Are you a gun owner considering the impact humidity might have on your guns?
Perfect! Keep reading as we discuss the 5 best gun safe dehumidifiers on the market!
In this proHVACinfo guide, you’ll learn:
- What are gun safe dehumidifiers? (and why you might need one)
- What are the different types of gun safe dehumidifiers?
- How do gun safe dehumidifiers work?
- What do you look for in the best gun safe dehumidifiers? (don’t miss these four things!)
And much more!
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
January 2, 2022
LOCKDOWN GoldenRod Dehumidifier Rod
Check on AmazonThis was one of the easiest decisions we’ve ever made when it comes to awarding a best overall award!--break--It’s been a staple of gun cabinets and safes across the country for years, and because of its peerless performance, we’ve named the Lockdown Goldenrod our best gun safe dehumidifier.--break--Why?--break--These dehumidifiers create the optimum environment for firearms within your gun safe, and because of their low profile design, they take up very little real estate.--break--Firearms are a significant investment, and keeping them in top condition will extend their lifespan.--break--Not only that, but keeping ammunition at the correct temperature and humidity can also extend its useful life, and potentially increase its reliability.
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick | Our Top Pick | LOCKDOWN GoldenRod Dehumidifier Rod
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| View on Amazon |
High End Pick  | High End Pick | PEET SafeKeeping Dehumidifier
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| View on Amazon |
Best Budget Pick  | Best Budget Pick | SD Silent Dry Rod Dehumidifier
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| View on Amazon |
 | Hornady Rod Dehumidifier
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| View on Amazon | |
 | Hornady Canister Dehumidifier
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| View on Amazon |
What's in This Guide?
What Are Gun Safe Dehumidifiers?
Whether you own guns for sport, or home defense, responsible ownership means ensuring that they are in peak condition at all times.
Given that the critical components of guns are generally made of ferrous metals, excess humidity can cause pitting and oxidization.
Gun safe dehumidifiers are small dehumidifiers specially designed to fit inside gun safes, or any other safe for that matter.
They differ from the typical Peltier method dehumidifiers you’d find in your home in that they don’t rely on the refrigeration cycle to operate (keep reading to learn how they work!)
Ultimately, a gun safe dehumidifier will reduce or remove moisture from within your gun case and create an optimum environment for protecting firearms from atmospheric damage.
What Are The Different Types Of Gun Safe Dehumidifiers?
With gun safe dehumidifiers you first need to choose between electric or desiccant style.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers require no power, they have no moving parts, and are a proven method of dehumidification.
These units are usually housed in a canister or sachet filled with hydrophilic (water attracting) pellets.
They can be reusable or disposable, and you’ll usually find that those in a metal canister are able to be recharged by heating them.
They use materials like silica gel as the desiccant – silica gel is something you’re likely to recognize from the small packets that manufacturers include in shoe boxes, electronics packaging, and even in beef jerky packs!
Silica based desiccant dehumidifiers are cost effective, and require no modifications to sealed gun safes.
They present zero risk of fire, and as long as the silica is fresh, or freshly recharged, these are extremely reliable dehumidifiers.
Electric Dehumidifiers
Electric dehumidifiers are a more technologically advanced gun safe moisture control method.
They are usually much more powerful than desiccant dehumidifiers, and are a great choice if you have a lot of humidity in your home.
With electric gun safe dehumidifiers, you are actually using heat to remove moisture from the case.
These units feature a heating element that provides dry warmth, working like a blow dryer to remove moisture.
If you’re actively looking for an electric dehumidifier, the two main types available are horizontal rods and upright towers.
How do Gun Safe Dehumidifiers Work?
Depending on which style you choose, your gun safe dehumidifier will work in different ways to achieve the same end result – reduced/eliminated humidity in the case.
With electric gun safe dehumidifiers, they operate by slightly raising the internal temperature inside the safe.
The aim is to create a stable temperature – as we know, condensation occurs when warm air cools rapidly, so by keeping the temperature constant, we prevent the formation of harmful condensation on guns and ammunition.
Secondly, by keeping an electric gun safe dehumidifier low down in the case, it creates a circulation effect as the warm air rises. The warm, dry air from the dehumidifier displaces moist air, pushing out up and out of the case.
Now, for silica based desiccant dehumidifiers, the beads within the container or sachet are hydrophilic, meaning that they naturally want to take on water.
They absorb moisture from the surrounding air and hold onto it like a sponge.
Once they are saturated, they either need to be replaced, or in the case of ‘rechargeable’ silica, placed in an oven and heated – this pulls the moisture back out of the gel, making them ready to go back to work in your gun safe.
Rechargeable silica canisters do gradually lose effectiveness over time, but they are inexpensive to replace.
What Do You Look For In The Best Gun Safe Dehumidifiers?
Keep an eye out for these must have features when shopping for your gun safe dehumidifier!
Removable Power Cord
If you’re planning on investing in an electric gun safe dehumidifier, look for a model with a quick release power cord, especially if your safe is sealed and does not have a built in power source.
This will help to minimize the size of any hole that needs to be drilled as you’ll be able to easily pass the power cord through and reattach it to the dehumidifier at the other side.
Compact Size
Your gun safe is for guns, ammo, and other valuables that you want to protect – the more space items like dehumidifiers take up, the less you will have to protect the valuables that mean the most to you.
Compact, low volume dehumidifiers should be able to keep the air dry without consuming valuable space.
Recharge Period (Desiccant)
As we mentioned above, some desiccant dehumidifiers require recharging in order to continue absorbing moisture.
