The main places to buy a dehumidifier
You can buy a dehumidifier at big-box hardware stores, appliance retailers, online marketplaces, and secondhand through local sellers. The choice depends on whether you want to see the unit in person, need it quickly, or are looking for a lower price on a used model. Each route has different return policies, delivery options, and warranty coverage.
Most people start at one of three places: a hardware store where you can inspect the unit before buying, an online retailer where selection is wider and prices are often lower, or a secondhand marketplace if budget is the main concern. Knowing what each offers helps you avoid shipping a heavy appliance back or discovering the unit doesn't fit your space.
Key Takeaways
- Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's let you see the dehumidifier in person and take it home the same day, but selection is smaller and prices are usually higher than online.
- Online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy offer more models and lower prices, but you pay for shipping on a heavy item and must wait for delivery.
- Appliance specialty stores stock commercial-grade and high-capacity units that big-box stores don't carry, though they typically cost more.
- Secondhand dehumidifiers from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local classified ads cost less but come with no warranty and no return option if the unit fails.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club rotate dehumidifiers seasonally and offer member discounts, but you must buy a membership to shop.
Hardware stores: same-day pickup and in-person inspection
Home Depot and Lowe's stock dehumidifiers year-round in their appliance sections, with inventory heaviest in spring and summer. You can walk in, see the unit's size and weight, read the label, and ask staff questions. Most stores let you buy online and pick up in-store within a few hours, or you can carry it out the same day if it fits in your vehicle.
The trade-off is selection and price. A hardware store typically carries 5 to 10 models, usually in the 30- to 70-pint range. Prices run 10 to 20 percent higher than online retailers for the same model. Return windows are usually 30 to 90 days, and you can return an unopened or lightly used unit to the store without shipping it back.
If you need the dehumidifier within a day or two, or if you want to verify the size and noise level before committing, a hardware store is the fastest option. Delivery is also available from both chains, though it costs extra and takes 5 to 7 business days.
Online retailers: wider selection and lower prices
Amazon carries the widest range of dehumidifiers, from small 20-pint units to commercial 95-pint models. Prices are typically 10 to 30 percent lower than hardware stores for the same unit. Shipping is free with Prime membership on many models, though a 50-pint dehumidifier weighs 40 to 60 pounds and may incur an oversize fee even with free shipping.
Walmart.com and Best Buy also stock dehumidifiers with competitive pricing and free shipping on orders above a threshold. Walmart often matches or beats Amazon prices. Best Buy focuses on mid-range and premium models and offers in-store pickup at many locations, which avoids shipping costs on a heavy item.
The downside of online buying is that you cannot inspect the unit before it arrives, and if it is damaged in shipping or fails shortly after, you must arrange a return or replacement. Most online retailers offer 30-day returns, but you may have to pay return shipping on a heavy appliance. Check the return policy before buying, especially for off-brand models with shorter warranty periods.
Appliance specialty stores for high-capacity and commercial units
Stores that focus on appliances—such as local appliance dealers or regional chains—stock dehumidifiers that big-box stores do not, including commercial-grade units rated for basements larger than 2,000 square feet and models designed for crawl spaces or attics. These stores often carry brands like Aprilaire, Santa Fe, and Thermaxx that are built for continuous operation or whole-house installation.
Prices at specialty stores are higher, sometimes 20 to 40 percent above online retailers, but staff can advise on sizing for your specific space and may offer installation or ductwork services. Warranty coverage is often longer, and returns are handled in-store. If you have an unusual space or need a unit that will run 24/7, a specialty store is worth the cost.
Secondhand dehumidifiers: lower cost with higher risk
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local classified ads list used dehumidifiers at 30 to 60 percent below retail price. You can inspect the unit in person, test it if the seller allows, and avoid shipping costs by picking it up yourself. This is the cheapest route if the unit works.
The risk is that you have no warranty, no return option, and no way to know how long the unit will last. A dehumidifier that has run for five years may fail within weeks of your purchase. Ask the seller how long they owned it, why they are selling, and whether it ran without problems. If possible, ask them to plug it in and run it for a few minutes so you can hear it operate and see water collection.
