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AquaOasis Cool Mist Review

This affordable humidifier is easy to clean, but its low output means it'll need to run for longer
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AquaOasis Cool Mist Review
Credit: AquaOasis
Price:  $50 List
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Manufacturer:   Aqua Oasis
By Sentry Kelly and Ryan White  ⋅  Jun 12, 2024
56
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#11 of 12
  • Effectiveness - 40% 3.0
  • Ease of Cleaning - 25% 8.0
  • Convenience - 20% 6.0
  • Run Time - 10% 7.9
  • Operation Cost - 5% 8.9

Our Verdict

The AquaOasis Cool Mist humidifier is a middling overall performer available at an affordable price point. We appreciated the straightforward control dial, which allows you to adjust the humidity levels to different strengths. However, we found that the AquaOasis isn't particularly effective overall. Unfortunately, its low output significantly diminishes its performance compared to other similar top-ranked humidifiers.
REASONS TO BUY
Simple controls
Effective nozzle
REASONS TO AVOID
Low output
Feels flimsy
Editor's Note: We updated this review for the AquaOasis Cool Mist on June 12th, 2024, with our updated testing metrics.

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line This model checks a lot of boxes, unfortunately it's core functionality isn't greatAffordable, feature-rich, and effective, this humidifier is a great all around choiceIt doesn't have the most power, but this device gets the job done at an affordable priceAdequate for small rooms, but there are better low cost/small room models availableThe design of these humidifiers is pleasing, but you might want more for your money
Rating Categories AquaOasis Cool Mist Dreo Smart HM311S Levoit Dual 150 Ult... Crane Drop Crane Adorables
Effectiveness (40%)
3.0
7.0
5.8
6.5
4.9
Ease of Cleaning (25%)
8.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
Convenience (20%)
6.0
10.0
7.5
4.0
5.0
Run Time (10%)
7.9
6.9
9.5
6.6
7.8
Operation Cost (5%)
8.9
7.8
6.0
8.7
8.3
Specs AquaOasis Cool Mist Dreo Smart HM311S Levoit Dual 150 Ult... Crane Drop Crane Adorables
Capacity 0.5 gal 1.0 gal 0.8 gal 1.0 gal 1.0 gal
Coverage Area 400 sq.ft. 300 sq. ft. 290 sq. ft. 500 sq. ft. 500 sq. ft.
Built in Humidistat No Yes No No No
Measured Noise (Low) 2.0 dBa 1.0 dBa .5 dBa .5 dBa .3 dBa
Measured Noise (Medium) 3 dBa 2 dBa 1 dBa 1 dBa 1 dBa
Measured Noise (High) 3 dBa 3 dBa 1 dBa 2 dBa 1 dBa
Nightlight No Yes No No No
Sleep Mode No Yes No No No
Available App No Yes No No No
Modes 1-3 1-3, Auto Dial Dial Dial
Relative Humidity Range None 30-90 None None None
Warm Mist No No No No No
Auto Shutoff Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Filter Required No No Optional No No
Aromatherapy Capable No Yes Yes No No
Removable Tank Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Top Fill / Bottom Fill Bottom Top Top Bottom Bottom
Humidification Technology Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Manufacturer Dimensions 10.0" x 4.0" x 5.0" 10.2" x 11.0" x 5.5" 11.6" x 7.2" x 8.1" 13.4" x 8.6" x 8.6" 12.8" x 7.0" x 7.0"
Weight 1.6 lbs 3.0 lbs 3.0 lbs 4.0 lbs 2.7 lbs
Run Time (High) 18 hr 18 hr 29 hr 16 hr 21 hr
Relative Humidity Change 1 hr 16.5% 52.2% 41.8% 47.3% 33.2%

Our Analysis and Test Results

To get a clear understanding of the AquaOasis Cool Mist's performance, we submitted it to a series of standardized tests that let us compare it to other humidifiers in the most unbiased way possible. In our analysis, we considered metrics like humidifying performance, overall convenience, ease of cleaning, run time, and operating costs.

