'Buyer beware' when purchasing humidifiers, Consumer Reports says

YONKERS, N.Y. — The latest issue from Consumer Reports found top-rated humidifiers for as little as $30, but shoppers need to be cautious because a few models tested fell short of claims, the publication announced Tuesday.

"Low prices and a raft of antimicrobial promises can be extremely enticing, but our latest tests show that some models humidify less than their claims suggest," stated Bob Markovich, home and yard editor at Consumer Reports. "And even with humidifiers that discourage microbes, consumers will still need to clean and disinfect the tank regularly due to the sitting water."

The full report on humidifiers appears in the January issue of Consumer Reports and online at ConsumerReports.org.

Among recommended models were the Air-O-Swiss A0S7135, $170, and Sunpentown SU-4010, $90, which can produce cool or warm mist. The Vicks V745A, $45, uses a heating element to create steam and kill bacteria and other microbes as the water is heated. But steam models can pose scalding risks; Consumer Reports recommended keeping them away from children.