Updated: August 06, 2020
Gun safe is a great way to protect your firearms from theft. Plus, it can be ideal for storing other kinds of valuables that you have, including such things as gems, jewelry, media files, important and documents. While a gun safe is a great purchase, many don’t realize that a huge issue they could face is the buildup of humidity within the safe. In fact, some report that the safe that they purchased continuously allowed humidity and condensation to build up in the safe until there were puddles of water. This will damage your valuable documents and media and cause your firearms to rust.The solution to this problem is to purchase the best gun safe dehumidifier. These handy products will greatly reduce the amount of condensation that can occur to virtually nothing, giving you that added protection to guard the possessions that matter to you most.
Types of Gun Safe Dehumidifier
To begin with, it is important to know that there are two different kinds of dehumidifiers to use in a gun safe. The two options are the desiccant and the electric options.
#1 Desiccant Dehumidifiers
This is a product you are probably quite familiar with already, especially if you have bought clothes or other products where humidity can damage the product. The desiccant dehumidifier is really nothing more than those little gel packs you have frequently found in products.
The way it works is quite simple. The gel contained in this product acts very much like a sponge, sucking up all the moisture that is in the air. In a safe, especially one that it is housed in a basement, you can be sure that humidity is going to build up in the safe, with this most likely being a problem during warmer months.
The use of a desiccant dehumidifier will help to eliminate excess humidity that can build up during the safe, but these particular kinds of dehumidifier packets only work for a certain time before you need to replace them. This is usually no more than a few months at most.
#2 Electric Dehumidifiers
The electric dehumidifier is the more common option for some, primarily because they can control the humidity levels within the safe. Some do not want to completely remove all moisture from the safe, as that can dry out money, documents, and other valuable objects to you. Setting the dehumidifier to something like 10% ensures that the amount of moisture is regulated but not removed completely. There are two types of electric dehumidifiers:
- Corded
- Battery powered
Each has their advantages. A corded unit will run as long as the moisture level has not been exceeded, but it requires you to drill a hole in the safe which ruins a fire or waterproof safe. The power pack removes this problem, but requires you to recharge the dehumidifier on a regular basis.
8 Best Gun Safe Dehumidifiers on the Market!
#1 Hurbo Dehumidifier Portable Quiet Electric Compact 50oz
If you are looking for a dehumidifier that does not need to go in your safe, yet provides you with the protection you need for your firearms and other valuables, this is a great option for you. In fact, the benefits of this dehumidifier start with the fact that you can use it anywhere in a Rome, giving you up to 200 ft.³ of protection, which would include your safe.
The dehumidifier has a water tank reservoir that is able to hold up to 1.5 L, allowing you to let it operate for a day or more without needing to empty the reservoir. Plus, it is so efficient that even in safes that provide a tight seal, you can still be sure that moisture is being removed so that it will not damage your firearms, and documents, media, or other valuables stored in the safe.
Unlike many similar dehumidifiers, this is a quiet operation product. There is no humming or buzzing sound. You simply plug it in, turn it on, and you are ready to go. Plus, you can set the temperature and humidity level you would like for the room.
This dehumidifier comes with an energy saving mode, ensuring that you do not waste electricity. It only comes on in accordance with the setting you chose, saving you electricity and making it a great eco-friendly product. When the reservoir is full, the indicator light turns from green to yellow, letting you know it is time to empty the tank. A great option that is perfect for any home.
#2 Stack-On SPAD-1500 Rechargeable Cordless Dehumidifier
This great dehumidifier option is built with additional features to give you added convenience. It starts with the fact that this is a cordless dehumidifier, ensuring that you do not have to drill a hole through your safe to reap the benefits of using this product.
The Stack-On allows you to recharge the batteries overnight, and then receive up to six weeks of protection inside your safe. This means that just twice a quarter you would have to recharge this dehumidifier to use it. A very small price to pay to get maximum protection inside your safe for your firearms and other valuables.
Then there is the fact that this is a small sized dehumidifier. At just 10 inches on its longest side, there is plenty of room inside most safes to be able to easily fit this dehumidifier to give you the protection you need. Plus, it weighs just slightly over 1 pound, meaning that anyone can move it when needed.
