Humidifiers add moisture to the air so you can avoid the dryness of a cold climate. Do you experience rough lips or skin or struggle with sinus congestion? If you suffer from any of these symptoms, humidifiers could be the answer.
Warm mist humidifiers have the extra benefit of warming up your home. They combine the seemingly magical properties of water and heat in the atmosphere. If you haven’t considered investing in one of these units, perhaps now’s the time to start looking.
This is where we come in and guide you through everything there is to know about the best warm mist humidifiers. We will help you work your way through our list of the most popular and effective options on the market right now. Based on customer reviews and expert advice, get ready to meet our five favorites.
- Has a sleep mode
- Rotating nozzle
- 60 hours of usage
- Remote-controlled
- Large tank capacity
- Cool and warm mist
- 4-liter water tank
- Provides both cool and warm mist
- Compatible with essential oils
- Affordable price point
- User-friendly design
- Breezy cleaning
- Soothing mist for 24 hours
- Easy to clean
- 3 year warranty
The Best Warm Mist Humidifiers of 2024
Choosing the best warm humidifiers demanded a lot of research. We piled hours into this, combining industry trends, user reviews, and our own knowledge and experience. After looking at each product’s working hours, tank capacity, and output, we concluded our list.
These are the top warm mist humidifiers on the market:
Elechomes Ultrasonic Warm Mist Humidifier
Quietest
This popular ultrasonic warm mist humidifier provides a strong capacity of 1.6 gallons at only 32 decibels. This is quiet enough to act as white noise while you sleep and won’t disrupt you when you have company over.
It’s reported that this capacity allows it to run continually for 60 hours, so you won’t need to refill it constantly.
There’s a clear focus on efficiency with this model. It has both cool and warm mist, has smart schedule humidification, and is excellent for keeping indoor plants healthy.
What We Like
Sleep Mode Option
The sleep mode is convenient for generating a mist in the night with the LED light switched off. This makes it an excellent choice for light sleepers and little ones.
It combines well with the aromatherapy option. You can add essential oils to the aroma box for a calm and pleasant aroma during the night — or day, of course.
Rotating Nozzle for Great Mist Output
Dual 360-degree rotatable nozzles are also included in the model. They spread the mist in all directions at a speed of 550 ml/hour, thus humidifying all parts of your room.
60 Hours of Usage
This humidifier purifies the air and releases fresh air into your space for 60 straight hours. Thanks to the 1.6-gallon water tank, you and your family can breathe better. You can also enjoy a healthier life by preventing secondary pollution.
Emits Cool and Warm Mist
While this is a great warm mist humidifier, if you need cool mist, that’s an option, too. That makes it children and pet-friendly if you want to turn it on when they’re nearby.
Many Health Benefits
This product was designed to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. It can also moisturize dry skin, which is especially necessary during winter.
What We Don't Like
Filter Sold Separately
While most humidifiers have an installed filter, this one requires you to buy one compatible with this unit.
Constant Beeping
When you press any button, it makes a beeping noise. This is not helpful when adjusting settings while your partner is already asleep.
Hygrometer Accuracy
The built-in hygrometer is handy, but it’s not always accurate. It overestimates the moisture level in the room, which can be very misleading.
Product Specs
| Working Time | Up to 60 hours |
| Tank Capacity | 1.6 gallons |
| Max. Mist Output | 550ml per hour |
| Dimensions | 11.6 x 7.7 x 11 inches |
| Room Coverage | 400 square feet |
Our Ratings
Levoit LV 600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
Best Large Warm Mist Humidifier
If you’re willing to pay a little more money for some amazing extras, the Levoit LV 600HH Warm Mist Humidifier is just made for you.
Levoit is a well-known and respected brand in the humidifier market. This model is specially crafted for large spaces, releasing 500ml of moisture per hour. With that, you can reach the targeted humidity in no time compared to other humidifiers.
The manufacturer also didn’t miss out on adding an essential oil tray. So, now you can add your favorite scent to your room to enjoy the calm, humidified atmosphere.
What We Like
Extra Options
Levoit has taken humidifier technology to the next level by adding a remote control to the device. This allows you to control the unit without disturbing your comfy lounge position.
