Best Gun Safe Dehumidifiers

Last Updated: January 6th, 2021 | By Peter Robinson

Gun safe dehumidifiers are a must have for firearm owners. They are particularly essential in protecting your gun safe from moisture and dampness, which can cause rust and corrosion and eventually damage the gun. While a gun safe is necessary for keeping your gun away from unauthorized users, physical damage, and potential gun abuse, a dehumidifier is essential in keeping both the safe and gun in perfect condition. Just like its name, a dehumidifier for gun safe is a device that works to expel moisture from the air. Yes! moisture exists in the air.

Generally, gun vaults are not airtight when locked, which means moisture can easily be trapped inside the safe; this makes the safe prone to mold, mildew, rust, and corrosion. The best gun dehumidifiers will prevent this and keep your gun in good condition for a long period of time.

You might ask yourself, what damage can too much humidity cause?

Part of the reason for getting a safe in the first place is to keep your valuables in the best condition for a longer period of time. This means they are either very delicate, expensive, or important. Whether they be documents, jewelry, or guns, etc. You don’t want to go back to your safe and find your valuables ruined beyond repair. It will break your heart no matter how strong you are. Too much humidity in your safe can wreak this sort of havoc in the way of rust and corrosion.

When your safe is faced with too much humidity;

It becomes a breeding ground for mildew. No matter where you live, your vaults are prone to dampness as air contains moisture.
It can reduce the effectiveness or quality of your arms.
It can lead to rust, which will over time damage the safe.

You can never be too cautious when handling a vault; no matter how hard you try, a significant amount of air rushes inside your safe and is trapped inside whenever the vault is opened. That tiny air can do a whole lot of damage if it is not properly checked; the air eventually metamorphoses into "too much humidity" that is capable of destroying whatever you have kept in your safe. This is why a dehumidifier for gun safe is a must-have.

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1. Eva-Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier, White (E-333)

Our Score

This wireless dehumidifier is one of the most popular dehumidifiers for a gun safe that can fit almost anywhere. This model does not require batteries or electricity to absorb moisture. It is a renewable dehumidifier that sucks moisture using the silica gel beads. It is similar to the pro breeze dehumidifier.

This rechargeable dehumidifier can easily be monitored. When the silica gel is drenched with moisture, the color changes to pink from blue. This is an indication it needs to be recharged. Recharging takes about 8 to 24 hours, depending on the frequency of use. The Eva dry e 333 can absorb moisture for up to 8 weeks before recharge. It has the capacity to hold moisture within the beads for a longer time.

The Eva Dry E-333 dehumidifier is non-toxic, portable, and safe to use and is one of the best dehumidifiers out there.

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Pros
Affordable
100% eco-friendly
No need for batteries or electricity
Rechargeable dehumidifier
Moisture indicator changes from blue to pink
Silica beads have a life span of 10 years
5-year warranty


Cons
Long time to recharge

Can I use this dehumidifier inside my closet or cupboards?

Yes you can! A few our of Safeist members use it inside their bathrooms with poor ventilation as well!

2. GoldenRod 24" Dehumidifier Rod

Our Score

The LOCKDOWN GoldenRod Dehumidifier rod is undoubtedly one of the best & oldest electric dehumidifiers in the market. The Goldenrod original electric dehumidifier has a low profile design and comes in various sizes; the 18, 24, and 36-inch which can dry moisture up to 100-500 cubic feet.

When plugged in, the rod becomes heated with a maximum surface temperature below 1500 Fahrenheit; the heated air circulates the safe lowering humidity by 50%. Just the right amount of heat for your safe to prevent mold growth and condensation. You should be careful though, as the rod may get too hot to touch.

The electric dehumidifier has a detachable cord for easy installation. The operation process is noiseless as it does not come with a fan or any parts that move. The manufacturers of Goldenrod dehumidifier advise that the rod is positioned horizontally for better effect. The biggest bonus of buying this product is that it comes with a lifetime warranty.

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Pros
Comes in various sizes
Has a coverage area of up to 500 cubic feet
Noiseless
Lifetime warranty
Installation is easy
Durable rod
Cons
Needs an electrical outlet
Hot to touch when heated to its maximum

Does the Goldenrod dehumidifier overheat?

No! It does not overheat. It remains below the required maximum temperature.

3. Lockdown 1071006 Dehumidifier Rod, 12"

Our Score

The LOCKDOWN electric dehumidifier rod has a quick plug attachment that makes installation easy. Just like the Golden rod model, it works by emitting warm air, which gradually circulates the gun safe. This heat can keep your guns free from moisture and in excellent condition. The lockdown rod also needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet to get hot. It has a coverage area of 100 cubic feet and features a mounting bracket that can be attached to your safe base.

The lockdown electric dehumidifier comes in two sizes, 12 and 18 inches. It tends to last since it is built with high-quality aluminum.

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Pros
Easy to install
Affordable
Available in two sizes
Features a quick plug attachment
Covers up to 100 cubic feet
1-year warranty
Cons
Requires steady power supply

What is the difference between this safe dehumidifier and the goldenrod gun safe dehumidifier?

