A general catalog with convenient selection by parameters will help you with your independent search for a device that relieves excessive dryness in the room.

What to take: an ultrasonic humidifier or air washer?

The first task of a potential buyer is to choose the type of humidifier. Based on their operating principle, they can be divided into three groups:

  • ultrasonic They are equipped with a special membrane that creates high-frequency vibrations and thereby sprays water into tiny droplets of water (forming a kind of cold steam — fog). There are most of these humidifiers on sale today;
  • water (they are also air washers). These devices provide traditional humidification, that is, natural evaporation of liquid. The air is “driven” by a fan through special water-moistened disks, cartridges or filters. As a result, both moistening and cleaning are carried out (dust settles in the water), which is where the name “washer” comes from;
  • steam. Not very common today are devices that heat water and provide hot evaporation — steam. They are quite noisy and wasteful in terms of energy consumption, and the very fact of high heating makes them not the safest choice, for example, for families with children.
Ultrasonic humidifiers are relatively compact, affordable models, available in a wide range.

Compact car models are also included in a separate group of devices. They connect to the cigarette lighter or USB and are aimed at maintaining a comfortable microclimate in the car interior. In addition, there are even more functional models — air coolers. They are supplemented with special filters, the list of which determines the quality of removal of various contaminants. Some can retain dust, others — kill bacteria and the smallest allergens, and still others — eliminate the cigarette smell. Note that the humidification function of such progressive solutions is not the main one, but a secondary one, and, in general, this is a separate type of device that is closer in spirit to air purifiers.

In practice, when you need a humidifier, most often the dilemma comes down to choosing between ultrasonic models and air washers. Let's look at the pros and cons of these devices in more detail.

Ultrasonic humidifiers

Pros of ultrasonic humidifiers:

  • Affordable price.
  • The largest assortment compared to competitors.
  • A wide selection of functional devices, including those with a hygrostat, aromatization, warm steam, etc. (We'll talk about these options in more detail later).
  • Low or moderate noise level.
  • Usually more compact than analogues (with water tanks of comparable volume).

Cons of ultrasonic models:

  • Sensitive to water quality. If it is hard, then you cannot avoid a white coating on furniture and other surfaces.
  • They can over-humidify the air if the indicators are not controlled by a hygrostat. This is fraught with the effect of dampness, the appearance of mold, etc.
Air washers operate on the principle of natural evaporation of moisture.

Pros of air washers:

  • Additional cleaning effect (dust retention in water).
  • Natural principle of evaporation and no risk of overhumidification.
  • Low or moderate noise level.
  • Tap water can be used. There will be no white plaque in the room, but you will have to clean the device inside more often.
  • They are often equipped with large water tanks, so they require replenishment less often.

Cons of water humidifiers:

  • The price is higher.
  • Labor-intensive regular cleaning.
  • Large dimensions.
Air washers

For convenient comparison, we have compiled information about ultrasonic models and air washes into a table:

Comparison criterion Ultrasonic humidifiers Air washers
Range Wide Average
Price Lower Higher
Dimensions More compact Larger
Noise Low or medium Low or medium
Air purification Absent Present
Functionality More extensive More modest
Using tap water No (there will be white plaque) Yes
Is it possible to over-humidify a room? Yes No
Care and maintenance Usually simple Can be difficult

It cannot be said with certainty that any type of humidifier is better. If your budget is limited, then you should probably choose an ultrasonic model. Here, with a relatively small investment, you can buy a device with a hygrostat (which means you don’t need to be afraid of overhumidification) and various additional functions. Also, models with ultrasound are very variable in terms of design, and many compact solutions are not difficult to fit into the interior of small-sized spaces.

If filtering tap water is not feasible or desired, investing in an air washer is a better option. Choosing such a model is justified when additional features are not needed, but effective dust removal is still essential.

Recommended area, water consumption and tank volume of the humidifier

When you have decided on the type of humidifier, you should start considering other important selection factors. Three parameters can be considered paramount, and they are all related in one way or another. These are the recommended floor area, water flow rate (actually the rate of water use or humidification capacity), and tank volume.

Most manufacturers indicate the maximum area of the room where the humidifier will perform its main function. It is clear that this indicator is only a recommendation, and a very average one, since the entire volume of the room is humidified, and everyone’s ceilings are different. It is best to leave a reserve of 10 – 20 m². But also keep in mind: humidifiers designed for larger rooms tend to be larger, heavier, and more expensive.

