bit-tech Shopping: Honeywell HWM-450 QuickSteam Warm Mist Humidifier

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Week

Strengths: No expensive filters to replace due to the warm mist vs. cool mist. This unit is affordable, quiet and very easy to use.

Weaknesses: Water gets hot and could be a problem for small mobile children.

Summary: We live in Nebraska and it get extremely dry during the winter months. We have a three month old daughter who had a stuffed nose and were told by our pediatrician to get a cool mist humidifier to help. The cool mist humidifier worked fine enough but in the winter it felt like an air conditioner and, ultimately, we thought that would be worse for our daughter. The warm mist humidifier has been great and there are no expensive replacement filters to buy.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Easy to keep clean when using the mineral pad, Quickly produces steam, Small and easy to use, Automatic turn off (no water or reaches desired humidity), Cleaning indicator light

Weaknesses: Can not keep humidity at 55% when heat is dry, Does not work in a 450 square foot room as advertised, Hard to refill, Does not remember last settings if unplugged

Summary: I really like this humidifier. It meets all but one of my needs as indicated by the strengths above. I love the automatic turn off and that it tells me when I should clean it (it won't work unless you do either). I use the mineral pads (the first one lasted me 4 weeks) and also an additive in the water to further reduce cleaning. So far, I've cleaned it about every 2 weeks. However, it can not keep my 350 square foot room at 55% humidity (it usually gets near 45 until the heat turns back on which drops it in the 30s). I fill it twice a day and it runs on high most of the time. I was hoping for something that ran on medium and actually kept my humidity level, not trying to reach it all the time. I would recommend this for rooms under 350 square feet, especially larger bedrooms that aren't as open as my living area. And if Honeywell made a similar one for a larger area, I would buy it.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 18 Days

Strengths: Heavy steam output, quick steam feature, humidity control

Weaknesses: maintenance requirements, tank empties pretty quick

Summary: I have tried several warm humidifiers and they all have their perks and downfalls. Lets just say I have not found the perfect one yet. This Honeywell model is good, however. It has a very good steam output, which is very important for my large living room. The biggest issue though is the maintenance. Debris gets heavy on the burner and requires cleaning at least once a week with regular use. I have my doubts how long this will last due to this issue. Overall, though I would recommend this model. It is working great so far and would be excellent if not for the maintenance. Feel free to add comments-- Thanks!

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Fast output. 3 output levels. Seperate humidity level setting.

Weaknesses: Runs out of water quickly

Summary: This is a nice little unit. Quiet and very efficient. My water is relatively soft, so cleaning the unit is not a hassle. I leave it on low, set at 46% and it takes a little over 24 hours to steam through a tank full. My 1200sqft apartment feels warmer and more comfortable. I have wall to wall carpeting and I haven't gotten a static shock since I turned this puppy on. Seems well made and so far hassle free.