Besides, its humidity sensor allows you to control the desired humidity level. There’s also an automatic shutdown option once the humidity reaches your preferred level.
Large Tank Capacity
Unlike most humidifiers, Levoit has a water tank capacity of 1.5 gallons, which allows it to work up to 36 hours non-stop. This should make your life easier since you won’t have to worry about refilling it in the middle of the night.
Mist Settings
This machine gives you the two mist settings to enjoy all through the year:
- Cool mist: Recommended in the summer to protect unmoisturized skin and hair from the summer heat.
- Warm mist: Great for easing cold symptoms.
Works Super Quickly
This device works faster than many other humidifiers on the market. It can raise humidity levels by 10 percent in just 20 minutes. So if you need quick results, you might be impressed by this one.
What We Don't Like
Overheating Issues
With all the advantages of this Levoit unit, it has a reported problem of releasing extra moisture in the vicinity. To counter this, place it on a towel and keep it away from anything that could be damaged by water — especially electrical equipment.
Bottom Fill Design
We think that all humidifiers should have a top-fill design. But you’d be surprised by how many use a bottom-fill design, including this one. It makes it tricky to refill without spilling water.
Inaccurate Hygrometer
Built-in hygrometers are more inaccurate than we might anticipate, so it’s worth buying one separately. Customers noted that this one was sometimes off by between five and 20 percent.
Product Specs
| Working Time | 50hours |
| Tank Capacity | 1.58 gallons |
| Max. Mist Output | 500ml per hour |
| Dimensions | 11.3 x 7 x 10.5 inches |
| Room Coverage | Up to 753 square ft |
Our Ratings
Hupro Premium Ultrasonic Humidifier
Best for Colds and Allergies
This Hupro humidifier has a range of fantastic features. But one thing worth noting is that this is a source of relief for those with cold and allergy symptoms. The technology behind this machine can relieve these nasty side effects from stuffiness, dry skin, congestion, or an itchy nose and throat.
So if you want to get rid of your cold and allergy symptoms, this might be just the machine. Enjoy a state of relaxation while ensuring your home is safe and comfortable for the rest of the family.
What We Like
5-Liter Water Tank
The large water tank means this humidifier is ideal for any room up to 500 square feet. It also manages to run for up to 30 hours between refills so that you can enjoy healthier air with much less hassle.
Cool and Warm Mist
This handy machine provides both cool and warm mist, so you can customize it to suit your needs. It goes up to 140 degrees, too, which is very nice! This allows you to adjust a room’s humidity levels from 30 percent to 70 percent.
Compatible With Essential Oils
Enjoy an absolute state of relaxation since this machine is compatible with essential oils. In addition, it has an essential oil box so you can freshen the air and enjoy all the benefits of essential oils.
Purifies the Air
This goes a little further by also purifying the air. This works by a unique lamp, keeping the water fresh and preventing odors. The water goes through a permanent filter, ensuring the mist output is always clean.
What We Don't Like
Annoying Filling Design
While the top-filling design is easier to use than the bottom-filling one, the design is a bit flawed. The spout doubles as the handle, making it easy to spill water as you transport the tank. Tossing the water out is also easy if you accidentally nudge the machine since the spout doesn’t shut or lock.
Not the Most Durable
A few customers complained that this stopped working after a few months. In fact, some only got a few weeks of use from it before it died. Others had a constant EF error message that they couldn’t shake. Thankfully, customer service is good, but it’s still disappointing to experience this.
It Can Create Mess
This unit leaks a bit of water, or the mist lands around the unit, creating a mess. You might need to lay towels down to avoid damage.
Product Specs
| Working Time | Up to 30 hours |
| Tank Capacity | 1.05 gallon |
| Max. Mist Output | Not specified, but five-speed settings |
| Dimensions | 15.2 x 11.46 x 10.67 inches |
| Room Coverage | Up to 500 square feet |
Our Ratings
Honeywell HWM705B Filter Free Warm Moisture Humidifier
Most Affordable
This Honeywell product is our ideal humidifier for small to medium rooms and is incredibly affordable.
