Last updated:
Whirlpool

Whirlpool WHAD501DW 50-Pint Dehumidifier: Can It Handle Your Whole Basement in 2026?

The Whirlpool 50-pint dehumidifier delivers strong moisture removal for large spaces at a fair price, but it lacks smart features, sleep mode, and auto-defrost.

Check Price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices may vary.

Key Specifications

Capacity
50
Coverage
4500
Tank
14.8

Best For

How this dehumidifier scores for different use cases

Basement & Crawl Space
78/100

50-pint capacity and 4500 sq ft coverage handle most basements well. Continuous drainage is included, but the lack of auto-defrost limits performance in cooler basement temperatures.

Whole House
72/100

4500 sq ft coverage and 50-pint capacity serve whole-house needs. However, no pump drain, no Wi-Fi control, and no app monitoring limit set-and-forget convenience.

Bedroom & Living Space
45/100

No sleep mode, no night light, and no remote control make this a poor fit for bedrooms. The noise level is unspecified but likely moderate for a 50-pint unit.

Commercial / Industrial
30/100

50 pints per day is residential-grade capacity. This unit lacks the heavy-duty output and commercial features needed for warehouses or restoration work.

Small Space / RV
25/100

At 42 lbs and 25 inches tall, this unit is too large and powerful for small spaces. It is designed for large rooms, not closets or RVs.

Smart Home
15/100

No Wi-Fi, no app control, and no voice assistant support. This unit has zero smart home features.

Our Verdict

The Whirlpool WHAD501DW pulls 50 pints of moisture per day. It covers up to 4500 square feet. That handles most basements and large living areas.

At $271.99, you get solid capacity from a trusted name. The price per pint of removal sits at about $5.44. That beats many competitors in this size class.

Continuous drainage through a garden hose keeps it running without emptying buckets. The 14.8-pint tank works fine if you prefer bucket collection. Auto-shutoff prevents overflow when the tank fills up.

The washable filter is a nice cost saver. A built-in alert tells you when to clean it. You never buy replacement filters.

This unit falls short on smart features. No Wi-Fi, no app, and no remote control. You must walk to the unit every time you change settings.

No sleep mode or auto-defrost hurts its flexibility. Bedrooms and cold basements need those features. Competitors at this price often include them.

You get a reliable 50-pint dehumidifier at a fair price. It works best in warm basements and large living spaces. Just know you give up smart controls and cold-weather performance.

What We Like

  • Removes 50 pints of moisture per day, covering rooms up to 4500 square feet
  • Continuous drain option lets you connect a garden hose for hands-free operation
  • Energy Star certified, which helps lower your electricity bill over time
  • Washable filter with alert saves money since you never need replacement filters
  • Four rolling casters and side handles make it easy to move between rooms

What Could Be Better

  • No built-in pump drain, so continuous drainage requires a downhill gravity setup
  • No Wi-Fi, app control, or smart home features for remote monitoring
  • No sleep mode for quiet nighttime use in bedrooms
  • No auto-defrost feature, which limits performance in cold basements or garages
  • No remote control included, so you must adjust settings at the unit
Liked what you read? Free shipping on eligible orders
View on Amazon

Standout Features

4500 sq ft coverage area
Sits at the top of the 'good' tier, exceeding the 2000 sq ft average for residential dehumidifiers
50-pint daily capacity
Falls in the 'good' range (35-55 pints), handling above-average moisture loads for home use
14.8-pint tank with continuous drain option
Tank capacity lands in the 'good' range (1.2-1.8 gallons equivalent), and continuous drain adds flexibility most budget units lack

Full Specifications

Dehumidification Performance

Capacity50
Coverage Area4500

Tank & Drainage

Tank Capacity14.8

Energy & Power

Wattage520

Physical & Dimensions

Weight42
Width15.04
Depth12.01
Height25.2

Features

Included Features

Auto Mode
Auto Shut-Off
Continuous Drain
Handle
Timer
Wheels

Not Included

App Control
Auto Defrost
Night Light
Pump Drain
Remote Control
Sleep Mode
WiFi Control

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions aboutWhirlpool 50-Pint Portable Dehumidifier for Basement, Garage, and Living Room, 115V, Dehumidifier for Rooms up to 4500 Sq. Ft. with Energy Star Certification, Auto-Shutoff, and Timer in White

Can this dehumidifier drain continuously without emptying the bucket?

Yes. You can connect a standard garden hose to the drain port for continuous low-level drainage. The hose is not included. This setup requires gravity, so the drain point must sit lower than the unit.

How big of a room can this dehumidifier handle?

Whirlpool rates this unit for rooms up to 4500 square feet. It removes up to 50 pints of moisture per day, which suits large basements, garages, and open living areas.

Does this dehumidifier have a built-in pump for upward drainage?

No. This model does not include a built-in pump. Continuous drainage relies on gravity through a garden hose. If you need to pump water upward to a sink or window, you would need a separate condensate pump.

Can I control this dehumidifier with my phone or a smart speaker?

No. This model has no Wi-Fi, app control, or voice assistant support. All settings must be adjusted directly on the unit's control panel.

How heavy is this dehumidifier and is it easy to move?

It weighs 42 pounds. It comes with four rolling casters and built-in side handles. You can roll it from room to room on flat surfaces without lifting.

Scores

Overall Score 72/100
Value Score 76/100
Popularity 80/100

Check current price and availability

Check Price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices may vary.

Tags

large room basement ready brand name value energy star certified continuous drain no smart features 50 pint capacity

Other Dehumidifiers You Might Like

Browse All

Ready to buy the Whirlpool WHAD501DW?

Scored 72/100 50 4500 sq ft coverage

Free shipping available on eligible orders.

See Today's Price on Amazon