10 Best Humidifier 2020 & Reviews:How To Choose Without Mistake

2. AIRCARE 800 Pedestal Humidifier *Best for whole house*

Many of the pedestal-style humidifiers are less attractive for living space mounting, but this EP9 800 digital Aircare humidifier comes very attractively. The digital humidistat present in the unit monitors home humidity and regulates it to give your desired level. The nine-speed appliance features an auto shut-off that turns off the unit when tank level is no longer efficient to power the device. The evaporative humidifier is perfect for up to 2,900 square feet of humidity supply. Though, it has no castors, yet comes in a lightweight design that let you lift without exhausting your strength.

3. BONECO S450 * Most Portable Steam Humidifier *

Receiving steam mist from Boneco s450 is one of the best ways to keep yourself from the cold winter air. This boneco humidifier s450 is designed for single room utilization and features a 3.5-gallon tank that enables the steam humidifier to run for 24 hours. If your bedroom is up to 850 square feet, then it makes sense to go with this one product. The device delivers bacteria-free moisture. As such, no problem of bacteria-contaminated air. The digital display lets you view how the machine is performing. I also like the reminder that informs me when to clean the device, thereby removing the guesswork. The s450 model consumes a reduced amount of energy, which is a way of saving electric tariffs bills.

4. TTLIFE Ultrasonic Humidifier * Best touchscreen unit *

Rating a humidifier to be the best depends on variable factors. The inclusion of the Ttlife humidifier in this best humidifier reviews is owing to the outstanding features we saw. Apart from the reviewer’s comment, the ultrasonic unit is efficient for raising the humidity within space of about 750square feet. With a large tank capacity of 1.45 gallons, this device guarantees 40 hours of cool or warm mist, depending on the mist option you choose. Its large tank size invariably eliminates unnecessary refill with units having smaller reservoirs. Since it can cover up to 750 ft2, we recommend it as one of the best humidifiers for the living room, master room, bedroom, etc. Reports from consumers claim the unit works quietly, making it an ideal humidifier for sleeping at night, especially for light sleepers. The features include an optional night LED light, aroma box to give you a clean, pure, and fresh smelling aroma.

5. Elechomes SH8820 * Best top fill vaporizer humidifier *

If you a fan of Elechomes humidifiers, this vaporizer humidifying appliance from them is worth having for both winter and summer days. The dual functionality gives you the option to switch from cool mist to warm mist, and vice versa depending on your home condition. The new technology tank system is not like competitive units that leak water everywhere. Also, no need to disassemble the tank, you can refill directly by opening the top fill cover and adding your water gently. More so, the tank system can accommodate water up to 5 liters, and this runs Elechomes SH8820 Ultrasonic Top Fill Humidifier for 40 hours in one refilled. The output can reach areas of up to 755 square feet. Light sleepers will find this 32 dB noise appliance useful for a serene environment.

6. Aprilaire 865 Humidifier * Best whole house steam producing unit *

Boneco s450 was the first steam humidifier featured in this discussion, and it’s for single room use. As for those looking for a powerful humidity distributing appliance, Aprilaire 865 is engineered to meet this need. Though the 865 models require installation, you won’t need to spend extra cash for the HAVC duct system because it can be mount on its own without any extra attachment.  Apart from that, the Aprilaire steam humidifying machine is an energy and water-saving model. Therefore, spend-less on water and energy bills while still spreading humidity in a whole house. Since it is for entire building humidity needs, you can trust the device to work effectively in areas reaching 6, 200 square feet. 

7. Vornado Evap40 4-Gallon Evaporative

The Vornado Evap40 is one of the most portable and most efficient humidifiers for single room humidity level control. The unit can deliver fine evaporative mist with the help of a wick filter and a fan that blows water the unit filter. This unit uses signature vortex circulation making the air distribute evenly within a space of 1,000squarefeet. It features a knob with 3-fan speeds such as high, medium or low, and also features an adjustable humidistat for auto-humidity control. When you purchase this device, you’ll enjoy up to twenty-four-hour uninterrupted operation, which is supported by the 4-gallon water tank. The air-lock tank is spill-proof and leak-free, and it is easy to refill and clean as well.