It brings a soothing, warm mist to your home to give you more comfortable breathing.
We love that the provided medicine cup can be used in conjunction with essential oils for aromatherapy and to add a pleasant smell to the atmosphere.
What We Like
Affordable Price Point
HMW705B is not only saving your money because of its price. It’s also energy-efficient and will keep your electricity bill low. Also, being filter-free saves ongoing filter replacement costs.
User-Friendly Design
One of its added benefits is having a low water indicator, which will save you the worry of when to refill it. We love its 1-gallon capacity and the automatic turn-off system. With those, you can go through the entire night knowing that your unit is working away.
Breezy Cleaning
Due to its accessible parts, it’s easily cleaned and refilled. Just soak the machine for about 15 minutes in vinegar, and dust off the device with a brush.
24-Hour Run Time
With a one-gallon tank, this can run for quite a while. On the low setting, this goes for 24 hours. If you use the higher setting, it won’t be as long, but no worries — refilling it is no bother.
What We Don't Like
Not the Quietest
Users report that the boiling noise can be frustrating. However, the good news is that once the water has boiled, the unit operates quietly for a comfortable atmosphere.
Clean It Often
While cleaning it is pretty easy, it needs to be done often. Many people need to clean theirs multiple times a week to avoid mold and bacteria growth.
It’s Temperamental
While customers love how effective this is when it does work, sometimes it just doesn’t turn on. It’s a hit or miss sometimes.
Product Specs
| Working Time | Up to 24 hours |
| Tank Capacity | 1 gallon |
| Max. Mist Output | 1 gallon per 24 hours |
| Dimensions | 12 x 10 x 6.2 inches |
| Room Coverage | Up to 250 sq. ft. |
Our Ratings
Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
Cleanest Humidifier
This Vicks model is mainly popular due to its antimicrobial ability to release 95 percent germ-free, visible, warm mist to temporarily relieve cough and nasal congestion.
A runtime of up to 24 hours means there’s less frequent maintenance to be done.
A humidifier shouldn’t replace healthy eating and drinking water to help with cold and flu symptoms.
Nonetheless, this model reportedly assists when you’re ill. It also comprised of a medicine cup that one could use to pour the liquid inhalants to further alleviate nasal decongestion.
What We Like
Soothing Mist for 24 Hours
For when you have a cold, this Vicks humidifier model can run for up to 24 hours. This is ideal for a consistent and soothing warm mist to alleviate some cold symptoms.
Easy to Clean
This humidifier has a wide tank opening allowing the user easy access to the humidifier, making it easy to clean and refill a gallon of water. This prevents the spreading of mold and bacteria, which can be common in humidifiers due to moisture.
Helps With Cold and Flu
If you have an illness, this can provide relief. The vapor emitted can help to relieve congestion, coughs, and other nasty symptoms.
3 Year Warranty
Equipped with a three-year warranty, this humidifier is sure to last longer than other humidifiers. It can cover a medium to large size room.
What We Don't Like
Lights Cannot be Turned Off
The only drawback of this product is that you cannot leave the humidifier open with the lights off.
Too Loud for Sleep
If you like to sleep in silence, this will annoy you. The unit is loud but also produces an annoying whistling and gurgling sound.
Must Clean It Often
This unit gets gross fast. To keep on top of scale build-up, mold, mildew, and other nasties, you must clean it one to two times per week.
Product Specs
| Working Hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Tank Capacity | 1 gallon |
| Max Mist Output | 1 gallon per 24 hours |
| Dimensions | 12 x 7.88 x 14.25 inches |
| Room Coverage | Medium to large. |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Working Hours | Tank Capacity | Max. Mist Output | Dimensions | Room Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elechomes Ultrasonic Humidifier | Quietest | 60 hours | 1.60 gal. | 550ml/h | 11.6 x 7.7 x 11″ | 400 sq ft |
| Levoit LV 600HH Ultrasonic Humidifier | Large Warm Mist Humidifier | 50 hours | 1.5 gal. | 500ml/h | 11.3 x 7 x 10.5″ | 753 sq ft |
| Hupro Premium Ultrasonic Humidifier | For Colds and Allergies | 30 hours | 1.05 gal. | Not specified | 15.2 x 11.46 x 10.67″ | 500 sq. ft. |
| Honeywell HWM705B Humidifier | Affordable | 24 hours | 1 gal. | 157ml/h | 12 x 10 x 6.2″ | 250 sq. ft. |
| Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier | Cleanest | 24 hours | 1 gal. | 157ml/h | 12 x 7.88 x 14.25″ | Medium to large. |
What Is a Warm Mist Humidifier Used For?
