Honeywell HUL430 Review

The Honeywell HUL430 is a straightforward device that does its job well: Top-notch humidification without the extra features to clutter up the display or operation. While many small home appliances are incorporating the latest and greatest smart features, the HUL430 keeps a classic and app-free user experience thanks to a one-button interface and error-preventative features. If you are looking for the best humidifier for your home, keep reading to see what made the HUL430 stand out in each of our individual test metrics.

Performance Comparison

Effectiveness

The Honeywell HUL430 earned high marks in our humidifying performance tests. It was able to change the humidity levels by 27% in a one-hour time frame, which represents the top of the heap in terms of pure humidifying power. If you're seeking some of the highest humidity output on the market, this is a great option, as long as you don't need all the bells and whistles in terms of technology and additonal features. More on that in our other metrics below.

Like other models, the Honeywell lets you add essential oils to the humidifier via the essential oil tray, and it can do double duty as a diffuser. We tested this feature and found that it produced a noticeable yet not overwhelming scent, which we consider ideal. As a nice final feature, the unit shuts off automatically both when the water level is empty and when the tank is removed from the base.

Ease of Cleaning

The Honeywell HUL430 once again scored at the top of the pack in our ease of cleaning tests. The unique cylindrical design of the water tank means that there are no crevices or corners, enabling easy swirling of water or a simple swipe of the hand to clean out the interior. The opening was large enough that all but the largest hands could fit inside. Although not necessary, as with most models we tested, a bottle brush would make the cleaning process even easier.

During our testing, there was no mold accumulation in the tank. The smooth interior of the tank means there is little space for mold to take hold or hide. With its large 3.25-inch opening, it's easy to fit a hand or sponge inside for wiping it down if required. The instruction manual recommends allowing a bleach and water mixture to soak for 20 minutes in the tank before swirling and rinsing it out. Overall, we found the cleaning process with the HUL430 to be one of the friendliest encountered during testing.

Convenience

It should come as no surprise that the Honeywell HUL430 was a top scorer again during our convenience tests, as it proved its worth as a quality model. It matched other high-scoring models for its user interface and ease of operation but fell short on smart-home or remote operation features, of which it has none.

The control panel of the Honeywell features a single control dial and four indicator lights that display the operation status and mist intensity level. As there is no dedicated power button, you initiate operation by turning the dial to increase the mist intensity and turning it down to decrease it or turn off the device. The indicator lights represent the mist intensity level, with two lights for medium and four lights for high power.

Knowing when you need to fill the tank of the HUL430 is a breeze, and so is actually filling it. A full-height back-lit viewing panel lets you gauge water level at a glance, in addition to the tank light's three brightness settings. We didn't notice much difference in these settings in our brightly lit test space but didn't feel that detracted from the experience either. Removing the water tank from the unit was simple, thanks to a single large and ergonomic handle and a design that lets you lift the tank straight up and out from the unit. When replacing the tank lid, simply drop it in and turn it to the clearly labeled “locked” position to enable operation. The lid will not sit properly unless locked, which mitigates the risk of leaks.

The Honeywell HUL430 has a 1.25-gallon tank that is large enough to humidify most rooms without being too unwieldy to carry or fill. The large tank link was easy to remove and fill through. Most importantly, the HUL430's tank fits in most sinks and did not leak when we carried it around.

Run Time

To accurately evaluate run time, we filled the base of each humidifying device with 50 mL of water and monitored the duration until they shut off in each available mode. This allowed us to estimate their performance on a full tank.

While the Honeywell HUL430 boasts impressive output, its endurance is equally noteworthy, lasting an average of 18.9 hours on a single refill (1.2 gallons). Although there are some more efficient humidifiers available, they often lack the same level of power as the Honeywell. With this model, you can rest assured it won't shut off unexpectedly during the night as long as you keep it adequately topped off.

Operating Cost

In order to calculate this, we utilized a Kilowatt meter to assess the overall power consumption. We then used the most accurate and up-to-date national average for cost/kwh to make a full determination.

The power consumption of the Honeywell HUL439 is quite economical, particularly given its impressive performance. It competes favorably with many of its counterparts in terms of efficiency. This is reassuring news for those looking to add new appliances to their homes without worrying about excessive energy costs.

Should You Buy the Honeywell HUL430?

Providing peak humidifying performance and a hassle-free user experience, the Honeywell HUL430 is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-end, low-maintenance humidifier. If you're looking for a model that cranks out moist air without needing an internet connection or user-account setup, this is the option for you.

What Other Humidifiers Should You Consider?

If you're looking for an appliance that you can integrate with other smart home appliances in your house, or you don't want to break the bank, you may want to consider some of the other models we tested. For a humidifier that is just as intuitive but packs the smart-home punch, the Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart has extensive controls and home integration options that are easy to set up and use. If price is a primary factor, the Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool is a full-sized model that will meet your needs and budget. For those looking for a smaller unit or lighter humidification needs, the Dreo Smart HM311S is a good choice that offers great performance with less impact on your floor space and wallet. Or, if you're looking for one of the absolute best, the Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart is a humidifying beast, nearly matching the same output with a lower average operation cost.