8. Aprilaire 500 * Best whole house furnace humidifier

Aprilaire is a furnace type of humidifier that needs a connection to a duct system, but the installation is quite easy and straightforward. Even a do-it-yourself kind of person can install the 500 M whole house humidifier following the manufacturer guide. Aprilaire 500M is a perfect choice for people looking for an evaporative humidifier for tightly built homes. The size is approximately 10.2 x 15.6 x 13 inches in dimension, as such less space required for the installation.

We recommend this furnace integrating appliance for full house coverage measuring up to 3,600 square feet. The automatic device features a dual-sensor that checks and responds to outdoor temperature and indoor humidity to provide the desired level of humidity in 24 hours. Besides, the digital screen displays information such as relative humidity level, lighting that indicates the device is working or informs you when to replace the water panel or service is needed eliminating guesswork. This humidifier with built-in bypass evaporates water like other devices of its kind. Reviewer’s testimonies were trendy on its quiet operation, ease of use, and annual maintenance.

9. Aprilaire 700 Whole House Fan Powered-Humidifier

The 18-gallons per day moisture provider and 4,200 full coverage humidity appliance are one of the best humidifiers among consumers. The reports gathered were overwhelming. Some users said, installing of Aprilaire 700M doesn’t take time because the manual instruction is easy to read and understood. Another user said the device pulls heat air out the room powerfully, replacing it with evaporative cool mist in a short while. Also, people facing respiratory issues and asthma and allergies symptoms due to low humidity testified they were able to combat problems using the Aprilaire 700 Whole House Fan Powered Humidifier. Besides, home items that were susceptible drying were also restored to normalcy as a result of the humidity delivered by the Aprilaire 700 machine.

10. BONECO U700 * Best ultrasonic cool and warm mist unit *

We are rounding up these top 10 best humidifier reviews with another product from Boneco. The unit delivers cool or warm-mists per time. As such, you can use it for the winter or summer months. During summer, the best mists option to choose is the cool moisture mode, while in the winter-fall, the warm-mode raises indoor temperature to protect you from cold feelings. The U700 model features a 4-gallon reservoir tank and runs up to 24 hours, regulating humid levels in rooms of 1000 square feet. As small as the Boneco u700, it features a self-cleaning mode, aromatherapy tray, smart shut-off, and an ambient relaxing LED light. It comes in lightweight design and can be mount on table surface occupying lesser space.

Best Humidifier Buying Guide: Everything You Need

What are the Benefits of a humidifier

Dryness and humidity cannot be separated because dry air causes moisture to leave the body and other materials. This can result in many health challenges such as respiratory issues, dry skin, etc. So humidity plays a vital role in the presence of dry air moisturizing it. Therefore, a humidifier can benefit you in the following ways:

• It prevents dry skin, cracked lips and dry hair
• It is good for asthma and allergy sufferers    
• Eliminated irritated eyes that result from dryness of the atmosphere.  
• Helps in preventing influenza as it keeps the nostril moist, blocking bacteria from getting inside.
• It reduces snoring. Dry air is a culprit of this problem. However adding a humidifier to your room keeps the air humidified, thus reduces the rate of snoring. 
• Adequate humidity level protects home belongings and wood materials from drying out. 

What is a Humidistat * How it works, and How to Ensure is Working? *

This device is input into the humidifier by the manufacturer. Its purpose is to measure the amount of vapor present in the air at a given time. Based on the outcome, if the air is too dry, the humidistat starts the machine to release humidity and likewise turn-off when the desired level is achieved. It is also important to know.

Most times, the humidistat might not be working. If you face this challenge, you can test the humidifier voltage using an ohm-meter. A 0 voltage after turning-ON the humidistat means, it is not working, and need to be replaced.

More so, in the winter or summer thereabout, for the best result, set the relative humidity of your humidistat to 58%. Auto shut off: When your humidifier run out of water, this feature enables it to shut-down automatically. This functionality protect the device from damaging, saves energy and provides you peace of mind.  

The Features That Makes-Up the Best Humidifier

• Timer:

It is possible to time or set the duration, you want your humidifier to run before turning off by programming the automatic timer to a desire hours. 

• Led Light:

Generally, a LED light found in most humidifiers are optional. That is, it can be turned on/off. They are good for night sleeping for visibility and to warm up rooms after turning your conventional home lightening system.

