To see product details, add this item to your cart.
FREE Returns
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns. How to return the item? - Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com
To see product details, add this item to your cart.
FREE Returns
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns. How to return the item? - Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Amazon Warehouse
Other Sellers on Amazon
88% positive over last 12 months
Vornado Evap40 4-Gallon Evaporative Humidifier with Adjustable Humidistat and 3 Speeds
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Vornado |
Special Feature | Manual |
Color | White |
Filter Type | Wick |
Floor Area | 1000 Square Feet |
|
| ||||
|
|
About this item
- OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE — Deep-pitched blades pull large volumes of dry air through two humidifying filters, and then circulate the humidified air throughout the room using Vornado's signature Vortex Action, providing complete and uniform humidification in spaces up to 1, 000 sq. ft.
- LARGE CAPACITY — The 4-gallon capacity provides up to 4-gallons of water output in 24 hours when operated continuously on high, allowing for long, uninterrupted operation and fewer refills.
- SIMPLE CONTROLS — Control panel allows you to select your fan speed (low/750 RPM, medium/1150 RPM, or high/1600 RPM) and your desired humidity level using the humidistat dial.
- LOW MAINTENANCE — Two spill-proof and leak-free removable tanks are simple to clean and easy to refill.
- INTELLIGENT HUMIDIFICATION — Evap40 senses how much humidity and circulation is needed to maintain your ideal environment and makes adjustments automatically. Made in the USA of U.S. and imported parts.
Customer ratings by feature
Frequently bought together
Compare with similar items
This Item Vornado Evap40 4-Gallon Evaporative Humidifier with Adjustable Humidistat and 3 Speeds | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | -21% $119.00$119.00 List: $149.99 | $99.99$99.99 | -7% $129.99$129.99 List: $139.99 | $158.99$158.99 | -55% $49.99$49.99 List: $109.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it Mar 28 - Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it Mar 28 - Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | |||||
Easy to use | 4.4 | — | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.6 |
Easy to clean | 4.3 | — | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
Noise level | 4.0 | — | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.6 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | AIRCARE AUTHORIZED | Jack & Rose Shop | YougetTech US | Trendfort Depot |
capacity | 4 gallons | 1 gallons | 2 gallons | 1.58 gallons | 4 liters |
floor area | 1000 square feet | 750 square feet | — | 725 square feet | 303 square feet |
runtime | 24 hours | 16 hours | 45 hours | 24 hours | — |
power source | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | ac | Corded Electric | ac |
material | Plastic, Metal | Plastic | — | Plastic | Polypropylene |
weight | 9 pounds | 4.5 pounds | 9 pounds | 5.5 pounds | 6 pounds |
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
- Vornado EV200 Evaporative Whole Room Humidifier with SimpleTank, 1.5 Gallon Capacity, White, EV200 - 1.5 gallonFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
- Honeywell Cool Mist Humidifier, Medium Room, 1 Gallon Tank, White – Humidifier for Baby and Kids Rooms, Bedrooms and MoreFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
- LEVOIT Superior 6000S Smart Evaporative Humidifiers for Home Whole House up to 3000ft², 6 Gal, Last 72-Hour, Premium Filter, Dry Mode, Wheels & Water Fill Hose & Foldable Storage - Quiet Sleep ModeAmazon's Choicein HumidifiersFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
- Vornado EVDC500 Energy Smart Evaporative Humidifier with Automatic Shut-off, 2 Gallon Capacity, LED DisplayFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
From the brand
-
Vornado was built from a truly original idea that comfort should be constant. Since 1945, that idea has been realized with beauty and uncompromised performance, allowing Vornado to deliver products that enhance efficiency and keep everyone in the room comfortable, all year long. This commitment is captured in three simple words: Experience. Perfect. Comfort.
Vornado’s worldwide reputation and unmatched service reside in Andover, Kansas.
-
-
-
-
-
From the manufacturer
Evap40 Whole Room Evaporative Vortex Humidifier
The Evap40 Whole Room Evaporative Vortex Humidifier creates a comfortable, perfectly humidified living space quickly and quietly. Vornado's deep pitch blades pull large volumes of harsh, dry air through two humidifying filters, and then, using Vornado's signature Vortex Action, circulates the humidified air throughout the room, providing complete and uniform humidification in spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft. The Evap40 delivers automatic humidity control with a built-in humidistat. An easy-to-use control panel allows you to choose your desired humidity level and fan speed (low, medium, or high). Its extra-large 4 gallon capacity provides up to a 4 gallon water output when operated continuously on high, allowing for long, uninterrupted operation and fewer refills.
