Dry air is bad news. It can cause cracked lips, dry and itchy skin, sore throats, blocked noses and even nosebleeds. It can make you more susceptible to colds and sinus infections. And if you suffer from asthma, eczema or psoriasis, it can lead to unwelcome flare-ups.
It’s not just us humans that suffer, either. Our homes can be affected too, with peeling wallpaper and cracked or warped wooden furniture, especially during the winter months when central heating is likely to lower humidity levels.
The solution is a humidifier, which disperses an invisible mist to maintain healthy moisture levels in the air. Investing in one can protect your family’s wellbeing, increase your comfort and keep your home looking better for longer. Here’s our guide to the best models on the market, as well as a guide on what to look out for when buying one.
How to buy the best humidifer for you
There are three main types of humidifier. A cool-mist humidifier uses a fan to disperse a room-temperature mist; this is quite energy-efficient, and is suitable for humidifying large areas.
A warm-mist humidifier works similarly, but boils the water first and disperses it as a warm moisture. This requires more electricity, but the boiling process filters out impurities and kills germs before the vapour is released. Warm mist machines can also gently warm your home, and are typically quieter than cool mist machines because they don’t need a fan.
Finally, an ultrasonic humidifier uses very high-frequency vibrations to turn water into vapour. These tend to be the quietest humidifiers on the market, and can be found in both room-temperature and warm mist types..
What size do I need?
Humidifiers come in three main sizes. The most common type is the tabletop humidifier, designed to humidify a single room. These machines are lightweight and transportable and usually have a removable water container.
A console humidifier is a larger freestanding unit, aimed at providing moisture to multiple rooms or sometimes an entire home. The largest type is known as a whole-house humidifier– this connects to your home’s heating and cooling system to provide constant moisture across your home.
What features should I look out for?
A humidifier with multiple speed settings gives you the option of dialling up the humidity rapidly or more gradually. A built-in hygrometer will measure the level of vapour already in the air, and an automatic shut-off can switch the unit off once the desired humidity is attained.
A low-water indicator meanwhile lets you know when it’s time to refill the tank, while a pre-filter and UV germicidal light can help ensure that you’re not pumping unwanted particles or bacteria into the air. Finally, a digital control panel makes it easier to check and control your humidifier’s various settings.
Are humidifiers easy to maintain?
Humidifiers are generally low-maintenance appliances, but they do need regular cleaning – especially warm-mist models – to protect against mould and bacteria. Mist outlets should be also be checked regularly to ensure the flow is smooth. Evaporative humidifiers also have a filter that will need to be regularly cleaned or replaced. If your machine has a demineralisation filter to reduce germs or a UV lightbulb, these will also need replacing regularly.
What’s the ideal humidity level?
The ideal humidity level indoors is between 30% and 50%. Any lower than that and you risk health problems and damage to your home and its contents. Any higher, and you’re starting to create a welcoming environment for bacteria, dust mites and mould – as well as a musty smell. Many humidifiers come with a built-in hygrometer so you can keep an eye on your humidity levels. Alternatively, a battery-operated one can be found for less than £10 online.
The best humidifers you can buy in 2018
1. Dyson Humidifier: Best luxury buy
Price:£499 | Buy now from John Lewis
This tabletop machine – part of Dyson’s Air Multiplier range – features a UV light to kill 99.9% of any bacteria that may be lurking in the water, which the company claims makes it more hygienic and beneficial to health than other machines. It also boasts clever technology that promises more even moisture distribution than you’ll get from other humidifiers.
The Dyson has built-in sensors to measure the temperature and moisture of the air, and can work for up to 18 hours on one tank. It’s quiet, with a timer that you can set to automatically shut it off at night, and can also be used as a fan in hot weather. Just note that you’ll need to use bottled mineral water if you live in a hard water area – and, as with most machines, you’ll have to clean it about once a week.
