A good humidifier is a must for my home as it is for anyone who needs to add humidity to maintain healthy humidity levels. But with so many choices, it can be confusing making a humidifier choice. The Crane Germ Defense humidifier has all the features I consider must-haves in a humidifier, so I was eager to test it.
Product Despcription
- Crane® Germ Defense™ Ultrasonic Humidifier Item: EE-8065 Model SH6203
- Dual mist - Warm and Cool mist settings
- Germ-free antimicrobial mist - prevents mold and bacterial growth in the water tank and water basin
- 1.5 gallon water tank runs up to 72 hours
- Mists up to 2.5 gallons of moisture per day
- Whisper Quiet
- Energy efficient - low maintenance cost
- Adjustable humidity output
- 360deg multi-directional nozzle
- Ionizer enriches mist for fresher air
- Humidifies rooms up to 500 square feet
- Auto shutoff safety sensor
- Does not require a filter
- Power: Cool mist - 30W; Warm mist - 130W
- Dimensions about: 13"H x 11"D x 7.25"
- Learn more from the manufacturer
- Retails in the $70 range
- 1 Year limited warranty
How the Crane Germ Defense Humidifier Performed
December 1, 2011
Most notable out of the box is the slim and tall (13") humidifier design, giving it a smaller footprint than some other humidifiers with a similar water tank capacity. The unit is very easy to fill; it has a large opening and there is a built-in handle on the water tank. The water tank cap is easier to remove and tighten than some. There's a small blue operating light and red refilling indicator light.
One small item that is not a big concern but still frustrating is the outlet nozzle. It just sits on the top loosely and works fine but when the water tank is inverted when removed to fill, this small nozzle falls off. You need to remember to remove it first, before lifting the water reservoir.
It's also inevitable to remove the water tank and not have a little water dripping. I've found this quite typical of humidifiers in general, when there is still some water in the base. Just keep a small towel handy when removing the tank.
Things I love the most about this Crane Germ Defense and there are several:
1) Germ Defense which is basically silver technology - that means no bacteria or mold will grow in the water tank or basin. That's crucial for a healthy mist and a must-have feature.
2) Dual mist - you can choose cool or warm with a turn of the dial. I prefer cool mist because it helps me breathe easier, but some do like warm - so it's nice to have both functions on a single unit.
3) Whisper quiet - is definitely true. I'm impressed with the quiet operation. You have to be within a foot or closer to it to even hear the low hum, regardless of how much output you choose. With many humidifiers, the higher the output, the noisier they are. That makes this unit perfect for the bedroom or main living space.
4) There's no filters to buy. This is an ultrasonic humidifier which has become my favorite type, since searching for filters can be a drag. I did not detect a lot of white dust from operating this humidifier, but I ran it mostly at the half-way mark which was adequate for my space. White dust is caused by the water. It is scale (mineral deposits) from the water that is released in the mist. You'll notice more if you have hard water or run an ultrasonic humidifier on high. You can reduce or eliminate it by buying a Crane Demineralization Filter, or using demineralized water. I tend to just dust more and run an ultrasonic humidifier on a lower setting.
5) Capacity - I like the size of the water tank. I can fill it and run the unit continuously for two days before refilling at about medium output. You can get much more run time by lowering (speed) output. To get the most run time, you'd have to run it on the lowest setting. This output suits me fine and I run a humidifier 24/7, at least six months of the year during heating season. Actually, I often have three humidifiers going in different areas of the home.
The Germ Defense is maintaining a 45% humidity level for about 400 sq. ft. space at medium output; it could easily be run on a higher setting for a larger area. So it is suitable for a medium to large room, up to 500 sq.ft., but could also be run in a smaller room, but on a low setting. The goal is to provide an appropriate humidity level without causing moisture problems. I like the output and how comfortable the space is, given we have wood heating, which is a dryer form of heat.
Most notable out of the box is the slim and tall (13") humidifier design, giving it a smaller footprint than some other humidifiers with a similar water tank capacity. The unit is very easy to fill; it has a large opening and there is a built-in handle on the water tank. The water tank cap is easier to remove and tighten than some. There's a small blue operating light and red refilling indicator light.
One small item that is not a big concern but still frustrating is the outlet nozzle. It just sits on the top loosely and works fine but when the water tank is inverted when removed to fill, this small nozzle falls off. You need to remember to remove it first, before lifting the water reservoir.
