Do you suffer from skin irritation and constant cold and flu symptoms caused by dry air? Buying yourself a humidifier might be the answer to all of your problems.
We’ve been looking at what’s available, and here we give you our list of the top ten humidifiers to save you searching for yourself. We’ve put them into different categories according to different people’s needs, too.
How do you know if you need a humidifier?
Here are some of the signs that tell you that you might need to get a humidifier:
Dry air throughout the house
Persistent runny nose
Asthma attacks and allergies
Constant dry throat
What is the ideal humidity?
It’s not always easy to know if your air is too dry, so the best thing to do is to buy a hygrometer from any drugstore and measure it. The ideal humidity for indoors is between 30% and 50%.
It’s easy to do. Decide which room you want to measure, put the hygrometer in the room, and follow the instructions. The meter will show you a percentage which is the humidity.
If it shows a reading below 30%, you should buy a humidifier, as this is too low. On the other hand, if it shows a reading above 50%, you need to think about how to increase the circulation of air, as this is too high. This can be done by simply opening up some windows or purchasing a dehumidifier.
Our top tip
Not everyone wants to have to buy a hygrometer. So, there are some things to look out for that may suggest that you have low humidity, such as touching a doorknob and getting a shock or having to fill up your flower vases with more water every day.
What size should I get?
There are many different types of humidifiers, and each one has been designed for a specific room size. The amount of square footage covered by a humidifier should be specified by the manufacturer. Some people need more humidity all around their homes, in which case a humidifier specially made for the entire home will be needed. More information about this will come later on in this article.
What are the different types of humidifiers?
There are so many different kinds of humidifiers available that you really mustn’t just buy the first one you find. The different types have all been made especially for different purposes. So, it’s really important to read this article and think about which one will suit you and your home the best.
Here we tell you about four different types of humidifiers.
Cool mist or ultrasonic warm
These two kinds of humidifiers provide cool and warm mists. Cool mist is good for using all through the year, particularly the summer months. Warm mist is good in the wintertime as it can help to heat up the room a bit.
You won’t get any steam or fan noises, so they are really quiet. Inside, there are plates that vibrate at a very high frequency which agitates the tiny water particles, creating the mist.
Choice of cool or warm mist
Lightweight and easily movable
Possibility of white dust residue
Needs a lot of maintenance.
Evaporative Cool Mist Humidifiers
This type of humidifier works by evaporating moisture by means of a wicking filter. Air is pulled in by the fan and then blown through the filter. Some water gets evaporated, and some gets added to the air to increase the humidity. These humidifiers are much less messy to use than some of the other types.
These are great to use if you have children or pets as they only emit a cool mist, and there isn’t the risk of getting burnt.
Not too messy
Not too much maintenance is needed
Great for children and pets
Makes too much noise
These machines improve humidity levels while cleaning the air – killing two birds with one stone. They contain discs that rotate and work with the water to remove dust and pollen particles from the air. Humidified air is then let out into the room by the humidifier.
These machines are quite high maintenance, though, as they need to be cleaned frequently.
Cleans air and humidifies at the same time
Dust and pollen particles removed
Needs cleaning frequently
Warm mist steam vaporizer
This type of humidifier contains a heating element, and the water gets warmed before being released into the atmosphere. The hot water also kills off any bacteria and unwanted organic compounds, which is an added bonus.
Because these humidifiers rely on heat to work, there is a safety risk. So, these are best avoided in homes with children.
Warms up the air
Kills bacteria and unwanted organic compounds
Improves symptoms of flu
Safety risk due to heat
Not very energy-efficient
How to choose the best humidifier
So, let’s get down to it and give you the low-down on how to choose the best humidifier for your needs.
Size of room
What size room will it be used in? This is fundamental to your choice of humidifier. You need to know the room’s square footage so that you can check that the humidifier will cover that amount of space.
If you have a small or medium-sized room, the best humidifier to get is one designed for tabletops. If the room is quite large, it’s better to get a console humidifier. They contain big water tanks and generate lots of air.
Choosing the wrong size for your room could mean that there isn’t the right amount of moisture in the air, which would defeat the purpose.
Keep it simple
It’s advisable to choose a humidifier that is quite simple. We often want to rearrange the furniture in our homes or want to move the humidifier between different rooms at different times, so it’s good to think about something that you can move around easily.
It’s also wise to check how easy it is to change the wick and the filters, as well as clean the humidifier. You don’t really want anything that is going to be too much hassle.
What about the humidifier itself? Does it have a user-friendly interface? If the answer is no, it’s probably best to look for something else.
You will need to be prepared to drain, rinse, and dry your humidifier every day. Moist environments will encourage the growth of bacteria, but you won’t want any to grow inside your humidifier.
