Honeywell 1.5 gal. 500 sq ft Filter Free Warm Mist Humidifier with Essential Oil Cup, Black, HWM440

True steam. Because it boils the water, the white dust doesn't appear all over everything. Use distilled water and the entire mineral problem goes away. The steam rises completely up into the room then disappears. My cool mist units resemble waterfalls. The mist goes up a foot or so then falls to the floor. This is very basic, small green LED indicators on the front and a Low-Off-Hi switch tell you if it's on hi, low or off. You'll need to keep white vinegar on hand. You'll use it to make a vinegar and water solution and let it sit in the water tank. You'll also use it to soak the mineral deposits off the heating element during weekly cleaning. Takes about 30 - 40 minutes of soaking, then use a soft brush, like an old tooth brush to gently remove any remaining visible deposits. The other plastic parts other than the tank and the base are dishwasher safe. I fill the base with white vinegar and let the heating element soak while the other parts are sanitizing in the dishwasher. At least there are no filters to buy and replace. I used a sound meter app on my smart phone to measure the sound level. As I passed the microphone directly over the steam outlet, the meter read 36db. One foot above the outlet, it only read 20db. It's even quieter on low. And the sound you hear is that of water simmering. I almost purchased a "stainless steel warm mist humidifier" for $150, then realized, I could have two of these for way less money and always have at least one running while the other is in service. This Honeywell HWM440 has a higher output on high than the Vick's Warm Mist Humidifier which I also own. I needed something larger for my big room, about 800 sq. ft. With both of them working together, I'm finally over 40% humidity again.

Bought 2 of these ( for different rooms) because they have a large water bin ( you don't have TOP FILL it as often). The high and low steam mists both work great, and it is easy to flip the switch to low, off and high. Haven't had to clean it yet (we have hard water) , but the instructions that comes with the unit are simple and direct. Read other reviews to get great suggestions from other purchasers. I also like that it is NOT ultrasonic, so there are no mineral deposits to clean up.