The Best Gun Safe Dehumidifiers of 2024 - Uncompromising Protection for Your Firearms
Posted by Mandu Moses on Jan 19th 2024
Gone are the days when we left our firearms at the mercy of dust, humidity, and constant temperature variations that would often cause untold damage to firearms such as rust. Now, we keep our arsenals in gun safes. These safes serve as secure devices not only to keep other people out, including children, but also act as ingenious means of regulating the temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions.
As beneficial as gun safes are, the challenge of moisture buildup arises with their use. Hence the reason many companies have come up with technologically advanced devices to control moisture content in your gun safe. These are referred to as dehumidifiers.
You might ask, what is the best gun safe dehumidifier of 2024? This post will take you through factors to consider while choosing your preferred gun safe dehumidifier, popular types of dehumidifiers in the market, and our gun safe dehumidifier top picks for 2024.
Benefits of a Gun Safe Dehumidifier
- It will protect your firearms from rust, corrosion, mold, and mildew, which can damage the metal, wood, leather, or fabric parts of your guns. Rust and corrosion can affect the performance and appearance of your guns, making them less reliable and less valuable. Mold and mildew can create unpleasant odors and health hazards, as they can release spores that can cause allergic reactions or respiratory infections.
- A dehumidifier helps preserve the functionality and accuracy of your firearms, ensuring their reliability and safety. Moisture can cause your guns to malfunction or misfire, which can be dangerous for you and others.
- Moisture can also affect the accuracy of your guns, as it can alter the trajectory or velocity of the bullets. By keeping your guns dry, you can ensure that they work as intended and that you hit your target.
- It saves you money and time from repairing or replacing damaged guns. Moisture-related damage can be costly and time-consuming to fix, as you may need to replace parts or take your guns to a professional. By preventing moisture from accumulating inside your gun safe, you can avoid these expenses and hassles, and enjoy your guns for generations.
What You Should Consider Before Buying a Gun Safe Dehumidifier
Constant temperature fluctuations in your garage, home, shed, and outbuilding make it necessary for you to get a gun safe dehumidifier. It might not be the coolest piece of equipment in your possession, but it will surely save you plenty of dollars in repair costs from rust and damage to your firearms.
Here’s what you should consider before buying a gun safe dehumidifier:
Type of Gun Safe Dehumidifiers
Gun safe dehumidifiers are generally classified as electric, desiccant, or renewable. On this parameter, you should also consider the effectiveness, durability, convenience, noise level, energy consumption, maintenance, and cost of the dehumidifier.
Desiccant dehumidifiers use an absorbent material, such as silica gel, to absorb moisture from the air. They do not require electricity or batteries to operate, making them ideal for small or portable gun safes. They are also silent and easy to use.
Nevertheless, desiccant dehumidifiers have a limited capacity and need to be recharged or replaced periodically. Some desiccant dehumidifiers have an indicator that shows when they are saturated and need to be recharged, usually by heating them in an oven or microwave.
Electric dehumidifiers operate on Peltier technology. They use electricity to power a fan or a heating element that circulates warm and dry air inside the gun safe. They are more effective and durable than desiccant dehumidifiers and can handle larger and more humid gun safes.
Additionally, electrical dehumidifiers do not need to be recharged or replaced, as long as they have a constant power source. However, they can be noisy and consume more energy than desiccant dehumidifiers. They also require a hole or a vent in the gun safe to allow the power cord to pass through.
Renewable or rechargeable dehumidifiers combine the features of desiccant and electric dehumidifiers. They use a material, such as silica gel or calcium chloride, to absorb moisture from the air, but they also have a built-in battery that powers a heating element that dries out the material when it is saturated.
They may not need electricity or batteries to operate, however, some of them need to be plugged into an outlet periodically to recharge their battery and renew their moisture-absorbing capacity. Rechargeable dehumidifiers are more convenient and versatile than desiccant or electric dehumidifiers. They come in a variety of sizes and can be used by placing them anywhere in your gun safe. Besides, you don’t need to drill holes or vents in your safe to connect it to the power source.
