Graco 2H012 4-Gallon Humidifier Review

What reviewers like:
Adjustable controls that make it easy to regulate the humidity level are a strong plus for the Graco 2H012, and reviewers also cite it for its effectiveness and dishwasher-safe cleaning.

What reviewers don't like:
The main drawback of the Graco 2H012 mentioned by reviewers is the cost of regularly replacing its filter. Some also note that there's no light to signal low water and the humidifier can be loud.

Graco 2H012 4-Gallon Humidifier review highlights

Experts tend to recommend the Graco 2H021 cool-mist humidifier for its adjustable digital controls. These include a humidistat that cycles the unit on and off, helping to ensure that it doesn't over-humidify and that it needs less frequent refilling. It's also cited for conveniences like dishwasher-safe cleaning and a quiet setting that's good for bedrooms. Minuses include replacing the filter every few months and the lack of a light to signal that the Graco humidifier is empty. Owner reviews indicate that it's efficient over the rated space of 1,200 square feet. The major consumer complaint is that the filters are expensive and need frequent replacement, and some also say it runs loudly on high speed. An alternative that's effective over a somewhat larger area, the 8-gallon Kenmore 15408 (*est. $100), has similar features and is the class leader among cool-mist humidifiers.

An evaluation and comparative rating of the Graco 2H012 humidifier from Allergy Buyers Club is the most detailed professional review we found. Further particulars and comments from Allergy Buyers Club's president are provided on the Allergy Consumer Review site. (Some of these sources use the humidifier's former name, Hamilton Beach TrueAir 05521, but the model is the same.) This humidifier is also mentioned in a USA Today rundown of some of the best models as of 2003. Finally, more than 60 user postings on Amazon.com offer broad real-world appraisals (again, mostly under the Hamilton Beach name) while the five or so on Epinions are less helpful.

Also see full report: Humidifiers

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

1. Allergy Buyers Club.com
Graco 4 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifiers with Humidistat
Editors of Allergy Buyers Club

This professional review gives the Graco 2H012 a "very good" rating, pointing out that it has a "no-brainer" digital humidistat that cycles the unit on and off, and that its low setting is quiet enough for a child's room. The reviewer also likes that the Graco humidifier is dishwasher-safe, but faults it for not having a low-water warning light and needing filter replacement every few months.

2. Allergy Consumer Review.com
Hamilton Beach Humidifier Review
Mercia Tapping
Apr. 2007

The president of Allergy Buyers Club gives the Graco 2H012 humidifier (formerly the Hamilton Beach 05521) a detailed write-up, with appreciative remarks for its humidistat, quiet operation, dishwasher compatibility and fine mist that won't soak the surrounding space. She does consider it somewhat high-maintenance as it requires regular filter replacement and weekly cleaning, and wishes there were an alert light to indicate the unit needs refilling.

3. USA Today Magazine
Fighting Winter Dryness
Editors of USA Today Magazine
Mar. 2003

This article from 2003 mentions the Graco 2H012 humidifier under its old Hamilton Beach brand name, praising "major conveniences" like its dishwasher-safe design, drop-in wick filter, quiet setting and controls for selecting a preferred humidity level.

4. Amazon.com
Graco 4 Gallon Humidifier Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

More than 60 owners review the Graco 2H012 (most of them under its former brand name, Hamilton Beach), giving it an above average rating based on its effectiveness, adjustable digital controls, optional quiet setting and trouble-free dishwasher cleaning. A number do complain that the filters are expensive and need frequent changing, and that the Graco humidifier makes too much noise at high speed.

5. Epinions
Hamilton Beach Cool Mist 05521 3.5 Gallon Humidifier Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

Only five or so consumers review the Graco 2H012 (using its previous name, Hamilton Beach 05521). They call the humidifier efficient and easy to clean but grumble that the filters are costly and wear out too quickly.

Also see full report: Humidifiers