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In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
wintertime weather often brings wry air , which can wreak havoc on humidness levels in your home . Low humidity can conduct to teetotal , antsy peel and it can even worsen cold or coughs that also tend to make it with cold , dry weather . In that case , it could be beneficial to seek out a coolheaded mist humidifier to pose in single suite .
“ The ideal humidity range that I advocate to patients is somewhere between 30 or 40 percentage , ” saysOmar Waqar , M.D. , an allergist at ENT and Allergy Associates . If your humidity level are below this kitchen range , it might be clock time to retrieve a humidifier .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
While it ’s easy to get caught up in extra features , such as night light or substantive fossil oil diffusers , Brad Roberson , prexy of Aire Serv , a Neighborly company recommends pay snug attention to a humidifier ’s capacity and way size of it before purchasing .
“ Over - sizing a single - elbow room humidifier can direct to constitutional growth , such asmold and mildew , as well as have damage to the home and furniture , and create unpleasant odors related to the organic growth , ” Roberson says . “ An under - sized unit may be ineffective and not deliver hope results . ”
In accession to Waqar and Roberson , we also spoke toAlison Ehrlich , M.D. , FAAD , a member of the American Academy of Dermatology , for expert insights .
Credit: Amazon
What We Tested
To regain the best cool mist humidifiers , we put nearly 50 models to the test , both in our testing research laboratory and in our own rest home . To determine each humidifier ’s overallvalue , we evaluated the products based on six categories : setup , effectiveness , design , size , andease of cleansing .
To memorise more about how we tested cool mist humidifiers , check out our testing process below .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Vicks EasyCare+ TopFill Ultrasonic Humidifier
This choice is wanton to practice and refill , is quiet , and can be used with Vicks VapoPads , Vapo Steam , or substantive oil for aromatherapy .
The low scene does n’t give rise as much detectable humidity as the gamey setting .
TheVicks EasyCare+is the best cool mist humidifier for a number of reasons , not least of which is the easy set up process . We found the instruction manual well-off to adopt and appreciate how uncomplicated it was to impart all-important oil into the opening at the top of the hat for a bit of aromatherapy . Thanks to the open tank , it ’s easy to see when you need to fill again it with water . And because it ’s a top - fill selection , you could take it mighty to the sink or pour distilled urine directly into the top when it ’s quick for a refill .
The humidifier noticeably increase humidity in the elbow room within just 30 second on the high mise en scene . The humidity level did n’t feel noticeably high when the machine was on grim . While running on low , the humidifier did n’t pull much water supply . When running on high , the humidifier used more water , but the tank car was still about half full after we break away the unit for three hours , mean you wo n’t constantly be refill this model .
Both the high and low configurations were so restrained that we only notice quiet dripping and whir sounds when standing right next to it . And the humidifier was easy to clean , with no seeable limescale or pink mold buildup . We noticed our pinched passages were n’t as dry and some mild over-crowding cleared after using a compounding of the humidifier and essential oil .
How It Performed After Six Months
When try the humidifier at domicile , the water tank lasted us an average of two nights . We appreciated that the small size of it allow the gimmick to conform to under our bathroom faucet , and with regular maintenance , we did n’t find any mineral buildup .
intersection contingent : Type : Ultrasonic |Room size:250 straightforward feet |Capacity:0.6 gallons |Dimensions:8.6x8.5x8.6 column inch |Run time : Up to 24 time of day
Key Terms to Know
Best Budget
Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
A top - fill tank , tidy capacity , and diffuser make this a feature - rich humidifier that ’s also pocketbook - well-disposed .
Though soft enough , cleaning the model took 50 hour .
On the hunt for a budget - friendly humidifier ? ThisLevoit modelfeatures a top - fill armored combat vehicle for ease of use , include an essential petroleum diffuser , can hold up to 0.79 gallons of water , and can splay 360 degree .
It garner top mark for effectiveness , and we notice an quick gain in the elbow room ’s humidity while on the high setting . The low setting still added wet to the line , though it was n’t quite as noticeable . Both configurations were smooth , with only a subtle phone of water bubbling when we stand nearby .
The piss army tank holds up to 0.79 gallons . During our tests , we were able to pass the humidifier for eight 60 minutes on both high and low without call for to fill again the armoured combat vehicle .
Cleaning the humidifier was a snatch more Byzantine with the filter , sound silencer , and float needing to be break up andsoaked in vinegarfor 20 minutes . We spend a total of 50 minute clean and reassembling the humidifier the first clock time . Though a dewy-eyed process , it was a spot more time - consuming overall .
How it Performed After Six Months
When using the humidifier in our bedroom , it was quiet enough that we never get a line it over our livid noise machine . In our weekly cleanings , we sometimes detect a svelte stain in the tank , which wiped off easy and was likely because of our tap water .
