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When the temperatures start to take a nosedive, the moisture and humidity in your house follow suit. Replacing the lost moisture using a warm mist humidifier can relieve a range of physical discomforts and keep your air clean during the germ-ridden months of winter.
With so many choices out there, it can be tough to pick the best warm mist humidifier for your needs. Some are more traditional appliances, while others offer the latest and greatest modern technology–but often come at a higher price.
Before deciding on which warm mist humidifier is right for you, you have to think about the factors that are most important to you when it comes to using this appliance.
Don't have time to read the entire review?
Here's a quick look at our top 10 choices for best warm mist humidifiers.
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Best Overall Choice: Hammacher Schlemmer Warm Mist Humidifier | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Runner-Up Option: Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Humidifier 6L Vaporizer Warm | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best Value for the Money: LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Room Bedroom | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Most Budget-Friendly: Honeywell HWM-340B Easy-to-Care Warm Mist Humidifier | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best Hybrid Warm & Cool Humidifier: TotalComfort 2-in-1 Warm and Cool Humidifier | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best for Children's Rooms: Vicks Starry Night Filtered Cool Mist Humidifier | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best Filter-Free Option: Honeywell HWM705B Filter-Free Warm Moisture Humidifier | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best Table-Top Warm Mist Humidifier: Aircare Aurora Ultrasonic Tabletop Humidifier | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Most Durable Warm Mist Humidifier: TTLIFE Ultrasonic Humidifiers Large Room, 5.5L Ionic Warm | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Most Stylish Warm Mist Humidifier: HuPro Pro773 Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
Whether you’re concerned about the price, the ease of installation, or child safety, we will uncover and analyze the 10 best warm humidifiers in this article so you can find the perfect option for your home or office.
But first, let’s look at what warm mist humidifiers are and the health benefits that they can offer you.
Why Buy a Warm Mist Humidifier?
Humidifiers can be sorted into two categories: warm mist and cool mist.
Both types of humidifiers are created to purify the air around you and increase the level of humidity, however, they work very differently. In this article, we will be focusing solely on warm mist humidifiers.
Warm mist humidifiers expel warm moisture into the air from heated water. By using a heating element, the humidifier boils water to release a warm, visible mist. This type of humidifier can create a warm mist through either steam or a vaporizer.
However, both collect minerals that are leftover from the heated water and disperse them into the air that you breathe. These are especially great to use during the winter months, as their warm steam can make a room feel a little warmer while they’re humidifying the air.
One thing to keep in mind with warm mist humidifiers is that they contain hot water in the tank that can easily burn you if the humidifier tips over or leaks.
Because of this, users often choose cool mist humidifiers if their children will be able to access it in any way. However, if you take proper care of your unit and the necessary precautionary steps, your warm mist humidifier can be used safely.
The boiled water that is used in this type of humidifier is free from waterborne bacteria once it is emitted into the air, so you can be sure that you’re not breathing in pathogens or anything that could make you sick.
The hot water can also prevent the growth of bacteria or mold that may otherwise grow inside of the humidifier, making it one of the healthiest types of humidifiers available. Humidifiers are also frequently used to sanitize and disinfect the air you’re breathing, while also helping to improve your health.
Warm mist humidifiers are often used to reduce the symptoms of asthma and allergies. They have a similar effect of breathing in the moist air of a sauna. If you're congested, the warm mist can break up mucus and will help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Studies have also shown that using humidifiers can reduce the spread of the flu virus while also limiting the amount of dust in the area that many people are allergic to.
Some warm mist humidifiers even come with compartments to hold medications that can be inhaled, however, it is important to consult with your doctor before doing so.
Finally, warm mist humidifiers are effective in combating unwanted side effects of dry air, including irritated sinuses, bloody noses, chapped lips, itchy skin, sore throats, and breathing trouble.
Your skin is probably particularly dry during the winter months when the air is dry, so putting warm moisture back into the air can ease the discomfort of dry skin as well. Dry air can also damage your wood floors, furnishings, house plants, and even the structure of your home if it becomes extreme.
Warm mist humidifiers are able to disperse moisture into the air while making little to no noise, as the only sound emitted is the boiling sound of the water.
They may also have a gurgling noise if the water level becomes low and the air begins to replace where the water typically runs inside of the machine. Humidifiers are also available in portable sizes, so they’re perfect for small office space if you want some clean, warm air where you work.
