Humidifiers

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Humidifiers

What's behind our humidifier Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 29 models in humidifiers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is the weighted score, out of a possible 100 points, from the additive weighted averages of the test results.
Output
Output is based on the number of gallons emitted daily per square foot of the recommended humidification area.
Convenience
Convenience is the ease of operating and maintaining a unit.
Noise
Noise is based on the sound level, in decibels, at the unit’s highest operating setting.
Efficiency
Efficiency is the energy, in Watt-hours, required to emit a gallon of water into the air.
Hard Water
Hard water is the percentage of the output filled with tap water a unit produces when filled with hard water.

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Recommended humidifiers

Recommended humidifiers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended humidifiers

Humidifier buying guide

To find the humidifier that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy humidifiers in a safe-shopping environment.

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Choosing among the three major types of humidifiers-tabletop, console, and in duct-involves trade-offs in efficiency, noise, and convenience. Primary considerations include the size of the space you need to humidify and how much you're willing to spend. If you're looking for information about humidifiers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ humidifier reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our humidifier buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and humidifier reviews to help you choose the best humidifier for your needs.

Ratings & recommended humidifiers

Humidifiers (29)

Recommended focuses on models that blend performance and value and minimize the trade-offs among efficiency, cost, noise, and convenience inherent in choosing a humidifier.

Humidifier buying guide

Scratchy throats and itchy eyes from dry winter air help put humidifiers on roughly 10 million shopping lists each year. Our top picks start at just $35 and include penguin shapes and other flights of fancy.

Ideally, indoor humidity should be 30 to 50 percent. But without humidification, that level can drop to 10 percent in winter, because cold air holds less moisture and dries even more as it's heated. But our tests show that some models do little humidifying and could soak you with added costs. Here's what you need to know:

Put substance over style. Models resembling a radio, or sporting art deco or space age accents can liven the decor but if their output is too low for the space you need to humidify then they aren't right for your home. Some models with a touch of whimsy, however, also delivered on performance.

Don't assume that pricier is better. Two reasonably priced models topped our list of consoles, which can humidify an average-sized house, beating out more expensive models.

Remember to clean. To keep germs at bay, many manufacturers recommend rinsing the tank and changing the water daily, plus disinfecting the tank each week following maintenance instructions. Some makers claim that their models help by resisting bacteria and mold buildup in their tanks. Several models in our tests proved to be effective at slowing bacteria growth.

Check the features. A humidistat--if it's accurate--can help you maintain relative humidity between the optimal levels of 30 percent to 50 percent.

Factor in added costs. Evaporative humidifiers use a filter that requires periodic replacing, while some ultrasonic models have a demineralization cartridge. Antimicrobial cartridges are another option on all types. Replacing those parts usually costs around $50 a year; the Ratings show which models require replacement parts.

Check our hard-water scores. Minerals in hard water can lower a humidifier's performance by causing scale buildup. Some models resisted it far better than others.

Think about noise. Console models are the loudest overall--about as noisy as a room air conditioner. But some tabletop models come close so you wouldn't want to use them in a bedroom.

If you're not ready to commit to regular maintenance and if your home has forced-air heat, consider an in-duct humidifier that's plumbed into the water supply and drainpipes. Such units don't need refilling, and their easy-change filter requires service only once or twice a year.

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