Humidity is a subject that if you were to be honest, may be one that you might not find very interesting.
But as you begin to learn about the multiple benefits that maintaining a healthy humidity level can do for you and your family, or your plants,
you may find yourself being a little more interested in relative humidity then you probably thought you were.
Humidifiers are the go-to machine when your humidity is too low.
But traditionally humidifiers are kind of a pain to deal with since they have to be cleaned so often and refilled even more regularly.
And the fact that simply refilling a humidifier in the past has been nothing short of a chore.
What if that were no longer an issue?
Like say…
Table of Contents
Is there a humidifier that fills from the top?
Top filling humidifiers are becoming very popular because of their ease of use.
The daily grind of refilling a humidifier can be quite a task when you’re talkin about pulling the tank off, turning it upside down and putting it in the sink to fill it.
Then turning it back upside right, full of water and carrying it back to the humidifier location.
Quite frankly it’s a task that leads pretty quickly to not wanting to mess with it.
Which leads to not using the humidifier as much as you need to.
How does a top fill humidifier work?
A top filling humidifier does not require that the water tank be turned upside down to fill the tank up. You simply pull the basin out, unscrew the lid, and put it under the spout to fill it up.
Optionally, you can fill up a pitcher or a plant watering can and transport the water to the humidifier and pour it in without ever having to lift or disassemble any part of the humidifier.
This not only makes it much more convenient, it makes a way simpler for people who simply do not have the strength to carry a full basin of water.
Top fill vs. bottom fill humidifier
Traditional bottom fill humidifiers require the water tank to be completely removed and turned upside down in order to refill the water. It is an awkward, messy task. And one that requires a lot of muscle.
Top fill humidifiers are designed so that the whole lid comes off. This completely eliminates the need of turning the water tank upside down.
And like in the case of the Elechomes humidifier, the water basin has a handle that pools the tank completely off and gives you a way of transporting the basin much like any other bucket.
And since the lid comes off, It means that water can be transported to the humidifier without pulling the tank off at all.
Imagine, if you are a plant enthusiast, how much more convenient it is to add water to your humidifier by carrying the water to your humidifier while you’re already watering your plants.
Or, consider how much easier it can be for people like the elderly that simply do not have the strength to carry a water tank back and forth. Much less flip it over a couple of times in the process.
Cleaning is the other aspect that makes top fill humidifiers much less tedious to deal with.
Since the whole lid comes off, all the internal parts are easily accessed and scrubbed.
Best Top Fill Humidifier
1. Elechomes SH8820
2. Honeywell top fill Tower humidifier
3. Honeywell top fill cool mist humidifier
4. Homedics Total comfort top fill humidifier
5. Crane Warm and Cool mist humidifier
6. Pure enrichment Hume max top fill humidifier
7. Levoit 300S 6L top fill cool mist ultrasonic humidifier
8. Geniani Top Fill cool mist humidifier
9. Honovos Large Top Fill Humidifier with no filter.
10. MZTDYTL
11. Megawise top fill adjustable humidifier
1. Elechomes SH8830
Because of the size of the 6.5 l a huge water tank, It can run up to 72 hours without having to be refilled.
It’s whispers quiet. And when they say whisper-quiet, they mean what they say. This machine comes in at 20 db. Probably the quietest humidifier in the world.
It can also handle an extra large amount of square feet, up to 861.
The built-in hygrometer and humidistat are the best to be found in humidifiers.
It also can be used as a cool mist or a warm mist humidifier and or a aromatherapy diffuser.
The top filling aspect of Elechomes makes it one of the easiest humidifiers to refill and keep clean.
a 360-degree rotatable nozzle allows you to focus on any part of the room without moving the humidifier.
And it features waterless shut off.
And it does all this with a Top fill design that makes filling and cleaning the humidifier extra easy.
Negatives:
The main drawback is that it is not filterless.
Manufacturer: Elechomes
Dimensions: 10.2 * 8.4 * 13.3 in
Weight: 6 lb
Noise level: 20 db
Applicable area: 430-861 square feet
Water capacity: 1.72 gallons
Working time: up to 72 hours
Features:
- 861 square feet
- Extra quiet 20 db
- Cold or warm mist
- 360 degree Mist nozzle
- Up to 72 hours between refills
- Hygrometer/humidistat
- Waterless shut off
- Set it and forget it mode
- Top fill design
- Remote control
Remarks
The only things that can make this humidifier any better would be the addition of a UV lamp. And ditch the filter.
2. Honeywell top fill Tower humidifier
The top fill Tower humidifier by Honeywell is easily one of the most popular in top filling humidifiers.
The tower design means that it takes up less space and can be easily tucked away.
