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Highlights:
Dishwasher-Safe, Easy One-Knob Control and Affordable yet High Quality.
Pros
It is easy to use.
3-year warranty.
Easy to clean except for the fan part.
Affordable.
Cons
It is bulky and the upper enclosure is a bit heavy.
It can’t turn off automatically.
The fan blades are difficult to access and clean.
Output:
189 ml/h (our test result)
Warranty:
3-Year
Type:
Evaporative/Filtered
Price:
$$$$$
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Takeaway:
This humidifier is a solid, budget-friendly choice in the evaporative category. Its operation is straightforward – just adjust the fan speed. A standout feature is the UV light for bacteria elimination. It's on the bulkier side and not exactly a design marvel, but I appreciate that it's dishwasher-safe. From what I've seen, it performs well for its intended use, though it's not ideal for larger areas.
Why you can trust this review: I purchased this Honeywell HCM-350 Cool Moisture humidifier with our own money, took pictures, and spent two weeks testing it for its noise level, output, and humidification performance.
The Honeywell HCM-350 Cool Moisture Humidifier is a highly popular evaporative model in the market. During my research on evaporative humidifiers, it frequently appeared, prompting my decision to purchase and test it. This review encapsulates all the insights gathered from my two-week testing phase. Let’s dive in!
Vornado EVDC500 Evaporative Humidifier Ratings Breakdown
Humidification Performance 9
As usual, I employed a scale to measure the output of the Honeywell HCM-350 model, revealing it can evaporate 189ml of water per hour.
This performance is average compared to other humidifiers I’ve tested. For instance, the Vornado EVDC500 humidifier boasts an output as high as 250ml, while the Canopy humidifier only manages 133ml.
This is an evaporative humidifier, meaning its performance is significantly affected by the indoor humidity level. In other words, you can expect it to work better in drier air than in my house. (The local humidity level was 46.6% during testing.)
I also used my Govee hygrometer to record the change in humidity levels. As shown in the graph above, the humidity level in my 160 sq. ft room increased from 46.6% to 52.2% within one hour. This indicates that the Honeywell humidifier is effective, but it is more suited for small to medium-sized spaces.
Ease Of Cleaning 9
This Honeywell humidifier is large, but it’s not difficult to clean and maintain. It consists of an upper enclosure, a tray, and a water tank. The water tank and tray are dishwasher safe. Simply lift the large upper enclosure, remove the wick filter, and you can place the tank and tray in your dishwasher.
I opted not to use a dishwasher, finding that rinsing it with running water and some mild detergent was sufficient for cleaning. Additionally, because the wick filter can filter out impurities in the water, these components do not accumulate buildups as easily as ultrasonic models.
However, I found that the fan blade on the upper enclosure is hard to access because there’s a grill in front of the fan, making it difficult to clean.
The only solution I found was to remove the grill by using a flathead screwdriver to pry up the tabs that secure it. However, you have to be careful doing this, as it’s easy to break the tabs if not done carefully.
The blades will accumulate dust and dirt over time so it is a part you want to clean eventually.
Usability 9.3
This humidifier is extremely user-friendly. I believe anyone can master its operation within a minute! It features just a single knob on the top. By rotating this knob, you can select your desired fan speed, and that’s all there is to it.
When you receive the product, all you need to do is soak the wick in water for a while, place it on the tray, and connect it to the power source.
After 3,000 hours of use, you’ll need to replace the UV light, but this task is also straightforward. Simply invert the upper enclosure to locate the UV bulb cover. The bulb can be easily replaced by unscrewing the cover. But 3000 hours is a long time so you don’t need to worry too much about it.
Nevertheless, the upper enclosure is somewhat heavy, which might not be ideal for individuals with weaker hands. Additionally, it lacks an automatic shutoff feature when the water level drops to a certain point.
Build Quality 10
While this humidifier is affordably priced, it doesn’t compromise on build quality. Every component, from the grill to the water tank’s gasket, is made of durable and thick plastic.
The material used for the water tank is somewhat soft, reducing the risk of breakage even if it were to be dropped.
I felt quite confident using it and wasn’t concerned about anything going wrong when moving or cleaning it.