There isn't much difference between the two. The goldenrod comes in about 3 sizes, while the lockdown comes in just two. Also, the lockdown model is way cheaper than the goldenrod; besides these, they are both made from good quality materials.

4. Browning Ever Dry Electric Rod

Our Score

The Browning Ever Dry electric rod comes in just one size (18 inches long), unlike the other rod models, which come in different sizes. The 18 inches rod can adequately service a 30 inches room. This unit,, like other rod units, requires hole drilling where the wire/cord can pass through. This stage may be skipped if your safe has an in-built electrical outlet. It comes with a detachable cord that makes installation easy. Just like other rod units, it circulates warmth around the safe to prevent dampness and condensation.

The browning ever dry electric rod does not get too hot to be held for a short time. One of its cons, however, is that it has a short time warranty.

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Pros
Comes with a detachable cord
Can be held
Affordable
Safe to use
Easy to install
Cons
Available in only one size

5. Lockdown Silica Gel, 750 grams

Our Score

The Lockdown silica gel is one of the best wireless gun safe dehumidifier. This is a desiccant type of dehumidifier containing non-toxic silica gel beads capable of absorbing moisture from the smallest space. This silica gel canister dehumidifier is very easy to use; like other desiccant dehumidifier, you drop inside the safe. The lockdown silica beads have a moisture indicator, which makes it easy to track and decide when it is to be recharged. When saturated, the bead changes from its original color.

This original dehumidifier is 100% rechargeable either on an oven or stove, reliable, and easy to maintain. Its coverage area is about 57 cubic feet. It comes in a compact design, does not occupy space, and can fit into almost anywhere. This model comes in different variations.

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Pros
Easy to use
Very affordable
Renewable silica gel
Compact design
Easy to use
Does not need electricity
Moisture indicator
Cons
The change of bead color is not as clear as others
Need constant recharging

How long does the gel last after recharge?

Depending on how moist the vault air is, the gel can last anywhere between one to six months.

6. Dry-Packs 750 Gram Silica Gel Canister Dehumidifier - Moisture Indicating

Our Score

The Dry-Packs 750 Gram is one durable silica gel dehumidifier that prevents dampness and rust from damaging your firearms. With a volume of 750 gram of silica gel, it can be trusted to absorb moisture from even the smallest corner when kept inside the safe. The silica gel has a high absorption capacity effective in covering up to 57 cubic feet.

This desiccant dehumidifier also features a moisture indicator. The bead color changes when the bead has absorbed the required moisture. The dry packs canister can be recharged by simply placing on an oven or stove, unlike the stack on spad dehumidifier, requiring electricity to recharge. Before recharging the Dry-packs dehumidifier, make sure you remove the transparent plastic viewer before placing it on the oven or stove.

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Pros
Does not need electricity or batteries
Contains a large volume of silica gel
Easy to use
Moisture indicator
Coverage area is up to 57 cubic feet.
Rechargeable
Cons
Cannot be recharged with electricity

Do silica gel beads lose their effectiveness over time?

As long as it is not drenched in moisture, they are still effective. Once soaked with moisture, they lose their properties and expire.

Our Top Pick

After careful review and analysis, the Eva-Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier (E-333), emerged as the top pick in our best gun safe dehumidifier selection; it is also the customer's favorite and, of course, the best value for money. This dehumidifier for gun safe is unarguably one of the best gun safe dehumidifiers amongst other types of dehumidifiers available in the market.

Apart from the fact that it is very affordable, it is 100 % eco-friendly guaranteed, portable, silent during use, and extremely durable. All these features do not make it less active; as a matter of fact, the Eva dry E-333 has the capacity to absorb moisture from all corners of the gun safe than most models making it one of the best gun safe you can lay your hands on. It shares similar features with the pro breeze dehumidifier and covers up to 33 cubic feet.

This model comes in a rechargeable silica gel beads technology that absorbs moisture. The indicator system helps you track when it needs to be recharged. The more water the beads absorb, the color changes; at its maximum absorptio-n, it turns pink; at this point, the dehumidifier can be plugged into an electrical outlet to be recharged. The cycle continues in this manner and can be used for a longer period of time.

Apart from being our top pick, this model also offers the best value for money, as it is very affordable. It is also a customer's favorite, having 5 x more positive reviews than any other dehumidifier on the list.

Advantages of a Gun Humidifier

Gun owners prefer the use of a dehumidifier for their gun safes because it's;

Easy to Install and Use:
The usage and installation of dehumidifiers are quite easy. With the electric dehumidifier as in rod models, just plug it into a power source or use batteries, while the desiccant dehumidifier as in Silica gel is to be placed inside your gun safe and make sure you recharge now and then. However, we recommend you study the manufacturer's guide carefully before usage.

Easy to Carry:
Dehumidifiers are portable (if needed) and can be easily carried from one place to the other without stress. You do not need to worry about moving it when traveling to another city.

Perfect Solution:
A dehumidifier is specifically designed for the gun safe; it has a high capacity of absorption and can not be compared with other methods of lowering humidity. Thus making it the best solution for controlling humidity level in the safe.

