Photo: Pure Enrichment
During the cold winter months, breathing in the cold dry air can cause a lot of respiratory ailments. Even if you use a heater, the heat tends to dry the air and this dryness is not good for inhaling, your skin, and even for your furniture and wooden floors (causes cracking).
Therefore, it is important to have a humidifier to raise the humidity level in your home when this season kicks in. That said, we have listed 8 of the best humidifiers for winter that you should consider buying.
In this post:
- 8 Best Humidifiers for Winter – Review
- 1. Best Overall: Elechomes UC5501
- 2. Best Humidifier/Purifier Combo: Venta LW25
- 3. Best for the Money: Homasy HM510A
- 4. Best Cool Mist Humidifier: TaoTronics TT-AH024
- 5. Germ Free: Honeywell HCM350W
- 6. Has an Optional Night Light: Pure Enrichment PEHUMIDIF
- 7. Best for Whole House: Aircare MA1201
- 8. Super Quiet: Homasy HM161
- How to Buy the Best Humidifiers for Winter
- Conclusion
8 Best Humidifiers for Winter – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Elechomes UC5501 (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Venta LW25 (Best Humidifier/Purifier Combo) |
| |
 | 3. Homasy HM510A (Best for the Money) |
| |
 | 4. TaoTronics TT-AH024 (Best Cool Mist Humidifier) |
| |
 | 5. Honeywell HCM350W (Germ Free) |
| |
 | 6. Pure Enrichment PEHUMIDIF (Has an Optional Night Light) |
| |
 | 7. Aircare MA1201 (Best for Whole House) |
| |
 | 8. Homasy HM161 (Super Quiet) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Elechomes UC5501 (Best Overall)
|
2. Venta LW25 (Best Humidifier/Purifier Combo)
|
3. Homasy HM510A (Best for the Money)
|
4. TaoTronics TT-AH024 (Best Cool Mist Humidifier)
|
5. Honeywell HCM350W (Germ Free)
|
6. Pure Enrichment PEHUMIDIF (Has an Optional Night Light)
|
7. Aircare MA1201 (Best for Whole House)
|
8. Homasy HM161 (Super Quiet)
|
1. Best Overall: Elechomes UC5501
Photo: Elechomes
- Power: 280W
- Coverage Area: 750 sq. ft.
- Tank Capacity: 1.59 gals.
- Working Time: 40 hrs.
With its warm and cool mist production, Elechomes’ UC5501 takes the best overall winter humidifier spot. This is because the cool mist moistens the air for better breathing while the warm mist provides the heat required to relieve cold symptoms in the cold weather.
Additionally, the cool mist is produced by an ultrasonic system, which operates very quietly. This is further enhanced by its sleep mode, which reduces the noise to under 32dB and turns off the LED screen for total darkness.
Aside from that, the unit’s tank is quite large because it has a 1.59-gal capacity, which gives a running time of up to 40 hrs. in the lowest setting. You also get wide coverage of up to 750 sq. ft., which is ideal for large spaces.
Other features include a smart humidity sensor that detects the humidity level in your room then adjusts the humidifying strength accordingly, 360º dual-layer nozzles for uniform humidification, an essential oil tray for aromatherapy and a convenient remote-control option.
However, a filter is not included to soften hard water. That said, if you only prefer a cool-mist humidifier, there is the newer Elechomes HTJ-2119, which is smaller but cheaper, includes a hard water filter, and has a child lock for safety purposes.
Pros:
- Warm and cool mist humidifier
- Quiet ultrasonic cool mist system with sleep mode
- Smart humidity sensor
- 360º dual-layer nozzles
- Essential oil tray for aromatherapy
Cons:
- Filter not included
2. Best Humidifier/Purifier Combo: Venta LW25
Photo: Venta
- Coverage Area: 400 sq. ft.
- Tank Capacity: 2 gals.
If you are looking for a humidifier and purifier combo for winter use, be sure to check out Venta’s LW25. The unit humidifies dry air while purifying it at the same time by removing pollen, dust, and other allergens.
It does so by using cold evaporation technology, in which discs are used as collection plates to pick up water from the large 2-gal reservoir. From there, a fan blows air through the discs to evaporate the water, which then flows out as humid air back into the room.
In the process, the discs trap the airborne bacteria, dirt, and allergens, leaving it clean and purified. This mechanism does not require filters, which means little maintenance is required, and it also does not produce white dust from hard water.
More features include a water level indicator and auto shut-off when the water runs out. The only issue is that the unit is very expensive.
Pros:
- Humidifier and purifier in one
- Large 2-gal reservoir
- Filter-free operation
- Water level indicator
- Auto shut-off
Cons:
- Expensive
3. Best for the Money: Homasy HM510A
Photo: Homasy
- Coverage Area: 300 sq. ft.