This is the perfect option for a person who is looking for a dehumidifier that they can simply put inside their safe and forget about it. It comes with a sensor to let you know when the dehumidifier is full and needs to be emptied and it is built to allow you to attach it to the sfe or it its door without it spilling.
#3 Goldenrod Original Dehumidifier
This Goldenrod product is one that will work extremely well inside a safe. Built from durable materials that are guaranteed to last a lifetime, this kind of dehumidifier is specifically designed to give you maximum efficiency and control over the level of humidity inside your safe.
What you will really like is that this product has gone through a durable testing period long before it ever reached you. The company thoroughly tested this product, ensuring that it met the highest standards while also giving you a durable product that is guaranteed for as long as you own the dehumidifier.
This safe provides up to 100 ft.³ of protection, far more than you would need with the vast majority of safes. If you decide that you want to use this product but not directly place it in the safe, something that would be a good idea unless you have a larger sized safe, then you will find this to be a great option.
You can place this in any room in your home that is near where the safe is located, and let it do the work for you. This means that it can reduce humidity around the safe, which will reduce the possibility of moisture building up inside the safe. A very well designed and smart product to say the least.
#4 PEET Dryer – SafeKeeping Dryer and Dehumidifier
If you have an upright safe that provides plenty of room, or if you have space around the safe for a dehumidifier, then this may be the option for you. PEET is a company that comes with an outstanding reputation for quality, and you can be sure that this dehumidifier will do the job for you.
What makes it the ideal choice is that it is specially built to ensure that all corners and crevices of your safe are fully treated during the dehumidification process. This lets you know that no corner is going to be allowed to build up moisture, because of the design of the product.
If you intend to install it inside your safe, you will have to drill a hole to accommodate the power cord. How the product works is that it heats the top of the unit, and does not use a fan. This means you won’t have any annoying sound coming from your safe, yet it has been found to be even more effective than standard fan based dehumidifiers.
There is a bit of a learning curve to be able to learn how to use this product, but the company provides a number of tutorials online to assist you in maximizing the benefits of using this dehumidifier. Truly, if you are looking for the highest level of efficiency in keeping your safe humidity free you will truly love this option.
#5 Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier
If a small dehumidifier that packs a lot of punch is what you are looking for, then you will love this renewable Mini option. Using a high-tech design, this dehumidifier is able to absorb up to 10 ounces of moisture inside your safe every day, clearly plenty enough to handle any issue for you.
The best part about this dehumidifier is that it is designed so that it cannot leak or spill. This ensures that when you are removing the product or if a large amount of condensation is absorbed, you never have to worry about it overflowing or spilling into the safe.
The dehumidifier uses a special sensor that lets you know when you need to recharge it. The crystals change color to orange when the dehumidifier is fully charged, and appear as a green color when it needs to be plugged in to be recharged. The recharging takes about 10 hours, and will change back to orange when it is ready to be used again.
The dehumidifier uses a non-toxic form of silica gel, that is renewable, making it eco-friendly as well as still highly effective. It can handle up to 333 ft.³ of space. Because of its size, it easily fits inside almost any safe, making it an ideal choice.
#6 LOCKDOWN Dehumidifier Rod
This dehumidifier has a proven track record of keeping firearms rust free. This product works by increasing the internal air temperature within your safe, ensuring that it remains warm for a longer duration of time.
Because warm air will circulate more rapidly and frequently, this eliminates the ability for humidity and condensation to build up within your safe. This will prevent your firearms from being damaged. Plus, you get the added advantage of this product not needing to be inside your safe but still reaping the benefits if you located in the same room.
The dehumidifier comes with a 70 inch long cord, giving you nearly 6 feet of distance to position it in a location where it can do your valuables the most good. This also ensures that you don’t need to worry about having the dehumidifier close in proximity to the safe, potentially giving away its location if you have a wall safe or other hidden option.
This is truly a fantastic option which gives you great efficiency and will help to remove potential concerns you would have about your firearms being damaged. Plus, it is comparable in cost to what you would find from similar options, making it valuable investment is well.
