Humidifier Review

Most folks spend probably five minutes or less choosing a humidifier. There is some justification for that. After all, it is safe to say all but the most flawed humidifiers add moisture to the air. Many even do that dependably for years and cost very little. What differentiates the best home air humidifiers is the way they produce moisture, the quantity of the moisture they produce and how easy each one is to operate. There is quite a wide range among house humidifiers when you consider all of those factors, and when you are buying something that could impact your health, it is worth some study.

Those with frequent sinus infections are probably the most likely to take time to research their humidifier. Many singers also take an active interest in humid air because it can keep the vocal cords in good working order. But anyone who lives in a dry climate or one with cold winters should know the value of a good humidifier. It can alleviate some of the minor but still irritating consequences of dry air, especially during the winter months. Cold air carries less moisture than warm, and the blowing air circulated by a home's heating system makes the air even dryer. This can lead to parched, cracked skin, static electricity shocks and even damage to wood furniture and floors.

The best humidifiers will help alleviate a wide range of problems caused by dry air – from symptoms of the common cold to dry skin and loud snoring. The best of the best will do it quietly and efficiently while offering features that make it easy to use. The Air-O-Swiss 7147 Digital Warm & Cool Mist Ultrasonic, Air-O-Swiss Warm & Cool Mist 7133, and the Pureguardian 120-hour H4600 are our favorites. For more information, read our articles on humidifiers and best home humidifier comparisons and reviews.

Humidifiers: What to Look For

Humidifiers come in countless shapes and sizes, and there are advantages to most of them, depending on the specific use. We zeroed in on the designs that we think will be the best for the most users. Here are the criteria we used to rank humidifiers:

Dimensions
We think most users would prefer the ultrasonic style, which uses high frequency sound waves to vibrate a diaphragm, breaking the water down into a fine mist. This design is known for producing almost no noise. We also looked for a high level of humidity output, long cords for flexible positioning in a room and long running times between refills.

Features
We looked for humidifiers with a nice mix of features that would satisfy a wide variety of needs. We prefer the units that offer both warm and cool mist and have elements that promote safety and cleanliness. We like humidifiers that offer some built-in extras as well, including nightlights and a humidistat, which can measure humidity levels in your home.

Ease of Use
Humidifiers are rarely difficult to use, but manufacturers that include things like cleaning brushes and dishwasher-safe components make it even easier. Other elements that add to ease of use are digital controls and a nozzle that is repositionable. We also prefer split nozzles so the humidified air can be dispersed quickly to different parts of the room, and clear water tanks that make it easy to track water levels.

Help & Support
These products are most often sold by an entity other than the original manufacturer, but we like to verify that the maker of each humidifier stands by the product. We looked for manufacturers that provide a solid warranty and many ways to reach them in case you have any questions about their product.

Just about every household has at least one reason to keep a humidifier going all or part of the year, and most have a long list of reasons. Read our reviews to find the best buy for your situation.

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