Humidifiers not only provide a pleasant indoor climate, they also contribute to health and well-being, because dry air can be detrimental to health and promote diseases: Eyes and mucous membranes dry out and are more susceptible to infections. Humidifiers are available in different versions with different modes of operation. Our colleagues from CHIP have tested a number of models. In terms of price, these vary between 45 and 740 euros. Winner in the test is the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde for over 700 euros. However, there are also cheaper and still good alternatives You can learn more about the different devices in the article. In the video you will learn why humidifiers are especially useful in the cold season.
Humidifiers in the test: These are the recommendations of the colleagues of CHIP
In this article you will learn: We give you an overview of the best humidifiers in the test. The devices are then presented individually. We give you a general price assessment of the devices and you get information about the different types and benefits of humidifiers. The buying guide summarizes the points you should pay attention to when buying. At the end, we give an overview of how to perform the humidifier test.
Humidifier test: the best evaporators
Product
Product
Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde
Venta AeroStyle LW73
Very good (1.4)
Good (2.4)
Very good (1.5)
Good (2,3)
Good (2.0)
Good (2.2)
Strong filter performance App support Good evaporation performance Loud Increased power consumption High purchase price
Top price-performance ratio Compact Comparatively quiet Low capacity No filters against limescale or bacteria
Excellent features Touch display Snappy performance Rather loud (6.6 sone) High price and expensive accessories
Great value for money Good performance Very quiet No filter for limescale and bacteria No air washer function Display/display missing
Great features App control possible Low power consumption No lime filter Water evaporates rather slowly Rather noisy
Large capacity Comparatively quiet Fleet performance Humidity not adjustable Not remotely controllable Only two levels selectable
Capacity
Maximum loudness
Performance (time per evaporated liter)
Humidifier test winner: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde
Test winner: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde PH04
The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde PH04 is both a fan and an air purifier as well as a humidifier. You always have the current room air quality in view via the app. All this makes it a strong combination device, but the humidifier performance could be a bit better and the device itself a bit quieter.
Dyson continues to work on putting pretty much all ventilation functions in the repertoire into one device. As far as humidifying the air is concerned, the Dyson is well positioned. With its ten stages, it distributes a liter of water in the surrounding air in just over three hours. The disadvantage: If you want to turn up not only the humidifier but also the fan in summer, this model makes more noise than almost any other. The tank holds 5 liters. Counts among the smaller ones in the test field.
The Dyson humidifier can be linked with the Dyson Link app. You can keep an eye on the indoor air quality and fine-tune the settings – for example, by turning up the fan for more cleaning power or adjusting the evaporator. So you can define target values, which the device tries to keep automatically.
However, Dyson pays well for the sensible combination package of three different functions: With
Price tip of the humidifiers: Philips HU4803
Price tip: Philips HU4803
The Philips HU4803 scores with an excellent price-performance ratio. It evaporates one liter of water in three hours, which is quite fast. In return, the equipment leaves some wishes unfulfilled – it only has a capacity of 2 liters. This is the second smallest value in the test. However, it scores with a humidity display, which is rare in its price range. The low power consumption also speaks for the humidifier.
In the test, the Philips HU4803 (see price comparison) is particularly convincing due to its price-performance ratio. Like the test winner, this humidifier works according to the evaporation principle. However, with regard to the purchase price, there are significant differences between the two devices. Despite its good performance, the Philips is significantly cheaper. It takes about 3 hours to evaporate one liter of water. Furthermore, the humidifier convinces with its compact dimensions: With 24.9 x 24.9 x 33.9 cm it does not take up much space.
However, the compact size also has its downsides: Only 2 liters fit into the water tank. If the tank empties and liquid must be refilled, you get warnings. If there is no more water in the device, it switches off automatically. The remaining features are not very convincing. The Philips has neither a lime nor an antibacterial filter.
You can get the Philips HU4803 (to the price comparison) for about 100 euros, which is cheap. According to the manufacturer, the filter should be replaced every 6 months. A filter is available for about 18 euros.
2. 1st place / Strong performance: Venta AeroStyle LW73
Strong performance: Venta AeroStyle LW73
The Venta AeroStyle LW73 convinces in all categories in the test: The performance is very good, the features are first-class and there are also no points of criticism in terms of ergonomics. If you want to be on the safe side when it comes to germ-free breathing air, you'll be happy about the antibacterial filter. And the limescale filter keeps the inner values intact. In addition, the tank is huge at 9 liters. Only the volume could be noticeable in everyday use. In addition, the Venta is not exactly cheap.