Rechargeable dehumidifiers can be more expensive and less reliable than desiccant or electric dehumidifiers. They depend on the quality and longevity of their battery and heating element.
The Size and Capacity of Your Gun Safe
You need to choose a dehumidifier that can effectively cover the entire space of your gun safe and reduce the humidity level to an adequate range. Generally, the larger the gun safe, the more powerful the dehumidifier should be.
Usually, the more the volume rating your dehumidifier has the pricier it is. You can either get a more powerful device to cover the entirety of your safe or use several pieces such as desiccant bags to regulate humidity in your gun safe.
The Climate and Humidity Level of Your Location
If you live in a humid area, you might need a stronger dehumidifier that can handle high moisture levels. On the other hand, if your climate is generally dry, a less powerful dehumidifier suffices. You should also check the humidity level inside your gun safe regularly using a hygrometer, and adjust the dehumidifier accordingly.
The location of the gun safe on your property is equally important. For instance, one that is dug inside the floor of your home which averages a temperature of 70oF will still require a dehumidifier. Also, if you are geographically located eastern or deep south, then you’ll need a different kind of dehumidifier than those in the west.
Other factors to consider include;
The Effectiveness of the Equipment
The effectiveness of a dehumidifier depends on how much moisture it can remove from the air and how long it can last before needing to be recharged or replaced. Electric dehumidifiers are generally more effective than desiccant ones since they can cover larger areas and maintain a constant temperature.
On the other hand, electric dehumidifiers consume more electricity and may pose a fire hazard if not used properly. Desiccant dehumidifiers are less effective than electric ones, as they can only cover smaller areas and lose their effectiveness over time. However, they are more eco-friendly and safer to use.
The Durability of the Dehumidifier
The durability of a dehumidifier depends on how well it is made and how often it is used. Electric dehumidifiers are generally more durable than desiccant ones. This is because they have fewer moving parts and do not degrade over time.
Desiccant dehumidifiers are less durable than electric ones, since, they have more moving parts and degrade over time. However, unlike electric ones that malfunction or break down if exposed to water or extreme temperatures, they are also easier to replace or recharge if needed.
Ease of use
How easy was it to install your dehumidifier? The ease of use of a dehumidifier depends on how easy it is to install, operate, and maintain. Some people consider electric dehumidifiers easier to use than desiccant ones, since, they only require plugging into an outlet and mounting in the safe.
However, electric dehumidifiers require drilling holes in the safe or running wires through the door, which can compromise the security of the safe not to mention being labor intensive.
Desiccant dehumidifiers do not require drilling holes or running wires, which preserves the integrity of the safe. However, they are harder to use, since, they require you to periodically recharge or replace them.
Customer Reviews
It’s now easy to know the usability of a dehumidifier. You simply need to visit the reviews section of the product page of your chosen dehumidifier to see the comments and experiences of those who own the device.
Customers review a dehumidifier depending on how satisfied other customers are with the product and how well it performs according to their expectations. Ultimately, a customer will always choose the equipment they like most.
Electric dehumidifiers are generally known for their effectiveness and reliability. They are also more costly, consume high quantities of electricity, and have a potential for fire hazards. On the other hand, desiccant dehumidifiers come at generally low costs, are easy to install and use, have a high safety index, and can be eco-friendly. They are however less durable.
A Review of the Top Gun Safe Dehumidifiers for 2024
Electric Dehumidifiers
Electric dehumidifiers are the most common type of dehumidifier for gun safes.
Pros
- They are effective and reliable.
- They are easy to install and use.
- They are low-maintenance and long-lasting.
Cons
- They are expensive and heavily consume electricity.
- They pose a fire hazard if not used properly or malfunction.
- They can take up space inside the safe.
Examples:
PEET Dryer SafeKeeping Dryer
This is one of the most advanced and innovative rechargeable dehumidifiers for gun safes in the market today. It uses patented PEET DryPorts™ that circulate warm air through your gun safe.
