Our Top Picks for the Best Humidifier UK Has to Offer!
Our top picks
Before we get into the details of what makes a humidifier the best humidifier UK has to offer, let's go over a few recommendations! So, here are our top picks.
Humidifier
1
Best Overall
Humidifier
2
Best Value
Humidifier
3
Best Mid-Range
Humidifier
4
Best High-End:
Humidifier
5
Best Compact
Humidifier
6
Best-All-in-One Humidifier
Humidifier
7
Best Budget Humidifier
Best Overall: Levoit Classic 300s Smart Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Best overall & smart humidifer!
Best Overall
The Levoit Classic 300s Smart humidifier is our top pick for a variety of reasons. It has a sleek, top-fill design which makes it easy to fill and less prone to water leakage.
Additionally, it has a 6-litre capacity which makes it perfect for humidifying a bedroom, living room or any other room you wish to put it in.
This ultrasonic humidifier also operates quietly, so you and your family can sleep better. It has a built-in high-precision smart sensor which automatically detects the humidity level of the surrounding environment and generates the appropriate humidity that improves air quality drastically.
And finally, it's a 2-in-1 ultrasonic humidifier and essential oil diffuser, perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere with some essential oils.
So, if you're looking for an ultrasonic humidifier that is both efficient and easy to use, the Levoit Classic 300s Smart Ultrasonic Humidifier is a perfect choice!
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Runtime: 60 hours
- Noise level: Low
- Mist setting: Cool
- Capacity: 6 l
- Essential oil tray: Yes
Advantages
Quiet
Super-quiet! Perfect for bedrooms
Amazing runtime
It has an incredible runtime of 60 hours
Reliable & durable
Highly reliable & durable model
Disadvantages
Pricey
It may be more expensive than similar products
Best Value: Pro Breeze Premium 3.5L Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
If you want an excellent ultrasonic humidifier that's also on the cheaper side, we have you covered. Easy-peasy – Pro Breeze!
Best Value
If you're in the market for a quality ultrasonic humidifier that is easy to use, the Pro Breeze Premium is a splendid option!
This ultrasonic humidifier has a large 3.5-litre water tank capacity and a modern, sleek design, so not only can it run continuously for up to 30 hours – it also looks good while doing it. It also has an integrated ion-exchange resin filter to remove any impurities from the water before it is vaporised, providing you with a clean hydrating mist. This is quite the bonus as the only thing better than a cool mist humidifier is an air purifier cool mist combo!
An added tray that allows you to add essential oils means this also doubles up as an aroma diffuser, making it perfect for use in any room. And, the whisper-quiet operation ensures it can be on all night without causing a disturbance, making it a great choice for both children's and master bedrooms. Considering everything, this the best humidifier for the money you pay!
KEY FEATURES:
- Type : Ultrasonic
- Runtime: 30 hours
- Noise level: Low
- Mist setting: Cool
- Capacity: 3.5 l
- Essential oil tray: Yes
Advantages
Great value
Very affordable considering what you get
Great runtime
30 hours of run time
Water filtration
A replaceable ion-exchange resin filter is fitted to remove any impurities from the water
Disadvantages
Harder to refill
Refilling it may require a bit more work than some similar models
Best Mid-Range: AENNON Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
For those who like the shiny lights!
Best Mid-Range
The AENNON Ultrasonic Humidifier is a top-quality product that offers many benefits for the user. It is ETL Safety Approved for children, which is a major plus, and it has a cool mist feature that helps to add moisture in the air and prevent dryness.
This ultrasonic humidifier also comes with a built-in 7 Colour LED night light that creates a calming and comforting atmosphere. It is perfect for fully utilized small room use or whole house use. The stylish design blends perfectly with every home decor.
The 2.8 Litre water tank capacity allows for more than 20 hours of use and the whisper-quiet operation won't interfere with your sleep or work. The safe-to-use day or night (no overheating), cool-to-touch feature is also a major plus.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Runtime: 20 hours
- Noise level: Low
- Mist setting: Cool
- Capacity: 2.8 l
- Essential oil tray: Yes
Advantages
Rotating mist nozzle
The nozzle rotates 360 degrees letting you direct the mist in any direction
Night light
Doubles as a night light.
Affordable
Good price-quality ratio
Disadvantages
Not easy to clean
You cannot remove the cover
Poor runtime
Runtime-capacity ratio isn't great
Best High-End: Duux DXHU13UK Beam Mini Humidifier
Although it costs a pretty penny, very few humidifiers can compete with the Beam Mini Smart Ultrasonic Humidifier when it comes to convenience!
