Kesnos PD253D 70-Pint Dehumidifier: features, specs and who it suits

The Kesnos PD253D is a portable dehumidifier built for damp basements and large rooms. It pulls moisture out of the air, collects it in a bucket or sends it down a hose, and shuts off when the room reaches the humidity you set. Here is what the specs mean and how to read the capacity figure.

What "70 pints" means

Kesnos says the unit removes up to 70 pints of moisture per day, but that figure applies under 95°F and 90% relative humidity. The listing's own description also mentions "50 Pint New DOE 2019". The US test for dehumidifier capacity changed in 2019 to a lower-temperature condition, so the same machine gets a smaller number under the newer test. In everyday rooms, which are cooler and less humid than the old test conditions, a dehumidifier typically removes less than its headline number. The listing gives coverage as up to 4,500 sq ft in its title and 5,000 sq ft in the feature text, so treat it as a rough guide.

Humidity control and timer

You can set a target between 30% and 80% relative humidity on the digital display. The unit senses the room and runs until it reaches that level, then stops. A 24-hour timer lets you schedule when it turns on or off, and Kesnos says it restarts automatically after a power failure. For comfort and to discourage mould, indoor humidity is commonly kept somewhere around 40% to 60%.

Draining the water

There are two options:

• Continuous drain: a 6.56 ft (2 m) hose is included, so water can run to a floor drain or sink without emptying the bucket. The hose needs to slope downhill.
• Bucket: the tank holds 1.19 gallons, and a full indicator alerts you when to empty it.

Fan, wheels and the dry-clothes mode

The unit has a two-speed fan, which Kesnos describes as quiet enough for sleeping or working. Check the manual or specifications for noise levels if this matters to you. Castor wheels and recessed handles help you move it. A dry-clothes function is meant for a room where laundry is hung, so the machine collects the moisture from the damp clothes.

Size

It measures about 11.8 x 11.8 x 22.8 inches (30 x 30 x 58 cm) and weighs 31 lb (14 kg). That is a small footprint for the stated capacity.

Who it suits

It suits basements, crawl spaces, garages, laundry rooms and large rooms where damp air is a recurring problem. Kesnos also lists bedrooms, bathrooms and offices. If you are dealing with a leak or water entry, a dehumidifier handles the air, not the cause.

What to check before you buy

• Room size and dampness: match capacity to the area, and remember that real-world results are lower than the headline.
• Drain route: is there a floor drain or sink lower than the unit's outlet?
• Operating temperature: dehumidifiers typically work less well in cold spaces, so check the manual's range.
• Space around it: leave clearance for airflow, as the manual says.
• Upkeep: clean the filter and bucket regularly.
• Support terms: Kesnos lists a 1-year warranty with extension options; read the details.

The short version

• A portable dehumidifier rated up to 70 pints a day under the older test conditions (50 pints under the 2019 DOE test).
• Adjustable 30% to 80% humidity target and a 24-hour timer.
• Continuous drain with a 2 m hose, or a 1.19-gallon bucket.
• Two fan speeds, wheels, handles and a dry-clothes mode.
• About 31 lb; stated coverage up to 4,500-5,000 sq ft.

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