Frigidaire Dehumidifier Review: FFAD5033W1, FFAP5033W1 & 22 to 50 Pint

Search for a Frigidaire dehumidifier and you will still see the FFAD5033W1 everywhere, in reviews, forum threads and deal posts. That model is discontinued: Frigidaire's own support page marks it as such. Its replacements are the FHDD and FHDP series, which are on ENERGY STAR's current certified list. This review covers both, plus how to set up continuous drain and what the error codes on the display mean.

Model lineup

Frigidaire FFAD5033W1

The Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 (also searched as "ffad5033w1" or "Frigidaire dehumidifier ffad5033w1") was a 50 pint High Humidity unit released in 2020, ENERGY STAR certified at the time, with a 16.9 pint tank and continuous drain. RTINGS gave it a 6.4 out of 10 noise score. It is now discontinued, so new stock is limited. If you liked it, the FHDD5033 series is the closest current model; if you want a pump, look at the FHDP5033Y1.

Frigidaire FFAP5033W1 (with pump)

The FFAP5033W1 was the pump version of the High Humidity 50 pint. Its owner's manual is still easy to find online, and many units are still running. For a new purchase, the FHDP5033Y1 is Frigidaire's current 50 pint pump model, certified at 49.95 pints a day and 2.01 L/kWh, with Wi-Fi.

Continuous drain setup

Most Frigidaire portables can drain continuously through a standard garden hose, which is how to set up Frigidaire dehumidifier continuous drain without a pump:

1. Turn the unit off and unplug it.
2. Open the drain cover or cap on the back of the unit (location varies by model; check your manual).
3. Attach a garden hose (Frigidaire manuals call for a 1/2 inch inner diameter minimum), using the included adapter if your model has one.
4. Run the hose to a floor drain below the outlet, with no kinks and no sections that rise above the outlet.
5. Replace the bucket fully, plug in and switch on. Check the drain end after the first few hours.

Pump models (FHDP) use a separate pump hose that can push water up to a sink; that is the only way to drain upward.

Common problems

These are the codes Frigidaire lists in its official dehumidifier error code guide:

"FO" on the display is usually F0. Frigidaire says that for units installed within the past 30 days you should go back to the installer or retailer, and after that contact Frigidaire to schedule service. Other common complaints, like icing in a cold basement, are covered in our guide to a dehumidifier freezing up.

Frigidaire vs Midea

On paper they are close. The Midea's bigger bucket is the practical difference; read our Midea Cube review.

Verdict

Frigidaire's current FHDD and FHDP models are solid, certified, mainstream dehumidifiers. Buy the FHDP5033Y1 if you need a pump, the FHDD5034Y1 if you want three fan speeds, and the FHDD2234W1 for a single room. If a listing still shows the FFAD5033W1, check whether it is new, refurbished or old stock before paying full price.