Best Cool Mist Humidifiers for Your Rooms in 2020

Having the best cool mist humidifier is probably something you have never felt the need of. It probably had never crossed your mind to get any kind of mist humidifier until now.

You would never be able to control the air quality on your way to catch the morning bus to work and most of us have no say in the air quality at work or in our kid’s schools. However, with a small device called a humidifier, you can improve the quality of air for yourself and your family.

Clean air its a big deal. It not only boosts your general health, but it also relaxes your body and enhances comfort. A humidifier increases air moisture and helps to reduce breathing problems.

A good humidifier could bring relief for frequent coughs, cracked lips, sinus issues, or allergies. Having one of the best humidifiers out there could be just all you need. They produce a mist that makes inhaling so effortless. Even asthmatic patients would feel much better in a humidified room.

I am guessing that by now, buying a humidifier is rising high on your to-do list. Actually, I don’t blame you, who wouldn’t after reading all these wonderful things about a humidifier. But as you know, there are quite a lot of things we consider when buying a humidifier. Our job is to make it simple for you. We would discuss features you need to consider and then suggest and compare a few top products.

Types Of Cool Mist Humidifiers

Let’s begin by discussing the types of cool mist humidifiers in the market. There are two main types and we would discuss both in detail.

Ultrasonic Humidifier

An ultrasonic humidifier has a metal diaphragm vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency(very high frequency) to produce extra fine water droplets adding moisture to the air and thus producing a cool fog. Ultrasonic humidifiers are mostly quieter than other types of humidifiers. Most of the time, they do not come with an installed filter. This obviously reduces cost but it has its disadvantages.

The operations of this kind of an ultrasonic humidifier do not involve heating of water. Hence, eliminating the fear of spilling hot water on the skin. While we consider it safe from accidents, it may not be better in its quality of air. Since it does not require the boiling of water in its operation, there is a possibility of bacteria content in the mist it produces.

Evaporative Humidifier

The evaporative humidifier is also called the wick system because it makes use of a paper cloth or foam wick to absorb water from the reservoir. As the fan blows over the wick, it absorbs moisture. This humidifier is self-regulating as humidity increases, its water vapor production decreases. Evaporative humidifiers typically have less complex designs and are a bit bulkier in appearance because they have filters, fans, and fillable tanks. Their foam wicks are quite large and take up lots of space inside the humidifier’s casing.

A few models of evaporative humidifiers do not have filter units. They simply release water mist or vapor, but still possesses filters that require cleaning and routine replacing.

Some evaporative models are also designed with diffusers that emit aromatherapy oils during the humidification process. This simply means, disperse essential oils into the atmosphere.

Now let us discuss a few difference between ultrasonic humidifiers and evaporative humidifiers

Ultrasonic vs Evaporative Humidifier

Appearance

Ultrasonic humidifiers are known for their sleek design and iconic teardrop shape. Of course, there are other shapes in the market but the teardrop-shaped are the most easily recognizable.

Evaporative humidifiers are more plain and boxlike in shape. They generally appear bigger in size. This is because their filters, fans, and fillable tanks take up more space.

While most evaporative humidifiers have filters, there are a few that don’t. These filters require regular cleaning and are replaced from time to time.

So generally, the ultrasonic leads the evaporative humidifier in appearance. It is also more portable

Repair and Maintenance

A good humidifier would have very little need for repairs. In ultrasonic humidifiers, however, you would get more dust within the room as they usually come without filters.

The evaporative humidifier comes with filters that trap mineral scale and reduce the risk of dust covering the room.

However, there are some compact, personal size evaporative humidifiers that have no filters in. These have a smaller volume of moisture and the dust is barely noticeable.

Having it in mind that a cool-mist evaporative humidifier has filters, these filters would need to be replaced in time while your ultrasonic cool mist humidifier has no such need. Still, we have to consider the great importance of filters in protecting the room from dust.

Noise

For most customers, noise is the biggest concern when getting a humidifier. In addition to getting quality air, you want your peace and quiet. Ultrasonic humidifiers offer you a quieter choice because they do not have a fan.

With many modern evaporative humidifiers there is a design to cut out most of the noise.

Of the two, the Ultrasonic humidifier is less noisy. Even when compared to modern evaporative humidifiers, build to reduce noise, they still come out as the less noisy option.

Cost

Ultrasonic humidifiers usually cost a bit more when compared with evaporative humidifiers. However, you do on bother about replacing filters on ultrasonic humidifiers which could overall make them a better investment.

