Crane Drop Review
Pros: Filterless, simple, compact, multiple tank color options
Cons: Potential issues with motor performance and durability, light always on
Manufacturer: Crane
The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
![]() This Product
Crane Drop | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $55.00 List Check Price at Amazon | $160.00 List $135.87 at Amazon - 15% off | $40.00 List $38.08 at Amazon - 5% off | $50.00 List $49.99 at Amazon | $86.00 List $80.18 at Amazon - 7% off |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Filterless, simple, compact, multiple tank color options | Very effective, high quality, limited parts, fill from the top | Price, easy to clean | Cute, easy to clean base, filterless, large tank | Easy to fill tank, effective |
Cons | Potential issues with motor performance and durability, light always on | Expensive, louder, some parts are hard to clean | Small capacity, limited features, louder | Mist output varies, larger footprint | Wet mist can accumulate on surfaces |
Bottom Line | Simple ultrasonic humidification, but less effective than is optimal | Effective unit you fill from the top but it is louder and costs more | Easy to clean parts and a budget-friendly price make this compact choice a real people pleaser | Budget-friendly and effective make this cute humidifier a no-brainer | Easy fill tank but it is louder and less effective than the competition |
Rating Categories | Crane Drop | Boneco U300 | Honeywell HUL520 | Crane Adorable | Sunpentown SU-4010 |
Ease Of Cleaning (45%) | |||||
Effectiveness (25%) | |||||
Noise (20%) | |||||
Ease Of Use (10%) | |||||
Specs | Crane Drop | Boneco U300 | Honeywell HUL520 | Crane Adorable | Sunpentown SU-4010 |
Mist Type | Cool | Cool | Cool | Cool | Cool Warm (104F) |
Technology | Ultrasonic | Ultrasonic | Ultrasonic | Ultrasonic | Ultrasonic |
Tank Capacity | 1 gal | 1.3 gal | 0.5 gal | 1 gal | 1 gal |
Visible Water Reservoir | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Room Humidification Area (Sq Ft) | 250 sf | 540 sf | Small Rooms | 250 sf | 500 sf |
Max Run Time | Up To 24 hrs | Not Specified | Up To 20 hrs | Up To 24 hrs | Up To 10 hrs |
Humidity Output Control | Variable Mist Control | Variable Mist Control | Variable Mist Control | Variable Mist Control | Variable Mist Control |
Demineralization Cartridge/Filter | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Night Light | No | No | No | No | No |
Empty Tank Auto-Shut Off | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Dimensions (BGL) | 8"W x 13"H x 8"L | 12.3"W x 12.7"H x 6.6"L | 8.1"W x 9"H x 8.1"L | 9.5"W x 12"H x 9.5"L | 12"W x 13.6"H x 5.8"L |
Empty Weight (BGL) | 3.5 lbs | 6.5 lbs | 2.6 lbs | 4 lbs | 6 lbs |
Max Operation Noise Level in dB (BGL) | #REF! | #REF! | #REF! | #REF! | #REF! |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Crane company started in 205 with a few designs and continued to add to their collection each year. The company works out of Itasca, Illinois, and is part of the Wachsmuth & Krogmann, Inc (W&K) company. Crane strives to design products that are efficient and stylish with designs that bring a smile to your face. Crane produces humidifiers, air purifiers, fans, and space heaters to increase personal comfort, no matter the climate.
Performance Comparison
Ease of cleaning
The base of this unit has only a few small nooks and crannies, which made it relatively easy to clean. However, the water tank presents more of a problem and resulted in the Drop earning a lower score for ease of cleaning.
The tank opening is too small for hands, and the longer shape makes it challenging to reach the bottom with a standard bottle brush. It does have a minimal number of parts, but keeping the ultrasonic plate clean and free of deposits was difficult and a hit or miss operation that caused a significant drop in mist production if not tended to regularly.
We find scraping around the washer increases mist production, but the sensitivity of the ultrasonic plate to cleaning causes concern about the overall longevity of the unit.
Effectiveness
This humidifier produces adequate mist but isn't as effective as most of the competition with less mist initially and lower humidity levels compared to the competition after one hour of run time at full speed. This unit may work well enough for small areas around a crib or bed.
Noise
This unit is one of the quietest in the group. It is similar to the other Crane we tested and is sure to help little ones stay asleep.
Ease of Use
The simple design of this humidifier made it easy enough to put together and operate. The single mist jet is easily adjustable to change the direction of the mist, and the continuously variable mist output knob allows for good control over the output. The compact design makes it ideal for placement on a nightstand.
We find the "on" light on the Crane to be distracting at night - and you can't turn it off, but by turning the unit to face the wall, it is less bright.
Finally, we were put off by the design of a handle on the tank with a "Do not carry full tank by handle" instruction embossed into the plastic. Although it appears that you can use the handle with an empty tank, we feel that any handle included in the design of a humidifier should be able to support the tank, whether it is empty or full.
Manufacturer Video
— Juliet Spurrier, MD and Bob Wofford