Vicks Ultrasonic V5100-N Review

What reviewers like:
The positive points mentioned most often for the Vicks V5100-N are that it's very quiet and humidifies effectively, and the directional mist control can be a handy feature.

What reviewers don't like:
In some cases, consumers have experienced white dust with the Vicks V5100-N humidifier, and a few others say that their unit inexplicably broke down.

Vicks Ultrasonic V5100-N review highlights

One expert reviewer recommends the Vicks Ultrasonic V5100-N humidifier for children's rooms, as there's no boiling water to create a potential burn hazard and it operates extremely quietly. Also, its mist outlet has a directional control that allows the mist to flow toward the child's bed. Positive reviews from consumers usually focus on how quiet it is and report that it humidifies its rated area of 600 square feet effectively. A small number of reviewers say that the Vicks Ultrasonic humidifier produces white dust, though a demineralization cartridge is designed to minimize this. A few also complain that it simply quits working after a short period. Another ultrasonic model, the Air-O-Swiss 7135 (*est. $160), is rated for the same space and has extra features that makes it the class leader, though its reputation for quality is reflected in a much higher price.

A "Top Picks" article from About.com's Guide to Pediatrics is the most useful expert review we found for the Vicks Ultrasonic V5100-N humidifier. The list singles out five models as the best choices for children's rooms and describes the strengths of each one, though it's not clear that any testing was done. Another professional reviewer, Sensible Home's James Dulley, takes note of this model in his rundown of recommended humidifier brands, though there's no commentary. The widest range of user reviews we found is at Amazon.com, with almost 20 postings for the Vicks Ultrasonic humidifier. A similar number can be found at Target.com, while Epinions provides only a handful.

Also see full report: Humidifiers

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

1. About.com
Humidifiers and Vaporizers
Vincent Iannelli, M.D.

About.com's Guide to Pediatrics includes the Vicks V5100-N in this list of the top five humidifiers for children's rooms. He recommends it for its quiet operation, humidity regulator and directional mist control. There's no evidence that the units were actually tested, however. Note that About.com and ConsumerSearch are owned by the same parent company, but are not affiliated editorially.

2. Amazon.com
Vicks Ultrasonic Humidifier - V-5100-N Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

Around 20 user reviews of the Vicks V5100-N are spread under two headings. It's praised for its quiet and efficient operation, but in a few cases owners say their Vicks humidifiers were unreliable and quit working, resulting in a merely average rating.

3. Target.com
Vicks Ultrasonic Humidifier – V-5100-N Reviews
Contributors to Target.com

Most of the nearly 20 owners posting reviews for the Vicks V5100-N humidifier say that it's both effective and very quiet, but because some also claim that their units either generated white dust or broke down, the overall rating is barely average.

4. Sensible Home
>> Details/Subscribe
Humidifiers – Update Bulletin #649
James Dulley

Environmental engineer and columnist James Dulley's article includes the Vicks V5100 in a list of "the highest-quality humidifiers for home use," though he offers no comments about this specific model.

5. Epinions
Vicks V5100N Humidifier Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

The low number of postings makes this a less useful source for consumer reviews, but owners do like that the Vicks V5100-N makes little noise. A couple complain of white dust.

Also see full report: Humidifiers

Vicks Ultrasonic V5100-N Review