Features
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Superior coverage.Vornado's signature Vortex Action, circulates the humidified air throughout the room, providing complete and uniform humidification in spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft. |
Control your comfort.An easy-to-use control panel allows you to choose your desired humidity level and fan speed (low, medium, or high). |
Large capacity means fewer refills.The Evap40's extra-large 4 gallon capacity (from two 2-gallon water tanks) provides up to a 4 gallon water output when operated continuously on high, allowing for long, uninterrupted operation and fewer refills. |
Features
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Humidify all the air in the room.A Vornado humidifier uses special airflow called Vortex Action to quickly humidify all the air in the room. The air flows fast and gentle to create consistent, natural comfort. |
Intelligently consistent comfort.The Vornado senses how much humidity and circulation is needed to maintain your ideal environment and makes adjustments automatically. |
Humidify the way nature intended.Unlike a typical misting humidifier, evaporative humidification uses a wick to naturally humidify all the air in the room without making a wet mess on the surfaces around it. Although you can’t see it working, you can certainly feel the difference. And Vornado’s signature Vortex Action ensures complete and balanced humidification throughout the entire space — eliminating dry air and leaving only comfortable air behind so you can breathe easy all season long. |
Easy to Clean
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
Customer Reviews |
— |
---|---|
Humidification Method | Evaporative |
Coverage | 1,000 sq. ft. |
Capacity | 4 Gallons |
Output Per Day (High) | 4 Gallons |
Filters | 2 Wick Filters |
Fan Settings | 3 |
Item Weight | 9 lbs. |
Item Dimensions | 13.5"H x 19.5"W x 10.5"D |
Power Cord | 8 ft., 2-Pin Polarized |
Volts / Hertz | 120V / 60Hz |
Product information
Brand | Vornado |
---|---|
Special Feature | Manual |
Color | White |
Filter Type | Wick |
Floor Area | 1000 Square Feet |
Operation Mode | Evaporative |
Product Dimensions | 10.5"D x 19.5"W x 13.5"H |
Item Weight | 9 Pounds |
Room Type | Bedroom |
Model Name | Evap40 |
Included Components | 1 |
Voltage | 120 Volts |
Wattage | 43 watts |
Control Method | Touch |
Shape | Rectangular |
Item Weight | 9 pounds |
Manufacturer | Vornado |
ASIN | B00O0WOO74 |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | HU1-0045-65 |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #107,012 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #180 in Humidifiers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Care instructions | Hand Wipe |
Assembly required | No |
Number of pieces | 1 |
Batteries required | No |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Looking for specific info?
Videos
Videos for this product
2:03
Click to play video
What you need to know about the Vornado Evap40
notlikemama
Videos for this product
1:00
Click to play video
Honest Review- Vornado Evap40 4G Evaporative Humidifier
Live4profit
Videos for this product
0:07
Click to play video
Customer Review: Awful noisy rattling motor!
Trent F
Product Description
Product Description
The Evap40 Whole Room Evaporative Vortex Humidifier creates a comfortable, perfectly humidified living space quickly and quietly. Vornado's deep pitch blades pull large volumes of harsh, dry air through two humidifying filters, and then, using Vornado's signature Vortex Action, circulates the humidified air throughout the room, providing complete and uniform humidification in spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft. The Evap40 delivers automatic humidity control with a built-in humidistat. An easy-to-use control panel allows you to choose your desired humidity level and fan speed (low, medium, or high). Its extra-large 4 gallon capacity provides up to a 4 gallon water output when operated continuously on high, allowing for long, uninterrupted operation and fewer refills. Backed by Vornado's 5 year limited warranty. Do not use gasoline, thinners, solvents or other chemicals for cleaning. Humidifier components are not dishwasher safe. Do not submerge humidifier tops in water. Power: 43 Watts.
From the Manufacturer
IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL DISCLAIMER: This item is built to meet U.S. voltage requirements and may not function properly when used in conjunction with external devices that alter or convert voltage or frequency of electricity. Improper use or shipping the product outside the U.S. will void all warranties.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, ease of use, and capacity of the humidifier. For example, they mention it works well, is efficient, and easy to clean. Some appreciate the capacity. That said, opinions are mixed on quality, noise, appearance, and water resistance.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the performance of the humidifier. They mention it's efficient, simple to use, and works well. They also say it'll work perfectly with environmental controller units and that the blue filters are better than the white filters. Customers also appreciate the three-speed option and the two-gallon containers.
"...can be cleaned this easily at this level of performance and at this price point...." Read more
"...A. Mist and ultrasonic units are generally cheaper to buy and operate, but are typically limited to small, enclosed rooms as they don’t generate or..." Read more
"...It is easy to operate and it works great. Holds lots of water so don't have to refill it everyday...." Read more
"...I like the simplicity of the design and it works well for the most part but sometimes it doesn't do what I expect and humidity gets too high or too..." Read more
Customers like the filling of the humidifier. They mention that it's very easy to use and clean, and the cleaning seems fairly easy and straightforward. They also say that the tanks are easy to fill in a kitchen sink or bathtub, and that it is much easier using tap water than having to schlep gallons of distilled water. Customers also appreciate the large, transparent tanks with horizontal filling and handles that allow fewer refills.
