There are two kinds of the best gun safe dehumidifiers on the market.
Choosing the right one is based on two decisions, the first is subjective, the second is objective.
The objective decision is based on a power source, do your safe have access to a power source to operate the dehumidifier? If not, move on to the desiccant, choice issue solved.
Now to the subjective option, what do you prefer?
An electric or chemical dehumidifier? It’s all down to preference.
The desiccant dehumidifier requires an occasional refill of silicone balls or re-drying the silica gel, other than that the decision will have to factor in the safe size, which is the internal dimensions for storage.
What's On This Page?
Top-Rated Gun Safe Dehumidifier List:
The safes dimensions will determine whether the item you choose will provide maximum efficiency, or not.
To make life easy for you, we already tested just about every option available on the market, and here are the two different dehydrators.
We provide any standout features, two or three pros to why the item is in the list and of course our review.
This guide will be split into two sections; desiccant dehumidifiers and electric dehumidifiers.
Best Gun Safe Dehumidifier Reviews:
Part I: Desiccant Dehumidifiers
1. LOCKDOWN Silica Gel, 750 grams
- DIMENSIONS: 4.5" diameter x 6.5" H
- SPECS: Protects up to 57 cubic feet
- EASE OF USE: Crystals change color once fully saturated and...
- RELIABLE: Prevents condensation, mildew and rust by...
- CONVENIENT: Avaliable in various shapes, sizes and mounting...
This cool small safe gun dehumidifier is great for small to medium sized safes. It is easy to use, all you do is pop it into the safe and leave it. Once the gel has expanded due to moisture, you place it in your oven (not microwave) and heat up the until the gel has recharged. This unit is extremely budget friendly and well worth the investment.
2. Stack-On SPAD-1500 Rechargeable Cordless Dehumidifier
- Dehumidifier - Rechargeable Cordless
This small unit is only 10” x 8” x 3” and weighs only 1.05lbs. What is great about this model is the plug-in casing for recharging the silica gel balls in the casing.
Quick recharging once every 4-6 weeks, so you don’t need to think much, just place it in your safe, and watch the meter once in a while.
When you need to recharge just connect it to any 110V port and charge it overnight (8-10 hours).
3. Eva-Dry New and Improved E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier
- EASY TO USE: This mini dehumidifier is spill and mess free....
- MINI DEHUMIDIFIER GOES A LONG WAY: Super dry dehumidifier...
- SMALL, SLEEK DESIGN: This portable small design lets you...
- 100% CORDLESS DEHUMIDIFIER: Moisture out: Cords out! No...
- SATISFACTION : SUPER DRY ODOR-FREE LIFE! Our dehumidifiers...
It's only 2.8” x 9” x 8.3” and weighs 1.2lbs, but this model comes with a tight rechargeable package.
You have to look out for the color of the silica gel beads to know when to recharge. Once you do, plug it into any 110V socket, wait 8-10 hours and then return it to your safe. This model also stops mold, mildew and wood rot.
4. Cannon Safe SGD57 Silica Gel Dehumidifier
- SnapSafe Silica Gel Dehumidifier Canister - protect your...
- Keep Your Gun Safe Moisture and Rust-Free - portable...
- Compact, Easy to Use - ready to use gun safe dehumidifiers...
- Humidity Indicator - ideal moisture absorbers for safes with...
- Gun Safe Accessories for Your Lifestyle - further protect...
If you don’t want to deal with electricity at all, then just pop this round gun safe dehumidifier into your safe. Watch the viewport for color changes in the beads, and then recharge it by placing it in your oven. This model also stops mold, mildew and wood rot. If its value for money you are seeking, then you have come to the right model.
5. Eva-Dry New and Improved E-500 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier
- VALUE 2 PACK!
- Silent Operation
- Compact and portable design
- 1000s of applications
- No Messy spills or refills to buy
The Eva-Dry weighs 1.8lbs of raw dehumidifying power. This extra weight allows this unit to dry up to 500 cubic feet which are great for just about every home and office safe you can find. The color change indicator prompts you to recharge the unit from any power source with 110V and takes around 10-12 hours. This model will require renewing once every 4 to 8 weeks, dependent on environmental conditions. This model also stops mold, mildew and wood rot.
