My basement runs damp every summer, and a 70-pint dehumidifier is the difference between musty and livable. I have used several Kenmore and Kenmore-class units over the years, and the differences in pump quality, hose fittings, and humidistat accuracy matter more than the model number suggests. Here are the five I would buy in 2026.
| Dehumidifier | Drain Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore Smart 70-Pint | Gravity drain | Mid-size basements |
| Kenmore 50690 70-Pint | Built-in pump | Drainage flexibility |
| Frigidaire FFAP7033T1 | Built-in pump | Comparable Kenmore-class |
| GE APER70LZ 70-Pint | Gravity drain | Budget value |
| hOmeLabs HME020031N | Gravity drain | Lowest cost |
Kenmore Smart 70-Pint
The Kenmore Smart is the unit I have in my basement now. Wifi connectivity lets me check humidity from the app, set schedules, and get alerts when the tank is full. Gravity drain works fine if you have a floor drain nearby. The compressor is quieter than the older Kenmore models I had before.
Kenmore 50690 70-Pint
The 50690 has a built-in condensate pump, which means you can drain it up to 15 feet vertically. That matters if your floor drain is across the basement or you want to drain into a utility sink. Pump quality has been reliable for me, with no clogs in two seasons.
Frigidaire FFAP7033T1
For Kenmore-class units, the Frigidaire FFAP7033T1 is the one I would consider as a direct alternative. Built-in pump, accurate humidistat, and the build quality is on par with the Kenmore. Often a bit cheaper than the equivalent Kenmore, depending on the week.
GE APER70LZ 70-Pint
The GE APER70LZ is the budget pick that still performs well. Gravity drain only, basic digital controls, no wifi. For a finished basement that just needs reliable dehumidification without smart features, this is the unit I recommend.
hOmeLabs HME020031N
The hOmeLabs is the lowest-cost 70-pint unit I have used that still works reliably. Build quality is a notch below the Kenmore and Frigidaire, but for a basement you visit twice a week it does the job. Drain hose port is awkwardly positioned, so plan the install.
What Matters Most
Pump vs gravity drain matters most. If you have no nearby drain, you need a pump. If you do, gravity is more reliable. Humidistat accuracy is the second factor, since a unit that swings 10 percent humidity is annoying. Pump and compressor noise matter for finished basements. Wifi is nice but not essential.
My Setup
I run the Kenmore Smart at 45 percent humidity, with the drain hose going to a floor drain 12 feet away. I empty the bucket maybe twice a year because of hose disconnects. Filter cleaning happens monthly with the shop vac. Air pulls from one corner and the dry air pushes out the other side.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake is buying too small a unit. Most basements over 1500 square feet need 70 pints, not 50. Undersizing means the compressor runs constantly and dies faster. The second mistake is skipping the continuous drain hose. Emptying buckets daily is a chore that ends with you turning the unit off. The third is putting the unit against a wall, which restricts airflow.
Final Recommendation
For most damp basements, the Kenmore Smart 70-Pint is the one I would buy. Smart features actually help with monitoring, and the build quality holds up. If your drain is far from the unit, step up to the 50690 with the built-in pump. The GE APER70LZ is the right budget pick if you do not need smart features.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 70-pint dehumidifier overkill for an average basement?+
For most basements over 1500 square feet, no. The 70-pint rating is the daily moisture removal capacity in ideal conditions. In real basements you get maybe 40 to 50 pints per day, which is right where you want to be.
Do I need to drain the tank manually?+
Not if you set up a continuous gravity drain or a built-in pump model. I drain mine through a 30-foot hose to a floor drain and never touch the tank.