It is a 1.5 gallon tank and a 12 hour timer with three speeds.
The humidistat has a digital readout that keeps you alerted to your humidity at all times.
Honeywell top fill humidifier is a 3-speed humidifier with a programmable humidistat that you can set and forget. It has a 12 hour timer and can be filled in a sink or filled at the humidifier. It also has a refill light to indicate when the water is near empty.
Again it does have the drawback of not being filterless.
Manufacturer: Honeywell
Dimensions: 9.84 * 8.66 * 24.72 in
Weight 12.5 lb
Tank capacity: 1.5 gallons
Features:
- 12 hour timer with auto shut-off
- 3 speed setting
- Easy grip handle
- Digital programmable humidistat
- 1.5 gallon tank
Remarks
Honeywell has a good reputation for building long-lasting products.
This humidifier does feature a humidistat but it does not control the humidifier like a thermostat would the air.
It also does not include an aromatherapy option nor does it offer the capacity to run as a cool mist or warm mist humidifier.
Noise levels are not given, nor is the square footage covered listed either.
3. Honeywell top fill console humidifier
This humidifier has an adjustable humidistat that can be set to high, medium or low and automatically turns off when the desired humidity level is reached. The auto shutoff feature also turns off the humidifier when it runs out of water.
And the top fill function makes the Honeywell cool mist an excellent small room humidifier.
The humidifier is not filterless.
Manufacturer: Honeywell
Dimensions: 23.23 * 15.35 * 16.38 in
Weight: 19.41 lb
Tank size 1.5 gal
Features
- Adjustable humidistat with auto shutdown
- Easy Top fill design
Remarks
Honeywell has the reputation of building excellent products.
But when it comes to giving you some basic details like how much square footage a humidifier covers, they don’t seem to be too interested.
They also don’t seem to care about how louder units are, or giving you any information about their warranty length or procedure.
4. Homedics Total comfort top fill humidifier
The homedics Total comfort is built with simplicity in mind.
The humidifier has a 3.7l tank that can run up to 45 hours without having to refill it.
The simplicity of the design makes it super easy to clean.
And the top fill function allows you to easily fill the humidifier without having to take off the tank or turn it over in the sink.
It also has a couple of nice features like an essential oil tray and the night light.
There’s a lot to be said for simplicity in a humidifier.
Manufacturer: Homedics
Dimensions 13 * 9.75 * 9.6 in
Weight: 4.75 lb
Tank size 1 gallon
Effected space: 278 square feet
Features
- Top filling
- 3 mist settings
- Aromatherapy tray
- 278 square feet
- Runs 45 hours without having to refill it.
Remarks
The one thing that Homedics continually put in their marketing materials is that they use “clean tank technology”.
But there is no information to be found on what this technology actually is or does.
Judging by the extras available for the humidifier. Clean tank technology is a demineralization stick that you put in the water.
Homedics also makes a much fancier version; it runs up to 85 hours without refilling. You can check it out here.
5. Crane warm and cool mist top fill humidifier
Some of these features include an adjustable 360 degree mist lid, remote control, and a 1.2 gallon tank.
One noticeable difference is the addition of a UV lamp that targets bacteria and mold before they can become in issue in the humidifier.
Unfortunately reviews seem to indicate that the humidistat can be inaccurate and be less than enduring. Pity.
Manufacturer: Crane
Dimensions: 14 * 10 * 16 in
Weight: 7.26 lb
Tank size : 1.2 gallons
Applicable space: 500 square feet
Features:
- Covers 500 square feet
- Runs 24 hours without being refilled
- Top fill/ easy cleaning access
- UV antimicrobial light to reduce bacteria and mold growth
- Remote control
- Hygrometer / humidistat auto adjust and shutdown
Remarks
Curiously, For a humidifier that seems to have every Bell and whistle you can think of, it does not have an essential oil tray.
This is Cranes largest all inclusive humidifier. They also have many other models that are worth checking out. See them here.
6. Pure Enrichment Hume Max top fill humidifier with no filter
It can also run for 30 hours at low speed without having to refill it.
The humidifier has a one gallon capacity tank.
It is top filling for easy refilling and easy cleaning.
It doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles like a digital humidistat,
But it does have one major one. It does not require a filter change whatsoever.
Another big element to this humidifier is its look.
It seems like the more features you put in a humidifier, the boxier and uglier they get.
The pure enrichment Hume Max looks as good as it works.
And it has a guaranteed 5 year warranty.
But the main reason it is included in this list is because of its high ratings. Easily one of the best reviewed.
It is a very powerful, well-made machine worthy of checking out.