Features
- It uses a natural convection process to circulate warm air and remove humidity up to 300 cubic feet of room.
- It is easy to install and use. You just need to route the power cord through a hole in the safe and plug it in.
- It works silently and does not require any filters or fans to maintain.
- It is energy-efficient and uses less electricity than a standard light bulb.
- It comes with a 5-year warranty and a satisfaction guarantee.
Drawbacks
- It may not be effective in very humid or cold environments, as the natural convection process depends on the ambient air temperature and moisture level.
- It may not fit in some safes or cabinets that do not have a pre-drilled or self-drilled hole for the power cord.
- It may not be compatible with some voltage systems outside the U.S. unless you use a voltage reducer.
Goldenrod Dehumidifier
This is one of the most trusted and reputable electric dehumidifier brands in the market. It has proven to be effective and of high quality.
Features
- It is made in the USA.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Available in different sizes (12 to 36 inches).
- Has a low wattage (7 to 38 watts).
- Produces high temperature (140 0F).
- Can cover up to 500 cubic feet of space and lower the humidity to around 50%.
- It is easy to install and use.
- It comes with a detachable plug that allows you to drill a small hole in the back of the safe and run the cord through it. It also has mounting brackets that let you attach it to the floor or wall of the safe.
- Has an automatic thermostat that regulates the temperature and prevents overheating.
Hornady Electronic Gun Safe Dehumidifier Rod
This is one of the most reputable brands on the market.
Features
- Available in two sizes (12 and 18 inches).
- It has a low wattage (8 to 12 watts).
- Can cover up to 200 cubic feet of space and lower the humidity level to around 50%.
- No maintenance is required.
- Portable and easy to use.
Lockdown Automatic Dehumidifier
The Lockdown Automatic Dehumidifier is a unique and innovative electric dehumidifier for gun safes. It is designed to provide optimal humidity control and convenience for your guns safe, closet, and small storage areas.
Unlike most of the electrical dehumidifiers, this brand does not use a heating element or a rod. Instead, it uses a fan and a moisture-absorbing material that work together to remove excess moisture from the air. It has a smart sensor that detects the humidity level and automatically turns on or off the fan as needed.
Features
- Comes in two sizes (compact and full size).
- It has a low power consumption (0.5 to 1.5 watts).
- Has a low noise level (less than 30dB).
- It removes moisture directly from the air using an ultra-efficient thermo-electric process.
- It has a built-in hose connection that allows water to drain into a holding tank or directly to your drain.
- It has an automatic digital control that turns the unit on only when the humidity gets high and turns it off when it’s back under control.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers contain moisture-absorbing substances, such as silica gel, calcium chloride, or activated charcoal. They do not require a power source to operate.
Pros
- They are less costly and eco-friendly.
- They are portable and versatile. You can place them anywhere inside or outside the safe.
- They are silent and odorless.
Cons
- They are less reliable than electric dehumidifiers.
- They need to be recharged or replaced frequently.
- They can leak or spill if not handled properly.
Examples;
High-Performance Moisture Absorber Dehumidifier for Pistol and Rifle Firearms
This is a brand-new dehumidifier addition to an extensive range of products from Cedar Mill Fine Firearms. this desiccant dehumidifier is specifically made for your pistol and rifles. It will help you maintain the ideal humidity level for your gun case.
The Cedar Mill Dehumidifier is made of silica gel, which is a porous material that can absorb water molecules from the air. When full or saturated, the desiccant has a color-changing dot indicator that changes from blue to pink.
A pink color means you need to recharge. You can recharge the product by placing it in a microwave for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the power level and the amount of moisture absorbed. The indicator will turn back to blue when it is ready to use again.
Cedar Mill Fine Firearms claims that the rechargeable silica gel desiccant keeps your gun safe humidity at 30% to 50%, which is the optimal range for preventing rust and corrosion on your firearms.
