Essick Air 826-800 2-Speed Evaporative Console Humidifier

Great product, at least in comparison. I've tried many smaller units that should have kept my two room apt. (according to claims) here in the remote northeast satisfactorily humid, i.e. 35% or so. None of them did; in fact they all sent the gauge to unreadably low levels, below 20%. This Bemis 800 space saver keeps humidty at about 40% for at least 2 months, after which the it slowly declines as the wick deteriorates. I replaced the wick for the first time this winter on Jan 22. Not bad. Seems as if it will be a two wick winter.

As to noise. I keep the Bemis on low, and it runs 24/24 during the driest months. It is quieter than any of the other units I've used. It's not silent but it is certainly not disturbingly loud. I'm picky about noise and humidity as I play guitars. I've never turned it on high so I can't comment on the noise at that setting.

I fill it once a day with about 4 gallons of water. It comes with a 3 or 4 foot hose that attaches to a sink faucet. I keep the Bemis in the kitchen. Sometimes I roll it to the sink, sometimes I fill it with a pitcher. It is much easier to fill than the smaller units I've owned.

I have only one minor nit to pick with the unit. The fan housing is a little tricky to remove (or rather to put back correctly). One needs to remove it to change the wick. Tricky because the base is basically one large square bowl and the plastic sidewalls bow when the top is removed. When replacing the top, it is essential that it fits snugly into the base and placement becomes the tricky part due to the bowed in sides. It's not a terribly big deal but it's a bit of a pain. (When not placed correctly the unit rattles and the suction through the wick isn't as good).

By the way, my unit is the non digital version. I've had trouble with other digital humidifiers so I went for the less expensive mechanical version this time. The digital units cycle on and off constantly when the humidity reaches your chosen setting. Annoying, and can't be good for the motor.

The Bemis is definitely worthy, I'm very happy with it.