• Digital screen display:

Without a digital screen, there is no way you can view the humidistat information as it takes the reading of your home temperature and humidity levels. Therefore, an important factor that let you view unit operation and other settings to know if your humidifier is working correctly or

• Aroma box:

This is a compartment built into a humidifier that lets you add essential oil for air diffusing. With this feature, you can add scent or aromatized your home with your favorites flavor oil. 

• Filter:

A filter system helps in removing debris from the water. Though not all humidifiers use a filter in their operation. If yours have it, be sure to clean it regularly and also replaced it when due.  

• Demineralized cartridge:

Some humidifiers models such as the ultrasonic models feature demineralized cartridge for removing impurities from water. The cartridge needs washing regularly and should be replaced following the manufacturer’s instructions. 

• Tank size:

If you’re purchasing a portable (single) room unit, the tank size is very important to check. Unit with smaller tanks require frequent refilling and might not last you for considerable hours. 

• Runtime:

Different humidifiers featured a maximal number of hours they designed to release moisture air. Most of the units, discussed on this page feature 24 hours run time. You may even see units with lesser or higher operation interval. Therefore choose a unit that matches your needs. 

• Cool mists:

This is moisture released by a cool-mist humidifier. In the summer season, you’ll find a cool-mist humidifier beneficial especially running one in your baby room makes a big difference. 

• Warm mist:

The kind of a humidifier that can release a warm mist is the one that has a heating element. The heater is responsible for boiling the water turning it to warm mist or steam vapor. This mist is usually nice for the cold winter month. 

• Castor wheels:

A typical console whole house humidifier is installed with a castor to enable you to want to move it within your facility (room to room).   

• Remote control:

75% of humidifiers users said they love a unit that can be controlled via a remote system. A remote lets you operate the device anywhere in your house while sitting or relaxing on your bed. 

What Are The Types of Humidifier You Don’t Know

While you’re looking for a humidifier to buy, we want to remind you. There are different types on the market. Whether for a single room or entire house humidification, you’ll find on the market. To help you understand them better, here are the types:  

1. Whole House-Humidifier

You shouldn’t be confused at all whether to purchase a portable or a whole-house humidifier for complete house humidification. A space from 1,000 square feet is considered a big space and to add humidity to such space areas, a whole-house humidifier will do you better than a portable humidifier. Another good side of this type of humidifier, some models require connection to the home water supply system, which eliminates the need for manual refilling. On the other hand, the console-style of humidifiers requires refilling. Here are the categories of a whole house humidifier:

2. Bypass Whole House Humidifiers

This kind of humidifier uses a furnace system to release moisture, cooling warm air in your house. A bypass humidifier removes heated air from your atmosphere, passing it through its water panel. The air is absorbed in the heat duct-system, and the final output is release as steam-air. To install a bypass humidifier, the supply or return force air system is required, because the bypass model cannot be mounted on its independently. This Aprilaire 500 is one of the most energy-efficient, and water-conserving bypass humidifiers. 

3. Fan Powered Whole House Humidifier    

This model works similarly to that of a bypass humidifier. The major difference is the fan they have in their working mechanism, unlike the bypass units. The fan blows the sucked air across the humidifier water panel causing an increment in the amount of evaporation that occurs. In order words, a fan-powered unit produces more humidity than a bypass-humidifiers. Besides, these humidifiers installations don’t require a duct mounting, as such can be installed in tight corners. Here is a recommendation of a fan-powered-humidifier for those who might be in need of one.

4. A Steam Whole House Humidifier

Though bypass and fan-powered models are great options that can increase the level of humidity in the air, a steam humidifier is another option that people use mostly during the winter cold. A steam humidifiers heat and boil water until it gets to steam before distributing the vapors. Above all doubt, this kind of humidifier is seen to be the relatively fast and most-efficient way of adding and controlling the desired level of humidity in your house. Even the best whole house steam humidifiers provide bacteria and purest form of humidity compared to the other models because of the heating of the water. 

5. Portable Humidifiers

A large room humidifier is different from small room units. Rooms that are up to 450 square feet are considered large while rooms that are around 250 sq. feet are said to be small. A portable humidifier is, therefore, can be used in these spaces but depend on the coverage size of the model you have. These kinds are designed for maintaining the humidity level in a single room.