The water consumption of a humidifier is directly tied to the recommended area it covers. For instance, a model suitable for rooms over 60 square meters will likely have a consumption exceeding 400 ml/hour. Conversely, for smaller spaces (up to 30 m²), a capacity of around 200 ml/h is adequate. If the recommended area for a humidifier is unspecified, you can gauge it by comparing the water consumption with similar models where the square area is known.

The intensity of humidification determines what area to use the device on and how often you will have to refill the water.

Insufficient power in spacious rooms may result in prolonged humidification time, potentially failing to achieve the desired humidity level. Conversely, a high maximum water flow rate in a small room is manageable with multiple intensity modes. The ability to swiftly address severe dryness at maximum speed and then switch to medium or minimum evaporation power is beneficial. However, without performance adjustment, elevated parameters pose the risk of over-humidification and frequent liquid refills.

The water tank capacity is the third crucial factor, dependent on the maximum fluid flow. For instance, if a model has a consumption of 250 ml/h, a 2-liter tank requires refilling every 8 hours, while a 5-liter tank lasts 20 hours. The latter option demands less frequent user intervention. However, the drawback is that larger tanks contribute to the bulkiness of humidifiers, which may not be suitable for confined living spaces. Additionally, not everyone is willing to handle heavy loads, necessitating a search for compromise solutions.

Humidifiers with humidity indicator

Is a hygrometer and hygrostat necessary?

Modern humidifiers may contain devices such as a hygrometer and a hygrostat. Firstly, we must avoid confusion with them. Secondly, it is important to decide whether you need them or not, because they directly affect the cost of the device.

A hygrometer is a sensor designed to measure relative humidity, providing a numerical representation rather than a subjective estimation. Typically, if a hygrometer is included, it offers a digital display indicating the humidity level. However, since the sensor is integrated into the housing near water and evaporation, its accuracy cannot be considered truly precise unless the hygrometer is made remote, which is a rare occurrence.

Hygrometer readings are often overestimated, but they give a general idea of the microclimate.

It's important to note that the recommended air humidity for residential spaces is typically between 40% and 60%. Pediatricians suggest keeping it closer to the higher end, especially for families with children, to enhance respiratory health and reduce the risk of colds. While an indicator around 50% is beneficial for respiratory mucous membranes, determining the most comfortable level is subjective and may require experimentation based on personal feelings. To achieve this, consider choosing a model with a hygrometer, despite potential accuracy errors, as it allows you to gauge your preferred humidity level. Alternatively, you can invest in a separate measuring device and place it at a distance from the humidifier for additional accuracy.

A hygrostat, a more advanced device, incorporates a humidity sensor and has the capability to maintain a set target value. It typically employs a circuit that turns off when the desired humidity is achieved, and when the air becomes drier, the device resumes operation. Some models, upon reaching the desired humidity, can intelligently switch to a less intensive performance mode automatically.

A hygrostat automates humidifier operation by setting a target humidity level, streamlining the process of replenishing water supplies, and regulating on/off cycles automatically. While not essential for air washers due to their natural evaporation process that avoids overhumidification, having a hygrostat adds convenience. For ultrasonic models, investing in this device is desirable, with the additional cost often justified.

Humidifiers with hygrostat

Humidifier controls

In terms of interaction with the appliance, there are usually two rather different approaches. In the first case, the humidifier is equipped with a simple control panel with one or more buttons or a rotary knob (sometimes even mechanical). The functionality of such models is usually lower — there is no hygrostat or even hygrometer, but in general everything is clear and very reliable, and the price tag is lower.

The second approach involves more complex controls, including a display with humidity indication (or other data), the ability to set a sleep timer, etc. Sometimes they even come with a remote control. It is more convenient to interact with such humidifiers, but the abundance of sensors and complicated control circuits sometimes have a negative impact on overall reliability, because due to increased humidity these components can fail faster.

It is advisable to include so-called smart humidifiers in a separate category. They can be controlled remotely, and in some cases even using voice commands. Moreover, wireless communication sensors are typical not only for models with advanced controls, but also for those that have simple switches without a display. In the latter, the current humidity can be found in an application on a smartphone.

A smart humidifier may have bland controls, but more options available in the app.

What affects the ergonomics of a humidifier?

