When it comes to filter less humidifiers, the Vicks filter-free ultrasonic cool mist humidifier tops our list.
Its unique features and efficient air humidifying make it one of the best humidifiers commercially available at the moment.
It's compact but powerful, releasing a mist strong enough to cover rooms up to 400 square feet. It can keep going for up to 30 hours.
It's super easy to clean, and because it's filter less, you don't need to worry about replacing filters.
Read on for our full review of the Vicks filter-free ultrasonic cool mist humidifier.
Pros
- Filter less - easier and cheaper to maintain.
- Ideal for large rooms.
- Long runtime.
- Easy to clean.
- Quiet.
- Safety auto shut-off.
Cons
- Requires regular cleaning.
Unique Features
1. Powerful, For Its Size
What's most surprising about the Vicks filter less humidifier is how powerful it is especially given its small size.
It's only about 10 inches wide but can humidify rooms up to 400 square feet in size.
There's a dial that you use to adjust how much moisture the humidifier puts out. A low to medium setting is enough for most situations.
Another impressive capability is that the Vicks humidifier can run for up to 30 hours.
Unlike most humidifiers, you don't have to keep adding water every few hours. Some users found they only need to top up the jug once a week.
2. Quiet
The Vicks ultrasonic humidifier is not completely silent. It gives out a low white noise.
But it's unnoticeable when you are watching TV or talking to someone, and it's quiet enough that you can sleep comfortably with the humidifier right next to you.
There's no loud humming and no bubbling or gurgling sounds.
3. Filter less
The Vicks humidifier only adds moisture to the air. It doesn't filter the water nor the air.
The obvious advantage of this is that you don't need to worry about filter changes, which reduces maintenance costs.
This is especially useful if you live in a hard water area. Hard water quickly clogs water filters, requiring frequent filter changes. A filter less humidifier saves you the trouble.
4. Large Capacity
The reason the Vicks humidifier runs for so long is the large tank. It holds 1.2 gallons of water.
This makes it a bit bigger and heavier than small ultra-compact humidifiers, but you get to fill up the tankless frequently, especially if you prefer leaving the dial on high.
5. Safety Auto Shut-off
The water reservoir is clear, so you can easily monitor the water levels of the humidifier.
But you don't need to worry about the humidifier running dry and potentially damaging some internal components since tthe humidifier has an automatic shut-off feature when the water level decreases to a certain point.
6. Compatible with Vicks VapoPads
Whether you are struggling with a stuffy nose or you simply want soothing vapors, you can attach a pair of Vicks VapoPads.
The VapoPads are available separately with plenty of options, including menthol, rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender.
7. Easy to Clean
Humidifiers need to be kept clean, otherwise, they can become very unhygienic with mold and bacteria growing in the moist interior.
To make its maintenance easier, the Vicks humidifier features a wide opening, allowing you to stick your hand in to wash the inside. The water tank is rounded, so there are no corners for gunk to build up.
The only slightly challenging part that you might find hard to clean is the cone from where the mist comes out, but that too can be managed using a bottle brush cleaner.
Issues & Limitations
Needs Frequent Cleaning
The main issue with the Vicks filter less humidifier is how often it needs to be cleaned, usually once a week or more, depending on your water quality.
Having no filter, scale and impurities quickly build up inside the water reservoir. Mold can also develop if you don't sterilize the reservoir often.
No Auto Mode
The Vicks humidifier is sometimes too powerful. If you leave it on for too long or turn the setting to the highest setting, it can produce so much moisture that it makes the room damp and uncomfortable.
Condensation can also collect on the humidifier, causing a wet spot around it.
An auto mode would solve this. A built-in humidistat monitors humidity and shuts off the humidifier when the humidity level in the room gets to the desired level.
Care and Maintenance
The Vicks humidifier gets dirty quickly. You'll notice a thin film of scale on the inside of the tank if you use hard water.
Impurities and mold may also collect in the water reservoir.
We recommend cleaning the reservoir at least once a week. Hand clean it with soap and water.
If you have a mold problem, add a vinegar solution to the water tank, let it sit for several hours and then clean with soap and water.
To increase the longevity of the humidifier and keep it clean for longer, use distilled, bottled or filtered water.
Note that you should never add essential oils to the humidifier as they can damage it. If you want an aroma along with the cool mist, use Vicks VapoPads.
Warranty
The Vicks filter less ultrasonic humidifier comes with a 3-year warranty.
Specification
Room size: 100-400 square feet.
Runtime: 30 hours
Type: Ultrasonic
Auto mode: No
Size: 12D x 9.5W x 8.5H inches
Weight: 4lbs
Warranty: 3yrs
