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Banish teetotal pharynx and chapped sassing with our top pick .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Whether you are deal with a vulgar cold , ironic skin , or wet - starved houseplants , a humidifier is a small yet helpful appliance that can help oneself fix all of the above . We ’ve tested 65 humidifiers to observe the unspoilt on the market place and have discovered which feature and qualities are the most important when choosing a humidifier for your home .
While we ’ve get hold otherair qualitydevices ( likeair purifiersanddehumidifiers ) allow you to set and draw a blank the machine for calendar week at a sentence , humidifiers must be refilled and cleaned regularly — allergistOmar Waqar , M.D.recommends emptying and cleaning prior to every usance — so you should n’t gestate to find a humidifier that ’s really hands - free .
The humidifier’s tank can be filled with enough water to last nearly 12 hours.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Our Top Picks
What We Tested
To discover the best humidifiers , we tested 56 poser in our science laboratory in Des Moines , Iowa and in our own homes . We evaluate each option free-base on six categories , including how quickly and efficaciously each humidifier bring moisture into our rooms , how much water the tank holds , how mere it is to clean , and whether its control were easy to operate .
To acquire more about how we test humidifiers , watch outour examination processbelow .
Best Overall
Vicks EasyCare+ TopFill Ultrasonic Humidifier
It ’s unproblematic to scavenge and refill .
It does n’t modulate , so there ’s potential drop to over - humidify .
After years of examination , we recommend the Vicks EasyCare+ for most people , especially if you ’re looking for a depleted - frills , simple equipment that effectively moisturise your outer space . During lab testing , we worked near the humidifier and noticed a significant difference in the air ’s humidness after just 30 instant . After three hours on the eminent setting , the humidness in the 186 - straight - foot testing room increased from 26 % to 37 % , one of the largest increases we assess . Our noses felt less dry , and the essential vegetable oil we added filled the way with a pleasant — not overwhelming — odour .
Credit: Amazon
With a tank capacity of just 0.6 gallons , this is the small of the three humidifiers we recommend . However , after running the humidifier on high for three hours in our lab , it used just over a third of the armored combat vehicle ’s capacity to significantly raise the room ’s humidity . And while testing it at home for six month , we on a regular basis set it to the medium or depleted stage setting , which lasted two full nights . We noticed it help palliate congestion and discomfort , especially when paired with the brand’smenthol VapoPads .
The impudent - top designing makes it wide-eyed to fill up with urine and add essential oils , and the little sizing allows it to fit under most bathroom spigot for easy cleaning and filling — though we always urge using distilled H2O in your humidifier . This is because the distilling appendage removes the mineral and bacteria receive in tap water that make excess buildup emergence and debris accumulation . In addition , using tap weewee may add allergens in the air .
The reservoir does n’t have any small crevices for buildup to hide , and we were proud of that there was n’t any limescale after let water ride in the army tank overnight . During our long - term examination , we perish multiple week between cleansing and were able-bodied to in effect clean the tank without any issue . We even used tap urine and did n’t discover any mineral deposit , despite get medium - difficult H2O .
The Vicks Ultrasonic Humidifier is easy to use and changed the air noticeably in just 30 minutes.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The smaller size also permit you to leave it on yourbedroom nightstandor even youroffice desk . While we like the humidifier had a more attractive design overall , its transparent tank makes it easy to monitor the H2O level .
One matter to note : This humidifier does not have any voguish features , and it does n’t self - regulate . That mean that there is a voltage for over - moisturize your space . However , because of its smaller tank sizing and relatively forgetful runtime , this risk is fairly humiliated
Product item : Type : Ultrasonic|Room Size:250 square feet|Capacity:0.6 gallons|Dimensions:8.6 x 8.5 x 8.6 inches|Run metre : Up to 24 hours |Mist Temperature : Cool
The BHG Team Tests Humidifiers
Key Terms to Know
Best Smart
Levoit OasisMist Smart Humidifier
you may control the humidifier remotely by connecting it to your smart gimmick , and you may choose between warm - mist and coolheaded - mist background .
Unlike other ultrasonic humidifiers , there is a water filter that necessitate to be supervene upon on a regular basis .
If you ’re looking for a humidifier with more than the bedrock , we recommend the Levoit OasisMist 450S. In summation to the basic cool - mist humidifying function , it can emitwarm mist , shape its output , and be controlled with its accompanying app .
