When summer humidity becomes unbearable, a dehumidifier isn’t just nice—it’s essential. Hisense’s TopLift dehumidifier enters the scene as the first unit to support Matter, offering smooth integration with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and more. Priced at around $200, it brings smart-home connectivity to a usually basic appliance. I’ve spent several weeks putting it through its paces in a humid Midwestern home. Here’s what stood out.
Design That Makes Everyday Tasks Easier
On looks, the TopLift doesn’t try to be flashy—it’s a clean, boxy unit without frills. But functional touches shine through. There are recessed handle grips on both narrow ends and optional casters on the base so you can move it around effortlessly. The air intake port is built into a side panel with a washable filter, eliminating ongoing filter replacement costs.
The most innovative design element is the water reservoir, positioned on top rather than at the bottom. It holds up to 50 liters (about 18 pints) and is extracted via a hidden handle that lets you lift it straight up—no bending or awkward sliding. The included pump lets you attach a hose for continuous drainage to a sink or other spot, too.
Performance and Smart Controls
We tested the TopLift in a combined kitchen-living room space, where it was supposed to cover up to 4,500 sq ft. It removed impressive amounts of moisture, especially during Ohio’s muggy early summer. On full power, the tank filled in about three-quarters of a day, meaning daily emptying in humid conditions. An integrated spout makes pouring out collected water neat and controlled.
Connectivity is where this model pulls ahead. The setup with Apple Home via Matter-over-Wi-Fi was quick: scan a code, get added to Home, and go. In use, it supports multiple platforms simultaneously—so you can control it via Home, Alexa, and Siri without conflicts. Automation works well, too: schedule it, tie it to occupancy, or trigger actions based on humidity or time of day.
That said, there’s room to improve. While you get control over fan speed (in 10% increments) and on/off functions through Matter, there’s currently no visibility for water level alert or real-time humidity in Apple Home. Indicators are limited to what’s built into the device itself.
Value, Pros & Cons
For $199 at Costco, this dehumidifier delivers quality unheard of at this price point just a few years ago. It checks off many consumer priorities: smart-home integration, pump-driven drainage, easy emptying, and a filter you can wash rather than replace.
Pros:
- Space-saving, clean design
- Top-lift bucket with handles and optional casters
- Choice of hose or bucket drainage
- Smooth Matter-over-Wi-Fi support
- Automatable using existing smart sensors or devices
- Quiet during nighttime operation
- Washable filter reduces upkeep costs
Cons:
- No smart alerts for full tank via Matter
- The reservoir, while large, could be bigger for very humid environments
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Why It Matters
Homes in humid areas often face mold, discomfort, and energy inefficiencies. A dehumidifier solves that but integrating it into a smart home lifts the experience. The TopLift leverages Matter to make automation, remote control, and smooth multi-platform access possible. That adds real value beyond simply drying the air.
This model is especially relevant now: the smart home space has been waiting for widely affordable Matter-enabled appliances. Many models recently offer platform-specific control or added electronics, but this one marries decent performance, modern design, and cross-platform compatibility at a sensible price.
Hisense’s TopLift dehumidifier is close to ideal for anyone battling moisture and humidity—with the bonus of making it a smarter, cleaner experience. If you value seamless connectivity and don’t want to wrestle with awkward buckets or frequent filter replacements, this model deserves serious attention.
