Black & Decker Portable Dehumidifier

The Black & Decker Portable Dehumidifier (model BD50MWSA) promises to be a reliable solution for maintaining air quality in homes and basements. With a capacity to extract up to 50 pints of moisture per day and designed to handle spaces up to 4,500 square feet, it appears to be a versatile and powerful tool. However, my experience with this unit has been a mixed bag.

To start off, setting up the dehumidifier is relatively straightforward. The electronic controls are intuitive, and the water level indicator is a helpful feature. The unit includes a 6-liter removable tank, which makes emptying the collected water convenient. The auto-restart and auto-defrost features are also commendable, ensuring that the dehumidifier resumes operation after a power outage and prevents frost build-up, respectively.

One of the standout features is the washable and reusable air filter. This is not only eco-friendly but also saves money in the long run. The audible alert system for a full bucket is another thoughtful addition, ensuring that the unit doesn't overflow.

However, despite these promising features, the performance of the Black & Decker Portable Dehumidifier left much to be desired. The most glaring issue is its inability to handle the advertised 4,500 square feet effectively. My space is well within this limit, yet the unit struggled to bring down the humidity levels to a comfortable range. It ran almost constantly and still couldn't achieve the desired humidity, which raises concerns about its efficiency and energy consumption.

Speaking of energy consumption, the unit is advertised as being energy-efficient, but this claim is questionable. The actual amperage draw is significantly higher than what is mentioned in online listings, leading to a noticeable spike in my electricity bill. This makes me question the overall cost-effectiveness of the unit, especially if it needs to run continuously to achieve subpar results.

Durability is another significant concern. The pump, which is supposed to automatically drain the collected water, failed within a few months of use. This is not an isolated incident, as it appears to be a recurring issue with this model. The pump's failure means that the bucket fills up quickly and needs to be manually emptied, defeating the purpose of having an automatic draining feature. This is not only inconvenient but also a potential deal-breaker for those who can't frequently monitor the unit.

Customer service also leaves much to be desired. When the pump failed, getting a response for a warranty claim was an exercise in frustration. Delays in communication and unhelpful responses made the process cumbersome, and the prospect of waiting months for a replacement unit during peak humidity season is far from ideal.

The unit's noise level is another aspect worth mentioning. While it's not excessively loud, it’s noticeable enough to be a distraction, especially in quiet settings. Given that it runs almost constantly due to its inefficiency, this becomes more of an issue over time.

On a positive note, the dehumidifier is easy to move around, thanks to its built-in casters. This makes it convenient to relocate the unit to different areas as needed. The build quality also feels robust, and the design is sleek and modern, fitting well into most home decors.

In conclusion, the Black & Decker Portable Dehumidifier has several promising features on paper but falls short in practical application. Its inability to effectively dehumidify large spaces, coupled with issues of durability and inefficient energy consumption, are significant drawbacks. The pump's unreliability and poor customer service further diminish its appeal.

Given these issues, I would not recommend this dehumidifier. While it has some commendable features such as a washable filter and an intuitive design, the core functionality and reliability are lacking. For those in need of a robust and efficient dehumidification solution, it would be wise to explore other options that offer better performance and reliability.