The Best Humidifiers for Adding Moisture to Large Rooms

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Humidifiers for Adding Moisture to Large Rooms and hope the blog can help you.

The top humidifiers on our list all emit a soothing mist that can alleviate cold symptoms and respiratory conditions in large rooms, main living areas, or even an entire house.

A humidifier adds moisture to a home’s dry air. While a small humidifier is ideal for bedrooms and nurseries, big rooms may need a larger one. Large humidifiers feature tanks capable of holding up to 4 gallons of water, which can release enough mist to fill a 4,000-square-foot area (sometimes a bit more than that), improving indoor air quality in every room of the house.

These large humidifiers are built as evaporators or ultrasonic units in warm-mist and cool-mist options. This guide offers tips and identifies the options to consider when shopping for the best humidifier for a large room.

As someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, I’m familiar with how a humidifier can bring relief but also understand how choosing the wrong model can cause more harm than good. I combined my experience with these machines and extensive research to determine what factors to consider when shopping for a humidifier. After reading customer reviews, conducting testing, and comparing specs and features from 20 different models, I curated our list of the best humidifiers for large rooms.

1. BEST OVERALL: Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
3. BEST HIGH-CAPACITY: Aircare MA1201 Whole-House Console-Style Humidifier
4. TECH PICK: Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier 
5. BEST DESIGN: Aircare EP9800 Whole-House Pedestal-Style Humidifier
6. BEST WHOLE-HOUSE: AprilAire 700 Whole-Home Humidifier
7. MOST EFFICIENT: Vornado EVDC500 Energy Smart Evaporative Humidifier
8. BEST AIR PURIFIER COMBO: Sharp KC850U Air Purifier and Humidifier
9. BEST PORTABLE: Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
10. BEST QUIET: Hupro Top Fill Cool Mist & Warm Mist Humidifier
11. BEST WITH DIFFUSER: Levoit OasisMist 1000S Smart Humidifier
12. ALSO CONSIDER: Venta LW45 Original Evaporative Humidifier 

How We Chose the Best Humidifiers for Large Rooms

In researching the most sought-after humidifiers for large rooms, we found that the best ones are usually defined by type, tank capacity, coverage area, settings, size, and other special features.

Evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers are typically the most popular, thanks to their compact size, ample coverage area, and ease of use. Though less popular, whole-house humidifiers generate much more mist with their considerable tank sizes and abundant settings.

No matter the type, our list prioritizes cold- and warm-mist humidifiers with 1.5- to 18-gallon tanks, providing 500 to 4,200 square feet of coverage. Our choices include convenient settings, like automatic shutoff and multiple air speeds. Though some models are large and occupy space, others are compact enough to keep on a nightstand or desk. Some select picks include dual-sensor technology, filterless operation, rotating disks, remote controls, smart features, and digital control panels.

Our Top Picks

Our top picks include evaporative, whole-home, and ultrasonic humidifiers. The following models emit a soothing mist that can cover large rooms, ranging from 500 to 4,000 square feet.

Best Overall

Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier

Product Specs 

• Type: Ultrasonic
• Warm vs. cool mist: Both
• Tank capacity: 1.5 gallons
• Compatible square footage: 430 to 753 square feet

Pros

• Can provide a choice of either warm or cool mist for up to 50 hours
• Benefits from both a front control panel and an additional handheld remote
• Built-in aroma box allows relaxing aromatherapy oils to be added

Cons

• If placed too close to a wall, the humidistat can be inaccurate

With an attractive design, various settings, and a 1.5-gallon water tank, this Levoit humidifier for large rooms is an excellent option for big spaces. The LV600HH hybrid model can operate as a warm-mist or cool-mist humidifier. Its tank capacity is enough for 60 hours before needing a refill. With a maximum mist output of 500 milliliters per hour, this model can fill rooms between 430 and 753 square feet with moist air.

Users can adjust the mist output, humidistat, and automatic shutoff timer via the model’s control panel or the convenient remote control. Other features include an aromatherapy box with absorption pads. The top has a wide opening for easy cleaning.

