Low humidity in winter can be a problem. It can interfere with your everyday life. It is a problem for your possessions, as much as it is for your skin, hair, throat, and your overall health. So, the right course of action is to restore the humidity to normal levels.
For this purpose, a humidifier is the most helpful device. Humidifiers can determine the loss of humidity and adjust the levels to your liking. There are many different types of humidifiers, one of these being the steam humidifier.
What is a Steam Humidifier?
A steam humidifier adds moisture to the air by boiling or heating water and releasing steam into the air. Many people who are experiencing cold symptoms can also add prescribed inhalants in the steam vapor.
A vaporizer or a steam humidifier is a healthier option than cool mist humidifiers. It is because the water that goes into these devices is boiled or heated, and the chances of any mineral impurities or microorganisms getting introduced in the air are low. However, these devices generally consume more energy than the cool mist humidifiers and require mindful maintenance.
See Also: Difference between cool mist and warm mist humidifiers.
Benefits of a Steam Humidifier
Steam humidifiers can be useful for a lot of things, and some of them are as follows.
- A steam humidifier produces warm vapors, and along with increasing the humidity levels in the room, it also raises the overall temperature.
- Steam humidifiers produce mist by boiling or heating the water. It reduces the chances of any infectious microorganisms or any other chemical impurities coming into the air stream.
- A steam humidifier is also great for people suffering from colds. In some models, you can introduce the prescribed inhalant into the water, and breath it in with the produced steam.
- In medical conditions like asthma and dust allergies, a steam humidifier is effective.
We’re going to discuss some of the best steam humidifier options you can buy in this article, but before that, here is the buying guide to guide you towards the most suitable choice for you.
What to look for While Buying a Steam Humidifier
Manufacturer
Going with a known name is more than just brand chasing. Most of the companies that manage to stay relevant do so by delivering high-quality products at each turn, and by building trust with their target audience. You can also expect prompt support from their end, should any problem arise with your product.
Specifications
Before buying, you should determine the requirements of your space. Do you want to humidify just your bedroom, the entire room? How much output do you need out of your humidifier? Do you need a smaller model or a bigger one? Is weight an issue?
You can find out about things like this before you make further inquiries. The next step should be shortlisting products that meet your requirements.
Special features
Other than the basics, many models feature special features that make handling the humidifier easier. Now, you should look into these to determine what you want in your humidifier. Advanced alerts, efficiency, safety, and all these factors are the main focus behind many advanced features, and you can choose models from your list that have what you need.
Pricing
All that’s left to do is to select the units that come under your budget requirements. In this list, you can figure out the best option by comparing them in terms of the previous factors – specifications, and advanced features.
Reception
Another thing you can look into is the popular opinion about the product, which is usually easy to gather from user reviews. However, these can be more subjective than objective, so ultimately, you should go with your preference.
Now, without further ado, let’s check out some of the best humidifier options in the market for you.
Here’s a list of the best stream humidifiers
1. Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
Vicks is a known name around the world, and its products have been helping people for a long time. This warm mist humidifier from Vicks is an inexpensive, but effective device for rooms.
Let’s look into the features and specifications of this product.
Features
Efficient Design
It is an efficient humidifier that you can use to humidify your bedroom, your kid’s nursery, your office, and so on. The warm and clean vapors fill your room with the needed humidity.
The unit is easy to set up and move and features a transparent tank. You can always keep track of the water level. With the handle, it is easy to fill the tank, and it is also easy to refill.
Quiet functioning
You can set up the humidifier to make very little noise during your sleep so that you can have a good rest. That’s why you can also place this product in your baby’s room.
Filterless operation
The unit does not need filters for operation, hence there’s no need for the change of filters. It features two output settings for ideal output.
Auto shut- off
In case the water level is low, the device automatically shuts off so that you can refill the tank.
Good Capacity
The unit’s tank can hold up to 1 Gallon of water and can operate for 12 hours with each filling.
Specifications
- The unit weighs 4.7 Pounds.
- Its overall dimensions are 12 x 7.9 x 14.2 inches.
- It can hold 1 Gallon of water.
- It can work up to 12 hours with each filling.
Let’s sum it up with a list of major pros and cons of the unit
PROS
- The humidifier has adequate capacity.
- It is a light unit, and you can move it with ease.
- It features auto- shut off.
- It produces a clean and warm mist.
- Inhalants can also be introduced (as per doctor’s instructions).
- It is quietly affordable.
CONS
- Leakage has been a concern for some customers.
Why Buy this humidifier
For people on a budget, it an affordable humidifier, produces adequate output and is easy to maintain as well.
2. Vicks Warm Steam Vaporizer
Another entry from Vick, here you have a compact unit that you can use in your bedroom, office, and places like that. It is also useful for the treatment of cough and congestion.
