Humidifiers — the best models (winter 2016)

Timberk Air Doctor

THU UL 11 has gained great popularity among Timberk humidifiers. After all, it has a wide range of functions at a relatively low cost.

The owner of THU UL 11 can choose the humidity level within wide limits — from 45 to 80%. Therefore, this ultrasonic device is suitable not only for people, but also for indoor plants and winter gardens. However, in the reviews, the owners of the device note that the hygrometer of the device sometimes overestimates the humidity level, for example, it shows 50%, and other devices — 40%.

The approximate water consumption — 250 mL / hour — indicates the average performance of the model. However, this corresponds to its cost and dimensions. Timberk, in addition to the usual mode, has an additional one — "warm steam". When it is activated, the humidity in the room rises faster and water is consumed more intensively. On average, a 4-liter tank is enough for about a day. When it ends, the device turns itself off.

The release of THU UL 11 marked the beginning of a series of Timberk devices with the symbolic name Air Doctor+. Because this device has a more beneficial effect on the health of the owner than a conventional humidifier.

According to experts, the number of negatively charged ions in the air of apartments and offices is several times less than people need for optimal well-being. The "Air doctor" will help solve this problem thanks to the built-in ionizer.

The owners of THU UL 11 will also get a pleasant experience from aromatherapy sessions. The effect of them will depend on the chosen oil, for example, relaxation and stress relief or, conversely, an increase in tone. A capsule for aromatic oils is provided in the case of the device and its filling for the session is a matter of 5 minutes.

Another useful function of THU UL 11 is air purification from harsh and unpleasant odours. The main thing is not to be lazy at least occasionally to wash the carbon filter intended for this purpose.

AIC ST-2850 Price from 5 179 ₴ →

Many humidifiers are produced under the AIC trademark. Most of these models do not differ from competitors of low-cost brands like Scarlett and Vitek. However, there are also devices with unusual design and functions, for example, the ST2850.

The AIC ST2850 is notable, first of all, for its extraordinary design. This ultrasonic humidifier looks like a floor vase in a minimalist style and will fit into a modern interior. The device is available with several body colour options that correspond to trends in interior design.

The ST2850 case lacks not only any decorative elements, but also buttons with a display. All commands are given from the remote control. This is unusual for such a technique, but it is positively appreciated by users. Using the remote control, a low, medium or high humidification intensity is selected (from 50 to 350 mL /hour) and a timer shutdown is activated (after two hours). The indicator on the case shows the current power of the device and whether the device is turned off by timer.

Do not worry about the safety of work and instability of the ST2850. In cases when the water level in the tank falls below the minimum allowable or the device overturns, the humidifier will automatically turn off.

Among the features are aromatization and night mode. Many owners are happy to use the function of spraying essential oils to create a favorable atmosphere. But the benefits of night mode are not so obvious. When you select it, the device works with minimal performance and goes into standby mode after 5 hours of operation. But the noise in the night mode, according to reviews, does not decrease.

Boneco U650

Boneco humidifiers are manufactured by the Swiss company Plaston, which specializes specifically in climate technology. Its products have earned a good reputation and are considered by many customers to be one of the best in its class.

For those who are not chasing new products, but prefer time-tested solutions, we advise you to take a closer look at the ultrasonic Boneco U650. The model has a lot of reviews on the Web and most owners agree that its main advantage is a tangible positive effect from the application.

Due to high productivity (up to 550 mL/hour), the device is able to "process" a room with an area of up to 60 m². At the same time, the power consumption (40 W) of the U650 is at the level of other humidifiers, and the noise level, which is confirmed by reviews, is even lower than that of competitors (up to 25 dB). There are few models with such indicators among devices from this price category. In addition, the owners note the "truthfulness of the readings" of the built-in hygrometer, which is not typical for all household humidifiers.

The "disadvantages" of this model include difficulties with maintenance. According to reviews, due to the ill-conceived design of the tank, when it is filled, sometimes a little water is spilled. There are enough complaints that the device does not save user settings when disconnected from the network.

