Do you live in a super dry climate with dry winter air? Do you have a tough time getting through the day without reapplying lotion and chapstick multiple times? Maybe you have bad seasonal allergies and are prone to get blocked nasal passages in dry spaces or humid conditions. If that’s the case, you might need humidified air from the top humidifiers. If any of this sounds familiar to you, then finding a humidifier to improve the indoor air quality in your home might just be a great idea. What should you know about them, though?
Top Home Humidifiers
When you’re shopping for humidifiers, you have to choose either a vaporizer with warm mist capabilities or a cool mist vaporizer. You’ll also need to choose between an evaporative one or an ultrasonic air purifier. Evaporative models utilize a fan to increase indoor humidity, while the latter uses high-frequency vibrations (this humidifies air quickly through a wet filter). You’ll need to consider the space you’ll be using it in, as vaporizers have a range for which they can add moisture or water vapor to the air, and over-humidifying can encourage mold growth.
The size of the water tank needs to be taken into consideration as well. You will also want to look at the extra features of different models, such as timers and programs. Other models feature a lighted display, a built-in night light, and a built-in humidistat. Finally, make sure that you see what type of maintenance and cleaning is required to keep the unit in good working order and free of bacteria or dust mites all the time.
They also have tons of other features you’ll need to decide on. Let’s look at those details first, and then we can discuss a few of the best humidifiers that are currently on the market. It’s important to test humidifiers before making a decision.
Cool Or Warm Vaporizers
Cool mist humidifiers don’t have to warm water up before emitting it into the air in your home. This kind works through either evaporative technology or ultrasonic technology. Their evaporative counterparts have a wick inside that draws up the water. Then a fan blows through the wick and causes that absorbed water to evaporate and disperse into your space. An ultrasonic model uses vibration to release cool mist into your space for continuous humidification.
Warm mist models boil the water inside the unit first with a heating element and then emit warm mist into the air. There won’t be visible mist, and there is no fan for blowing it into the room.
Cool Or Warm Humidifier?
Do you prefer cool or warm mist? Evaporative models and ultrasonic models don’t usually use as much electricity because they don’t heat anything. They’re also considered to be safer by parents because they don’t have boiling water inside. Their downsides are that they can be noisy because of the fan and make the room feel colder.
Warm Humidifiers
Warm mist models make your air healthier because boiling tap water can help eliminate bacteria and mold in the water. They’re also usually quieter because they don’t require a fan. They’re not as good for larger spaces, though, and they typically cost more than other humidifiers.
Features Of The Top Humidifiers
These machines come in all sorts of sizes. They may also be portable humidifiers. If you have a lot of space, it won’t matter much how large it is. However, many of us are limited when it comes to available space. We won’t want to go with a unit that has a physical footprint that’s too large for how many square feet the space is. Make sure you look at the specs of the models you’re considering. Check out smart models as well.
The capacity of the water tank is also important to look at. If you know you’ll be using your unit every day, you will likely want to go with an option that has a large water tank that doesn’t need to be filled often.
Whether you choose an evaporative cool mist humidifier, an ultrasonic vaporizer, or one of the warm mist vaporizers, varying levels of control are afforded to you with different models. Some are basic and offer you a few preprogrammed levels to choose from. Others give you complete and precise control over how much moisture and relative humidity will be released into the air.
Vaporizers
All models require some level of maintenance. You’ll want to look into how much you’ll have to do to keep your unit running well. Suppose you don’t clean and maintain it properly. In that case, even at the lowest setting, you could be allowing harmful bacteria, mold, and germs into the air you and your family are breathing inside your home.
Warm Humidifier
A cool mist humidifier uses a fan to disperse the moisture into the air. That means this type can be noisier than an ultrasonic or warm mist model. Before deciding, consider the noise level you’re most comfortable with.
Safety Features
The safety features included with different models are important, too. You want a unit with an automatic shut-off for when the water tank is empty. You can prevent over-saturation of your air with a built-in hygrometer. Mold is more likely to grow in over-saturated air. Other safety features include UV lights within the water tanks that can kill bacteria, as well as an integrated nightlight.
Now it’s time to look at our top picks.
