# The Best LGR Dehumidifiers for Flooded Basements and Water Damage

> When a basement floods, a household dehumidifier stalls just as the hard part begins. Low-grain refrigerant units keep pulling water out of carpet, drywall and framing.

Canonical: https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-lgr-dehumidifier/
Last updated: 2026-11-05
Published: 2026-11-05
Category: Size & Features
Publisher: Enthusiast Review

An **LGR dehumidifier** — short for low-grain refrigerant — is the machine restoration crews roll in after a burst pipe or a flooded basement. It works like an ordinary compressor dehumidifier, but it pre-cools incoming air before it reaches the coil, so it keeps wringing water out long after the room feels dry. That last stretch is where wet subfloors, wall cavities and carpet pad actually dry out.

Household dehumidifiers are built to hold a comfortable room at 50%. After a flood, you need something that can pull a space well below that and run around the clock for days. Below are the LGR units worth buying, from homeowner-friendly AlorAir models to the Dri-Eaz machines pros have relied on for years, plus how to size, power and actually use one.

## Our top picks

- **Best overall:** AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HP9PDR?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best professional workhorse:** Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AB24XIW?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best balance of power and noise:** Dri-Eaz LGR 6000Li — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L6WN5P5?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best compact LGR:** Dri-Eaz Revolution — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H3DIT14?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best high-capacity value:** AlorAir Storm Elite — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X451F5N?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best for long drain runs:** XPOWER XD-85L2 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FKPFYGS?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

For most homeowners dealing with a flooded basement or a leak, the **AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme** offers true LGR drying, a built-in pump and a five-year warranty at a fraction of the cost of a pro fleet unit.

## 1. AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme Dehumidifier — Best overall

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HP9PDR?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Rated 85 pints/day AHAM, 180 at saturation
- Built-in pump lifts water 14.7 feet
- Low 5.4-amp draw lets two share a circuit
- Five-year warranty

**Cons**

- Overkill for everyday humidity control
- Heavier and louder than a household unit

**Why we picked it:** It delivers what a homeowner actually needs after a flood — real LGR drying, unattended pumping and a solid warranty — without the price of a professional fleet machine. Afterward, it can move into a crawl space or garage for good; see our [AlorAir guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-alorair-dehumidifier/).

**Performance:** AlorAir rates it at 85 pints a day under AHAM conditions (80°F, 60% humidity) and up to 180 pints at saturation, covering roughly 2,300 square feet. The pump pushes water 14.7 feet up through a 19.6-foot hose, so it can sit in a basement and discharge to a sink or window. The spec sheet lists about 5.4 amps, a MERV-8 filter and auto-defrost down to 36°F; a Wi-Fi version lets you check humidity remotely while the house airs out.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 85 pints/day AHAM; 180 at saturation |
| Type | LGR compressor |
| Drainage | Built-in pump, 14.7 ft lift |
| Power | About 5.4 A |
| Coverage | Up to ~2,300 sq ft |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## 2. Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi Dehumidifier — Best professional workhorse

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AB24XIW?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Rated 130 pints/day AHAM, 235 at saturation
- Automatic pump-out with a sealed basin
- Rugged rotomolded housing
- The machine many restoration crews standardize on

**Cons**

- Several times the cost of the AlorAir
- Over 100 pounds

**Why we picked it:** The LGR 7000 is the long-running benchmark in water restoration, and it earns that reputation with big capacity on a standard household outlet. If you own rental properties, run a small restoration business or face repeat flooding, it’s built to be dragged from job to job for years.

