Humidifiers are handy machines that release a fine mist of water into the air. If your home is consistently too dry (less than 30% relative humidity, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), you might benefit from using a humidifier.
The Levoit Classic 160 Top Fill Humidifier is a small machine that unobtrusively adds moisture into your home. Mine is perched on the counter between my kitchen and living room, and it’s been a helpful hands-off alternative to simmering a pot of water on my stove to increase humidity.
Classic 160 Top Fill Humidifier
Specifications
- Type: Ultrasonic cool mist.
- Capacity: 2.5 liters.
- Run time: Up to 25 hours.
- Cord length: 64 inches.
- Noise level: As low as 26dB.
- Dimensions: 6.38 inches wide x 7.12 inches deep x 10.14 high.
- Maintenance: Rinse at least every 3 days.
- Safety: Auto shut-off.
- Warranty: 2-year limited.
Pros
- Runs 12+ hours on max.
- Is incredibly quiet.
- Is simple to operate.
Cons
- Is mildly annoying to clean (as many humidifiers are).
- Is underpowered for large spaces.
Setting up the Levoit Classic 160 Humidifier
I purchased the Levoit humidifier during a bout of particularly dry winter weather while we were trading illnesses in my family. I’d been trying to increase the humidity in my house by simmering a pot of water on the stove, but that required keeping an eye on the stove for safety and I didn’t love using the gas stove all day.
Setting up the Classic humidifier was straightforward. I removed the humidifier, small cleaning brush, and instruction manual from the box. The manual called for rinsing the parts before use, so I took it apart and ran all the pieces under my kitchen faucet, taking care not to drag the cord into the sink while rinsing the base.
I reassembled and dried the outside of the machine before filling the humidifier tank with reverse osmosis (RO) water.
Running the Levoit Humidifier
With the water tank filled, I replaced the lid and rotated the dial on the side of the humidifier to turn it on. The Classic humidifier is manually customizable, and it doesn’t have buttons or settings. I like that the dial allows you to adjust the rate that the mist is released without any fuss.
I timed my Levoit humidifier on its max setting and it ran for over 12 hours before running out of water. The Levoit website claims the humidifier can run up to 25 hours on its lowest setting. The tank has a 2.5-liter capacity, and it calls for distilled or purified water to prevent mineral buildup in the machine. I also like that you can rotate the nozzle on the lid to adjust which direction the mist is aimed. While it doesn’t make a significant difference, it’s a nice bit of customization.
The cord is a good length, allowing placement away from a wall for more centrally located humidifying (I measured the cord to be 64 inches.) The humidifier is incredibly quiet, living up to its “whisper quiet” marketing claim, and it’s a simple machine with no flashy lights to dim or cover up if used at night.
Is It Effective?
Most importantly, the Levoit humidifier does its job. I have a small hygrometer in my living room, and the relative humidity slowly inches up when I’m running the Levoit Classic. Because the mist isn’t propelled very far from the machine, I find it helpful to run the ceiling fan on low to help distribute it throughout the living space. Admittedly, I have the humidifier in a living room that is much larger than a typical bedroom (which is the room it’s marketed for), so it may not need this help in a smaller room.
Maintaining the Levoit Top Fill Humidifier
Regularly cleaning the Top Fill Humidifier is mildly annoying, but so far has been easier than with other humidifiers I’ve owned. The large opening and shallow base make it easy to reach into it to rinse and wipe down. I strictly follow the recommendation to rinse at least every three days, and I rinse and leave it disassembled to air dry completely when I’m not going to use it again immediately.
It comes with a small brush for cleaning, but so far I’ve managed fine with the faucet on full power for the rinse and a paper towel to wipe it down. However, if it were to grow mold or develop a mineral buildup, I think it would be extremely difficult to clean all the nooks and crannies.
I follow the instructions to use distilled or purified water, and I’ve had no issues with buildup or white residue (which Levoit says can occur if using tap water). If you need to descale your humidifier, the instructions recommend a white vinegar and water solution.
Levoit also warns against using essential oils in the humidifier, as it is not designed to diffuse oils. Adding essential oils will likely damage the internal components and would void your Levoit warranty.
Classic 160 Top Fill Humidifier
Future Humidifying
The Levoit Top Fill Humidifier was a worthwhile purchase for me to help with dry winter days. It’s an easy, simple tool for getting some humidity into the air. I like that it has a reasonable price point and is easy to use.
I do think it’s a bit underpowered for the large living space I have it in, but that’s not necessarily a fault of the machine. If I decided to move this one to a bedroom and upgrade for my living space, I’d go with a Levoit humidifier again based on my experience with the Classic 160 — in fact, I already have my eye on the Levoit OasisMist that holds 10 liters.
