Honeywell HWM-450 Review

What reviewers like:
The Honeywell HWM-450 is often credited for producing an effective steam output that quickly humidifies a room, as well as for its attractive design and features.

What reviewers don't like:
Many reviewers mention that the Honeywell HWM-450 humidifier will need cleaning at least weekly, and in some cases owners say their unit began to leak or quit functioning altogether.

Honeywell HWM-450 review highlights

One professional review calls the Honeywell HWM-450 QuickSteam humidifier "commendably quiet and compact" and gives it a high mark for performance (it's rated for areas up to 1,400 square feet). Its mineral absorption pads and digital controls are also attractive features. Users likewise credit this model for its unusually fast and effective humidity output and appealing design, while dividing on whether it's quiet or distractingly noisy. However, there are also numerous complaints that it begins leaking or simply stops working after a short period. There's also general agreement that it will need at least weekly cleaning. An alternative unit might be the Enviracaire EWM-220 (*est. $110), which is the class leader among warm-mist humidifiers but costs somewhat more.

Slate.com's comparison review of seven humidifiers is the most helpful we found for the Honeywell HWM-450. Slate's reviewer gives each model numerical ratings based on its performance, maintenance needs and style strengths. Each also receives a paragraph describing her experience testing it. For owner reviews, Amazon.com's 250-plus postings for this humidifier provide a wide range of real-world views. Epinions is much less useful, with only a few postings.

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

Slate's professional reviewer awards the Honeywell HWM-450 the second-highest rating among the seven humidifiers tested based on its "smart" design and digital controls, reporting that its performance "trounced" the other warm-mist unit she tested and that it didn't leak.

2. Amazon.com
Honeywell HWM450 Quick Steam Warm Moisture Humidifier Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

The 250-plus user reviewers here are sharply divided on the Honeywell HWM-450, leading to a rating that's barely above average. The positive reviews say that it's quiet, efficient and humidifies extremely quickly, while the negative reviewers find fault with frequent cleaning, noise and leaking, in some cases claiming that the humidifier stopped working after just a few weeks.

3. Epinions
Honeywell HWM-450 4 Gallon Humidifier Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

Only a few owners post reviews of the Honeywell HWM-450, and while it's favored for quietly and effectively humidifying a room, the consensus rating is below average because two reviewers say their units broke down completely.

Also see full report: Humidifiers

Honeywell HWM-450 Review