If this does happen, the bacteria will eventually be released into the air again. Obviously, this is not good for your health, particularly if you are asthmatic or suffer from allergies.
So, it’s a good idea to check the humidifier’s cleaning guide before you buy to know how difficult or easy the daily cleaning routine will be.
Which humidifier brands are the best?
We are going to give you some more information about some of the different brands of humidifiers and give you an idea of what types of products they supply.
This company has been producing stylish and quality humidifiers since 2010. They started off by producing air purifiers, and they have continued to encourage people to use their products to pursue a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
They produce a wide range of humidifiers, including evaporative, warm mist, cool mist, portable, and mini humidifiers. Their promise is to give you quality and satisfaction with every product you buy.
This company is passionate about the importance of having clean air in our homes. Their humidifiers are well-made and can capture dust and allergens, regulate the humidity in your home, and keep everything fresh. They also emphasize that cleaner air in your home will also save you money on your energy bills.
These humidifiers are great for comfortably optimizing the air that you breathe inside your home. The range of humidifiers they produce includes fan-powered steam, bypass, and flow-through varieties. All can be used effectively to adjust the climate inside your home.
This company aims to preserve the best humidity levels in your home while fashioning the most comfortable atmosphere for you. They do this by producing a wide range of humidifiers.
Not only do they relieve symptoms of colds and allergies, but they can also moisturize your skin and, consequently, help you get a good night’s sleep.
They currently have five ultrasonic humidifiers, a few cool mist types, and a hybrid model that can emit a cool or warm mist. Additionally, they have a humidifier that also doubles as a diffuser. How neat is that!
This company has been running for 60 years, and the experts in charge want to fill your home with healthy air from the mountains of Switzerland. What more could you want?
They have carried out research about humidified room air and found that the risks of catching colds and infections can be decreased with the right humidity level. In addition, the right humidity can stop children’s and babies’ skin, which is particularly sensitive, from drying out.
As well as all the types of humidifiers that have already been mentioned, this company also has air purifiers and air shower fans.
This company has been in production since 2005 and wants to care and provide for all your indoor needs. Their humidifiers have intentionally been produced to help relieve congestion, thus making sure that you and your family stay healthy.
Their products are really good, and they are designed with both style and color very much in mind. Apart from a wide range of colors, some of their humidifiers are shaped like cows, hippos, and monkeys – just the right thing to decorate any child’s bedroom.
The company says that their humidifiers are good for sensitive skin, snoring, and pet coughing, as well as stopping the wear and tear on your wallpaper and doors.
This is a company more well-known for other products, but they also make humidifiers.
They believe in the health benefits of humidifiers and use this to promote them. These benefits include the relief of cold symptoms, an improvement in sleep, the relief of dry skin, helping to prevent flu viruses, and helping plants to live longer.
They have various types of humidifiers, including ultrasonic cool mist, warm steam vaporizers and warm mist humidifiers.
This is a very futuristic company that uses smart products to improve our daily lives. They have developed a range of products that rely on easy-to-use interfaces and modern aesthetics.
Their humidifier range includes warm mist, cool mist, and both large and small types. They have developed a range of humidifiers especially for babies.
This company has been running for 90 years and specializes in console humidifiers and humidifiers for the whole house.
Their range extends to cover both residential and commercial situations. Perfect for any office!
The humidifiers they produce are not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing. Still, there are lots to choose from, including evaporative, portable, tabletop, and mini humidifiers.
We’ve done all the hard work for you! We’ve looked around and found the best humidifiers for all sorts of different uses. Hopefully, it will help you to find the humidifier that’s just right for your particular needs.
Levoit Ultrasonic Vaporizer
Best humidifier without a filter
Filterless humidifiers are great if you’re looking for something that is low maintenance. There is no expensive filter to be replaced, which also means that your humidifier’s running costs are kept quite low.
This filterless diffuser is popular because it doesn’t have any annoying noises, and you don’t have to wait too long for the humidity levels to change. It uses ultrasonic technology to make a cool mist that doesn’t make your home damp.
This model is ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, the nursery, and your office. It also helps to improve dry skin, nose bleeds, and insomnia.
Another popular feature of this humidifier is the fact that it is extremely quiet, so it won’t keep you awake all night.
It’s also possible to add essential oils into this humidifier which means you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy as well, particularly at night.
Lasts as long as 60 hours
Sometimes produces a white film, but this doesn’t stain furniture
Colzer 140 Pints Commercial Dehumidifier
Humidifier for the whole house
This is a good product to look at if you want something to work throughout the whole house. It is capable of removing 140 pints of moisture every day and covers 6,000 square feet.