Warm mist humidifiers boil water and then release it as steam, increasing the humidity. The main benefits of these popular units are:
- Healthy: Warm mist humidifiers are considered beneficial to our health due to the boiling process killing bacteria. They also give you a better chance for a clear airway (1).
- Quiet: These devices operate quietly due to the lack of fans. This makes them amazing for peaceful humidification and night-time use.
- Size: Unlike cool mist humidifiers, warm mist humidifiers are smaller and, thus, more suitable for small spaces like your bedroom or office.
Caution
Finding the Best Warm Mist Humidifier
With all the advantages of warm mist humidifiers, you still need to factor in certain aspects before committing. Consider the following points:
Home Size and Coverage Capacity
To decide on a mist humidifier, first measure the square footage of your space. Bear in mind that too much moisture can breed more bacteria and mold, and you need an ideal humidity level of between 30 and 50 percent (2). Getting a product that’s too big for the space you’re humidifying will create too much moisture.
It’s fruitless buying a product that won’t cover your entire home. In contrast, you don’t want those high humidity levels by getting a model that’s too overbearing. With this in mind, only get a product suited to your home’s footprint.
Output Levels
Strike a balance between the space you need humidifying and the unit’s output level. For example, if your space is 400 square feet, getting a model with a low output level over 24 hours is no problem. You need that moisture hitting the entire area as quickly as possible.
Most reasonably priced humidifiers can handle rooms of approximately 200 to 500 square feet. The more expensive ones can do double the work, but do you need that?
Cleaning and Maintenance
The humidifier’s role is to assist you in living a healthier life, but the last thing you want is to have to maintain the unit constantly. It’s supposed to make your life easier, not bring more hassle.
So, consider the shape, filter, tank size, and the entrance to the water tank or the filter. Our research showed us that many users complained about how narrow the tank entrance was, making refilling their unit a real pain.
Cleaning Tip
FAQs
Is a Warm Mist Humidifier the Same As a Vaporizer?
A warm mist humidifier is essentially the same as a vaporizer. Both use heat to dispense water as a vapor or mist to increase humidity levels inside your home. The main difference is that vaporizers typically use an additive to help soothe cold and flu symptoms.
Do Warm Mist Humidifiers Breed Bacteria?
Warm mist humidifiers do breed bacteria because mold loves dark and moist places to thrive. Also, if you over-humidify your inside air, it encourages bacteria to grow.
Is a Warm or Cool Mist Humidifier Better for Sinuses?
Both types can alleviate cold and flu symptoms. However, always use a cool-mist humidifier around children as warm-mist ones risk burns.
Can I Use Tap Water In My Humidifier?
You should not use tap water in your humidifier because it contains impurities like minerals and metals that coat the humidifier causing it to fail. It also contaminates your indoor air, coating your surfaces with a white residue.
How Often Should I Clean a Humidifier?
You should clean your humidifier at least once a week to ensure it remains germ-free and to kill mold spores. If you fail to clean your humidifier, it pumps spores into the atmosphere, contaminating your home.
Becoming a Warm Mist Humidifier Fan
With the best warm mist humidifier at home, you can have a range of health advantages and withstand all those days of cold, low humidity. They are as affordable and efficient as cool mist humidifiers to add humidity to the air.
Before deciding on a model, measure the space you need to humidify. We know firsthand how frustrating it is to invest in a product and have it not suit your needs.
Think about the extras that come with the humidifier and how that will fit your needs. Do you have small children in the home? If so, consider whether it has a nighttime setting. Don’t forget to locate it out of reach — warm mist humidifiers have hot working elements.