They are small in size, which allows for use in a different room per time. The standalone- console models do have handy and castors wheels that enable you to transport them within your property while the tabletop models only have handles for lifting them.  Below are the categories of portable room humidifiers 

6. Ultrasonic humidifiers

These works with high vibrating frequency to produce a droplet of water as a mist into your home. An ultrasonic humidifier is energy efficient and runs with the reduced noise level, as such, they are great running for over the night use. 

7. Evaporative Humidifiers 

Evaporative humidifiers have wick filters and fan for making humidity. This type of portable humidifier blows the air through the wick filter to create fine-tiny mist molecules. Since they don’t heat water, they are the best options for children and pets environment 

8. Vaporizer humidifiers 

These models exist as cool or warm mist. You can add inhalant to a vaporizer and this is a major reason why they consider the best kind of humidifiers for treatment of cold and flu symptoms. They are small, occupy small space and budget-friendly.

Differences Between Cool Mists vs. Warm Mist Humidifier 

When it comes to portable humidifiers, we’ve two options available such as cool and the warm mist humidifier. Both mist types are great depending on the home condition and season of the year that determines which is best to adopt. To help you understood differences that exist between a warm mist humidifier and cool mist humidifiers, below are the disparity:

What is cool mist humidifier? 

A humidifier that emits moisture without heating the water is regarded as a cool-mist humidifier. They feature a filter that removes impurities from the water and fairly easy to clean. In the warmer (summer) season or desert climate, cool mist kind of humidifier is an idea and works best to lower the temperature to a comfortable state.  

What is warm mist humidifier 

As you already know, the opposite of cool mist is warm mist. As such, humidifiers that heat water to a boiling point are called warm mists humidifiers. The heater in them enables these units to carry out the heating.

Most relevantly, warm mists-humidifiers has no substitute if you battling with cold in your house. Therefore, we recommend them as the best humidifiers for winter when the air feels colder and almost causing people all sorts of health-related issues due to cold. Moreover, they are known for germ-free mist. 

How To Choosing The Best Humidifier: The Relevant Features Buying Guide

Most people think the higher the price determines the effectiveness of the humidifier. Well, we are not disputing the fact, but other factors make up a good humidifier. Choosing wisely with the enumerated features is going to help you get the right units that would meet your humidity need. 

1. Room/home size

Many omit this when shopping for a humidifier which is the number one factor to check. The dimension of your space is an important requirement for buying a humidifier. A coverage space is measured in square feet and every humidifier has maximal coverage area to function. Buying a less or more powerful unit is irrelevant because it will either be too powerful for your space, thereby consuming energy or less effective which will make it run for hours yet nothing would still won’t produce a result. Let this be your guidelines:

2. Easy to clean

It is simple to keep your humidifier running effectively. Many get it wrongs when they choose a unit that is very difficult to clean especially the models with small tank openings. This can’t allow you dip hand for you to clean properly. So pick a good one for easy maintenance.

Cleaning should be done weekly. Ensure to get rid of accumulated dust or bacteria using a vinegar solution or combine with hydrogen/bleaching agents. A better way to achieve a clean humidifier is to follow the manufacturer’s guide for thorough cleansing. 

3. Ease to use

When you want to pick a humidifier for the first time or want to replace an old unit, focus on the usage aspect. A good humidifier should be easy to operate, as well, the features clear to operate particularly a readable digital display screen for the unit has it.

Moving it around your house should not be hard, so choose less bulky size units and also consider models with castors and handles as well be nice options. If you need to pick a model that uses filters such as the evaporative humidifiers, ensure filter replacement does not involve a complex process. 

4. Humidistat

This feature regulates the amount of humidity present in the air. When it is not favorable, it turns on to humidify your air likewise shut-down when the preset level is reached. Unfortunately, not all humidifiers have this feature. Therefore if the model you’re aiming doesn’t have it, ensure to get a separate hygrometer to keep track of the level of humidity in your house to avoid heavy level leads to condensation on walls and windows. 