- Tank Capacity: 0.66 gals.
- Working Time: 30 hrs.
Some high-quality winter humidifiers are very affordable and if you want one, Homasy’s HM510A is the best option to buy. Though it has a small 0.66-gal tank, the unit has a running time of up to 30 hrs. on the lowest setting, which is quite long.
That said, the HM510A has 2 adjustable mist levels, which are low and high. Low produces up to 80ml/h and this can run for 30 hrs. on a full tank. On the other hand, the high setting produces up to 180ml/h and this can run for 12 hrs. with a full tank.
There is also a sleep mode, which turns off the indicator light to make your room completely dark at night.
Other features include being an essential oil diffuser, where the essential oil can be added to the water, a convenient top-fill design that also simplifies the cleaning process, automatic shut off and a red LED indicator light that comes on when the water runs out.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 2 adjustable mist levels
- Aromatherapy-compatible
- Easy-to-fill-and-clean top opening design
- Auto shut-off with a red light indicator
Cons:
- Small water tank
4. Best Cool Mist Humidifier: TaoTronics TT-AH024
Photo: TaoTronics
- Power: 15-25W
- Coverage Area: 430 sq. ft.
- Tank Capacity: 1.06 gals.
- Working Time: 50 hrs.
TaoTronics’ TT-AH024 is uniquely designed with a patented internal structure that reduces water dripping sounds. Combined with its ultrasonic humidification system, the unit produces only 26dB, which is very quiet. This makes it the best cool mist winter humidifier.
For controls, you get a dial knob that gives you variable mist level adjustment from minimum to maximum. You also get 360º nozzles for uniform humidification and a relatively large 1.06-gal tank that gives a 12-hr runtime at max setting and 50 hrs. at min setting.
Other features include nano-coated circuit boards for moisture protection, a dustproof sponge for preventing dust from entering the base, a convenient carrying handle, and a large 9.2mm opening for easy cleaning and refilling.
However, you don’t get a humidistat for sensing and maintaining the humidity at a certain level.
Pros:
- Quiet 26dB operation
- Dial knob for variable mist level adjustment
- 360º nozzles for uniform humidification
- Nano-coated circuit boards for moisture protection
- Convenient carrying handle
Cons:
- Lacks a built-in humidistat
5. Germ Free: Honeywell HCM350W
Photo: Honeywell
- Power: 60W
- Tank Capacity: 1.1 gals.
- Working Time: 24 hrs.
Honeywell’s HCM350W is a unique humidifier because it has a UV light that kills 99.9% of mold, fungus, bacteria, and viruses in the water. Water from the tank is taken through a UV path where it is exposed to this light before being taken to the filter.
The system utilizes evaporative technology, in which the dry air is drawn through the moist moisture-wicking filter by a fan to absorb the moisture. The humid air is then blown out as a fine visible mist.
This filter also traps minerals from the water so that the moist air is released with no ions. Other features include a break-resistant 1.1-gal water tank with a wide opening for easy refilling and 3 adjustment levels for controlling the mist output.
On the downside, you add on any essential oils in the tank because this can damage the humidifier.
Pros:
- UV light path for 99.9% germ killing
- Traps water minerals
- Break-resistant tank
- Wide opening for easy refilling and cleaning
- 3 mist adjustment levels
Cons:
- Cannot be used for aromatherapy
6. Has an Optional Night Light: Pure Enrichment PEHUMIDIF
Photo: Pure Enrichment
- Coverage Area: 250 sq. ft.
- Tank Capacity: 0.4 gals.
- Working Time: 16 hrs.
A night light is not a must-have feature but it does improve the humidification experience. Pure Enrichment’s PEHUMIDIF has an optional night light that offers a soothing glow to give you a dreamy ambiance. This helps you to relax better, especially as you sleep.
Aside from that, the unit relies on ultrasonic technology to release the cool mist and this ensures it operates very quietly.
High and low settings enable you to control the rate of mist output while a 360º mist nozzle distributes the moisture evenly.
Other features are an easy-fill water tank that is transparent for easy monitoring of the moisture level and auto shut off when the water level is low or when the tank is removed. However, this tank is very small (0.4 gals) and it gives a runtime of only 16 hrs.
Pros:
- Optional night light
- Quiet ultrasonic cool-mist technology
- 360º mist nozzle for uniform humidification
- Auto shut-off
Cons:
- Small tank with a short runtime
7. Best for Whole House: Aircare MA1201
Photo: Aircare
- Power: 80W
- Coverage Area: 3600 sq. ft.
- Tank Capacity: 3.6 gals.
- Working Time: 36 hrs.