Get the Levoit LV600HH humidifier for large rooms at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Best Bang for the Buck

Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

Product Specs 

• Type: Ultrasonic
• Warm vs. cool mist: Cool
• Tank capacity: 1.6 gallons
• Compatible square footage: 500 square feet

Pros

• Whisper Quiet technology makes this unit perfect for nightly bedroom use
• 1.6-gallon tank ensures 50 hours of continuous operation before it needs to be refilled
• Auto shutoff function prevents the humidifier from operating without water

Cons

• Lack of a built-in humidistat means adjustments have to be made manually

Considered the best humidifier for bedroom use, the Everlasting Comfort ultrasonic cool-mist humidifier features a 1.6-gallon tank and a powerful fan to add moisture for up to 50 hours. This humidifier may be inexpensive, but it delivers all the features anyone needs. It’s best used as a single-room humidifier for increasing humidity in rooms measuring up to 500 square feet. An analog knob fine-tunes the humidifier’s mist output.

This ultrasonic cool-mist humidifier also features an essential oils compartment for aromatherapy. It lacks a built-in humidistat, though, requiring the user to monitor the level of humidity in the room to avoid introducing too much moisture into the space. Its auto-shutdown function can turn the unit off if the basin runs out of water.

Get the Everlasting Comfort humidifier for large rooms at Amazon.

Best High-Capacity

Aircare MA1201 Whole-House Console-Style Humidifier

Product Specs 

• Type: Whole-house/evaporative
• Warm vs. cool mist: Cool
• Tank capacity: 3.6 gallons
• Compatible square footage: 3,600 square feet

Pros

• Digital control panel allows precise setting of humidity levels
• Has warning lights for auto shutoff, refill levels, and filter changes
• Can be set to adjust fan speed automatically, maintaining the room’s humidity level

Cons

• Some users say the 3,600-square-foot coverage area claim is inaccurate
• A few users claim that the manual included with this item was incorrect

With its 3.6-gallon tank, the Aircare MA1201 whole-house console-style evaporative humidifier produces enough water vapor to treat up to 3,600 square feet. Its built-in humidistat turns the unit off and on automatically, depending on the customized humidity settings. The user can set it and forget it. A digital control panel with clearly labeled buttons helps users easily adjust the humidifier’s humidity levels and fan speed. It also shuts off automatically when the unit is empty, preventing the motor from burning out.

With its sturdy set of casters, users can roll this large ultrasonic cool-mist humidifier from room to room. At 20.5 inches tall by 21.5 inches wide, this is one of the largest humidifiers on the market.

Get the Aircare MA1201 humidifier for large rooms at The Home Depot or Aircare.

Tech Pick

Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier

Product Specs 

• Type: Ultrasonic
• Warm vs. cool mist: Cool
• Tank capacity: 1.58 gallons
• Compatible square footage: 215 to 505 square feet

Pros

• Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote control and voice activation via Alexa or Google Assistant
• User-friendly features include 4 mist levels and a night-light with 2 brightness settings
• One of the quietest humidifiers on the market at just 30 decibels

Cons

• Some functions are only available via the app, not from the machine’s control panel

Those who love high-tech gadgets may find the Classic 300S ultrasonic smart humidifier from Levoit to be the optimal choice. With a 1.58-gallon tank capacity, this pick is suitable for 215- to 505-square-foot rooms, distributing cool-mist air four times faster than other brands’ humidifiers. Smart connectivity through the VeSync app also allows owners to alter the humidity levels with their smartphone, though it also connects to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

The included smart humidity sensor can trigger an auto mode to adjust moisture levels based on the room’s condition or owners can use the voice-command option when their hands are occupied.

Its small BPA-free construction is compact and easy to place anywhere and comes with an adjustable night-light and an LED control panel. It operates at under 30 decibels of sound, making it perfect for bedrooms and nurseries. Need more? It can also act as an essential oil diffuser. This model’s only downside is that it needs frequent cleaning to maintain proper functionality.

What our tester says: Elizabeth Cranston, a Bob Vila editor, notes the following about this humidifier: “I never had a humidifier before, but this one is a cinch to use, whether I control it from the app or the buttons. Plus, the added moisture it provides eases cold symptoms at night—it’s my new winter must-have.”

Get the Levoit 300S humidifier for large rooms at Amazon or Levoit.

