A humidifier is a must-have home appliance, and there are two common types available: steam vaporizers and cool-mist humidifiers.

Both are designed with a similar end goal in mind, which is to alter the molecular form of water and disperse it into the air with a steady stream. This increases the moisture level in the air of your environment and grants you benefits like better breathing, relaxation, and more.

Despite their commonalities, there are some key differences in the vaporizer vs humidifier debate that you should know about before making a purchase. Here are the most significant features and functions that set the two apart.

Key Mechanisms

The names of these devices reveal the main differences between them.

A vaporizer turns water into steam using a heating element powered by electricity. Just as a kettle on a boiling stove starts spouting steam at tea time, a vaporizer does the same thing at a more controlled rate over a longer duration of time.

A humidifier, on the other hand, can function in two main ways. The first is by means of ultrasonic vibration, which is accomplished with a high-frequency diaphragm sending cool mist particles into the air at a rapid rate.

The other common type of humidifier uses a small rotating disc in the water basin to agitate and disperse cool mist out of the top of the unit. These machines operate fairly quietly and both offer a high degree of control over their output.

To the untrained eye, the water dispersed from a vaporizer and an ultrasonic humidifier would appear to be the same. Warm steam and cool mist are, in fact, different. They each have a slightly different impact on the atmosphere and the air quality, and preferences will vary based on the environment in question.

Both devices can also be used to introduce essential oils to your space, which allow you to enjoy various natural scents and benefit from the therapeutic effects of certain plants.

When you do purchase a humidifier or vaporizer, be sure it has a designated basin for essential oils so you can add another dimension of comfort to your environment.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Vaporizers and humidifiers aren’t especially difficult to maintain, but each type of machine has a unique cleaning protocol you should follow to keep things running smoothly and prevent any adverse effects.

If you’re planning to buy an ultrasonic humidifier, be prepared to give the inner workings a daily clean and full-dry treatment. Mineral buildup can happen fast with daily use, and in time, this can lead to dangerous bacteria forming in the machine. Never fall behind on maintenance with a cool-mist humidifier of any type.

With a steam vaporizer, bacteria is less of a concern due to the boiling mechanism of the unit. You may not need to perform daily maintenance, but a thorough cleaning is advised at least a few times a week, especially with the regular use of essential oils.

While cool-mist units can be washed down with simple dish soap and warm water, you’ll want to use a harsher white vinegar solution when cleaning out your steam vaporizer now and then. Allow it to cleanse the interior of the basin and scrub away at any buildup.

Final Thoughts

Cool-mist humidifiers are preferable in homes with young children and pets, since the boiling water of a steam vaporizer can be a hazard if knocked over. If you stay vigilant with maintenance, cool-mist is a better choice for families.

Steam vaporizers have their own advantages and may be more soothing for older folks in cold months. Weigh the pros and cons yourself and pick the machine that best suits your needs!