Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic 7142 Review

What reviewers like:
The Air-O-Swiss 7142 humidifier is favored for its stylish appearance, near-silent operation and advanced control features such as the hygrostat, digital display and auto shut-off function.

What reviewers don't like:
The main negatives reviewers cite for the Air-O-Swiss 7142 humidifier are that it requires lots of costly care and may produce white dust.

Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic 7142 review highlights

A warm/cool-mist humidifier rated for a space of 860 square feet, the Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic 7142 is recognized by professional reviewers for its sleek, contemporary looks and ultra-quiet operation. These reviewers also appreciate its sophisticated controls, which include a humidity-regulating hygrostat, directional mist output and an automatic shut-off function. All of these plusses are mentioned in consumer reviews as well, and many owners credit this humidifier with efficient performance. Reviewers do take note of its rather expensive maintenance requirements, including replacement of the demineralization cartridge and antibacterial silver stick. Some users also say the Air-O-Swiss humidifier is tricky to refill, and those in areas with hard water claim it can produce white dust. The class leader among cool-mist models, the Kenmore 15408 8-Gallon Humidifier (*est. $100), is rated for an even larger area and might be worth considering as an alternative. Although not as attractive or high-tech, reviewer opinion suggests it's a good value and likely to be equally effective.

Among reviews for the Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic 7142 humidifier, the most informative we found is a comparative report on Slate.com. The writer evaluates seven humidifier models, rating each one with numerical scores for its performance, maintenance needs and general style. Another professional review is available from Allergy Buyers Club, where the editors give the Air-O-Swiss humidifier an overall rating and detail its strengths and weaknesses. For user responses, Amazon.com is the best source with around 30 postings from owners. The small number of postings on Epinions are much less comprehensive.

Also see full report: Humidifiers

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Slate.com
Get Misty for Me: Humidifiers to help you through the winter
Laura Moser
Jan. 31, 2008

In this comparative review of seven humidifiers, reviewer Laura Moser places the Air-O-Swiss 7142 in the middle of the pack. She approves of its stylish appearance and features like the digital hygrometer and directional mist spout that allow for precise control of the unit's output. However, she gives it middling marks for performance and notes that it "seems quite the costly enterprise" to maintain.

2. Allergy Buyers Club.com
AIR-O-SWISS Ultrasonic Humidifiers – Model 7142
Editors of Allergy Buyers Club

This retailer site's professional review rates the Air-O-Swiss 7142 "very good plus" based on its near-silent operation, humidity-regulating hygrostat and sleek looks, while commenting that the humidifier's vertical design makes it harder to clean and refill.

3. Amazon.com
Air-O-Swiss U7142 3.5 Gal. Cool/Warm Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

Around 30 owner posts give the Air-O-Swiss 7142 an average rating, with most praising its effectiveness, quiet operation and humidity-regulating controls. Others complain of white dust and difficulty refilling the tank.

4. Epinions
Air-O-Swiss U7142 Humidifier Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

The Air-O-Swiss 7142 earns an average rating from the handful of consumers posting here, who agree that it's noise-free and well designed. But they also observe that it's high-maintenance and expensive.

Also see full report: Humidifiers

Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic 7142 Review