Various factors influence a person’s mood and health. An important role among them is played by the microclimate in a house or apartment, including the state of relative humidity. If it is deficient, parquet or furniture dry out, plants wither and die. Dryness in the room negatively affects children - the mucous membranes dry out, protective functions are reduced and the risk of developing infectious or respiratory diseases increases. An effective tool for taking measures against dryness is a special moisturizing device. It does not need to be installed and can function for a long time in an office, room or office. Even at night, a little noise from the operating device will not interfere with your sleep.
There are many models on the market that differ in size, shape, and additional functions. When searching for a suitable device, you need to know the functionality and characteristics in order to avoid mistakes when choosing. In this review you can find out the types of household humidifiers, their design, the best manufacturers and the products they produce.
General information
An air humidifier is an electrical device for increasing the level of humidity in the surrounding space.
The main purpose is to saturate the surrounding space with water molecules to increase relative humidity with optimal parameters for:
- human body – 40-60%;
- plants – 55-75%;
- books – 40-60%;
- musical instruments and furniture – 40-60%;
- office equipment – 45-60%.
1Stadler Form Oskar Original O-020OR/O-021OR
Price: 14990 rubles
Our top humidifiers for the home are headed by a powerful model from Stadler Form. Its type is traditional, and its area of application reaches up to 50 square meters. m, the water tank holds 3.5 liters of liquid. If there is a lack of water, the device turns itself off. It can be used to scent a room. You can install the humidifier on any surface, because it does not leave moisture or residue behind. The controls are completely mechanical.
The owners note the advantages of the model in the presence of a hygrometer, which comes as a gift upon purchase. The device also humidifies the air well and effectively, does not create noise and has several fan speeds that you can set yourself, including a night mode function. There is only one drawback - there is no remote control.
Characteristics and selection criteria
1. Tank capacity and water consumption.
Each product has its own values, which allow you to determine the operating time without topping up. So, with a reduced flow rate of 0.4 liters per hour for a volume of three liters, the operating time will be 7.5 hours, which is not enough to maintain comfortable humidity during a normal eight-hour sleep.
2. Volume of the humidified room.
The value is determined by the intensity of water supply. As a rule, manufacturers indicate for what area the model is suitable. The optimal value is calculated based on the size of the room. For example, for 15 m2 four to five liters are enough, but for 35 m2 it is better to take a tank of six to seven liters.
It is important to know that the volume of the room is humidified, not its area.
3. Noise level.
Models with noise levels up to 35 dB are suitable for installation in a child’s room or bedroom. When taking a portion of water, a gurgling sound is periodically clearly heard. In addition, the alarm system warning of its absence becomes unwanted noise.
4. Control system.
For simple devices, settings take place on built-in panels. More complex ones are equipped with remote controls. The latest equipment in the “smart home” complex is controlled via a smartphone application.
5. Power consumption.
Values vary depending on the model type. For steam humidifiers in the range of 300-600 W with a capacity of up to 0.35 l/h. Ultrasound machines have an average power of up to 45 W, and some up to 140 W. The power of traditional devices is no more than 40 W.
6. Availability of a gyrostat and hygrometer.
A comfortable humidity value is selected empirically by installed devices and is automatically maintained at a given level.
7. Indication and backlight.
Details of the selected mode and other information are shown on the display. However, in the dark, the bright focus of the screen may cause an uncomfortable feeling. If installed in the bedroom, you must turn on the “night mode”. If there is a backlight, it can be used as a night light.
8. Ergonomics.
Ease of use is influenced by design features. Most often you have to fill the tank with water and clean the internal parts from plaque and dirt. It is necessary to pay attention to the possibility of topping up without removing the tank, adjusting the direction of the steam flow, as well as the presence of hard-to-reach places for cleaning.
9. Consumables.
Regular replacement of replacement filters is required, since their effectiveness is several months even when using distilled or boiled liquid.
10. Flavoring.
To add a pleasant scent to some devices, you can optionally add essential oils or aromatic mixtures.
