Two Million Dehumidifiers With Well-Known Brand Names Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Manufactured by New Widetech

What was recalled

If you have a dehumidifier in your home, basement, or garage, it is important to check whether it is part of a significant safety recall involving two million units. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced this major recall on August 4, 2021. The products involved were manufactured by New Widetech and sold under a wide variety of well-known brand names. This means the issue is not limited to one specific company’s logo; instead, these dehumidifiers were distributed across many different retail channels and consumer-facing brands.

The recalled items include 25-, 30-, 35-, 45-, 50-, 60-, 65-, 70-, and 74-pint dehumidifiers. You may recognize these products under the following brand names: AeonAir, Amana, ArcticAire (Danby), Classic (Danby / Home Hardware Stores), Commercial Cool, Danby, Danby Designer, Danby Premiere, De'Longhi, Edgestar, Friedrich, Generations (Danby), Haier, Honeywell (JMATEK / AirTek), Idylis, Ivation, perfect aire, SuperClima, Whirlpool, and Whynter. The sheer number of brands can be confusing, but they all share the same underlying manufacturer and potential defect.

To determine if your specific unit is affected, you must look at the nameplate sticker located on the back of the dehumidifier. This sticker contains the critical information: the brand name, the model number, and the pint capacity. Because there are so many models, we have listed them below by brand for easier checking.

AeonAir: Models RDH30EB, RDH30EB-1, RDH45EB, RDH45EB-1, RDH60EB, RDH70EB, RDH70EB-1, RDH70EDP (all 30 to 70-pint), and WDH-945EL, WDH-945EL-1 (both 45-pint).

Amana: Models D930M (30-pint), D935M (35-pint), D945E (45-pint), D950EP (50-pint), D965E, D965E-E (both 65-pint), D970E-E, D970EP (both 70-pint), D974E (74-pint), and DM70E-E (70-pint).

ArcticAire (Danby): Models ADR30A2G (30-pint), ADR50A2G (50-pint), ADR70A2C, ADR70A2G (both 70-pint).

Classic (Danby / Home Hardware Stores): Models 3824-527 and 3824-527-1 (both 70-pint).

Commercial Cool: Models CJ30M, CJ35M (both 30 and 35-pint), CJ50E, CK50E (both 50-pint), CJ70E, CJ70EP (both 70-pint).

Danby: Models DDR45A3GDB (45-pint), DDR70A3GDB (70-pint), and the extensive Premiere line including DDR25E, DDR25E-1, DDR30A1GP, DDR30A2GP, DDR30E, DDR30E-1, DDR30E-2, DDR45A1GP, DDR45A2GP, DDR45A3GP, DDR45E, DDR45E-1, DDR5009REE, DDR5009REE-1, DDR5011, DDR5011-1, DDR50A1GP, DDR50A2GP, DDR6009REE, DDR6009REE-1, DDR60A1GP, DDR60A2GP, DDR60A3GP, DDR7009REE, DDR7009REE-1, DDR70A1GP, and DDR70A2GP (ranging from 25 to 70-pint).

Danby Designer: Model DDR60RGDD (60-pint).

De'Longhi: Models DD30P, DD40P, DD40PCA, DD45, DD45E, DD45P, DD45PE (all 30 to 45-pint), DD50P, DD50PC, DD50PE, DD50PSC, DD50PSCE (all 50-pint), DD70PE (70-pint), and DDX45PE (45-pint). Note: For the DDX45PE model, only units with serial numbers ranging from 721 25 900053 P000001 through 721 25 900053 P000549 are recalled.

Edgestar: Models DEP500WP, DEP501WP (both 50-pint), and DEP700WP, DEP701WP (both 70-pint).

Friedrich: Models D25ANP, D25BNP, D25D, D25DA (all 25-pint), D50AP, D50BP, D50BP-A, D50D (all 50-pint), and D70BP, D70BP-A, D70AP, D70BP, D70D (all 70-pint).

Generations (Danby): Models GDR5011BL, GDR50A1C, GDR50A2C (all 50-pint).

Haier: Models HEN70ETFP, HEN70ETFP-E (both 70-pint), HM50EP (50-pint), and HM70EP (70-pint).

Honeywell (JMATEK / AirTek): Model DH45W (45-pint) with serial numbers 1501/000001 through 1501/000924; DH50W (50-pint) with serial numbers 1412/000001 through 1412/000850, 1501/000001 through 1501/002774, 1503/002775 through 1503/005170, and 1504/005171 through 1504/006546; and DH70W (70-pint) with serial numbers 1412/000001 through 1412/001020, 1501/000001 through 1501/003798, 1503/003799 through 1503/008436, and 1504/008437 through 1504/012070.