That said, now, let us discuss the various aspects so the product.
Features
Compact design
The humidifier is not very big, and users can easily place at any suitable place. It is an ideal option for small to medium-sized rooms.
The vaporizer features a 1.5 Gallon tank and can produce up to a full day of warm mist production.
Dual scent pad technology
Using the dual scent pad technology, it generates soothing vapors, making your sleep a good night’s sleep. The heating unit accepts sup to two VapoPads. Also, the humidifier features a night light, which you can use as you please.
Auto shut- off
The humidifier works for a whole day, and when the water is at the bottom, it automatically shuts off. You can fill it with water again to resume operation.
Cough and Congestion relief
It is also a good option for cough and congestion and features a cup you can use with the Vicks Vapo Steam.
Specifications
- The unit weighs 2.2 Pounds.
- Its overall dimensions are 15 x 12 x 10 inches.
- It is an ideal option for small to medium-sized rooms.
- The capacity of the unit is 1.5 Gallon.
- It can perform up to 18-24 hours with each filling.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- It is a compact unit.
- It features dual pad technology.
- It features auto shut- off.
- It is useful for cough and congestion.
CONS
- Too much salt can cause spilling.
- It is not ideal for use in the baby’s room.
Why buy this humidifier?
It is a good option for your office or your bedroom, and along with the nightlight, and auto shut-off, it is considerably safer, but still needs care and supervision.
3. Honeywell HWM705B
Honeywell is one of the Industry’s best, and they have been making high-quality products for a very long time. Their products are a hit among users, and this product is one of the best warm mist humidifiers available for you.
Features
Well- Designed
It is a well-designed unit, and you can place it in your bedroom, office, your baby’s room, and so on. It is has a one Gallon tank that can humidify your space for twenty-four hours. It is an ideal option for small to medium-sized rooms.
The unit is also very portable, and you can move it around as you please with ease. The top-fill design makes it easy for users to refill the tank.
Easy to Use
The unit is easy to operate and features high and low settings to choose from, according to your needs. The machine features an easy to use manual knob control. For use with liquid inhalants, a medicine cup is there as well.
Quiet and filter less Operation
The humidifier produces little sound, and you can sleep restfully with it on during the night time. You can also place it in your baby’s nursery as well.
Thanks to the filter less design of the humidifier, there is no need for the replacement of filters. The maintenance of the unit is also easy.
Auto Shut- off
When the unit is low on water, the refill light illuminates, letting you know that the water needs to be refilled. The humidifier also shuts off automatically, and the unit is safe in your absence.
Specifications
- The unit weighs 4 Pounds.
- Its overall dimensions are 10.8 x 6.5 x 12.7 inches.
- It is an ideal option for small to medium-sized rooms.
- It can operate up to 18 – 24 hours with each filling.
- It can hold up to 1 Gallon of water.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- The unit is lightweight and portable.
- It can operate for 24 hours and has sufficient capacity.
- It features a refill indicator and auto shut off.
- It is a quiet and safe unit.
- The filter-less design makes it easier to maintain.
CONS
- Mineral build-up can happen with hard water.
- Some users have faced leakage problems.
Why Buy this Humidifier
It is a well- designed unit that is ideal for small to medium rooms, and with a bit of care, it is quite durable.
4. Vicks Nursery
As the name suggests, this Vicks product is manufactured, keeping in mind the needs of small children. It is an excellent product, and here’s why you should consider it.
Features
Kid-friendly Design
This humidifier is a product that you can use in your kid’ s room, and the kid-friendly design is to ensure that it can create a safe environment for your kid. The unit has one Gallon capacity, and can also be used by adults as well. Up to two Vapo pads can be inserted in the dual slots. It is also a very lightweight unit and can be easily transported.
Soothing Night Light
It features a night light that gives a soothing feeling to your kids. You can place it somewhere safe, and it will give out a low gleam that’s soothing and not distracting.
Auto- shut off
When the unit’s water level is low, the unit automatically shuts off to prevent any malfunction. You can refill the tank to resume operation.
Specifications
- The unit weighs 1.9 Pounds.
- Its overall dimensions are 7.5 x 11.2 x 12.3 inches.
- It can hold up to 1 Gallon of water.
- It is an ideal option for small to medium-sized rooms.
Let’s see the top pros and cons of the unit.
PROS
- It has a kid-friendly design.
- It features auto shut- off and night light.
- It has dual slots for Vapo pads.
- It is a budget-friendly option.
CONS
- There are better models available at a higher price.
Why buy this humidifier
It is a low- budget option for your bedroom or kid’s nursery. It requires maintenance, and in its budget class provides you adequate output.
Final Word
These are some of the best steam units in the market for you. Steam humidifiers are great for winters when it’s cold and dry environments. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose the right one for your space.