I bought this humidifier on Dec 1st.I wanted to use it for a while before doing a review. I swear I have no connection to the company that makes this or any retailer.My glowing review is simply because it has turned out to be an excellent buy.
Note, I see that the reviews so far for the digital model of this humidifier are not good.Apparently the humidity sensor? isn't working properly. My unit is the manual one, does not have any sensor.I stand by my review of this unit only.Sorry this is so long.
I have purchased and used a number of other small humidifiers over the years because I suffer from significant RA dryness symptoms.I have to say that this is the best humidifier I have ever had, bar none.I use this in my bedroom at night and my dry eye and skin problems lessened immediately upon first use and the benefit continues through an unusually cold winter. I also notice that I have been sleeping much better!
Besides the health benefits, another big plus is the almost silent operation. Each of the other units I had made loud misting noises and even worse, produced a persistent metallic pinging noise.Some caused chest congestion. I have had only very minimal temporary chest congestion with this and that may have been due to other things than this unit.
I have not used the warm water setting since that would make my room warmer than I like.
PROS:
Almost silent.
Simple to use: no complicated bits to micro-mist the water. Very well made.The cover doors to the compartments on each side are precisely fitted. The tank lid is water tight but still easy to unscrew.Simple parts fit together easily and are easy to clean.
Light weight.
Simple carry handle on tank works well.
Excellent humidity level even at below medium setting with no noticeable residue or dampness to any nearby surfaces.
Needs weekly drain and wash as indicated in instructions; a check of the small metal ionizing(?) plate and that's it. I do have municipal water. Well water would probably require more cleaning.
The anti-microbial feature was a selling point.I have no way to know if it's working, but the unit does seem to stay much cleaner than previously owned units.
I fill the tank about half full and that lasts me for almost a week.
There is no leakage whatsoever.
I like the units' sort-of art deco style a lot.All the other units I've owned were stodgy and unimaginative.This one reminds me of an old radio.
CONS:
The bright blue lights.I taped a piece of cardboard over so I can see just enough of the low-water light. I also placed the unit across the room because of the light problem.(Are engineers sparkly light fetishists?Many small appliances have these light problems. ;))
Price is high, but well worth it for the benefits in my opinion.
The tiny metal plate in the base below the spray tower appears to be rusty and has left a rusty residue on a q-tip.I don't know if this is from rust or water deposits.This plate cannot be removed or even looked at closely so I don't know if this is a problem or not.Doesn't appear to affect use at this time.
The manual was rather poorly written. There were parts mentioned that were not illustrated.I owned it for a month before I found where the cleaning brush was.Note, there are compartments with removable lids on either side of the unit under the water tank.
Doesn't hold all that much water for anyone wanting to leave it on all the time at a high setting.
Have to take a little care when removing tank not to spill any accumulated water from inside main unit or pull the tower misting part out with it.Not a big deal.
Does *require* cleaning at least once a week, especially around the metal plate or it won't mist.
Tank is a little unwieldy when upside down to fill.It does not sit flat due to built-in handle.Have to finagle getting it under the tap.Sometimes water gets into bottom sections and has to be carefully poured out or soaked up after lid is back on or you'll end up with water on the floor when you turn it over.Again, not significant.
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Germ Guardian Manual Ultrasonic HumidifierProduct Description: The Germ Guardian ultrasonic humidifier uses a metal diaphragm vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency to create water droplets that are expelled out into the room to help maintain the desired humidity level. An ultrasonic humidifier is virtually silent when operating. Features include temperature control from warm or cold humidification, 1.4 gallon tank will run approximately 72 hours depending on atmospheric conditions. Low water indication lets you know when it's time to refill the water tank. 14.5" W. x 9" L. x 12" H. 2 year limited warranty.
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The unit performed well for the first year, but after the warranty expired it broke down and customer service was no help.It wasnt a simple part that broke but the motor was burnt out, which is bad quality and does not speak well of Essick for not getting it fixed or replaced.
