So, how do you create a happier workspace despite the appalling air dryness brought by the vicious winter weather?
For me, a desk humidifier works wonders in elevating air humidity and I have certainly been a happier soul during winter months since I discovered these devices.
What’s more, since they’re so compact, you can carry it to anywhere your schedule takes you including to a winter camping trip.
Here we bring you desk humidifier reviews and show you how to choose the right one for your needs.
Hopefully, you will start to love your office, bedroom, car, tent, condo, hotel room, flights, etc. a little more and embrace the icy-cold, grey weather.
Why Desk Humidifiers?
Are you a budding humidifier for desk buyer? Here is what is in store for you:
These devices are incredibly small and lightweight and give you the ultimate portability.
To me, this is the star attraction in these models.
Of course, other humidifiers types, for example, console humidifiers are often larger and take up more desk or bedside table real estate.
I can’t imagine you packing them in your purse, backpack, or suitcase (a desk humidifier easily fits in any of these!).
Most importantly, they work perfectly and will put out the necessary amount of mist to alleviate the dryness in your environment.
In fact, most have all the sophisticated features you get in premium models such as timers, auto on/off, remote control, and more.
Never mind that they come at a much lower price.
You get it?
How does a Desk Humidifier Work?
A desktop humidifier moistens the air best in small spaces and will bring the optimum moisture level (EPA recommends 30-50%) to help you breathe easy.
But how do they work?
Now, no matter the model, the devices have a conventional design and make use of individual water reservoirs to produce mist.
A filter may be built-in to help purify the water (by removing particles and bacteria) before it is dispersed into the air.
They’re quite versatile and can be powered from standard electrical sockets or batteries.
They’re not heavy energy consumers and can last up to 18 hours (sometimes more depending on the batteries).
The other option is you plug it into a USB source like a laptop, power bank, and more (for some).
They typically include a wall adapter and required cables.
Types of Desk Humidifiers
The one place your desk humidifier may differ from mine is in the mechanism it uses to moisturize.
But by and large, they adopt the technologies used in other types of humidifiers.
So here are four different types of desk humidifiers you can enjoy a more comforting winter with at work.
Evaporators
Evaporators have fans blowing a moistened filter to expel the humidity (by evaporation) creating comfy precincts.
They can be a bit noisier because of the blowing action from the fan although lately manufacturers have devised myriad inventions to silence them.
Steam vaporizers
These heat water, cool it, and finally let it out as steam into the air to improve its quality and combat the harsh results of dry air.
They’re in truth very basic and are hence super inexpensive.
ltrasonic humidifiers desk humidifiers
Ultrasonic humidifiers make and release a cool mist in the immediate vicinity using ultrasonic vibrations.
An ultrasonic desktop humidifier is ideal if you have pets or children around (no heating and won’t burn your son/daughter on touch).
They’re also virtually silent.
Impeller desk humidifiers
Impeller humidifiers bring about mist using rotating disks (running at breakneck speed).
This technology again makes them inexpensive and pet-friendly (they dissipate cool mist).
Cool and warm mist in desk humidifiers explained
You must have noted my repeated mentioning of the term warm/cool mist when explaining the types to desk humidifiers and it is important you understand the implications of experiencing either type of mist.
To begin with, steam vaporizers humidifiers spew out warm mist- these units first boil water using a built-in heating element before circulating it into your space as a calming, unseen mist.
Because of that, you might feel somewhat warmer (and more cheerful) in the winter.
On the converse, evaporative and ultrasonic desk humidifiers discharge cool mist (no heating).
This simply means that the mist spreading throughout your space is at room-temperature and is often ultra-fine and, therefore, invisible.
But which mist is better?
Okay, as previously mentioned, cool mist humidifiers are ideal if the room you’re planning to keep the desktop humidifier is visited by children and pets (they won’t cause burns).
On the other hand, warm mist humidifiers tend to suit the more extreme northern winters better because the warmer feeling make winters more bearable.
These are the most important situations to have in mind in our opinion as far as the two most types are concerned as they are both equally effective in moisturizing the air.
Desk Humidifier Buying Guide
How do you decide which desk humidifier is right for you?
Well, you’ll need to consider:
- Area covered- How big is the square footage of the office or bedroom you plan to moisturize?- the coverage is shown in the product label. (For bigger rooms go with humidifiers for large rooms)
- Budget- mini-sized humidifiers are the least expensive yes but the price tag still differs significantly.
- Maintenance- the less the required maintenance tasks like cleaning and water refilling, the more convenient it is.
- Ability- does it deliver adequate mist? And can you redirect the nozzle to have mist reach across the room?
- Sizing- some have a bigger footprint and take up more space.
- Noise- appliances with fans are slightly louder than fan-less models.
- Ease of use/setup– you want one with straightforward controls and assembly.
- Extras– features such as a slot to add essential oils could be amazing to have as your space will smell yummy! Automatic shut-off is another cool feature to look out for if you chance to leave it on.
Best Desk Humidifier Reviews
We scoured the markets and shortlisted the best 5 desk humidifiers from the hundreds available today.
Here we review them to make shopping easier for you.
InnoGear Upgraded Version Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Ultrasonic Diffusers Cool Mist Humidifier
Click Here to View Price on Amazon.com
This cute humidifier features 2 misting modes (intermittent/continuous) and also doubles as a powerful diffuser to keep your office smelling fresh.
It’s compact dimensions (3.9×5.5 inches) means it will fit nicely on tiny tabletops.
