Shopping for a filterless humidifier? You have come to the right place!
There is always this one time of the year when air is so dry that it leads to nothing but problems, especially when it comes to skincare. Most of us have suffered from dry skin, chapped lips, parched throat, and, in worse case scenarios: Nose bleeding.
In this situation, a filterless humidifier can be your savior. Its main purpose is to bring back the moisture in the air, so you can breathe easily, while the humidity is retained at the required level.
Humidifiers are of two basic kinds: filtered and filterless. Homeowners prefer the latter because of their easy maintenance, low noise levels, and easy affordability. Below, In this guide, we have compiled all you need to know about some of the best filterless humidifiers.
Why Buy a Filterless Humidifier?
For some people, it might be confusing to choose a filterless humidifier over a filtered one, as it is commonly believed that the latter is better because of its ability to remove impurities.
However, this is a huge misconception because, in the long run, filtered humidifiers tend to get a lot dirtier if not constantly maintained or replaced. As a result, they end up contaminating the air.
On the other hand, filterless humidifiers have advanced technology that allows the hardware to clean the moisture before it goes off into the air. This, paired up with the following benefits, makes it a better choice than a filtered humidifier;
Quiet Operation
Most filterless humidifiers make use of ultrasonic technology to produce a fine mist. The outcome is a quieter system than its counterparts, such as an evaporative unit. The absence of filters also gets rid of any unnecessary disturbing sounds.
Easier Maintenance
Filters can become clogged with dirt which calls for replacement or regular maintenance. Removing them for the purpose of cleaning in some models can be quite tricky. In comparison, a filterless humidifier calls for maintenance at longer intervals and is super easy.
Easy on the Pocket
Even though the purchasing cost of a filterless humidifier might be similar to that of a filtered one, you will be saving on the cost of replacement of filters regularly.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Tank is easy to clean and refill
- Quiet operation
- The large capacity tank allows it to run continuously for thirty-six hours
- User can choose between two mist options; warm and cool
- Can run continuously for 36 hours
- A Remote control operation
- Hassle-free set up and usage
- Can run for 50 hours continuously
- Operates under 28db for soundless sleep at night
What's In This Buying Guide
In this review, we have listed down the top filterless humidifiers and compared them. Discussed further below are the benefits of filterless humidifiers, their usage and maintenance guide, along with frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
Best Filterless Humidifiers
- Best Overall: Honeywell HWM705B
- Best large capacity: Levoit LV60HH Humidifier
- Best multi-functional: TaoTronics Humidifiers
Honeywell HWM705B
24 hours run time
USP:
Automatic safety shutoff250 sq.ft
1.0 gallons capacity of water tank
Levoit Humidifier
36 hours run time
USP:
1-12 hour timer753 sq.ft
1.5 gallons capacity of water tank
TaoTronics Humidifiers
60 hours run time
USP:
Aromatherapy tray included753 sq.ft
1.58 gallons capacity of water tank
This Honeywell humidifier will suit your needs perfectly if you are looking for something that caters to your comfort and convenience.
PROS
- Tank is easy to clean and refill
- Quiet operation that can give you hours of uninterrupted sleep
- The large capacity tank allows it to run continuously for thirty-six hours
- Humidistat with accurate reading included, so the user knows how much more humidity they need
- The body of the water tank is very durable
- Medicine cup for added relief when used with liquid inhalants
CONS
- The humidifier is not completely noise-free; it does produce some sound during boiling and when it is running empty
- More speed settings could have been included, given the price point
Features
- Shuts off automatically once the tank is out of water.
- Light indicator when the humidifier needs a refill.
- Two kinds of moisture output settings so the user can choose the one that’s best for their comfort needs.
- Essential oil compartment for aromatherapy purposes.
- Back-lit power switch, so you don’t have to face any inconvenience at nighttime.
- The water is heated inside which kills any bacterial presence before the mist is released.
Our Review
Honeywell HWM705B is an exceptional humidifier that suits the needs of medium-sized rooms perfectly well. It features a medicine cup and two types of moisture output settings.
The unit also has an auto shut-off system for the added layer of safety. This is also economically beneficial as the unit shuts off on its own as soon as the tank empties.
