Best Humidifiers in Canada

Selecting a humidifier to keep your room at the perfect balance between overly dry and clammy isn’t always an easy task. Some models perform their job beautifully, while others leave much to be desired – it varies from one model to the next.

So, to help consumers like you choose the best humidifiers in Canada, our team did the hard part. We combed through dozens of humidifiers, hand-picking the best ones and sending them through extensive research to ensure we recommend nothing but the best.

We started with a general roundup to collect a few highly rated models. Next, we began weeding out various models through further research and evaluation. The models that emerged represent the best available, but we weren’t done yet. We finalized the process with a final round of deliberation to thoroughly evaluate and review our findings to ensure they accurately reflect the best options available.

This list reflects our complete findings. As we sifted for the best humidifiers in Canada, we kept our eyes peeled for a few key factors, including the following:

• Size and capacity: The models on this list span the size and capacity range to accommodate various needs and preferences.
• Controls: Some models come with fancy, high-tech controls, while others are simple and easy to use. Since preferences vary, we added a couple of options from each category.
• Noise: If you’re placing your humidifier in your bedroom, you probably don’t want it to generate much noise. We selected a few ultra-quiet units to match these needs.
• Budget: While some Canadians might not mind splurging on a humidifier, others may want to keep their purchase within a set budget. We included a few models across the price range to ensure there’s something for everyone.

Factors to Consider When Shopping For a Humidifier in Canada

As you sift through your humidifier options, considering all aspects of each model is essential. Some models are better suited to certain situations than others based on their unique features. Here are a few factors to consider when shopping for the best humidifiers in Canada.

Type

Humidifiers come in a few different options, each best suited to specific applications and preferences. There are four main types: evaporative, impeller, ultrasonic, and steam.

Evaporative humidifiers feature a motor-powered fan that allows them to puff air through the system, passing through a wet wick, filter, or belt to evaporate the liquid and produce a fine mist. The fan pushes the mist out of the system and into the air, raising the humidity level in your space. These models operate relatively quietly and produce cool mist but can raise concerns about mould and bacteria.

Impeller humidifiers also use a motor to produce mist, but instead of a fan, they use a rotating disc. The disc moves water onto a diffuser, which divides the water into misty droplets that rise into the air. These models produce a cool, refreshing mist but might seem overly noisy to some.

Ultrasonic humidifiers use two vibrating ceramic plates to produce mist. They vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency, flinging fine droplets into the air and effectively raising the moisture level in the air. While these models are incredibly effective, they can exacerbate allergy problems, as they can also fling dust into the air.

Steam humidifiers or vaporizers employ electricity to get the job done, using it to turn water into steam vapour. Since it uses heat to generate steam and presents a burn hazard, this type of model isn’t ideal for homes with children or pets.

The best option for your home depends on your unique needs and preferences. Steam models are your best bet if you want the benefits of warm mist. However, if you prefer the cool puff of mist from a cooler model, the evaporative, impeller, and ultrasonic models are ideal.

Mist Temperature

You may not know it, but many humidifiers can cool or warm the mist they spew. Each option has its merits, making them best suited to different scenarios.

For example, warm mist steam humidifiers are popular for their heating capabilities, as this ensures they kill off any gunk in the water, like mould spores or bacteria, to provide better, healthier mist. They also do a great job at raising the humidity drastically and producing warmth in cooler weather.

However, cool mist units are also standard, as there’s no concern surrounding burn hazards due to the lack of a heating element. They’re often pricier, but they usually provide better energy efficiency and can cover larger spaces than a warm mist model. They also offer a blissful puff of cool air in hot weather.

The best option for your home hinges on your unique needs. For instance, suppose you’re concerned about mould and bacteria and want to work within a set budget. In this case, a warm mist model might be your best bet.

On the other hand, maybe you have kids or pets, and the prospect of another heating element to worry about is about the last thing you want to deal with. In this case, a cool mist model might best suit your needs.

Controls

Consider the controls on your humidifier. Some models come with basic controls, such as a few buttons atop the model. Others feature fancier controls, such as built-in digital hygrometers that measure the moisture level in the room and automatically turn off the system when it reaches the set humidity level.

If you don’t mind manually adjusting your humidifier, you can save money by purchasing a model that isn’t quite as high-tech as some. However, if you like the convenience of a model with digital controls and greater precision, look for a model with high-tech controls.

Size and Capacity

Pay attention to the size and capacity of your humidifier. To ensure you get the right size for your home, consider the length of time you want to run the system and how much space you have.

If you want to run the system constantly, like overnight as you sleep, choose a model with a large enough reservoir to supply moisture throughout the duration of the night. However, a smaller model might do the trick if you only want to run the system for a couple of hours while you’re in a specific space.

Additionally, consider the size of the space you’re humidifying. If the area is larger, you’ll likely need a larger reservoir model to ensure plenty of water in the tank to get the job done. However, a more compact model will do if your space is smaller.

You’ll also need to consider the storage space you have. Consider a smaller model if you don’t have much storage space or if the spot where you want to place the humidifier isn’t overly large. In contrast, if you have plenty of storage space, a larger model with an oversized reservoir might better suit your needs.

Cleanup

A humidifier requires routine care and maintenance to ensure it isn’t producing bacteria-filled air. So, to ensure you don’t have to deal with a hassle every time you need to swap the filter or clean the tank, choose a model designed for easy cleanup and maintenance.

The easiest tanks to refill and clean lift off their base easily, allowing you to move them with you for better access. Others have a flap on the top that allows for easy refilling, but cleanup can be a bit tricky if you can’t fit your hand through the hole. You’ll need to give the tank a good scrub every now and again to reduce and prevent bacterial growth, so it’s essential you can reach inside the tank.

Additionally, pay attention to the type of humidifier and if it requires a filter change. For example, evaporative humidifiers usually feature a wick filter designed to capture dust and other particles before they leave your humidifier. Others feature multi-stage filtration to help better remove allergens.

Sometimes, these filters are easily removable, but this isn’t always the case. Pay attention to the removal process to ensure it’s something you can do reasonably easily. Additionally, verify the filters are readily available to avoid complications down the road.

Noise Level

The noise level is a crucial consideration when shopping for a humidifier, especially if you plan to keep it in your bedroom or another area where you sleep or rest. If the humidifier operates too loudly, it could disrupt your sleep, especially if you’re a light sleeper.

Some models come with multiple settings, including a low or silent setting for nighttime use. These models operate quietly enough that they don’t disturb most sleepers, so they’re great for use in bedrooms.

However, if you enjoy a consistent white noise to lull you through the night, consider a model with a built-in noisemaker or with a slightly louder noise level. These models can produce the perfect amount of white noise that helps soothe and dull background noise.

Safety Features

The best humidifiers are designed with safety in mind and come with an automatic shut-off feature that ensures the system never runs if the reservoir is empty. Otherwise, you’ll be responsible for turning off the humidifier when it runs dry.

If you plan to run the humidifier overnight or keep it in your child’s room, you might not be alert or aware when the humidifier runs out of water, so trying to remember to check it and turn it off could be a problem. So, to be on the safe side, it’s best to buy a model with an automatic shut-off feature.

Otherwise, you can choose a model with a built-in hygrometer. These models measure the humidity in the air and automatically turn it off when they detect the proper humidity levels.