Manufacturer: pure enrichment
Dimensions: 7.5 * 7.5 * 11.5 in
Weight: 2.4 lb
Square footage: 300 square feet
Tank size: 1 gallon
Features:
- 30 hours of runtime between refills
- 300 square foot coverage
- Three settings
- Top fill easy refilling and cleaning access
- Ultra sleek
- 5 year guaranteed warranty
7. Levoit 300S 6L top fill cool mist ultrasonic humidifier
The Levoit 300s top fill humidifier is no different.
This humidifier is Wi-Fi-enabled and can be voice controlled by combining it with an Alexa Echo or other device.
The top fill design makes it very easy to refill with water.
Considered a smaller humidifier because it only covers 505 square feet.
It actually has an extra large 6 l tank and can run for 60 hours without having to refill it.
A digital hygrometer keeps you informed on the relative humidity of your room or home,
And a smart humidification sensor adjusts the level of mist as well as turns the machine on or off.
The Levoit 300s also humidifies the room as much as four times faster than other leading brands.
And if you had enough value yet, the classic 300s is super quiet and never gets over a level of 30 db.
Which is perfect when you are trying to watch TV or you do not want a loud humidifier running while you are trying to get your baby down to sleep.
A soothing ambient night light is also included if you need a night light for your baby or toddlers.
Item model number: classic 300s
Dimensions 9.6 * 7.5 * 13.4 in
Product weight 4.3 lb
Loudness 30 db
Effective area 215 to 505 square feet.
Features
- 6 extra large water tank
- Essential oil tray
- Wifi-enabled
- 60 hour run time without refilling
- Top filling (super easy to fill and clean)
- Night light ( on or off)
- 360-degree rotating misting nozzle
- Automatic shut-off
- ETL certified
- Cleaning brush included
8.Geniani Top Fill cool mist humidifier
The jury the preside over the prize stated: “the humidifier is characterized by a user-friendly concept that effectively combines modern technology with a classic timeless design”
This Geniani top filling humidifier covers 220 square feet. And it has a 4 l or 1.05 gallon water tank that will last 18 hours before you have to refill it.
It is not only a humidifier, it is a fully functioning essential oil diffuser as well. Essential oils and aromatherapy are known to help alleviate symptoms caused by sinus and allergies and even help you to calm and relax.
The top fill design of this humidifier is also interesting because you can either take the lid off or you can or water run into the small insert at the top of the humidifier.
That makes it a little more convenient.
It is also who is very quiet then comes in at 38 DB noise level. About the same as a ticking clock.
And it does come with the obligatory night light option.
Item model number: Huron
Dimensions: 9.06 x 6.69 x 12.2 in
Weight: 4.17 lb
Noise level: 38 DB
Square footage: 220
Features:
- 4 / 1.05 gallon tank
- Covers 220 square feet
- Top filling
- Last 18 hours without refilling
- Aromatherapy diffuser
- Auto shutoff
- One button control
- 2 year warranty
Negatives
This humidifier also claims to have a smart sensor that reduces or increases the humidity according to the relative humidity in the room.
But it does not have a hygrometer to read the humidity in the room.
Does that sound a little suspicious?
It also doesn’t come with its own brush to clean it with.
9. Honovos Large Top Fill Humidifier with no filter.
This large capacity tower humidifier has a transparent tank with a blue decorative light that gives this humidifier a very sleek look that would be beautiful in any room.
But it doesn’t depend on its looks.
It has some of the best features that you can actually find on a humidifier.
This humidifier runs for 34 hours with a 12 L tank and can cover a room up to 750 square feet.
It features customizable humidity from 45% to 95% relative humidity.
Built-in hygrometer and 4 speed humidistat allow you to dial in the humidity level that you want and then turn the humidifier off when the targeted humidity level is reached.
Built-in aromatherapy tray is this very quiet humidifier, about 30db, a nearly silent frequency for your peace of mind.
It also has a 24 hour timer.
Item model number: Honovos
Dimensions: 9 * 9 * 29.9 in
Weight: 5.5 lb
Square footage covered: 750 square feet
Noise level: 30db
Features
- Cover 750 square feet
- 12 L tank for fewer refills
- Top filling refill
- Aromatherapy tray
- Hygrometer/Humidistat
- Auto shutoff
- Completely filter free
- One year warranty
Remarks
This is a very well reviewed stylish humidifier.
Many people say that they enjoy the blue UV lamp.
But there is nothing in the description that indicates that the blue light is anything other than a decorative light.
So don’t count on the blue light having any type of antimicrobial purpose.
10. MZTDYTL
While it is one of the smaller humidifiers on our list, it has a lot of great features that make it a very popular and positively reviewed humidifier.