6. SafeNDry Rechargeable & Reusable Gun Safe Dehumidifier & Moisture Eliminator, X-Large
- Perfect for gun cases back packs foot wear duffel bags...
- Designed for Use with Guns bows ammunition Household safes...
- Reusable and rechargeable
- Creates a Cleaner and healthier environment
- Pack of 4 disks
This sweet model’s dimensions are 6.8” X 3.2” D, and it weighs 1.3lbs. The beads change color, and that is the indicator to set in your oven for recharging.
However, don’t put the container in the oven, preheat oven to 240oF.
Remove the silica beads bag from the shotgun shell container and place it in the oven for up to 3 hours or until beads turn blue, whichever comes first. This model also stops mold, mildew and wood rot, and is extremely budget friendly.
7. Remington Model 500 Mini-Dehumidifier
- Non toxic; child and pet safe
- Works in a 500-cubic-foot area
- No battery or cord needed
- Works up to 10 years
Remington Accessories Model 500 Wireless Mini Dehumidifier will continue to work for 10 years with the same content. All you need to do is watch the color of the beads, and recharge every time for around 8-10 hours.
This model also stops mold, mildew and wood rot.
8. Pro Breeze Renewable Cordless Mini Dehumidifier
- Effective Moisture Control: Our small space dehumidifier...
- No Cables or Wires Needed - the electric battery powered...
- Safe & Non-toxic - The spill-free design of the mini...
- Space-Saving, Portable Design: Simple design suited to any...
- Simple & Easy to Use Rechargeable Dehumidifier - Just...
The Pro Breeze Renewable Mini-Dehumidifier dimensions are only 7.3” x 6” x 2” weighing 15.2oz, this unit needs recharging once a month, and will continue to work for years.
The small bead window will show you the color change of the beads as an indication to recharge.
This model also stops mold, mildew and wood rot. The unit comes with a built-in 110V AC power connector in the back for easy cordless operation. Its price is also very economical.
9. Dry-Packs 750 Gram Silica Gel Canister Dehumidifier - Moisture Indicating
This DryPack gun safe dehumidifier come with Max Adsorption gel beads, and its dimensions are 6.5” x 4.5” D. weighing 1.65lbs.
The beauty of this unit is that you can change the bead content to suit specific purposes. The top of the unit comes with a small 50g separated indication section.
This section will indicate when you need to recharge. If you want to change the content, just change the DrPack package.
This model also stops mold, mildew and wood rot. Add to this the overall cost, and you have a great performance to price ratio.
10. SNAPSAFE Dehumidifier Med 110V- Rechargeable
This comfortably sized dehumidifier is 9” x 8” x 2” and weighs 2lbs. It has a bead color change viewing port, so you know when to charge it.
This is a generic model and is budget friendly. This model also stops mold, mildew and wood rot.
The overall feel is great, although it might not look like much from the outside, it delivers and comes at a very affordable price too.
11. Black Mini Dehumidifier by GERO Rechargeable Renewable Small Moisture Eliminator
- High-Efficiency Dehumidifying: Crystallized silica gel...
- Renewable: Removes up to 6 ounces/170ml of water per charge....
- Dual Air Inlet: The dual air inlet design improves operating...
- Safer Charging: Unlike the direct plug-in heating type, we...
- Buy with Confidence:The energy-saving dehumidifier absorbs...
GERO Moisture Eliminator is 9.5” x 5.5” x 2” and weighs 1.25lbs. This compact size actually empowers a 340 cubic foot dehumidification and is perfect for protecting guns from rust. It is eco-friendly and spills proof.
This model also stops mold, mildew and wood rot.
This design is quite nifty, and the use of black plastic rather than white makes it look just a tad more professional.
12. Ivation Renewable/Rechargeable Wireless Mini Dehumidifier
- Fights Dampness & Humidity for an Area of 500 Cubic Feet
- Works w/Silica Gel: No Batteries or Plug-In Power Needed...
- Endlessly Renewable by Plugging In to Recharge Crystals
- Silently Operates for up to 2 Months Before Needing Recharge...
- Spill- & Mess-Free, Non Toxic, and Child- & Pet-Safe
This spill free model provides up to 2-3 months of service covering an area of 500 cubic feet before requiring a recharge.
You then plug it into any 110V AC outlet and wait the traditional 12 hours.
This one of the better units, while it's not as large as some of its competitors it does provide a punch of long lasting power. This model also stops mold, mildew and wood rot.
