In-depth baby product reviews led by a Pediatrician

Crane Drop Review

Sleek design with basic features and inconsistent performance
Crane Drop
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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Price:   $55 List | $41 at Amazon
Pros:  Filterless, simple, compact, multiple tank color options
Cons:  Potential issues with motor performance and durability, light always on
Manufacturer:   Crane
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Bob Wofford  ⋅  Sep 16, 2018
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58
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#6 of 9
  • Ease of Cleaning - 45% 5
  • Effectiveness - 25% 5
  • Noise - 20% 9
  • Ease of Use - 10% 5

The Skinny

The Crane Drop is a cool looking compact ultrasonic humidifier with a unique tank shape. This unit has a small design with basic features that make it a simple option that fits almost anywhere. With a variety of available color choices, it can be a nice looking addition to most nurseries and fun to look at for small children. This unit has a family-friendly price and operates in relative silence, even at high levels. Unfortunately, this product isn't as effective as it could be and the lack of programmability means the humidity levels are harder to control. It is also more challenging to clean with small spaces and the shape makes it difficult to fill and carry. These aspects make the Crane Drop less desirable than cheaper competitors.

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Crane Drop
This Product
Crane Drop
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Best Value Award Top Pick Award  
Price $55.00 List
$41.19 at Amazon - 25% off		$160.00 List
$149.99 at Amazon - 6% off		$40.00 List
$40.77 at Amazon		$50.00 List
$41.25 at Amazon - 18% off		$86.00 List
$79.36 at Amazon - 8% off
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Filterless, simple, compact, multiple tank color optionsVery effective, high quality, limited parts, fill from the topPrice, easy to cleanCute, easy to clean base, filterless, large tankEasy to fill tank, effective
Cons Potential issues with motor performance and durability, light always onExpensive, louder, some parts are hard to cleanSmall capacity, limited features, louderMist output varies, larger footprintWet mist can accumulate on surfaces
Bottom Line Simple ultrasonic humidification, but less effective than is optimalEffective unit you fill from the top but it is louder and costs moreEasy to clean parts and a budget-friendly price make this compact choice a real people pleaserBudget-friendly and effective make this cute humidifier a no-brainerEasy 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%)
5
7
8
5
6
Effectiveness (25%)
5
9
6
8
7
Noise (20%)
9
5
5
9
6
Ease Of Use (10%)
5
7
6
5
5
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



The ultrasonic plate on the Drop is hard to clean and as minerals...
The ultrasonic plate on the Drop is hard to clean and as minerals build up the mist production goes down.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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 Drop's tank opening is too small for hands, so you'll need a...
The Drop's tank opening is too small for hands, so you'll need a bottle brush to clean the inside.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

Parts of the Crane Drop tank can be cleaned with a brush, but not...
Parts of the Crane Drop tank can be cleaned with a brush, but not all surfaces on the inside can be accessed.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff

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.

Using filtered water or the accessory filter is highly recommended to reduce minerals and minerals accumulation on surfaces and in the air (aka white dust). The filter (#HS-3161) must be purchased separately. Crane recommends replacing the filter every 30-40 fillings. Also, they recommend replacement if the humidifier isn't used for an extended period.

The Drop is the least effective ultrasonic option we tested.
The Drop is the least effective ultrasonic option we tested.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

The continuous mist dial on the Drop works well but the mist output...
The continuous mist dial on the Drop works well but the mist output seems inconsistent.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

The carrying handle for the Crane Drop Shape is embossed with the...
The carrying handle for the Crane Drop Shape is embossed with the words "Don't carry full tank by handle."
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff

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