This little cool mist humidifier can moisturize the air up to 24 hours of continuous operation without refilling.
The tank size is 3 l or roughly .79 gallons and it can easily handle a room that is 350 square feet.
Some of its functions include 360 adjustable nozzle, short water auto shutdown, and use as an aromatherapy diffuser.
The humidifier is also completely filterless.
As for the noise level over the humidifier, the only specification given is that it is quiet.
This is a small top fill humidifier that is meant to be simple, not only to refill with water but also to clean and to dial in the settings that you want the humidifier to run on.
Item model number: MZTDYTL
Dimensions: 9.4 in by 3.15 in
Effective range: 350 square feet
Materials: bpa-free plastic
Features
- 350 square feet
- 3 l tank
- 360 degree Mist nozzle
- Short water Auto turn off
- Aromatherapy tray
- Top fill design
- 24-hour operation
- 1 year hassle free warranty
Remarks
This top filling humidifier gets a lot of outstanding reviews due to good craftsmanship, nice design, and it’s simplicity. Many people say that it is just the right size.
Megawise top fill adjustable humidifier
It can handle a space as big as 322 sq ft which is perfect for any room including the living room, the bedroom, a baby’s room or an office.
The water tank holds 4.5 l/ 1.18 Gal. and can run for 40 hours without refilling.
Is also one of the quietest humidifiers on this list coming in at 28db.
It also features a sleep button that allows the humidifier to be completely silent and shut off the light.
It features a sensitive touch screen for settings and is very easy to operate.
It also does not have to be disassembled or a lid be taken off in order to refill the humidifier.
Built-in timer allows it to run for 1 hour 2 hours 4 hours or 8 hours and it has an adjustable three level Mist setting.
Item name: Megawise
Package Dimensions: 13.82 * 8.03 * 7.99 in
Weight: 2.08 Oz.
Affected area 350 square feet
Noise level 28 db
Features
- Covers 350 square feet
- 1.18 gallon tank
- 40 hours of operation between refills
- Top filling
- 360 degree mist nozzle
- Adjustable timer
Remarks
This is a small humidifier with many of the bells and whistles including aromatherapy tray or humidistat.
Though it does not have many of the features that humidifier manufacturers are rushing to offer, it is a very sleek looking humidifier that is also one of the quietest humidifiers available.
Top fill humidifiers are the wave of the future.
After using a top fill humidifier, why would you ever want to go back to the awkward mess of filling and cleaning an old traditional style humidifier.
If you were in the market for a humidifier, top filling is the way to go, hands down.
Q and A
Do cool mist humidifiers make the room cold?
Cool mist humidifiers may make you feel a little cold directly in front of the nozzle emitting the cool mist, but they do not put out enough cool mist to change the temperature of an entire room.
One of the main culprits that is drying out the air in the first place is the heat running.
Since low humidity can be typically a winter issue more so than other times of the year, humidifiers and heaters are usually running simultaneously.
The cool mist from a humidifier can actually be quite refreshing when you are in a dry heated house.
Do warm mist humidifiers make the room hot?
Warm mist humidifiers are basically steam machines. Steam will heat up a room and make it feel swampy.
Running a warm mist humidifier in an already warm room, that is being warmed by a heater can actually make a very uncomfortable feeling in the environment.
The best use of a warm mist humidifier is to use it in conjunction with a medicated salve like Vicks or eucalyptus.
Steam along with the medicinal additives can open up your airways nicely and help you breathe easier when you are congested.
But it would be well worth it to run it in a cooler room rather than a heated room.
Can humidifiers be harmful?
The reason humidifiers could be considered dangerous or harmful is the easy growth of mold and bacteria that can happen when a humidifier is not properly maintained
The main issue is leaving water in a humidifier when the humidifier is not in use.
Standing water can begin to form mold and bacteria in as little as 48 to 60 hours.
Imagine running a humidifier that has had water standing in it for a week.
The result would be that the germs and bacteria that have been growing in the standing water would be emitted throughout the air of the entire room.
Everyone in the room would then be breathing in the mold and bacteria from that humidifier that has been allowed to go without being maintained
This is precisely how a humidifier can be considered harmful.
But maintaining the proper relative humidity with a humidifier is one of the easiest and best things you can do to protect your health from humidity related problems like dry skin and bloody noses, etc.
That is one of the main benefits of using a top fill humidifier. They are so much easier to clean because all the parts are accessible from the top.
What happens if a humidifier runs out of water?
Most humidifiers when they run out of water will automatically turn off.
But if you have a cheaper type cool mist humidifier that doesn’t have an auto shutdown future when the humidifier turns off, then the humidifier will continue to run.
Fortunately, it will not damage the humidifier if the water runs out.