"...They are much easier to clean, arguably better for your health (air quality) and in general more reliable because they are so uncomplicated -- a fan..." Read more
"...It’s the only humidifier that can be cleaned this easily at this level of performance and at this price point...." Read more
"...Large, transparent tanks with horizontal filling and handles allow fewer refills, easy monitoring of water levels, easy filling at the tap, and..." Read more
"...Cons: must run on high speed for good evaporative output, high speed is disturbingly loud, you'll need lots of filters unless you have pure water..." Read more
Customers find the humidifier easy to use. They say it has a simple design and the instructions are well written. They appreciate the clean and convenient refill process. Customers also mention that the unit works well and is less troublesome than other hose-based humidifiers.
"...(air quality) and in general more reliable because they are so uncomplicated -- a fan, a reservoir, and one or more wicks...." Read more
"...It is easy to operate and it works great. Holds lots of water so don't have to refill it everyday...." Read more
"...It is a simple, genius design! SUPER easy to set up, to control the humidity using the humidistat knob & a hygrometer, to fill the tanks without..." Read more
"...All parts simply slip-fit together without use of any screws, pegs, nails or anything, and they stay together well...." Read more
Customers like the capacity of the humidifier. They say it holds 4 gallons of water and is great for a large room. The two water jugs are quite large and hold more water than any other humidifier, making it simple to set up and fill.
"...It is easy to operate and it works great. Holds lots of water so don't have to refill it everyday...." Read more
"...I really like the design of the EVAP40. It has a large water capacity which is easy to refill. It's easy to take apart and clean...." Read more
"...Pros: it works, disassembles nicely for cleaning, comes with two huge holding tanks, has a stylish contemporary look...." Read more
"...I love the 4 gallon capacity so I won’t have to refill it so often.Overall, very happy with it and will update if needed." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the humidifier. Some mention that it has no issue keeping up the humidity for the whole house on low, the wick system allows for steady humidity without the "wet mist" other humidifiers create, and the humidity regulator is fantastic. However, others say that the Wicks are IMO are unnecessarily expensive, they were a pain to clean and never increased the humidity levels of their bedroom, and that the output on low fan is not super great.
"...arguably better for your health (air quality) and in general more reliable because they are so uncomplicated -- a fan, a reservoir, and one or..." Read more
"...raised the humidity in my bed room in no time and it is holding it steady with no problem...." Read more
"...First of all, the overnight output on low fan is not super great...." Read more
"...It seemed absolutely normal. No holes, no malformations, no sign of mistreatment. I refilled it and tried it on the opposite side of the unit...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the noise of the humidifier. Some mention that it is very quiet on low speed, with a relatively quiet vertical vortex fan that generates ample moist air. They find the noise comforting and not too loud. However, others say that it makes gurgling sounds when more water is dispensed into the base and that the high speed is disturbingly loud.
"...On low speed it is very quiet. If you rinse the filters once a week in warm water, they will last longer...." Read more
"...It’s equipped with large dual wicks and a powerful, relatively quiet vertical vortex fan that generate ample moist air and circulation...." Read more
"...Second, it makes gurgling sounds when more water is dispensed into the base...." Read more
"...Noise wise the fan is very quiet on the low setting, and for a a couple rooms I can set it in a less noise sensitive area...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the appearance of the humidifier. Some mention it's a marvel of simple design, with stylish contemporary look. However, others say that it'll probably last but the design isn't nearly as good, somewhat ugly, and poorly designed.
"...THE GOOD: The EVAP40 is thoughtfully designed and reasonably priced, and checks off the most important boxes...." Read more
"...I like the simplicity of the design and it works well for the most part but sometimes it doesn't do what I expect and humidity gets too high or too..." Read more
"...It seemed weird at first. The design seems counterintuitive and it took me a few tries to lob the water containers in properly...." Read more
"...for cleaning, comes with two huge holding tanks, has a stylish contemporary look...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the water resistance of the humidifier. Some mention that they never spilled, the containers come off to fill, and there is typically no spillage with refilling. However, others say that it doesn't humidify well, the tank will never fully dry on its own, and the filters tend to not absorb the water. They also say that the filters will dry out and need to be rotated.
"...(it's easy to slosh water out and the plastic appears to be on the thin side)..." Read more
"...They never spilled." Read more
"...tray until the tray fills and then it keeps flushing, forcing water over the top edges of the open holding tray, creating an absolute disaster of a..." Read more
"...a relative humidity level between 40% and 50% is not too dry and not too wet...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Now on the good side of things. This humidifier by nature incorporates vornado’s air circulator fan, which I actually use with my other cool mist humidifiers. With this humidifier, I only turn on one unit instead of two. It can be set on the floor, unlike my other humidifiers that need a raised flat surface. Lastly, this humidifier is just so easy to disassemble and clean, no tight and small hard to reach areas, and that’s the most important thing for me when it comes to humidifier.
Coming from a long time cool mist humidifier user, I’m extremely careful when it comes to cleaning my humidifier. I don’t ever want to see any pink or black, mold or algae in my humidifier. Here’s how I maintain and clean it.