**Performance:** Dri-Eaz rates it at 130 pints a day at AHAM conditions and 235 pints at saturation, with 280 CFM of airflow on 8.8 amps at 115 volts. Legend Brands lists it at about 106 pounds. The sealed pump basin holds water that collects during a power cut or defrost so it doesn’t spill on the floor. Our [Dri-Eaz dehumidifier guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dri-eaz-dehumidifier/) compares it with the newer 6500XLi.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 130 pints/day AHAM; 235 at saturation |
| Type | LGR commercial |
| Airflow | 280 CFM |
| Power | 115V, 8.8 A |
| Drainage | Automatic pump-out |
| Best for | Whole-basement and multi-room losses |

## 3. Dri-Eaz LGR 6000Li Low-Grain Refrigerant Dehumidifier — Best balance of power and noise

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L6WN5P5?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Rated 100 pints AHAM, 219 at saturation
- 320 CFM airflow
- Rated at 53 dB, quiet for its class
- Published 748-watt draw makes running costs easy to estimate

**Cons**

- Two won’t fit on one 15-amp circuit
- Less capacity than the 7000XLi

**Why we picked it:** The 6000Li moves more air than the 7000XLi on less current, and it’s noticeably quieter — a real advantage when the flooded room is next to where the family is still living and sleeping.

**Performance:** Legend rates it at 100 pints a day AHAM and 219 at saturation, with 320 CFM of airflow and a 748-watt draw. Run around the clock, that’s roughly 18 kWh a day. At 6.5 amps, a pair of them exceeds the continuous-load limit of a single 15-amp household circuit, so spread units across circuits. The spill-proof pump basin holds water after the final purge.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 100 pints AHAM / 219 saturation |
| Type | LGR |
| Airflow | 320 CFM |
| Power | 6.5 A / 748 W |
| Noise | 53 dB (rated) |
| Best for | Everyday water-damage jobs |

## 4. Dri-Eaz Revolution LGR Dehumidifier — Best compact LGR

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H3DIT14?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- One of the smallest units in Dri-Eaz’s restoration line
- Built-in condensate pump
- Easy to carry up and down stairs
- Widely used by restoration contractors

**Cons**

- Lower capacity than full-size LGRs
- Largely replaced by the LGR 5000Li at dealers

**Why we picked it:** For a single bathroom, a closet behind a leaking water heater or a room upstairs, the Revolution brings professional LGR drying in a body one person can carry up a flight of stairs.

**Performance:** The Revolution is rated at about 80 pints a day under AHAM conditions, and its built-in pump sends water to a sink or drain so it can run unattended. Dri-Eaz’s newer LGR 5000Li matches that AHAM rating with a bit more airflow, so if you see both listed, compare current prices. For a one-off leak, see our [dehumidifier rental](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/dehumidifier-rental/) guide.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | About 80 pints/day (AHAM) |
| Type | LGR compressor |
| Drainage | Built-in pump |
| Size | Compact, portable |
| Best for | Single rooms, stairs, small leaks |

## 5. AlorAir Storm Elite LGR Dehumidifier — Best high-capacity value

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X451F5N?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Rated 125 pints/day AHAM, 270 at saturation
- Covers open areas up to 3,000 sq ft
- Built-in pump and roll-cage housing
- Often replaces two smaller units

**Cons**

- Bulky to move between jobs
- Far beyond what a single room needs

**Why we picked it:** The Storm Elite sits in the same AHAM class as Dri-Eaz’s big machines while keeping AlorAir’s homeowner-friendly pricing. For a fully flooded basement or a new build that needs to dry before flooring goes down, one unit can do the work of two.

**Performance:** AlorAir rates it at 125 pints a day at AHAM conditions and 270 at saturation, with coverage up to about 3,000 square feet. It shares the smaller Storm models’ auto-defrost and filtered intake, so it stays productive in an unheated basement or garage. Compare it with other big machines in our [best commercial dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-commercial-dehumidifier/) roundup.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 125 pints/day AHAM; 270 at saturation |
| Type | LGR compressor |
| Drainage | Built-in pump |
| Coverage | Up to 3,000 sq ft |
| Best for | Whole basements, new builds |

## 6. XPOWER XD-85L2 Commercial LGR Dehumidifier — Best for long drain runs

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FKPFYGS?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Automatic purge pump with a 40-foot hose
- 180 CFM airflow
- Wheels and handle for moving between rooms
- Stackable for storage and job sites

**Cons**

- Lower saturation rating than the Storm LGR Extreme
- Costs more than our top pick

**Why we picked it:** The 40-foot hose is the selling point. In a basement where the nearest sink or floor drain is across the room, it reaches without buying extensions or adding a separate condensate pump.