It is also super easy to maintain and comes with a three-year warranty.
When it comes to the design, it features a transparent water tank that you can fill from the top and is removable too.
The humidifier is pretty compact and weighs only five pounds, so you don’t have to worry about carrying it from one space to another.
It looks best atop a table or rack. It is super quiet during operation, and the only time you will hear anything is when the water boils or when the water level falls.
Overall, it is a good warm mist humidifier that requires bare minimum maintenance or constant checks for refilling. Plus, you can use it as a diffuser too.
If you don’t like playing around too much with the functions to make an appliance work, the Levoit humidifier is the one for you. It is the best when it comes to user convenience, owing to the many useful features it embodies.
PROS
- User can choose between two mist options; warm and cool
- Can run continuously for 36 hours without requiring a refill
- Compatible to use with essential oils
- Remote control operation
- The user does not have to keep a check for humidity level adjustment; it does so automatically
CONS
- The one-year warranty is not sufficient for some people
- A bit noisy because of the narrow nozzle
Features
- Offers warm mist that can prevent symptoms of congestion, dryness, and allergies
- Built-in humidity sensor aids in mist level adjustment to sustain a comfortable level of humidity.
- Automatic shut-down option when the humidifier runs out of water
- You can add essential oils to the aroma box for a cleaner, fresher feel
- Suitable for large-sized rooms with a capacity of 1.5 gallons per six liters for 60 hours of continuous operation
- Convenient remote-control system so the user can adjust settings, such as the timer, from a distance
- Near-silent sound levels and the display-off feature allow for minimal interruptions during usage
- Easy-to-clean tank due to the wide opening design
- Additional accessories include a remote, aroma pads, absorption pads, and a cleaning brush
- The package comes with a user manual for easy setup and maintenance
Our Review
Levoit LV600HH is known to be the best humidifier for large-sized rooms because of its spacious design that can hold 1.6 gallons of water.
This allows it to run smoothly for 36 hours straight, which is a pretty sweet deal at this price point.
The unit is also compatible with essential oils and enables automatic shut-off during operation for added safety and energy efficiency.
Users can choose between cool mist and warm mist, depending on the kind of climate they reside in. Either way, the unit will help you breathe easier and cleaner.
Due to its narrow nozzle, the unit can be a bit noisy while it is in use, but it is just a gentle hum and should not bother you unless you are a super-light sleeper.
Overall, it can make a great addition to your large space, and since you can add essential oils to it, it provides great value for the money.
If you are looking for an appliance that comes with a lot of good features, make sure you check out the TaoTronics humidifier.
PROS
- The unit can be operated from a distance through the use of a remote
- Comes with an essential oil tray for aromatherapy purpose
- Hassle-free set up and usage
- Can run for 50 hours continuously without requiring a refill
- Operates under 28db for soundless sleep at night
CONS
- Some people do not find it suitable for large rooms
Features
- Includes a cool-mist mode for soothing moisture and better sleep quality and a warm mist mode to keep you cozy through the winters.
- Holds a six-liter capacity in the tank, which offers 60 hours of continuous use.
- Rotatable nozzles allow moisture to reach all sides of a room.
- Includes a sleep mode which, when activated, turns off the LED display and goes to the quietest 34dB.
- The humidity sensor detects existing humidity levels and powers off once that level is reached and will turn on again when the humidity drops.
- You can make major adjustments such as mist level, temperature, and timer to optimize energy efficiency.
- Aromatherapy function included along with two aroma pads.
Our Review
Featuring a large water tank that can effectively humidify an area of 500 square feet, this humidifier can add moisture to a large space.
Its noise level is also about 26dBa, which is an ideal noise level for places such as nurseries or bedrooms.
The unit makes use of ultrasonic methods of water vapor creation which eliminates the need for a filtration system.
The user has to make sure to use only distilled water to prevent the formation of a white film which is often the result of the accumulation of minerals.
Users can also benefit from the aromatherapy feature, which gives a refreshing sense of smell to the whole space till the humidifier keeps running.
Filterless Humidifier Buying Guide
What is a Filterless Humidifier, and How Does it Work?