Now that you know the health benefits of warm mist humidifiers, let’s look at what you should keep in mind when shopping for one.
What to Look for When Buying a Warm Mist Humidifier
Room Size
The humidity inside your house should stay between 30% and 50%. However, if you go without a humidifier, your humidity levels can drop to 10% during the colder months. Cold air is not able to hold moisture and with the addition of fires in the fireplace or furnaces, it dries out even more.
To figure out what size humidifier would be best for you, you need to know the square footage of the room where you’ll be using it. Depending on the size, you can then look at a variety of styles.
To find the option that works best for you, you may have to trade off one feature for another, such as efficiency for convenience or noise for cost.
You can buy travel humidifiers for small areas that are up to 25 sq ft, small humidifiers for rooms up to 299 sq ft, medium-sized humidifiers for areas that are between 300 and 499 sq ft, large humidifiers for areas from 500 to 999 sq ft, and console humidifiers for rooms that are over 1,000 sq ft.
You can use portable humidifiers that can be placed on top of a table for small or medium spaces, as these are the least expensive. However, because their water tanks are small, you need to refill them frequently.
For larger rooms, you may want to buy a console model humidifier. These have larger water tanks so they need fewer refills, however, due to their size and weight once they’re filled, they can be difficult to move around.
Appearance
Your humidifier doesn’t have to look boring or ugly. There are many options that are designed with your home’s décor in mind. While you can keep the appearance of your humidifier in mind, always choose function over appearance to make sure that you get the option that best suits your room and space requirements.
Maintenance
To keep your humidifier working well, you have to make sure to keep it clean, so you want to get one that is as easy to clean as possible.
Because you will have to drain, rinse, and dry it each day, and do a thorough cleaning every week with vinegar and a bleach solution, you want to be sure that this is not going to be a cumbersome job that you will end up either putting off or not doing altogether.
Regular cleaning is required to make sure that the moisture that the humidifier gathers is clean enough to breathe.
User-Friendly
It should be easy to clean a smaller humidifier and the tank should be able to easily fit underneath your bathroom faucet so you can refill it when needed.
But you also want to make sure that the humidifier has user-friendly controls and displays the humidity level and settings clearly. It is best to find one that features timers, a humidistat, is durable, and doesn’t have bright lights or loud beeping sounds of any type.
Humidistat
Some humidifiers come with a humidistat that turns the product off when it comes to a preset humidity level. Humidifiers that don’t have a humidistat can put too much moisture into the air, leading to window condensation.
If your humidifier doesn’t have one, think about buying a hygrometer so you can monitor the humidity levels in your area.
Timer
Some humidifiers allow you to program them to turn off and on so they can make your home the ideal level of humidity before you arrive. However, the problem with this convenience is that water that sits in the tank for several hours can grow microbes if you fail to fully dry the humidifier between uses.
So if you schedule your humidifier to automatically shut off, you can’t forget to go back and clean it later on.
Keeping these factors in mind, let’s look at the best warm mist humidifiers that are on the market today.
Best Warm Mist Humidifiers
1. Best Overall Choice: Hammacher Schlemmer Warm Mist Humidifier
Hammacher Schlemmer Warm Mist Humidifier earned the coveted “Best” recognition from the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute, a nonprofit started by Hammacher Schlemmer to independently test and rate consumer products.
Testing by the Institute is rigorous, independent, and uses independent experts, laboratories, and scientific devices. This humidifier was rated the best for durability, features, and ease of use, and we couldn't agree more.
The Hammacher Schlemmer Warm Mist Humidifier increased the humidity in a 100-square-foot room by 16% in just an hour. It operates for more than 27 hours on a tank, and it has an aromatherapy tray so it can also diffuse the scent of your favorite essential oil.
The top-fill tank is easy to refill, and the tank has been treated to resist mold and mildew, for healthier operation. Operation is easy and intuitive, with simple buttons. It has three speed settings, an eight hour timer, a cool mist setting, and a night light.
The Hammacher Schlemmer Warm Mist Humidifier can also be used for cool mist. It measures 12.25”H x 11”W x 8.75”D. Like all Hammacher Schlemmer products, it is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
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2. Runner-Up Option: Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Humidifier 6L Vaporizer Warm and Cool Mist for Large Room
Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Humidifier 6L Vaporizer Warm
Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Humidifier 6L Vaporizer Warm and Cool Mist for Large Room might be the best option for you if you value convenience because it comes with a timer and remote control.
