Living in Colorado with a relative humidity outside often at 10%-20% I was long on a perpetual quest it seemed to find the ultimate humidifer to keep my music studio at a perfect 42% humidity in order to protect guitars and drums. I found this/your article interesting and confirming that the best humidifiers out there are the evaporative/cool air types – low water capacity and the chaulky residue from the ultrasonics are unacceptable and the warm air misters are unnecessary with all else available.

The only issue I've taken with your findings is the relative low ranking given to the Vornado products. I am a Vornado fan because of it's simplicity: no digital electronics to break, filter pads that are readily available, great customer service if there is a product performance problem (in my experience), and most importantly of all, the comparatively massive four gallon water capacity, limiting refills to once every 6-10 days. Contrary to your review the tanks are a cinch to fill with no tricks required, easy-to-see water levels in the tanks are far better than dubious digital electronics and the humidistat is surprisingly consistent, reliable and automatic. Design appearance is totally subjective and I actually find the Vornado the best looking of the bunch you reviewed.

I've been running two Vornados for over ten years with only one problem: a broken humidistat three years ago that the company readily replaced free of charge and I talked with a real person who even followed up to make sure all was well. Try that with Sears… I hope your lips are faring well.