I set it up as instructed, plus adding bacteriostat into the water tanks. I pull out the water tanks after each night of use, set them aside, keep the left over water in it if there’s still a lot. Then I remove the top fan part, which is very easy, took the base to my bathroom, dump the left over water in the base, also very easy. I keep everything open and separated, let the base and wicks air dry during day time. At night before bed, I rinse the wicks, put everything back and turn it on again. Took 3 minutes of my time to do all that in the morning and another 3 minutes at night before bed. Every week I clean the water tanks and the base according to the cleaning instructions. You might need to clean them more frequently if you don’t want to use the bacteriostat water additives. I also clean the wicks using white vinegar solution weekly and change them out every month.
Yes it’s a lot of work, but the truth is keeping and maintaining a humidifier is a lot of work. Get the cool mist ones if you don’t want to spend more money on the wicks but be prepared to clean it even more.
Once again I love this humidifier, highly recommend it. It’s the only humidifier that can be cleaned this easily at this level of performance and at this price point. Also, I’m not sure why so many reviewers say that the water spills every time removing the tanks. I suggest watching some YouTube reviews to learn how to properly remove the water tanks. They never spilled.
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2022
Now on the good side of things. This humidifier by nature incorporates vornado’s air circulator fan, which I actually use with my other cool mist humidifiers. With this humidifier, I only turn on one unit instead of two. It can be set on the floor, unlike my other humidifiers that need a raised flat surface. Lastly, this humidifier is just so easy to disassemble and clean, no tight and small hard to reach areas, and that’s the most important thing for me when it comes to humidifier.
Coming from a long time cool mist humidifier user, I’m extremely careful when it comes to cleaning my humidifier. I don’t ever want to see any pink or black, mold or algae in my humidifier. Here’s how I maintain and clean it.
I set it up as instructed, plus adding bacteriostat into the water tanks. I pull out the water tanks after each night of use, set them aside, keep the left over water in it if there’s still a lot. Then I remove the top fan part, which is very easy, took the base to my bathroom, dump the left over water in the base, also very easy. I keep everything open and separated, let the base and wicks air dry during day time. At night before bed, I rinse the wicks, put everything back and turn it on again. Took 3 minutes of my time to do all that in the morning and another 3 minutes at night before bed. Every week I clean the water tanks and the base according to the cleaning instructions. You might need to clean them more frequently if you don’t want to use the bacteriostat water additives. I also clean the wicks using white vinegar solution weekly and change them out every month.
Yes it’s a lot of work, but the truth is keeping and maintaining a humidifier is a lot of work. Get the cool mist ones if you don’t want to spend more money on the wicks but be prepared to clean it even more.
Once again I love this humidifier, highly recommend it. It’s the only humidifier that can be cleaned this easily at this level of performance and at this price point. Also, I’m not sure why so many reviewers say that the water spills every time removing the tanks. I suggest watching some YouTube reviews to learn how to properly remove the water tanks. They never spilled.
THE GOOD: The EVAP40 is thoughtfully designed and reasonably priced, and checks off the most important boxes. It’s equipped with large dual wicks and a powerful, relatively quiet vertical vortex fan that generate ample moist air and circulation. Large, transparent tanks with horizontal filling and handles allow fewer refills, easy monitoring of water levels, easy filling at the tap, and easier transport. The wicks (sometimes called “filters”), by capturing the bulk of hard water minerals, avoids the fine chalky “white dust” phenomenon of other types, while also reducing the frequency and difficulty of cleaning the unit’s interior.
THE BAD: Like many printers, air purifiers, etc. that appear to be a good deal, they can be costly to maintain with over-priced, limited-life consumables. You may even regret purchasing the product, but likely not until you use up the consumables that came with it which, perhaps by design, seem to last just beyond the unit’s return window. The EVAP40 folks seem to have taken this process to the next level:
1) The simple, paper-based wicks are overpriced at around $12 or more plus tax for a set of 2, and for us last about 3 weeks during the coldest part of IL winters. Mineral scale gradually builds up on the wicks, reducing both wick absorption and airflow through them. Your results may vary based on how you use it and how hard your water is (ours is very hard at 250 ppm TDS).
2) Although the unit comes with 1½" wicks, the AMZ product page (for the EVAP40 sold by the company) lists the thinner 1" MD1-0034 as replacements—not the 1½" MD1-0002 wicks also sold by the company. Thinner wicks have less surface area, so mineral saturation (scaling) occurs faster, requiring more frequent replacement. You may assume the thinner wicks cost less, but they sell for about the same price as the MD1-0002. Despite AMZ reviewers’ questions and complaints over time, the company remains curiously silent on this topic. And strangely, "comparable” wick refills sold by other sellers are also the thin variety and no bargain. (Note: AMZ recently took notice and established a separate product page for the EVAP40 they sell directly along with a refill of the appropriate MD1-0002 wicks. Just type EVAP40 in the AMZ search window, and you will find it. )
3) As other reviewers indicate, we also found the 1½" wicks that came with the unit lasted longer than the replacement wicks, inc. the 1½" MD1-0002 we use. No company comment on this issue either.