Best High-End:
The main selling point for this humidifier is how easily it maintains your wanted moisture levels. All you have to do is pick out which level of humidity you'd like, and the Beam Mini takes care of the rest. With a surprisingly precise hygrostat, it will turn itself off and on as needed, making sure that you're sleeping in an optimal environment.
It also comes with a removable remote control and can even be paired with the app for ease of convenience and easier tracking of humidity levels. That latter part can be quite useful if you end up losing the remote. And while a 3l tank means it's not the best travelling companion, it does reduce how frequently you have to fill it up again. Overall, if you can go for this slightly more expensive model, we highly encourage you to do so.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Runtime: 24 hours
- Noise level: Low
- Mist setting: Cool
- Capacity: 1.8 l
- Essential oil tray: Yes
Advantages
Precise hygrostat
The humidifier can gauge and maintain the ideal humidity level
Great accessibility
You can control it through the interface, the remote, or through the app
Great coverage
The humidifier works in rooms up to 30m²
Disadvantages
Pricey
It may be more expensive than similar products
Not ideal for travel
It's a rather bulky model
Best Compact: Vicks Mini Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
Miniature package for maximum results!
Best Compact
The Vicks Mini Cool Mist ultrasonic humidifier is a great choice for small spaces. This humidifier is quiet, safe for use in children's bedrooms and nurseries, and releases cool mist into the air for easy breathing.
The tank lasts up to 24 hours, which is great for such a small product, and the humidifier can be adjusted to release mist at a 180° angle so it doesn't bother you if you keep it close to your bed.
The new cleaning feature makes it easy to keep your humidifier clean, so you don't have to think about it. And, the Dual VapoPad technology allows you to insert 2 VapoPads with scented essential oils for extra comfort. Just remember not to use essential oils around pets!
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Runtime: 24 hours
- Noise level: Low
- Mist setting: Cool
- Capacity: 1.8 l
- Essential oil tray: Yes
Advantages
Easy to use
Intuitive and simple to use
Good runtime
Runtime is estimated at 24 hours
Cleaning reminder
The light and sound indicator reminds you when to clean the humidifier
Disadvantages
Only for small rooms
Not powerful enough for larger rooms
Best-All-in-One: Schallen Portable Modern 6.5L 4-in-1 Air Cooler
Most humidifiers are excellent at their job – adding moisture. However, if you want a machine that can not only affect air moisture but also regulate the temperature – the Shallen is going to blow you away!
Best-All-in-One Humidifier
As it says on the tin, the Schallen is a lot more than just a humidifier. For one, it can positively affect the air quality by purging any nasty airborne particles. Secondly, it can cool the room down or even heat it up depending on the setting. This means that it's more than useful regardless of the weather!
And one look at the controller will should you that it's quite the smart humidifier as well, with plenty of options for you to choose from. Sure, it's a lot bigger than tabletop humidifiers and it's a bit more expensive but given how much it can do, we'd say it's more than worth it! Plus, if you don't want an ultrasonic humidifier, this is likely your best bet.
So, if you want a humidifier that can do it all – from air conditioning to fighting hay fever by killing germs and preventing dry air, this is the model for you. However, we'd imagine it's not whisper quiet if you're using all these functions at once.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Evaporative
- Runtime: 12 hours
- Noise level: Low/Medium
- Mist setting: Cool/hot
- Capacity: 6.5 l
- Essential oil tray: No
Advantages
Always useful
It can help you stay comfortable year-round.
High quality
The humidifier matches top-of-the-line models in terms of quality.
Disadvantages
Bulky
The humidifier has to be pushed around on wheels.
Not much variety
The humidifier comes in one size and one colour only.
Pricey
If you just want to control the humidity levels, there are cheaper options.
Best Budget Humidifier: HOMCOM 2L Cool Mist Humidifier
If you don't care about all the bells and whistles that come with luxury humidifiers and just want a simple, good product – this is the one for you!
Best Budget Humidifier
When it comes to the HOMCOM humidifier, it's just decent all around. It has a 2L tank, can run for 8-10 hours and easily covers up to 20m² of space. It has an automatic shut-off option and is generally easy to use as well. So, you won't have to flip through a manual or have to remember 200 different options and commands.
You can just get one of these bad boys for about 30 quid, plop it onto your nightstand and raise the indoor humidity levels without much fuss. It can even cycle through a few different colours in order to liven up the place a bit. It's not the best humidifier on the market but it does what it's supposed to do and is one of the cheapest models you're likely going to find.