The second place in the test is taken by the Venta AeroStyle LW73 (to the price comparison) . Functionality and operation of the device convince. The preferred humidity can be conveniently selected via a touch screen. In addition, the device has a limescale and antibacterial filter. The volume is also convincing: up to 9 liters of water can be filled in.
From time to time, the so-called the hygiene disk must be replaced. The corresponding notice is shown on the display or the associated Venta app. The humidifier can also be operated via app. These additional functions are useful, but not cheap: The Venta is in the upper price range. What the model lacks, however, is a timer and an aroma container. Another drawback is the noise level of 6.6 sone, which can be perceived as unpleasant.
You pay around 560 euros for the Venta AeroStyle LW73 (to the price comparison). According to the manufacturer, the hygiene disc should be replaced after four months. A disc costs about 40 euros. These running costs you should keep in mind when buying.
3. Place of the humidifiers: Boneco H300
Energy saver: Boneco H300
With its impeccable features and first-class energy efficiency, the Boneco H300 is also a top recommendation. Even among the already rather economical evaporators, the Boneco gets the best value. It comes with an app operation. Can also work as an air purifier thanks to antibacterial filter. For a fresh scent provides the aroma container. But it works quite loudly. Is also rather expensive overall.
The Boneco H300 (to the price comparison) offers a reasonable configuration. It can be controlled via a rotary head or the app. The humidifier also has an antibacterial filter, which is why it cleans the air at the same time. There is also an aroma container.
The maximum volume of the Boneco is 6.1 sone, which is why it is not a quiet humidifier, similar to the test winner. Especially when operating at night, the noise can be perceived as a disturbance. One liter of water is evaporated after 3 hours and 51 minutes. Per 100 liters, the humidifier requires only 4.4 kilowatt hours. In terms of energy efficiency, the Boneco is thus clearly ahead of the other test devices.
Available is the Boneco H300 (to the price comparison) for about 270 euros. The evaporative mats can be used for up to 24 months. After that they should be replaced according to the manufacturer's specifications. One mat costs around 23 euros.
Price-tip alternative humidifier: Philips HU4816
Price tip alternative: Philips HU4816
The Philips HU4816 convinces with a good price-performance ratio. Although it lacks an air washer function, it is very quiet in operation. Compared to the HU4803 also tested, it is a touch more expensive, but on balance remains very affordable and also offers a twice as large container. Otherwise, there are differences only in detail, for example in loudness and power consumption.
However, the low price also has an impact on the features of this device: the Philips does not have limescale and bacteria filters, an air washing function is not available. Operation via remote control is not possible. In contrast to the price tip, there is also no display for the current air humidity. The power can only be regulated in two stages.
You pay for the
Largest capacity of the humidifiers: Boneco W300
Largest capacity: Boneco W300
Great performance and energy efficiency: The Boneco W300 convinces in the test but especially with the largest capacity. This is extreme twelve liters. With this you only have to refill after about one and a half days of continuous operation. But it lacks a remote control, a timer and a limescale filter. For the increased price, these are regrettable shortcomings.
To the price comparison BestCheck
The Boneco W300 (to the price comparison) convinces with its large capacity. Up to 12 liters can be filled into the device, refilling is therefore not so often necessary. The performance of the humidifier is also impressive: The Boneco needs 2 hours and 45 minutes to evaporate one liter of air. However, the features leave something to be desired: Timer. Limescale filters are not present. In addition, the Boneco cannot be controlled remotely. Preferred humidity cannot be set either. Two different power levels can be selected for this purpose.The humidifier has an antibacterial filter. Regrettably, a humidity display is missing.
You can get the Boneco W300 (to the price comparison) for about 240 euros. The model has evaporator mats, which should be replaced every 24 months. A mat costs about 23 euros. The humidifiers are tested in the CHIP test center. Included in a list of best performers. The colleagues from CHIP test the devices in practice and evaluate performance, features, ergonomics and energy. The results are weighted differently in the overall rating.
power (40 percent): The performance of the humidifier describes the time required to evaporate the water. The testers consider this aspect to be the most relevant and the individual score therefore has the greatest influence on the overall score, namely 40 percent.
Equipment (25 percent): The functions of the device are included in the equipment rating. Among other things, the capacity of the humidifier, the filters and aspects such as a timer or the option of a target humidity are checked here. Additional points are awarded for extras such as aroma container or air washer function.
Ergonomics (25 percent): The rating in this category covers all aspect of the controls and displays, including the current humidity display. The volume of the unit in operation is also relevant, both on the highest and lowest setting.
Energy (10 percent): The power consumption per 100 liters is assessed. Thereby the maximum. The minimum power consumption measured. The testers rate the energy efficiency.
How much money do I need to spend on a good humidifier?
