Your questions about humidifiers answered
What is the best humidifier?
After testing a range of models, my three standout favourites are the Dreo smart humidifier, the Blueair dreamwell, and the Levoit oasismist smart, and each one shines for a different reason. The Dreo smart humidifier is my top pick overall, however. As a busy working mum, I want something I can fill up and forget about for days. The huge tank, smart scheduling, and dual mist options are perfect for setting the ideal humidity and letting it run quietly in the background.
The Levoit oasismist smart is also a brilliant all-rounder. The warm and cool mist settings make it perfect for switching between seasons, and the app control makes fine-tuning humidity levels effortless.
How I tested humidifiers
As with every IndyBest review, I tested and reviewed each humidifier using strict criteria – taking into consideration everything from noise and humidity levels to energy efficiency and coverage.
- Noise: I used a decibel metre to assess noise levels, checking to see if each humidifier was quiet enough to run when working from home or sleeping, favouring models that ran more quietly than others.
- Humidity levels: Using a humidity metre, I confirmed that these appliances added moisture to the air, and if so, how much. I also timed how long it took to improve the humidity in different rooms. If a model took a long time to improve humidity, I didn’t include it in this review. I also checked whether the built-in humidstats were accurate.
- Value for money: I calculated these appliances’ energy consumption and how much it costs to run them by the hour. I favoured those that were cheap to run, and have listed the price per model next to each one. I also considered the initial cost of the humidifier, as well as the cost of replacing any filters.
- Style: Most humidifiers need to be out on display, so I looked for functional but stylish appliances that won’t ruin your interior design.
What are the benefits of humidifiers?
If your home feels stuffy in winter or you often wake up with a dry throat or a blocked nose, a humidifier could be the quiet hero your space needs. These small but powerful devices add gentle moisture to the air, helping create a healthier, more comfortable environment.
Central heating in winter can dry out the air in our homes, irritating airways and making breathing feel harder, especially if you have asthma, allergies or a lingering cold. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, helping to prevent your nasal passages and throat from drying out, easing congestion and soothing dry, tickly coughs. If you have little ones, a cool-mist humidifier can make night-time breathing more comfortable when they have a cold, helping everyone get a better night’s sleep.
Dry indoor air doesn’t just affect your breathing. It can also wreak havoc on your skin. You might notice tightness, flakiness, or even cracked lips during the colder months. A humidifier helps restore balance by keeping the air’s moisture levels steady, which in turn helps your skin, lips, and eyes feel less irritated.
Maintaining the right humidity level, ideally between 40% and 60%, can make your home feel more comfortable year-round. In winter, it helps counteract the drying effects of central heating, while in high summer it keeps indoor air from feeling parched. As more UK homes install air conditioning to cope with rising temperatures, which can strip moisture from the air, humidifiers can restore much-needed balance.
What’s the difference between evaporative, ultrasonic and cool or warm mist humidifiers?
Humidifiers come in a few main types, each with its own pros and quirks. Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to blow air through a wet filter, which spreads moisture in a steady, natural way. Sergey Nikolin, an air quality expert and President at Product Air Heating & Cooling LLC in the US, explains: “In practice, evaporative ones are great if you want steady, even humidity without worrying about overdoing it… but you need to change the filter every so often.” This makes them reliable for consistent humidity, though they do require a bit of maintenance.
Ultrasonic humidifiers work differently, using vibrations to produce an ultra-fine mist. Nikolin points out that “they’re perfect for bedrooms as they’re super quiet, though you might see some white dust on surfaces if you use regular tap water” -especially in hard-water areas. I noticed this myself during testing, as I live in a very hard water region in the UK, and a fine white residue did appear on nearby surfaces. While you can use distilled water to prevent this, it’s a bit of a faff and an extra cost if you decide to buy rather than make your own.
Then there are cool-mist and warm-mist models. Both add moisture to the air, but warm mist humidifiers heat the water first. “Warm mist options feel better in winter and kill germs,” says Nikolin, “but they do use a bit more power so they can contribute to higher energy bills.” You might also want to swerve warm-mist humidifiers in a child’s bedroom, as some of them can get fairly hot during operation.
There you have it. Each type of humidifier has its strengths, so your choice depends on your space, noise tolerance, and whether you want the extra hygiene boost in colder months.
How to clean a humidifier
Cleaning a humidifier varies depending on the type, but the basics are similar. Most require you to empty the water tank daily, rinse it thoroughly, and wipe down surfaces to prevent mineral buildup and bacteria. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some models have removable parts or specific cleaning recommendations to keep your humidifier running efficiently.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Joanne Lewsley has particular expertise in finding the best humidifiers, being an expert home appliance tester. She has been reviewing air quality appliances like best dehumidifiers, air purifiers and cordless vacuum cleaners for more than a decade, so she knows exactly what to look for in a great model. Drawing on independent testing and expert insight, all her reviews are based on real-life use, covering setup and noise levels to performance and maintenance.
Want more recommendations? We’ve reviewed the best dehumidifiers, too
