We sell both brands and have helped hundreds of growers size their dehumidification. Here's what actually matters.
Quest is the safe pick — the most widely installed brand in licensed grows, biggest service network, proven reliability. If you want the unit every HVAC tech already knows, go Quest. Anden is the smarter pick for variable conditions — VLGR technology adapts to changing moisture loads, runs quieter, produces less heat, and draws less startup amperage. Neither brand is "better" — it depends on your room, your budget, and what you value. Read on for the details.
Dehumidification is the single most underestimated expense in indoor growing. Get it wrong and you're fighting powdery mildew, bud rot, and VPD swings that tank your yield. Get it right and your plants cruise through flower without a single humidity spike.
We stock the full Quest and Anden lineups, plus budget options from AC Infinity and Leizig. We've installed these units in everything from 4x4 tents to 50-light commercial facilities across Ohio. This guide covers what we've learned — no marketing fluff, just real-world data from real grows.
Get this right first — everything else is secondary. An undersized dehumidifier is worse than no dehumidifier.
The rule of thumb: Plan for roughly 1 pint of dehumidification per light per day in a sealed room. That's a starting point — actual moisture load depends on plant count, irrigation volume, media type (coco transpires more than soil), and whether you're running CO2 in a sealed environment.
During peak flower (weeks 3-6), transpiration can spike 30-50% above your baseline. Always oversize by at least 20% — running a dehumidifier at 70% capacity 24/7 is cheaper than replacing a crop to mold.
What you need for each room size, and the best Quest and Anden option for each.
| Room Size | Lights | Pints/Day Needed | Best Quest | Best Anden | Budget Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4x4 tent | 1 | 3-4 | Overkill — skip Quest | Overkill — skip Anden | HYDRONE 5 — $139 |
| 5x10 / 8x8 | 2-3 | 15-25 | Quest 70 — $1,500 | Anden 70 — $1,780 | HYDRONE 7 — $259 |
| 10x10 | 4 | 40-65 | Quest 205 — $4,400 | Anden 130 — $2,370 | Leizig LG195 — $3,131 |
| 10x20 / 12x12 | 6-8 | 80-130 | Quest 335 — $5,800 | Anden 320 — $4,561 | Leizig LG335 — $4,569 |
| 20x20+ | 12-16 | 180-260 | Quest 506 — $8,830 | Anden 710 — $10,921 | Leizig LG508 — $7,615 |
| Commercial (50+ lights) | 50+ | 500+ | Quest 876 — $15,600 | Multiple Anden 710s | Leizig LG880 — $12,154 |
How these two brands actually compare on the metrics that matter in a grow room.
| Factor | Quest | Anden | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency (standard conditions) | High at 80°F / 60% RH benchmark | Comparable at benchmark | Tie at standard |
| Efficiency (variable conditions) | Fixed-speed — less adaptive | VLGR adapts to changing loads | Anden |
| Noise Level | Louder at full capacity | Quieter — variable speed ramps down | Anden |
| Heat Output | More heat when running full blast continuously | Variable speed reduces heat spikes | Anden |
| Startup Amperage | Higher inrush current | Lower — friendlier to old wiring | Anden |
| Service Network | Largest in the industry | Good but smaller | Quest |
| Market Share | #1 in licensed cannabis facilities | Strong #2, growing fast | Quest |
| Heavy Moisture Loads | Robust under constant heavy demand | Strong but best when loads vary | Quest |
| High Ambient Temps (85°F+) | Performance drops somewhat | Better performance in heat | Anden |
| Parts Availability | Easy — most HVAC suppliers stock them | Available but may need to order | Quest |
| Price (comparable capacity) | Generally higher | Generally lower per pint | Anden |
The five things we talk about most when helping growers choose between Quest and Anden.
Both Quest and Anden publish impressive efficiency numbers, but those are measured at AHAM standard conditions (80°F / 60% RH). Your grow room isn't a test lab. During lights-off, temps drop. During peak transpiration, humidity spikes. Conditions change constantly.
