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Warm Mist Humidifier, Humidifier Filters

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In this review:
  1. Cheap Humidifiers, Best Cheap Humidifier
  2. Warm Mist Humidifier, Humidifier Filters
  3. Cool Mist Humidifiers, Portable Humidifiers
  4. Humidifier Reviews
  5. Best Humidifiers, Quiet Humidifiers
  6. Discount Humidifiers Features Comparison Table
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Related Guide: Dehumidifiers

Humidifier Features

Warm Mist Humidifiers.

The first decision you'll need to make is whether to buy a warm mist humidifier or a cool mist humidifier.

Warm mist humidifiers are just that: humidifiers that put out warm steam or mist after bringing water to a boil. Alternatively known as steam humidifiers or vaporizer humidifiers, they're among the cheapest; the Vicks Warm Mist V745A, for example, has a starting price of $30. The virtue of this technology is that the boiling process kills off any lurking bacteria or mold. On the other hand, warm mist humidifiers use more energy than cool mist humidifiers, can make the air seem muggy if too much moisture is dispersed, and can be dangerous around young children because the heating element gets very hot.

Humidifier Filters.

Some cheap humidifiers require filters. Among those we researched, the Honeywell HCM-630 QuietCare, Holmes HM630-U, and Vornado HU1-0021-28 have humidifier filters that should be changed every four to eight weeks, depending on the model; replacement filters cost about $10. The Crane EE-5301, Vicks V745A, and Holmes HM495-UC, on the other hand, do not use humidifier filters -- a design feature that makes for easier maintenance and is often lauded by consumers in their reviews of cheap humidifiers.

Humidity Settings.

Experts say the ideal relative humidity in a home is between 30 and 50 percent -- below 30 percent is too dry and above 50 percent may leave you with a dust mite problem. A humidifier with an adjustable, built-in humidistat that regulates humidity levels and can be set at the level you prefer is one way to ensure that your home stays in the zone. An adjustable humidistat is not standard in low-cost humidifiers, however, and among those we researched only the Honeywell HCM-630 QuietCare (our choice for good cheap humidifier), the Vornado HU1-0021-28 Whole-Room Evaporative Humidifier, and Holmes HM630-U Cool Mist Tower Humidifier boast this feature. But all is not lost for frugal shoppers: in lieu of a built-in, adjustable humidistat, you can buy a humidity reader, like the Honeywell TM005X Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer (starting at $24, Amazon). This handy accessory displays the temperature and relative humidity so you can adjust your humidifier accordingly. Moreover, good cheap humidifiers at least let you control the speed/output of the mist with a dial or settings of low, high, and sometimes, medium. Our picks for best and good cheap humidifiers -- the Crane EE-5301 , Vicks Warm Mist V745A, and Honeywell HCM-630 QuietCare -- include adjustable mist settings.

Review continues below

Automatic Shut-off.

Humidifiers with an automatic shut-off turn themselves off when the tank runs dry. This is a particularly valuable feature for energy-saving and safety reasons. The Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist, Vicks Warm Mist V745A, and Honeywell HCM-630 QuietCare all include automatic shut-off; the Holmes HM630-U Cool Mist Tower Humidifier features an automatic on/off timer that can be set in one-hour increments up to 16 hours.

by Raechel Conover (Google+ Profile)

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Best Cheap Humidifiers

Crane EE-5301 Cool Mist Humidifier

 Read why »
Where to buy

Good Cheap Humidifiers

Honeywell HCM-630 QuietCare

 Read why »
Where to buy

Vicks Warm Mist V745A

 Read why »
Where to buy
 
 
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Don't Bother Cheap Humidifiers

Holmes HM630-U Cool Mist Tower Humidifier

This cool-mist model earns poor user reviews, largely because the design of the water tank makes it very difficult to refill. Other problems include noisy operation and limited information provided in marketing materials about coverage and features. Read more »

 
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