So, if keeping your wallet safe is as important as getting a cool mist while you sleep, we'd say this could be the best humidifier for you.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Runtime: 8-10 hours
- Noise level: Low
- Mist setting: Cool
- Capacity: 2L
- Essential oil tray: No
Advantages
Cheap
One of the least expensive humidifiers you're likely to find.
Compact
The humidifier hardly takes up any space.
Easy to use
Getting this humidifier up and running is incredibly easy.
Disadvantages
Not the best
In terms of quality, there are many better humidifiers.
Can't cover multiple rooms
At 20m², it can cover a living room at best.
Before you buy the best air humidifier
Before you get all left-click-happy and press “Add to cart”, you should know that there are a few things you need to take into consideration first.
From what we've learned, the three most important factors to look for when searching for the best humidifiers are:
- The size of the unit
- The features offered
- Your health.
When it comes to size and the rest of the features, we'll cover that in a bit, so, let's talk health. After all, knowing whether it's safe to have a humidifier is a lot more important than knowing the difference between a evaporative and ultrasonic humidifier or the capacity of the water tank.
Namely, if you're someone who suffers from allergies or asthma, you'll want to be careful when using a humidifier. You wouldn't want to get rid of dust mites, but still suffer from a runny nose.
You see, if you don't take proper care of it, some humidifiers are known to release what's called “white dust”. This white dust is actually minerals that come from the water used in the humidifier. Now, for most people, this won't be an issue. But, if you're allergic to dust or have asthma, this could potentially trigger an attack. So, maybe run it by your GP.
On the other hand, humidifiers can help with certain health problems as well. For example, if you get sick somewhat frequently, a humidifier can make sleeping with the flu a lot more bearable as higher humidity levels will help with your breathing. Or if you simply wake up most mornings with a dry mouth, a humidifier can help alleviate that issue. So, while it might lead to slight health complications for some people, it could make certain issues disappear for others.
In other words, the criteria for the best humidifiers can differ slightly depending on what exactly you need. So, if you have problems breathing, a higher-end model that's less likely to have white dust is going to be ideal. But if you don't have such issues, even budget models can make for the best humidifiers!
What to look for when buying the best humidifier UK
As we've just mentioned, a big part of the purchase will be the features offered by the best humidifier. So, let's take a more detailed look at each one, shall we?
Ultrasonic vs evaporative
The two most common types of air humidifiers are ultrasonic and evaporative. So, what's the difference between the two? And which one makes for the best humidifier?
Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency vibrations to create a mist. This mist is then released into the air, where it does its job of adding air moisture. On the other hand, an evaporative humidifier works by drawing in dry air and passing it through a filter and a fan. The filter is soaked in water, which then evaporates and humidifies the air. And even though you might think that an evoporative humidifier is more prone to mould, with wet filters and all that, it's actually the opposite.
An evaporative humidifier requires frequent filter changes, which is why they aren't prone to mould. However, an ultrasonic humidifier isn't likely to have mould either if you make it a habit to give them a thorough scrub once a month.
So, in the grand scheme of things, whether you get an ultrasonic humidifier or an evaporative humidifier comes down to slight preferences. If changing out filters sounds like a bother, an ultrasonic humidifier is probably better. However, if you don't mind doing it, an evaporative humidifier could be better overall.
Should you get a cool mist or a warm mist humidifier?
Now that you hopefully know whether you want an ultrasonic humidifier or an evaporative model, let's move on to the second question. When it comes to fine mist, you also have the choice of cool or warm – but which one is better? Which should you go for – cool or warm mist humidifiers?
Well, as you might've guessed, cool mist humidifiers release cool mist into the air, while warm mist humidifiers release warm mist. So, that's one thing to keep in mind. The main difference between the two is in the internal workings of the humidifier. Cool mist humidifiers use a fan to blow air over a wick, which then evaporates the water and releases it into the air.
On the other hand, a warm mist humidifier has a heating element that boils the water and releases steam into the air and increases humidity levels. Some may claim this makes the water vapour “healthier” as heat kills the bacteria, but we really wouldn't worry about that one a lot. In any way, the air quality will be better and you get a higher humidity level.
Also, the latter is a bit quieter, therefore, you might want one of these in your bedroom if you're particularly sensitive to sound. The only other point for consideration is the practicality and safety between the two models. For example, a warm mist humidifier might be less desirable if you have children that might mess with the device and get burned. And on the other hand, a cool mist humidifier might seem slightly out of place when trying to sleep during the winter. This is because warm mist humidifiers can sometimes double as heaters as well – although the fine mist can seldom warm up a room as well as central heating. But it's mostly just personal preference.