Secondhand buying makes sense if you are testing whether you need a dehumidifier before investing in a new one, or if you are willing to replace it soon. It does not make sense if you need the unit to work reliably for years.
Warehouse clubs: seasonal stock and member discounts
Costco and Sam's Club stock dehumidifiers during peak season (April through August) at prices competitive with online retailers. Both clubs offer member discounts and sometimes bundle deals. Costco's return policy is generous—you can return an appliance within two years if you are not satisfied, even if it is used.
The catch is membership cost and limited selection. Costco and Sam's Club each carry only 2 to 4 models at any given time, and inventory changes weekly. If the model you want is out of stock, it may not return until next season. Membership costs $60 to $130 per year depending on the club and membership tier.
Warehouse clubs are worth checking if you already have a membership and are shopping during peak season. If you are buying in fall or winter, selection will be gone.
Comparing delivery, returns, and warranty across retailers
| Retailer Type | Delivery Time | Return Window | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware Store (Home Depot, Lowe's) | Same day or 5–7 days | 30–90 days | Manufacturer (1–5 years) | Urgent need, in-person inspection |
| Online (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy) | 2–7 days | 30 days | Manufacturer (1–5 years) | Wide selection, lower price |
| Appliance Specialty Store | Same day or 3–5 days | 30–60 days | Manufacturer + extended options | High-capacity, commercial units |
| Secondhand (Marketplace, Craigslist) | Pickup same day | None | None | Budget-conscious, testing first |
| Warehouse Club (Costco, Sam's Club) | Same day or 3–5 days | 2 years (Costco); 90 days (Sam's) | Manufacturer (1–5 years) | Members during peak season |
What to check before you buy from any retailer
Before completing a purchase, confirm the dehumidifier's pint rating matches your room size. A 30-pint unit works for spaces up to 500 square feet; a 50-pint unit for 500 to 1,500 square feet; a 70-pint unit for 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Check the product dimensions and weight to may support it fits your doorway and you can move it to where you need it.
Read the return policy carefully, especially the shipping cost for returns. Some online retailers charge you to ship back a dehumidifier if it is defective, while others cover return shipping. Ask whether the warranty is transferable if you buy secondhand, and whether the manufacturer requires registration to set up coverage. Check the noise level in decibels if the unit will run in a bedroom or living space—most dehumidifiers run between 50 and 70 decibels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy online or at a hardware store?
Online retailers are usually 10 to 30 percent cheaper for the same model. However, hardware stores have no shipping cost and no return shipping fee, so the total cost difference shrinks if you need to return the unit. For a $300 dehumidifier, online might save $30 to $90 upfront, but a $40 return shipping fee narrows that gap.
Can I return a dehumidifier if it is too loud?
Yes, if you return it within the retailer's window (usually 30 days). Hardware stores accept returns in-store. Online retailers require you to initiate a return through their website and may charge return shipping. Warehouse clubs like Costco allow returns up to two years, so you have more time to decide if noise is a problem.
What should I ask a seller before buying secondhand?
Ask how long they owned it, whether it ran without problems, why they are selling, and how often it was used. Request to see it plugged in and running so you can hear the noise level and confirm the fan and compressor work. Ask if they have the original manual or receipt, though neither is required.
Do I need to buy an extended warranty?
Most dehumidifiers come with a 1- to 5-year manufacturer warranty that covers defects. Extended warranties from retailers add cost and are rarely worth it for an appliance with few moving parts. If you buy secondhand, you have no warranty, so a new unit with standard coverage is safer.
What if the dehumidifier is out of stock everywhere?
Dehumidifiers are most available April through August. If you need one in fall or winter, check online retailers first—they restock year-round even if local stores are empty. Warehouse clubs and specialty appliance stores may have older models or commercial units in stock. You can also place a backorder at hardware stores and be notified when stock returns.