#7 Gurin DHMD-110 Renewable Wireless Dehumidifier
A cordless dehumidifier is perfect for those who want the protection that this product offers, reducing the buildup of moisture in the safe, but they don’t want to have a cord running from the back of their safe. Now you can have just that with this fantastic little product.
This device is able to hold up to 10 ounces of moisture, plenty of space in the reservoir to ensure that you don’t need to check the dehumidifier many times a day. Plus, it can handle up to 500 cubic feet of area like a champ.
What you will like about this product the most is that it is able to run without the use of a power cord or the need to constantly change batteries. All you have to do is recharge it when the power is running low and you are ready to go again. In 12-14 hours you are ready to put your device back in your safe and you are ready to go.
Because of how small the device is, you can be sure that it will easily fit inside most standard safes and has the power to really do the job for you. The dehumidifier lets you know when it is ready to be recharged as the indicator light will turn from blue. The crystals will work for 10 years, ensuring that this device will be handling your water issues for a decade or more.
#8 BARSKA 150G Dehumidifier
If simplicity with great efficiency is what you are looking for, then there is no better option than this Barska dehumidifier. This is not only a cost-efficient option, but one that you will truly love because of how well it will work.
This option is very much like those gel packs that come in products that are looking to remove humidity. This is a simple pillow like product that allows you to place it anywhere in your safe because of how malleable it is. It can bend and contort to fit whatever space you need it in, making it ideal.
Plus, it comes with technology to let you know when it has reached its maximum level of condensation absorption. When the pillow turns to pink, it is done. You simply take it out and allow it to drive for a day or two and you are ready to go again. The purchase of a few of these can handle humidity build up in your safe for months.
This dehumidifier weighs less than half of a pound, making it easy to insert anywhere. The savings you will find with this product is amazing, and it will ensure that your weapons and their accessories do not become rusted or corroded due to water buildup. Barska dehumidifier is truly a magnificent option.
Comparison Chart
| Gun Safe Dehumidifier | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hurbo Dehumidifier Portable Quiet Electric Compact 50oz |
|
|
| #2 Stack-On SPAD-1500 Rechargeable Cordless Dehumidifier |
|
|
| #3 Goldenrod Original Dehumidifier |
|
|
| #4 PEET Dryer – SafeKeeping Dryer and Dehumidifier |
|
|
| #5 Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier |
|
|
| #6 LOCKDOWN Dehumidifier Rod |
|
|
| #7 Gurin DHMD-110 Renewable Wireless Dehumidifier |
|
|
| #8 BARSKA 150G Dehumidifier |
|
|
How to Make the Right Choice?
No matter which kind of dehumidifier you select, you should be aware that the type, electric versus desiccant, is not the only features related to these kinds of products you should be aware of. There are other factors you want to consider, which include the following:
- Lifespan. Most of the very best gun safe dehumidifiers will last for at least 10 years. Check with the manufacturer and with reviews that you find online to make sure that you’re getting one that will last for some time.
- Source of Power. If you do not want to use a dehumidifier that requires a cord, especially if you are using it inside your safe, you must understand that you will have to drill a hole in your safe. That may not be a good option for you, so you want to get something that is either battery-powered or requires no source of power at all.
- Size. Not every dehumidifier you will find will fit inside your safe. You want something that will accommodate what you already own, or a dehumidifier that will work to reduce moisture even if it is not inside the safe.
- Indicator System. When your dehumidifier needs to be recharged or it needs to be emptied of the moisture it has absorbed, you want to know. There are dehumidifiers that will provide you with the proper indicator lights if that is what you are looking for. This can be a valuable feature.
- Coverage. The amount of space that the dehumidifier can cover is important as well. If you are only going to place it inside the safe, then maybe this is not that big of a deal. But if you are purchasing one to be used in the room where the safe is contained, you want one that can handle a large area.
- Safety. One of the chief complaints you will hear about some rechargeable dehumidifiers is how hot the device gets while it is being recharged. While they are still perfectly safe during this time, things like that may be of concern to you, and so you may want to choose something that gives you better peace of mind during its use or maintenance.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
While this review may have answered a number of questions you have related to purchasing a dehumidifier, here are some additional ones that may help to answer any other questions you may have.