It is also customizable and comes with a large 6-liter tank, so you can choose the mode that works for your precise needs.
This humidifier measures 11.6 x 7.7 x 11 inches and is just over 5 pounds. It can cover an area of up to 750 sq ft and can run for up to 40 hours straight. To add to the convenience of this humidifier, it comes fully assembled and can be easily refilled by lifting the top and unscrewing the cap to the tank.
This product also comes with a small area on the side of it where you can add essential oils for your aromatherapy needs. Using the remote, you can pick from three modes to control the level of mist that is emitted.
It also comes with a humidity setting, allowing users to set the humidity percentage of their choice so the device will automatically adjust to maintain that percentage.
This option also comes with a timer and a “sleep” option. You can set the humidifier to only run while you’re asleep if you find that to be most beneficial, which saves power and water in the long run. Because this device is nearly silent, it will not disrupt your sleep.
This humidifier has an extra feature that allows you to change the direction in which the mist is dispersed using rotating nozzles. This is convenient if you want to direct the mist straight toward you while you’re sleeping to get the maximum benefit from the machine.
Or, if you are using this humidifier in a large room, you can adjust the nozzles to face in opposite directions so the mist is able to be dispersed more evenly through the room.
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3. Best Value for the Money: LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Room Bedroom
LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Room Bedroom has a large tank, warm and cool mist, and a variety of settings for every need. It also comes with a built-in essential oil diffuser, and a remote control for incredible convenience.
It's everything you need to make the air in a large room comfortable, smelling great, and healthy, in a single device. It's a great value for a humidifier this size and with all these features.
The LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Room Bedroom has a mist output of up to 500ml/hour, so it can humidify the air in a room as large as 753 square feet. The large 1.5 gallon capacity can run up to 36 hours between refills.
A built-in sensor detects air humidity and adjusts automatically, and the tank will automatically shut off if the tank is empty. It has hot and cold mist settings.
You can manually adjust settings on the humidifier, set it to automatically humidify the air, set a timer from 1 to 12 hours, or use the remote control to make adjustments as needed.
It's perfect for a bedroom because it's whisper-quiet, and the display automatically turns off. It has a wide opening so it's easy to clean, and a built-in aroma box for your own essential oils.
The LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Room Bedroom can also be used for cool mist. It measures 11.3 x 7 x 10.5 inches. It is backed by a 1-year warranty.
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4. Most Budget-Friendly: Honeywell HWM-340B Easy-to-Care Warm Mist Humidifier
Honeywell HWM-340B Easy-to-Care Warm Mist Humidifier
Honeywell HWM-340B Easy-to-Care Warm Mist Humidifier is the best option if you want to buy a humidifier that is easy to fill. It includes an adjustable humidistat that will turn your humidifier on automatically so you can maintain a preset humidity level.
It also offers a reset light that indicates when the tank needs to be refilled, and an auto shut-off feature for when it is completely empty.
This humidifier includes a medicine cup that you can use for either vaporized medicines or essential oils. This is a great option for larger rooms and will run for 24 hours on the low setting and emit a vapor that is 95% bacteria-free. The water tank holds 1.3 gallons
This product comes in black or white so you can pick the option that works best for your home’s decor. It is easy to fill, simple to use, and very easy to clean. It comes with top-fill design, making it very easy to fill when you find you’re running low on water.
You can simply add water to this humidifier just as you would add water to a plant by pouring it into the top of the unit.
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5. Best Hybrid Warm & Cool Humidifier: TotalComfort 2-in-1 Warm and Cool Humidifier
TotalComfort 2-in-1 Warm and Cool Humidifier from HoMedics has a beautiful design and distinctive shape that lets you easily place it on the floor or on a table.
The 360° mist nozzle has a removable extended spout so you can get maximum coverage with a visible, micro-fine warm or cool mist.
It has an essential oil tray, remote control, and a demineralization cartridge, so it has everything you need for healthy indoor air with a high-style luxury design that produces warm or cool mist. It's an incredible hybrid humidifier that's loaded with features.