This is where Anden's VLGR (Variable Load Gas Reheat) technology earns its keep. Instead of running at full blast and cycling on/off, the Anden ramps its compressor speed to match the actual moisture load. When conditions deviate from that 80/60 benchmark — which is most of the time in a real grow — Anden maintains better efficiency. Quest units are highly efficient at their rated conditions but don't adapt as dynamically.
If your grow is in a garage, basement, or anywhere near living space, noise is a real consideration. Anden's variable-speed compressor is noticeably quieter than Quest at partial loads because it ramps down instead of cycling between full-blast and off. Quest units at full capacity are loud — not dealbreaker loud, but you'll hear them through a wall. In a commercial facility with dedicated rooms, noise is irrelevant. In a home grow, it's the #2 complaint we hear after heat.
Every dehumidifier dumps heat into the room — it's thermodynamics, not a design flaw. A Quest 335 running at full capacity can add 10,000-12,000 BTU/hr of heat. That's a meaningful load on your AC system. Anden's variable-speed approach produces less heat because the compressor ramps down when moisture demand drops, instead of blasting at 100% then shutting off. If your cooling is already maxed out, this difference matters. We've seen growers spend $5,000 on a Quest 335 and then need $3,000 in additional AC capacity to offset the heat. Factor this into your total cost.
Anden's lower startup amperage is a genuine advantage in older buildings. When a Quest compressor kicks on, the inrush current spike can trip breakers in buildings with marginal wiring. Anden's soft-start variable-speed compressor draws less peak current. If you're retrofitting an older warehouse or barn, this can save thousands in electrical upgrades. In new construction with properly sized panels, it's a non-issue.
Quest has the largest service network in the industry. When something breaks — and commercial dehumidifiers do eventually need service — finding a Quest-certified tech is easy. Parts are widely stocked. Anden's service network is solid but smaller. In a commercial operation where downtime equals crop loss, Quest's service infrastructure is a real advantage. For home growers, both brands are reliable enough that service availability rarely matters.
Real scenarios, real recommendations.
4x4 or 5x5 Tent
1-2 lights, sealed or vented
$139 / AC Infinity HYDRONE 5
Shop HYDRONE 5 →Don't overspend. For a single tent, the HYDRONE 5 at $139 does the job. Save the real money for when you scale up. The HYDRONE 7 ($259) covers up to 8x8 if you want headroom.
10x10 with 4 Lights
Sealed room, CO2 supplementation
$2,370 - $4,400 / depending on brand
Shop Anden 130 →Our recommendation: Anden 130 ($2,370) for most 10x10 rooms. Quieter for home grows, less heat, lower cost than the Quest 205. If noise and heat are non-issues, the Quest 205 ($4,400) is bulletproof.
10x20+ Production Room
6-8 lights, licensed facility
$4,561 - $5,800 / Quest 335 or Anden 320
Shop Quest 335 →The Quest 335 ($5,800) is the unit every HVAC tech knows. The Anden 320 ($4,561) saves $1,200+ and runs quieter. For a new build, we'd lean Anden. For a facility with existing Quest infrastructure, stick with Quest.
20x20+ or Multi-Room Facility
12+ lights, high-volume production
$8,830 - $10,921 / high-capacity units
Shop Quest 506 →At this scale, consider running two mid-size units instead of one large one. Two Quest 335s give you 310 pints/day with built-in redundancy — if one fails, the other keeps the room safe while you service it.
Leizig LG Series
Commercial capacity, lower price point
$1,899 - $12,154 / full range
Shop Leizig LG195 →Leizig is the new player worth watching. Their LG195 ($3,131) and LG335 ($4,569) undercut Quest and Anden on price. Less proven long-term, but solid specs. Good option if budget is tight and you want commercial capacity.
Quest Hi-E 195 or Anden A100
No overhead mounting needed
$2,000 - $4,100 / portable options
Shop Anden A100 Movable →If you can't or don't want to overhead-mount, the Anden A100 Movable ($2,700) and Quest Hi-E 195 ($4,100) are your best bets. The Anden is more affordable; the Quest pulls more pints. Both run on 120V.
