Last updated: August 4, 2026
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Quick Answer
Choose a 50-pint dehumidifier for most unfinished, large or persistently damp Canadian basements. Choose a 35-pint model for a smaller finished basement that is only moderately damp and normally stays below about 65% relative humidity. If the prices are close, the 50-pint model is usually the better basement purchase — a humidistat lets it cycle off after reaching target, so buying more capacity does not mean it must run continuously.
The 50-pint rating gives approximately 43% more rated water-removal capacity than 35 pints. That does not guarantee it will finish every job 43% faster, but it gives more recovery capacity after humid weather, laundry or a moisture spike. Neither size is the answer for standing water, a plumbing leak or foundation seepage — repair the water source first.
Quick Verdict
| Basement Situation | Better Starting Size |
|---|---|
| 400–800 sq. ft., finished, usually 50–60% RH | 35 pint |
| 800–1,200 sq. ft., unfinished or regularly 60–70% RH | 50 pint |
| Large basement, open stairway or laundry | 50 pint |
| Consistently above 70% RH | 50 pint |
| Active seepage, puddles or flooding | Fix water entry first |
Midea Cube 35 vs 50 Pint: Like-for-Like Specifications
| Specification | 35-Pint | 50-Pint |
|---|---|---|
| Rated removal | 35 pints/day | 50 pints/day |
| Bucket | 16 litres | 16 litres |
| Manufacturer noise rating | 45 dBA | 45 dBA |
| Weight | 18.6 kg | 18.8 kg |
| Built-in pump | No | No |
| ENERGY STAR certified | Yes | Yes |
The physical difference between the current Midea Cube 35-pint and 50-pint models is almost negligible — same 16-litre bucket, same footprint, same claimed 45 dBA noise. That makes the 50-pint version attractive whenever the price premium is reasonable, since you get more rated capacity without giving up floor space or a smaller bucket. Because both share the same 16-litre reservoir, the 50-pint machine can fill it faster under heavy conditions, so continuous gravity drainage matters more as capacity increases.
Check the Midea Cube 35-Pint on Amazon.ca | Check the Midea Cube 50-Pint on Amazon.ca
What Does "35 Pint" or "50 Pint" Actually Mean?
The number is the rated quantity of water a dehumidifier can remove from the air in 24 hours under standardized test conditions — it is not the bucket size, and it is not a prediction that your basement will produce exactly that much water every day. Older portable dehumidifiers were rated under different test conditions; a product formerly called 70 pint may be labelled around 50 pint under a newer procedure without the machine physically becoming weaker. Compare current DOE rating with current DOE rating, or AHAM with AHAM — never a "saturation" headline against a standard portable rating.
When a 35-Pint Dehumidifier Is Enough
Choose 35 pints when most of these are true: the conditioned area is roughly 400–900 sq. ft.; it is finished, insulated and separated from the rest of the house; RH usually sits between 50% and 65%; the musty smell is intermittent; there are no damp wall or floor spots; laundry is not regularly air-dried in the basement; and you can use a gravity drain or reliably empty the bucket. Do not choose it merely because the basement is under 1,000 sq. ft. — a small wet basement can create a larger moisture load than a big, well-sealed finished one.
When to Buy the 50-Pint Dehumidifier
Choose 50 pints when RH often exceeds 65%, the basement feels or smells consistently damp, it has unfinished concrete or block walls, the space is around 900 sq. ft. or larger, an open stairway connects it to the main floor, laundry equipment adds moisture, or a smaller machine already runs nearly continuously. A larger unit does not automatically waste energy — if sized reasonably and controlled by a humidistat, it reaches the target sooner and cycles off.
Does the 35-Pint Model Use Less Electricity?
It will often draw less power at a given moment, but that does not prove lower seasonal cost. Total energy is roughly power while running × operating hours — a 35-pint model might use fewer watts but run longer to remove the same moisture load. Natural Resources Canada says an ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifier uses nearly 15% less energy on average than a standard model; both Cube sizes compared here are ENERGY STAR certified.
Which Size Is Quieter?
Capacity alone does not answer the noise question. Both current Cube sizes are rated at 45 dBA by Midea, which removes the assumption that the 50-pint model must be louder. A machine that reaches its target sooner and cycles off can be less intrusive overall than a smaller unit running for most of the day.
Drainage Matters More Than the 15-Pint Difference
Both Midea Cube models reviewed here support a drain hose but do not include a built-in pump — the hose must descend continuously from the unit to a floor drain without kinks or upward loops. If the only destination is a laundry sink, elevated standpipe or window, choose a pump model instead, such as the Midea 50-Pint with Pump. See our full pump vs gravity drain comparison for the complete decision.
What About a Cold Canadian Basement?
Compressor dehumidifiers become less effective as air temperature falls; moisture can freeze on the coil, forcing automatic defrost to pause extraction. Both Midea models list automatic defrost, but that does not turn them into outdoor winter appliances. Check the exact manual for the minimum operating temperature.
20 vs 35 vs 50 Pints: Simple Decision Table
| Capacity | Best Use |
|---|---|
| 20 pint | Small finished room; mild maintenance drying |
| 35 pint | Smaller finished basement; moderate 50–65% RH |
| 50 pint | Most unfinished, large or consistently damp basements |
For product recommendations beyond this size comparison, see our Best Basement Dehumidifiers in Canada guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet will a 35-pint dehumidifier cover?
A 35-pint unit is a practical starting point for many moderately damp finished basements under roughly 900 sq. ft.
Will a 50-pint model make the basement too dry?
Not when the humidistat works correctly and you choose a sensible target around 45–50%, verified with a separate hygrometer.
Is a pump included on the Midea Cube 35 or 50?
Not on the current Canadian models compared here. Both support gravity drainage only.
Should I run two 35-pint units instead of one 50-pint unit?
Two units can improve distribution in separated rooms but add purchase cost, filter maintenance and electrical load. Start with one properly placed 50-pint model unless closed rooms prevent air circulation.
Final Verdict
Buy the 35-pint dehumidifier for a smaller, finished and moderately damp basement where humidity generally stays below about 65%. Buy the 50-pint dehumidifier for almost every more demanding case: unfinished masonry, readings above 65%, larger floor area, laundry, an open stairway or slow recovery with a smaller machine. Between the current Midea Cubes, the 50-pint model provides more rated capacity while keeping the same 16-litre bucket and footprint — if the price difference is modest, that is the one we would choose. But check drainage before capacity: if the hose can run downhill, either Cube can use gravity; if water must move upward, buy a pump-equipped model instead.