11. Ionization.
When ultrasonic devices operate, the number of charged particles (aeroins) increases with the appearance of a feeling of “smell of freshness”. Some marketers believe that this has a positive impact on well-being. In addition, dust particles in the air interact with aeroins and become charged, settling on the surface. From there, dust can be easily removed with a cloth.
12. Price segments.
- budget models in the price range up to four thousand rubles;
- products with an average price of four to eight thousand rubles;
- premium equipment at a price of more than eight thousand rubles.
Flaws
The device also has some disadvantages:
- During operation of the device, dust particles become heavier and settle on the surface.
Important! The room will have to be cleaned more often. However, it is better to clean the room once again than to breathe in suspended dust.
- The need for regular cleaning of the ionizer, especially the needles.
- During operation, the device creates an electromagnetic field that can affect the operation of the TV or computer. Therefore, the location for the ionizer is chosen away from these devices.
Important! To be fair, it must be said that the effect of the electromagnetic field on the human body has not been fully studied.
- The need to periodically turn off the device. An excess of ozone in the atmosphere is just as harmful as a deficiency.
Option for a children's room
The following parameters are taken into account:
- sufficient tank volume;
- high performance;
- presence of a hygrometer;
- silent;
- installation of replacement filters and availability of their purchase.
The best option is ultrasonic devices that can clean and moisturize efficiently and quickly eliminate any unpleasant odors. They have a limited range of functions, but they are completely safe for babies and inexpensive. As a rule, they have a funny shape in the form of animals or favorite cartoon characters.
Humidifier with ionizer: advantages
Why is it better than other types? If you want to choose such a device, you will get “three in one”: a high-quality humidifier, a universal cleaner and even a hypoallergenic fragrance.
- The ionizer makes the microclimate of your apartment similar in composition to natural, improves its quality and even imparts medicinal properties.
- Improves the well-being of people in the room.
- As a cleaner, the ionizer destroys bacteria, viruses and even mold.
- It rids the room of unpleasant odors and easily copes even with tobacco smoke.
Where can I buy
Popular models of household humidifiers in various price segments can be found in stores selling electronics. You can view and check the products there, and trained managers will offer useful recommendations and advice - which company is better to buy, how much it costs, how to choose and where is the best place to install a steam or ultrasonic device, and also whether a humidifier helps with the heat and what is the difference between air washing and a humidifier .
In addition, a suitable device can be ordered online from an online store, including using the Yandex.Market aggregator or from AliExpress, a well-known Chinese service for the delivery of household goods.
In Moscow you can buy humidifiers:
- traditional type at prices from 900 rubles (PROFFI PH9511) to 102,000 rubles (Venta LPH60 WiFi);
- steam - from 3,750 rubles (Chicco Humi Advance) to 15,990 rubles (Boneco S450);
- ultrasonic – from 352 (PROFFI PH8750) to 27,500 rubles (Dyson AM10).
Why do you need a humidifier with ionizer?
Is it possible to get by with a simple humidifier and not spend money on an ionizer? Humidity is not the only requirement in creating the correct microclimate in an apartment. This is how the air of the sea coast, pine forest differs from the city air (let’s forget the degree of pollution from exhaust gases)? The number of negatively charged ions! In the first case, there are 1.5-3 times more of them than in a city park, for example. In your apartment, everything is exactly the opposite.
A humidifier-ionizer not only maintains the necessary humidity, but also ionizes the air, that is, it saturates the space with negatively charged ions - anions. They are also called electric vitamins, because these air ions help our body saturate the blood with oxygen and absorb harmful impurities and dust. And moisture heated to 80° C can destroy viruses hovering in the house. That is, the ionizer will also serve you as an additional cleaner.
This device is considered the latest development. The water entering the vibrating plate is broken into small particles and heated to 80° C. The air, with the help of a fan, passes through the resulting cloud, is saturated with moisture and falls back into the room. Another interesting point: liquid and air necessarily pass through a kind of purifier, where harmful microorganisms remain.