TIPS (for Operating Wick Evaporative Units):
1) Type of Water Used: Wicks can last longer if tap water is not very “hard,” or the water is distilled or demineralized (e.g., by reverse osmosis (RO)). But unless you have a RO system at home, the cost and trouble of store-bought jugs exceed the benefit of extended wick life. Our EVAP40 can go through 4 gal/24 Hrs. For water “softened” by ion exchange (replacing hard minerals with salt), salt also does not evaporate and will saturate wicks, reducing performance. Also, magnetic "salt-free" water conditioners do not prevent mineral scale on wicks (or within other types of humidifiers, or coffee makers, showers, etc.). We were duped a few years back into buying one of these systems, and their scientific-sounding marketing is simply gobbledygook.
2) Cleaning Wicks: We found soaking used wicks for a few hours in a vinegar/water solution (1 cup/1 gal), then wringing out, rinsing, and wringing again can extend their life a couple weeks or so. A 2nd cleaning is iffy because the wick material is fragile and deteriorates.
3) Troubleshooting: If you feel the unit is not, or is no longer performing effectively: A. Check the wicks. Mineral scaling begins on day one, gradually reducing performance. B. Crank up the unit’s humidistat and/or fan speed. C. Ensure the unit is relatively level to ensure tanks gravity-feed the bottom tray properly. D. Fully wet (or, “prime”) wicks before use, whether new or cleaned. E. Keep doors in the room closed as much as possible. F. Try relocating the unit. G. Cut your losses and replace the unit with one that better generates and circulates humidified air. H. Move to the Gulf coast.
TIPS (Before Purchasing any Humidifier):
1) Major Types/Designs include Mist (warm or cool), Ultrasonic, and Evaporative (wicks or impellers). They all come with their own pros and cons, with some of the most important outlined below.
A. Mist and ultrasonic units are generally cheaper to buy and operate, but are typically limited to small, enclosed rooms as they don’t generate or circulate moistened air that well. Some don’t vaporize well, with much of the moisture falling to the surrounding floor instead of mixing with the air. If using hard water, these units can quickly cover everything nearby with a fine, chalky white dust. In our experience, products added to the water claiming to eliminate this problem do not work. These humidifiers also require more frequent internal cleaning and are more difficult to clean than evaporative wick units.
B. With no wicks to replace or clean, evaporative units with Rotating Impellers can look appealing. A German brand we purchased also claimed to clean the air (“air washing”). But despite costing roughly 3 times more than our wick unit, it was less efficient at both producing and circulating humidified air. It was also more difficult to monitor the water level, refill and clean, it's noisier, and requires a specific additive (presently a whopping $13 per 8.5 oz bottle). And for “air washing” claims, Consumer Reports found “Both models we tested proved no better at removing dust and smoke than no air purifier at all.” Though the company quickly moved on from these models, the “air washing” process (and claims) have not changed for their newer models. Most any humidifier will trap some air particles as it pulls or pushes air through the unit—just not enough to make any significant difference.
C. Be wary of portable/console evaporative units advertised as “Whole House” humidifiers, even if the claimed ft2 meets or exceeds that of your entire home. Unless it’s for an RV, one of those “tiny homes,” or your floor plan resembles a jail cell—even the largest models cannot possibly circulate sufficient humidified air throughout traditional multi-room homes or apartments. Legitimate whole house humidifiers connect directly to the home’s HVAC and water system, and typically require more expertise to install than the average DIY. And of course, they are very costly.
2) Consider Additional Costs that can include consumables (wicks, water additives), electricity, water, and vinegar. Also, for effective/efficient operation—one or more humidity meters (hygrometers) to monitor humidity where you spend most of your time (e.g., couch, recliner, desk, table, bed, etc.). Use the readings to make adjustments to maintain desired levels. (You can buy 2-3 good hygrometers on AMZ for less than $25 total). You may also want a tray (e.g., boot/shoe or food tray) to place under the unit to catch potential spills and leaks. Depending on unit design, you may also need a separate container to haul water, and perhaps a funnel as well.
3) Be aware of unnecessary Add-Ons (bells and whistles) that increase unit cost and provide questionable benefit. One of the biggest add-on/gimmick is a digital hygrometer (humidity meter) on the unit itself, which (if accurate) indicates the relative humidity at the unit, but not other locations in the room, where levels may actually be 20-30% lower even in a smallish room. It's really just a fancy humidistat that controls the fan, vs. a dial that costs less and does the same thing. Example: If the onboard hygrometer is set at 50%, it doesn't represent the humidity level where you spend most of your time, unless you use the humidifier as a footrest, or the area is the size of a doghouse. Whether your unit comes with a digital or dial humidistat, you will still have to readjust it as natural humidity conditions in the room change. We find it easier to just set the humidistat on its highest level, and adjust the fan speed (low, med, hi, or off) as necessary, which isn't often.
4) Consider Ongoing Maintenance, e.g., monitoring humidity levels, readjusting humidistat and fan settings, checking water levels, refilling one or more times/day, adding water treatment, replacing/cleaning wicks (if equipped), and cleaning the unit’s interior.