Idylis: Models 0526011 and 0526051 (both 70-pint).

Ivation: Models IVADH30PW (30-pint) and IVADH70PW (70-pint).

perfect aire: Models 1PED30 (30-pint), 1PED50, 1PED50S, 1PEDP50 (all 50-pint), 1PED70, 1PEDP70, PADP50, PADP70 (all 70-pint).

SuperClima: Model DW30M (30-pint).

Whirlpool: Model WDH70EAPW (70-pint).

Whynter: Models RPD-302W (30-pint), RPD-503SP (50-pint), and RPD-702

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a fundamental failure in how these dehumidifiers manage heat. Dehumidifiers are essentially complex machines that move air over cold coils to pull moisture from your home’s atmosphere. Like any appliance with electric motors and compressors, they generate significant internal heat while working. Under normal circumstances, built-in safety systems—such as thermal fuses, temperature sensors, and ventilation pathways—are designed to keep that heat in check. However, the 2 million dehumidifiers manufactured by New Widetech have a defect that allows them to overheat beyond safe limits.

When the internal components fail to regulate temperature correctly, the plastic housing and internal wiring can reach critical temperatures. This is not just about the unit feeling warm to the touch; it is about materials degrading rapidly under intense heat. As the plastics soften or melt, they can come into contact with live electrical wires, creating a direct path for an electrical short. This short circuit is often the spark that ignites nearby combustible materials, such as dust bunnies, carpet fibers, or the plastic casing itself. The result is a fire that can start inside the unit and quickly spread to surrounding furniture or walls.

The consequence of this mechanism is twofold: structural damage and personal injury. The CPSC reports that these overheating events have already caused approximately $17 million in property damage across 107 known incidents. This figure represents destroyed rooms, ruined belongings, and the cost of fire suppression, but it does not capture the potential for far worse outcomes. If a dehumidifier catches fire while you are sleeping or away from home, the rapid spread of flames and smoke can be catastrophic.

Beyond the risk of property loss, the primary danger to human safety is burns. Because these units often sit on floors near living areas or bedrooms, anyone who comes into contact with an overheated unit—whether by accidentally touching it, tripping over it, or trying to move it during a malfunction—risks severe thermal burns. While no injuries have been reported in this specific recall batch so far, the potential for third-degree burns is real because the surface temperatures can exceed what human skin can tolerate without immediate pain response and tissue damage. This is why stopping use immediately is not just a precaution; it is a critical safety step to prevent a thermal injury before a fire even starts.

Who is most at risk

While the physical danger of an overheating appliance does not discriminate based on age or ability, the specific nature of this recall—dehumidifiers catching fire and causing significant property damage—creates a unique set of vulnerabilities for different groups of consumers. The primary group at risk is anyone who has purchased one of the approximately two million units manufactured by New Widetech under various well-known brand names such as Amana, Danby, Whirlpool, or Honeywell. Because these brands are ubiquitous in both residential homes and commercial spaces like offices, hotels, and rental properties, the pool of potentially affected individuals is vast. The risk is not limited to a single demographic but is broadly distributed across households that rely on moisture control for comfort and structural integrity.

Within this broad group, certain individuals face heightened consequences due to their physical environment or daily routines. For families with young children or infants, the risk extends beyond the immediate threat of fire. Dehumidifiers are often placed in bedrooms, nurseries, or playrooms to maintain healthy humidity levels. If a unit in such a space malfunctions and begins to overheat, it may do so during the night when supervision is minimal. Young children are particularly vulnerable because they lack the mobility to escape quickly and the cognitive awareness to recognize the signs of electrical failure, such as burning smells or unusual noises. The presence of flammable materials like bedding, curtains, or plastic toys in these rooms can also accelerate fire spread, increasing the danger to those who sleep nearby.

Similarly, elderly individuals or those with limited mobility may find themselves at greater risk if a dehumidifier is located in a frequently used area like a living room or basement. As people age, reaction times slow, and physical strength may diminish, making it harder to unplug a device or exit a room rapidly if smoke or flames appear. Furthermore, many seniors live alone, meaning a fire could start and grow without immediate witness, delaying emergency response. The recall notes that these incidents have resulted in approximately $17 million in property damage, highlighting that the financial and emotional toll of such an event is severe for anyone relying on their home as a primary asset. Therefore, while the mechanical failure is the root cause, the human impact is most acute for those who are physically dependent on their surroundings or who lack the ability to respond swiftly to emergencies.

