What’s the Best Gun Safe Dehumidifier?

Asking the best type of dehumidifier is kind of like asking the best model of hunting rifle. Everyone has their preferences, and everyone finds a certain style fits them best.

In the case of dehumidifiers, it’s good to start by choosing either a desiccant or electric type.

If you don’t have a lot of moisture problems, and if an electrical connection is not available or too difficult to access, then the desiccant option might be the right choice for you.

The Browning Sacc Dry Zone is a vented box of moisture-absorbing material, much like the little packets you find in foods or medicine, but on a much larger scale. This is also similar to the RV and closet packs you can find at retail stores, with one important exception—the Browning pack can be recharged in the oven. That means that should the pack ever absorb to its capacity, you can place it in a warm oven to dry and reactivate it. You can repeat this process indefinitely. No electricity, no fuss, no problem. The Dry Zone protects up to 37 cubic feet of space, about the volume of a standard 30-inch-wide safe. This product retails for $34.95

For an even more convenient desiccant solution, try the Eva-Dry E-333 dehumidifier. With this product, the desiccant crystals are enclosed in a plastic body, and recharging is achieved by plugging the unit into an outlet. Convenient color-changing bars indicate when the crystals are spent and in need of reactivation. The lifespan of this product is up to 10 years. The Eva-Dry is rated for 333 cubic feet, and is eco-friendly and non-toxic. Retail price $34.95

If you have more challenging moisture problems, or changes in temperature extremes that come from keeping your safe in a non-climate controlled area such as a shop or garage, think about investing in an electric dehumidifier. They are only a few dollars more than desiccant-type units, but provide more aggressive moisture control.

The Browning EverDry electric dehumidifier is an 18-inch-long bar that plugs into a standard outlet. Most safes have a hole in the back or side to allow for the cord, which detaches from the unit for installation. This unit should be used on safes 30 inches wide or larger to avoid touching the sides of the safe. The EverDry retails for $39.95

Another option in electric dehumidifiers is the Browning Flexible EverDry. This unit is flat and flexible, and can be bent around the corners and contents of your safe. Like the bar unit, the cord on the Flexible is removable to help with installation. This products retails for $49.95

Ultimately, the decision on the best gun safe dehumidifier is an individual choice, but these suggestions should give you some idea of what’s on the market. These models are available at http://www.gunsafes.com/store/Search.aspx?SearchTerms=dehumidifiers

Gun Safe Buyers Guide, Part 4 : WHAT IS A DEHUMIDIFIER?

If you’ve been roaming the net for information about gun safes, your research has likely pointed you towards a lot of sites mentioning dehumidifiers. It might sound out of place when you’re talking about a gun safe, but in fact it’s very important.  In this section of the gun safe buyers guide, we’ll talk about dehumidifiers;  what they are and how to pick one out.

Gun Safe Dehumidifier

What does a dehumidifier do?

A: The purpose of a dehumidifier is to eliminate condensation from forming inside the gun safe.  Condensation can cause metal to rust and can leave your safe with a nasty smell.  Depending on where your safe is located and what your climate is like, condensation can form inside a safe due to the change in temperature or in areas of high humidity.

What are the different types of dehumidifiers?

A:  There are two main types of dehumidifiers for gun safes.  An electric and a desiccant.  The desiccant dehumidifier works great in safes that are not near an electrical outlet.  Desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that has the ability to attract water molecules from the surrounding environment through absorption.  The desiccant needs to be recharged after it’s absorbed all that it can.  This is usually a period of 2-6 months, depending on the brand and how much it’s being used.  The desiccant can be recharged in your oven so it can be used over and over.

The electric dehumidifier is the more popular of the two.  This dehumidifier, also known as a “Golden Rod”,  heats to a surface temperature of about 140 degrees.  Its purpose is to maintain a constant temperature throughout your safe. Maintaining a warm temperature in the safe lessens the chance that water vapor will condense and promote rust.  It usually comes in the form of an 18″ rod that can be mounted to the floor or wall of your safe.  Installation is easy: The cord is removable so you can wire it through your safe and plug it in.  To take up even less space, there is a flexible dehumidifier as well.  This one can be bent to contour the corner of your safe.

Do I need a dehumidifier?

A:  This is a tricky question.  If the safe is going to be located in a climate controlled area like your home, it may not need a dehumidifier.  If the door is opened often enough, this will also help prevent condensation.  However, in some areas of high humidity, even a safe that is placed inside a home can collect condensation.  It might be best to call a GunSafes.com rep to speak about your particular situation.

If the safe is going to be placed in your garage, basement, or any area that does not have a controlled climate, I would recommend a dehumidifier.  The temperature change in these areas can cause condensation in the safe which will result in rust forming on your precious guns!

Which dehumidifier is right for me?

A:  First you’ll need to choose between electric and desiccant.  If you have the electrical outlet available, I would go that route.  Make sure the safe you are buying or the safe you own has a hole in the back to pass the cord through.  If not, you’ll want the desiccant.  Some people even feel the need to combine the strength of the electric with the dependability of the cordless desiccant.  That way if they are away on a trip and the power goes out, they know that their precious items will be protected.  Some people even double up and get two dehumidifiers if they live in an area of extremely high humidity.  It’s all about your individual situation.

For advice on your particular situation, leave a comment here or speak to a GunSafes.com rep at 800-540-1695 ext 401