Best Reviewed
Humidifiers
- Best humidifier overall Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic 7144 *Est. $200
- Budget cool-mist humidifier Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist Humidifier *Est. $45
- Best console humidifier Kenmore 15412 *Est. $140
- Warm-mist humidifier Vicks Warm Mist V745A *Est. $40
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Budget cool-mist humidifier
- Compact size
- Quiet
- Variable mist output
- Inexpensive
- No filters or cartridges to replace
- Small capacity
- Difficult to fill
- Difficult to clean
- White dust buildup
- Only cool mist
The Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist Humidifier is a compact ultrasonic tabletop humidifier with an output of 2.3 gallons per day. This is sufficient to humidify a room of about 250 square feet. Its features include variable mist output (controlled by a simple dial) and an automatic shutoff. Users say this humidifier does a good job and runs very quietly. They also appreciate that it does not require any expensive filters or cartridges. However, some users find cleaning the machine difficult because the tank has crevices that are hard to reach. Others say that filling the tank is awkward because it must be turned upside down and balanced on its curved top. The size of the tank is another drawback; because it holds just less than 1 gallon, the machine will go through more than two full tanks a day at maximum output. Like other ultrasonic humidifiers, this one may leave white residue on furniture from minerals dissolved in the water; some users recommend using filtered or distilled water to prevent this problem. The Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic 7144 (*Est. $200) is a bit larger and has many additional features, but it is considerably more expensive.
The Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist Humidifier has not been evaluated in any professional tests. However, it gets strong recommendations from more than 1,000 users posting reviews to Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Viewpoints.com and Target.com.
| Crane 2.3 Gallon COOL Mist humidifier, White and Blue | |
(1,390 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. Amazon.com
The Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist Humidifier receives more than 750 user reviews at Amazon.com, with an average rating of 4 stars out of 5. Most users say it is quiet and performs well, but they are divided over its ease of use. Some say it is easy to clean and fill; others disagree.
Review: Crane Drop Shape Cool Mist Humidifier, Contributors to Amazon.com
2. Walmart.com
We found over 125 reviews for the Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist Humidifier at Walmart.com, spread across several pages. Users give the humidifier about 4.6 stars out of 5 overall, praising its quietness, output and filterless convenience. We saw only a few complaints about leakage and white dust buildup.
Review: Crane Cool Mist Humidifier, Contributors to Walmart.com
The 50-plus reviews of the Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist Humidifier on Viewpoints.com are generally positive. It earns an average rating of 4.33 stars out of 5, and 92 percent of reviewers say they would recommend it. The most commonly cited benefits are its price, performance and design.
Review: Crane 2.3 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier Reviews, Contributors to Viewpoints.com
4. Target.com
Target has about 50 reviews for the Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist Humidifier, spread across four pages. Users award it 4.75 stars out of 5 on average, praising its output, quiet operation and ease of maintenance. Only a scattered few complain of problems such as leaks, noise and white dust.
Review: Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Teardrop Humidifier, Contributors to Target.com
Reviews on Buzzillions.com are pulled from a variety of online sources. The 140-plus reviews here give the Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist Humidifier an average of 4.1 stars out of 5. Users praise its quiet operation, adjustable settings, ease of use and compact, lightweight design. A few say it is hard to clean.
Review: Crane Teardrop Shaped Cool Mist Humidifier, Contributors to Buzzillions.com
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