The main places to buy a dehumidifier
You can buy a dehumidifier at big-box hardware stores, appliance retailers, online marketplaces, and secondhand from 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, so knowing what each offers helps you avoid buying the wrong size or getting stuck with a unit you cannot return.
Most people find what they need at one of five types of places: national hardware chains, dedicated appliance stores, online retailers, warehouse clubs, and local secondhand markets. The dehumidifier itself is the same product regardless of where you buy it, but the support around the purchase—delivery, returns, warranty claims—varies widely.
Key Takeaways
- Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards stock dehumidifiers in-store and online, with same-day or next-day delivery available in many areas.
- Amazon, Walmart.com, and Best Buy offer a wider range of models and often lower prices, but you cannot inspect the unit before it arrives.
- Appliance-specific retailers like Best Buy and local appliance shops can answer technical questions and may offer extended warranties or delivery setup.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club carry a limited selection but often at lower prices if you have a membership.
- Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local buy-sell groups offer used dehumidifiers at 30 to 50 percent off retail, but come with no warranty and require inspection before purchase.
National hardware stores: Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards
Home Depot and Lowe's carry dehumidifiers year-round, with inventory heaviest in spring and summer. Both stores stock 10 to 20 models in-store, ranging from small portable units (30 to 50 pints per day) to larger basement models (70+ pints). You can walk in, see the unit, read the label, and ask staff questions about noise level, bucket size, and warranty. Both chains also let you order online and pick up the same day at most locations, or have it delivered within one to three days.
Menards operates primarily in the Midwest and carries a similar range. All three stores offer standard manufacturer warranties (usually one year) and accept returns within 30 days if the unit is unopened or within 15 days if you have opened it and kept the receipt. Delivery and setup are available for an additional fee, typically $50 to $150 depending on distance and whether you want the unit installed.
Online retailers: Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy
Amazon stocks the widest selection—often 50+ dehumidifier models—and frequently has lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores. Shipping is usually two days with Prime membership, or five to seven days without. The downside is you cannot see or touch the unit before it arrives, and returns require you to repackage it and arrange a pickup. Amazon's return window is 30 days, and most dehumidifiers sold by Amazon itself (not third-party sellers) come with the manufacturer's warranty.
Walmart.com offers similar selection and pricing to Amazon, with options for in-store pickup at many locations or home delivery. Best Buy stocks fewer models but specializes in electronics and appliances, so staff are usually more knowledgeable about features like smart controls or energy ratings. Best Buy offers same-day delivery in some areas and has a 15-day return window for most appliances.
When buying online, check the seller name carefully. If the listing says "Sold by Amazon" or "Sold by Walmart," you are buying directly from the retailer and returns are straightforward. If it says "Sold by [third-party name]," returns may be slower and warranty claims may go through the seller rather than the manufacturer.
Warehouse clubs: Costco and Sam's Club
Costco and Sam's Club carry a rotating selection of dehumidifiers, usually three to five models at any given time. Prices are often 10 to 20 percent lower than other retailers because these clubs buy in bulk and pass savings to members. The trade-off is limited choice—you get what they have in stock that month, not a full range of sizes and features.
Both clubs offer generous return policies: Costco accepts returns on most items for up to two years, and Sam's Club allows 90 days. Neither charges a restocking fee. Delivery is available for a fee, and both clubs will help you load the unit into your vehicle if you pick it up in-store. Membership is required—Costco's basic membership is $65 per year, and Sam's Club's is $50 per year.
Local appliance stores and independent retailers
Independent appliance shops in your area often carry dehumidifiers and can answer detailed questions about performance in humid climates, noise levels, and maintenance. Staff at these stores typically have more hands-on experience than big-box employees and can recommend a model based on your specific room size and humidity problem. Many also offer delivery and setup as part of the purchase, which can save you time and frustration.
Prices at independent shops are sometimes higher than online retailers, but not always—call a few and compare. Return policies vary by store, so ask before you buy. Many independent retailers offer extended warranties (three to five years) for an additional $50 to $150, which covers parts and labor beyond the manufacturer's one-year coverage.
Secondhand dehumidifiers: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local groups
Used dehumidifiers are often available on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local buy-sell groups. Prices typically run 30 to 50 percent below retail for units that are one to three years old. The advantage is cost; the disadvantage is no warranty, no return option, and the risk that the unit may fail soon after you buy it.
