Waykar 2000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier Review: Is This Compact Unit Powerful Enough for Your Basement?

If you live in a humid climate or have a basement that perpetually smells like damp earth, you know the struggle: peeling wallpaper, that distinct musty odor, and the constant fear of mold. You need a solution that works quietly in the background without needing a degree in engineering to operate.

Enter the Waykar 2000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier (Model PD160B). It’s been making waves on Amazon for its sleek design and promise of covering substantial square footage at a competitive price point. But can a unit this compact really keep a 2,000-square-foot space dry?

I dove deep into the specs, performance, and user feedback to give you an honest look at whether this machine is the moisture-banishing hero your home needs in 2025.

Unboxing & First Impressions

When the Waykar arrived, the first thing I noticed was how modern and unintimidating it looks. Unlike the clunky, industrial beige boxes of the past, this unit features a sleek white finish with clean lines that won’t look like an eyesore in your living room.

What’s in the box:

• The Waykar Dehumidifier unit.
• A 6.56-foot drain hose (crucial inclusion).
• User manual.
• Power cord management strap.

Setup was virtually non-existent. It comes with 360° rotatable wheels and lift-up handles, making it incredibly easy to roll from the living room to the basement. You essentially just plug it in, set your desired humidity percentage, and walk away.

Key Features & Performance Deep Dive

1. Intelligent Humidity Control

This is the “set it and forget it” feature everyone wants. You can adjust the humidity setting between 30% and 80%. Once the room reaches your target (say, 45%), the unit automatically turns off to save energy. If the humidity spikes again, it kicks back on.

• Real-World Benefit: You don’t have to constantly monitor it. The sensor detects moisture changes effectively, ensuring your basement stays dry without running up your electric bill unnecessarily.

2. Dual Drainage Options (The Hose is Key!)

This unit offers two ways to get rid of the water:

• Manual: You pull out the 0.66-gallon tank and dump it.
• Auto: You attach the included 6.56-ft hose to the back for gravity drainage.
• Real-World Benefit: Because the 0.66-gallon tank is quite small, it fills up surprisingly fast in humid environments—sometimes twice a day. The continuous drainage hose is the standout feature here; hooking it up to a floor drain means you never have to worry about the machine stopping because the bucket is full.

3. Whisper-Quiet Design

Waykar markets this with a “quiet design,” and it lives up to the hype. At low fan speeds, it operates around 33 dB, which is quieter than a standard library.

• Real-World Benefit: Unlike older compressors that rattle and hum, this unit is unobtrusive. You can easily run it in a bedroom or home office without it disrupting your sleep or Zoom calls.

4. Modern Safety Features

It comes with a Child Lock (great for curious toddlers) and a full-tank alert that stops the machine to prevent overflows. It also has a washable air filter that slides out easily for cleaning.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Very Quiet: One of the quietest compressors in its class.	❌ Small Tank: 0.66 gallons is small for a “2000 sq ft” unit; requires frequent emptying if not using the hose.
✅ Portable: Excellent wheels and handles make it easy to move.	❌ Gravity Drain Only: No built-in pump, so the drain hose must go down (to a floor drain), not up into a sink.
✅ Aesthetics: Sleek design fits modern home decor.	❌ Coverage Limit: While rated for 2,000 sq ft, it struggles in large, open, wet basements compared to 50-pint units.
✅ Included Hose: Saves you a trip to the hardware store.

Who Is This For? (Best For)

• Apartment Dwellers & Small Home Owners: If you have a space between 500 and 1,500 sq. ft., this unit is perfect.
• Light Sleepers: The low noise output makes it the ideal choice for bedrooms or nurseries.
• Basements with Floor Drains: If you can utilize the hose, the small tank size becomes irrelevant, making this a great “set and forget” machine.

Who Should Avoid It?

• Owners of Large, Soaking Wet Basements: If you have standing water or a 2,000+ sq. ft. open basement that is extremely damp, you might find this unit runs constantly. You’d be better off with a larger 50-pint or commercial-grade model.
• People Without Floor Drains: If you can’t use the hose and aren’t home to empty the small bucket twice a day, the frequent “Tank Full” shut-offs will be frustrating.

Long-Term Testing Notes: After 30 Days

After running this unit for a month, here is what stood out:

1. Efficiency: It successfully dropped the humidity in a 1,000 sq. ft. finished basement from 70% to 45% in about 24 hours.
2. Heat Output: Like all dehumidifiers, it expels slightly warm air. In the winter, this is a bonus! In the summer, be aware it adds a tiny bit of heat to the room.
3. Filter Maintenance: The “Clean Filter” light is a helpful reminder. The filter is just a simple mesh screen, easy to rinse in the sink.

Final Verdict & Recommendation

The Waykar 2000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier is a fantastic balance of portability, aesthetics, and quiet efficiency. While the “2,000 sq. ft.” claim is a bit optimistic for very wet areas due to the compressor size, it is an absolute champion for medium-sized spaces, apartments, and finished basements.

If you plan to use the continuous drain hose, this is a 5-star product. If you rely on the tank, just be prepared to empty it daily.

Should you buy it? Yes, especially if noise levels and ease of use are your top priorities.

FAQ

Q: Does this unit have a built-in pump? A: No, it uses gravity drainage. The included hose must run downhill to a drain. If you need to drain water up into a sink or out a window, you will need to buy a separate condensate pump or look for a model with a built-in pump.

Q: How do I clean the filter? A: There is a small tab on the back/side. Pull the filter out, rinse it with warm water (and mild soap if needed), let it dry completely, and slide it back in. Do this every 2-4 weeks.

Q: Will it restart automatically after a power outage? A: Yes! The Waykar features a memory function. If the power goes out, it will restart with your previously programmed settings once the power returns.

Q: What does the “2025 Energy Star” rating mean? A: It means this unit meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA, ensuring it uses less electricity to remove moisture compared to non-certified models, saving you money on your utility bill.