Part II: Electric dehumidifiers
13. Goldenrod Original Dehumidifier
- SPECS: 12 inches long with a 110-120 volt AC plug, 6 foot...
- EASE OF USE: Rod features attachable legs for placement and...
- SECURE: Protects your firearms all while fitting in the...
- RELIABLE: Removes moisture from the air in the gun safe to...
- VERSATILE: Comes in 12", 18", 24" and 36" versions to fit...
The Goldenrod dehumidifier is easy to use. This model connects to any 110V AC socket and will raise the safes internal temperature, thereby reducing any moisture.
It comes in four sizes, so you can buy a unit that fits into most gun safes. The heating unit will be hot to touch, so be careful when touching it after use.
14. LOCKDOWN Dehumidifier Rod
- SPECS: 12 inches long with a 110/120 volt AC plug to protect...
- EASE OF USE: Rod features attachable legs for placement and...
- SECURE: Protects your firearms all while fitting in the...
- RELIABLE: Removes moisture from the air in the gun safe to...
- VERSATILE: Comes in 12", 18", 24" and 36" versions to fit...
The Lockdown™ Dehumidifier Rod maintains a slightly elevated air temperature inside in the gun safe which allows the warm air to circulate throughout the safe.
It is powered by a 100V 8W source and will dehumidify up to 100 cubic feet. The heating unit will be hot to touch, so be careful when touching it after use.
All electric models will combat mildew and mold.
15. PEET Dryer - SafeKeeping Dryer and Dehumidifier for Gun Safes and Cabinets
- Safe and dry: PEET SafeKeeping Dryer circulates warm air,...
- Simple to use: Install, plug it in, and forget about it;...
- Easy installation: Simply route SafeKeeping’s power cord...
- Low power consumption: Works on safes and cabinets up to 300...
- 5-year warranty: Our product are designed to last and...
The PEET convection gun safe dehumidifier was adapted from the original PEET shoe dehumidifier model and is perhaps the most effective electric gun safe dehumidifier on the market.
It is only 9” x 7” x 4” and weighs 14.4 oz. However, it sucks in the moist air and blows out warm dehydrated air very quickly, through specially designed air chambers.
This is the most innovative gun safe dehumidifier model on the market, and its price is extremely budget-friendly, making this one of our best choices to recommend.
The heating unit will be hot to touch, so be careful when touching it after use, and this model is great against the accumulation of mildew and mold.
16. BROWNING Ever dry Electric Rod
- Get maximum protection from humidity
- Easy mounting and positioning
- A first class dehumidifier
- Easy to adjust to fit your safe interior
- Durable and long lasting
The Browning dehumidifier rod is 16” x 2”D, it works very efficiently and connects to any 110V AC outlet.
It’s hot to touch when in use, so be extra careful, and remember that electric units are perfect for cohabiting mildew and mold.
17. Stack-On SPAD-12 Electronic Safe Dehumidifier, 12"
- Dehumidifier - 12" Electronic
The Stack-On 12” electronic dehumidifier works well in most medium sized gun safes. The actual dimensions are 14.1" x 4.8" x 1".
It is very easy to install and will work immediately. It is a great unit for creating continuous heat circulation, and it fights mold and mildew accumulation.
The heating unit will be hot to touch, so be careful when touching it after use.
18. SnapSafe 12 Inches Gun Safe Dehumidifier Rod
- SnapSafe Electric Dehumidifier Rod - maintenance-free...
- Keep Your Gun Safe Moisture and Rust-Free - portable...
- Easy to Use, Just Plug It In - gun safe electric...
- SnapSafe Dehumidifier Rod - ideal moisture absorber for...
- Gun Safe Accessories for Your Lifestyle - further protect...
This 7watt rod will provide excellent dehumidification within an enclosure up to 100 cubic feet and can be positioned anywhere you place it.
The heating unit will be hot to touch, so be careful when touching it after use. As with all electric models, this one will combat mildew and mold.
19. Liberty Safe Dehumidifier
The Liberty gun safe dehumidifier is backed by the company, so you get both a great safe and a great dehumidifier.
The heating unit will be hot to touch, so be careful when touching it after use.
This model produces a great inner air flow, so it effectively combats the growth of mold and mildew.
