Cool Mist Humidifier

T oday we spend more time inside than ever, and keeping our houses and workplaces comfortable has become a real quest. Temperature, humidity, air purity, all should be taken into account if we aim at a pleasant environment. As the cold season approaches, the air tends to become dry, and the symptoms connected to low humidity start to appear. If you’re done dealing with congestion, dry skin, or chapped lips, you should consider buying a cold mist humidifier for your house. It produces room temperature vapors that are dissipated into the air, thus maintaining an even humidity and increasing thermal comfort.

8. Honeywell HUL520W – Best for Small Rooms

Among compact solutions for your bedroom or office, Honeywell HUL520W is a perfect fit for every desk or nightstand. Moreover, it operates at a super quite level, so your peace and rest will not be disturbed. With a large tank opening, refilling it should be a breeze, and once this task is done, it won’t bother you for up to 20 uninterrupted hours.

High-End Technology

The evaporative method has been used for tens of years to make the air more humid, and thus, healthier for kids, and it does deliver, but for a nursery, a safer technology that doesn’t imply heating any liquids is more suitable. Thus, the newest trend is the ultrasonic technology. In order to generate extra-fine mist, it engages a metal plate that oscillates at a very high speed. The result consists not only in a higher area coverage but in quieter operations, which recommend this model for a baby’s room, along with other safety characteristics:

• Auto shut-off – should always be considered, as it is responsible with turning the motor down when all the water in the reservoir has been spread across the room
• Adjustable mist output – regulates the quantity of moisture that is to be spread
• Rubber Feet – efficient in keeping it in place

The power knob is the only control it offers and, before thinking that it is a rather simplistic buy that won’t bring you the satisfaction you wish, consider how convenient this option is. Push the button and the oscillation will begin. Turn the knob to get the right quantity of moisture. Push the button again and go to sleep or let it run until everything gets deactivated by the auto function.

Factors To Consider

• Water Recipient Capacity – 1.9 L
• Applicable Area – 120 sq. ft.
• Max Operation Time – 20 hours
• Dimension – 8.5 x 8.2 x 8.9 inches

Conclusion

By increasing humidity to a safe level of 40-60%, it prevents wooden furniture from getting deteriorate and reduces the number of bacteria and viruses that are found in the air. This way, flu symptoms such as congestion, irritated throat, and breathing illnesses are diminished, and dangerous microscopic organisms are kept away from your family. Elseways, if humidity is too high, mold and mildew may invade your house, so make sure that it stays under 60%.

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7. Safety 1st IH304 – Best for Baby

With a tank of considerable size, that can ensure your comfort for up to 24 hours, this nicely designed humidifier will do a great job in small rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, baby bathrooms or offices. It outputs cold mist that not only increases moisture level but chills the air and brings freshness into the room. Moreover, it is built on ultrasonic technology that uses vibrations to produce mist, thus avoiding upsetting high noises.

360°-Degree Turn

Equipped with a nozzle that turns 360 degrees, it won’t release mist on your drapes or walls. All you need to do is turn it towards the desired space and it will fill your air with refreshing vapors. Furthermore, for easier use, other useful features are available:

• 2 Mist Outlets – that increase room coverage and allow you to adjust mist output
• 2.5 L Water Tank – due to the fact that it cand supply enough water for a whole day and night, it reduces the weekly time spent with maintenance
• Auto Shut-Off – essential option, as it would overheat if continuing to run when the water is over

It is safe to use around children, as it doesn’t use any chemicals to produce mist and it doesn’t release any dangerous gases. Besides, it is ultra-quiet, thus ensuring good rest, especially if your baby struggles with congestion or breathing problems.

Important Notes

• Dimensions – 7.5″ x 7.2″ x 10.2″
• Max Operation Time – 24 Hours
• Water Reservoir Capacity – 2.5L
• Applicable Area – 100 sq. ft.

Improves Breathing

Low humidity is held responsible for numerous breathing and skin conditions. If the air in your house is not humid enough, you may experience dry eyes or itchy skin. Safety 1st IH304 uses 2 nozzles to release mist all over your space, thus helping reduce symptoms of:

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Flu

It includes an indicator light that lets you know when it’s empty, so you won’t have to check on water level every hour. With no filters included, it helps you save the money and time that you would have otherwise spent on them.

