Humidifiers, like any other appliance, will need maintenance. Besides ease of use, consider how much effort it will take for you to fill and clean its parts. Its dimensions should correspond to your space, and you’ll definitely want to invest in quiet models that will not disturb your peace of mind. We’ve done the research to bring you a selection to help you secure the best possible humidifier.
AIRCARE Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier
Best full-home humidifier
The AirCare MA1202 is a no-frills, all-business humidifier. It sure can be entrusted to humidify homes or areas up to 3,600-square feet with a 3.6-liter tank. You can toggle through four fan speeds and count on it to shut itself off when it reaches the ideal humidity. The digital readout atop the device then loops you in on all the information you need to know. Rest assured, it will keep you aware of your current settings and when you have to refill or check its filter.
Why we love it:
- Advisable for households with pets with the ability to catch dust and dander
- Single bottle design and evaporative wick filter ensure smooth operation
- ETL approved for safety to run up to 36-hours
Why we don’t:
- Can be too bulky for large spaces
LEVOIT Ultrasonic Humidifier
Best Value
Designed to soothe the senses and create a conducive atmosphere for sleep, work, or lounging, the LEVOIT Ultrasonic Humidifier keeps the noise down to 26-decibels and lets you switch its display lights off. Its 3-liter tank maximizes every effort you put into a refill with its capacity to runs up to 25-hours. It becomes all the more impressive since you don’t have to stand up or be near it to make any adjustments. You can just speak up and command it or program it from your smart device.
Why we love it:
- Hands-free operation with Alexa
- Controllable with the free downloadable VeSync app
- 360-degree nozzle with convenient speed and directional settings
Why we don’t:
- Tank may leak if not installed correctly onto its base
Elechomes Ultrasonic Humidifier
Most Intuitive
The Elechomes Ultrasonic Humidifier has three different mist levels and a heating function that allows you to breathe easier and stay cozy in areas up to 750-square feet. You can control it from across the room with the remote and simply refer to its LED display to reflect humidity level. It even has a 12-hour timer and an autosave function to boot. Fans of aromatherapy will be pleased to find that it has a dedicated box where you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils.
Why we love it:
- Extra-large 6-liter tank does not demand frequent refilling
- Warm and cool-mist functionality makes it applicable to all seasons
- Smart sensing technology takes the guesswork out of humidity levels
Why we don’t:
- 32-decibel operation may not be the quietest option
Pure Enrichment MistAire Cloud
Best humidifier for kids
Kids can fall blissfully asleep as if they were on cloud nine with the Pure Enrichment MistAire Cloud by their bedside. It is compact enough to be stationed on a nightstand and heavenly shaped to blend in your little one’s nursery or bedroom. It glows eight rainbow colors, and its mist output can be incrementally adjusted as you rotate the knob at the back. The 1.8-liter tank can last up to 24-hours while its large opening makes it a breeze to handwash and sanitize
Why we love it:
- Functions as a nightlight and decorative room accent
- Comes with a cleaning brush and a 5-year warranty
- Parent tested and approved design
Why we don’t:
- Coverage is limited to 250-square feet
ction as a night light that switches through eight rainbow colors that can soothe them to sleep. As a humidifier, it has a powerful mist output that can last up to 24-hours while its large water tank makes it easy to clean.
Why we love it:
- 8 rainbow nightlight options
- Powerful mist output lasts through the day (or night)
- Easy to clean design
What are the types of humidifiers?
Humidifiers fall under two categories. They can either be evaporative or ultrasonic. The good news is that both serve the same goal of incorporating moisture in the air through water vapor.
Evaporative humidifiers are more traditional with paper filters that basically look like large wicks partly submerged in water. It then has a built-in fan that blows through it to hasten the evaporation process. These units tend to be less expensive but do require regular filter maintenance.
On the other hand, ultrasonic humidifiers make use of high-frequency vibrations to emit a visible fog-like mist. With a smaller mechanism, these models can be more portable and quiet. While it appears to be more costly upfront, you can save on operation costs since it usually does not have filters to be cleaned or replaced.
How do you clean humidifiers?
Regardless of the type of humidifier, unplugging the appliance is always the first step to avoid the risk of sending an unnecessary electric shock through your body. You want clean and pure water vapor in your air, so you should rinse and disinfect the tank daily to prevent mineral buildup. You must dry the tank before latching it back onto the humidifier’s base. And if your unit has a filter or cartridge, you definitely want to check on those weekly. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
