Why it matters
The KNKA Star 5500 Dehumidifier is a portable dehumidifier with a 1.45 gallons bucket, rated for 5500 square feet and removing up to 80 pints per day a day.
Aim for 40 to 60 percent relative humidity indoors: drier air irritates airways and skin, wetter air feeds dust mites and mold.
The listing names Energy Star qualification.
At its stated 360 watts, running non-stop uses about 8.6 kWh a day; in practice the compressor cycles off once the room reaches the set humidity.
Its rated area of 5,500 square feet is one of the largest ratings we cover: 85 of the 99 dehumidifiers with a stated figure come in lower, and the range runs from 110 square feet to 7,500 square feet.
Price-wise it sat in the middle third of the 52 portable models we cover when we checked; the button shows today's price.
It qualifies for our list Best Dehumidifiers for Basements, where it is ranked against every model that meets the same rule.
Compared with the KNKA Max 34 Dehumidifier: rated room size 5500 square feet here vs 2500 square feet; power draw 360 watts here vs 230 watts; tank 1.45 gallons here vs 3 liters.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Good fit if
- Damp basements
- Owners who can run a drain hose
Look elsewhere if
- Rooms far larger than its rating
Pros and cons
Pros
- 80 pints per day removal
- 1.45 gallons bucket
- Rated for 5500 square feet
Cons
- Needs regular cleaning to stay hygienic
Limitations to weigh
- Not stated on the KNKA Star 5500 Dehumidifier listing: airflow. Ask the seller or check the manual before relying on it.
- Pints-per-day figures depend on the test conditions; since 2019 the US test uses cooler, drier air, so newer ratings look smaller than older ones for the same machine.
Specifications
The bracket shows where each figure comes from.
| Model number | PD30MA-20 | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Room coverage | 5500 square feet | Retailer |
| Wattage | 360 watts | Retailer |
| Tank capacity | 1.45 gallons | Retailer |
| Moisture removal | 80 pints per day | Retailer |
Alternatives worth comparing
More dehumidifiers we cover
Final verdict
A sensible choice for damp basements. Confirm the model it fits before ordering.
Where to buy
Each button opens this exact model. We may earn a commission on tracked links; it never changes what we publish. Disclosure