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6. Crane EE-5301 – Best for Large Rooms

A humidifier is essential for newborns, as in the first months of life they use only their little noses to breathe. To prevent nasal congestions and sore sinuses, this model releases the perfect amount of cold mist into the air, and it does it without any noticeable noise, thanks to the ultrasonic mist-releasing process. Furthermore, with a 3.8 L water recipient included, it can run for up to 24 hours without interruption.

Reduces Microbe Growth By 99.96%

It is known that microorganisms tend to develop faster in humid places, and an ordinary water tank would make a great host for them, but this is not the case with Crane EE-5301. Made of special materials that are resistant to microbes, it prevents the growth of:

• Mold and Mildew – which can release spores into the air
• Germs – which travel through the air and are either inhaled or set on furniture and upholstery
• Viruses – a sneeze ie enough for them to spread and contaminate everything

Besides, it doesn’t require a filter that would need regular replacement and would generate extra expenses. The tank is detachable and easy to clean, thus increasing the sanitizing level.

Buying Guide

• Dimensions – 8.6 x 13.4 x 8.6 inches
• Max Operation Time – 24 Hours
• Water Recipient Capacity – 3.8 L
• Warranty Period – 1-Year

Preserves Your House

Dryness doesn’t only affect your skin and airways, it has the same effect on your house, especially if you own many wooden furniture pieces. Able to cover areas that are up to 500 sq. ft. large, and including a nozzle that can rotate 360 degrees, Crane EE-5301 can save your house from the following damages:

• Shrinking Wood
• Static Electricity
• Dry Wallpaper that peels
• Cracked Wall Paint and Furniture

Furthermore, the incorporated Auto Shut-Off function keeps it from overheating when it runs out of the water, this way preventing fires and increasing safety when it is used around kids and pets. Another big bonus is that it consumes less than a light bulb and won’t increase your electricity bill.

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5. TaoTronics TT-AH001 – Best for Hard Water

Built of premium quality components that ensure a powerful and ultra-safe running, PH-355 is one of the most popular humidifiers on the market. Using a high-frequency ultrasound oscillator of 2.4 Mhz, it fills your rooms with a cold refreshing mist that counterattacks the effects of dry weather, saving you from flu symptoms and imminent asthma attacks. And it comes at a very accessible price that makes it even more attractive.

Practical Design

It was designed to cover small to medium spaces and it does a great job, due to its 2.2 L water reservoir that allows it to run for 17 hours between refills. Its upper side is transparent and lets you check the level of water while spreading a nice diffuse blue light. Furthermore, its efficiency is enhanced by many practical features:

• Knob Control – allows you to choose humidity level
• Night Light – guides you at night and adds beauty to its design
• Adjustable Mist Speed – you can choose between low an high depending on your current needs

It includes 11 variable mist control settings and can provide a 350 ml/h mist output, thus acting efficiently against damages that may be produced by dry air. It will protect your wooden furniture from shrinking and cracking, managing this way to prologue its lifespan.

Factors To Consider

• Dimensions – 11 x 10.2 x 8.5 inches
• Water Recipient Capacity – 2.2 L
• Weight – 3.1 pounds
• Max Operation Time – 17 hours

Perfect for Baby Rooms

Many factors should be considered before choosing any appliance for nurseries or baby rooms. As a rule, anything that doesn’t meet common safety standards should be avoided, as you wouldn’t want your kid to get hurt. With PurSteam World’s Best Steamers PH-355 you won’t have to worry about your baby’s safety, thanks to its functions that were designed to prevent incidents:

• Auto Shut-Off – turns it off when water inside the tank is fully consumed
• Low Water Indicator – helps you keep the tank always full
• Noiseless Technology – doesn’t affect your baby’s sleep

Featuring a wide cap that allows easy and thorough cleaning, you won’t have to deal with mold or bacteria growth and your baby will breathe only the cleanest air.

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3. VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser – Best for Aromatherapy

If you are looking for an appliance that can perform more than one function at a time, you will be pleased to hear that VicTsing was designed not only to cover your house in an invigorating cool mist but to transform it into a genuine sanctuary. It is both a humidifier and a diffuser for essential oils. All you need to do is add your favorite aroma into the water tank, and it will spread it all over the place.