5) When determining a Right Size Unit based on your area’s square footage (L x W = ft2) you should include any adjoining, openly-connected areas, e.g., kitchen, dining, hallway, etc. As a rule of thumb, consider units that claim 50% more ft2 than your room or combined area, and for raised ceilings consider going higher. We found claims are often unreliable, likely to one-up the competition and/or because they are based on optimum, controlled conditions unlikely to resemble your situation. If you live in an area where outside temps often fall below freezing, you will need a unit that can consistently raise and maintain humidity levels 20-30% or more. This level of performance may not be reflected in product claims.
6) When turning on a humidifier in a room/area with very dry air, it can take up to 24 hours before you see a notable rise in humidity throughout the area. Everything in it is as dry as the air including curtains, flooring, furniture, etc., and they will absorb moisture from the air until the room and everything in it reaches equilibrium.
The bottom line is, for our needs and knowing what we know now, we would still purchase the EVAP40, until a better option comes available. Right now we don't know of any.
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2022
THE GOOD: The EVAP40 is thoughtfully designed and reasonably priced, and checks off the most important boxes. It’s equipped with large dual wicks and a powerful, relatively quiet vertical vortex fan that generate ample moist air and circulation. Large, transparent tanks with horizontal filling and handles allow fewer refills, easy monitoring of water levels, easy filling at the tap, and easier transport. The wicks (sometimes called “filters”), by capturing the bulk of hard water minerals, avoids the fine chalky “white dust” phenomenon of other types, while also reducing the frequency and difficulty of cleaning the unit’s interior.
THE BAD: Like many printers, air purifiers, etc. that appear to be a good deal, they can be costly to maintain with over-priced, limited-life consumables. You may even regret purchasing the product, but likely not until you use up the consumables that came with it which, perhaps by design, seem to last just beyond the unit’s return window. The EVAP40 folks seem to have taken this process to the next level:
1) The simple, paper-based wicks are overpriced at around $12 or more plus tax for a set of 2, and for us last about 3 weeks during the coldest part of IL winters. Mineral scale gradually builds up on the wicks, reducing both wick absorption and airflow through them. Your results may vary based on how you use it and how hard your water is (ours is very hard at 250 ppm TDS).
2) Although the unit comes with 1½" wicks, the AMZ product page (for the EVAP40 sold by the company) lists the thinner 1" MD1-0034 as replacements—not the 1½" MD1-0002 wicks also sold by the company. Thinner wicks have less surface area, so mineral saturation (scaling) occurs faster, requiring more frequent replacement. You may assume the thinner wicks cost less, but they sell for about the same price as the MD1-0002. Despite AMZ reviewers’ questions and complaints over time, the company remains curiously silent on this topic. And strangely, "comparable” wick refills sold by other sellers are also the thin variety and no bargain. (Note: AMZ recently took notice and established a separate product page for the EVAP40 they sell directly along with a refill of the appropriate MD1-0002 wicks. Just type EVAP40 in the AMZ search window, and you will find it. )
3) As other reviewers indicate, we also found the 1½" wicks that came with the unit lasted longer than the replacement wicks, inc. the 1½" MD1-0002 we use. No company comment on this issue either.
TIPS (for Operating Wick Evaporative Units):
1) Type of Water Used: Wicks can last longer if tap water is not very “hard,” or the water is distilled or demineralized (e.g., by reverse osmosis (RO)). But unless you have a RO system at home, the cost and trouble of store-bought jugs exceed the benefit of extended wick life. Our EVAP40 can go through 4 gal/24 Hrs. For water “softened” by ion exchange (replacing hard minerals with salt), salt also does not evaporate and will saturate wicks, reducing performance. Also, magnetic "salt-free" water conditioners do not prevent mineral scale on wicks (or within other types of humidifiers, or coffee makers, showers, etc.). We were duped a few years back into buying one of these systems, and their scientific-sounding marketing is simply gobbledygook.
2) Cleaning Wicks: We found soaking used wicks for a few hours in a vinegar/water solution (1 cup/1 gal), then wringing out, rinsing, and wringing again can extend their life a couple weeks or so. A 2nd cleaning is iffy because the wick material is fragile and deteriorates.
3) Troubleshooting: If you feel the unit is not, or is no longer performing effectively: A. Check the wicks. Mineral scaling begins on day one, gradually reducing performance. B. Crank up the unit’s humidistat and/or fan speed. C. Ensure the unit is relatively level to ensure tanks gravity-feed the bottom tray properly. D. Fully wet (or, “prime”) wicks before use, whether new or cleaned. E. Keep doors in the room closed as much as possible. F. Try relocating the unit. G. Cut your losses and replace the unit with one that better generates and circulates humidified air. H. Move to the Gulf coast.
TIPS (Before Purchasing any Humidifier):
1) Major Types/Designs include Mist (warm or cool), Ultrasonic, and Evaporative (wicks or impellers). They all come with their own pros and cons, with some of the most important outlined below.