It is desirable that comfortable humidity in the room does not cause users additional hassle with operating the device. To do this, first of all, you should take into account the overall dimensions of the humidifier and its appearance (design), that is, make sure that the model fits into the interior and there is simply a place for it in the room (preferably away from the TV and other electronics).

Another crucial consideration is the regular refilling of the liquid, a task that needs to be performed frequently. While a large tank may seem appealing, it can be challenging for a delicate housewife to maneuver around the apartment. Moreover, transporting the tank back and forth is not always convenient. To address this, many manufacturers are increasingly providing models with top water filling. Additionally, the advantages of transparent tanks with windows for indicating the liquid level should not be overlooked.

The noise level also affects the operating comfort. Models that generate less than 30 dB at maximum performance are considered quiet. Such humidifiers will not interfere with comfortable sleep. Some models are noisier by default, but have a special night mode. But here you need to clarify what a specific manufacturer means by it. In some cases, this means increased acoustic comfort and/or turning off bright displays and lights, and in others, this means higher humidity, which is often recommended for sleep.

Quiet humidifiers

The maintenance effort required for a humidifier is noteworthy, as the device comes into contact with water and necessitates regular cleaning. The instructions typically provide specific recommendations regarding the cleaning frequency, making it advisable to review the user manual before making a purchase. It's important to recognize that certain aspects of maintenance may not be covered by technical parameters, with marketers sometimes avoiding this topic. The nuances of cleaning become apparent through practical experience or using multiple humidifiers, revealing whether a particular model is genuinely hassle-free.

Top filling of water is simple and convenient.

General points that can make cleaning/washing the device easier include the following:

  • removable water tank or large neck for access to the interior walls;
  • availability of care accessories (special brushes, household chemicals, etc.);
  • removable humidifying disk/cartridge in the air washer;
  • certain cleaning systems (both auto programs and special consumables — scale filter, etc.);
  • simple design without numerous protrusions, bends, textured surfaces and other points that can “collect” dirt;
  • and, of course, a clear care routine in the manual that says wash every 7 days.

Additional humidifier features and consumables

In addition to air humidification itself, profile devices can support other functions, namely:

  • aromatization. This function can be implemented in different ways, but most often special containers, compartments or cartridges for aromatic oils are provided. Note that there are quite a few aroma diffusers on sale — compact models with aromatization and low humidification performance (up to 50 ml/h), in which the spraying of pleasant odors is the main function rather than an additional one;
The aroma function allows you to relax after a working day.

  • ionization. This is a feature that enriches the air with negatively charged particles, typically resulting in a sensation of freshness and aiding in reducing airborne dust, causing it to settle more quickly;
  • warm steam This function provides hygienic water treatment and slightly heats the air, which can be useful in winter (but not in summer). In turn, heating increases the energy consumption of the humidifier and accelerates the formation of scale;
  • water purification. For this, demineralization cartridges (against deposits) and/or various antibacterial agents are used: ultraviolet sterilizers, silver parts, treatment of the internal walls of the tank with special compounds, etc.
Fragrance humidifiers

You can also find humidifiers with an ozonation function on sale, but it is not widely used.

All of the above options usually affect the final cost of the device. In addition, the operation of multifunctional models is usually more expensive. Let's say you have to buy essential oils for aromatization. Warm steam will increase your energy bills. Cleaning functions almost always involve special consumables — cartridges, filters, rods, which manufacturers recommend changing at certain intervals.

Humidifiers with ionizer

Additional recommendations for choosing humidifiers

Not one of the main, but also significant options of humidifiers is backlighting. It acts primarily as a decorative element, and can also replace a night light in a children's room or bedroom. At the same time, it is better if the backlight is switchable (for some, it may, on the contrary, interfere with sleep).

A backlit humidifier is beautiful, and sometimes even a real work of art.

Most contemporary humidifiers come with essential features such as automatic shutdown when the water level is low. Additional benefits may include child protection with control locks, built-in wheels for easy mobility, and a rotating evaporator. The latter enables more even humidification throughout the room and allows directing moisture flow to specific areas, such as closer to residents and away from household appliances.

In conclusion, it should be noted that when choosing a humidifier, it is also recommended to pay attention to the brand. The market leaders in terms of price-quality ratio are Xiaomi, Philips, Electrolux, which are also known for other household appliances (and not only). Traditionally the models of Boneco, Beurer and more expensive Venta are also considered good. In the budget segment we can highlight the brands Deerma and Noveen.