Hunter 33257 Carefree Humidifier Plus with Permawick

Review by J. Pye
Rating:
We bought this Hunter 34357 and had it for a month. Note: Amazon’s return policy is incredible. So, read my review with the qualifier that you should probably try it yourself.

Out of the box: All the parts and components arrived intact, and everything worked.

Setup: Easy to set up, instructions were clear, up and running within about 15 mins.

Operation: This humidifer runs using a fan to disperse the moist air. We had this unit in our livingroom, which is about 25′ x 15′. From a humidifier standpoint, it covered this room well. However, it couldn’t cover an adjoining office or guest bedroom effectively, even though it was rated for 1600 square feet. I would give it an effective coverage of maybe 1/2 that. In addition, the unit fan was noisy. When I say noisy, I mean louder than the microwave in the kitchen. I mean so loud that we had to turn up the TV. In my opinion, too loud.

We returned it and bought an Air-O-Swiss ultrasonic. (Actually, two of them.) We’ve been happier with those.

I rated this a 3 because of the noise. Based on noise, it’s a 2, based on humification capability, I’d give it a 4. 3 seemed appropriate.

Review by
Rating:
I’ve had mine for 3 months. Works fine and does a good job. On low speed it’s quiet enough, although I have it in the hallway to humidify a 3 bedroom area. Love the fact that I don’t have to replace the wicks ($$$ saver). That’s what made me buy this in spite of the other noise complaints I’d seen.

Very easy to fill the tank and the tank is sturdy and easy to carry. No problems with water leakage. Sometimes the gurgling sound as water is being drained is a little annoying, but not overly so.

Overall, I’m satisfied.

Update (1/12/05) Cleaned it last spring easily with vinegar/water as instructed in the manual and packed it away. Got it back out and started using it in December (12/04). Once in awhile it vibrates a little more than I recall last season, but it’s still bearable. It’s a bummer others have reported problems with this model. I’m satisfied.

Review by
Rating:
I agree with the previous review, that this humidifier was fine at first but grew louder by the second week of use. The fan rattles like a garbage disposal. I tried running it only in the daytime but that defeated the purpose since I need it while sleeping.Went and purchased the Hamilton Beach 05519 from J&R Music World and it is quieter but still also loud. But I’ll take a loud HUM over a loud RATTLE any day!I’m mad that I have to change filters now, but supposedly only every 2 mos. with the Hamilton Beach. I will stay away from all Hunter products in the future because now I’ve done some research on the Web and it seems that quite a few people are having the same noise problem. There is a defect. Not only that, one model of Hunter’s was recalled due to a fire hazard!