Which type is better to choose
- Traditional humidifier. Water poured into the device hits the disk or a special cassette, and the fan sucks air inside and directs it to a special heating element. The principle of self-regulation works here, when high temperature in the room causes more intense humidification. For such a device, it is better to choose a place near the battery. This type can also work as a purifier: the air, passing through a special filter, is freed from large dust particles.
- Steam model. When the liquid hits the built-in electrodes, it boils and begins to evaporate. This device is also perfect for scenting a room, which creates an inhalation effect. But if you want to choose an air purifier, then a steam model without an ionizer is not suitable for you.
- Ultrasonic humidifier. An ultraviolet lamp is installed inside the device. By saturating the air with active oxygen, it manages to disinfect it. So, along with the humidifier, it is possible to choose an additional air purifier that rids the room of all kinds of viruses and bacteria using ultrasound.
- The climate complex is a humidifier, a purifier, and a flavoring agent rolled into one. An advanced development - a silver rod - additionally saturates the closed space with silver ions, which can destroy a great variety of microbes.
Which humidifier-ionizer should you choose? The most popular brands: SmartWay, Vitek, Air-o-Swiss, Midea, Walter Meier. Let's try to compare some models.
| Model | Type | Room area (sq. m) | Reservoir (l) | Water consumption (g/hour) |
| Vitek VT-1766 W | Ultrasonic | 50 | 5 | 300 |
| MIDEA AD90-E | Climate complex | 20 | 7 | 260 |
| Air-O-Swiss U7145 | Ultrasonic | 60 | 5 | 550 |
| Air-O-Swiss U7144 | Ultrasonic | 60 | 6,7 | 550 |
Recommendations for use
- The new humidifier should get used to the ambient temperature in the room within an hour.
- Install with a minimum permissible placement height of 50 centimeters, since humidified air sinks down.
- Turn on and set the steam humidifier to continuous operation with maximum power during the daytime so as not to notice a slight noise from it. In the evening and at night, set the evaporation level to a minimum or medium level.
- Monitor the constant presence of liquid in the tank and how it works.
- For several days, expect moisture to be absorbed into surrounding objects and things (furniture, floors, carpets, etc.).
- Check that windows and doors are tightly closed and do not allow drafts.
No need to place the device on a shelf with books!
If you have doubts about the effectiveness of the device, it is enough to check the evaporation. If after two weeks the humidity remains low, the power is insufficient or the operating rules are not followed.
Enjoy the shopping! Take care of yourself and your loved ones!
Household air ionizers for home
Ionizer – air filter for home Sharp KC – G61RW
The Japanese have come up with a unique air purification and ionization technology called Plasmacluster. Simply put, allergens, viruses, bacteria, mold fungi and all other evil spirits in the air are deactivated by “-” and “+” charged ions. In addition, the technique maintains the ideal natural balance of ions. The “ionic rain” mode additionally activates humidification, which works to get rid of household dust, static electricity, and unpleasant odors.
The operating principle of the ionizer is traditional - cold evaporation occurs . The air is not oversaturated with moisture, and no precipitation remains on plants and furniture. The equipment is automatically adjusted to work using a system of sensors (humidity, temperature, smell, dust). All information is displayed by a color indicator. Price – 31.2 tr.
Pros:
- cleaning + humidification + ionization;
- quiet;
- ionization occurs in the air, not in the housing;
- effective on an area up to 50 m2;
- energy saving;
- inverter control;
- washable deodorizing filter, HEPA filter, pre-filter, water filter;
- sensor system;
- 5 operating modes + child protection.
When used correctly, the product does not have any disadvantages.
Bipolar air ionizer for 38 sq. m. Sharp KC-G51RW
Another climate complex from the cunning Japanese is designed for a more modest area of 38 square meters. This is a high quality air purifier with an advanced ionization and filtration system . Additionally, the device carries out humidification in accordance with the “air washing” principle.
