Humidifier Ratings, A Repairman Ranks The Brands...

Our simple system of stars allows you to quickly compare the brands. We have given each brand a ranking of from 1 to 5 stars. A 5* rating means that, if we were buying a unit for our own home, that is the brand we would choose. Where more than one brand has a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive model.

For your convenience, we have included the manufacturers' web addresses as well as our comments concerning the advantages/disadvantages of their products.

We have separated the rankings into two groups which are wholehouse units and portable (room) units.

The first group of ratings is for wholehouse units. They are separated into four categories which are powered, bypass flow through, bypass drum type, and steam type. An NA in the place of stars indicates that a model is not available in that category or there is not enough information about it.
BRAND-------------POWERED----FLOW THRU---DRUM---STEAM---

AIR KING--------------NA---------1*--------3*------NA This brand is available in the U.S.A. and Canada. The drum type unit has a capacity of 15 gallons per day (gpd). The flow thru type is available in either an 18 gpd or 12 gpd size. These units have a built in heat sensor so that they do not require wiring to the furnace. They only have manual controls therefore you must adjust them based on the outside air temperature. (airkinglimited.com)

AMERICAN STANDARD-----4*---------4*--------NA------NA This brand is a part of TRANE which is an INGERSOLL RAND company. The powered and large bypass (16.8 gpd) units have automatic control therefore you do not have to constantly adjust the humidistat. The small bypass unit (12 gpd)is manually controlled. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website to help you find an installer.(americanstandardair.com)

APRILAIRE-------------4*---------4*--------NA------NA These units have automatic digital control. The model 350/360 is a self contained unit that is a good solution for homes without an hvac duct system (such as homes with baseboard heating). The MODEL 700A is a powered model for larger homes. (aprilaire.com)

AUTOFLO---------------NA---------2*--------4*------4* These units have automatic control with their SMART DIGITAL humidistat. The steam humidifier has an auto flush function and an LED readout. (autoflohumidifiers.com)

BRYANT----------------4*---------4*--------NA------NA This brand is from UNITED TECHNOLOGIES. They have two capacities of units available in both the powered models as well as the bypass flow through units. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website. (bryant.com)

CARRIER---------------4*---------4*--------NA------NA This brand is also from UNITED TECHNOLOGIES and the units are identical. They also have a dealer locator by zip code on their website. (carrier.com)

DESERT SPRING---------NA---------2*--------4*------NA This brand has an auto flush function which flushes the unit every 48 hours. They have an optional electronic control. They can be purchased online, from home improvement stores, or through dealers. Their unique rotary disc model uses a set of polycarbonate discs and provides water savings. The unit is also very good for lower temperature heating systems such as heat pumps and geothermal systems. Their pulsed bypass flow through unit saves water by electronically allowing water flow for 2-3 seconds and then shutting it off for 30 seconds. (desertspringproducts.com)

DORNBACK--------------2*---------2*--------4*------4* This brand has a wide range of models available. The steam models are available in a duct mounted unit or as a self contained unit for applications where the home does not have a duct system. They use a manual control. (dornbackfurnace.com)

GENERALAIRE-----------5*---------5*--------1*------5* This brand is from GENERAL FILTERS INC. and is available in the U.S.A. and in Canada. They have a wide array of units available and most of them are backed with an industry leading warranty. (The warranty on the drum type is not very good and it uses manual control.) They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website. (generalaire.com)

GOODMAN---------------2*---------2*--------NA------NA These units are available in 14, 18, or 19 gallon/day sizes. They are standard units with an average warranty. (goodmanmfg.com)

HAMILTON--------------NA---------2*--------4*------NA The drum unit (model800D) has an auto clean function. The flow through unit (model 12HF) uses electronic pulsed water control which provides significant water savings. Both units have a plug in transformer for easy installation. They are available at home centers or online. (hamiltonhomeproducts.com)

HERRMIDIFIER----------3*---------3*--------5*------NA This brand is from AIR SYSTEMS COMPONENTS INC. The G-100 model is a powered flow through unit with a capacity of 19 gal/day. The bypass flow through type units are available in two sizes (14.4 and 18 gal/day). All of the models plug into an outlet for easy installation. They all come with a standard manual humidistat. (trioninc.com)

HONEYWELL-------------2*---------2*--------NA------NA (yourhome.honeywell.com)