The dehumidifier serves several purposes in the home and these can be used in a gun safe as well. When it is turned on, it will absorb most of the moisture in the air and release a nice and fragrances smell. The dehumidifier in the house can also be used as a method of improving your home smell and cleanliness and it will absorb all bad smell. Gun safe dehumidifiers are different and they are not scented. They only absorbs the moisture to stop is from setting on your valuables and especially your rifles. You might not even notice the amount of moisture in the air, but I can assure you that there is moisture everywhere, it is only enhanced in coastal areas.
Gun safe is the first step to keep your guns safe from burglars, but many people don't know that there is another silent killer that could cause immense damage to firearms, especially if they are not used a lot. Moisture is not all that common everywhere in the world, but it is really harmful in coastal areas and this is visible on a lot of the homes you see close to your favourite holiday destination. Moisture build up can also be present inside your home from the evaporation of water while cooking and close to the bathroom.
This can be done in a few different ways. First of all, there are measuring tools that you can purchase that will let you know what the level of humidity is in your gun safe. The obvious way to check is if you find that items are damp or that there are small droplets of condensation that are building up. The dehumidifier you purchased may also provide you with the measuring tool to let you know what the humidity level is at.
Sadly, you may find that there is very little that you can do outside of purchasing a dehumidifier. Some safes will build up condensation in them no matter where you place them in your home. If you are a person who lives in a humid area, including living near lakes or rivers, you are going to have humidity build up. In this case, the only option you may have is to purchase yourself a dehumidifier.
Not having a dehumidifier in your safe can be bad and rust will eventually start setting on the metal. If the gun is not regularly used and inspected, you might not even notice this and for people collecting military grade weapons like hand grenades, it can be life threatening. The safety pins on hand grenades and firearms can easily take damage and over time, they will start to wear out and one day just breaks off. If you have a hand grenade collection, this could put your entire family and household at risk, but the dehumidifier will absorb all the moisture and ensure that it does not happen.
With most gun safe brands improving the design to make it more resistant against water and fire, the dehumidifier will be great when it is built in. External dehumidifiers might not be the best and they will not be able to get to moisture on the inside of the safe. They might very well stop moisture from getting to the safe, but once the moisture is on the inside, it will still cause harm. Internal safe dehumidifiers are also cheap and they can be easily installed. I like to consider this as a type of investment that will keep the guns and other metal objects dry and away from any moisture.
What is a dehumidifier?
Why I should buy a gun safe dehumidifier?
How can I monitor the humidity levels on my gun safe?
How can I reduce the humidity in my gun safe quickly?
What are the negative implications of not having a gun safe dehumidifier?
Why an external dehumidifier will not work?
How Can I Keep My Guns Safe Without a Dehumidifier?
Actually, there are a few other methods to limit the moisture build up and the effect of the moisture, but these methods can be costly and thus the dehumidifier might be the cheapest option for you to consider.
- Have your firearm plated. This can be expensive, depending on the type of metal you choose for plating the firearm, but it is also a trusted method of keeping rust from damaging your gun. Most guns are black in design and then they are plated to give them that silver look. I do recommend considering this as an alternative.
- Have a lighting system. CFL lights not only illuminates the safe but produce hit. You can manipulate the temperature of your safe by installing a CFL light inside.
- Make sure the safe is insulated. Adding more insulation to the safe is always great and it will keep the moisture from building up in the safe, but the insulation is usually done with silicone by normal people to save money. I recommend the special plastic for insulation and added fire protection, but it is expensive.
- Regularly inspect your guns. This method might not be that expensive, but it certainly will take some time to do and you might need to brush up on the inner workings of your gun. But, by regularly cleaning the gun, you should be able to spot any problems and have them rectified.
These alternative methods can be used in place of gun safe dehumidifiers, but I do recommend that you do them in conjunction with a gun safe dehumidifier. People who cannot afford these more advanced options should definitely look into buying a good gun safe dehumidifier at an affordable price.