Due to recent technological advancements, companies have found a way to work around humidifiers without including a filter in the design. Prior to this, filtered humidifiers had multiple drawbacks, one of the biggest ones being the constant maintenance they needed.
On the other hand, filterless humidifiers are able to add moisture to the air while keeping it hygienic. They work by emitting water vapor or steam into the air by using advanced cleaning technology.
More often, these humidifiers are noise-free and come with many adjustment options for the mist and timer. Some even offer aromatherapy as a bonus feature.
Why is a Filterless Humidifier Better than a Filtered Humidifier?
Humidifiers have a basic function: to release moisture into the indoor environment if it is too dry. This calls for a cleaning mechanism inside that these humidifiers achieve by sanitizing the water before it is released into the air.
Meanwhile, filtered humidifiers constantly clean the water and prevent dirt or dust from entering the unit.
When it comes to safety, both humidifiers offer automatic shut-off features, cool or warm mist options, and the cleansing property. So, the only real difference here is the absence of a filter in the filterless humidifiers, as the name already suggests.
The absence of a filter saves the user from constant or deep cleaning, thereby saving time and maintenance costs.
So while filtered humidifiers require cleaning every ten to fifteen days, along with the filters being replaced, filterless models only need to be washed thoroughly every week or so depending on the usage. Plus, there is no replacement involved that would add to the cost of the unit.
Overall, a filterless humidifier is preferred by those looking to save costs in the long run while maintaining an efficient output.
What to Look for in a Filterless Humidifier?
When looking for a filterless humidifier, there are many things you should keep an eye out for. These include:
Tank Capacity
The amount of water your unit can hold plays a very important role in its efficiency and in determining how long it can work before a refill is necessary.
Small and large units both come with their own sets of benefits and drawbacks, so you should go over them to determine which one suits you better.
So, if you need to run a humidifier for only a couple of hours, a small one would do, but for workspaces such as offices, a larger unit would be a better option.
Maximum Mist Output
This determines the number of ounces of mist the unit can produce per hour, which can give you an idea of its efficiency. Most brands offer a minimum and maximum option, so you can set it yourself depending on your need. Keep in mind that the maximum setting utilizes more energy.
Maintenance
If a humidifier is not cleaned regularly, it may cause a build-up of bacteria and germs inside the tank, which can be detrimental to health. To ensure that you can properly maintain a unit, see if its tank has easy access as some units pose issues with opening the tank and cleaning it.
The wider the opening, the easier it will be to clean it. Openings that are 4 inches or above can be more easily maintained.
Sound Level
Usually, humidifiers tend to create some sound while they are running. The least amount of noise they create is 10dbs which is negligible. However, most units produce 28db of sound. Look for quiet models if you are looking for uninterrupted sleep at night.
Size is also of importance here. Usually, the larger the filterless humidifiers are, the more sound they generate during operation. However, some brands offer quiet operation for their larger units, too, so just be sure to look for 10 to 28 decibels in whichever unit you are considering.
Ease of Use
Most humidifiers are easy to use and have only a few manual inputs such as filling the water tank, plugging the unit in, and switching it on with a flick. But others can be a bit complicated, such as those with remote control, timers, etc. A humidifier should also have a user-friendly interface.
Additional Features
Cheaper humidifiers lack features, such as auto-timer, auto-shutdown and humidity control options, so you really get what you pay for in this matter.
Features such as aromatherapy diffuser, overflow protection, mist output controls, humidistat, and remote control can be quite convenient when it comes to usage.
Warranty
Look out for the warranty coverage and its duration. Usually, humidifier brands offer one to two years as a warranty, but reliable ones even stretch it as far as five years.
Remember, you need to not only note how long the coverage is but what is covered when coverage starts and what is required for making a claim.
Safety and Energy Efficiency
With any electrical device, safety should be the topmost priority. Look for safety features such as auto-shutdown or alert features in your humidifier. These will indicate when the water level turns too low and also prevent risks such as short circuits.
Even though humidifiers are small appliances, they can end up consuming lots of energy if ran for long hours, such as an overnight usage.
Coverage Area
Your humidifier should be rated to the size of the space you are going to use it in. It is not the best decision to use a large humidifier in a small room. Otherwise, it may cause too much moisture.