It's also inevitable to remove the water tank and not have a little water dripping. I've found this quite typical of humidifiers in general, when there is still some water in the base. Just keep a small towel handy when removing the tank.
Things I love the most about this Crane Germ Defense and there are several:
1) Germ Defense which is basically silver technology - that means no bacteria or mold will grow in the water tank or basin. That's crucial for a healthy mist and a must-have feature.
2) Dual mist - you can choose cool or warm with a turn of the dial. I prefer cool mist because it helps me breathe easier, but some do like warm - so it's nice to have both functions on a single unit.
3) Whisper quiet - is definitely true. I'm impressed with the quiet operation. You have to be within a foot or closer to it to even hear the low hum, regardless of how much output you choose. With many humidifiers, the higher the output, the noisier they are. That makes this unit perfect for the bedroom or main living space.
4) There's no filters to buy. This is an ultrasonic humidifier which has become my favorite type, since searching for filters can be a drag. I did not detect a lot of white dust from operating this humidifier, but I ran it mostly at the half-way mark which was adequate for my space. White dust is caused by the water. It is scale (mineral deposits) from the water that is released in the mist. You'll notice more if you have hard water or run an ultrasonic humidifier on high. You can reduce or eliminate it by buying a Crane Demineralization Filter, or using demineralized water. I tend to just dust more and run an ultrasonic humidifier on a lower setting.
5) Capacity - I like the size of the water tank. I can fill it and run the unit continuously for two days before refilling at about medium output. You can get much more run time by lowering (speed) output. To get the most run time, you'd have to run it on the lowest setting. This output suits me fine and I run a humidifier 24/7, at least six months of the year during heating season. Actually, I often have three humidifiers going in different areas of the home.
The Germ Defense is maintaining a 45% humidity level for about 400 sq. ft. space at medium output; it could easily be run on a higher setting for a larger area. So it is suitable for a medium to large room, up to 500 sq.ft., but could also be run in a smaller room, but on a low setting. The goal is to provide an appropriate humidity level without causing moisture problems. I like the output and how comfortable the space is, given we have wood heating, which is a dryer form of heat.
Overall Impression
I do love this humidifier, how quiet it operates and how well it meets our needs even when a lower output is selected. I really like the fact that bacteria cannot grow in the water tank - a must for allergy/asthma sufferers and those who prefer an easier-care humidifier. The manual includes the care and maintenance recommended for this humidifier - that's an important read.
Being an ultrasonic humidifier, there are no filters to buy or wash - bonus. The only thing that needs improvement with this humidifier is the small nozzle that falls off when the tank is inverted.
This is a good humidifier choice for those wanting a dual mist humidifier or who cannot decide between cool or warm mist. It's also an ideal choice for the bedroom. As for cost of the unit, it has a lot of features for this price point and I consider it a great buy.
This Germ Defense Humidifier has manual operation meaning that there are dials for output or settings. Crane also makes another similar - the Germ Defense Digital Humidifier which is about $20 more. It includes an LCD display and timer - handy for those who want to set a 1 to 12 hour operation.
Being an ultrasonic humidifier, there are no filters to buy or wash - bonus. The only thing that needs improvement with this humidifier is the small nozzle that falls off when the tank is inverted.
This is a good humidifier choice for those wanting a dual mist humidifier or who cannot decide between cool or warm mist. It's also an ideal choice for the bedroom. As for cost of the unit, it has a lot of features for this price point and I consider it a great buy.
This Germ Defense Humidifier has manual operation meaning that there are dials for output or settings. Crane also makes another similar - the Germ Defense Digital Humidifier which is about $20 more. It includes an LCD display and timer - handy for those who want to set a 1 to 12 hour operation.
About the Company and Related Resources
Crane® manufacturers a wide variety of portable humidifiers including their Adorable line of humidifiers which are perfectly suited to children's bedrooms. Air purifiers, heaters and fans are also included in their line of products.
Compare Prices of Crane Humidifiers, Air Purifiers
Compare Prices of Humidifiers
Humidifier Fast Facts
Signs You Need a Humidifier
Ultrasonic vs Evaporative Humidifier
5 Must-Have Appliances for Allergy Sufferers
Go to Main Humidifier Page
Go to Home Page
Compare Prices of Crane Humidifiers, Air Purifiers
Compare Prices of Humidifiers
Humidifier Fast Facts
Signs You Need a Humidifier
Ultrasonic vs Evaporative Humidifier
5 Must-Have Appliances for Allergy Sufferers
Go to Main Humidifier Page
Go to Home Page
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
