The Best Humidifiers of 2017

The PureGuardian H4610 is a hot and cold ultrasonic humidifier that can run for up to 120 hours at the lowest setting. Its 2-gallon water tank is the largest in our test group and uses mold-fighting materials to keep the humidifier longer. Although daily water production is one of the lowest compared to the other humidifiers we studied, it remains excellent for most households.

The best value for a humidifier is the Honeywell HCM-350, an evaporator that costs about $ 50. It does not have many features, so it's easy to use. We like the fact that it also has a three-year warranty that is much longer than the one-year coverage in the same price humidifiers.

What we tried

We refer exclusively to the manufacturer's instructions to measure the efficiency of the humidifier. However, in the field tests that do not appear on the datasheets, we see two things: how strong is the machine and how bright is it? It is true that these are small details, though they can affect the quality of your sleep if you are sensitive to sound and light. We take note of these elements in the journals, but we finally decided not to include them in our score at the moment.

What to look for

Evaporation vs. ultrasonic

Evaporative humidifiers use a filter that is in direct contact with the water in the reserve tank. The water absorbs the filter and the humidifier blows air through this large, moist surface and distributes the mist in the room. The filter removes many contaminants, but you must periodically clean the humidifier and replace the filters to remove bacteria and germs that can cause respiratory problems or mold.

Ultrasonic humidifiers work with vibrations to turn water into a fine mist. They are light, almost noiseless and require little energy. You can, however, produce a fine white powder that will precipitate on your furniture and floors over time. Although not necessary, the use of purified water or demineralization cartridge to remove contaminants in the water reduces this undesirable effect.

Detection range and tank size

The most important aspects to consider are the size of the room in which the machine can effectively humidify and the way the mist is spread. While smaller models like the Avalon are affordable options for smaller spaces, they are not optimal for rooms larger than 250 square feet. 1-gallon tank humidifiers or more are better equipped to provide high fog performance for family rooms, caves, and other large spaces.

Hot fog or cool fog?

Some humidifiers provide hot and cold mist outlets and those that deliver hot steam move water over a heating element. While the hot mist usually leaves an ultrasonic humidifier at a temperature of 104 degrees Celsius, a curious child could turn the device around and burn it with the water. To be sure, use humidifiers around children or babies.

Automatic shutdown

Look for a model that turns off automatically when the tank runs out of the water. This protects the engine from overheating, thereby reducing the risk of electrical fire. If the unit you are considering does not close automatically, make sure you have a transparent deposit so you can see when it needs to be filled. Many high-quality humidifiers have transparent tanks and automatic shut-off functions, which provides a degree of safety.

Humidistat

The best humidifiers we study have built-in hygrostats that measure the amount of moisture in the air. In this way, you get exactly the desired humidity, instead of guessing the output of the device. Digital displays can also help you set your humidifier to the desired level.

Design

Humidifiers are available in all shapes and sizes, but share design aspects such as a water tank, humidity control, and an outlet nozzle. One of the most efficient cold mist humidifiers is a mineral removal filter that cleans hard water to remove unwanted bacteria and minerals so they do not spread in the air.

If you have a specific place for your humidifier, check its dimensions to see if it fits well. The humidifier should be light enough to carry it where you need it. Large humidifiers and water tanks are usually heavier. It is also useful if the tank has handles that are easy to grip when the tank is wet and slippery.

Warranty and support

All our humidifiers are guaranteed for at least one year. The best manufacturers support their products longer, usually three years, although Vornado covers their products for five impressive years. During the warranty period, the manufacturer will repair or in some cases replace the defective parts.