100% BPA Free

Bisphenol is a chemical substance that is often found in plastic products. Studies have proven that a certain percentage of this compound can pass into aliments or beverages, affecting especially babies and children. VicTsing doesn’t use materials that include BPA, avoiding this way the release of harmful substances into the air and keeping your family safe of:

• High Blood Pressure
• Infertility
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Asthma

Moreover, it includes an Auto Shut-Off function that activates 5 seconds after the diffuser has run out of water, and turns it off, this way preventing it from overheating and causing unfortunate household accidents.

Important Features

• Dimension – 6.7 x 6.7 x 6 inches
• Water Recipient Capacity – 300 ml
• Coverage Area – 82 sq. ft.
• Max Operation Time – 8 hours

Versatile and Stylish

This model was created to please the eye and sure does a great job with its wooden-alike exterior that brings a hint of natural warmth into your home. Due to its small dimensions, you can place it even in narrower places like your bathroom, kitchen or nursery. In addition, it comes with many useful features that were designed to enhance your experience:

• 7 Led Lights – you can choose between a brighter and a dimmer option for every single color
• Timer – allows you to set its running time to 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours or continual
• 2 Mist options – for either strong or standard mist

While other humidifiers tend to break if you add essential oils in their water tank, this model is made of resistant materials that support this function. It doesn’t need any additional aroma compartment. However, you should remember that oils are not included in the package and you will need to purchase them your own.

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2. Pure Enrichment PEHUMIDIF – Best for the Money

With a maximum run time of 16 hours at high speed, Pure Enrichment PEHUMIDIF is one of the most efficient humidifiers to be used during the night. Due to the large 1.5 L water tank that comes with it, you won’t have to worry about it running out of water. No more waking ups during the night to refill the tank and surely no more chapped lips in the morning. Now you can get your well-deserved rest, and sleep through a full quiet night, as it doesn’t even produce much sound.

360-Degrees Nozzle

Some appliances and materials are not meant to get wet, and a daily mist shower surely won’t do them any good. You will want to keep the water away from them, and here is where a 360-degree nozzle finds its best use. By rotating it, you can choose between places that need moisturizing and places that don’t, and, this way, avoid the damage of:

• Electronics and electrical installations
• Fabrics and sensitive wood furniture
• Plants

When it comes to cleaning, you will find everything you need in the package, and this means a brush that you can use to remove any debris and buildup from the ultrasonic disk. Furthermore, it will save you money in the long run, as it doesn’t include any filters that need replacing or washing.

Important Specifications

• Dimensions – 10.9 x 9.2 x 6.9 inches
• Weight – 1.75 pounds
• Maximum Run Time – 16 hours
• Warranty Period – 5-Year.

5-Year Warranty

If you are interested in acquiring a model that will last you for a long time, you should know that Pure Enrichment PEHUMIDIF comes with many practical maintenance options. Robust and built of quality materials, it won’t break easily, but for your ease of mind, here are some advantages that come with this package:

• 5-Year Warranty – for any manufacturing flow
• Customer Support – available 7 days a week
• ETL Certification – that guarantees that it complies with high safety standards

Provided with an adjustable mist output that allows you to choose between a low and a high level, getting the humidity you desire shouldn’t be a problem. It will help relieve common problems that are caused by dry air, such as congestion, dry eyes and skin or allergies. With a soft nightlight included, that won’t interfere with your dreams, it is a wonderful choice for homes where peace is cherished.

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1. Honeywell HCM350W – Best Overall

If you are wondering what makes this model from Honeywell so popular among buyers, let us shed some light on this subject. Not only that it is very practical, with a large 3.8 L water tank included, that ensures its optimal functioning for up to 24 hours, but it features an innovative filtering technology, based on Ultra Violet light and wicking filters, designed to release only germ- and particle-free mist into the air. With HCM350W you won’t have to worry about breathing calcar deposits that are an effect of hard water and may get sprayed into the air with other humidifiers.

