If you have spent any time researching home dehumidifiers within the last few years, you are bound to have come across the brand Frigidaire. A common household name, Frigidaire manufacture just about every home appliance available and have an outstanding reputation for quality and value for money.
* This model has now been superceded by the newer FFAD5033W1 model *
The Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 (70 pint model) is their most popular dehumidifier, with the company having sold thousands of units over the last few years it has been on the market. Does this dehumidifier live up to the hype and deliver satisfactory performance for your average homeowner? Stick around and in this review we’ll give you our verdict on whether the Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 70 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier is the best available.
Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 Review: Features And Benefits
As we regularly mention, 70 pint dehumidifiers are often the best choice for most homeowners due to their superior cost, performance and efficiency ratio. The Frigidaire 70 pint capacity dehumidifier is no exception and is one of the most powerful portable dehumidifiers you can buy for your home, office or any other indoor space.
The 70 pint capacity rating allows this model to extract up to 70 pints of moisture from the atmosphere over a 24 hour period, making short work of the damp, humid air within your home. Whether you live in a large home or a small home, this dehumidifier will rid you of your moisture problems quickly and quietly.
In fact, our tests revealed that this dehumidifier is capable of removing moisture from air faster than any other dehumidifier we have tested.
Quiet Operation
Unlike most other dehumidifiers, Frigidaire haven’t given a name for the technology they utilize to ensure their models are as quiet as possible in use. Which is funny, because this dehumidifier is actually the quietest available within this size category.
The loudest noise output we could produce from this model on its highest fan speed was just over 60 decibels at close range. To put that into context, the average car interior at 70 mph is around 70 decibels, almost three times louder.
At a more realistic distance from the unit, we recorded a sound output of just over 50 decibels which is less than the volume of your average conversation. If we were going to label any dehumidifier as ‘whisper quiet’, it would be this one.
Digital Humidity Readout (Humidistat)
No modern dehumidifier would be complete without a built-in humidity display. The purpose is to provide you with real-time information relating to the humidity of the room or area in which the dehumidifier is placed.
Frigidaire utilize what they refer to as Effortless Humidity Control. In simple terms, this technology allows you to easily set the desired humidity level to a setting of your choice.
Using the control panel, simply set the target humidity to the desired level and this model will automatically dehumidify the surrounding air until that level is reached.
This dehumidifier is capable of being programmed to reach a humidity level of anywhere between 35% and 85% which is more than enough for most uses and provides a great deal of flexibility.
Compared to other dehumidifiers within this size category, these power consumption figures are about average. Whilst not the most power efficient model available, the FFAD7033R1 makes up for it with its superior performance.
For reference, mold and mildew in addition to airborne allergens grow and spread much easier as soon as the atmosphere reaches 60% relative humidity. In our experience, most homeowners will be happy with a setting of around 45% humidity as this provides for a comfortable indoor environment.
The operating temperature range for this model is specified at between 41 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit which is about average for this size category.
We wouldn’t recommend operating your dehumidifier below this temperature range for prolonged periods of time, but you do have a little more flexibility at the upper end.
Onboard Water Tank
Included as part of this model is a water reservoir with a capacity of 13 pints or 1.625 gallons of water. In practice, this means that you will be required to empty the reservoir up to every 4 hours, dependant on the humidity level of the area you are dehumidifying.
During our test procedure, we were not required to empty the water tank any more frequently than once a day whilst it was being used in an average sized open lounge with a medium level (55%) of relative humidity.
Accessing the water reservoir is simple enough, simply pull it out and discard the collected water before reinserting.
Optional Drain Hose Functionality
As you would expect, you are provided with the option of utilizing the auto drain function which requires the use of a suitable length of hose. If you would rather not have to empty the water tank whenever it is full, simply insert your hose into the marked location so that water will drain away to your location of choice, whether a floor drain, sink or out of the nearest window.
This method of water removal is known as gravity drainage which utilizes the power of gravity to assist in the flow of water out of the dehumidifier's drainage outlet.
This model is not supplied with a hose so one will need to be bought separately - standard garden hose will be sufficient. It should also be noted that this model does not feature a built-in pump so we suggest that you also purchase a condensate pump if you require that functionality.
Removable Air Filter
As with any good dehumidifier, a built-in air filter is included which is designed to filter air as it passes through the device. The filter is located to the rear of the device and can easily be removed for replacement or cleaning.
You are also provided with a filter alert indicator which will notify you when the filter requires cleaning. This will vary depending on how often you run your dehumidifier, but we would clean it once every month or so.
Safety Auto-Shutoff & Auto-Restart
Safety is important when leaving any electrical device running unattended. For this reason, most dehumidifiers come fitted with an automatic shutoff feature if a fault is detected.
In addition, this model has the capability of restarting itself and resuming operation in the event of a power outage which is very useful if you plan to use it as a basement dehumidifier or in an attic.
See other basement dehumidifier reviews.
Energy Star Certified
The Energy Star certification has been achieved with this model which essentially denotes that it meets a certain standard of efficiency.
In real terms, the FFAD7033R1 has a specified maximum power draw of 745 watts. We find that a power consumption figure of around 630 watts is more typical whilst in use under normal conditions.
Portability
Just like its predecessor, the FFAD7033R1 is exceptionally portable due to the presence of castor wheels fitted to the bottom of the unit.
In one of the previous photos you will also have noticed the presence of a sturdy grab handle which will make lifting the unit off the floor much easier.
These two features as well as a gross weight of 47 lbs make this dehumidifier one of the most portable in its class.
Pros And Cons
The FFAD7033R1 doesn’t have any notable features that aren’t available elsewhere. But what is far more important is just how well this dehumidifier stacks up in real world use. Here are the advantages and disadvantages that we encountered during our review to give you an idea.
Pros
- Easy to use. The setup process couldn’t be simpler – you don’t even really need to read the manual though we recommend you do anyway.
- Whisper quiet. The quietest 70 pint dehumidifier we have ever tested. If that is a factor in your buying decision, look no further.
- Versatile. Perfect for any environment with a power supply, whether domestic or commercial.
- Powerful. Dehumidifiers don’t come with much more power than this one. It will dehumidify any area quickly and with ease.
- Portability. This model weighs 47 lbs which is about average, but it does come with a set of castor wheels for easy relocation.
Cons
- Unlike many other dehumidifiers, this one has very few negative points.
- This model has been available for a few years now which has given Frigidaire enough time to rectify any faults as they have consistently worked to improve the design and operation of this model.
Final Verdict
It isn’t the cheapest dehumidifier available, but it is most definitely one of the best. So much so that we've included it in our best dehumidifier round up.
What is remarkable is that Frigidaire have managed to improve upon this model's predecessor, the FAD704DWD, producing a dehumidifier that is even better and more efficient. So efficient in fact that this model has a moisture removal rate that is 20% faster than the previous one.
The FFAD7033R1 is powerful, quiet, efficient, well built and reliable, providing you with the only dehumidifier you will ever need for your home.
You will notice that there is also a 30 and 50 pint variant of this model which are essentially the same apart from their reduced water removal capacities. We recommend the 70 pint model for all but the smallest of rooms.
We’re confident that you will love the Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 as much as we do and have no hesitation in recommending this dehumidifier.
Looking for dehumidifiers with a smaller capacity? Take a look at our guide to 30 pint dehumidifiers.
Our Rating