A. Mist and ultrasonic units are generally cheaper to buy and operate, but are typically limited to small, enclosed rooms as they don’t generate or circulate moistened air that well. Some don’t vaporize well, with much of the moisture falling to the surrounding floor instead of mixing with the air. If using hard water, these units can quickly cover everything nearby with a fine, chalky white dust. In our experience, products added to the water claiming to eliminate this problem do not work. These humidifiers also require more frequent internal cleaning and are more difficult to clean than evaporative wick units.
B. With no wicks to replace or clean, evaporative units with Rotating Impellers can look appealing. A German brand we purchased also claimed to clean the air (“air washing”). But despite costing roughly 3 times more than our wick unit, it was less efficient at both producing and circulating humidified air. It was also more difficult to monitor the water level, refill and clean, it's noisier, and requires a specific additive (presently a whopping $13 per 8.5 oz bottle). And for “air washing” claims, Consumer Reports found “Both models we tested proved no better at removing dust and smoke than no air purifier at all.” Though the company quickly moved on from these models, the “air washing” process (and claims) have not changed for their newer models. Most any humidifier will trap some air particles as it pulls or pushes air through the unit—just not enough to make any significant difference.
C. Be wary of portable/console evaporative units advertised as “Whole House” humidifiers, even if the claimed ft2 meets or exceeds that of your entire home. Unless it’s for an RV, one of those “tiny homes,” or your floor plan resembles a jail cell—even the largest models cannot possibly circulate sufficient humidified air throughout traditional multi-room homes or apartments. Legitimate whole house humidifiers connect directly to the home’s HVAC and water system, and typically require more expertise to install than the average DIY. And of course, they are very costly.
2) Consider Additional Costs that can include consumables (wicks, water additives), electricity, water, and vinegar. Also, for effective/efficient operation—one or more humidity meters (hygrometers) to monitor humidity where you spend most of your time (e.g., couch, recliner, desk, table, bed, etc.). Use the readings to make adjustments to maintain desired levels. (You can buy 2-3 good hygrometers on AMZ for less than $25 total). You may also want a tray (e.g., boot/shoe or food tray) to place under the unit to catch potential spills and leaks. Depending on unit design, you may also need a separate container to haul water, and perhaps a funnel as well.
3) Be aware of unnecessary Add-Ons (bells and whistles) that increase unit cost and provide questionable benefit. One of the biggest add-on/gimmick is a digital hygrometer (humidity meter) on the unit itself, which (if accurate) indicates the relative humidity at the unit, but not other locations in the room, where levels may actually be 20-30% lower even in a smallish room. It's really just a fancy humidistat that controls the fan, vs. a dial that costs less and does the same thing. Example: If the onboard hygrometer is set at 50%, it doesn't represent the humidity level where you spend most of your time, unless you use the humidifier as a footrest, or the area is the size of a doghouse. Whether your unit comes with a digital or dial humidistat, you will still have to readjust it as natural humidity conditions in the room change. We find it easier to just set the humidistat on its highest level, and adjust the fan speed (low, med, hi, or off) as necessary, which isn't often.
4) Consider Ongoing Maintenance, e.g., monitoring humidity levels, readjusting humidistat and fan settings, checking water levels, refilling one or more times/day, adding water treatment, replacing/cleaning wicks (if equipped), and cleaning the unit’s interior.
5) When determining a Right Size Unit based on your area’s square footage (L x W = ft2) you should include any adjoining, openly-connected areas, e.g., kitchen, dining, hallway, etc. As a rule of thumb, consider units that claim 50% more ft2 than your room or combined area, and for raised ceilings consider going higher. We found claims are often unreliable, likely to one-up the competition and/or because they are based on optimum, controlled conditions unlikely to resemble your situation. If you live in an area where outside temps often fall below freezing, you will need a unit that can consistently raise and maintain humidity levels 20-30% or more. This level of performance may not be reflected in product claims.
6) When turning on a humidifier in a room/area with very dry air, it can take up to 24 hours before you see a notable rise in humidity throughout the area. Everything in it is as dry as the air including curtains, flooring, furniture, etc., and they will absorb moisture from the air until the room and everything in it reaches equilibrium.
The bottom line is, for our needs and knowing what we know now, we would still purchase the EVAP40, until a better option comes available. Right now we don't know of any.
Top reviews from other countries
This thing is probably overpriced for what it is - a plastic tray, 2 water tanks, a fan and a plastic fan holder. Oh and 2 wicking filters you’ll have to change once in a while.
But that’s the beauty. It’s easy to clean, it just works, it doesn’t spew white “stuff” everywhere. It’s very effective, humidity is right where I want it.
One con - it’s big, but that’s life given the water capacity.
I’ve bought 3 humidifiers this year. This is a keeper.
The issue is if you have very hard water like I do in Toronto the calcium clogs up the filter and makes it stop absorbing water in about 1 month of use. I have also had issues with a slime forming in the water.
I started using a water treatment solution for humidifiers and it works much better. If you get this unit I suggest you do the same.
I was looking to replace my mist-type humidifier as the fine white powder it deposited was clogging up my air purifier filters in grand style. My asthma wasn’t benefitting either and I thought it was better I didn’t breathe that stuff in.
