Humidifiers: Reviews

Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency sound to vaporize water. The Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic 7144 is a versatile model that can produce warm or cool mist, so it's helpful in cool or warm weather. This humidifier puts out… expandup to 3.5 gallons of moisture per day, which the manufacturer says will humidify a 650-square-foot room (although some users disagree). Its digital humidistat allows the unit to maintain a preset target humidity level. Users praise this machine's quiet operation and sleek design, and they say its ultrafine mist is very effective. However, like most ultrasonic models, it can release minerals dissolved in the water, producing a white dust; some recommend using filtered water to control the problem. Also, some users find the water tank tricky to refill. The Air-O-Swiss 7144 comes with a hydro stick (*Est. $30) to keep the water fresh, which must be replaced yearly. collapse

The Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist Humidifier is an ultrasonic tabletop humidifier with an output of 2.3 gallons per day, enough to humidify 250 square feet of space. However, the tank holds just 1 gallon of water, so it needs… expandto be refilled often. This humidifier offers variable mist output (controlled by a dial) and shuts off automatically when the water tank runs dry. Users say it does its job efficiently and quietly, and they like that it does not require expensive filters or cartridges. However, like all humidifiers, it must be cleaned regularly, a job some say is hard to do. Filling the tank can also be awkward, according to some users. collapse

While tabletop humidifiers can add moisture to the air in a single room, stand-alone consoles can humidify several rooms or a whole house. The Kenmore 15412 is an evaporative humidifier that can put out 12 gallons of… expandmoisture per day, enough to cover 2,500 square feet of space. Its humidistat allows you to adjust the humidity in 5-percent increments, and its double-fill tank system reduces the number of trips you must make to the sink. Professional tests show that the Kenmore 15412 produces very good moisture output, although it is much louder than most humidifiers. Users say this machine is easy to fill and covers a large area, but the ongoing cost of replacement filters (*Est. $18) is a minus. collapse

Although experts generally say cool-mist humidifiers are better for most purposes, the Vicks V745A warm-mist humidifier is an option if you want to make a room feel warmer during the winter. However, be aware that we… expandfound more complaints about the durability of warm-mist humidifiers than about cool-mist models in general. One plus is that there are no ongoing filter costs (though regular thorough cleaning is required). The Vicks V745A has two vapor settings; users say the machine runs quietly on the low setting, but some find it too noisy on high. Some users also find this humidifier difficult to clean. The V745A has an automatic safety shutoff (though some say this feature can be unreliable) and a nightlight. One caution: We read several reports of leaks with this model. collapse