It is also important to note that renters and property managers may be at risk if they have not verified the safety of appliances provided by landlords. Many of these dehumidifiers were sold under commercial brands, suggesting they may be installed in multi-unit housing or short-term rentals. Tenants often assume that provided appliances are safe and inspected, which can lead to a false sense of security. If a landlord has failed to remove these specific models from circulation, tenants in those units are unknowingly exposed to the hazard. This underscores the importance of checking model numbers regardless of who purchased the unit, as the risk persists until the device is either removed or properly addressed through the recall process.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether your dehumidifier is part of this massive recall requires a careful check of the label on the back of the unit. The manufacturer, New Widetech, has issued a warning for approximately two million units across a wide variety of well-known brand names. Because these appliances were sold under many different retail brands, you cannot rely solely on the logo or the color of the plastic to determine if your unit is affected. Instead, you must look at the specific technical details printed on the nameplate sticker located on the rear of the dehumidifier.

The first thing to check is the brand name. The recall encompasses units sold under numerous brands, including but not limited to AeonAir, Amana, ArcticAire (Danby), Classic (Danby / Home Hardware Stores), Commercial Cool, Danby, Danby Designer, Danby Premiere, De'Longhi, Edgestar, Friedrich, Generations (Danby), Haier, Honeywell (JMATEK / AirTek), Idylis, Ivation, perfect aire, SuperClima, Whirlpool, and Whynter. If your unit bears any of these labels, it is a strong indicator that you should proceed to the next step of verification.

Next, you need to verify the model number and the pint capacity. The recalled units range from 25-pint to 74-pint capacities. Below are some of the specific model numbers associated with each brand that are included in this recall:

• AeonAir: RDH30EB, RDH30EB-1, RDH45EB, RDH45EB-1, RDH60EB, RDH70EB, RDH70EB-1, RDH70EDP, WDH-945EL, and WDH-945EL-1.
• Amana: D930M, D935M, D945E, D950EP, D965E, D965E-E, D970E-E, D970EP, D974E, and DM70E-E.
• ArcticAire (Danby): ADR30A2G, ADR50A2G, ADR70A2C, and ADR70A2G.
• Classic (Danby / Home Hardware Stores): 3824-527 and 3824-527-1.
• Commercial Cool: CJ30M, CJ35M, CJ50E, CJ70E, CJ70EP, and CK50E.
• Danby: DDR45A3GDB, DDR70A3GDB, DDR60RGDD, DDR25E, DDR25E-1, DDR30A1GP, DDR30A2GP, DDR30E, DDR30E-1, DDR30E-2, DDR45A1GP, DDR45A2GP, DDR45A3GP, DDR45E, DDR45E-1, DDR5009REE, DDR5009REE-1, DDR5011, DDR5011-1, DDR50A1GP, DDR50A2GP, DDR6009REE, DDR6009REE-1, DDR60A1GP, DDR60A2GP, DDR60A3GP, DDR7009REE, DDR7009REE-1, DDR70A1GP, and DDR70A2GP.
• De'Longhi: DD30P, DD40P, DD40PCA, DD45, DD45E, DD45P, DD45PE, DD50P, DD50PC, DD50PE, DD50PSC, DD50PSCE, DD70PE, DDX45PE, and DDX50PE.
• Edgestar: DEP500WP, DEP501WP, DEP700WP, and DEP701WP.
• Friedrich: D25ANP, D25BNP, D25D, D25DA, D50AP, D50BP, D50BP-A, D50D, D70BP, D70BP-A, D70AP, and D70D.
• Generations (Danby): GDR5011BL, GDR50A1C, and GDR50A2C.
• Haier: HEN70ETFP, HEN70ETFP-E, HM50EP, and HM70EP.
• Honeywell (JMATEK / AirTek): DH45W, DH50W, and DH70W.
• Idylis: 0526011 and 0526051.
• Ivation: IVADH30PW and IVADH70PW.
• perfect aire: 1PED30, 1PED50, 1PED50S, 1PED70, 1PEDP50, 1PEDP70, PADP50, and PADP70.
• SuperClima: DW30M.
• Whirlpool: WDH70EAPW.
• Whynter: RPD-302W, RPD-503SP, and RPD-702WP.

For certain De'Longhi models (DDX45PE, DDX50PE, DDX70PE) and Honeywell models (DH45W, DH50W, DH70W), the recall is limited to specific serial number ranges. You must check the serial number on the sticker to see if it falls within the recalled batches. If your model number matches one listed above, you should stop using the unit immediately and contact New Widetech for a pro-rated refund.