Size & dimensions
The next thing you'll want to take into consideration is the size of the unit. You see, some humidifiers are meant for small rooms, while others are meant for larger rooms or even an entire house. And even the best humidifiers can seem mediocre if they're placed in a room that's too large for them! To figure out what size you need, you'll first need to know the square footage of the room you want to use it in.
Once you have that number, you can consult a humidifier buying guide, which will tell you what size you need.
Generally speaking, product pages for humidifiers will tell you how large of an area they can cover. As we've seen, it's usually around 20 square metres. However, for large rooms, you might need a more powerful model. Keep in mind the AER – or Air Exchange Rate as well. It tells the rate at which an outdoor air replaces the indoor one.
It's also worth noting that the size of the humidifiers influences some other features. For example, the bigger the water tank, the longer it can go without needing to be emptied out. However, smaller humidifiers are a lot easier when it comes to regular cleaning.
Operating time
Operating time, run time, or whatever you want to call it, this is the amount of time the humidifier can run before it needs to be refilled. Now, this will depend on the size of the water tank. The larger the tank, the more water vapour it has on hand and therefore you will have better air quality for a longer time and higher humidity levels.
Some of the best humidifiers can run for up to 60 hours on a single fill, while others will only last for around 12. If you have a large room or want to use the best humidifier for an extended period of time, you'll want to go with one that has a larger water tank. Then you don't have to worry about the air quality!
On the other hand, if you only need it for a couple of hours at a time, you can get away with one that has a smaller tank, which is mostly what you'd use in a compact bedroom.
Tank design
The design of the water tank is also something you'll want to take into consideration when thinking of air quality and choosing the best humidifier. Some models have a removable water tank, while others have a fixed tank. The main advantage of a removable tank is that it's easier to refill and therefore maintain humidity level easier. You can just take it to the sink, fill it up, and put it back. Although, we would suggest using distilled water if you have the means for it. On the other hand, fixed water tanks are a bit more difficult to refill, as you have to carefully pour the water into them without spilling.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some models have a wide opening, while others have a smaller opening. The advantage of a wide opening is that it's easier to clean, as you can reach inside with a cloth and give it a good wipe down, but that's just nitpicking at this point. So, while having these features isn't necessary to qualify for the best humidifiers list, it can make life a lot easier.
Convenient maintenance
As we've just mentioned, ease of use and even easier maintenance, can make the best humidifiers even greater! We're not saying that all humidifiers are difficult to maintain, but some definitely require more work than others. The bottom line is that you want a humidifier that's easy to clean and doesn't require too much work to keep it running smoothly. What would count as convenient maintenance? A removable tank, for example or a water filter that is easy to reach in order to clean.
Other good features
Lastly, we'd like to cover a few more useful features that you can sometimes run into. They're usually not essential but can make your life a bit easier. And depending on what you're looking for, they can be turn a regular humidifier into on of the best humidifiers on the market!
- A child lock – if your humidifier is within reach, a child lock can prove quite useful.
- Air purification – this can ensure there are no harmful bacteria floating around.
- LED lights – not essential but can make your room a lot more interesting.
- Built-in measuring tools – be it a built-in humidistat or a built-in hygrometer, these tools make it a lot easier to keep track of the relative humidity in the room. And thus they can easily maintain a consistent humidity level in your bedroom.
- Auto-shut off – this can make it so you sleep easy knowing you're not wasting any energy.
- Energy efficiency – on a similar note, getting a humidifier that's energy efficient can help you lower your electricity bill just a tad.
- Smart features – a smart humidifier typically comes with a few of the features already mentioned. They also have apps to go along with the product that make them even easier to use.
Tips for buying and using the best humidifier UK
Whether you're looking for a particular ultrasonic humidifier or you're just browsing and waiting for something to catch your eye – we've got you covered. We'll help you in your mission to improve air quality with the cool mist technology and achieve health benefits for yourself!
In this section, we're going to tee up a few of the most important buying tips to keep in mind when shopping for an air humidifier.
- Read the reviews – When it comes to making a purchase, reading reviews is always a good idea, especially for Amazon humidifiers. It helps to get an idea of what other people are saying about a product before you buy it. However, do keep in mind that the best humidifiers list can vary from person to person depending on what they need.
- Buy from reputable brands – Not all humidifiers are created equal. There are some brands that are known for their quality products and others that, well, aren't so much. Whether you want an ultrasonic humidifier or an evaporative one, sticking to a good brand is likely in your best interest.
