This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Kyvol - HD3 1.2 Gal. Ultrasonic Humidifier is a medium size cool mist humidifier with a dial on the front to adjust the amount of humidity the unit puts out. The front control panel also has a fairly bright LED indication (green for operational, red for needs water and/or cleaning). In dark rooms the LED can be a bit annoying, however I just put something in front of it to block the light. Unlike other humidifiers this unit does not include the usual blue glow mode which lights up a clear water tank, as a matter of fact the BPA free tank is a solid grey, only the water is visible when full. I found this a bit odd since you really can’t visually determine the water level other when it is topped off. The large water tank (1.2 gallons) is well designed, it has a handle both at the top and bottom of the reservoir, making it easy to hold when filling it from the tap and carry it back to the base of the unit. The tank does seem to drip a bit of excess water after you fill it, not sure if this is the valve mechanism or something else. In general, this unit is a bit more challenging to fill and transport. If you have water sensitive surfaces, be careful when removing the reservoir from the base, moving it to fill and then placing it back on the base can be challenging. The removable cap on the bottom of the tank also has “ceramic balls” which supposedly remove some odors from the water, seems a bit gimmicky but this unit did seem to produce a lot less white powder from other humidifiers I have used. Perhaps my water is less hard this year, but less mineral dust was a notable.
As for how the unit performs, it provides a strong stream of cool mist, with a plate which covers the top handle with a nozzle which rotates. The unit is quiet and at max setting pumped out a cool mist for about 36 hours before you had to refill the tank. Again, the base seems to not run really dry after the unit “runs out” of water, so be careful. Even though the tank is BPA free, the unit emitted a fairly strong plastic odor for several days. I emptied and rinsed the take several times, even with a diluted white vinegar solution (which is recommended as part of the normal maintenance routine). The manual also recommends a diluted bleach solution occasionally to disinfect the tank, especially if an organic odor starts to become apparent. Regardless of what I did the plastic smell took several days to dissipate.
Pros:
- Large water capacity
- Quiet operation
- Strong cool mist stream
- Handy tank handles top and bottom
- Adjustable humidity level (although I believe this is manual and not a humidistat).
- Seems less susceptible to producing mineral powder when using hard water.
- Cleaning brush included
- Replacement air filter included for bottom of the unit.
Cons:
- Strong plastic odor for a few days
- Difficult to determine water level since the tank is not clear.
- No place for “essential oils” if that is your thing.