What to do — step by step

If you own any of the recalled dehumidifiers manufactured by New Widetech, your immediate priority is to ensure the safety of your home and family. The recall notice issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on August 4, 2021, outlines a clear path forward. Because these units can overheat and potentially catch fire, taking action quickly is essential. Here is exactly what you need to do, step by step.

Step 1: Stop using the dehumidifier immediately. This is the most critical action you must take. Do not attempt to run the unit again, even if it seems to be working normally or if you have only just purchased it. The hazard involves internal components that can overheat without warning, posing a serious fire and burn risk. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet right now. If the dehumidifier is currently running or feels warm to the touch, allow it to cool down completely before moving it. Do not try to inspect the inside of the unit yourself; simply disconnecting the power source removes the immediate danger.

Step 2: Locate your product information. To process your remedy, you will need specific details about your unit. Look for the nameplate sticker located on the back of the dehumidifier. On this sticker, you will find the brand name (such as Amana, Danby, Honeywell, Whirlpool, or others listed in the recall), the model number, and the pint capacity. Write these numbers down on a piece of paper or take a clear photo with your smartphone. Having this information ready will speed up the process when you contact the company.

Step 3: Contact New Widetech to initiate the refund. The remedy for this recall is a pro-rated refund, not a repair or replacement. You need to reach out to New Widetech directly to claim this refund. You can do this by calling their toll-free number at 877-251-1512. Their customer service representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.recallrtr.com/nwtdehumidifier or go to www.newwidetech.com/en/ and click on "Recall Information" at the bottom of the page. When you contact them, provide the model number and other details you gathered in Step 2.

Step 4: Understand your refund amount. It is important to know that the refund will be pro-rated based on the age of your dehumidifier. This means if you bought the unit years ago, the refund amount may be less than the original purchase price. However, you are still entitled to compensation for a product that poses a safety risk. New Widetech will calculate this amount during your contact with them.

Step 5: Disposal or storage. Once you have contacted New Widetech and received instructions on how to proceed with the refund, follow their guidance regarding the physical unit. Typically, for fire hazards, you should not donate or sell the item. Keep it out of your home if possible, or store it in a safe, non-combustible area until you are directed on final disposal. Do not attempt to dismantle the unit yourself.

Step 6: Monitor for updates. Keep an eye on any communications from New Widetech or the CPSC regarding this recall. If you have any questions about the process, do not hesitate to call their support line again. Your safety is the priority, and they are there to help you resolve this issue efficiently.

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that your dehumidifier is part of this recall, the good news is that you do not need to keep a potentially dangerous appliance in your home. The manufacturer, New Widetech, has established a clear remedy for affected consumers: a full refund. It is important to understand right away that there is no repair or replacement option available for these specific units. Because the defect involves an internal overheating issue that can lead to fire, the only safe and approved course of action is to stop using the unit immediately and return it for monetary compensation.

The refund amount you will receive is not a simple flat rate for every model. Instead, New Widetech has structured the remedy as a pro-rated refund based on the age of your dehumidifier. This means that if you purchased the unit recently, you will likely receive a higher percentage or full value of what you paid. If the unit is older, the refund amount will be adjusted accordingly. While the exact calculation formula is not detailed in the public recall notice, the key takeaway is that you are being compensated for the value of the product at the time of the recall, acknowledging that the item has lost its utility and safety due to the manufacturing defect.

To initiate this process, you must contact New Widetech directly. They have set up dedicated channels to handle these claims efficiently. You can call their toll-free customer service line at 877-251-1512. The support team is available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. This window gives you ample opportunity to speak with a representative during standard business hours without needing to rush.

If you prefer to handle the claim online, New Widetech has created a specific portal for this recall. You can visit www.recallrtr.com/nwtdehumidifier to start your refund request. Alternatively, you may go to their main website at http://www.newwidetech.com/en/ and look for the "Recall Information" link located at the bottom of the page. Both digital routes are designed to guide you through the verification process using the model and serial numbers you identified earlier.

When you contact them, have your proof of purchase ready if you have it, as this may help streamline the pro-rated calculation. You will also need to provide the specific model number and serial number from the nameplate sticker on the back of your unit. Be prepared to follow their instructions for returning the item or disposing of it safely, depending on their current logistics. Do not attempt to sell, donate, or give away the recalled dehumidifier. The safety risk remains with the device regardless of who holds it. By following these steps and accepting the refund offer, you eliminate the fire hazard from your home and receive financial compensation for the inconvenience.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using your dehumidifier right now. These machines are often essential for maintaining comfortable humidity levels in basements, laundry rooms, or large living spaces, especially during humid seasons. Turning off a device that has been working reliably can feel inconvenient, and the thought of dealing with customer service calls or waiting for a refund process can be daunting. However, continuing to operate these specific New Widetech dehumidifiers is not merely an inconvenience; it is a serious safety risk that you should not gamble with.