Product point : eccentric : supersonic |Room size:290 straight feet |Capacity:0.79 gallons |Dimensions:8.6x8.5x8.6 inch |Run time : Up to 25 hours
Best for Bedrooms
Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier
It has a built - in nighttime - light and can be used with Vicks VapoPads .
Overfilling the piddle tank is light to do , and the high setting may add too much humidness , depending on your room size and preference .
Using ahumidifier in your bedroomcan be specially beneficial if you ’re experience allergies or a cold , and we recommend theVicks 3 - in-1 Sleepy Time Humidifier . It can easily moisturize rooms up to 300 straight metrical foot , plus the model come with a Vicks VapoPad , which can help ease congestion . We notice the Vicks scent start off strong but faded by the close of the day , so we switched to three to four drop of all-important oil in the tank for a more consistent , longer - endure scent .
This unit of measurement increase the room ’s humidity by an norm of 15 percent over three day of examination on its low setting . It also used less than 2 cup of body of water per day , which is telling fall in the increase in wet tier we respect . After three years on the eminent setting , the medium humidity increase was an even more telling 42 percent when measured in the same spot .
Both configurations produced a low level of noise which was corresponding to asound machineused for sleeping . We ran the humidifier for eight hour before it needed a refill , and we enjoyed the nighttime - light feature , which has seven color options and could be particularly fun for a nestling ’s bedroom .
refill are a snap since you merely pullulate water in , and it ’s sluttish to see when the tank take a refill . However , it was tricky for us to see when the tank was at capacity while refilling , so we overfilled it a few times . It ’s also significant to note that the tankful ’s cap have up a bit of outer space , so you ’ll want to go out a few centimeters of air in the cooler rather than filling it to the rim with piddle .
The Vicks EasyCare and Top Fill Ultrasonic Humidifier is easy to set up and use, and changes the air noticeably in just 30 minutes.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
While cleaning , we did n’t see any visible molding or limescale on the unit . It ’s a modest storage tank , so it ’s easy and quicker to strip — employ vinegar to give the tank a good soaking for up to 20 second and wash it exhaustively , then wipe down the floor .
We chance this machine skilful for one - off uses , like when you or a family member are manage with a coldness . At its highest setting , the piss capacitance did n’t last through the nighttime , and the diminished tank mean you ’ll need to replenish the twist every day . However , the small size of it made refill and cleaning a breeze , as it fit in a shallow john sink .
Cartesian product item : Type : Ultrasonic |Room size:100 to 300 square foot |Capacity:0.6 gallons |Dimensions:8.6x8.23x8.15 inch |Run prison term : Up to 24 hours
Best for Large Rooms
Lacidoll Cool Mist Ultrasonic Whole House Humidifier
This humidifier include an essential oil colour diffuser tray , and can easily be fill again simply by pour water into the top of the unit .
The cooler only has a 4 - inch window , which does n’t let you see when it is buzz off empty .
Larger space call for a humidifier than can do by more straight feet , like theLacidoll whole - house humidifier . It admit a diffuser tray for essential oils and can handle up to 1,000 square feet , much larger than many of the other example out there . With a capacity of over four congius , it ’s a cinch to refill the tank — just pour urine into the top of the unit .
Setting up this humidifier was spry and easy , and the mellow setting now increase the humidity levels within the first minute . However , it also mean the air was thicker and laborious in the room , so you may not want to place this in a small outer space . By twenty-four hour period two on high , a hygrometer reading showed an increase of 54 per centum humidity .
We observed a few difference of opinion between the tube versus the cover . The cover only increase humidity for the first four hours of function , whereas the pipe increase humidness throughout the 24-hour interval . On low with the mist cover , the humidity in reality drop by one percentage point at 10 feet away . Using the mist tube , humidity increased by 62 percentage on twenty-four hours two . Both options were very hushed .
The tank ’s reckon windowpane is rather small at four inch , so you may not be able to enjoin when the storage tank is empty . Yet even on high , the humidifier only used about a quarter of its 4.2 - gallon capacity . We found it easy to go using either the digital display or the remote ascendency , which both operate a 12 - hour timer that comes in handy at bedtime . No mold was seeable when clean the unit , and this humidifier come with a UV light for desexualise water .
We were able to run this humidifier for three to four days without refill the tank car . Even when ladder the humidifier on low , it produced enough vapor to make a noticeable conflict . The bombastic capacity does have its downside though , as we had to dump out a large amount of water that went unused as the conditions alter . Plus , agree the water tier need start the cooler , which was an troublesomeness . Despite a few downsides , we still urge the humidifier for large space .
