Learn how we test & rate here.
Highlights:
Energy Smart technology; fully disassemblable parts
Pros
Easy to clean.
It is energy-efficient.
5-year warranty.
Built-in humidistat.
Cons
It can make a bit more noise.
Light will keep illuminated when working.
Output:
250 ml/h (our test result)
Warranty:
5-Year
Type:
Evaporative/Filtered
Price:
$$$$$
# We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Takeaway:
Efficient, elegant, and user-friendly, the Vornado EVDC500 stands out as one of the top evaporative humidifiers I have tested. It's also easy to clean, adding to its appeal. However, it might not be the best fit for light sleepers, as the light on the side and the on/off button remain illuminated throughout the night.
Why you can trust this review: I purchased this Vornado EVDC500 humidifier with our own money, took pictures, and spent two weeks testing it for its noise level, output, and humidification performance.
If you look at the humidifier industry today, it is easy to tell that ultrasonic humidifiers are more popular than evaporative humidifiers, even though evaporative humidifiers are known to be easier to maintain.
Vornado is a famous brand focusing on making evaporative humidifiers and fans. Since I want to find a model that is suitable for large rooms, so I decided to give the Vornaodo EVDC500 model a try.
Does it meet all my needs? Is it a good fit for you? Let’s start to read this Vornado humidifier review!
Vornado EVDC500 Evaporative Humidifier Ratings Breakdown
Humidification Performance 10
The Vornado EVDC500 humidifier, with its promise to cover a whopping 1000 sq. ft., set my expectations for some serious moisture magic high.
To gauge its actual humidification performance, I weighed the product before and after operating it for one hour in turbo mode. The result was an output of 250 ml/h, which surpasses most models I have tested.
For comparison, the output of the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier is 189 ml/h, and the output of the Canopy humidifier is 133 ml/h.
Evaporative humidifiers, unlike ultrasonic ones, perform better in low-humidity environments. My place already boasts a comfortable humidity level of 41.7%, so if your air is drier than mine, you’re likely to see even more impressive results.
I also recorded the humidity change with my Govee hygrometer. In just one hour, my standard-sized bedroom (160 sq. ft.) saw humidity levels leap from 41.7% to 56.3%.
Therefore, if you’re attempting to combat dry air in spaces ranging from cozy rooms to more expansive areas, the Vornado EVDC500 seems up to the task. After reaching your target humidity level, you can switch it to low mode to maintain the desired humidity with less energy consumption.
Ease Of Cleaning 10
Cleaning is the most troublesome issue for humidifier users. After trying out several humidifiers, many of my friends now prioritize ease of cleaning because they don’t want to spend excessive time on such a small home gadget.
Fortunately, this humidifier stands out for its ease of cleaning and maintenance. It’s among the easiest-to-clean models I’ve encountered.
Being an evaporative humidifier, its wicks help filter out impurities from the water, sparing you the headache of dealing with “white dust” and allowing the use of tap water without frequent health concerns, even if you don’t change the water daily.
However, I still believe in cleaning it weekly. Despite its bulk, I found it surprisingly easy to clean.
Every part of this humidifier is detachable, making it simple to reach every nook and cranny, as evident from the picture above. By removing the power head, the wicks come out effortlessly. Plus, the water tank’s openings are generously sized, eliminating the need for small brushes—I can just use a regular soft cloth for wiping.
Evaporative humidifiers usually feature a built-in fan to expedite water evaporation, often challenging to clean due to its inaccessibility.
This isn’t an issue with the EVDC500 humidifier, though. From my experience, cleaning the fan blades is straightforward: either turn the power head upside down or use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the outlet grille, then simply wipe off the grime with a soft cloth.
I feel great when cleaning it because I can ensure every corner is clean once I’m done.
Noise Level 7
| Mode | Sound Level(dB) |
|---|---|
| Low | 53.5 |
| Medium | 53.5 |
| High | 66.1 |
If you’re looking for a reason to pass on this model, the noise level would be my main critique.
I’ve tested the noise levels across each setting, and while the turbo mode is incredibly effective at boosting humidity, it’s not conducive to a good night’s sleep.
The decibel level can soar up to 66.1 dB, which is quite loud. Switching to the low setting mitigates this issue considerably, making it more tolerable for most people during the night.
However, for optimal sleep quality, I’d still recommend positioning it at least 1.5 meters away from your bed.
To give you a better sense of what to expect, I’ve recorded a video demonstrating the actual noise produced by the machine. This should help you gauge whether the sound levels are within your comfort zone for daily and nightly use.
Usability 9.15
The control panel of this Vornado humidifier is located on the right of the power head. There are four buttons for you to choose the fan speed and set the humidity level.
I am not a tech-savvy person, but I will get the hang of it very soon. First, you should turn on the machine by pressing the power button in the middle.
By pressing the “+” or “-” button, you can adjust the humidity level from 40 to 60 or set it to “continuous mode.”
Meanwhile, you can use these two buttons to adjust the fan speed, but you need to press the “fan” button in advance. There are three fan speed modes: low, high, and turbo.
This EVDC500 model features Energy Smart technology, and you can use it by pressing the tree-shaped button on the right.