Performance Comparison


Testing the Aqua Oasis Cool Mist with a Kilowatt meter.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Effectiveness


The AquaOasis Cool Mist had lackluster results in this metric, as its overall output was not great. In our testing, we found that over the course of an hour, it could only change the relative humidity in a 150 sq. ft. room by 16.5%, which is one of the lowest outputs we've seen among humidifiers tested. While it may be able to effectively humidify the room given enough time, we aren't interested in a humidifier that takes several hours to make a meaningful difference. This is a major downside for anyone looking for pure humidity performance.

aquaoasis cool mist - the control dial lets you fine-tune your humidity levels.
The control dial lets you fine-tune your humidity levels.
Credit: Laura Casner

Ease of Cleaning


Humidifiers are the perfect breeding ground for mold. Being able to clean them properly is essential. Like a few other models we tested in our review of the best humidifiers, the base features an open, rounded design that is easy to clean. The vapor tube cap is removable, and the tube itself is large and easy to clean due to its spacious opening. Additionally, the tank fill port measures 3.25 inches, making it very easy to fit your hand inside and wipe down the interior of the tank. The included instructions call for a water change and thorough cleaning every two to three weeks, which feels appropriate.

aquaoasis cool mist - we found the aquaoasis was pretty simple to clean.
We found the AquaOasis was pretty simple to clean.
Credit: Laura Casner

Convenience


One of our favorite features about the AquaOasis Cool Mist is the easy-to-operate control dial. Turning it clockwise slowly ramps up the humidity levels. Many machines have specific modes, i.e., low, medium, and high, but this dial lets you fine-tune your humidity levels to where you want them. It's not fancy, and it doesn't need to be. Simplicity is key for this type of appliance. Speaking of simplicity, this particular model is as barebones as it gets, lacking smart features, a sleep mode, or a humidistat. If you prefer straightforward operation, this model is ideal for you. While it is affordable, it's not the most inexpensive option out there, and we would have liked to see a little more included for the price.

aquaoasis cool mist - the small handle on top makes moving the device quick and easy.
The small handle on top makes moving the device quick and easy.
Credit: Laura Casner

Run Time


To calculate the overall runtime, we emptied the tank and added 50mL of water to the base of each humidifier. This allowed us to determine how long each device would operate before shutting off. It's important to note that different humidifiers have varying thresholds for when they shut off. In the case of the AquaOasis Cool Mist, it needs to drain down to about 75mL of water before it powers down. The actual runtime will depend on the mode you consistently run, but the AquaOasis should last an estimated 18 hours with a full tank, which is half a gallon. This is more than adequate for this appliance.

aquaoasis cool mist - the overall output isn't exactly efficient, but it'll get the job...
The overall output isn't exactly efficient, but it'll get the job done given enough time.
Credit: Laura Casner

Operating Cost


When tacked on to its fairly low MSRP, the overall lifespan cost of this model is quite reasonable at an estimated $1.71 a month to operate. We were able to calculate this by plugging the humidifier in using the Kilowatt meter and recording the power consumption using the national average for cost/kwh.

aquaoasis cool mist - bottom fill designs are typically inferior to top fills, but it's...
Bottom fill designs are typically inferior to top fills, but it's easy enough to refill either way.
Credit: Laura Casner

Should You Buy the AquaOasis Cool Mist?


The AquaOasis Cool Mist falls squarely into the budget category. We appreciated its ease of operation and maintenance, as well as its cost-effective operation. However, its overall output is lacking, requiring hours of runtime, even in a small room, to achieve a noticeable change in relative humidity. We can't fully recommend this model above the many other capable devices on the market today.

What Other Humidifiers Should You Consider?


While the MSRP and average operating costs are low, we didn't find the AquaOasis Cool Mist to offer a particularly good value compared to other humidifiers we tested. Relative to other small humidifiers, the Dreo HM311S is much more effective at humidifying and is more convenient to run. If you're not overly concerned with budget, the Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart is one of the best humidifiers you can buy, outclassing the AquaOasis at every turn except run time.

Sentry Kelly and Ryan White