**Performance:** XPOWER rates it at 85 pints a day at AHAM conditions and up to 145 pints at saturation, with 180 CFM of airflow. That puts it in the same AHAM class as the Storm LGR Extreme, with a lower saturation figure. It’s a practical middle ground for multi-room renovation drying. See more options in our [water damage dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-water-damage/) guide.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 85 pints/day AHAM; 145 at saturation |
| Type | LGR commercial |
| Airflow | 180 CFM |
| Drainage | Purge pump, 40-ft hose |
| Best for | Multi-room renovation drying |

## LGR ratings, by the numbers

- **80°F / 60%** — AHAM test condition — the fairest number to compare
- **90°F / 90%** — Saturation condition behind the biggest pint claims
- **12 A** — Continuous-load limit on a standard 15-amp household circuit

Every LGR spec sheet quotes two capacities, and the saturation number can be nearly double the AHAM one. Saturation describes the first hours in a soaked room; AHAM is closer to the days of drying that follow. Compare machines on AHAM pints, then check the amps before you plug in more than one.

## How we pick LGR dehumidifiers

We don’t run a restoration lab. We compare manufacturer spec sheets for AHAM and saturation capacity, airflow, amp draw, pump lift and weight, and we read dealer listings and manuals for warranty and service details. Owner and contractor reviews fill in the rest: failed pumps, cracked housings, tripped breakers.

We weighted AHAM capacity and amp draw most heavily, because together they decide how much water you can remove on the circuits you actually have. Pump reliability, portability and warranty came next.

## What to look for in an LGR dehumidifier

- **AHAM pints, not just saturation pints:** Saturation figures flatter every machine. Use the AHAM rating to compare units and size the job.
- **Amp draw:** A 15-amp circuit should carry no more than 12 amps continuously. That decides whether you can run two dehumidifiers — or one plus air movers — on the same circuit.
- **A built-in pump and enough hose:** Flood dry-outs run 24/7, so a bucket is a nonstarter. Check pump lift and hose length against the distance to your nearest sink or drain.
- **Weight and handling:** Full-size units top 100 pounds. If the loss is upstairs or down narrow steps, a compact LGR is easier to place.
- **Cold-weather defrost:** Floods often hit unheated basements and garages. Auto-defrost keeps the unit working when the space is cool.

## What makes an LGR different from a regular dehumidifier?

“Grains” refers to grains of moisture per pound of air, the unit restoration pros use to track how much water the air holds. A conventional refrigerant dehumidifier cools air over a cold coil until water condenses. As the room dries, there’s less moisture to condense, and output tapers off sharply.

An LGR adds a heat exchanger that pre-chills incoming air before it hits the coil. That extra cooling lets the coil condense water out of much drier air, so the machine keeps working when a household unit has effectively stalled. That’s the difference between air that feels dry and materials that are dry.

> **Not every heavy-duty unit is an LGR:** Plenty of big portable units are conventional refrigerant designs with large capacities. If the listing doesn’t say low-grain refrigerant or LGR, assume it isn’t one. Our [best industrial dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-industrial-dehumidifier/) guide covers non-LGR heavy-duty options.

## LGR dehumidifier amp draw, compared

| Model | AHAM pints/day | Saturation pints/day | Amps | Two on one 15 A circuit? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme | 85 | 180 | About 5.4 | Yes |
| Dri-Eaz LGR 6000Li | 100 | 219 | 6.5 | No |
| Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi | 130 | 235 | 8.8 | No |
| Dri-Eaz LGR 3500i | 170 | 270 | 10.8 | No — needs its own circuit |

*Manufacturer ratings. Keep continuous loads at or below 12 A on a 15 A circuit.*

The LGR 3500i isn’t on our list because it’s a 157-pound, 70 dB machine sized for large commercial losses, but it shows how fast amp draw climbs with capacity.