- Know that price isn't the be-all and end-all – Just because a humidifier is cheaper doesn't mean it's going to be a bad purchase. There are plenty of affordable options out there that are still of great quality.
And, once you get your hands on the best humidifier, do the following:
- Be sure to read the instructions manual – Every humidifier is different and it's important to know how to use yours properly, therefore, read the manual or view product detail pages. Even something as simple as knowing whether it has an automatic shut off feature can save you a headache later down the line.
- Clean the humidifier regularly to prevent bacteria build-up – No one wants to breathe in bacteria-filled mist, so be sure to clean your humidifier (especially the water tank) on a regular basis.
- Refill the water tank as needed to ensure optimal performance – Don't let the water level get too low in water tank, as this can cause the humidifier to work less effectively, or potentially even break.
- Do not let humidity level go too high – a humidity that is too high can cause growth of dust mites.
The advantages of owning the best humidifier UK
It's one thing to get your hands on a great new product, but it's another to fully understand what that product is capable of. After all, is the humidity level of your room really that important? Therefore, we're going to give you a quick rundown of all the health benefits that come with owning the best air humidifier.
- Prevents respiratory problems – By adding moisture to the air, humidifiers can help prevent respiratory problems, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and nosebleeds.
- Eases congestion – If you suffer from allergies or a cold, a humidifier can help ease congestion by moistening the air and thinning out mucus.
- Reduces snoring – If you or your partner snores, a humidifier can help by moistening the air and making it easier to breathe. This, in turn, will reduce snoring and help both of you sleep better.
- Soothes dry skin and throats – The dry air that comes with winter can cause all sorts of problems, like dry skin and sore throats. By using a humidifier, you can increase moisture in the air and help alleviate these problems.
- Eases allergies and asthma symptoms – If you suffer from allergies or asthma, a humidifier can help by adding moisture to the air reducing symptoms of asthma or allergies. Just make sure you properly clean it, otherwise, you can end up on the other side of this coin.
- Promotes better sleep – By making it easier to breathe and reducing snoring, humidifiers can help you sleep better. In turn, this will lead to more energy during the day and better overall health.
And as a little bonus, most humidifiers also help regulate the temperature of the room (to a degree). So, keeping your bedroom at the optimal sleeping temperature also becomes slightly easier without having to resort to the air conditioning. On top of that, plenty of the best humidifiers also allow you do add essential oils into the mix. And since essential oils can help with sleep and generally smell quite nice, we see this as quite the added benefit!
If you really want to have full control of the humidity levels in your house for the rest of time, we suggest taking a look at the best dehumidifiers as well. And don't worry, just like you now know the difference between an evaporative and an ultrasonic humidifier, we've explained everything you need to know about dehumidifiers as well!
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FAQs about the best humidifier UK
In the end, we thought we'd answer some of the most frequently asked questions about air humidifiers. Sounds good? Alright.
How do I clean the air humidifier?
You clean the humidifier by emptying the water tank and wiping down the interior with a clean, damp cloth. You should also descale the humidifier on a regular basis to prevent mineral buildup.
Can I use tap water in the humidifier?
You can, but we would advise against it. Distilled water is a much better option.
Is a warm mist or cool mist humidifier better?
Warm or cool mist, huh? Well, there really isn't a definitive answer to this question. It depends on your personal preferences.
Some people find that cool mist humidifiers are more refreshing, while others find warm mist humidifiers to be more soothing. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which one you prefer.
Can a humidifier help me with my sinus pain?
Absolutely. Humidifiers can help to soothe sinus pain by adding moisture to the air and thinning out mucus. The increased humidity level breaks down the mucus and makes breathing easier.
Are humidifiers bad for babies?
Not at all. In fact, many parents use humidifiers to help relieve their baby's congestion. However, we'd recommend sticking to the cool mist assortment.
Do humidifiers help with asthma, congestion and allergies?
Yes, they do help with some health problems. As long as you keep them clean and free of mould and mineral build-up, most humidifiers can help to relieve the symptoms of asthma, congestion and allergies.
What is the difference between air purifiers and air humidifiers?
The air purifier has a function of cleaning the air whereas humidifiers increase the moisture in the air.
What are recommended humidity levels?
The recommended humidity levels vary but the ideal range is between 30% and 50%. The humidity levels that are above 50% can cause condensations or even growth of dust mites.
Do humidifiers improve air quality?
In short, yes, they do improve air quality. The air quality, due to higher moisture, is improved when the device runs.
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