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

Humidifying Performance

The Honeywell HUL430 earned high marks in our humidifying performance tests. Where it failed to stack up was its consistency — without a humidistat built into the unit, there was no way to set the desired humidity or tell what level it was at.

It had perfect performance in max output after raising the humidity level in our testing room by 118% during the three-hour test window. The Honeywell produced a final relative humidity of 70.9%, placing it near the top of our humidifier lineup. This device was such a workhorse that our testers noticed droplets of condensation forming in the test room after running it on medium-high.

Ease of Cleaning

The Honeywell HUL430 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 an easy swirl of water or a swipe of the hand to clean out the interior of the tank. The opening was large enough that all but the largest hands could fit inside. Although not needed, 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. The large opening means it is easy to fit a hand, and a sponge inside, to wipe it down if required. The instruction manual recommends a bleach and water mixture be allowed to soak for 20 minutes in the tank before swirling and rinsing it out. Overall, our testers thought that the HUL430 was one of the friendliest cleaning processes they encountered during testing.

User Friendliness

It should come as no surprise that the Honeywell HUL430 was a top scorer again during our ease of use tests, as it proved its worth as a quality model. It matched other top-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 has a single control dial and four lights that indicate operation status and intensity level. Since there's no power button, to begin operation, you must turn the wheel to increase the mist intensity and down to decrease and turn off the device. The indicator lights correspond to 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 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.

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. 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.

Operating Cost

Like many top-tier products, the Honeywell HUL439 is at the higher end of most models in our review when it comes to its operating cost.

Its power consumption is economical and on par with others, using 0.03 kWh per hour — the average for our annual electricity usage test.

Its above-average list price is the primary cause of its estimated lifetime cost of $122. This seems rather steep, though in the case of the Honeywell, you are getting what you pay for in performance.

Should You Buy the Honeywell HUL430?

Providing peak humidifying performance and a hassle-free user experience, the Honeywell HUL430 is a top 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 Classic 200 is a full-sized model that will meet your needs and budget. For those looking for a smaller unit or lighter humidification needs, the Honeywell HUL520B is a good choice that offers great performance with less impact on your floor space and your wallet. Or, if you're looking for the best of the best, the Levoit LV600HH is a humidifying beast and high-end humidifier.