Humidifiers have been a staple in many homes and offices for a while now. Not only do they add necessary moisture to the air, but they can also combat things like allergies, winter air, dust, and other contaminants.
There are a lot of different types of humidifiers though, and finding the right one can be a long process of trial and error – a game many don’t want to play when it comes to comfort.
To aid in narrowing your search, we’ve done our own digging into the best warm mist humidifier on the market – and what makes it so crucial for the home.
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BONECO/Air-O-Swiss Warm or Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier |
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Honeywell HWM705B Filter-Free Warm Moisture Humidifier |
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Holmes Warm Mist Filter-Free Humidifier |
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Vicks 1-Gallon Warm Mist Humidifier |
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How We Reviewed
In order to provide a straightforward comparison, we used the following criteria for each humidifier: features, price, portability, performance, noise level, maintenance, and warranty.
We found these criteria best at highlighting the uniques features of each model as well as providing answers to the above questions – giving you everything you need to select the best warm mist humidifier for your home.
Overall Price Range
Humidifiers, in general, can cover a wide price range of about $30 to over $300. However, for our purposes, we’ve narrowed the range to $30 to $100.
For simplicity’s sake, and to keep up with the changing prices on the market, we have abbreviated the prices as follows: $ for up to 45; $$ for up to $70; and $$$ for up to $100.
BONECO/Air-O-Swiss Warm or Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
Image via Amazon
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Features
This model is best suited for large rooms or rooms that need constant humidifying.
It has a 3 gallon tank that is top-loading – meaning you don’t have to take the entire model to the sink to refill it (though you do still need to take a part of it as the opening itself is not on the top).
It operates with warm or cool mist and even has an auto-detect setting so it can change the temperature as it needs to. There is a whisper mode for those concerned with noise, and all the controls are touch as well.
Portability
This humidifier is not meant to be brought from room to room as you need it. It is large and better left in a stationary place. You will have to take the top portion to the sink to refill it as needed – which is not as convenient as having a full top-loading humidifier.
Performance
Overall, this humidifier does what it claims to. The auto-detect system and whisper mode are definitely favorites among users as both operate very well.
However, there have been complaints about filling the tank, as it isn’t easy to do with the angle it needs to be done.
The touch LCD screen does not have a dim or shut off setting either, meaning there will always be a bright light on it (bad news for those wanting to use this in a bedroom).
Noise Level
The whisper mode works wonderfully well. This model is well-suited for a bedroom – even a child’s room or nursery – with how quiet it operates (despite its size).
Maintenance
There are a few things to maintain with this model. There is a hydro cell and a cartridge that need to be changed out every 1 to 3 months, as well as a descaler packet you’ll use when cleaning (every 2 weeks is recommended).
Warranty
The warranty reaches from 3 months for the water tank to 5 years for the purification systems, with other time specifications in between for the other parts.
While it is good that the company has adapted the warranty to fit each system, it can be a little confusing for the user to know what is broken and whether it is covered.
Honeywell HWM705B Filter-Free Warm Moisture Humidifier
Image via Amazon
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Features
This is a smaller humidifier for small bedrooms. As it mentions in the title, there is no filter to worry about, and a large portion of the machine can go in the dishwasher for cleaning.
There are two settings (high and low) and a medicine compartment as well – making this a good choice for a child’s bedroom. While there are no noise modes, it is an ultrasonic humidifier which tends to be quieter anyway.
Portability
This model is not overly large or heavy, so moving it from room to room may not be a big inconvenience – however, there are no handles or other tools to aid in carrying it either, so keep that in mind.
Performance
Overall, this model does what it says it will. It operates well and holds up to the standard set for it. The filterless feature definitely draws a lot of users to it, as does the top-filling feature as it makes refilling much faster.
There is no auto-detect or adjust system like the previous model, though there is an auto-shutoff for when the tank runs empty.
Noise Level
While there is no specific mode for low-noise, the humidifier operates with minimal noise. There is no fan to tune out, so the only noise you’ll hear from it is a little bubbling from the heated water.
Maintenance
There is no filter to worry about (or extra cartridges either), but it is recommended that you clean out this humidifier weekly to avoid build-up that will essentially shut off the humidifier.
Warranty
There is a straightforward three-year limited warranty to cover malfunctions of the machine. If the machine is kept clean though, there shouldn’t be any issues.
Holmes Warm Mist Filter-Free Humidifier
Image via Amazon
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Features
This humidifier offers a 1-gallon tank and a true top-filling tank – meaning you can bring water to it instead of taking it to the sink.
It operates at a low-noise level in either of its settings (high or low) and is filter free (so less maintenance for you).
This is a great budget option for smaller rooms, children’s rooms especially, as there is a medicine cartridge that will let you put needed medicines into the mist.
Portability
This humidifier is fairly small, making it easier to take to the kitchen to refill, or to move between bedrooms as needed. There are no handles or added aid in transportation though.
Performance
There have been good and bad mentions in terms of performance. For small areas, this should work well.
However, medium-sized rooms will not gather much or any effect from this humidifier, so use it only for truly small spaces. The power light is dim and minimal so there won’t be any disruption there though.
Noise Level
The noise level is quieter than a normal humidifier, however, for light sleepers (or babies), this will likely be too loud. Even on the low setting, there is a noticeable sound.