20. Winchester 12" Dehumidifier
- The dehumidifier slightly increases air temperature inside...
- Circulates warm air and removing moisture from your safe's...
- Eliminating moisture protects your firearms and other...
This is a Winchester model, which means it’s backed by Winchester and all the service you get from them.
This is a standard 12” 8W model that will dehumidify any safe enclosure up to 100 cubic feet, and as with all models, is hot to touch when in use, so be careful.
The Winchester is great at creating a constant flow of heated air within the safe, and it defies the growth of mold and mildew.
21. Lockdown Vault Accessories Essentials Kit
- 12" Dehumidifier rod
- Handgun hanger
- Automatic cordless vault light
If a basic gun safe dehumidifier is not enough, then this is the perfect solution. It is exceptionally budget-friendly, making this the best dollar per performance ratio.
This kit comes with a hygrometer, an automatic cordless vault light to see into those hidden recesses of your safe, and the12" dehumidifier rod that connects to any standard 110V AC outlet.
It also comes with a handgun hanger, so this kit is actually a great new safe starter kit or even a great addition to a safe already in use.
22. Goldenrod GunSaver Dehumidifier
- SPECS: 18 inches long with a 110-120 volt AC plug, 6 foot...
- EASE OF USE: Rod features attachable legs for placement and...
- SECURE: Protects your firearms all while fitting in the...
- RELIABLE: Removes moisture from the air in the gun safe to...
- VERSATILE: Comes in 12" and 18" versions
This is a standard 12” electric gun safe dehumidifier that connects to nay 120V AC port and provides 8W of heating power.
Don’t forget to be careful when touching this unit when it is on.
23. Ironwood Pacific DryWave Gun Safe Air Dryer
- GENTLY WARMS THE AIR & PREVENTS CONDENSATION - Designed to...
- NO MOVING PARTS - Circulates warm air in spaces up to 100...
- ENERGY EFFICIENT - Draws just 20 watts, less than a standard...
- DESIGNED FOR SAFE, CONTINUOUS OPERATION - Leave it running...
- TWO-YEAR WARRANTY - Made to last in the USA.
This continuous running gun safe dehumidifier will work well in spaces of up to 100 cubic feet. Its compact size makes this a more adaptable model for most safes.
It is a compact unit, but still, a got one, so be careful when touching it during use. The size of this unit generated a lot of air movement, so it is very successful in eliminating and growth of mold and mildew.
Conclusions
One of the biggest issues facing any gun enthusiast or gun owner is how to protect their weapon from corrosion when not in use. All gun owners will have one kind of safe, either small personal one or a larger one that also supports documents as well as multiple guns and rifles.
No matter where you live, a closed space will become moist over time, and if you live in hot humid states or cold, wet states, you will need really good gun protection. This review comes after testing an checking hundreds of options.
Types of Gun Safe Dehumidifiers
Electric Safe Dehumidifiers
The electric safe dehumidifier is extremely efficient in reducing the humidity level in any closed space. They operate by heating up the enclosure 24/7. While they are very efficient at perfuming their job, they do have three downsides:
- They heat up and can be too hot to touch
- They use electricity, even a small amount adds to your bill
- They must be placed away from flammable objects (paper etc.)
Silica Gel Dehumidifiers
These are exceptionally easy to install but have a higher maintenance requirement than electric models.
The silica gel bead works by sucking out the water molecules in the air, trapping them in the bead. This means that once the bead is full, it will not suck in anymore and this is the time you need to replace or recharge the beads.
Recharging is done by drying the beads out with heat.
There are two versions for recharging silica gel units, the electric and the oven heated.
The electric versions have a small heating element in the body, and you attach the body to an AC outlet, this dries the beads over an 8-12-hour period.
The oven heated units require you to place them in an oven, or just the beads in the oven and heat for 2-3 hours or until the beads are dry.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
When buying a gun safe dehumidifier, there are a number of KPI’s to look out for in each model type.
Absorption Capacity
This is a silica gel KPI. You need to check how much water moisture the beads can absorb before requiring recharging or changing. This is done by reading the manufacturing details. Take into account the larger the unit, the more sucking power you get.
So, this means that size does matter since the materials used by all the suppliers are basically the same. Until someone discovers a new gel formula, all the bags will be variants in size and shape of the basic material; silica gel.