If this is the style of dehumidifier you’re considering, look for models with the longest recharge period, that is, dehumidifiers that can go the longest between charges.
Recharge Indication (Desiccant)
If you do choose a desiccant dehumidifier, look for one that has some kind of indicator to show that it is saturated and requires recharging.
In some models the beads will change color, in other models, there will be a gauge that visually shows how saturated the beads are.
Without this, you may incorrectly assume that your dehumidifier is working, when it is actually incapable of absorbing any more moisture.
Best Gun Safe Dehumidifiers (Reviewed)
LOCKDOWN GoldenRod Dehumidifier Rod (Our Top Pick)
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The 12 inch Lockdown Goldenrod is literally the gold standard when it comes to gun safe dehumidifiers.--break--Installation is simple, and it comes packaged together with all of the required mounting brackets.--break--This particular model protects gun safes up to 100 cubic feet, although larger models are available if you have a bigger safe.--break--It simply works.--break--It maintains temperatures at constant levels and keeps humidity down.--break--The cord is 6’ long, and does detach from the unit, making it easy to thread through any ports in the gun safe.--break--For your peace of mind, it also boasts a lifetime warranty against product defects.--break--It’s a safe touch device, too – it won’t get to a temperature at which injury would be caused by touching it, so there should be no concerns about burning yourself while accessing your gun safe.
Pros
- Looks good--break--Easy installation--break--Long cord
Cons
- Reliant on electricity--break--May require more than one for extreme humidity--break--Few options for installation locations
PEET SafeKeeping Dehumidifier (High End Pick)
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Unlike typical gun safe dehumidifiers, the PEET SafeKeeping dehumidifier has a vertical tower type design.--break--The vertical tube sits atop a triangular pedestal, and this pedestal is where the heat comes from.--break--Using the stack effect, it provides head by convection which effectively circulates heat throughout the safe.--break--As the warm air circulates, it forces out the humidity, and maintains a steady temperature on gun safes up to 300 cubic feet.--break--This unit is lightweight, and because it doesn’t use a fan, it operates in complete silence.--break--There are no complicated modes to consider, just plug it in and it goes right to work.--break--It comes with a 5 year warranty, and for ease of installation it does feature a detachable plug.
Pros
- Detachable plug--break--Adjustable cord length--break--Effective dehumidification
Cons
- Takes up more space than rod style dehumidifiers--break--Plug is poor quality--break--Plastic construction
SD Silent Dry Rod Dehumidifier (Best Budget Pick)
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The SD Silent Dry Rod is an excellent entry level dehumidifying rod at a great price point.--break--This is a great option for smaller safes, although larger sizes are also available.--break--The only assembly required is to attach the legs, making it an incredibly simple setup.--break--It’s suitable for safes up to 100 cubic feet, and is definitely an effective dehumidifier.--break--It comes with a customizable cord, and a detachable plug, making it a straight forward process to set up in your safe.--break--Because it’s a rod style dryer, it makes no noise, and will not heat up to the point where accidental contact could cause burns.
Pros
- Excellent Price--break--Maintains steady temperature--break--Legs are sturdy
Cons
- Does not come with a mounting kit--break--Not suitable for garage located safes--break--Plug requires assembly
Hornady Rod Dehumidifier
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Hornady is a well-known brand in the firearms industry, so you know they are in tune with what gun owners want.--break--This is a 13 inch rod capable of drying safes, cases and cabinets up to 100 cubic feet.--break--The legs are snap on for easy installation, and it does come with a mounting kit so you can install it vertically on a side wall, or horizontally if you’d prefer.--break--It weighs just 0.29 lbs, and draws only 7 watts, so running costs are almost negligible.--break--It is equipped with an innovative plug that allows for simple disassembly, making it easy to remove and reinstall in another safe.--break--The temperature is self-regulating, and it operates at around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Well-known brand--break--Costs very little to run--break--Easy installation
Cons
- Snap on legs slide, making vertical installation difficult--break--Quite hot to the touch--break--Advertised as 12” but measures 13” (may not fit your safe)
Hornady Canister Dehumidifier
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This is another excellent gun safe dehumidifier from Hornady, although this time, it’s non-electric.--break--This is a desiccant dehumidifier that uses silica gel beads to absorb moisture from the air in your safe.--break--The canister is compact, taking up very little space, yet it’s able to comfortably dehumidify around 50 cubic feet.--break--It takes just 4 hours to recharge in a 300 degree oven, and conveniently changes color to blue to let you know that it’s ready to use again (wait until it cools before returning it to your safe, though!).--break--For your convenience, the silica beads will turn from blue to pink when it’s time to recharge, giving you notice that they aren’t absorbing any more moisture.--break--In average conditions, expect between 4 to 6 weeks between recharges.
Pros
- Takes up very little room--break--Nice design--break--Easy to see when recharge is needed
Cons
- Viewing port can fall out after several recharges--break--Canister is easily dented--break--Limited number of recharge cycles
Final Thoughts On The Best Gun Safe Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers aren’t always the first accessory gun owners think of for their safe, but a small investment in one of these important devices can significantly increase the lifespan of some of your most valued items.
Not only that, but keeping your guns rust free and ready to go could also make the difference between life and death in some cases!
As a final tip, we also recommend keeping a digital thermometer and hygrometer in your gun safe too. This will help you to monitor conditions in real time.
This model from Govee is Bluetooth operated, meaning you can leave the device in your safe and check conditions from your compatible smart phone.