Product Details : eccentric : supersonic |Room sizing : Up to 1,000 square fundament |Capacity:4.2 gallons |Dimensions:11.22x26.85x11.22 inches |Run time : Up to 60 hour
Best Dual Mist
Levoit OasisMist Smart Humidifier
This humidifier connect to an app to do timers and adjust its scope ,
It entertain onto bacterium more than the other models we tested .
gain nearly perfect marks in all family , thisLevoit fresh humidifierallows you to choose a nerveless or warm mist — also known as a double - mist model . It add up assembled , so other than take time to read the quick startle scout , there was virtually no setup time required .
It also comes with a pop - out control panel with an absorbent material inkpad to diffuse your pick of essential rock oil , and both in high spirits and low configurations diffuse scent good . None of the mise en scene were loud , and the humidifier ’s display argue which setting is selected by a set of light pane ( one for humbled , two for medium , three for gamey ) .
On low , the humidifier used less than 6 cups of weewee ( the tank holds about 19 cups in total ) while it used less than 9 on high . We did n’t see any limescale , mould , or buildup , and it only take in about six proceedings to scavenge the unit . descale the tank took up to 40 minute and 9 cups of acetum to hook the tank , float pad , piddle filter , and racket muffler . However , when we tested the unit of measurement for bacterium using an agar plate , it held onto more bacteria than other models we tested .
Where this unit shine is its overbold features and app connectivity . It allows you to gear up timers , modification preferences , and turn the machine on or off all through the app . And if you require to expend a humidifier as part of your plant care function , the app has a plant - designation feature article , watering docket , and reminders specifically for your plant .
The gimmick ’s capacity continued to yarn-dye us throughout our long - terminal figure testing period , as it endure us closely 12 hours when fill to the top . Some moving picture does take form around the al-Qaeda , but we ’ve found it easy to wipe off , and veritable cleaning has been easy overall .
Product detail : Type : Ultrasonic |Room size:430 square feet |Capacity:1.18 gallons |Dimensions:6x11.97x10.8 in |Run prison term : Up to 45 hours
The Bottom Line
After test 50 humidifiers , we chose theVicks EasyCare+as our pick for the secure cool mist humidifier . We line up it easy to expend and easy to refill during our examination process . It ’s also unruffled , reserve you to use essential oil color or Vicks product , and extend generous humidness levels without the want to constantly refill the water storage tank .
Our Testing Process
We spent over two years appraise 50 humidifiers for frame-up , effectiveness , aim , ease of cleansing , and overall time value .
In our testing lab , we used hygrometers to measure humidity levels at 2 and 10 human foot from each humidifier and observed the deviation in humidness over the course of three years . For humidifiers that also includedessential fossil oil diffusers , we added cliff of oil to test the effectualness of the diffusers . We also tested three-fold mist humidifiers on their nerveless and warm mist choice , when those features were usable .
We evaluated the noise storey of each machine using a dB meter and recorded how much water each unit of measurement used on low and high setting . We visually maintain the humidifiers for any moulding or limescale before cleanse and , when applicable , also observed filters . We then clean the humidifier , taking line of how easy or unmanageable it was to clean accord to the instructions included by the producer .
After our initial test , we involve the humidifiers home to use for six month , note any changes in quality or issue that have arisen after recollective - term enjoyment .
What to Know About Cool Mist Humidifiers Before Shopping
Type
When it comes to nerveless mist humidifiers , you ’ll see both evaporative and ultrasonic types on the market . Roberson excuse the difference : “ Evaporative humidifiers employ a fan to blow atmosphere through a slopped wick or filter . " On the other paw , " Ultrasonic humidifiers use ultrasonic quiver to produce a hunky-dory mist of water . ”
Ultrasonic models do not have filter and can go forth white-hot dust — stimulate by minerals in tap urine — on surrounding surfaces . This is minimized inevaporative humidifiersthanks to their filter . In both models , though , it ’s best to use distilled water to prevent evaporating bacterium and mineral , which can exacerbate allergic reaction .
Capacity and Room Size
Before bribe a humidifier , you ’ll require to cerebrate about the sizing of the room that needs a bit of extra moisture . Roberson tells us humidifiers that can bind 1.5 gallon of water are typically going to work well in rooms measure approximately 300 square feet . choose a framework with a modest capacity will command more frequent refilling , but will also help keep idle water from sit around in the tank and encourage bacteria growth .
Roberson recommends look at humidifiers with at least a 2 - gallon capacity for larger elbow room . Our best for large elbow room beak , theLacidoll 4.2 Gal . Cool Mist Ultrasonic Whole House Humidifier , has a 4.2 - gallon capacity and can moisturize rooms up to 1,000 square feet .