The TotalComfort 2-in-1 Warm and Cool Humidifier has ultrasonic technology that produces a visible microfine mist with whisper-quiet operation. The removable extended spout disperses mist into large or small spaces and allows you to set the humidifier on a table or on the floor.
The sleek design complements any décor without intrusive lights and sound.
The tank holds .79 gallons, and the humidifier will operate for up to 37 hours on a single tank.
It has auto-shutoff protection when the tank is empty, and Clean Tank Technology that protects the tank from mold and mildew It has warm or cool mist, 3 mist settings, and a timer that will operate automatically for up to 12 hours.
The built-in essential oil tray lets you also diffuse your favorite scented oil, and a demineralization cartridge lets you use the humidifier with tap water without creating a mineral mist.
The remote control lets you conveniently adjust settings, which is particularly helpful if you have set the humidifier on the floor.
The TotalComfort 2-in-1 Warm and Cool Humidifier measures 27.09 x 6.16 inches. It comes with the remote control, demineralization cartridge, 3 essential oil pads, and an instruction manual.
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6. Best for Children's Rooms: Vicks Starry Night Filtered Cool Mist Humidifier
Vicks Starry Night Filtered Cool Mist Humidifier is the best option if you’re looking for a warm mist humidifier for your baby’s room. It offers a whisper-quiet sound, mimicking white noise, which can help your baby sleep. It also has a soft glowing nightlight.
Whether you want some relief from a cough or cold or you need some comfort from the dry air of winter, this Vicks humidifier adds critical moisture into the air to help both your baby and you feel better.
This humidifier boils water to a 96% bacteria-free steam vapor that is then released into the air. The moisture released by this humidifier is visible and warm, which helps provide temporary relief for respiratory congestion.
The unit has two settings that you can adjust to your preference and it also includes a medicine cup to use for liquid inhalant medicine or essential oils.
This humidifier is filter-free and the one-gallon tank can run for up to 12 hours before users have to refill it.
The tank includes a handle, making it easy to lift and carry, and it includes an auto shut-off feature that will turn the unit off when it is empty. However, users can easily see when the water is running low through the transparent tank.
This unit measures 12″ x 7.9″ x 14.2″ and is great for medium-sized rooms. It comes with a 3-year warranty, so you can rest assured that you are spending your money wisely with this purchase.
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7. Best Filter-Free Option: Honeywell HWM705B Filter-Free Warm Moisture Humidifier
Honeywell HWM705B Filter-Free Warm Moisture Humidifier
Honeywell HWM705B Filter-Free Warm Moisture Humidifier by Honeywell is the best option if you’re looking for a filter-free humidifier. This product is well-designed and has a moisture output of about one gallon per 24 hours, which is ideal for rooms that are up to 250 sq ft.
This is an inexpensive option that will supply you with a warm, soothing mist that you can see that will make you feel more comfortable.
The unit is small (12 x 10.5 x 6.2 inches) and comes in a modern black design. It weighs only five pounds, so the best place to keep it is either on top of a table or on a rack of some sort.
The water tank is transparent and comes with an easy top-fill design. You simply need to remove the water tank, fill it with water under your faucet, and replace the tank onto the unit.
This warm mist humidifier comes with an auto shut-off feature that activates once the water tank is empty, which is convenient for reducing any worry of a fire hazard if the water level gets low.
However, if you’re not finished using this humidifier when the water runs low, you will see a refill light illuminate to signal that it needs a refill.
This humidifier comes with two settings that allow users to control the moisture output, so you can choose the output that is the most comfortable for you.
If you prefer to use essential oils in your humidifier, this warm mist humidifier is perfect because it includes a deep, narrow cup to add your essential oils for your aromatherapy needs.
The manual knob control is simple to use and the unit has an illuminated power switch which is also user-friendly.
The noise output of this product is very minimal, as it only makes noise when the water is boiling and when the amount of water is low enough that you can hear a gurgling sound as air replaces liquid in the tank. However, due to the clever design, the unit blocks out the majority of the noise.
This warm mist humidifier is easy to clean by simply soaking it in vinegar for 10-15 minutes and then brushing it clean. Because it comes with a large water tank, you won’t have to constantly refill this unit throughout the day.
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8. Best Table-Top Warm Mist Humidifier: Aircare Aurora Ultrasonic Tabletop Humidifier
Aircare Aurora Ultrasonic Tabletop Humidifier is the perfect size to fit on a table or nightstand, and yet it can fill a room up to 750 square feet with fine mist. This versatile little humidifier can also act as an essential oil diffuser and a nightlight, making it our favorite table-top warm mist humidifier.