For such a tech - focused humidifier , we set up it very easy and intuitive to operate . We particularly appreciated the childlike - to - use display panel . While it ’s larger than our top weft — it holds up to 4.5 liters — it ’s still slender enough to equip on a nightstand . When filled to the top , the gadget can last about 12 minute , enough for a full night ’s rest .
The humidifier is effective , especially on high preferences . It increased the humidity by an norm of 12 % on low and 28 % on high-pitched during our trial . Cleaning was n’t difficult either . There are a few removable parts that can be cleaned singly , and the tank is all-embracing enough for us to accomplish into and pass over sportsmanlike .
However , while most supersonic exemplar operate filter - free , the Levoit includes a water filter sponge and mineral absorption pad to help enamour minerals from your piddle . While these are nice to have ( and should help prevent buildup ) , they ask to be replaced regularly . With everyday use , Levoit recommends supercede these every two to four weeks , depending on the hardness of your H2O . At the meter of publication , Levoit sells 10 - coterie of theirfilter spongesandmineral absorption padsfor less than $ 15 per face pack , so the added cost is minimal .
We have n’t had any difficulty cleaning the tank after months of use , and even though a spot of film grade around the base , it ’s easy to pass over away .
One of the coolest app feature is geared specifically toward plant care , making it a greathumidifier for houseplant owner . Create watering and fertilizing schedule , practice the plant - designation feature , and set reminder so you ’ll never bury to give your plants some TLC again . This pick also lets you alternate between tender and cool mist , which is a nice option .
We used the humidifier once a week for six calendar month and every time we turned it on , it felt like go to the watering place . The smooth operation continued to shanghai us throughout the long - term examination menstruum , and we were impressed with the piss to vapor ratio .
Product Details : case : Ultrasonic |Room Size:430 square foot |Capacity:4.5 liters |Dimensions:10.8 x 6.0 x 11.97 inch |Run Time:45 hours |Mist Temperature : Cool and warm
Best Evaporative
Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier
The rooter is still enough to run overnight without disturbing sleep .
The design of the urine tank can make it more hard to clean ; fortuitously , it ’s dishwasher favorable .
If you ’ve ever used an ultrasonic humidifier , you may have know a fine snowy dust on the control surface around the gimmick , which is cause by the mist . Evaporative humidifierseliminate that issue , as they lock mist - free through a wicking filter and a fan . While evaporative models are less popular than their supersonic counterparts — and typically performed bad in our tests — one standout is the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier .
The Honeywell is fabulously tranquil , especially on the lowest mise en scene , with a soft lover - like white noise consequence that makes it agreat option for a bedroomor even a sister ’s baby’s room . On the higher setting , it is noisier , but even when we long - term tested it in our kids ’ elbow room , it did n’t agitate their sopor . During the wry wintertime months , we turn tail the humidifier every nighttime in their room to help combat their nosebleeds .
Within the first minute of use , we noticed a 2 % modification in the humidity grade in the room on the abject context , which steadily increased over three days of examination . Setup is mere , thanks to clean instructions and a removable tank — away from adding the water , it was pretty much quick to apply flat from the box .
During our test , we apprize how minuscule water it used over the row of 8 time of day — the tank holds up to a gal of water , and it only needs to be replenish about once every 24 hours on the downhearted context . A transparent tank on the side allows you to see at a glance when the water level is modest .
The water tank is mold to hold as a handle , which is harder to reach and may cause issues when it come to cleaning , specially if buildup occurs . Luckily , the tank is dish washer - friendly , which is how we chose to clean it during long - term testing . We noticed no limescale or mold buildup on the tank , though we still suggest cleaning the tank between uses .
While we were sure enough impressed with the office of this humidifier and how quickly the humidness level of the elbow room snap up ( even on the dispirited scene ) , it ’s not the fanciest model . There are no special feature like lights , automatic shutoff , or even a timer . But for ease of role , it really ca n’t be beat .
Product detail : Type : Evaporative |Room Size:400 square feet |Capacity:1 gallon |Dimensions:9.3 x 11.4 x 17.9 inches |Run Time:24 hours |Mist Temperature : Cool
The Bottom Line
For ease of use and chasteness that does n’t give calibre , theVicks EasyCare+ Top Fill Filter - Free Cool Mist Humidifieris our top selection for the best humidifier . It ’s restrained enough to use in a chamber , simple to operate , and loose to clean .
