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Honeywell HUL430 Review

A super effective humidifier with a straightforward, minimalist design, but we feel that additional features would have further justified the cost
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Honeywell HUL430 Review (The Honeywell is designed for convenience.)
The Honeywell is designed for convenience.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $117 List
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Manufacturer:   Honeywell
By Sentry Kelly and Ryan White  ⋅  Jun 12, 2024
86
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 12
  • Effectiveness - 40% 9.5
  • Ease of Cleaning - 25% 8.0
  • Convenience - 20% 8.5
  • Run Time - 10% 7.2
  • Operation Cost - 5% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Honeywell HUL430 was one of our top-ranked humidifiers. Its overall effectiveness and easy-to-use features make this model stand out as a great option. The HUL430 outperformed nearly all others in pure humidifying power and had just enough user-interface options to make it easy to control without overcomplicating things. When it came time to fill or clean the tank, an oversized ergonomic handle, large tank opening, and cylindrical design made carrying, filling, and cleaning easy. One drawback to those who want maximum control over their device is that the Honeywell lacks any smart features or a humidistat to set the humidity percentage. Still, if you're looking for a humidifier that does one thing and does it well, look no further. To see how it stacks up versus the competition, check out our review of the best humidifiers.
REASONS TO BUY
Straightforward interface
Good all-around performance
Easy to fill and clean
REASONS TO AVOID
No humidistat
Pricey
No smart functions

Compare to Similar Products

 
honeywell hul430
This Product
Honeywell HUL430
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Premium Humidifier
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Humidifier
Top Pick Award
Best for Kids
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for your Buck
 
Price $117 List
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Bottom Line This is one of the highest performing humidifiers on the market, impressing us with its high output and effortless operationThis device sits among the top performers due to its overall effectiveness and intuitive smart designA great choice for a humidifier with comprehensive controls, a smartphone app, and no-fuss filling and cleaningAffordable, 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 price
Rating Categories Honeywell HUL430 Levoit OasisMist 45... Levoit Classic 300S... Dreo Smart HM311S Levoit Dual 150 Ult...
Effectiveness (40%)
9.5
8.9
9.2
7.0
5.8
Ease of Cleaning (25%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Convenience (20%)
8.5
9.8
9.8
10.0
7.5
Run Time (10%)
7.2
5.0
7.9
6.9
9.5
Operation Cost (5%)
8.0
9.1
7.2
7.8
6.0
Specs Honeywell HUL430 Levoit OasisMist 45... Levoit Classic 300S... Dreo Smart HM311S Levoit Dual 150 Ult...
Capacity 1.3 gal 1.2 gal 1.6 gal 1.0 gal 0.8 gal
Coverage Area Medium Room 430 sq. ft. 505 sq. ft. 300 sq. ft. 290 sq. ft.
Built in Humidistat No Yes Yes Yes No
Measured Noise (Low) 1.5 dBa 4.0 dBa .6 dBa 1.0 dBa .5 dBa
Measured Noise (Medium) Mode 2: 1.7 dBa
Mode 3: 1.9 dBa
4 dBa 1 dBa 2 dBa 1 dBa
Measured Noise (High) 2 dBa 5 dBa 2 dBa 3 dBa 1 dBa
Nightlight Yes No Yes Yes No
Sleep Mode No Yes Yes Yes No
Available App No Yes Yes Yes No
Modes 1-4 1-3, Auto 1-3, Auto 1-3, Auto Dial
Relative Humidity Range None 30-80 30-80 30-90 None
Warm Mist No Yes No No No
Auto Shutoff Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Filter Required No Optional Optional No Optional
Aromatherapy Capable Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Removable Tank Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Top Fill / Bottom Fill Bottom Top Top Top Top
Humidification Technology Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Manufacturer Dimensions 13.2" x 8.8" x 8.8" 12.0" x 6.0" x 10.8" 13.4" x 9.6" x 7.5" 10.2" x 11.0" x 5.5" 11.6" x 7.2" x 8.1"
Weight 6.6 lbs 5.3 lbs 4.3 lbs 3.0 lbs 3.0 lbs
Run Time (High) 19 hr 9 hr 22 hr 18 hr 29 hr
Relative Humidity Change 1 hr 74.4% 68.8% 71.8% 52.2% 41.8%

Our Analysis and Test Results

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


Putting the Honeywell HUL430 through our series of comprehensive tests.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Effectiveness


The Honeywell HUL430 earned high marks in our humidifying performance tests. It was able to change the relative humidity by 74.4% 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.

honeywell hul430 - the honeywell hul430 packed a punch in raw humidification power, but...
The Honeywell HUL430 packed a punch in raw humidification power, but lacks a built-in humidistat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

The Honeywell HUL430 has a 1.3 gallon capacity.
The Honeywell HUL430 has a 1.3 gallon capacity.
Simply unscrew the cap to utilize the 3.25" opening for easy refills.
Simply unscrew the cap to utilize the 3.25" opening for easy refills.
We cleaned each and every tank.
We cleaned each and every tank.

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.

honeywell hul430 - the control dial of the honeywell was blissfully simple, and lights...
The control dial of the Honeywell was blissfully simple, and lights above the wheel indicated the current mist intensity level.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

honeywell hul430 - the ergonomic handle makes the honeywell super easy to carry.
The ergonomic handle makes the Honeywell super easy to carry.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

honeywell hul430 - the honeywell has a large capacity tank.
The Honeywell has a large capacity tank.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

honeywell hul430 - with such high output, the honeywell will still last through the...
With such high output, the Honeywell will still last through the night with a full tank, no problem.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

honeywell hul430 - the honeywell hul430 is a winning combination of simple and effective.
The Honeywell HUL430 is a winning combination of simple and effective.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

Sentry Kelly and Ryan White