What makes for the Best Cool Mist Humidifiers

In preparing the list of the best cool mist humidifiers I reviewed a good number of products and based my review on factors such as…

1. Mist

The primary function of a humidifier is to product mist. You would want a device that produces enough mist in the room it is installed to keep the air moist. In choosing a humidifier first consider the size of your room. You want to achieve a humidity level between 30% to 50% according to the FDA.

2. Sound

A noisy humidifier can be great irritation. Quietness was a major feature that we considered in our choices. We only decided on products that operate almost noiselessly.

3. Water capacity

The water capacity determines how long a humidifier can run at a time. Having a product that can last the whole day is a big plus.

5. Price

Of cause, a high-quality humidifier should come at a greater price. But then, you want a great bargain. We went for products that are not overpriced.

PurSteam Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

The PurSteam Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is portable and has a beautiful sleek shape making it ideal to travel with. The tank has a seal at the top that prevents water from spilling when you move it.

It is easy to clean. A simple wash is the only maintenance required.

Despite its small size, the PurSteam Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier could last up to 17 hours on a full tank, running on its lowest setting. It is so easy to operate. All you need is to turn the dial to your required speed. This humidifier has an impressive area relative to its size. With the PurSteam, you are assured of uninterrupted sleep as it operates with a whisper-quiet.

TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier

The TaoTronics cool mist humidifier is perfect for large size rooms. It can cover a room size of 430 square feet. This humidifier is quiet, making it an appropriate choice for bedrooms and offices.

This humidifier was designed to be small and sleek. Its lightweight makes it easy to move about. With the TaoTronics cool mist humidifier, you enjoy 60 to 300ml per hour depending on your chosen setting. All you need is to turn the dial to your choice humidity setting.

It runs from 12 to 50 hours on a full tank and it would automatically turn its self off when the tank is empty. There is a gauge on the side of the machine that shows the level of water. Also, it would automatically shut off whenever the water level is low.

This humidifier is also very easy to maintain. All you need to do is clean out the tank and the base with some water and vinegar. A solution of 4:1 water and vinegar is poured to the base and then shaken for around 15 to 20 seconds. Then open it and wash the inner walls with a brush and the outer part with a shorter brush and allow it to dry before use.

The humidifier produces very low sound making it ideal for your sleep.

Air Innovations MH-701BA

The Ultrasonic Cool Mist Digital Humidifier Model 701BA has a remote control and a huge 1.7-gallon tank that runs up to 96 hours on its lowest setting. The humidifier is completely silent assuring your family of a good night’s sleep. It also possesses aromatherapy capability.

The humidifier is easy to use, featuring a fully programmable timer to control the unit. It also possesses handles on its top and bottom for easy carriage and a wide opening for filling with water. There is an automatic shutoff when the tank is empty.

Antimicrobial inhibitor, infused in the tank and base help prevent microbial growth on the surface of the tank and base.

Pallas 5L

This cool mist humidifier comes with a 5L water tank which provides up to 90 hours on its lowest setting and 20 hours on the highest setting of continuous use. This humidifier is suitable for medium-size rooms.

It’s easy to adjust vapor levels, simply turn the knob. The knob also has another advantage, it turns red whenever the humidifier runs dry.

Another special quality the Pallas has is its low noise design. You need to be right next to it to hear a thing. Additionally, its microporous activated carbon cotton cartridge works wonderfully to filter out potentially harmful microorganisms and negative ions. You have the promise of clean pure mist.

LEVOIT Classic 200

The LEVOIT Classic 200 humidifier was engineered with many high-end features, including Levoit Advanced Ultrasonic Technology. This functions to atomize water, making it a fine mist. Its DC hydraulic fan and Levoit’s patented silencer works to keep the humidifier almost noiseless as it works.

The Levoit Classic 200 with an auto shut-off feature, which is triggered when the tank runs out of water.

Another special feature is the aromatherapy oil tray at the back of the humidifier. This is a really cool feature as the scent spreads out very quickly, filling the room with sweet-smelling fragrance.

Cleaning is stress-free as the device comes with a cleaning brush. Also, its silencer is easily disengaged, so you can give it a cleaning anytime you want.

Our Verdict: Best Cool Mist Humidifiers

The Levoit Classic 200 is a wonderful piece of technology that comes with everything you want in a cool-mist humidifier. It is easy to operate, totally silent when running, and produces a really fine mist. In addition, its aromatherapy technology is impressive. We recommend this for a corner in your bedroom.