Maintenance
There are no filters, which is a plus and having parts of the humidifier be dishwasher safe is also a plus.
However, if you are using this machine daily for more than an hour or two, you will likely need to clean it daily as well.
Users have reported that if this is a high-use machine for your home, it will take daily cleaning with more than just the dishwasher to keep it functioning.
Warranty
There is a standard warranty offered, however, depending on where you buy this humidifier, there may be modifications to the warranty to include the seller’s warranty as well or instead.
Vicks 1-Gallon Warm Mist Humidifier
Image via Amazon
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Features
This filter-free humidifier offers a 1-gallon tank – perfect for smaller bedrooms or office spaces. It works with Vicks products and others for medicine dispersal as well – making it a good choice for children’s rooms especially.
There is a whisper mode and auto shut off for when the tank is empty. It is lightweight and compact too, made to be easy to transport and fill.
Portability
This humidifier is small and compact. It is built for easy transportation – whether from room to room or to the sink for cleaning or refilling. There is a handle on the tank to aid in both of those as well.
Performance
Overall, this humidifier lives up to its name. It is a great option for small bedrooms (kids rooms especially). It is one of the more budget-friendly options on this list as well.
Noise Level
Though it does have a whisper mode, it isn’t perfect. You will hear some bubbling as the water heats up, but users found it not to be disruptive. If you are a light sleeper though, keep this in mind..
Maintenance
Though there is no filter, you will need to clean the tank regularly. The machine does come with a cleaning ball to help keep everything clean longer, but you’ll need to keep an eye out for mold especially and clean as needed.
The clear water tank helps in this regard.
Warranty
There is a 3-year limited warranty included should any of the parts malfunction. Many users have not needed to cash in on this though, which speaks to the build of this budget-friendly humidifier.
FAQ
There are a few things that need to go into the best warm mist humidifier, however, some of those will be left up to your preferences.
In order to make sure you come out of this article knowing what the best warm mist humidifier is for you, look through and answer these questions before viewing our comparison.
What Is a Warm Mist Humidifier?
While many of us are already familiar with humidifiers, what is different about a warm mist option?
When you’re looking into getting a humidifier, it is important that you take into account the general temperature of the air and where you’ll be putting the humidifier.
If the air is naturally cool, a warm mist humidifier is a perfect choice.
However, if the air is naturally warm, you will want to look for a cool mist humidifier instead (because add warm, moist air to an already warm air is the perfect combination for an uncomfortable sauna in your living room).
While warm mist humidifiers can be used in any room of the house, they are particularly well-suited for nurseries and children’s rooms.
The heating process kills bacteria and germs, making it a healthier choice for rooms that tend to carry the most harmful bacteria, so, if it seems that your child is always sick, this could be a game changer.
What Problems Are You Wanting to Solve?
Humidifiers can help in areas like allergies, nose bleeds, dry skin, itchy eyes, and asthma.
Both cool and warm mist humidifiers can help in those areas, however, you’ll want to stick to a warm mist humidifier if colds or other viruses tend to make their rounds in your home.
Like we mentioned above, the warm mist will help eliminate bacteria and lessen the nastiness and/or longevity of a virus.
How Big of a Space Do You Need to Humidify?
While cool mist humidifiers are typically better suited for larger spaces, it is not impossible to find a large capacity warm mist humidifier.
The capacity you need will depend on the size of the room you are humidifying and for how long you intend to keep the humidifier running continuously.
Obviously, a larger area or longer time period will need a larger capacity – just note that the larger the capacity, the harder it can be to move and the more space it will take up.
Are You Concerned About Noise?
In a large space, noise may not matter. However, in a bedroom or small office space, it is important that the humidifier cause as little disruption as possible.
For this reason, many humidifiers come equipped with a whisper mode (or operate with low noise in general). Make sure to look for a no-noise mode or low-noise operation if this is a priority to you.
What about Maintenance?
Many humidifiers require regular cleaning, filling, and filter changes. While it is possible to get a filterless humidifier, the rest of the requirements will stay regardless.
It is important to make sure that the cleaning or filling schedule is doable for what you already have on your plate, otherwise, the humidifier will become obsolete as it gets more and more backed up and gross.
The Verdict
Now that we’ve gone through a few options, which is the best warm mist humidifier? While the final verdict may be more up to you and your individual needs and preferences, we can definitely give some suggestions.
For those needing the best warm mist humidifier for a child’s room, we would recommend Vicks 1 Gallon Warm Mist Humidifier, particularly for its portability and medicine compartment.
It outperformed the Holmes Warm-Mist Filter Free Humidifier and offers an almost exact package.
For those who have large rooms to humidify, the Boneco humidifier is a good option (if you can live with the maintenance).
This offers the biggest tank and the most high-tech features but at the expense of more routine cleaning and maintaining. This also offers a warm and cool mist.
The Honeywell humidifier is a great in-between option. It has a larger tank than Vicks and offers the medicine compartment, but is easier to maintain than Boneco – though not as large in terms of capacity.
In the end, the best warm mist humidifier is up to you; these are just our suggestions, though we hope we’ve given you the information you need to decide what option really will make the best warm mist humidifier.
Featured Image via Flickr
