What is the best gun safe dehumidifier

Published December 28, 2023 | By Matt

Keeping your gun safe at the right humidity level is super important for the longevity of your firearms, keeping rust at bay. Excessive moisture can also cause corrosion, and other damage to any other valuables stored within the safe. To help you out, I’ve put together a guide that dives into the different kinds of gun safe dehumidifiers. Whether you’ve got a big collection or just a few prized pieces, this guide will help you determine the best method and where to put a dehumidifier in a gun safe.

Best gun safe dehumidifiers

Electric Rod Dehumidifiers

Electric rod dehumidifiers, like the Goldenrod Dehumidifier, function by gently raising the temperature inside the gun safe. This increase in temperature drives out excess moisture, preventing humidity, mildew, and condensation issues. Typically, these dehumidifiers are mounted horizontally at the bottom of the safe and are particularly effective for large safes. One important aspect to consider is that these units can get quite warm during operation and require access to an electrical outlet.

MAXSafes GoldenRod Gun Safe Dehumidifier Rod

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Desiccant dehumidifiers use materials like silica gel to absorb moisture. Examples include the Hornady Dehumidifier Canister and Liberty Safe Hydrosorbent Silica Gel. These often come with color indicators that signal when they need to be recharged, usually every 3 months or so (check the labeling for whichever one you get). Their small size allows for flexible placement within the safe, but usually placed near the door where humidity can seep in. They are ideal for smaller safes or as additional moisture control with another means.

Rechargeable Desiccant Pack

Renewable Dehumidifiers

A budget-friendly and efficient option is renewable dehumidifiers, that use silica beads to absorb moisture and are rechargeable, typically by plugging into an outlet to dry the beads. Their small size offers versatile placement options, making them suitable for smaller spaces or as an economical choice. These would usually be placed on the bottom of the safe, or hung if possible.

Renewable Dehumidifier Pack

PEET Dehumidifiers

PEET dehumidifiers work by utilizing natural convection to circulate warm, dry air within the safe. Notable for their energy efficiency, these dehumidifiers consume minimal electricity and operate silently. They are designed to fit into the corner, saving valuable space within the safe. The primary requirement is the availability of an electrical outlet.

PEET Gun Safe Dryer

What is the Best Gun Safe Dehumidifier

When selecting a gun safe dehumidifier, consider the size of your safe, the local climate, how often you access the safe, and whether you have an electrical outlet available. Each type of dehumidifier offers unique benefits and is suited for different scenarios. It’s important to match the dehumidifier type to your specific needs for effective moisture control.

Best Practices for Gun Safe Humidity Control

To maximize the effectiveness of your dehumidifier, regularly monitor the humidity levels inside your safe. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get a small hydrometer and place it inside the safe.

Indoor Thermometer Hygrometer

You can also combine different types of dehumidifiers to help their effectiveness, especially if you live in a very humid place like Florida. Regular maintenance on your firearms, such as cleaning and oiling will help protect them against rust, and gives you an opportunity to check on their condition.

Type	Product	Function	Recharging/Operation	Placement	Best Used For
Electric Rod	Goldenrod Dehumidifier	Raises safe temperature to drive out moisture	Plugged into an electrical outlet; gets warm during use	Mounted horizontally at the bottom	Large gun safes; continuous operation
Desiccant	Hornady Dehumidifier Canister, Liberty Safe Hydrosorbent Silica Gel	Absorbs moisture with silica gel	Heated in an oven to recharge when indicator changes color	Flexible placement within the safe	Smaller safes or additional moisture control
Renewable	Eva-Dry Renewable Mini Dehumidifier	Uses silica beads to absorb moisture	Plugged into an outlet to dry beads for recharging	Compact and versatile placement	Smaller spaces, ammo cans, budget-friendly
PEET	PEET Dehumidifiers	Circulates warm, dry air using natural convection	Requires continuous electricity; minimal power consumption	Fits in safe corners to save space	Energy-efficient, silent operation in safes with an outlet

Ideal humidity and temperature for gun safe

To ensure the proper condition and functionality of firearms, it’s recommended to keep the humidity level within the range of 30% to 50%, assuming the room’s temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This specific humidity range is crucial for preventing the development of rust and corrosion on the guns’ metal components and avoiding damage to any wooden parts of the firearms, which can occur in environments with humidity levels below 20%. Adhering to this guideline ensures the safe storage of firearms, safeguarding their quality and operational readiness.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate gun safe dehumidifier is dependent on how much humidity is in the gun safe. We recommend keeping a hydrometer in the gun safe to monitor humidity levels between 30-50% and around 60-70 degrees in ideal conditions. Then based on the data you see, pick the best option for your use case, monitor its effectiveness, and adjust as necessary to ensure your safe’s internal environment remains at ideal conditions.