The Best Warm Mist Humidifier – Reviews and Top Picks

To use warm mist or not to use warm mist - That is the question. There has always been some debate as to which is better - cool mist or warm mist humidifiers. The decision is not always easy to make. But we can safely say that the warm mist humidifier is just as good as the cool mist units.

They both do the same job. They just do it in different temperatures. Our review of the best warm mist humidifiers will help convince you that they may be the better option. Our guide will provide you the information you need to make an intelligent selection.

We chose the Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier with Auto Shut-off as the best warm mist humidifier. Keep reading to find out why.

Some people do not like using warm mist humidifiers because their children may get burned. That issue does not take away the credibility or ability of the warm mist humidifier.

This version of humidifiers still has great benefits. Here are three of those:

To be the best warm mist humidifier you need to bring something to the competition. Vicks’ unit does just that. Its 1-gal. capacity brings you up to 12 hours of continuous warm mist action. It purifies the air by killing roughly 95% of the germs and bacteria in any room it is placed.

If you are suffering from a cold, this unit can double as a vaporizer and bring soothing relief. Just add a little Vick’s Vaposteam or Kaz’s Inhalant to help you breathe as you sleep.

It also includes auto-shutoff, a reservoir handle, & a blue tint clear window for monitoring the water supply. Also, it has an adjustable knob that gives you dual output settings. You control the humidity settings, so you can choose the right humidity level for you.

You can be environmentally friendly with this filter free unit. Another good feature that comes with this product is Vick’s 3-year warranty.

There are optional accessories. For example, you can also purchase the Vicks Vaposteam, cleaning ball and humidistat along with you or Vick’s warm mist humidifier with auto-shutoff.

This is what it takes to be the number one best warm mist humidifier. You need the right features.

Sunbeam is a trusted name in home appliances. They have been making equipment for your home for a long time now. This unit is just another in a long line of quality Sunbeam products.

Its reservoir only holds .9 gallons of water, but it can run continuously for 12 or 24 hours. You get three choices for operation - off, 12 hours or 24 hours. The provided handles make relocating it to another room quite easy.

Also, the adjustment knob and other controls are placed on top of the unit. This makes for easy access when you need to turn it on or adjust humidity levels. There is a medicine tray included for those who are enduring a long, hard night due to a cough or cold.

The medicine tray doubles as an aromatherapy tray as well. Its filter-less operation relieves you one cleaning chore. Cleaning this unit is one of its drawbacks. It needs to be cleaned every day. You may need to use a tough cleaning mixture to clean out all the calcium and other deposits.

The technology Sunbeam used t create this warm mist humidifier deadens any noise the motor may make. It is not that loud.

This tough competitor makes many claims. It says it can remove 99.96% of both mold and bacteria from your room. Also, it says it can relieve cough and cold problems, flu symptoms, nasal congestion, sinus irritation, nose bleeds, dry skin and more.

To be number one you need confidence and this Crane unit has that. Digital controls, LED display, large 1.2. reservoir and patented germ defense give reasons for that confidence. The motor is very quiet and has a built-in auto-shutoff trigger.

Filling the reservoir is easy. Simply remove the reservoir from the humidifier; unscrew its cap and place under a faucet. Simple and easy. For best results, place the humidifier in an elevated position, use distilled water or a filter (preferably from Crane).

Do not add essential oils, salts fragrances, medicine. This machine does not double as a diffuser or vaporizer. Cleaning involves using a white vinegar/water mixture. After placing the mixture in the humidifier let it sit for 30 minutes. Crane does make its own cleaning solution if you do not have vinegar on hand.

This humidifier is certainly in the running for the title of best warm mist humidifier.

Its 1.7 behemoth water tank does not overcome any shortcomings this unit may have. One shortcoming is in its operating system. It only has two speeds and no humidity level controls. Its simplicity may be hindering it and keep it from winning the best warm mist humidifier trophy.

Its plastic construction is treated with an anti-bacterial, anti-germ, anti-fungi formula. This tells you that it will fight mold, bacteria and other germs as you use it. Keeping them from growing inside the humidifier.

The clear plastic water tank allows you complete freedom as you monitor its water levels. Another drawback is that it is only designed for small rooms. If you have large rooms in your house you will need a different unit from Holmes or another company.

For best results, you may want to use distilled water than tap water. It is filter free and may or may not be used with essential oils or fragrances. This unit is great for working on dry skin, chapped lips, removing bacteria from the air to help ease the pain of colds or the flu.

Keeps any room it is placed in warm comfortable and moisturized.

This warm mist humidifier doubles as a cool mist humidifier. No need to go out and buy two different humidifiers. This one does the job of two. Its one-gallon reservoir water capacity allows it to work up to 30 hours. That longevity depends upon the setting you put it on.

It has a night light on its own independent switch and can use essential oils. But the essential oil cannot be dropped in the water. You must put the essential oil in a sponge then put the sponge where it is supposed to go.

Its control panel has only 4 buttons, but they are located at the bottom of the humidifier. Like a couple of the other contestants in this roundup. This unit only has 2 speeds, but a redeeming feature is its 360-degree rotating mist nozzle.

This unit is great for small to medium-sized rooms and it leaves no condensation on the surface. The motor is quiet and there is a flashing no water indicator. This will let you know when it is time to refill the unit.

Filters seem to be a thing of the past. More units, like this one, are being produced without them.

Now you are ready to purchase a warm mist humidifier. But what criteria do you use to determine your selection? Here are a few guidelines:

Each style of humidifier has their own advantages. Here are some for the warm mist humidifier version:

While you do not need to clean a warm mist humidifier as often as a cool mist one, keep it clean anyways. Regular cleaning habit will allow your humidifier to perform better. They will also keep your rooms healthier. It will last longer as well.

Also, read the instructions. We know you like to have your room smelling wonderful. But not all humidifiers are made the same. Find out which ones can accept essential oils and which ones cannot. You can ruin your warranty by adding oils and other additives to your humidifier.

Picking a winner is never easy. The choice is not always objective and not everyone will agree on the selection. Overall, we liked the Vicks warm mist humidifier with auto shut-off.

It may not have as long of operating time as the other competitors or have as large of water tank either. But its combined features made this the choice for being the best warm mist humidifier.

The dual settings were one feature that helped influence our decision. That and the optional accessories that can be purchased to complete the whole package. It also comes from Vick’s. That company knows a thing or two about nasal passages and how to keep them functioning their best.