Humidifiers are available in different price segments. Simple ultrasonic nebulizers without hygrostat or other extra functions are already available for under 20 euros. You can pay 200 euros and more for a chic design or more power through evaporation technology. A device from the mid-price segment, such as our price-performance recommendation, can certainly be a good choice.
Mode of operation: What is the intended use of a humidifier?
A certain humidity is good for us humans and our animal co-inhabitants: experts advise a relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent. Mucous membranes. Airways protected from drying out. However, especially in the cold months, the humidity of a room can drop significantly. The reason is, among other things, the cool outside air, which contains hardly any water vapor. When ventilating, the dry air enters the rooms. Usually the relative humidity of the cool air is still in a good range. However, because warm air – in contrast to cold air – can better absorb water vapor, the humidity decreases "relatively" off as soon as the air heats up indoors. This is how dry room air is produced in the cold season.
Here a humidifier can be useful. The devices add more water vapor to the room air. By the way, water vapor does not necessarily mean that the device has to be equipped with an evaporator. Evaporated water is also water vapor. An example: At a temperature of 0°C and 100% humidity, there is around 4.9 grams of dissolved water in one cubic meter of air. If you shock ventilate a 60 cubic meter room when the outside temperature is 0°C and the weather is humid and foggy, there will be 100% relative humidity in the still cool room. As soon as the windows are closed, the temperature of the room air rises again. If the air reaches a temperature of 10°C, it corresponds to a relative humidity of 55%. At 20°C it is only 26. For an ideal humidity of 55%, there must be 270 ml of water in the air. A single person releases between 1 and 1.5 liters of water daily through breathing air. If there are eight people in the room, the humidity could be brought to a medically good level within an hour. In this way, however, renewed ventilation is then necessary.
Types of products: Which variants of the air humidifiers there are?
In the test devices can be differentiated between three types of humidifiers: Surface evaporators, evaporators and ultrasonic devices. The difference is mainly in the technique with which the humidity is released.
The Evaporator is based on the gentle form of air humidification. The water evaporates on a large surface, the resulting humid air is then distributed in the room with fans. Inside the device is a large evaporation surface, consisting of a filter-like insert with multiple perforations. This is located in the water, which is absorbed by capillary force and evaporates without additional help on the surface. Due to the evaporative cooling, the resulting moist air is cool. This is then distributed in the room with a fan wheel. The ventilation wheels of the test devices are large enough that the operation in low level is hardly audible. The energy consumption of the surface evaporators can also be seen. The devices require only 6.4 to a maximum of 15 watts. In addition, the care also keeps-. Maintenance effort within limits. There is no risk of legionella formation with these humidifiers. For cleaning and removing lime or other residues, a household descaler, citric acid or vinegar is sufficient.
The humidifier type of Evaporator Works with high temperatures. As the name suggests: the water evaporates. There are almost no germs in the steam. However, the process requires a lot of energy. In the test, the power consumption of these humidifiers is between 115.6 and 318.5 watts. If an evaporator is in use for ten hours, it can cost about one euro. If necessary, this can also warm up your apartment, but there are certainly cheaper ways to do this. Vaporizer models cost between 100 and 120 euros. Even though the operating costs for these humidifiers are relatively high, the devices can be worthwhile for families with small children or people with respiratory problems. The reason: with the help of the hot steam essential oils can be added to the room air. Especially when sleeping, this can be helpful for many people. You do not have to worry much about possible dangers during night operation: Most devices switch off automatically as soon as there is no more water in the tank. Other devices have a timer or hygrometer, which also provides automatic operation.
The majority of the humidifiers work with Ultrasonic. This is an effective technology, which also requires little electricity. During operation, the water is brought into strong, high-frequency oscillation. This causes a large number of small water droplets to separate from the liquid, resulting in a recognizable and cool side effect. An ultrasonic device is especially useful for people who want to humidify the room air cheaply and in a short time. However, there are weak points with this type: The devices release both lime and germs into the air. The lime can settle as a white layer of dust on pieces of furniture or on the floor around the humidifier. Germs such as legionella are moved through the mist until it finally evaporates. Therefore, pay attention to a built-in lime filter. In addition, the use of distilled water is also helpful. Thus, the formation of lime scale, as well as exposure to legionella can be avoided. Also, a humidifier that uses distilled water does not need to be decalcified regularly.
However, due to the spread of germs, these devices require regular maintenance and cleaning. In some models, ultrasound-. Vaporizer modes of operation used simultaneously. But even then, germs can still be spread through the fog. A built-in lime filter (small balls to which the lime is supposed to stick) are unfortunately not an all-purpose weapon. If very chalky water is used, even so, sooner or later a lime deposit will develop in the immediate vicinity of the humidifier.