Mist Temperature
bet on the model of humidifier you purchase , you might be able to control the temperature of the mist . Somedual mist models , like theLevoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifieruse a combining of ultrasonic engineering and heating elements to release a warm mist
Ehrlich aver , “ coolheaded or warm mist is personal predilection , as one is not in general kip so close that the divergence would be noticed . ”
Care
As with any humidifier , it ’s imperative to regularlyclean a cool mist humidifierto keep bacteria from growing . Waqar says , “ The weewee tank should be empty and dry out daily . They really should be cleaned prior to every usance . ”
The water you habituate is also authoritative , and distill is the safest selection . The gamey mineral content of water tap water can promote bacterial outgrowth ; tap water will also induce supersonic manakin to leave more fine dust on the surfaces around your humidifier .
“ I encourage my patients to read the manufacturing business ’s teaching for further information on how to wield and scavenge their humidifier , ” Waqar say . “ And it ’s also crucial to commemorate that these humidifiers often have filters that postulate to be regularly cleaned or supplant . ”
Features
While shopping for a cool mist humidifier , you ’ll find that some models have more characteristic than others . In our tests , we appreciate features like built - in hygrometers , digital displays , and smart connectivity as they helped us keep tabs on the humidifier ’s performance . Night lights , like those on theVicks 3 - in-1 Sleepy Time Humidifier , were most helpful in children ’s sleeping accommodation .
If you care to useessential oils , some models include aromatherapy trays , admit the humidifier to double as a diffusor .
Other Cool Mist Humidifiers We Tested
Crane 4-in-1 Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier EE-8086
Though frame-up took less than five minutes and it ’s a quiet choice , we just could n’t give theCrane humidifiera blot in our list . It did n’t in effect humidify , even on the high setting , and we note several bacterial colonies on the agar plate trial .
Taotronics 4L Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
TheTaotronics humidifierwas easy to use , smooth , and pack in size . However , we found it difficult to say if any limescale or mold buildup subsist because they could n’t see inside the storage tank and the admittance point in the armored combat vehicle was too small for us to reach in to sense .
Homedics TotalComfort Humidifier
We found the water tank on theHomedics TotalComfort Humidifierallowed water to ooze out , making the fill again process mussy . We also find the mist spout on this manakin difficult to pick , requiring the use of a dead set cotton mop toremove mildew buildup . Even though it was effective at humidifying the tune , it was n’t as user - favorable as we would have liked .
Your Questions, Answered
Do cool mist humidifiers make a room cold?
Despite their name , nerveless mist humidifiers do n’t in reality chill the elbow room . Roberson articulate , “ The mist they bring out is around room temperature . The vaporization outgrowth can have a modest cooling effect , which is often not noticed in large rooms . ”
Are cool mist humidifiers good for allergies and asthma?
According to Roberson , coolheaded mist humidifiers can be helpful for some masses experiencing allergies or asthma . He says , “ They are designed to add moisture to the melodic phrase , which can aid masses who lot with dry throat and fretful skin . ”
And humidifiers may have another benefit : “ The moisture can make it more challenging for some virus to survive and may extend assuagement for respiratory condition , ” Roberson says .
Does a humidifier clean the air?
“ Humidifiers help ameliorate indoor air lineament by maintaining optimal humidity levels , ” according to Roberson . However , a humidifier is n’t going to strip aviation like anair purifierwould — though there are some elision , like two-fold - use auto like theDyson Purifier Humidify+Cool . In oecumenical , though , you wo n’t want to rely on a humidifier to also clean the air in the room .
Who We Are
This article was compose byBrittany VanDerBill , a lifestyle and traveling writer whose work has been published with several Dotdash Meredith blade . She began writing for Dotdash Meredith in 2021 , report a smorgasbord of issue include pets , article of clothing , and production templet . Her expertise is focused on shopping , cleaning and organizing , and home advance .
To discover the best cool mist humidifiers , she combed through insights from our 34 testers who spent over 196 hour on examination . The testers assess 50 cool mist humidifiers on effectiveness , economic value , simpleness of purpose , design , ease of cleaning , and more to place the best cool mist humidifiers . Bretagne also consultedBrad Roberson , president of Aire Serv , a Neighborly company , Omar Waqar , M.D. allergist , andAlison Ehrlich , M.D. , FAAD , a extremity of the American Academy of Dermatology .
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this leaning , you may have noticed our BHG Recommends Navy SEAL of blessing . product that pull in the stamp have been put through rigorous testing to check that they ’re deserving a smear in your home . We buy most of the product we examine ourselves , but occasionally we are provided sample by company if purchasing is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same testing criteria we use to test the buy products .
The Levoit Dual 150 sits comfortably on a tabletop in a bedroom, living room, or home office, noticeably changing the room’s humidity levels.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Vicks SleepTime humidifier can be paired with VaporPads or essential oils and used as a diffuser, too.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The Lacidoll includes a large digital display that shows the humidity level.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The Levoit OasisMist Smart humidifier showed a difference in the humidity on our thermometer during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The Vicks Ultrasonic Humidifier has an easy-to-fill clear water tank that makes it easy to see how much is left after using it.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