Key specs – Dimensions: 58 x 24 x 13.5cm (WDH); Tank size: 3l; Running time: Up to 18 hours; Automatic shut-off? Yes; Warranty: 2 years
2. Babymoov Hygro: Best for kids’ rooms
Price:£80 |Buy now from John Lewis
If you’re looking to improve the air quality for your tiny tots, this cool-mist humidifier is our top recommendation. The instructions are clear, and the touchscreen controls make it a doddle to monitor the ambient humidity and temperature, and adjust settings as required. A full water tank lasted us two nights – the timer can automatically switch off during the daytime – and we love the fact that you can add essential oils, although the aroma doesn’t last all that long. It’s quiet and simple to clean, and the multicoloured night light is another nice touch. It’s a little bright, though, and we found it more restful to stick to one colour as they change quite fast.
Key specs – Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 34cm (WDH); Tank size: 3.8l; Running time: Up to 22 hours; Automatic shut-off? Yes; Warranty: Lifetime
3. Vicks VH750 Warm-Mist Humidifier: Best for low immune systems
Price:£40 | Buy now from Amazon
If you’re fighting a cold or flu – or just feeling generally run down – this machine could be your new best friend. It releases warm, moist air which helps relieve congestion, sore throats and other symptoms. You can even use Vicks VapoPads to release that comforting menthol aroma you’ll probably remember from your childhood, and it’s easy to assemble and clean.
Be aware though that it might not be ideal for everyday use, due to the air warming function. It’s quite loud too, with only two power settings available. Plus, you’re supposed to clean it daily – who has time for that? – and water can spill out if you’re not careful while transporting it from one room to another.
Key specs – Dimensions: 27 x 16 x 33cm (WDH); Tank size: 3.8l; Running time: Up to 12 hours; Automatic shut-off? Yes; Warranty: 2 years
4. Crane Ultrasonic Cool-Mist Humidifier: Best-value humidifier
Price:£50 | Buy now from Argos
This compact humidifier makes just a very low humming noise, so it’s great for light sleepers. Even so, it can deal with medium-sized rooms, and offers a decent running time, without breaking the bank. There are no filters to bother with, and we like the automatic shut-off when the water tank empties. The jury is out on the night light though – some people love it, others find it too bright, and will be annoyed that you can’t turn it down or off. Emptying and cleaning the machine can be a bit fiddly too – we spilt quite a bit of water.
Key specs – Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 34cm (WDH); Tank size: 3.8l; Running time: Up to 16 hours; Automatic shut-off? Yes; Warranty: 1 year
5. Honeywell HH350E1 Germ Free Humidifier: Best budget humidifier
Price:£28 | Buy now from Amazon
When you’re buying a humidifier, airborne bacteria are a common concern. Honeywell’s UV technology aims to destroy germs, mould and fungus in the water, to ensure your humidifier won’t make you sick. It’s easy to use and the tank is impressively unbreakable, so it doesn’t even matter if you drop it.
It’s another machine where you’re expected to clean it daily, though this isn’t too arduous as you can just bung the parts in the dishwasher. You’ll also need to change the filter every couple of months, and the bulb every three months if used daily, making it more high-maintenance than some. It’s quite loud on the high setting too – and note that it doesn’t have a built-in hygrometer.
Key specs: Dimensions: 45 x 30 x 24cm (WDH); Tank size: 4.5l; Running time: Up to 24 hours; Automatic shut-off? No; Warranty: 3 years
6. Stadler Form Eva: Best-looking humidifier
Price:£159 | Buy now from John Lewis
Another ultrasonic machine, this one boasts five humidity level settings and a simple-to-work remote control. It’s easily the best-looking humidifier we’ve tested, and it covers a larger area than many – up to 900 square feet, with a huge water tank which means less refilling.
On top of that, the Eva gets brownie points for being easy to keep clean, and the LED lights can thoughtfully be dimmed or switched off. You can add a scent of your choice, and the auto-mode – which includes automatic shutdown when the room is humid enough – works a treat. The warm mode doesn’t seem to do much, however, and expect to fork out quite a bit for maintenance-related extras like filtration cartridges.
Key specs – Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 42cm (WDH); Tank size: 6.3l; Running time: Continuous; Automatic shut-off? Yes; Warranty: 2 years