LENNOX----------------4*---------4*--------NA------NA The HEALTHY CLIMATE models are available in a powered 18 gal/day model and the bypass units are available in 12 or 17 gal/day models. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.(lennox.com)

LIFEBREATH------------NA---------2*--------NA------NA This brand uses a unique "pulsed flow thru" design which saves on the amount of water used. They can be purchased online. (lifebreath.com)

NATURES HOME----------2*---------2*--------NA------NA This brand is from BUYMAX LLC which sells to contractors only. (4natureshome.com)

SKUTTLE---------------2*---------2*--------4*------4* This brand has a wide variety of models available. (skuttle.com)

TRANE-----------------4*---------4*--------NA------NA This brand is a part of INGERSOLL RAND. The powered and large bypass units use automatic control. The small bypass unit uses manual control. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website. (trane.com)

TRION-----------------NA---------3*--------NA------NA These units are from AIR SYSTEM COMPONENTS INC. The G200 or G300 units are bypass flow through units that have a good warranty. (trioninc.com)

WESTINGHOUSE----------4*---------4*--------NA------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. They offer powered or bypass flow through units with a manual control. They have a dealer locator by address, city/state, or zip code on their website. (westinghousehvac.com)

WHITE RODGERS---------2*---------2*--------4*------4* This brand is from EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES which is a division of EMERSON ELECTRIC CO. The COMFORT PLUS series offers a wide selection of units. The HSP SERIES is a steam unit with a flushing timer and a chlorine removal filter. (white-rodgers.com)

XENON-----------------1*---------1*--------NA------NA These units are made for BUYMAX LLC which sells to contractors.(xenonac.com)

YORK------------------4*---------4*--------NA------4* This brand is a part of JOHNSON CONTROLS. The units use a manual control except for the steam unit that uses a digital automatic humidistat. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website. (yorkupg.com)

If you would like a professional to install your new humidifier, you can use the free service from ServiceMagic to find a local prescreened contractor.

BRAND--------ultrasonic--cool mist--warm mist--evaporative

AIR-O-SWISS------1*---------NA---------NA----------2* This brand is from PLASTON AG of Switzerland. This brand is also available in a combi unit which has HEPA filtration and an activated carbon filter. (plaston.com)

AIR WASHER-------NA---------NA---------NA----------5* This brand is made in Germany and is backed by the best warranty in the industry. The units are available worldwide in four sizes to match your needs. They feature either two or three fan speeds depending on the size. The units use cold evaporation and also perform air cleaning without the need for a filter.

BIONAIRE---------5*---------5*---------4*----------NA The ultrasonic HOME DECOR model has variable mist control, filter free operation,and can run for up to 36 hours per filling. The warm mist model is a two speed unit. The COOL MIST TOWER has their ACCUSET digital humidistat, a 24 hour timer, and Microban antibacterial coating on the water tank. These units have a very good warranty. (bionaire.com)

CAREFREE---------NA---------NA---------NA----------4* This brand is from HUNTER FAN COMPANY. They feature units with a permanent wick and smaller units that do not use a wick which saves on maintenance costs. They have units with either mechanical or digital controls and they are backed by a very good warranty. (hunterfan.com)

CLAIRION---------NA---------NA---------5*----------NA These units are available in two models (1.5 gal and 3 gal tank models). They have dual output levels (lo and Hi). They are backed by a strong warranty and are easily cleaned. (clairion.com)

CRANE------------2*---------NA---------NA----------NA This brand is a subsidiary of WACHSMUTH & KROGMANN and the units are available worldwide. They feature ultrasonic units in many styles from the traditional to animals and other licensed designs. (crane-usa.com)

DURACRAFT--------NA---------2*---------3*----------NA This brand is from KAZ. They do not use a humidistat but have two settings for operation and can operate for up to 12 hours per filling. (kaz.com)

ESSICK AIR-------NA---------NA---------NA----------2* They offer a wide variety of units from console units to portable units with an electrostatic air purifier (DP3 series). They have a humidistat for precise humidity control but the warranty is not as good as many brands. (essickair.com)

ENVIRACAIRE------NA---------NA---------5*----------NA This is another brand that is from KAZ. They feature germ free units that include a UV light. They have dual wwater tanks and are backed by a very good warranty. (kaz.com)

FRED-------------NA---------NA---------NA----------2* These units are from SWIZZ STYLE and imported from STADLER FORM in Switzerland. The units have a unique modern look and are available in either red or silver colors. They have two vapor settings (eco and normal) with outputs of 1 or 2 gallons/day.