Our Testing Process
We commence testing humidifiers in March 2022 and have since spent 208 hours testing 65 unlike models at our lab in Des Moines , Iowa . We ’ve also spent thousands of hour test our top picks in our own homes to assess their economic value as long - term investment .
In the lab , we set up each humidifier and time ourselves piece the product based on the include program line . From there , we used a predetermined methodology to score each humidifier between one and five in six category : apparatus , effectiveness , design , size , ease of cleaning , and overall economic value . The final rating was determined by average each pick ’s scotch across categories .
To measure the humidity change in the room , we used two hygrometers — one at 2 substructure from the humidifier and one at 10 foot . We tape the humidness story in the elbow room on both hygrometers prior to twist the humidifier on and then gibe the results at one time of day , four minute , and eight hours . This physical process was repeated on both the down circumstance and eminent scope for each exemplar .
To evaluate the simplicity of cleaning , we allow tap water supply ride inside the armored combat vehicle overnight and monitor any bacteria buildup . Then , we clean the tank using a vinegar solution and any brushes included with the humidifier . We noted any tough cleft to clean and how long it took to make out the job .
Once our lab testing was staring , we brought home top - do models to valuate their calibre over metre . We used the humidifiers as a typical household would for six month : in ironic wintertime months , in our childrens ’ rooms , and during sicknesses . We mostly used tap urine and extended the fourth dimension between cleanings to evaluate scrubbing toughened buildup . We also spent time test the humidifiers ’ smart lineament and Nox illumination .
Afterwards , we compared all the consequence to determine which are the best humidifiers .
What to Know About Humidifiers Before Shopping
Type
While shopping for a humidifier for your home , you may comment that humidifiers are typically classified in two categories : ultrasonic and evaporative .
supersonic humidifiersuse quiver to make water vaporisation , which free into the melody . Typically , supersonic humidifiers do not have any heating element and provide a coolheaded mist . This operation fashion is extremely quiet , which cause them great picking as a sleeping accommodation humidifiers or for use in a hushed office
Almost all ultrasonic models work without a filter , which means the cost of upkeep is less and cleaning the tank is typically easy since there are few parts . However , the lack of filter means the humidifier can release bacterium and allergens from the water into the airwave , so it ’s best to use distilled water in these unit . Some ultrasonic humidifiers , like theLevoit OasisMist 450S , do admit a filter to see allergen .
Credit: Amazon
Evaporative humidifierswork by using a fan to bodge water through a taper filter . This mental process evaporates the water and pushes the mist into the atmosphere . Because evaporative humidifiers have more parts than ultrasonic example , they tend to be larger and foxy to strip .
Wick filters typically demand to be replaced at least every three months , but if your home has hard water , you ’ll need to alter the filter more on a regular basis . Our Best Evaporative choice , the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier , recommends a filter change every 30 to 60 twenty-four hour period .
Capacity and Square Footage
A humidifier ’s tank content refers to how many liters ( or gallons ) of body of water the tank can restrain . The amount varies by whole , with the average being anywhere from 2 to 6 liter . Those with higher cooler capacity will also have longer running times , a detail to keep in nous if you want to employ your humidifier for long periods of time , such as overnight .
In our tests , the average amount of water used after 8 hours of operation was 7 cup , so we do n’t recommend any tank small than that . In general , we did find that higher capacity tank equalize longer track down - times , but some humidifiers go through water faster than others .
Cleaning and Maintenance
After days of testing humidifiers , the prominent pain tip we ’ve describe is cleaning . While manufacturers and allergists like Waqar recommendcleaning the humidifierafter each use to prevent buildup , we lie with it ’s not realistic for most users . There are a few factors that help oneself us learn whether a humidifier is comfortable to clean .
While you may think that magnanimous is better , larger water tanks incline to leave sit water , which will do more bacterium and buildup , especially when using tap water . Not only that , but larger humidifiers can be more difficult to pick , as they do n’t easy fit in a sink .
However , good example that are too small can also cause problems as it ’s not as easy to get your hand in the storage tank to scavenge . In increase , smaller crevices inside the tanks can hide buildup and make it more difficult to clean .
