer less frequent bucket emptying
Basements with a floor drain nearby
Skip if
You need coverage above 4,000 sq ft
You want the lightest unit
Verdict: A pump model with a removable 15 pints (1.9 gal) tank and a washable filter.
This Energy Star unit has a 12.7 pints (1.6 gal) tank, digital display, water level indicator, and built-in pump. It lists 4,500 sq ft coverage and draws 470 watts. Compared with the Honeywell above, it adds a digital display and water level indicator, but its tank is slightly smaller and it has no washable filter listed.
Moisture removal
50 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
4,500 sq ft
Tank
12.7 pints
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Energy Star certified
Digital display and water level indicator
470 watts
Built-in pump with automatic moisture removal
Watch out
12.7 pints (1.6 gal) tank
No washable filter listed
Good fit if
Finished rooms where you want clear status readouts
Basements up to 4,500 sq ft
Skip if
You want a larger tank
You need a washable filter
Verdict: A user-friendly pump model with clear status indicators.
This pump-equipped unit has a 33.6 pints (4.2 gal) tank, the largest among the ranked models, and lists 4,500 sq ft coverage. It draws 470 watts and weighs 41.5 pounds. Compared with the BLACK+DECKER above, it offers a much larger tank, but it lists neither Energy Star certification nor auto restart.
Moisture removal
50 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
4,500 sq ft
Tank
33.6 pints
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Not listed
Good
33.6 pints (4.2 gal) tank
470 watts
Built-in pump with continuous draining
Ergonomic handle
Watch out
Energy Star certification not stated by the maker
41.5 pounds
Good fit if
Spaces where you want to empty the bucket rarely
Basements with a floor drain for continuous draining
Skip if
You want an Energy Star certified unit
You need a lightweight model
Verdict: A strong choice when a very large tank reduces emptying trips.
This pump model includes a 15 pints (1.9 gal) tank, adjustable fan speed, auto restart, auto defrost, and auto shutoff. It lists 5,000 sq ft coverage. Compared with the Midea above, it adds auto restart and adjustable fan speed; like the Midea, it does not state Energy Star certification.
Moisture removal
50 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
5,000 sq ft
Tank
15 pints
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Not listed
Good
15 pints (1.9 gal) tank
Auto restart and auto defrost
Adjustable fan speed
Built-in pump
Watch out
Energy Star certification not stated by the maker
Weight not stated by the maker
Good fit if
Basements where you want fan control
Spaces that need settings restored after outages
Skip if
You want an Energy Star certified unit
You need a very large tank
Verdict: A flexible pump model with fan control and auto restart.
This Energy Star pump model draws 265 watts, the lowest stated among the ranked models, and lists 5,000 sq ft coverage. It has no stated tank size, but includes continuous draining and automatic defrost. Compared with the GE ADHE50PWF 50 Pint above, it states its wattage and Energy Star certification, but no tank size.
Moisture removal
70 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
5,000 sq ft
Tank
Not listed
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Energy Star certified
265 watts is low
5,000 sq ft stated coverage
Continuous draining with built-in pump
Watch out
No stated tank size
No auto restart listed
Good fit if
Energy-conscious users who plan continuous draining
Basements up to 5,000 sq ft
Skip if
You want a stated tank size
You need auto restart
Verdict: An efficient pump unit for continuous drainage setups.
This Energy Star pump model is low and compact at 15.2 by 11.2 by 11.4 inches, with auto restart, auto defrost, and a digital display. It lists 1,000 sq ft coverage and weighs 36.3 pounds. Compared with the Waykar above, it is smaller and states its weight, but its stated coverage is much lower.
Moisture removal
35 pints/day (rating basis not stated)
Rated area
1,000 sq ft
Tank
Not listed
Pump
Built-in
Rated noise
Not listed
Energy Star
Yes
Good
Energy Star certified
Auto restart and auto defrost
Digital display
Compact footprint
Watch out
1,000 sq ft stated coverage
No stated tank size
Good fit if
Small crawl spaces or utility rooms
Areas where a low-profile unit fits
Skip if
You need to dry a large basement
You want a stated tank size
Verdict: A compact, energy-efficient pump option for tight spaces.
The spec score is based only on the specifications stated in each product's title on the store. It is not a hands-on rating, and it does not say whether a model suits your room.
What counts
Weight
Moisture removal (pints per day)
5
Rated area (sq ft)
2
Energy Star certified
2
Built-in pump
1
Each stated figure is compared with the best one among the models on this page, so the strongest model on a figure earns its full weight. A pump or an Energy Star rating counts when the title states it and counts as zero when it does not. A figure the title does not state is left out of the sum. A model needs at least two stated figures to get a score, and a page shows scores only when every model on it has one.
How we picked
We ranked these dehumidifiers using published specifications only. No unit was handled, used, or measured. We compared each model's pump-related features: continuous draining, auto restart, auto defrost, tank size, Energy Star certification, stated coverage area, weight, and wattage. Models with more complete and useful specs for pump-equipped use ranked higher. We did not compare pint-per-day capacities because the rating basis is not stated for these models.
How to choose a pump-equipped dehumidifier
Start with the drainage setup. A built-in pump pushes condensate upward, so you can route the hose to a sink, window, or floor drain above the unit. Check the pump's lift height if the maker lists one; none of the picks here state it. Look for continuous draining so the pump runs without bucket emptying. Auto restart matters if your area has power blinks, and auto defrost helps in cool basements. For more on pump selection, see what to check when choosing a pump-equipped unit.
Why a built-in pump matters
A gravity drain only works when the hose slopes downward. If your floor drain is above the unit or you need to send water up to a sink, a pump is necessary. The pump lifts condensate through a hose, allowing placement in a low spot like a basement floor. Without a pump, you would empty the bucket manually. For a comparison of pump and gravity drain, see built-in pump or gravity drain.
Drainage and placement
Place the unit near the drain or window the hose will run to. Units with top-mounted air discharge can sit against a wall; others need room around them so air can circulate. Route the pump hose so it does not kink or create a tripping hazard. A continuous drain setup removes the need to empty a bucket, but you should still check the hose connection periodically. For hose routing options, see ways to route a dehumidifier drain hose.
Energy use and maintenance
Energy Star certified models use about 20% less energy than conventional units, according to the EPA. Wattage varies widely; lower wattage often means lower running cost, but it also depends on room conditions. Keep the filter clean and check the pump inlet for debris. To control moisture, the EPA advises keeping indoor relative humidity below 60 percent, ideally between 30 and 50 percent. For more on energy use, see how a compressor dehumidifier uses energy.
If the floor drain is below the unit and the hose can slope downward, a gravity drain works. A pump is needed only when you must lift water upward, such as to a sink or window above the unit.
Can a pump-equipped dehumidifier be used in a crawl space?
Yes, if it fits. The ALORAIR Sentinel HDi65 55 Pint stands 13.3 inches tall and lists crawl space use. Because crawl spaces can be cool, look for automatic defrost: frost can form on the coils below 65°F.
What does auto restart do?
Auto restart restores the unit's settings after a power outage. Without it, the dehumidifier may stay off until you manually turn it back on.
How often does the bucket need emptying on a pump model?
If you use continuous draining with the pump, you do not empty the bucket at all. The bucket is only a backup when the drain hose is not connected.
Are pump-equipped dehumidifiers louder?
None of the picks here state a noise figure, so this guide cannot compare them on sound. If noise matters, look for a maker that publishes a noise rating.