FUJITRONIC-------1*---------NA---------NA----------NA The FB-602 model is in the form of a bear. It has anti-fungus and anti-bacterial coating on the water tank and a built in ion generator.(fujitronic.com)

GENERALAIRE------NA---------NA---------NA----------4* This brand is from GENERAL FILTERS INC. and is available in the U.S. and Canada. Their portable steam unit uses a digital control and is backed by a good warranty. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website. (generalaire.com)

GERM GUARDIAN----4*---------NA---------NA----------NA This brand features "silver clean" technology to prevent germs in the reservoir. They offer a variety of models and have a very good warranty. (germguardian.com)

GRACO------------NA---------2*---------NA----------NA This brand is a part of NEWELL RUBBERMAID. They specialize in units that are compact for the baby nursery. The units are very easy to maintain due to them being dishwasher safe, having an easy fill tank, and a drop in filter. The warranty is not as good as some of the other brands. (gracobaby.com)

HOLMES-----------3*---------4*---------5*----------NA This brand is manufactured by Sunbeam. They have a wide selection of models. (holmesproducts.com)

HONEYWELL--------NA---------2*---------3*----------NA This brand is manufactured by KAZ. There is a wide variety of models. (kaz.com)

KENMORE----------NA---------NA---------NA----------3* These units have selectable humidity levels from 20-65% and a four speed fan. (kenmore.com)

LASKO------------NA---------NA---------NA----------3* These units feature recirculating technology which increases their output by constantly keeping the pad wet. The units use a humidistat and have three comfort speeds to match your needs.

MEDISANA---------2*---------NA---------NA----------NA The HAH2000QBP units feature high and low vapor control as well as a rotating nozzle to control the direction of vapor flow. They will typically operate for 7-9 hours per filling. (medisanausa.com)

MIDEA------------1*---------2*---------2*----------2* This brand offers a variety of units to fit the needs of your home. The manufacturer's website does not have a stated warranty policy. (global.midea.com.cn)

PREM-I-AIR-------2*---------2*---------3*----------NA This brand is made in China for EHS LTD. and is sold in Europe and Asia. They offer a wide variety of units including units with a built in ioniser and antibacterial system. The units have a good warranty. (prem-i-air.com)

ReliOn-----------NA---------4*---------5*----------NA This brand is made by KAZ for Walmart and Sam's Club. The RCM-832 is a cool mist unit with an output of 1.25 gal/day and a two speed fan. The units use an electromechanical control which is less accurate at humidity control but they are backed by a good warranty. (relion.com)

SUNBEAM----------1*---------2*---------3*----------2* This brand is from JARDEN CONSUMER SOLUTIONS and offers a wide variety of units. They are backed by a good guarantee. (sunbeam.com)

SUNPENTOWN-------2*---------NA---------NA----------NA These units have digital controls, ten mist output levels, and a 360 degree mist nozzle. They also have a built-in color changing night light.(sunpentown.com)

TAYAMA-----------2*---------NA---------NA----------NA This brand is from HAURUN APPLIANCE. The TH-7001A unit features a 3.5 liter tank which will give you approximately 12 hours of operation. (tayama-usa.com)

TrueAir----------NA---------NA---------NA----------2* This brand is from HAMILTON BEACH and are available in the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico. They feature evporative wick type units that use an electromechanical control with "Quietmist" or high settings instead of the more accurate digital controls.(hamiltonbeach.com)

VICKS------------3*---------3*---------5*----------NA These units are made by KAZ. They do not have a humidistat. (vicks.com)

VORNADO----------NA---------NA---------NA----------5* This brand only has two models available but they have the best warranty in the industry. They have three fan speeds and can be purchased online.

WINDCHASER-------2*---------NA---------NA----------NA These units have a humidistat. They are available in models with ionization and a light.(windchaserproducts.com)

ZOJIRUSHI--------NA---------NA---------3*----------NA The EE-LAC50 units feature easy cleaning and filling as well as a large electronic control panel. The units have automatic on and off timers as well as an automatic and manual mode of operation. The humidity ranges in the auto mode are higher than we recommend for comfort/indoor air quality reasons.

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