99.9% Germ-Free Mist

Studies have shown that viruses and germs multiply faster in less humid environments, so keeping a good level of humidity in your house may be the best way to avoid flu and seasonal colds. But what do you do with microorganisms that travel through water and get dissipated into your room through the cold mist? Meet Honeywell evaporative technology that includes:

• Ultra Violet Light – kills 99.9% germs, bacteria and viruses that are found in the water
• Wicking Filter – absorbs the sanitized water and uses it to moisturize the dry air as it passes through it
• Self Regulating System – automatically adjusts the mist output according to the humidity level in the room

The water tank is made of break-resistant materials and it is safe to use in a dishwasher. Provided with a wide tank opening, it is easy to clean and fill, thus helping to prevent any mold or bacteria growth on its interior walls.

Important Notes

• Dimensions – 17.5 x 9.4 x 11.8 inches
• Maximum Run Time – 24 hours
• Applicable Area – 150 sq. ft.
• Warranty Period – 3-Year

Multiple Health Benefits

Cold weather especially can decrease the thermal comfort in your living place, favoring the occurrence of irritating symptoms such as difficulties in breathing, cough or sneezing. By keeping the RH level between 40 and 60%, Honeywell HCM350W reduces the risk of:

• Influenza
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Congestion

As long as you remember to replace the filter periodically, it will do a fantastic job at keeping viruses, bacteria and other potentially harmful airborne particles away from your house. Genuine Honeywell Filters are treated with Protec Antimicrobial that stops up to 99.99% of mold growth, so we recommend the use of these specific ones.

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Top 8 Comparison

Photo	Products	Price
Best Overall	1. Honeywell HCM350W Applicable area: 150 sq. ft. Tank size: 3.8L Runtime: 24 hr Smart functions: UV light, humidity monitor Warranty: 3 years
Best for the Money	2. Pure Enrichment PEHUMIDIF Applicable area: 250 sq. ft. Tank size: 1.5L Runtime: 16 hr Smart functions: Automatic shut-off Warranty: 5 years
Best for Aromatherapy	3. VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser Applicable area: 82 sq. ft. Tank size: 0.3L Runtime: 8 hr Smart functions: Essential oil diffuser Warranty: 1 year
Editor’s Choice	4. PurSteam World’s Best Steamers PH-355 Applicable area: N/A Tank size: 2.2L Runtime: 17 hr Smart functions: Ultrasonic technology Warranty: 1 year
Best for Hard Water	5. TaoTronics TT-AH001 Applicable area: 320 sq. ft. Tank size: 4L Runtime: 30 hr Smart functions: Sleep mode, nightlight Warranty: 1 year
Best for Large Rooms	6. Crane EE-5301 Applicable area: 500 sq. ft. Tank size: 3.8L Runtime: 24 hr Smart functions: Automatic shut-off Warranty: 1 year
Best for Baby	7. Safety 1st IH304 Applicable area: 100 sq. ft. Tank size: 2.5L Runtime: 24 hr Smart functions: Ultrasonic technology Warranty: 1 year
Best for Small Rooms	8. Honeywell HUL520W Applicable area: 120 sq. ft. Tank size: 1.9L Runtime: 20 hr Smart functions: Automatic shut-off Warranty: 3 years

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How Does It Work?

The benefits of a humidifier cannot be contested, especially when it comes to relieving the symptoms caused by low humidity. When the cold season approaches, nasal congestion, dry skin, itchiness are just a step away, and the best way to fight these symptoms is to increase the humidity level in your house. Unlike warm mist humidifiers, which boil the water to produce vapors that are further released into the room, cool mist humidifiers work more like evaporative coolers, using the warm air as the main catalyst for evaporation. Another method that is often found on these appliances is ultrasonic technology.

The process of turning the water into a refreshing cool mist is pretty simple, and once you’ve understood how these devices work, you will be able to better distinguish between the two types and make the right choice for your home. So, let’s take a closer look at the technology behind them.

Two Effective Technologies

The years of research and innovation produced two types of cold mist humidifiers, one that uses evaporation to release the mist and increase humidity, and one that implies a spinning disk driven by a performant motor which splits the water into microscopic droplets. Each of the two methods has its benefits and drawn-backs, but when it comes to their main purpose, the result is excellent.

Evaporative Humidifier

The three components that are found obligatory in this type of humidifier are the wick filter, the water reservoir, and the fan. Although the fan size and power may vary, and the filter can be either of higher or lower quality, the process is the same, implying the following steps:

1. The reservoir is filled with water according to its volume and capacity.
2. Once the device is turned on, the water is drained from the reservoir into the wick through a paper sheet or a cloth.
3. The fan draws the warm air in the room and blows it towards the wick, activating the evaporating process that leads to a drop in temperature.
4. The cold mist is then released into the room, increasing humidity and creating a refreshing atmosphere.