The core issue here is thermal. The recalled units have a known defect that causes them to overheat. In normal operation, a dehumidifier generates some heat as part of its cooling cycle, but these models can exceed safe temperature thresholds. When internal components get too hot, the plastic housing, electrical wiring, and other combustible materials inside or near the unit can begin to break down. This is not a theoretical risk; New Widetech has already documented 107 separate incidents where these dehumidifiers overheated or actually caught fire. While it is reassuring that no injuries have been reported so far, the sheer volume of property damage—approximately $17 million—indicates that these fires are real, significant, and capable of causing extensive harm to your home.

Ignoring the recall means you are leaving a potential ignition source running in your home unmonitored. Fire does not always start with a massive explosion; it often begins as a slow smolder that eventually flares up, particularly when fueled by household dust, plastic casings, and nearby furniture or curtains. If a fire starts while you are asleep, away from the house, or simply occupied in another room, you may have very little time to react. The consequence of ignoring this warning is not just a damaged appliance; it is the potential loss of your property, your personal belongings, and most importantly, the safety of your household.

Furthermore, there is no way for you to visually inspect the internal components to determine if they are nearing failure. The overheating happens internally, driven by electrical faults that are not apparent from the outside. You cannot "wait and see" if it gets hot, because by the time the unit feels dangerously hot to the touch, it may already be in the early stages of igniting. The only way to eliminate this risk is to remove the hazard entirely. Do not wait for a spark or smoke to appear before acting. The inconvenience of a refund process is temporary; the damage from a house fire is permanent and potentially catastrophic.

• Property Destruction: Fires can spread rapidly, destroying walls, floors, and personal items far beyond the immediate area of the dehumidifier.
• Smoke Damage: Even if a fire is extinguished quickly, the smoke and soot can permeate your entire home, requiring expensive professional cleaning or replacement of air filters and HVAC systems.
• Electrical Hazard: Overheating units can compromise your home’s electrical wiring, potentially causing short circuits in other parts of your house.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific product recalls are essential tools for keeping our homes secure, they are reactive measures that address issues after a defect has been identified. True safety in the home relies on proactive habits and layered protection strategies that work regardless of whether your appliances have been recalled. For high-power electrical devices like dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and space heaters, understanding how to maintain them properly is just as important as knowing their model numbers. These machines generate significant heat and move large volumes of air; when they are not cared for, the risk of mechanical failure or electrical fire increases over time. By adopting a few simple maintenance routines, you can significantly extend the life of your appliances and reduce the likelihood of hazardous incidents.

One of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of appliance safety is airflow management. Dehumidifiers and similar cooling devices rely on internal coils and fans to dissipate heat generated during operation. If these units are pushed too close to a wall, tucked into a corner, or covered with laundry or curtains, they cannot breathe. This restriction causes the internal temperature to rise dangerously high, potentially triggering the overheating issues mentioned in recent recalls. Always ensure there is at least six inches of clearance around all sides and the top of your unit. Think of it like human ventilation; if you tried to run a marathon while wearing a heavy winter coat, you would overheat quickly. Your appliances need space to operate efficiently and safely.

Regular cleaning is another pillar of prevention. Over time, dust, lint, and pet hair accumulate on the air filters and coils of these devices. This buildup acts as an insulator, trapping heat inside the machine and forcing the motor to work harder than it was designed to do. A strained motor draws more electricity, which increases the risk of electrical faults. Make it a habit to check your manufacturer’s manual for cleaning schedules, but generally, washing or replacing filters every two weeks during heavy use seasons is a wise practice. This simple task not only improves air quality in your home but also ensures the device runs cooler and more efficiently.

Beyond individual appliance care, consider the broader electrical infrastructure of your home. Many fire hazards start with overloaded circuits. Dehumidifiers are power-hungry devices; plugging one into a circuit that already powers several other high-draw items can cause wires to overheat inside your walls. Always plug these appliances directly into a wall outlet rather than using extension cords or power strips, which are not rated for continuous heavy loads. Additionally, ensure your home is equipped with working smoke detectors on every level and in sleeping areas, and consider installing carbon monoxide detectors if you have fuel-burning appliances nearby. These devices provide the earliest possible warning of trouble, giving you and your family precious time to react. Finally, stay informed by periodically checking the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. Subscribing to their email alerts ensures you are among the first to know about new recalls, allowing you to act before a minor defect becomes a major hazard.