Best Budget Humidifiers

Slant-Fin Humidifiers have UV Sterilizers

Humidity can cause a variety of ailments, especially for the environmentally sensitive. There are humidifier models which suit different purposes, but if you can’t afford the high-end, bells-and-whistles humidifiers there are bare minimum features you should look for.

The most important feature you should look for when buying a humidifier is the type of filter and the frequency of changing the filter. If you are on a tight budget and have problems maintaining your humidifier because of this, you are causing more damage than good to the air in your home. Humidifiers are notorious for holding bacteria in stagnant water and that bacteria will get into your air.

When buying a humidifier, do your homework, see how much extra costs are involved and be sure to get the right one for you. Buying a low-cost humidifier with high-cost replacement parts (especially filters) might just cause you to blow your budget in the end.

The best budget humidifiers are:

Slant-Fin 2 Gallon Warm Mist Humidifier - Model # GF-210
Slant-Fin has UV light protection to ensure there is no bacterium getting back into the airway in your home. This is a great feature especially in light of EPA reports on the dangers of stagnant water and bacteria promotion in humidifiers that aren’t maintained properly. While this model is a bit more expensive than the other two listed here, its benefits outweigh the cost in the long run.

Here are some of the Slant-Fin Humidifier features in the 2-gallon model:

  • Can humidify up to 400 square feet in an enclosed area.
  • Weighs just over 6 pounds for easy portability.
  • Needs to be cleaned once a week, depending on use.
  • Can hold up to 2 gallons of water. You should only have to refill it once a day.
  • Two-setting humidistat.
  • Can use the built-in medicine cup, but check with your doctor, pharmacist or naturopath to ensure this is needed.  
  • The UV bulb should be replaced about once a year and it is recommended you replace the mineral pads, too. The mineral pads lessen the likelihood of mineral dust on your furniture, but they need replacing every few weeks. The Slant-Fin humidifier uses two mineral pads, and it comes with one additional pad.
  • No filters needed.
  • 3-year limited warranty and costs just under $100.

Hunter Digital Care-Free Warm Mist Humidifier - Model # 35205
One of the advantages of Hunter humidifiers is they have a PermaWick system which will save you money down the line. Another advantage of Hunter is they provide a 5-year limited warranty, one of the best in the industry. Here are some features of this model:

  • Covers up to 1175 square feet, depending on the relative humidity and the shape and layout of the enclosed space.
  • Dishwasher-safe parts.
  • 2-gallon water tank and weight of just over 4 pounds: ideal for portability.
  • An adjustable digital humidistat to show you what the humidity is in the room.
  • Costs about $65. The similar model with NiteGlo (a night light) costs about $10 more.

Hamilton Beach Cool Mist Humidifier with Humidistat
This large-tank humidifier model is one of the best budget humidifiers for its price; it’s also dishwasher-safe. It has the following features:

  • 3.5-gallon tank and weighs just over 10 pounds.
  • Replacement filters that need to be replaced about four times a year with regular use. Filters cost about $10 each.
  • Can cover up to 1200 square feet, if your windows and doors are closed and your walls are air-tight.
  • This model is said to be quieter than other models.
  • Tank only needs to be refilled every 24 hours.
  • Warranty is 3 years against defects only.

If you buy this model, as opposed to the Slant-Fin model listed above, you pay about $70 for the unit and $40 for filters (minimum per year), bringing the total to $110. The Slant-Fin costs a bit more when you include replacement of the mineral pads.