Often, evaporative humidifiers use filters to remove the particles and pollutants that travel through the air. Depending on the quality of the filter, they can capture bacteria, germs, viruses, pet hair, dust mittens, mold, mildew, fungus, and even odors or VOCs.

Ultrasonic Humidifier

Renowned for their whisper-quiet operations and efficiency, ultrasonic humidifiers cannot function without 3 main components: the water recipient, the nickel electrodes, and the piezoelectric ceramic disk. Here’s how the process follows:

1. Once the recipient is filled with water, the device is turned on.
2. The electric current crosses the 2 nickel electrodes and reaches the disk.
3. As the disk is piezoelectric, it starts to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency which breaks the water molecules, turning them into smaller particles.
4. The mist is instantaneously transmitted through the air into the room, all at an inaudible level of sound.

Ultrasonic humidifiers don’t use filters, as the high vibration process is powerful enough to sanitize the air. However, water deposits such as minerals or chlorine are broken along with the water molecules and end up in the air. This fine powder is known as ‘white dust’ and, although it is not dangerous for your health, it tends to deposit on the proximal furniture. An efficient way to ameliorate this problem is to replace the tap water with distilled water or try to find milder water.

Benefits

Whether you choose the first or the second variant, the most important benefit is the improvement it brings to your health. Cold and flu symptoms will be alleviated and allergies reduced. Plus, during the summer, the cool mist will refresh the air in your house and drive away a small part of the summer heat.
However, a cool-mist humidifier can also bring you financial advantages, and these include:

• Low power consumption – it is designed to save energy, and many models include a timer, so you can set the optimal operation time.
• Attractive prices – although variable, depending on the technology, options, and smart functions, the average price remains within reasonable limits.
• Low maintenance – Ultrasonic humidifiers don’t use filters, so you won’t have to deal with extra expenses. Moreover, even if evaporative humidifiers use them, they are pretty affordable and last for many months, so the maintenance cost will remain low.

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Conclusion

Cold mist humidifiers run on ultrasonic vibrations, a technology that provides effective results without consuming much energy, thus turning them into real money savers. Many of them are equipped with large tanks that are easy to fill and clean and can run for tens of hours without interruption. Furthermore, their main function is supplemented by many attractive features that increase their usability and turn them into genuine gadgets.

Best Cool Mist Humidifier on the Market: Honeywell HCM350W

Honeywell HCM350W is your best choice if you are looking to keep your house as sanitized as possible. Both UV light and a filter are available with this model, to ensure a 99.9% germ-free cold mist. Besides, it has a pretty fair price and, with a 1-year warranty, you won’t have to worry about extra expenses.

Editor’s choice: PurSteam World’s Best Steamers PH-355

Before talking about anything else, we should stop a moment and admire its design. The clean curved lines and clear water reservoir suggest the purity and moistness of the air you are about to inhale. But this is not all. You will appreciate its discretion as well, as it can run for almost an entire day without producing a perceptible noise.

Best Cool Mist Humidifier for the Money: Pure Enrichment PEHUMIDIF

If you are looking for a humidifier that can last you through the whole night without requiring any refill, you should consider the Pure Enrichment PEHUMIDIF. Safe for baby rooms and with a 5-Year warranty included, this is one of the best choices for people who want their peace of mind.

Best Cool Mist Humidifier for Aromatherapy: VicTsing VS-PHM004YUS-VD

Built of BPA-free materials, VicTsing VS-PHM004YUS-VD, is one of the safest humidifiers on the market. Moreover, it has a beautiful and stylish design that will impress any of your visitors, and its tank allows you to add essential oils directly into the water for nicely-scented moments.

Best Cool Mist Humidifier for Hard Water: TaoTronics TT-AH001

Situated at the border between high-end and classical models, it is silent and versatile. The generous reservoir lasts the whole night while the special cartridge tackles minerals and encloses them so they don’t reach your airways. It has a digital panel and an LED display, but the price is decent. Plus, the offered warranty includes labor and parts for one year.