Humidifier Options
Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
This ultrasonic model operates at a whisper-quiet sound level. It comes with an automatic shut-off option and provides a soothing nightlight, as well. The 1.5 L water tank can give you comfortable, moistened air for up to 16 hours. You’ll have the option to set the unit at high or low with an easy-to-use adjuster. Your purchase comes with the unit, an AC power adapter, a 5-year warranty, a disk cleaning brush, and a user manual. It has a small footprint, so you can place it anywhere in the room and easily move it from one room to another.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Long operation time
- Easy to setup and use
- Very lightweight
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
Cons:
- Small water tank
- LED in the button is very bright
- Quick mold accumulation
LEVOIT Humidifier
You get a lot for your money with this LEVOIT Classic. It functions as a cool mist ultrasonic humidifier. These units can also be used as a warm mist humidifier, though. You can customize the type of humidity, as well as the desired humidity level in the air. It’s a quiet humidifier with a large-capacity tank that holds up to 6 L of water. You’ll have a convenient remote control for all of your operations and settings, and all for less than $100 on Amazon. The machine and the water tank are both easy to clean. And as an added bonus, you can use the essential oil diffuser in the unit for aromatherapy.
Pros:
- Versatile functioning as cool mist humidifier or warm mist humidifier
- Very quiet operation
- Great value for money
- Remote controlled
- Large tank capacity
- Precision settings
Cons:
- Large footprint
- May be too complex for some users
- Lights aren’t dimmable
Elechomes Cool Mist Humidifier
This combo of a humidifier and oil diffuser from Elechomes features a 5-liter water tank capacity with 60 hours of operating time. You don’t have to worry when water is running out with its waterless auto shut-off. It is ideal in offices, bedrooms, and even nursery rooms. This 2-in-1 unit is child and pet-friendly too.
Pros:
- Ultra-quiet
- Large-capacity water tank
- Top fill design makes it easy to refill
- Super quiet operation
- Anti-corrosion tank
- Many safety features
Cons:
- The adjustable mist spout does not work
- Distracting bright light
GENIANI Humidifier
This is another top-fill unit, so it’s easy to refill the humidifier tank. The water tank has a large capacity, though, at 4 liters. The tank is super easy to clean by removing the top. A built-in sensor keeps the moisture at preset mist levels based on your choice of low, medium, or high humidity. It diffuses essential oils of choice into any room, too, for a little healthy aromatherapy. This ultrasonic model operates at a very low noise level that’s good for babies’ rooms and those who like quiet sleep.
Pros:
- Large capacity tank
- Easy to refill and clean through the top
- Very quiet unit
- Easy-to-use essential oil tray
- A night light that can be turned on or off
- Up to 18 hours of operation on high setting
- Good mist output
- Good for large rooms
Cons:
- Needs frequent cleaning
- Gurgling sound sometimes
- Bright LED in the power button
Conclusion
These recommended models can make the air in your home healthier, give you more comfort, and make it easier for you to breathe. You have your choice of going with cool mist settings or warm mist settings. Some can function as both and have intermittent mist settings. You can choose models that allow you to set precision humidity levels or have different levels you select so the machine can keep your home at the desired level of humidity. Try to choose a model that is easy to clean, as you will need to maintain it in a healthy working condition. You’ll also need to decide if you need a portable humidifier or not. Once you decide on the model, you’ll be on your way to breathing better in your home in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Popular Humidifier?
What Humidifier Is The Best For Home Use?
This is the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier. If you’re more interested in warm mist humidifiers, go with the Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier V745A. Other good options include the Dyson Purifier Humidify + Cool and the Magictec Cool Mist Humidifier. The Dyson humidifier, in particular, has many fans.
Do Doctors Recommend Humidifiers?
There are times when doctors will recommend them. They’re typically suggested to those with allergies or asthma or for anyone with a head cold.
Is Sleeping With A Humidifier Good For You?
Many people report better sleep when using one at night, especially in times of congestion.
Do Cool Mist Vaporizers Kill Germs?
They don’t kill germs, but they help remove germs and bacteria from the air through moisture.
Do Vaporizers Kill Viruses?
It’s not known if they kill the flu virus, but dry air is known to allow the flu virus to spread more easily. Thus, using one can help prevent the flu from spreading.
Should A Humidifier Run All Night?
It’s ok for it to run all night to maintain the humidity level you would like.
Are Vaporizers Good For Dry Noses?
Ultimately, any humidifier can help with your dry nose. The best option would be to go with one that can produce both warm and cool mist so you can use it accordingly.
Which Is Better, A Diffuser Or A Humidifier?
A humidifier is better for those looking for more moisture in the air. A diffuser will allow you to add a scent to the air in your home with the use of moisture.
Do Vaporizers Clean Air Well?
They do keep bacteria, mold, and germs from growing in the air in your home. So, in a way, they do help clean the air.
What Model Is Good For Winter?
What Kind Of Humidifier Is Best?
Which Humidifier Is Considered The Safest?
Are Humidifiers Good For Everyday Use?
What Are The Main Types Of Humidifiers?
Are Humidifiers Safe For The Lungs?
Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Jeanne Meets
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