It works especially well in large basements and other places in the home where there may be quite a bit of damp. It contains an advanced alert system for when the tank is full, plus automatic shut-off to avoid overflow. It is also possible to opt for automatic continuous drainage with the drain hose.
This humidifier has a classic white design, which means it fits well with any décor in any room. It also has wheels which makes it easy to move about.
As well as all of this, this model is unique in that it has a laundry mode. Air is directed in a particular direction and will dry your clothes quickly and efficiently.
Covers a large area
Tall and sleek design
Large tank and option for continuous drainage
Range of modes
Elechomes UC5501 Humidifier
Warm mist humidifier
These humidifiers are great because they warm your home while also working as a humidifier. This is certainly one to consider if you live somewhere that’s particularly cold.
This model will run for up to 60 hours continuously due to its capacity of 1.58 gallons. This also means that you don’t have to worry about whether it needs filling.
The fact that these are warm mist models means that they are not advisable for use in rooms with children and pets, but they are good for your bedroom.
The great thing about this one, though, is that it can be switched to the cool mist humidifier really easily.
This model contains a sleep mode – it will change from warm mist to cool mist to encourage a good night’s sleep. Essential oils can also be added, and lavender is a good one to use for nighttime.
Handy sleep mode
Can be controlled with a remote control
Works for 60 hours continuously
High output of mist
No filter included
Levoit Ultrasonic Air Humidifier
Best example of an ultrasonic humidifier
We really love the ultrasonic humidifiers. Not only do they give you a cool mist and a warm mist, but they are also very quiet.
This model is exceptionally quiet and germ-free, as the warm mist kills off any bacteria and humidifies any room quickly and efficiently. The cool mist is great during the summer for keeping your sinuses clear and your skin hydrated.
This humidifier has been given lots of features intended to make it as convenient as possible. These include a timer to ensure automatic shut-off, a built-in sensor to pick up the humidity levels, and a remote control. It’s also very quiet. This gadget almost does everything for you!
This model is good for larger homes as it covers an area of more than 700 square feet. It has been designed with the modern home in mind, and its sleek and smooth appearance will enhance any home.
Settings for both cool and warm mist
Can be used for 36 hours
Leaking has been reported
Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Humidifier
Special humidifier for babies
This is one of the best humidifiers to use in your baby’s room. It can be a good idea to use one of these as it improves the quality of air in the room while also benefitting breathing and sensitive skin.
This model includes a nighttime function that all babies love. The humidifier gives off a soothing glow to aid relaxation and encourage sleep, and it operates as quietly as a whisper.
It has a running time of 16 hours and will shut off automatically as soon as it is empty. It has a simple, stylish design that will look good anywhere. It is also quite small, making it easy to use in small spaces.
This humidifier is excellent for helping with problems that many babies suffer from, such as sinus problems, cracked and sore skin, and viral infections. There have been reports that this humidifier has enabled customers to get a much better night’s sleep, as well as improved headaches.
Easy to use
Convenient night mode
Can be spilt easily
Here’s the part where we answer all your questions about humidifiers.
What is meant by humidifier capacity?
This refers to the largest amount of water that can be held by a humidifier, and this is different for different models. However, in general, the capacity of most types of humidifiers is somewhere between 0.5 and 6 gallons of water.
The output refers to the largest amount of water that can be emitted by a humidifier daily. This is often higher than the capacity and will depend upon the speed setting that is used.
How do you add water into a humidifier?
This is an essential task for humidifier use. The reservoir should be cleaned regularly and then refilled with distilled water. Although tap water is okay to use in some humidifiers, distilled does not contain any additives, making it the best choice.
Whichever model you have, there should be a line that shows you the maximum amount of water needed. Sometimes a filter has to be added to the water, and this is the correct time to do it.
How often does a humidifier need to be refilled?
If your humidifier has quite a large tank, it will not need to be refilled as frequently as one with a smaller tank. For example, if you use a portable humidifier all day and all night, then you will probably have to refill it every 24 hours or so.
If you don’t use your humidifier that much, you will also find that you won’t need to refill it very often.
Each model is slightly different, so it really is a good idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can hard water be used in humidifiers?
You can use hard water in a humidifier, but it will need to be a model that contains a mineral cartridge. This cartridge will absorb the minerals in the water, which means that there is less chance that they will be spread to the air. The humidifier and cartridge will need to be cleaned frequently.
If there is no mineral cartridge, use distilled water instead of hard water.
Can essential oils be used in a humidifier?
This information can be found in the manufacturer’s instructions, so that’s the place to look.
You could also choose an aroma diffuser that allows you to put a few drops of your chosen essential oil into its water tank. This will give you a combined humidifier and aromatherapy experience that is really pleasant.