Design and Sizing
| Mist Mode | Low, Med, High |
| Color | White, Black |
| Size | 17.9 x 9.37 x 11.4 in |
| Tank Size | 3.8L |
| Weight | 9.40 lbs |
| Type | Evaporative/Filtered |
Honestly, this humidifier is quite bulky, much larger and heavier than most models I’ve tested. The upper enclosure, in particular, contributes significantly to its weight, making it somewhat difficult to move around.
You have the option to place it either on a table or the floor. Given its heft, especially when it can hold up to 3.8L of water, it’s stable enough that you’re unlikely to accidentally trip over it.
Fortunately, the water tank is designed for easy removal. By lifting the handle located on the right side of the enclosure, you can conveniently carry it to the sink for refilling.
Despite its large size, its color options (white or black) easily blend with home decor, ensuring it isn’t obtrusive in the space.
Cost
Price Range: $$$$$
Evaporative humidifiers typically come with a higher price tag compared to ultrasonic models. Despite Honeywell being a well-known brand, this unit is surprisingly affordable within the category of evaporative humidifiers. It offers only basic functions, but it effectively does the job.
However, it’s important to factor in the ongoing cost of filter replacement. You’ll need to replace the filter every one to two months. While the manufacturer provides replacements, these can be somewhat costly, but more affordable alternatives are available on the market.
I recommend removing the filter from the machine when it’s not in use to prevent potential mold growth.
What Set This Honeywell Cool Moisture HCM-350 Humidifier Apart?
Dishwasher-safe
Dishwasher-safe components are not a common feature for humidifiers. Aside from the Canopy humidifier, this is only the second model I’ve tested that offers this convenience.
If you plan to use a humidifier frequently, having dishwasher-safe parts can save you a significant amount of time, especially since it’s advisable to clean the tank and tray once a week.
Easy One-Knob Control
Many people aren’t looking for humidifiers with numerous features; their main goal is to enhance the indoor humidity level. I believe this unit excellently fulfills that requirement.
The only feature that can be adjusted on this humidifier is the fan speed, and the knob for this function is less likely to break than buttons, making it more durable and reliable.
This simplicity makes the humidifier an excellent gift option, especially for parents who prefer uncomplicated devices. Its user-friendly design is ideal for anyone valuing ease of use.
Affordable yet High Quality
Despite offering only fundamental functions, this humidifier stands out as a dependable appliance that can last for years. The construction material is robust, and it comes with a 3-year warranty.
It also features a UV light to kill bacteria in the water. Although it lacks automatic fan speed adjustment or the ability to be used as a diffuser, it effectively improves humidity levels at an affordable price.
Other humidifiers to consider
Using evaporative humidifiers eliminates the issue of white dust and mitigates the spread of mold and bacteria. If you want to look at other evaporative humidifiers, you can also consider these two models.
For Better Performance
Vornado EVDC500 Energy Smart Evaporative Humidifier
This humidifier boasts a higher output and water capacity, and it can automatically adjust the fan speed. However, the trade-off is a higher noise level.
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For Smaller Size
Canopy Bedside Humidifier
This humidifier's compact design makes it easy to place on a bedside table, and it comes in several attractive colors. However, its humidification performance is weaker, it has a lower water capacity, and the price is higher.
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Who Should Buy This Humidifier?
Honeywell HCM-350 Cool Moisture Humidifier
# We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
This Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier is well-suited for a wide range of users.
As an evaporative humidifier, it’s particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma or cough, as it doesn’t produce “white dust,” thereby minimizing potential respiratory irritants. Moreover, its built-in UV bulb helps control the growth of mold and bacteria, enhancing the air quality.
Its design, which avoids the production of hot water, and its substantial weight, making it difficult to move, also makes it safe for children’s environments.
The humidifier is senior-friendly as well, thanks to its straightforward operation, making it accessible for users who prefer simplicity.
In addition, it is also a budget-friendly option.
However, it may not be the best choice for those looking to increase humidity levels in large spaces due to its output limitations. For light sleepers, it’s advisable to switch the device to low mode before bedtime to reduce noise.
I hope this review is helpful to you.