With coverage of up to 3600 sq. ft., Aircare’s MA1201 is designed as a whole-house humidifier because it can distribute moisture to very large spaces. To achieve this, it is equipped with a large 3.6-gal tank that can be used continuously for 36 hrs.
The unit also has a digital humidistat that helps to maintain the selected humidity level with digital accuracy and it automatically shuts off when this level is reached. It also shuts off when the tank runs empty.
Misting is done using an evaporative wick/filter, which pulls in and distributes the moisture as air is being drawn through it. This filter also traps mineral deposits so that you get clean and ion-free moist air.
More features include 4 fan speeds for mist level control, refill and check filter indicators for easy management, and casters for easy mobility. The only problem is that the humidifier is quite expensive.
Pros:
- Wide 3600 sq. ft. coverage
- Large 3.6-gal tank
- Accurate digital humidistat
- Mineral-trapping and moisture-wicking filter
- Casters for easy mobility
Cons:
- Quite expensive
8. Super Quiet: Homasy HM161
Photo: Homasy
- Tank Capacity: 0.53 gals.
- Working Time: 24 hrs.
Homasy’s HM161 utilizes ultrasonic technology for cool mist production and this runs very quietly, producing only about 26dB. This super-quiet operation leaves you relaxed and comfortable as you sleep or study.
Controls are done via a touch interface, which gives you 3 modes for adjusting the humidity level. With a 0.53-gal tank, the unit can run for up to 24 hrs. on the lowest setting and it automatically shuts off when the water runs out.
Other features include a top filling design that is also easy to clean and a transparent water tank with “min” and “max” markings for easy monitoring of the water level inside. However, you don’t get a humidistat for maintaining the humidity level at a specified level.
Pros:
- Quiet 26dB ultrasonic cool-mist technology
- Touch controls with 3 mist adjustment levels
- Convenient top filling design
- Transparent water tank for easy water level monitoring
Cons:
- No humidistat
How to Buy the Best Humidifiers for Winter
Photo: Venta
1. Power
Humidifiers are electrical appliances, which means they require power to run. However, due to their different sizes and functionality, they consume different amounts of electricity. For instance, warm mist humidifiers consume the highest amount because of their heating elements.
Cool mist units are less power-hungry but they don’t give you hot steam, which is ideal for winter weather. In most cases, you will need an additional heater to warm up the air while the humidifier moistens it.
As such, the power consumption of these two might be equivalent or even more than what the warm mist humidifier consumes. You can do a power consumption comparison then see which setup has lower running costs.
2. Coverage Area
Another differentiating factor between these appliances is their coverage area and this should be matched to the size of your room or house. For the whole house, a wide coverage unit like Aircare’s MA1201 is recommended.
However, for a small room such as your bedroom or baby room, a 250-750 sq. ft. coverage should be good enough.
3. Tank Capacity
The larger the tank, the better because this means you get a longer runtime with minimal refill interruptions. That said, a large capacity does not necessarily mean a longer runtime. The steam output also matters.
With all these factors considered, Elechomes’ UC5501 stands out because it gives a decent 40-hr runtime on a 1.59-gal tank, which is quite impressive. It combines this with a coverage of 750 sq. ft., which makes it very practical.
4. Discreet Operation
Humidifiers should not be noisy. Warm mist humidifiers are generally very quiet because they don’t rely on a fan to push out the steam. However, cool mist units require fans. The technology used determines how noisy it is.
Evaporation technology uses a moisture wicking filter plus a fan and this can be a bit noisy because the fan spins at high speeds to draw air through the filter.
Read More: The Best Evaporative Humidifiers
However, with ultrasonic technology, the fan does not need to spin at high speeds. The system vibrates the water on a diaphragm at very high speeds to break it down to mist and the work of the fan is to only blow it out.
Read More: The Best Ultrasonic Humidifiers
This is highly recommended and TaoTronics’ TT-AH024 combines this with an internal design that reduces dripping sounds. Overall, this makes it function very quietly, producing only 26dB, which is equivalent to whispering. As such, it is ideal for bedroom use.
5. Maintenance
Cleaning is a must for all humidifiers so the difference in maintenance comes in the form of filter replacement. Some units are filter-free, which means they require very little maintenance work.
Others have filters though and there is an upside to this. Filters trap minerals, which prevents the formation of white dust, especially in warm mist humidifiers. With that in mind, if you won’t fill the unit with distilled water, make sure it has a filter to soften the water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we recommend Elechomes’ UC5501 as the overall best humidifier for winter because of its warm mist function. It can also be used for aromatherapy and it has an intelligent humidity sensor for automated humidity level balancing.
However, if you prefer to have clean air, Venta’s LW25 is your best bet because it is a humidifier and purifier combo. For bedroom use though, we highly recommend the TaoTronics’ TT-AH024 because it runs very silently. It won’t disturb your peace.