Pros and Cons of Using a Filterless Humidifier
Filterless humidifiers are essential to any household or office because of the numerous benefits they have to offer. These benefits surpass the qualities of a filtered humidifier and include;
Pros
Quiet Operation
The design of filterless humidifiers does not consist of a fan which is why its operation is noise-proof. Most small units make only 28db of noise which is negligible.
Make sure that the filterless humidifier you choose only makes a buzzing sound, or go for ultrasonic humidifiers; these are guaranteed to be completely quiet.
No Filters to Change
Replacement of filters can cost a lot as they need to be replaced about every four weeks, which is why filterless humidifiers don’t cost much in the long run to maintain. They also take less time for setting up and are generally sold for less in comparison.
Energy-Efficient
Since filterless humidifiers don’t have any built-in fans, they utilize less energy in comparison to filtered humidifiers. Models like ultrasonic and impeller are known for their energy efficiency.
Cons
Frequent maintenance
Filterless humidifiers have to be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis because, unlike filtered humidifiers, they don’t have a filter built-in to clean up any build-up of dirt or bacteria. This makes the hose and nozzles susceptible to contaminants.
So if you do not deep-clean it every couple of weeks properly with brushes and cleaning solutions, you are likely to face this issue.
Cleaning and Maintenance of a Filterless Humidifier
It’s important to clean your humidifier on a weekly basis to prevent the accumulation of bacteria or mold growth. Both the tank and nozzle require deep cleaning. This is where a filterless humidifier with a self-cleaning feature can save you time.
However, for those who need to do manual cleaning, get a thin brush and a cleaning solution or vinegar. Then disassemble your humidifier and clean the exterior of the filter using a washcloth.
For the tank and nozzle, leave them in diluted white vinegar or any other cleaning solution for about half an hour to an hour. Then using a brush and running water, wash away the solution. Lastly, leave it to dry naturally.
Filterless Humidifiers: Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a filterless humidifier different from a filtered humidifier?
The main differences between a filterless and a filtered humidifier lie in their mechanisms that translate to differences in their price and operation noise. Prior to the invention of filterless humidifiers, filtered humidifiers were very common.
They would work by boiling water and then drawing it near the fan, an action which would then expel it off in the surrounding air as a mist.
Comparatively, filterless humidifiers like the Vicks Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier produce that same mist by using sound with a high frequency. These usually have a gray or white mist in comparison, which depicts the presence of mineral deposits due to the absence of a filter.
Another main difference between these two types of humidifiers is the operation noise. As in most filter humidifiers, the fan plays the most significant role, so it is quite natural that they do make enough noise.
On the other hand, the absence of fans in most filterless humidifiers makes them operate quite silently than filter humidifiers.
In terms of the selling price, filterless humidifiers cost more. But if we take the long-term costs into account, filtered ones need to have the filters replaced regularly, which means high maintenance cost. In some cases, a filtered humidifier may be a better option.
Are there any safety issues with filterless humidifiers?
No, filterless humidifiers are often packed with features such as auto shutdown and adjustment options that minimize any potential safety hazards. This makes them completely safe to use around children or pets because the auto-shutdown feature makes the device non-operation if it tips over.
Can filterless humidifiers work with large rooms?
Filterless humidifiers come in various sizes, most of which are extremely suitable for large rooms and are pretty affordable too.
For example, the Levoit Humidifier from our list is fitted with a 1.5-gallon tank that lets it run for 36 hours without requiring a refill. Such humidifiers are designed to be portable, so you can easily carry them from one spot to another.
Is the air polluted if no humidifier filters are being used?
Humidifiers without a filter function by transmitting water through a mechanical or sound-wave system that transforms it into vapor and sanitizes it. After that it is released into the air.
This means that the filter helps in eliminating any trace of contamination in the water vapor, which begs the question: how do filterless humidifiers ensure cleanliness?
Filterless humidifiers do not use the same method but different models come with a different technology such as ultraviolet rays that help get rid of any possible contamination.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Filterless Humidifier, and Why?
In our opinion, the Honeywell HWM705B humidifier is the best when it comes to efficiently moisturize the air while retaining user comfort by providing adjustment features. Overall, it makes for a great low-maintenance and energy-efficient model that is worth investing in.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