There are as many as four filters in the system. Pre-filter takes care of coarse cleaning (large dust particles, hair), Hepa - provides fine cleaning (detains everything else), aroma - eliminates tobacco smoke, allergens, exhaust gases and other volatile odors. And finally, water – “washes” the air, purifying and moisturizing it.
A bipolar air ionizer costs from 34 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- very simple, convenient electronic control;
- compact;
- stylish design, like a small robot;
- four filters with a ten-year warranty;
- effective cleaning and moisturizing;
- suitable for both home and small office;
- especially useful for children and allergy sufferers;
- quiet.
No cons found.
Rating of steam humidifiers
Steam humidifier Boneco S450
Tank volume : 7 liters.
Power consumption : 480 W.
Declared room area : 60 sq. meters.
Presence of a hygrostat : yes.
Price : about 17,000 rubles.
The flagship of the Swiss brand attracts the buyer's attention with its polished and laconic forms, as well as its monochrome design. This device has one of the lowest noise levels. You won't often hear the sound of water heating up. The model does not require filter replacement, is equipped with a self-cleaning function and touch control. The display will show the humidity level, a timer and a reminder to clean the device.
Two operating modes - night and intensive - differ in their performance. The design is designed to be as stable as possible. The manufacturer especially emphasizes the increased stability of the device and the steam temperature - here it is 40 C, which, in principle, allows us to recommend the humidifier for use in a children's room, but it should not be left unattended. The inhalation nozzle supplied with the device will be a good helper in treating colds. In this case, you can use aromatic oils. The most significant disadvantages of the model are high energy consumption and cost.
Steam humidifier Boneco S250
Tank volume : 4 liters.
Power consumption : 260 W.
Declared room area : 30 sq. meters.
Presence of a hygrostat : yes.
Price : about 8500 rubles.
The younger brother of the Boneco S450 model. The model has slightly faster performance characteristics and is designed for a smaller area. Also has a built-in hygrostat, cleaning reminder, and timer.
Convenient touch control. Use as an inhaler with the ability to add aromatic oils. The energy consumption of the model is almost two times lower, as is its cost.
Steam humidifier Boneco S200
Tank volume : 4 liters.
Power consumption : 260 W.
Declared room area : 30 sq. meters.
Presence of a hygrostat : no.
Price : about 7,000 rubles.
Budget model. With almost identical parameters, the humidifier is even more attractive due to its cost. This device does not have a built-in hygrostat or touch display. The control here is mechanical; the operating mode is regulated by rotating the knob.
Steam humidifier Beurer LB 50
Tank volume : 5 liters.
Power consumption : 380 W.
Declared room area : 40 sq. meters.
Presence of a hygrostat : no.
Price : about 6500 rubles.
The German manufacturer created a model in which it included only the most important functions, which had a positive effect on its cost. There is no timer, no hygrometer, no touch controls. However, there are two operating modes: the first evaporates 150 ml/hour, and the second 400 ml/hour. For night time, the first mode is ideal. Within a few hours, the humidity in the room will return to normal and will be maintained at a normal level. And the second, more powerful mode will help create the desired level of humidity in a short time if, for example, you have not been home for several days.
The device comes with 10 special tablets for protection against scale and limescale. The temperature of the steam at the outlet is not critical, but, according to the owners, children’s access to the device will definitely have to be limited. In general, the device has proven itself to be effective and enjoys well-deserved popularity among consumers.
Pros and cons of home humidifiers
An obvious advantage of home humidifiers is maintaining the most favorable microclimate (from 40 to 60% humidity).
Modern manufacturers will present to your attention a large selection of additional functions, including cleaning, inhalation and aromatization. But, in order to understand how to choose the right model, it is worth remembering the inevitable disadvantages that you will have to put up with. This may be the risk of thermal burns from a device with “pure steam” or a white calcified coating on objects after the operation of an ultrasonic device.
The biggest problem will always be the quality of the water that needs to be filled with the container. The purer the liquid, the safer the operation of the device.
Only regular cleaning and replacement of the filters of your home humidifier (humidifier) can reduce the risk of the spread of bacteria in a humid environment.
