Midea Cube 35-Pint (MAD35S1QWT): problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-06

Summary

The most common complaints are noise in bedrooms, no drain pump for elevated drains, and a fan that keeps running until the bucket is full. Yearly running cost is roughly 378 kWh of electricity plus a washable air filter that needs no replacement. At or below $225 from Consumer Reports or an independent dealer it is a well-tested buy for medium rooms and finished basements; above $250 look at the 50-pint Cube instead.

Common problems and fixes

Noise disturbs light sleepers — RTINGS scores noise the model’s weakest category at 6.6/10 and says it stays noticeable in a bedroom; Reddit owners in a Costco thread call Midea units “a bit loud” and “a tad loud for living spaces.” No fix beyond using it outside bedrooms or setting a lower fan speed. [4][10]
No drain pump — the unit cannot drain into a sink or high-walled tub above it; the included hose only reaches a drain at or below the unit. Fix: place the unit at or below drain level, use bucketless mode over a floor drain, or buy a pump-equipped model such as MAD35PS1QGR. [4][1][18]
Fan runs until the bucket is full — Consumer Reports notes the fan does not shut off at the humidity target, so noise outlasts the target. Fix: set an earlier fill-level preset (2.2, 3 or 3.75 gallons) to stop the cycle sooner. [5][3]
Under-sized for large open spaces — RTINGS found 35 pints limits how quickly it pulls moisture from big open basements or open-concept living areas. Fix: size up to a 50-pint unit for large wet open basements. [4]
Raises room temperature in small spaces — RTINGS lists this as a measured con. No fix; expect a slight temperature rise in small enclosed rooms. [4]
Full bucket weighs close to 40 lb — PCMag and RTINGS both flag the carry weight; RTINGS says separating the top unit from the bucket requires some strength. Fix: use the fill-level presets to stop at 2.2 or 3 gallons, or use continuous drainage. [3][4]
Humidity sensor complaints — a Costco thread relays claims that “the humidity sensor doesnt work and unit not working after about a year”; another commenter says those complaining had the air intake side blocked. No confirmed fix; keep the intake clear. [10]
No in-app water gauge or energy reporting — PCMag lists these as cons. No fix; use the bucket fill indicator on the unit instead. [3]

Parts and consumables

Air Fresh Filter (washable) — no replacement cost; Midea Canada describes it as washable and the unit has a clean-filter indicator. [17][22]
Continuous drain hose — included in the box; no replacement cost unless damaged. [1][2]

Yearly running cost

The only defensible running-cost anchor is 378 kWh/year for the current “-A” revision per ENERGY STAR [6]. The air filter is washable and needs no replacement [17][22]. There are no other consumables, pods or subscriptions. If you do not use continuous drainage, add the manual labour of carrying a bucket that can approach 40 lb full [3].

When it is a good buy

$224.99 at Consumer Reports (accessed 2026-10-05) — at or below this the price matches the independent test evidence. [5]
$229.96 at ACE Washer Supply (accessed 2026-10-05) — still in the reasonable band. [22b]
Above $250 — value drops; compare the 50-pint Cube models, which have measured efficiency leadership claims and pump options. [8]

Named alternatives:

Midea 50-pint Cube — better choice for large wet open basements where 35 pints is not enough. [4][8]
MAD35PS1QGR — better choice if you need a built-in pump to drain into a sink or tub above the unit. [18]
MAD35S1AWWT — better choice if you want the splash-guard bucket design. [20]