Features
This palm sized humidifier won’t take up much room, humidifies fast, and lasts up to 8 hours (on intermittent mist option) and up to 4 hours (when expelling continuous mist).
It actually works all night when at full tank.
Plus, you’ll enjoy peace of mind thanks to the automatic shut-off (when it runs out of water).
If you’re looking for an aromatherapy-enabled model, this cool mist unit may be the best desk humidifier out there.
Indeed, this product’s oil diffuser features 8 therapeutic colors while the light can switch from bright to dim to create a restful atmosphere for meditation or sleep.
We recommend it for standard bedrooms.
Pros
- Longer run time.
- Strong scent/mist output.
- Beautiful colors.
Cons
- Nothing noteworthy.
ASAKUKI 500ml Premium, Essential Oil Diffuser, 5 In 1 Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Fragrant Oil Humidifier
Click Here to View Price on Amazon.com
This investment-worthy portable desk humidifier is an intricately made gem that will operate in a multitude of modes while delivering refreshing miniaturization.
Did I mention that it has an advanced aromatherapy function?
Features
With 2 mist settings (high/low) and a big water tank (500ml) that provides up to 8 hours of continuous steam, this desk humidifier for office has an impressive mist output and will help you relax.
Like its InnoGear rival, you have the option of setting a steady cool mist flow or intermittent dissipation (with the timer).
A state-of-the-art essential oil diffuser means your entire space will be filled with a pleasant aroma while savoring the curative power of scents to balance your body, mind, and spirit.
It also comes with other marvelous features including 7 gentle LED light colors-with light, dark, and light only functions- and a safety auto-switch to shut it off in case it’s out of water.
The price makes it easy to consider buying two, one for home, and one for the office in case of emergency!
Pros
- Easy to clean tank.
- Plenty of mist.
- Premium quality material.
Cons
- Again not much to complain about.
Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Click Here to View Price on Amazon.com
This has one of the highest consumer ratings and for good reason.
It moisturizes for a staggering 16 hours (maximum) continuously to help you relieve the feeling of being in perpetual suffocation and give you a chance to re-energize.
Features
The 360 degrees nozzle means you can direct the mist toward areas that desperately need it and away from your electronics, pets, upholstery, etc.
Meanwhile, the twin speed settings (high/low) let you set the perfect mist speed to fit your needs.
Plus, it begins to cool right away.
The company has got everything right in this and even the tank is a huge improvement on what you find in its rivals.
In fact, you can easily refill it right from your bathroom/kitchen sink.
Remaining with the tank, its 1.5-liter capacity makes the cool mist unit suitable for medium-sized bedrooms, offices, or baby nurseries.
That’s its hardly audible further confirms its appropriateness for these spaces.
Overall, this is a great humidifier for use at home, at the office, or on the road.
Pros
- Arguably the best desktop humidifier for medium rooms.
- Extremely quiet.
- Super lightweight.
Cons
- Lacks aromatherapy function.
Pure Guardian H920BL Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Click Here to View Price on Amazon.com
Guardian Technologies is a big player in the humidifiers industry and they have finally engineered a wonderful slim unit for users running short on space.
Go for it if you want a moisture boost while working long hours at your desk during winter.
We also love that it’s easy to pack for travel.
Features
The H920BL is a lightweight, powerful solution.
A 0.8L tank, 2 speed (high/low) mist settings –like the rest- and a rotating mist nozzle puts it at par with the most popular desktop humidifiers available in the market.
It lasts about 10 hours on one tank fill (low setting) – that’s a whole night of undisturbed sleep.
Besides, the tank won’t grow mold or mildew thanks to the silver clean protection treatment and you will have minimal cleaning to do.
With the best humidifiers, you expect an automatic tank shut-off when its goes empty and it’s the same case here (the low water indicator will warn you when water levels drop).
Sleep will come easily thanks to the night light (optional)
The manufacturer is specific here- use it for areas up to 210 sq. ft. for the best results.
Pros
- Easy to carry around.
- Not noisy.
- Very convenient to fill up.
Cons
- Drains water quicker (on high setting).
AmuseNd USB Cool Mist Humidifier
Click Here to View Price on Amazon.com
The AmuseNd cool mist model is arguably the most portable humidifier.
Simply plug it into your nearest USB port and enjoy massive amount of mist wherever you go.
The USB cord is included and is made long enough so it won’t be in your way.
Features
What we like most about this model is that it gives you moisture for 4 hours continuously when you fill the tank- many USB units rarely moisturize this long.
It may not have as many speed settings but the single full-blast mode works fine throughout the 4 hours cycle.
The other winners are the color changing LED lights that create a magical environment.
Plus, you have the alternative to have the mist only and no light.
As always, the unit will automatically shut off after running out of water.
The enchanting reindeer design will match your office or home décor gorgeously.
It’s worth to note that you should use a 5V1A power supply for it to work properly.
Pros
- Ultra-quiet operation for a comfortable sleep environment.
- Super easy to use.
- Cute mini size rabbit design.
Cons
- Suitable only for small-sized offices/rooms.
Wrapping it up
Who needs pricey, over-sized humidifiers when you can grab an awesome desk humidifier out there?
Stay fresh, breathe easy, and keep the clammy feeling and other humidity related issues such as respiratory conditions at bay with your favorite desktop unit.
A final word of advice: use your humidifier in moderation- excessive humidity levels may trigger breathing problems and escalate some allergy symptoms.