Best Design

Aircare EP9800 Whole-House Pedestal-Style Humidifier

Product Specs 

• Type: Whole-house/evaporative
• Warm vs. cool mist: Cool
• Tank capacity: 3.5 gallons
• Compatible square footage: 2,400 square feet

Pros

• Digital panel offers 9 fan speeds for precise output control
• Has a replaceable tile top and can be used as an additional side table
• Flip-out spout makes it easy to refill the tank when necessary

Cons

• At maximum speed, the noise level may be considered quite loud by some
• Large size may not suit those looking for a portable humidifier

With its faux-wood panel sides and dark espresso stain finish, the Aircare EP9800 whole-house evaporative humidifier is the best cool mist humidifier in terms of design and reach, a bonus for those wanting to treat the air in a large room while still preserving the interior decor. This humidifier’s 3.5-gallon capacity is enough to treat an entire 2,400-square-foot home.

This large humidifier is 27.3 inches tall by 18 inches wide and probably needs permanent space in the home. Users can trade out the model’s replaceable tile top to match the room’s decor. The digital controls can quickly adjust the humidity level and the humidifier’s nine fan speeds. An automatic shutoff feature prevents the motor from burning out when the reservoir is empty.

Get the Aircare EP9800 humidifier for large rooms at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Grainger, or Aircare.

Best Whole-house

AprilAire 700 Whole-Home Humidifier

Product Specs 

• Type: Whole-house
• Warm vs. cool mist: Unlisted
• Capacity: Up to 18 gallons per day
• Compatible square footage: 2,800 to 5,300 square feet (depending on the construction of your home)

Pros

• Exceptionally powerful humidifier with dual sensors for optimal performance
• Included water panels last an entire year and are easy to replace
• Can be set to work continuously or only when the household furnace runs

Cons

• Requires that the house has existing HVAC or a similar ducting system

The AprilAire 700 is a high-output steam humidifier that works in conjunction with a furnace and can provide precise humidity levels for tightly constructed homes of up to 5,300 square feet. Whole-house humidifiers can maintain optimal air quality levels inside the home, which can help tackle dry skin and static shock.

Once the digital humidistat is set, onboard sensors ensure automatic maintenance of the desired humidity, so this is a set-and-forget device. Alarm lights on the main unit warn of when the water panel needs to be replaced or when the humidifier needs to be serviced.

Professional installation is strongly recommended for this model since it needs to pull hot air directly from the HVAC system. However, the user can change the water panel, which needs to be replaced every year.

Get the AprilAire humidifier for large rooms at Amazon.

Best Efficiency

Vornado EVDC500 Energy Smart Evaporative Humidifier

Product Specs 

• Type: Evaporative
• Warm vs. cool mist: Unspecified
• Tank capacity: 2 gallons
• Compatible square footage: 1,000 square feet

Pros

• Direct current (DC) motor uses 90 percent less electricity than common AC equivalents
• Vortex action humidifies the whole room while minimizing energy consumption
• Easy-clean water tanks have a low-level indicator and auto shutoff when empty

Cons

• Some users report the device lacks the power to humidify the 1,000-square-foot coverage area effectively
• There have been reports of leaks or faults with the fan

Vornado’s unique approach uses a combination of vortex airflow and a high-efficiency DC motor. Rather than providing mist that might dampen surrounding areas, it humidifies the air as it circulates through the device. The result is efficient humidification of large rooms measuring up to 1,000 square feet while reducing electricity demands by as much as 90 percent compared to similar machines with common alternating current (AC) motors.

The Vornado EVDC500 has an attractive, contemporary design and weighs just 8.92 pounds, so it’s easy to move from one place to another. Two 1-gallon water tanks are easy to manage even when full and are a breeze to clean. The LED display indicates when the water level gets low, and the device will shut off automatically when empty. Multiple fan speeds allow for customized humidity settings, or it can run on auto.

Get the Vornado humidifier for large rooms at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Vornado.

Best Air Purifier Combo

Sharp KC850U Air Purifier and Humidifier

Product Specs 

• Type: Unspecified
• Warm vs. cool mist: Unspecified
• Tank capacity: 0.96 gallon
• Compatible square footage: 1,230 square feet

Pros

• Filters dust, pollen, smoke, and pet dander while also humidifying
• Energy Star certified for low power consumption and reduced emissions
• Set at low, the fan’s noise level is barely audible at 19 decibels

Cons

• The combination of purification and humidification comes at a considerable cost
• Although filters should last at least 2 years, there are 3 that will eventually need to be changed

The KC850U air purifier and humidifier from Sharp is a remarkable device that us