Danby 70-Pint Dehumidifier Review: The Dependable One
Danby 70-Pint Specification
| Product | Danby 70-Pint |
Dimension | 16.1 x 24.2 x 11.8 in (40.9 x 61.5 x 30 cm) |
| Weight | 41.4 lb (18.8 kg) |
| Fanspeed | 2 |
| Coverage (up to) | 4500 sq. ft. (418 m2) |
| Airflow speed | |
| Capacity | 45 Pint (70 Pint 2012 DOE) |
| Water tank | 1.6 gallon (12.7 pints) |
| Noise level | |
| Power consumption | |
| Timer/ Scheduler | 24-hour |
| Filter | Yes |
| Auto shut off | YES |
| Continuous pump | VARY |
| Gravity drainage | YES |
| Defrost | YES |
| Casters | YES |
| More color options | |
| Wi-Fi/ BTBluetooth | |
| ENERGY STAR | YES |
| Remote control | |
| Child lock | |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Email/ Phone support | YES |
Key Features
- 2 fan speeds (Low/ High) with digital display
- Smart dehumidifying function
- Automatic Defrost/ Auto restart
- Direct-drain system.
- Washable air filter
- Front access water tank with 12.7-Pint capacity and full-tank indicator light
- 24-hour ON/ OFF timer
- Four casters
- Environmentally friendly R410A refrigerant
Design And Usability
If you like the previous version, Danby 70 pint dehumidifier will not disappoint you. It retains the simplistic look but at a bulkier size of 16.1 x 24.2 x 11.8 inches. The 44+ lb weight without water is heavy but there are casters standing by for mobility. You do get a bigger front bucket (same water indicator size though) that can hold at least a few days of water on normal use. Other notable features include the hidden sides outlet, a back inlet that also houses the filter, and a continuous drain outlet.
The control panel setup is similar to every other Danby lineup without a pump. From left to right, you have the smart dehumidify button, filter, continuous mode, fan, timer, up/ down, and power button. The smart dehumidify button sets the humidity and fan speed automatically according to ambient conditions. Filter button reset the filter indicator light. It is only used after you have washed/ changed the filter. The continuous button set the dehumidifier to run continuously for all-day use regardless of the room humidity. The fan button will set the speed to either low or high (indicator light illuminate). The timer button activates a countdown time to stop the operation. Use the up/ down arrow button to manage the timer. You can also use the up/ down arrow (5% changes) to fix a humidity point between 35-85%. Lastly, the power button will turn on or off the machine. At the top section, there is a frost Indicator Light and Full Bucket Indicator Light that will illuminate when the feature is activated.
To recap, Energy Star rated Danby 70 Pint comes with a removable, washable filter, 24-hour timer, 4 casters, and different drainage modes. If you do not need the built-in vertical pump, DDR070BDWDB is the model to go for. Otherwise, go with the DDR070BDPWDB model. As for safety features, there’s the standard auto shut-off that will turn off the machine when the bucket is full. Auto de-icing will prevent any ice buildup on the coils as long as the temperature is above 41ºF. Auto-restart ensures the dehumidifier will resume back work after a blackout. 2 years warranty on parts and labor is also standard across the Danby lineup.
Dehumidification Technology
This is where Danby 70 Pint dehumidifier shines. Despite retaining the same 2 speeds, the moisture absorbing output is way stronger and more importantly consistent in reducing relative humidity levels below 50%. Covering up to 4,500 square feet of space, if you plan to use it in a damp open space area like garage, living hall, basement, or lounge area with musty mold smell, this is the model to go for. For more confined spaces like a bedroom or bathroom, opt for the lowest speed and set an interval timer if you are away for a long time.
Danby 70-pint dehumidifier uses the same refrigerator technology that we all are very familiar with. First, damp air will be pulled into the inlet and pass through a filter. The filter will block out as many particles as it can such as dust, hair, dust mites, or mold. The now allergen less air will freeze up by the refrigerated coils and water will be extracted out. The water droplet will either be stored in the collection tray or pump straight out to the drain. Finally, the dry air will pass the compressor, heated into mist, and expel out. The whole dehumidification process will repeat itself until a humidity point is reached. Leaving it on all day can greatly curb down mold/ mildew growth and allergies associated with it.
As expected, the noise output is on the high side. At low speed, you can still hear soft humming noise in the background. Livable for night use as long as the dehumidifier is not placed at the bedside. Power usage wise, expect a much higher consumption due to the strong dehumidification. Being an Energy Star certified model, it is somewhat energy efficient for its segment but we wouldn't put too much into it.Price Guide
Danby 70 Pint dehumidifier is about 50-80 more premium than the closest counterparts. Still, it is close to 300 dollars and not many folks would want to spend so much on it. Our pick would be the very capable mid-range 50-pint model, but there's no harm going for a powerful unit if A) money is no objection, and B) humidity is very bad in your area. Again, go with the more expensive DDR050BJPWDB variant if you need the additional vertical pump.Pros
- Remove up to 70 pints of moisture at 4500 square feet coverage per day.
- Automatic de-icing system with supports low-temperature operations down to 41F.
- Easy maintenance with front removal bucket, air filter, and direct-drain system.
- Smart dehumidifying that automatically controls humidity based on ambient room temperature.
- Displays current room temperature and humidity level.
- Large 16 pints bucket tank that can last few days before require water emptying.
Cons
- The unit can heat up quickly that may affect the room temperature.
- Garden hose connector is can be easily loosened if not connected properly.
- Slightly noisy operation.