The Levoit OasisMist 450S is slim enough to fit on a nightstand.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Evaporative model also have clean house concerns , but in addition , they include a filter that postulate to be changed at least once a season .
Features
Most humidifiers will at least have a high and low context and sometimes continuous and intermittent mist configurations . Other common features include a timekeeper , night - light , and substantive oil diffusor . More advanced models may include even more pick for mist output , extra features like an air purifier or fan mode , and vigour - saving automatonlike shutoff . Some have apps and are compatible with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa .
For the most part , we found that pricier models come packed with more feature . But you do n’t need to splurge for find one that execute all the received humidifier duty well — all of our favorites are under $ 100 .
Other Humidifiers We Tested
Levoit Superior 6000S
If you ’re wait for a gravid humidifier , theLevoit Superior 6000Sperformed well in our tests . The 23 - liter evaporative theoretical account includes wheel which made it loose to roam around the elbow room , especially once it was occupy with water . It also has a ironical fashion so the wicking filter does n’t stay wet after use . However , it increase humidity lento and is more expensive than our top picks .
Dreo HM311S Smart Humidifier
For those who require a overbold humidifier at a lower terms , theDreo HM311Sis a substantial selection . It quickly increased our room ’s humidity , operated quietly , and can be easily control with its accompanying app . But it ’s not the most attractive humidifier useable and was more difficult to strip compared to others .
Clorox Ultra Clean Cool Mist Air Humidifier
TheClorox Ultra Clean Cool Mist Humidifieris a great option for a canonical humidifier , as it was efficient , muted , and well-off to moderate during our test . It has some saucy features — like its power to self - regulate to your selected humidity level — though our outside hygrometers read gloomy humidity levels compare to what was account on the twist .
Your Questions, Answered
What are the benefits of using a humidifier?
“ Humidifiers can be helpful for people who have teetotal pharynx , dry nasal passages , even in patients who have dry pelt , chapped lip , nosebleeds , ” Waqar says . They may help with skin weather condition associated with xerotes , such as atopic dermatitis ( eczema ) , according to dermatologistAlison Ehrlich , M.D. , FAAD . Generally , the drier the climate , the more useful a humidifier will be .
While you may be entice to reach for a humidifier to help oneself portion out with allergies , Waqar points out that some common allergens , such as dust speck , really prosper on humidity , and that a humidifier might make the problem bad .
What’s the best humidifier for kids?
Most humidifiers are secure to use around children , though Waqar recommends a coolheaded - mist humidifier if you have tike or pets to eliminate the fortune of burns or combat injury due to the hot steam or heating factor . We care the little size and easy functionality of theVicks EasyCare+for kid ’s room , but theLevoit OasistMist 450Sis also a great option if you want to supervise the twist from afar . While none made our final lean , some humidfiers offer color - changing night lights that might especially appeal to tike .
Is a cool mist or warm mist humidifier better?
Cool- and warm - mist humidifiers have similar benefit , so the best humidifier for you really fare down to personal preference , Ehrlich aver . For instance , if you run hot , you may choose cool mist , while tender mist might be squeamish if you have a drafty star sign . And for base with kids or favourite , warm - mist humidifiers vex more of a rubber jeopardy due to the raging steam .
Who We Are
Jessica Comstockhas been an associate shopping editor in chief atBetter Homes & Gardenssince the springtime of 2023 and is our resident humidifier and dehumidifier expert . She ’s screen rafts of products first - hand in the lab and her own home , including air - quality devices like humidifiers and air purifiers .
To compose this article , she reviewed insights from our research and examination team who have direct thoroughgoing lab examination of 65 humidifiers over the past two years . She also consultedErum Ilyas , MBE , FAAD , a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group , allergistOmar Waqar , M.D. , and dermatologistAlison Ehrlich , M.D. , FAAD to learn more about humidifiers .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the intersection on this list , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make trusted they ’re deserving a spot in your home . We buy most of the merchandise we essay ourselves , but occasionally we are provided samples by company if purchasing is n’t an choice . In these cases , we use the same examination criterion we habituate to test the purchased products .
Credit: Amazon
As an evaporative model, the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier operates mist-free.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
A humidity monitor was used to check the amount of humidity in the air during testing.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
We evaluated every humidifier’s control panel to see if it was intuitive and easy to use.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