Inexpensive:
Most dehumidifiers are quite affordable, and even the few that are highly-priced are well worth it.

Doesn't Occupy Much Space:
Dehumidifiers occupy only a little space in the gun safes. You do not have to worry about it taking too much space in your vault.

These, amongst others, are some of the advantages of getting a dehumidifier for gun safe. With the increase in demand for gun safe dehumidifiers, you can tell for sure that its relevance of dehumidifiers for gun safe can not be overemphasized. Today, different varieties of gun safe humidifiers are available in the market, thus making it difficult to choose. This article will guide you on some of the best gun safe dehumidifiers and what you need to know before purchasing.

Benefits of Owning a Gun Safe Dehumidifier

Reduces Condensation and the Growth of Mildew:
A gun safe dehumidifier will hinder the increase in moisture and mold. Dampness is the major cause of mold growth in a safe. A dehumidifier ensures that the safe is completely dry to prevent any sort of mold growth or condensation.

Prevents Damage to Guns:
A gun safe dehumidifier helps to prevent your gun from complete damage caused by moisture. Since most guns are metallic in nature,, they are highly prone to rust when they contact water.

Keeps the Gun in Proper Condition:
A gun safe dehumidifier helps to keep your gun functioning well for a longer period of time. A little decay or rust can negatively influence the effectiveness of a gun.

Eliminates Odors:
The growth of mildew in your safe could cause decay and pollute the entire safe. The best dehumidifier will keep the safe air dry by soaking up surplus moisture in the air.

Types of Gun Vault Dehumidifiers

The different types of gun safe dehumidifiers are categorized into two. They are the rod models (the electric gun safe dehumidifier) and silica gel (desiccant gun safe dehumidifier).

Silica Gel (Desiccant Gun Safe Humidifier):
For those who are no comfortable with drilling holes on vaults, this is the best option to go for. A desiccant is any substance that absorbs water, such as silica gel. The silica gel dehumidifier, when placed inside the safe, sucks up excess moisture in the gun safe, thereby lowering humidity. You can always monitor the beads by observing the color; once it changes from its original color, it is time to take out and replace. The silica gel gun safe dehumidifiers are safe to use and the most commonly used dehumidifier for gun safe among gun-safe owners.

Rod Models (Electronic Gun Safe Humidifier):
Most people consider the electronic unit the best gun safe dehumidifier because it is simple to use. They usually take the form of a dry rod, and when plugged, the dry rod emits warmth, which engulfs the vault and dries out trapped moisture.

The dehumidifier rod models are electronic units that require a power source or batteries. When plugged in, the heated rod releases warm air into the atmosphere and gradually circulates all around the safe. The heated air dries up moisture from the safe, thereby preventing the build-up of mold, and condensation, leading to damage of guns. Hole drilling is compulsory with this electric dehumidifier.

What Does Humidity Do To Your Gun?

The right amount of humidity level in your gun safe will not cause any harm to your gun, but too much humidity can damage your guns if proper care is not taken. While it is important to reduce excess humidity from the safe, it is important to note that too low humidity can over-dry your gun's wooden component and cause it to break. This is why it is advisable to keep the humidity in your gun safe, not too high and not too low.

Now the question is, what is the right humidity level for your gun safe?

The standard humidity level for your gun safe is 50% at room temperature (about 70 degrees).

You can always use a hydrometer to monitor your gun safe humidity level to ensure that it is on the required 50% relative humidity.

What Else Can Be Done To Keep Humidity Levels Low?

Although dehumidifiers are one of the greatest ways to keep humidity levels low, there are other effective ways of protecting your gun vault.

You can keep humidity levels low by:

Placing silica gel in your gun safes: This moisture absorbing material is the same small packaged substance you find in your new pair of shoes with the warning “do not eat.” The silica gel is what is used in a desiccant dehumidifier, and they act as an absorbing agent.
Substituting with light bulbs (not recommended): Just like the rod units, a light bulb, when heated, releases warm air and can prevent condensation
Placing the gun safes in a cool, dry place. The gun safe is best kept in an area free from humidity or too much heat.
Oiling the gun regularly: Frequent application of oil on the gun will go a long way in protecting it from rusting.
Placing desiccants in the safe: You can use other forms of desiccant substance like charcoal, dry rice, or baking soda in an open bowl in the safe. This method requires you to continuously replace after some time and is not a suitable permanent solution for regulating humidity level.
Constantly cleaning your gun: Much like keeping a well lubed gun, consistently cleaning your gun will help you track the irregularities on your gun or safe before it gets out of hand.

Safeist's Final Verdict and Thoughts

And there you have it, finally, our six best dehumidifiers.

Although there are other good brands that offer dehumidifiers such as SnapSafe, Hornady, Peet, and Stack-on, we have selected these particular six based on some of our most important criteria. Some factors we took into consideration are their affordability, the different sizes suited for all types of gun safes, absoprtion capacity levels, and whether or not a recharge is necessary. We hope that this buying guide has helped you narrow your choices and make it easier for you to choose.