TaoTronics TT-AH038 Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
TaoTronics TT-AH038 | |||||
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Awards | Budget-friendly Humidity | ||||
Price | $50 List | $60 List | $55 List $39.99 at Amazon | $40 List $34.29 at Amazon | $50 List $29.97 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | Cute, baby-centric option that is super quiet and easy to clean but it is less effective than most of the competition | Effective humidifier with a wallet-friendly price that is somewhat loud but very effective | Simple, quiet ultrasonic humidification, but best for smaller spaces | A louder ultrasonic option that is small and less effective than most but easy to clean and lower in price | This effective compact unit is relatively quiet but it is harder to clean and use than much of the competition |
Rating Categories | TaoTronics TT-AH038 | TaoTronics TT-AH001 | Crane Drop | Honeywell HUL520 | AquaOasis |
Ease of Cleaning (35%) | |||||
Effectiveness (35%) | |||||
Noise (20%) | |||||
Ease of Use (10%) | |||||
Specs | TaoTronics TT-AH038 | TaoTronics TT-AH001 | Crane Drop | Honeywell HUL520 | AquaOasis |
Mist Type | Cool | Cool | Cool | Cool | Cool |
Technology | Ultrasonic | Ultrasonic | Ultrasonic | Ultrasonic | Ultrasonic |
Tank Capacity | 0.66 gal | 1.1 gal | 1 gal | 0.5 gal | 0.58 gal |
Visible Water Reservoir | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Room Humidification Area (Sq Ft) | 269 sq ft | 322 sq ft | 500 sq ft | Small Room | Not Listed |
Max Run Time | Up to 30 hrs | Up to 30 hrs | Up to 24 hrs | Up to 20 hrs | Over 24 hrs |
Humidity Output Control | Variable Mist Control | Variable Mist Control Humidistat |
Variable Mist Control | Variable Mist Control | Variable Mist Control |
Demineralization Cartridge/Filter | No | No | Available for Purchase | No | No |
Night Light | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Empty Tank Auto-Shut Off | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Dimensions (BGL) | 8.3"W x 12.2"H x 5.5"L | 6"W x 9"H x 11.4"L | 8.7"W x 13"H x 8.7"L | 8.1"W x 8.8"H x 8.1"L | 8.5"W x 10"H x 6"L |
Empty Weight (BGL) | 3.71 lbs | 1.83 lbs | 2.24 lbs | 2.6 lbs | 1.58 lbs |
Max Operation Noise Level in dB (BGL) | <40 db | 41.7 db | <40 db | 45.2 db | 40.7 db |
Our Analysis and Test Results
TaoTronics is a distribution company representing various products, from wireless headsets and water floaties to humidifiers and almost anything in between. The company website doesn't provide much information about the company or its history, which is why we are left assuming that it is more of a distribution company than one that designs or creates original products.
Performance Comparison
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the TaoTronics is easier to clean than some of the competition. It has a huge opening on the tank, and it is easy to fit a hand or cloth inside for cleaning.
This humidifier requires a smaller brush to clean the base to ensure that you get the nooks and crannies adequately clean.
The manufacturer recommends daily cleaning and also has instructions for descaling and disinfecting. You'll need vinegar for the first and bleach for the latter.
Effectiveness
This little whale is one of the least effective in our tests for relative humidity produced over time. After 180 minutes, it had one of the lowest results in the group.
With a reading of 69.5% relative humidity at the end of testing, it fell significantly short of the high for the group, which was over 90%. While you may not need this much humidity, it is a shame it can't measure up to the competition. However, if your nursery is small or you place it close to your sleeping child's crib, this cute option likely still creates enough humidity to meet some goals.
This option produces an average amount of white dust during testing, with results that weren't as bad as some of the competition but still more significant than others. You might want to use distilled or bottled water with this unit, depending on your goals.
Noise
This product is the quietest option in our review, making it a natural choice for newborns or those who struggle to fall asleep with ambient noise.
The decibel reading for this unit is lower than 40 dB, with some competition reading over 46. None of the products are loud or make as much noise as evaporative humidifiers, but this is the one for you if you want quiet.
Ease of Use
This adorable whale shape impacts the ease of use of this humidifier. It comes with a directional spout cover that smoothly rotates. And the shape of the vessel allows it to sit in the sink when you fill it.
It has a very large opening on the bottom for water filling and cleaning that is large enough for an adult male hand.
This unit has a single dial on the front to adjust the humidity level output. It is easy to use, but you can't set any timers or humidity level goals, which means you need to do more monitoring. However, most of the products in this review have a similar dial interface.
The button to the side of the dial turns the nightlight on and off, and if you hold it, the brightness will also adjust. We like that this button is separate from the dial, and you don't have to use the nightlight and the humidifier together, and they can be used separately.