Before you meet a seller, ask how long they have owned the unit, why they are selling it, and whether it still runs. If possible, ask them to plug it in and run it for a few minutes so you can hear the noise level and see that the fan and compressor work. Check for visible damage, rust on the coils, or cracks in the plastic housing. Do not buy a unit with a damaged cord or plug. Once you own it, you are responsible for any repairs, so inspect carefully and negotiate the price down if you see signs of wear.
Comparing price, delivery, and return options
| Retailer | Price Range | Delivery | Return Window | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot / Lowe's | Full retail | 1–3 days or same-day pickup | 30 days unopened; 15 days opened | Manufacturer (1 year) |
| Amazon | Often 5–15% below retail | 2 days (Prime) or 5–7 days | 30 days | Manufacturer (1 year) |
| Walmart.com | Often 5–15% below retail | 1–3 days or in-store pickup | 30 days | Manufacturer (1 year) |
| Best Buy | Full to slightly discounted | Same-day in some areas; 3–5 days standard | 15 days | Manufacturer (1 year) |
| Costco | 10–20% below retail | Varies; membership required | Up to 2 years | Manufacturer (1 year) |
| Independent appliance shop | Full retail or slightly higher | Often included; setup available | Varies by store | Manufacturer + extended options |
| Used (Marketplace, Craigslist) | 30–50% below retail | Pickup only; you arrange transport | None | None |
What to check before you buy
Regardless of where you shop, confirm the dehumidifier's pint capacity matches your room size. A 30-pint unit works for small bedrooms; a 50-pint unit handles a medium basement; a 70+ pint unit is needed for large basements or very humid spaces. The package label or product page should list the square footage the unit is rated for.
Check the warranty details. Most dehumidifiers come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in parts and labor. Some retailers offer extended warranties for an additional cost. Read the fine print to see whether the warranty covers the compressor (the most expensive part to replace) and whether you have to ship the unit back or if a technician comes to you.
If you are buying online, read customer reviews that mention noise level, bucket size, and how often the unit needs to be emptied or drained. These details matter more than star ratings. If you are buying in-store, ask staff whether the unit has a continuous drain option (a hose connection that lets water drain automatically instead of filling a bucket) and whether that hose is included or sold separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy a dehumidifier online or in a store?
Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.com often have prices 5 to 15 percent lower than hardware stores, and warehouse clubs like Costco can be 10 to 20 percent cheaper if you have a membership. The difference shrinks when you factor in delivery fees, which can be $20 to $100 depending on the retailer and your location. In-store pickup at Home Depot or Lowe's eliminates delivery costs and lets you inspect the unit before you take it home.
Can I return a dehumidifier if it does not work?
Yes, within the return window. Home Depot and Lowe's accept returns for 15 to 30 days; Amazon and Walmart allow 30 days; Best Buy allows 15 days; Costco allows up to two years. You will need your receipt and the original packaging. If the unit fails after the return window closes, the manufacturer's warranty (usually one year) covers defects, but you may have to pay for shipping it back to the manufacturer or to an authorized repair center.
Should I buy a used dehumidifier to save money?
A used dehumidifier can save you $100 to $200, but you lose the warranty and have no recourse if it fails. Buy used only if you can inspect it in person, test it before you pay, and negotiate the price to account for the missing warranty. Avoid units with visible rust, cracks, or damaged cords. If the seller cannot demonstrate that it runs, walk away.
What is the difference between buying from a big-box store and an independent appliance shop?
Big-box stores offer lower prices and faster delivery but limited staff informed. Independent shops usually have more knowledgeable staff, may offer setup and delivery as part of the purchase, and can sell you extended warranties. Prices are sometimes higher, but not always—call ahead and compare. If you need technical information or want someone to install a continuous drain, an independent shop may be worth the extra cost.
Do I need to buy a continuous drain hose separately?
Some dehumidifiers come with a drain hose; others do not. Check the product description or ask the retailer before you buy. If the hose is not included and you want one, budget an additional $15 to $30. A continuous drain hose lets water flow directly to a floor drain or window instead of filling a bucket, which is especially useful if you plan to run the dehumidifier overnight or for long periods.