Size and Coverage
As mentioned, size does matter with silica gel models. The same is true for electric units too since they cannot heat up over a certain temperature or they will constitute a fire danger as well as a destructive force.
This leads you to factor in the following equation size/coverage=coefficient of power (Efficiency). Where the size of the actual unit and the area the manufacturer recommends, it will cover (such as 100 cubic feet). The smaller the efficiency number, the higher the power ratio.
This method works with all models, you simply take the overall size of the unit which is basic geometry (DxL for the round, and LxWxH for rectangular) and you get your size, now what does the manufacturer state the coverage is, and presto you have your coefficient of power.
Ease of Installation
In most cases you just check the dehumidifier unit into the safe and walk away. However, this works only with cilia gel units. For electric units, you need to factor in a number of considerations.
You will need a pre-drilled hole for passing the power cord through or use the anchorage hole. This requires you remove the plug and pass the bare wires through, and then reattach the plug.
You will need a long enough unit cord to reach the outside and either directly connect to an AC outlet, or to an extension cord.
If you need to drill a hole you will need to consult with the Safe manufacturers manual or customer service to know where to drill the hole for best performance; you don’t want to compromise your safe’s security devices for a heating unit.
Some units come with brackets which you might consider installing in larger safes for better protection. Also, consider where you place the heating elements, so they do not come near any flammable objects.
Ease of Use
There is no difference between these models; they are both easy to use once they are installed. The electric once requires you turn them on, and the silica gel just require you look at the indicator port once a week.
Price
The price is another equation that is a product of the coreference of power, which is Price/CoP=Value for money. You take the confidence of power number you obtained when checking the efficiency of the unit’s performance, and you divide this into the price. The closer the value is to zero, the more cost-effective this unit is.
Other Factors
Check Their Coverage
Make sure that the dehumidifier coverage is larger than your safes internal storage capacity. You do not want to buy a unit that covers less area than you have in your safe. At the same time, do not buy a unit that exceeds your safes storage capacity by more than double.
This means, don’t buy a 33 cubic foot unit for a 90 cubic foot safe. Get the 100 cubic foot unit to cover areas between 60 to 100 feet, and over 100 feet jump to the next level.
Evaluate Your Guns
Always check your guns on a regular basis, and when the heating elements are involved, you should consider waxing the wooden stocks and parts, since dried out wood will crack.
Also, check for mildew and moss on all the surfaces of the safe and your guns. It is always prudent to be extra careful with your weapons.
Check Their Maintenance Requirements
When buying a dehumidifier, consider the price and functionality. The more expensive and larger the unit, the more maintenance you will need to consider.
The 3 Benefits of a Gun Dehumidifier
Now we get to why you need a gun safe dehumidifier. There are three basic benefits, and they will improve your living standards.
Keeping Your Ammunition Dry
The number one cause for ammunition degrade is humidity. Add to this that all ammo has a shelf life, and you need to contemplate leaving your ammo lying around unprotected.
A dry, protected environment will make sure your ammo lasts well into its shelf life and maybe even longer.
Take into a stock that humidity degrades your ammo immediately, but it does accumulate over time, and eventually, you will get degraded ammo that is not accurate and in some instances totally ineffective.
Just consider that if you use a weapon for security issues, law enforcement or hunting, you don’t want to be in that situation where you have a misfire due to bad ammo.
Keeping Mold Out of The Safe
Many gun safes are used for more than just guns, and this raises the issue of mold. Let’s start with the basic ammo boxes made of cardboard, then move onto documents such as money and passports. The next step is the wooden gun parts. The last thing you want to see on any part of your safe are those telltale signs of spores accumulating.
Moisture will lead to spore growth which will accumulate into the mold, and the next time you open your safe you have a whole ecosystem protected by the EPA.
Add a dehumidifier immediately and stop any chances of mold accumulation.
Protecting Your Safe and Guns from Rust
The final and maybe most important aspect for all gun owners is rust. The big R is what drives most people to buy a good gun safe dehumidifier.
You do not want to wake up with a rusty barrel, rusty parts, or anything to do with oxidization. Once rust sets in, the part has to be replaced. There is no other way around it.
If you want an efficient weapon, it has to be in perfect condition. Just as you wouldn’t expect a 5’5” x 400lb man with clogged arteries to run a marathon, don’t expect your gun to perform well when rusty.
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