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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Warm-mist humidifier
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Two moisture settings
- No filters to replace
- Auto shutoff
- May be noisy on high setting
- May be difficult to clean
- Reports of leakage
- Some durability problems
The Vicks Warm Mist V745A is an inexpensive, lightweight warm-mist humidifier. It has two moisture settings, high and low. The manufacturer says it will run for up to 12 hours on the low setting, and users say it will run all night even on high. Users like that this model, like other warm-mist humidifiers, does not require filters (the water is sterilized by boiling). Most users say the humidifier runs quietly, at least on the low setting, but some find it too noisy on high. Some users also find it difficult to clean, especially because the machine needs to cool for at least 15 minutes before the tank is removed and wiped dry. (The manufacturer recommends doing this daily and de-scaling the tank with vinegar weekly.) For safety, this humidifier shuts off automatically when the tank runs dry -- a feature that some users say is unreliable and causes the machine to shut down at random. We also read several reports of leakage and other durability problems with this humidifier. If you prefer a cool-mist humidifier (recommended for rooms with small children), consider the inexpensive Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist Humidifier (*Est. $45) .
The Vicks Warm Mist V745A is included in the latest roundup of humidifiers at ConsumerReports.org. It also gets mostly positive recommendations from over 200 users posting reviews to Viewpoints.com, Drugstore.com and Walmart.com, with more mixed reviews from over 300 users at Amazon.com.
| Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier with Auto Shut-Off | |
(443 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org has test results for 13 tabletop humidifiers, including the Vicks Warm Mist V745A and three console models. Each humidifier is rated on its output, ease of use, noise level, energy efficiency and ability to handle hard water. Some user reviews may also be found at this site.
Review: Humidifier Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
2. Amazon.com
The Vicks Warm Mist V745A has more than 300 user reviews at Amazon.com, with an average rating of 3.5 stars out of 5. Most users say it is quiet and holds enough water to run for a full night. However, some find it flimsy and a nuisance to maintain. We also read many reports of leaks and other defects.
Review: Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier with Auto Shut-Off, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of Sept. 2011
3. Walmart.com
The Vicks Warm Mist V745A has 100-plus reviews at Walmart.com, with an average rating of 4 stars out of 5. Users like its compact design, good output and low price. Some find it noisy and hard to clean, and we also read some complaints about leaks and other mechanical failures.
Review: Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier, Contributors to Walmart.com
In more than 80 reviews, the Vicks Warm Mist V745A earns an overall rating of 3.81 stars out of a possible 5. Users say it produces good moisture and is useful for relieving cold symptoms, but several complain that cleaning it is a nuisance.
Review: Vicks V745A Warm Mist Humidifier Reviews, Contributors to Viewpoints.com
In roughly 35 reviews at Drugstore.com, the Vicks Warm Mist V745A earns an average of 4 stars out of 5. Users like its adjustable settings, ease of use and light weight. A few say it is noisy or hard to fill, and a couple report problems such as leaks.
Review: Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier, Contributors to Drugstore.com
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