The sticker price is just the beginning. Here's what actually determines your 5-year cost.
Electricity: A Quest 335 draws about 10-11 amps at 230V continuously. Anden's variable-speed compressor draws less on average because it ramps down during light loads. Over a year of 24/7 operation, the electricity difference can be $200-400 in Anden's favor, depending on your kWh rate and how much your moisture load varies.
HVAC load: The heat your dehumidifier dumps into the room has to be removed by your AC. Quest units at full capacity add more heat, which means your AC works harder. This is the hidden cost that most growers miss when comparing prices. An extra 5,000 BTU/hr of heat from your dehumidifier could cost $50-100/month in additional cooling.
Filters: Both brands use MERV-rated filters that need replacement every 3-6 months. Quest filters run $20-44, Anden filters $33-82 depending on the model. Budget $100-200/year for filters regardless of brand.
Service: Quest's larger service network means faster, often cheaper repairs. Anden service is available but may require scheduling or shipping parts. For a commercial operation where every day of downtime costs money, Quest's service advantage has real dollar value.
How do I size a dehumidifier for my grow room?
The rule of thumb is 1 pint of dehumidification per light per day in a sealed room. A 4x4 tent with one 600W LED needs about 3-4 pints/day — a small portable unit handles that. A 10x10 room with 4 lights needs 60+ pints/day. For commercial grows, calculate based on plant count, irrigation volume, and room volume. We always recommend oversizing by 20-30% because plants transpire more during peak flower.
Is Quest or Anden better for a grow room?
Both are excellent. Quest is the most widely used brand in licensed cannabis facilities and has the largest service network. Anden's VLGR technology adapts better to changing conditions and runs quieter. Choose Quest if you want proven reliability and easy service. Choose Anden if noise, heat output, or variable conditions matter more to your setup.
Why are grow room dehumidifiers so expensive compared to home units?
Home dehumidifiers are rated at ideal conditions (65°F/60% RH) that never exist in a grow room. They fail quickly in warm, humid environments and lack the capacity for serious moisture loads. Commercial grow dehumidifiers like Quest and Anden are rated at 80°F/60% RH, built with industrial compressors, designed for 24/7 operation, and include features like overhead mounting, ducting, and condensate pumps. They cost more upfront but actually work — and last years instead of months.
Can I use an AC Infinity HYDRONE instead of Quest or Anden?
For small grows, absolutely. The AC Infinity HYDRONE 5 ($139) handles a 4x4 tent perfectly and includes smart VPD control. The HYDRONE 7 ($259) covers up to 8x8. But once you get beyond a single tent — multiple lights, 10x10+ rooms, or any commercial space — you need the capacity that only Quest, Anden, or Leizig units provide. The HYDRONE tops out around 20-25 pints/day.
Quest 335 vs Anden 320 — which should I buy?
These are the two most popular mid-size commercial units. The Quest 335 ($5,800) removes up to 155 pints/day at AHAM conditions and is the industry standard — easy to find parts and service. The Anden 320 ($4,561) removes 320 pints/day at saturation, runs quieter, and draws less startup amperage. If your building has older wiring or you need low noise, go Anden 320. If you want the unit every HVAC tech already knows how to service, go Quest 335.
How much heat does a dehumidifier add to my grow room?
All dehumidifiers produce heat as a byproduct of the refrigeration cycle. A Quest 335 running at full capacity can add 10,000-12,000 BTU/hr of heat to the room. Anden units with variable-speed compressors produce less heat because they ramp down when moisture loads decrease instead of cycling on and off at full blast. Factor this into your HVAC sizing — many growers underestimate how much their dehumidifier contributes to cooling load.
Do I need to duct my grow room dehumidifier?
For overhead-mounted units (most Quest and Anden models), ducting is strongly recommended. It lets you pull humid air from the canopy level and return dry air where you want it, improving airflow uniformity. Both Quest and Anden sell duct kits for their overhead units. Portable units like the Quest Hi-E 195 or Anden A100 can be placed on the floor without ducting, but performance improves with proper air circulation.