Black & Decker Ultrasonic Humidifier

The Black & Decker Ultrasonic Humidifier, model BUHD055, offers a promising blend of features designed to maintain comfortable humidity levels in various living spaces. As someone who values a well-balanced indoor climate, I was eager to put this humidifier through its paces and see if it could meet the needs of a modern home.

Design and Build Quality

Upon unboxing the humidifier, I was immediately struck by its sleek and compact design. Standing at 14 inches tall, with a width of 9.8 inches and a length of 7.3 inches, it is relatively unobtrusive and fits easily into most spaces. The 1.45-gallon water tank is substantial enough to minimize frequent refills, and the device itself is lightweight at just 5.3 pounds, making it easy to move around as needed.

The touch panel control with an LCD display is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing for easy adjustments to settings. The dual mist outlets are a thoughtful feature, enabling better distribution of humidity throughout the room. The water level indicator is a handy addition, ensuring you never have to guess when it’s time for a refill.

However, I did notice some concerns with build quality. Although the materials used seem durable, there have been occasional reports of leaks. While I didn’t experience this myself, it’s something to be mindful of, especially if you plan to use the humidifier on wooden surfaces or near electronics.

Performance

One of the standout features of this humidifier is its impressive 40-hour continuous run time on the lowest setting. This makes it ideal for larger rooms up to 600 square feet, such as living rooms or master bedrooms. I tested it in a 500 square foot space and found that it maintained a comfortable humidity level without any issues.

The automatic humidity control, which ranges from 45% to 90% relative humidity, is another noteworthy feature. It allows the device to adjust its output based on the ambient humidity, ensuring a consistent and comfortable environment. The 12-hour timer is useful for setting the humidifier to run overnight or during specific periods of the day.

Noise levels are commendably low at just 35dB, making it suitable for use in bedrooms or other quiet areas. The negative ion function is a nice touch, though it’s hard to quantify its benefits without specialized equipment.

Usability

Filling the water tank is straightforward, thanks to the wide opening. The unit also features an auto shut-off function when the tank is empty or removed, providing peace of mind against accidental damage. The ceramic-infused filter is easy to clean and helps to ensure that the mist produced is free from impurities.

One minor inconvenience is the 59-inch power cord, which may be a bit short for some setups. You might need an extension cord depending on where you plan to place the humidifier.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Long Run Time: Up to 40 hours on a single fill at the lowest setting.
- Large Coverage Area: Suitable for rooms up to 600 square feet.
- Low Noise Operation: Quiet enough for use in bedrooms.
- Automatic Humidity Control: Maintains consistent humidity levels.
- Dual Mist Outlets: Better distribution of mist.
- User-Friendly Controls: Easy-to-use touch panel with LCD display.
- Safety Features: Auto shut-off and water level indicator.
- Negative Ion Function: Enhances air quality.

Cons:
- Build Quality Concerns: Occasional reports of leaks.
- Short Power Cord: May require an extension cord for optimal placement.
- Initial Investment: Slightly higher cost compared to basic humidifiers.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, the Black & Decker Ultrasonic Humidifier performs admirably in maintaining comfortable humidity levels in larger spaces. Its long run time, automatic humidity control, and low noise operation make it a strong contender for anyone looking to improve their indoor air quality.

However, the build quality issues, particularly concerning leaks, are worth considering. If you decide to go for this model, I would recommend placing it on a waterproof mat or surface initially to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage. Additionally, using distilled water can help keep the unit clean and functioning optimally.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Black & Decker Ultrasonic Humidifier for those in need of a reliable and feature-rich humidifier, provided you take some precautions against potential leaks. Its performance and user-friendly features make it a valuable addition to any home, especially in dry climates or during the winter months.