The U650 has a large set of functions (humidity regulator, shutdown timer, etc.) and a large tank (5.5 liters) will have to be filled less often than other devices. For the sake of water disinfection, water is heated to 80 °C (the "warm steam" function) and an AG+ cartridge with active silver particles is used. In addition, it minimizes the formation of white plaque in the room, which is characteristic of many ultrasonic models. The AG+ cartridge can be supplemented with a so-called ionizing rod (purchased separately) for more thorough water purification.

Venta LW15 Price from 7 634 up to 10 787 ₴ →

Venta LW15, LW25 and LW45 home humidifiers have received good ratings from consumers. Among them, the leader in sales was the "junior" model for premises with an area of about 20 m².

Venta LW15 has received a number of improvements compared to its predecessor LW14. The new model has an enlarged tank (up to 5 liters), a water level indicator has appeared and the device automatically turns off when there is a lack of liquid. But is it worth laying out $250 for LW15 if humidifiers of other brands are available for sale 3-4 times cheaper? Of course, in the case when the priority is the quality of work, ease of operation and reliability.

Venta devices manufactured in Germany are distinguished not only by their characteristic design and a 10-year warranty. The company prefers the method of cold evaporation of water, rather than ultrasonic technology, like most manufacturers of humidifiers. Its devices are called air washers.

The fan draws air into the Venta LW15 and then it is passed through a drum that rotates in a water tank. As a result, the air is humidified and cleaned of small particles, including allergens and dust. Without using any special filters, and hence the need to change or clean them. However, it takes about once every two weeks to wash the tank, because dirt particles settle in it.

The water in Venta devices evaporates naturally (without heating, etc.) and the humidity level in the room is maintained at 40-60% without the help of a hygrostat. The manufacturer claims that the cold evaporation method eliminates excessive humidification of the air in the room and the formation of a white plaque. This is confirmed by the reviews to LW15. Also note that due to the special design of the device, the power consumption (3-4 watts) is scanty, and in night mode, the noise from the operation of the device is barely audible (22 dB).

Panasonic F-VXH50 Price from 25 699 up to 31 000 ₴ →

Panasonic produces so-called climate centers, which combine the functions of a humidifier and a cleaner. The F-VXH50 is one of the most advanced devices of this type — it has many useful features. This is a good choice for people who are worried about the health of their family and want to ensure an optimal indoor climate.

The manufacturer offers climate control centers for rooms with an area from 26 to 52 m². Among all models, the optimal ratio of parameters is F-VXH50. The recommended work area is sufficient for typical living rooms: cleaning up to 40 m²., humidification — up to 23. The device has a high humidification capacity (500 mL/hour), so it will increase the humidity of the air relatively quickly. The natural principle of evaporation used in the humidifier is considered optimal in terms of the impact on human well-being.

The efficiency of Panasonic climate centers is enhanced by proprietary nanoe technology. F-VXH50 generates particles that help the device to catch harmful microorganisms (mold, allergens, etc.), eliminate odours (for example, from animals) and increase the rate of humidification of the air. Nanoe elements are much smaller than vapor particles and they penetrate into clothing fabrics, curtains, etc., and their "validity period" is longer, so they have time to scatter throughout the room. In addition, nanoe particles treat the skin from exposure to dry air and help maintain it in good condition.

Air purification is carried out by several filters that reduce the amount of allergens, bacteria and other harmful elements. Panasonic claims a 10-year filter life. Please note that this period is derived from the calculation of work for 8 hours a day and periodic cleaning of filters. Owners of the F-VXH50 note that the care of filters does not cause problems.

The work of the F-VXH50 is maximally automated for such equipment. Special sensors monitor the cleanliness and humidity level of the air, as well as the presence of unwanted odours. When the device "smells" harmful particles or smoke from cigarettes, etc., it independently begins to eliminate them. If the humidity level drops below the optimum, F-VXH50 turns on the "humidification" mode. It is only necessary to monitor the water level in the tank. Alas, you will have to fill it more often than you want. After all, the tank is small (2.3 liters) with a relatively large device body.

The Panasonic device even adapts to the lifestyle of its owners (the ECONAVI function). For example, the climate centre can "remember" when the hostess cooks lunch and does the cleaning. In the future, the device will automatically increase the intensity of air purification in advance. And during periods when the state of the air environment is normal, it will work at minimum speeds in order to save energy. And so that children do not interfere with the operation of the device, the control panel can be blocked.