(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: only 61 Amazon ratings (2-star 26% + 1-star 37%).
Wirecutter's evaporative pick, with the best air circulation it has measured, tap-water-friendly wicks and a 5-year warranty. But it's louder than ultrasonics, the wicks need replacing every month or two, and the few Amazon owners so far rate it just 2.4 stars, citing noise and flimsy build.
Top complaints
- Noisy: clicking, rattling, fan noise
Noise is a negative aspect on Amazon (20 of 24 mentions), including clicking and rattling. Wirecutter says it's louder than its ultrasonic picks, creeping toward 60 dB on the higher settings.
- Poor Amazon rating: flimsy build, early shut-offs
The Amazon listing averages 2.4 stars from only 61 ratings. Its summary cites major engineering flaws, cheap plastic, a fan that wobbles, and units shutting off after about a minute.
- Wick replacement every month or two
Wirecutter says the wicking filter needs replacing every month or two depending on use; Vornado offers a subscription.
Source: Wirecutter - Awkward tank
Wirecutter found that you must remove the whole top to get the tank out, and the handle-less tank is frustrating to carry when wet. You can fill it in place with a pitcher instead.
Source: Wirecutter
What owners love
- Most even humidity Wirecutter measured
Its fan moved air about seven times faster than any other humidifier Wirecutter tested, with only 0.5% variance across the room versus 5-10% for most models.
Source: Wirecutter - Tap water OK, self-regulating, cheap to power
Wirecutter says the wick catches minerals so you can use tap water, and the unit slows itself as the room approaches 50-60%. It draws about 2 W on low and 8 W on high, roughly a penny a day.
Source: Wirecutter - Easy to clean, 5-year warranty
Wirecutter calls it a simple box with no crevices, with wicks that slide out, and notes a five-year warranty.
Source: Wirecutter
- You want silence at night
- You don't want to buy wicks regularly
- You want proven long-term owner reliability
- Even humidity across a whole room
- Hard-water homes (no white dust, tap water OK)
- Low electricity use
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for stronger circulation: the most powerful fan and even humidity, easy cleaning and a 5-year warranty. Cons are a cumbersome tank, more noise than ultrasonics, no smart features, and wick changes every month or two.