As a Canadian senior living in a southern Ontario, Canada, senior’s residence my quarters are small with an en-suite bathroom, and I have to cope with outside winter temperatures varying from -16 degrees Celsius (3.2 F) to weeks of -6 degrees Celsius (21.2F) with an outside humidity varying from 34 to 80%.
All this plays merry hell in trying to match the desired indoor temperature and humidity. My old-fashioned barometer was always a bit vague with humidity settings at normal, high, and low, so I bought a ThemoPro TP49-B Mini Hygrometer Thermometer and began an interesting battle of wits to seek the holy grail (for me) of the daytime temperature at 22-23 degrees Celsius (71.6 – 73.4F) and a humidity level of 44-50%.
I suppose there is a machine somewhere at NASA budget costs that takes the outside temperature and humidity and juggles some sort of average for your hard-working humidifier to sort out.
My good compromise Vornado Model EVAP40 does its best with a little manual help from me.
Noise: On low, it’s virtually soundless. On high it might be irritating at night, but you never need it on full at night anyway. The occasional burb and gurgle as the tanks feed the reservoir is a gentle reminder that my machine is quietly going about its business.
Filling: Two brilliantly designed tanks have conveniently wide spouts for easy filling. I have no individual kitchen so I have to refill at the bathtub. I found it difficult to see where the fill line was so I drew a line around with a black felt pen. Problem solved. There is little danger of spillage as you simply plop the tanks in place as shown in the excellent manual. I keep my machine sitting on a deep-rimmed boot tray I bought from Amazon.
Design: I found the knobs very stiff and on the front of the machine which is hard for a senior to see, as we don’t bend down very easily. I had to photograph the front panel with my iPhone so I could stand up to enlarge it to see what was what. Again, this a compromise I could accept.
Review: A good compromise and I highly recommend this. I haven’t used it long enough to replace the filters but I assume I will need two sets for the winter season. I turn them upside down occasionally and installation is easy.
Reviewed in Canada on February 24, 2023
I was looking to replace my mist-type humidifier as the fine white powder it deposited was clogging up my air purifier filters in grand style. My asthma wasn’t benefitting either and I thought it was better I didn’t breathe that stuff in.
As a Canadian senior living in a southern Ontario, Canada, senior’s residence my quarters are small with an en-suite bathroom, and I have to cope with outside winter temperatures varying from -16 degrees Celsius (3.2 F) to weeks of -6 degrees Celsius (21.2F) with an outside humidity varying from 34 to 80%.
All this plays merry hell in trying to match the desired indoor temperature and humidity. My old-fashioned barometer was always a bit vague with humidity settings at normal, high, and low, so I bought a ThemoPro TP49-B Mini Hygrometer Thermometer and began an interesting battle of wits to seek the holy grail (for me) of the daytime temperature at 22-23 degrees Celsius (71.6 – 73.4F) and a humidity level of 44-50%.
I suppose there is a machine somewhere at NASA budget costs that takes the outside temperature and humidity and juggles some sort of average for your hard-working humidifier to sort out.
My good compromise Vornado Model EVAP40 does its best with a little manual help from me.
Noise: On low, it’s virtually soundless. On high it might be irritating at night, but you never need it on full at night anyway. The occasional burb and gurgle as the tanks feed the reservoir is a gentle reminder that my machine is quietly going about its business.
Filling: Two brilliantly designed tanks have conveniently wide spouts for easy filling. I have no individual kitchen so I have to refill at the bathtub. I found it difficult to see where the fill line was so I drew a line around with a black felt pen. Problem solved. There is little danger of spillage as you simply plop the tanks in place as shown in the excellent manual. I keep my machine sitting on a deep-rimmed boot tray I bought from Amazon.
Design: I found the knobs very stiff and on the front of the machine which is hard for a senior to see, as we don’t bend down very easily. I had to photograph the front panel with my iPhone so I could stand up to enlarge it to see what was what. Again, this a compromise I could accept.
Review: A good compromise and I highly recommend this. I haven’t used it long enough to replace the filters but I assume I will need two sets for the winter season. I turn them upside down occasionally and installation is easy.
1) The unit ISN'T held together by any hardware. That's right - it basically comes apart when you go to fill it up. You have to line up the (laughingly thin and flimsy) plastic when putting the tanks back it.
2) The product is essentially this: a 300mm fan ($20 at any computer store) that sits atop some standing water in $5 worth of cheap plastic.
3) I filled it up, which in itself is precarious and awkward, put a dry cloth on top of the fan and let it run for 25 minutes. The cloth was still bone dry. I tried the same with my hand a dry piece of paper and nothing happened.
4) The wicks sit in the standing water, but they only get wet on the bottom. Maybe 2 inches get wet? So basically you have these cheaply made filters sitting in standing water with a very cheaply made fan trying to suck out the "moisture" that isn't even there.
5) The "temperature control" knob is basically a speed setting. It doesn't do anything. This unit has no temperature control, no sensors no automatic shut off.
I honestly feel like I've been a part of a practical joke. I'm shocked at how bad this is. I meant what I said: I could make this product at home for $20.