The Aircare Aurora Ultrasonic Tabletop Humidifier has a 1 gallon tank capacity and can produce up to 2 gallons of mist per day. It will fill a 750-square-foot room and run for up to 24 hours on a tank.
It uses ultrasonic technology to create a super-fine mist, and the cap can be rotated 360° to direct the mist as needed. The tank is easy to fill in the sink, and the included demineralization cartridge allows you to use tap water without creating a white mineral dust.
It has an aroma box so you can add your own essential oils and will automatically shut off when the tank is empty.
It has an adjustable humidistat, and the variable speed fan is whisper-quiet. You can also use this humidifier as a nightlight, choosing from your favorite of 7 LED colors for a gentle glow, or let it automatically cycle through the colors for a soothing light show.
The Aircare Aurora Ultrasonic Tabletop Humidifier measures 13 x 9 x 9 inches.
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9. Most Durable Warm Mist Humidifier: TTLIFE Ultrasonic Humidifiers Large Room, 5.5L Ionic Warm, and Cool Mist Humidifiers
TTLIFE Ultrasonic Humidifiers Large Room, 5.5L Ionic Warm
TTLIFE Ultrasonic Humidifiers Large Room, 5.5L Ionic Warm, and Cool Mist Humidifiers is the best option if you want to get the most bang for your buck because it has three times the lifespan of other humidifiers. It comes with a 1.45-gallon capacity that will allow you to enjoy 40 hours of continuous use before having to refill the water.
It also comes with two nozzles that can rotate 360 degrees to provide an even disbursement of humidity into the air. This product can cover rooms that are up to 750 sq ft in size.
Using the auto mode, the mist can be automatically diffused to the level of your choice using three modes of speed.
This humidifier comes with an ionic resin filter that offers triple the amount of purification than most other humidifier filters, which helps ensure that the air you’re breathing is pure and clean. This humidifier can also help soften hard water.
This is a great option for large rooms and it can be stored on any surface without the worry of a potential leak. It comes with a sleep mode and an aromatherapy option as well.
When it is in sleep mode, it operates at a nearly silent level and the LED light will turn off to prevent it from disrupting your sleep. When in use, the LED screen can show you real-time humidity levels in your environment.
If you choose to use essential oils in the designated aroma box, you will be able to enjoy a clean, fresh scent.
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10. Most Stylish Warm Mist Humidifier: HuPro Pro773 Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
The HuPro Pro773 Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier is the best option for a stylish and functional humidifier. With its high-end, sleek design and standout features, this humidifier is a welcome addition to your home that provides improved air quality and continuous good health for your family.
It comes with a 5.5-liter water tank that effectively humidifies up to 500 square feet of space through a single refill. This humidifier can run continuously for up to 40 hours, providing comfort and better air quality regardless of the season.
It consumes very little energy during operation and has a built-in, automatic shutoff feature to prevent unit damage when water runs out.
The Pro773 Ultrasonic Humidifier purifies indoor air via a three-step process that involves:
The auto mode allows the humidifier to automatically detect the optimal level of humidity in the room and keep that level constant. It has an ultra-quiet operation, with a 10-hour timer and three speed levels to control the volume of mist output.
All the lights and sounds of the humidifier are deactivated during night mode, a welcome feature for sensitive sleepers. The humidifier also comes with a detachable water tank, and the wide opening ensures easy filling and cleanup.
Finally, this product comes with a one-year warranty.
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Final Thoughts on Best Warm Mist Humidifiers
All of these products are the best in their category and will provide you with warm, clean air. However, the best overall option is the Hammacher Schlemmer Warm Mist Humidifier because of its multitude of features, including a convenient connection to an app, allowing users to adjust it from their phones.
And if you're looking for more reviews to help you make a decision, check out these articles:
- 11 Best Rated Essential Oil Diffusers
- 25 Best Essential Oils for Energy, Focus, and Motivation
- Diffuser Vs Humidifier: How to Pick the Right One
Connie Mathers is a professional editor and freelance writer. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. When she is not writing, Connie is either spending time with her daughter and two dogs, running, or working at her full-time job as a social worker in Richmond, VA.