## How to dry a flooded basement with an LGR dehumidifier

1. **Make it safe.** Shut off power to the flooded area before stepping in standing water, and don’t restore it until an electrician or the utility says it’s safe.
2. **Remove the water.** Pump or wet-vac standing water first; a dehumidifier removes moisture from air and materials, not puddles.
3. **Pull out what can’t be saved.** Wet carpet pad, soaked insulation and drywall that wicked water usually come out. Carpet itself can sometimes be dried in place.
4. **Close the space and start drying.** Seal doors and windows, run the LGR continuously, and add air movers aimed across wet surfaces.
5. **Measure, don’t guess.** Track progress with a moisture meter on walls and subfloors, not just the room’s humidity reading.
6. **Watch the clock.** The EPA advises drying wet materials within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth, so start as soon as the water is out.

> **When to call a pro:** Water from sewage backups or outdoor flooding can carry contaminants. Those losses, and anything covering more than a room or two, are worth a professional restoration company — and usually an insurance call. Our guide to [whether a dehumidifier helps with mold](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/does-a-dehumidifier-help-with-mold/) covers the cleanup side.

## The bottom line

For a homeowner drying out a flooded basement or recovering from a leak, the **AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme** is the best LGR dehumidifier for the money: real low-grain drying, a pump and a low amp draw. Step up to the **AlorAir Storm Elite** or the **Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi** for a whole basement, choose the **Dri-Eaz LGR 6000Li** when noise matters, and the **Dri-Eaz Revolution** for small, hard-to-reach rooms. If this is a one-time emergency, compare the cost of renting before you buy.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is an LGR dehumidifier?

LGR stands for low-grain refrigerant. It’s a compressor dehumidifier with an extra heat exchanger that pre-cools incoming air, letting it keep removing water from air that’s already fairly dry. That’s why restoration crews use LGRs to dry out buildings after floods and leaks.

### What is the best dehumidifier for a flooded basement?

For most homeowners, the AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme, which is rated at 85 pints a day (AHAM), has a built-in pump and draws only about 5.4 amps. For a large, fully flooded basement, the AlorAir Storm Elite or Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi adds more capacity.

### Is the Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi worth it?

For restoration pros and owners of multiple properties, yes: it’s rated at 130 pints a day AHAM and built to survive years of job sites. For a single homeowner’s one-time flood, an AlorAir Storm unit or a rental is usually the better value.

### What is the amp draw of an LGR dehumidifier?

It varies by size. The AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme draws about 5.4 amps, the Dri-Eaz LGR 6000Li 6.5 amps, the LGR 7000XLi 8.8 amps and the LGR 3500i 10.8 amps. Keep the total on a 15-amp circuit at or below 12 amps.

### How long should I run a dehumidifier after a flood?

Until a moisture meter shows walls, subfloors and framing back to normal readings, not just until the room feels dry. Small, quickly caught leaks often dry in a few days; larger losses can take a week or more.

### Can a dehumidifier dry wet carpet?

It helps, especially an LGR paired with air movers blowing across the surface. Soaked carpet pad usually needs to be removed, and carpet that sat in contaminated water should be replaced.

## Related guides

- [The Best Dehumidifiers for Water Damage and Flood Cleanup](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-water-damage/)
- [The Best Commercial Dehumidifiers for Restoration and Job Sites](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-commercial-dehumidifier/)
- [The Best Dri-Eaz Dehumidifiers](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dri-eaz-dehumidifier/)
- [Dehumidifier Rental: When Renting Beats Buying](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/dehumidifier-rental/)
- [The Best Industrial and Heavy-Duty Dehumidifiers](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-industrial-dehumidifier/)
- [The Best AlorAir Dehumidifiers](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-alorair-dehumidifier/)

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*Enthusiast Review researches products against DOE ratings, ENERGY STAR data, manuals, CPSC recalls and owner reviews; it does not run a test lab. Amazon links are affiliate links (tag sktiger-20).*