Black & Decker 50-Pint Portable Dehumidifier

As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time managing home humidity levels, I was eager to test the Black & Decker 50-Pint Portable Dehumidifier (model BDT50WTB) in my own space. This device promises to tackle high humidity efficiently, and I was curious to see if it lived up to its claims. Here's my experience with this dehumidifier.

Setup and Installation

Setting up the Black & Decker dehumidifier was a breeze. The unit came securely packaged, and I appreciated the straightforward instructions. One thing to note is that the included plastic drain hose was quite flimsy and prone to kinks. I ended up replacing it with a standard garden hose, which worked much better for continuous drainage. This minor inconvenience aside, the overall setup process was simple.

Design and Build Quality

The unit itself is relatively lightweight at 12.1 pounds, making it easy to move around. However, the lack of castors in my package was a bit frustrating, as it made relocating the dehumidifier between rooms more cumbersome than it needed to be. The controls are top-mounted with an LED display, which is intuitive and easy to navigate. However, the placement of the air intake at the back and the exhaust at the front means you might get a warm blast of air when adjusting settings.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Black & Decker dehumidifier does not disappoint. It can extract up to 50 pints of moisture from the air in 24 hours, which is impressive. I placed it in my damp basement, and within a few hours, I noticed a significant drop in humidity levels. The unit operates with a 14.3-pint collection bucket, which has a full-bucket indicator and auto shutoff feature. This is particularly useful as it prevents overflow and potential water damage.

The dehumidifier also comes with a 24-hour on/off timer, which I found to be a mixed bag. While it worked as advertised, the timer needs to be reset after each cycle, which somewhat defeats the purpose of automation, especially for those who want a set-and-forget solution.

Noise Levels

One of the standout features of this dehumidifier is its quiet operation. For the most part, the unit runs quietly, making it suitable for use in living areas without causing a disturbance. However, there were occasional instances where the unit became quite noisy, possibly due to the compressor working harder. This inconsistency in noise levels can be a bit bothersome, especially if you are using it in a common area where quiet is essential.

Additional Features

The Black & Decker dehumidifier comes with several additional features that enhance its usability. The auto defrost and auto restart functions are particularly useful in maintaining continuous operation, especially in colder environments. The child lock mode is a thoughtful addition for households with curious little ones. The adjustable humidistat and 2-speed fan allow for customized humidity control, making it easier to maintain a comfortable environment.

Durability and Reliability

Durability is an area where this dehumidifier has mixed reviews. While some users report reliable performance over extended periods, others have experienced issues like leaking or complete failure after a few months of use. Personally, I have not encountered any such problems yet, but it is something to be mindful of, especially considering the investment.

Customer Support

Customer support from Black & Decker seems to be a hit or miss. While some users have had positive experiences, others have found it challenging to get timely responses or resolutions to their issues. This is an important factor to consider, especially if you run into any problems with your unit.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Black & Decker 50-Pint Portable Dehumidifier is a capable machine that performs well in reducing humidity levels. Its ease of setup, quiet operation, and effective moisture extraction make it a strong contender in the dehumidifier market. However, the inconsistent noise levels, timer reset requirement, and occasional quality control issues are areas that could use improvement.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Black & Decker 50-Pint Portable Dehumidifier? Yes, but with reservations. If you are looking for a dehumidifier that is easy to set up, operates quietly most of the time, and effectively reduces humidity, this unit is a solid choice. However, be prepared to potentially deal with some minor inconveniences like replacing the drain hose and occasional noise spikes. Additionally, keep an eye on the unit's performance over time to ensure it remains reliable.

If these potential drawbacks are not deal-breakers for you, then the Black & Decker dehumidifier is worth considering for keeping your home or basement dry and comfortable.