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Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 Review

A decent model, but not decent enough to justify the high costs
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sunpentown spt su-4010 humidifier review
Credit: Sunpentown
Price:  $83 List
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Manufacturer:   Sunpentown
By Max Mutter and Steven Tata  ⋅  Apr 21, 2022
52
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#11 of 13
  • Humidifying Performance - 35% 5.0
  • Ease of Cleaning - 35% 6.0
  • Operating Cost - 15% 3.0
  • User Friendliness - 15% 6.0

Our Verdict

The Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 offers mediocre overall humidifying performance compared to the other models in our test lineup of the best humidifiers. It also requires very expensive replacement filters to continue operating this appliance safely and efficiently. Many other models provide the same or better performance but are much less expensive both in the short and long term. For that reason, we don't recommend this model.
REASONS TO BUY
Simple controls
REASONS TO AVOID
High up front and long term costs
Not an outstanding performer in any capacity
Editor's Note: We updated this humidifier review for the Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 on April 21, 2022, to propose other models that may better suit your needs and wallet.

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Awards  Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award Best Buy Award 
Price $83 List
$80.99 at Amazon		$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon		$100 List
$99.99 at Amazon		$50 List
$49.99 at Amazon		$54 List
$29.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
52
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72
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Multiple other models offer similar or superior performance for much less, both upfront and in the long runA great choice for a humidifier with comprehensive controls, a smartphone app, and no-fuss filling and cleaningPowerful, fully featured, and easy to use and clean, great for large rooms and those that want precise and consistent humidity levelsBetween its highly effective functionality and low lifetime costs, just about everyone will be pleased with this humidifierA great budget option if you don't need advanced features and want to humidify a smaller room
Rating Categories Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 Levoit Classic 300S... Levoit LV600HH Levoit Classic 200 Honeywell HUL520B
Humidifying Performance (35%)
5.0
6.0
9.0
8.0
5.0
Ease of Cleaning (35%)
6.0
9.0
7.0
6.5
8.0
Operating Cost (15%)
3.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
User Friendliness (15%)
6.0
9.8
8.0
6.0
7.5
Specs Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 Levoit Classic 300S... Levoit LV600HH Levoit Classic 200 Honeywell HUL520B
Weight 7.5 lbs 4.3 Ibs 4.9 lbs 3.5 lbs 3.0 lbs
Dimensions 13.2" x 5.3" x 12.4" 9.6" × 7.5" × 13.4" 11.3" x 7" x 10.5" 13.8" x 7.8" x 5.8" 8.5" x 8.5" x 9.5"
Tank Capacity 1.1 gallons 1.2 gallons 1.6 gallons 1.1 gallons 0.5 gallons
Humidification Technology Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Estimated Lifetime Cost $447 $119 $159 $99 $56
Estimated Annual Electricity Usage 65.7 kWh 65.7 kWh 65.7 kWh 87.6 kWh 43.8 kWh

Our Analysis and Test Results

In our testing, the Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 earned one of the lowest overall scores. It requires you to buy expensive replacement filters to maintain optimal performance but does not deliver above-average performance compared to the other models that we tested. We don't feel that this model has any specific advantages that outweigh the long-term costs of owning an appliance like this.

Performance Comparison


sunpentown spt su-4010 humidifier review

Humidifying Performance


The Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 earned an average score in our humidifying performance testing. It took an hour for this model to hit 45% humidity in our testing room, and it maxed out at 51.2%. These stats make this model ideal for most average-sized bedrooms (~150 square feet). This is reasonable humidifying performance, but other models achieved the same or better scores at similar or lower price points.

Ease of Cleaning


The Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 was again around average in our ease of cleaning testing. The biggest negative aspect is its water tank. Though it has a fairly large 3.25-inch opening, there are lots of little nooks and crannies that are hard to reach and where mold could take hold. The manual also gives only vague cleaning instructions, so you're on your own to determine the best way to keep mold at bay. It took us about the same length of time to scrub this machine down and get it feeling adequately clean as it did for most of the other models we tested.

sunpentown spt su-4010 humidifier review - the sunpentown isn't the hardest model to clean, but it does have...
The Sunpentown isn't the hardest model to clean, but it does have some hard to reach areas.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

User Friendliness


Continuing its streak of average scores, the Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 again falls in the middle of the pack in this metric. It has two knobs, one to turn it on and off and select warm or cool mist, and one to select the mist setting. It doesn't offer any sort of off-timer . These controls are quite simple and easy to operate. It lost points because the tank is quite large and can be difficult to fill from a sink. The opening is also large at 3.25 inches, so you don't need perfect aim when refilling.

sunpentown spt su-4010 humidifier review - the sunpentown has simple, easy to understand controls.
The Sunpentown has simple, easy to understand controls.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Operating Cost


This is the biggest drawback of the Sunpentown SPT SU-4010, earning it a low score in this metric. Its upfront cost is a bit more than most other models, especially considering its average performance. The kicker is the $30 replacement filter that it requires every six months. When combined with its average electricity usage, that results in an estimated lifetime cost of $447, one of the highest in our test lineup of top-ranked humidifiers.

Should You Buy the Sunpentown SPT SU-4010?


The Sunpentown SPT SU-4010's list price is already appreciably higher than other models in the same league of performance. It becomes one of the least economical models we tested when you factor in its replacement filter costs. Considering the cost, we cannot recommend this humidifier over other, better-performing models.

What Other Humidifiers Should You Consider?


The Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 offers good performance, but high costs in both the long and short term make it a poor value overall. As a point of comparison, this poorly performing humidifier costs nearly as much as the top-performing Levoit LV600HH. And if you aren't willing to spend this kind of money on a humidifier, the Levoit Classic 200 is our choice for overall value.

— Max Mutter and Steven Tata
 
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