5. Timer Control

Controlling the right humidity at home can also be achieved with the help of a timer setting. Though not all console or table units come with it if yours have, consider yourself lucky. It works by your programming when it should turn on and off but standing water is a major discouragement of using timer settings. Stagnant water causes bacteria and mold problems unless your device is warm mist then it is good to go with. 

How To Use A Humidifier Correctly

The best performance a humidifier can deliver is when users keep it clean at all times. When you dedicated your time to clean it every week, the efficiency level of your unit will double up compared to when it is dirty. Always, remember, the breeding ground for molds and mildew is unclean humidifiers and also stagnant water. A mild detergent or vinegar solution is enough to do the job.

Another way to use your humidifier correctly is to set the right humidity level for your home. We recommend you monitor the level using a hygrometer, this will help you be on a safer side whether to add or dehumidify it using a dehumidifier. Nevertheless, if your unit has a humidistat, set it accurately. The right humidity level settings globally for humidifiers is from 30 – 55 %. That’s the best comfortable range for humans, animals, and home properties.

Should I Use Distilled Water For My Humidifiers   

Matter of facts, distill or treated water is the best kind of water to use for cool mist humidifiers. We know cool mist models don’t heat element that can kill bacteria, so using ordinary tap water for them can cause greater problems.

If bacteria contamination does not occur, you won’t escape mold/mildew growing. Therefore, we highly recommend distilled water for cool-mists-humidifiers but warm mists, no worries. You are safe from this ugliness. The shortcoming is the cost of buying treated water that may increase your humidifier operating cost. 

Difference of Humidifier with filter vs no filter

In normal reasoning, most people think filterless humidifiers are not as effective as units that use filters. That’s’ school of thought is not correct. A unit that doesn’t use filters in their operation is designed in such that minimizes dust/particles finding a way into your home air.

For instance, most ultrasonic humidifiers are filterless but don’t mean they can re not good as regarding the evaporative humidifiers that use wick filters.

Besides, if you’re to purchase a humidifier that has a filter, it requires regular cleaning and replacement according to the manufacturer’s instruction thereby adding up to your running expenses. While filterless humidifiers are generally good but they only efficient for small areas coverage such as single-rooms use.  

How Does A Humidifier Work?

All humidifiers work similarly. The most important thing, irrespective of the model of the humidifier, a good unit should able to deliver an optimal level of humidity desired. The model that has a heater needs to boil the water with the heater and processing to a cool state before releasing as warm moisture into your air while the units without heating-element don’t warm water. Therefore releases cool moisture as seen produced by the selected Vicks cool mist products.

Overall judgment, how a humidifier works depends on the type. So studying the various types as outlined earlier would give you a clearer idea of what we’re talking about. Nevertheless, if your unit is not a model thatrequires installation which needs to be done before running the device. Simply follow the manufacturer manual guide on how to use the device properly and other routines that needs to be practice for good humidifier use. 

Where Is The Right Position To Place a Humidifier 

Often time, people asked where the right place to put a humidifier in the house should be. This is a good question, but certainly, no restriction to where to mount a humidifier in the living room, bedroom, baby’s room, or in the office as the case may be. Hence, the most relevant thing to note is the size of the space you want the unit to be install. Another thing to consider is the sound level, is the machine loud or not? Also, are you having kids or pets in your house? Theses relevant questions need to be answered properly as it serves navigation to locate the best place. 

Why you might be pondering on the above questions, there is no need for installing a humidifier in a room or place you won’t be spending quality time. Nonetheless, you can install a central humidifier in your living areas, at least everyone including visitors will benefit from it. However, when mounting a bypass furnace or fan-powered humidifier, you consider closeness to your home water supply system, ventilation and also somewhere kids can reach easily. Never forget the right size should be check, a bigger appliance is not ideal for tight rooms. Do not install it close to television or fireplace heater systems.  

Conclusion & Recommendation

To choose the best humidifier is easy. It requires a deep understanding of a humidifier system. When you know what you ought to know about a humidifier, you’ll be confident when you start to compare various units for the right one. Nevertheless, we’ve done the homework for you, providing information to assist you further, alongside our top 10 best humidifier reviews, which are design for both single-rooms and whole-house use. For an entire house humidity distribution, we recommend Aprilaire 700 Whole House Fan Powered Humidifier while Levoit Humidifier Warm/Cool Mists for big/small rooms use.