You will see an “ES” on the screen, indicating the mode is ON, and the humidifier will adjust the fan speed automatically according to the humidity level in the room.
When I first tested this function, I mistakenly thought what showed on the screen is “E5”, which is often an indicator of errors. But when I read the manual, I found that it is “ES,” representing “Energy Smart.”
Many people may ignore that there is a small black sensor beside the tree-shaped button. This sensor can detect the light around and adjust the brightness of the control display and light on the side.
Regarding refilling the water, it will not take much effort. Lift the water tank, turn it upside down, unscrew the lid, and then put it under the sink. You are all set.
If you plan to add a humidifier to your parent’s house, I think it could be a great option. They can figure out how to use it easily.
Build Quality 10
This humidifier is far from flimsy. The manufacturer has utilized thick plastic in its construction, imparting a sense of durability and security whether I’m refilling it or moving it around.
Every component of the humidifier is crafted from this robust material, ensuring that it feels sturdy and reliable in hand.
This quality build not only enhances its longevity but also adds to the overall user confidence in handling the device for daily use and maintenance.
Design and Sizing
| Mist Mode | Low, High, Turbo |
| Color | Grey |
| Size | 12.2″H x 18.9″W x 8.1″D |
| Tank Size | 7.57L |
| Weight | 8.9 lbs |
| Type | Evaporative/Filtered |
Due to the different technologies used, evaporative humidifiers tend to be bulkier than ultrasonic models. Evaporative models need a built-in fan to allow the water to evaporate, and the fan will take up some space.
Despite its considerable size, measuring 12.2″H x 18.9″ W x 8.1″ D, this Vornado humidifier’s design incorporates two side water tanks, giving it a more flattened appearance. This, coupled with its understated grey and white color scheme, allows it to seamlessly integrate into a wide range of home decor styles.
The aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by the combination of a transparent tank, white air inlet grille, and grey power head, presenting a significant visual improvement over many of Vornado’s previous models.
However, I would advise against moving the humidifier when the tanks are filled with water, as it becomes excessively heavy.
It’s worth noting that the light of the control display and the light on the side on this device cannot be completely turned off at night, which may be a concern for individuals who are sensitive to light while sleeping.
Cost
Price Range: $$$$$
Given its robust construction and generous capacity, the price point of this Vornado humidifier strikes me as reasonable.
However, it’s important to remember that this is a filtered humidifier. The frequency of use will dictate the filter replacement timeline, which could be as often as every one to two months. While Vornado offers replacement filters, there are also more economical options available on the market.
Removing the filter and allowing it to dry when the humidifier is not in use is a practice I’ve found beneficial. Based on my experience, this simple step significantly helps in reducing mold buildup on the wick filter.
What Set This Vornado EVDC500 Humidifier Apart?
Energy Smart Technology – It Can Adjust The Fan Speed Automatically
As I mentioned above, this Vornado humidifier features energy-smart technology. Actually, the manufacturer claims it can save up to 90% of energy.
It’s not uncommon these days to see a humidifier automatically shut off when the room reaches a certain humidity level, and then activate again when the humidity level drops.
However, this model has a 9-fan speed mode, which can adjust the fan speed automatically and gradually according to the indoor humidity level.
This energy-smart technology is also used in the Vornado air circulator.
It’s also very convenient to activate this feature. By pressing the tree-shaped button, it will start to work.
Fully disassemblable parts
I touched on this feature while discussing the ease of cleaning, highlighting how it significantly smoothens the maintenance routine. In fact, this feature simplifies every aspect of operation.
Refilling the unit is a breeze; instead of hauling a large water tank to the sink, I can effortlessly detach and carry just one of the side water tanks.
Similarly, when it comes time to replace or clean the wick filter, all that’s required is lifting the compact power head.
Despite its sizeable dimensions, handling the machine doesn’t feel cumbersome. This thoughtful design ensures that using the humidifier is not only manageable but also user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those who might be daunted by the prospect of operating a larger appliance.
Other humidifiers to consider
If you want to look at other evaporative humidifiers, you can also consider these two models.
For Cheaper Price
Honeywell HCM-350 Cool Moisture Humidifier
This model is more affordably priced, yet Honeywell stands out as a dependable brand worth considering. It's user-friendly and features a UV light for killing bacteria. However, it's somewhat bulkier compared to this Vornado unit, and its built-in fan is difficult to access and clean, which might be a consideration for some users.
# We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
For Smaller Size
Canopy Bedside Humidifier
This humidifier's compact size allows for easy placement on a bedside table, and it's available in a variety of attractive colors. However, its humidification performance is not as strong.
# We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Who Should Buy This Humidifier?
Vornado EVDC500 Energy Smart Evaporative Humidifier
# We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The Vornado EVDC500 humidifier is an excellent option for individuals with asthma, as its design minimizes the risk of spreading mold and bacteria in the water, even if you can’t change the water often.
It’s also well-suited for those living in medium to large spaces, thanks to its high output. People with busy lifestyles will appreciate its ease of cleaning.
However, it might not be the best choice for light sleepers, given that the nightlight cannot be turned off and the noise level is relatively high.