Features
- It consists of 2x50 desiccant packs, each containing 40 grams of silica gel beads that absorb moisture from the air.
- They change color from blue to pink when they are saturated.
- It has a long lifespan.
- You only need to recharge it every three to six months depending on how often you use your gun safe.
Too much humidity can cause metal parts to rust, while too little humidity can cause wood stocks to crack or warp. By using the Cedar Mill rechargeable silica gel desiccant, you can protect your guns from moisture damage and extend their lifespan.
Eva-Dry E-333 Renewable Dehumidifier
The Eva-Dry E-333 Renewable Dehumidifier is a small and compact desiccant dehumidifier for gun safes.
Features
- It is a small, compact, and a sleek dehumidifier that can fit in many small spaces up to 333 cubic feet.
- It uses silica gel technology to absorb moisture.
- It is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and safe for children and pets.
- It has a color-changing indicator that shows when the unit needs to be recharged.
- It can last for 20 to 30 days on a single charge and has a lifespan of up to 10 years.
Drawbacks
- It has a low moisture removal capacity of 4 to 6 ounces, which makes it unsuitable for large rooms or spaces with high humidity levels.
- It has a long recharging time of 10 to 12 hours, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- It may not work well in cold temperatures or low-humidity environments.
Hydrosorbent Rechargeable Silica Desiccant Dehumidifier Box
Hydrosorbent Rechargeable Silica Desiccant Dehumidifier Box is a product that helps to prevent moisture damage in enclosed spaces such as safes, cabinets, drawers, and cases. It uses silica gel, a substance that absorbs water vapor from the air. Some of the key features of this product are:
- It is rechargeable and economical.
- It is non-toxic and safe.
- It is portable and versatile.
- It is made in USA.
Rechargeable Dehumidifiers
Rechargeable dehumidifiers work by using a battery-powered fan that circulates air through a moisture-absorbing material, such as silica gel or calcium chloride. They do not require a power source to operate.
Pros
- They are effective and reliable in reducing humidity levels.
- They are easy to install and use. You just need to place them inside the safe and turn them on.
- They are low-maintenance and long-lasting. You don’t need to recharge or replace them often.
Cons
- They can be expensive and consume battery power.
- They can be noisy and generate heat.
- They can take up space inside the safe and reduce the storage capacity.
Examples;
Hornady Rechargeable Gun Safe Dehumidifier
This is another great desiccant dehumidifier option for gun safes. It is designed to protect your guns from rust, corrosion, and mildew.
Features
- Can cover up to 333 cubic feet.
- It contains desiccant crystals that change color from blue to pink when they need recharging.
- It does not require batteries or electricity to operate, except for recharging. It also contains no harmful chemicals and is safe for children, pets, and homes.
- It comes with a quick-connect bracket for easy installation.
- It has a compact design measuring 1.5” x 4” x 6” and weighs 1.1 lbs.
SnapSafe Rechargeable Gun Safe Dehumidifier
This product by SnapSafe uses a fan and a moisture-absorbing material that work together to remove excess moisture from the air. It has a built-in battery that lasts up to two months on a single charge. It can cover up to 500 cubic feet of space and lower the humidity level to around 50%.
Features;
- It is effective in spaces up to 500 cubic feet.
- It is easy to use and does not need any cords or batteries.
- It is long-lasting and reusable.
- It is a genuine SnapSafe item and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Drawbacks;
- It is large and bulky and may take up a lot of shelf space in smaller safes.
- It needs to be plugged into an outlet inside the safe, which may not be convenient or possible for some safes.
- It takes a long time to recharge (up to 24 hours)
- It is not leak-proof and may spill some beads out during recharging or use.
Conclusion
There are many types of dehumidifiers for gun safes for 2024, such as electric, desiccant, or rechargeable. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences.
Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing the best dehumidifier for your gun safe are:
- Size and capacity of your gun safe.
- Humidity level and climate in your area.
- Power source and consumption of the device.
- Installation and maintenance of the dehumidifier.
- Warranty and customer service.