Black & Decker Portable Dehumidifier With Pump Hose

Navigating through the sea of dehumidifiers on the market, I decided to give the Black & Decker Portable Dehumidifier (Model BD50PMWSA) a shot. Boasting claims of handling spaces up to 4,500 square feet and featuring a handy pump hose for continuous drainage, it seemed like a practical solution for my humid basement. After several months of putting it to the test, I have gathered my thoughts on its performance, functionality, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality

The first impression is that this dehumidifier carries a solid, albeit somewhat bulky, design. The removable 6-liter tank is robust, and the electronic control panel is straightforward to navigate. The water level indicator is a helpful feature, ensuring that I can easily monitor when the tank needs emptying. The unit is predominantly white, blending easily with most environments, although its size is somewhat imposing.

Setup and Ease of Use

Setting up the dehumidifier was relatively hassle-free, though the instructions could have been clearer. The control panel is intuitive, with options for adjusting settings like fan speed and humidity levels. The two-speed fan operates quietly at 51 dBA, which is appreciable in a home setting. I noticed that the auto-restart and auto-defrost functions work efficiently, ensuring the unit resumes operation smoothly after power interruptions or in colder conditions.

Performance

Now, onto the most critical aspect: performance. This dehumidifier claims to handle spaces up to 4,500 square feet, but my experience suggests otherwise. My basement, which is around 1,200 square feet, saw improvements in humidity levels, but the unit struggled to maintain a comfortable level consistently. It often ran continuously, which raised concerns about energy consumption.

The unit has a capacity of removing 50 pints of moisture per day, but in practice, it seemed to lag behind this specification. The humidity never dropped below 48%, even when the AC was set to 75°F. While this might be comfortable for some, it wasn’t quite what I expected from a dehumidifier of this size and price point.

Pump Functionality

One of the selling points of this dehumidifier is its pump hose, designed for continuous drainage. Unfortunately, the pump performance left much to be desired. Initially, it worked fine, but within a few weeks, the pump began to fail intermittently. This meant that I often found the internal bucket full, causing the dehumidifier to shut down. This issue required manual intervention to restart the pump, defeating the purpose of having an automated system.

Maintenance

The removable tank and washable air filter simplify maintenance, but the frequent need to manually intervene with the pump negates these conveniences. The dehumidifier itself is easy to move around, thanks to its built-in casters, which is a plus given its significant weight.

Durability and Longevity

Durability is where this dehumidifier truly falters. After about seven months of use, the pump's intermittent failures became more persistent, and by the one-year mark, the unit ceased to function effectively. It no longer collected water, making it essentially useless. This short lifespan is disappointing, especially given the investment in a brand like Black & Decker, which typically stands for reliability.

Customer Service

Dealing with customer service was another point of frustration. Responses were slow, and getting a warranty claim processed was a cumbersome process. When I finally did get through, I was informed that the replacement unit might take several months to arrive, leaving me without a dehumidifier during the peak of the humid season.

Overall Value

Given the high upfront cost and the subsequent operational issues, I found the overall value of this dehumidifier lacking. The energy consumption is another significant concern, especially since the unit runs continuously to maintain modest improvements in humidity. The misleading amperage details further exacerbate this issue, leading to unexpected spikes in the electric bill.

Final Verdict

Would I recommend the Black & Decker Portable Dehumidifier? Unfortunately, no. While it has some commendable features like an easy-to-use control panel, removable tank, and washable filter, these are overshadowed by its poor pump performance, lack of durability, and high energy consumption. The hassle of dealing with customer service and the short-lived functionality make it a less than ideal choice.

In conclusion, for those looking for a reliable dehumidifier, it might be worth exploring other brands that offer more consistent performance, better durability, and more reliable customer support. Investing in a better-engineered unit might save you from the frustrations I experienced and provide a more lasting solution to your humidity woes.