In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

TaoTronics TT-AH038 Review

Adorable baby-centric humidifier that is quiet and easy to maintain, but it isn't very effective compared to the competition and may not meet your humidity goals
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TaoTronics TT-AH038 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $50 List
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Manufacturer:   TaoTronics
By Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team  ⋅  Jul 28, 2021
58
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 11
  • Ease of Cleaning - 35% 7.0
  • Effectiveness - 35% 2.0
  • Noise - 20% 10.0
  • Ease of Use - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

This simple ultrasonic humidifier is a baby-centric option in the shape of a whale. Little ones will be intrigued by the design, and it is sure to complement the look of any nursery. This unit has a lower than average price, is very quiet, and is easy to clean. The lower decibels and fun whale shape make this an ideal choice for younger infants. Unfortunately, it isn't the most effective option in the group, either from the start or over time. However, if the space is small or the unit is placed near a sleeping child's crib, the humidity it does produce will be adequate for most needs. Overall, this option is a potential choice for those who want a humidifier designed with babies in mind.
REASONS TO BUY
Baby-centric
Budget-friendly
Quiet
Easy to clean
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as effective
Average ease of use

Compare to Similar Products

 
taotronics tt-ah038
Awards   Best Value Award
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 Sort Icon
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62
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Cute, baby-centric option that is super quiet and easy to clean but it is less effective than most of the competitionEffective humidifier with a wallet-friendly price that is somewhat loud but very effectiveSimple, quiet ultrasonic humidification, but best for smaller spacesA louder ultrasonic option that is small and less effective than most but easy to clean and lower in priceThis 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%)
7.0
6.0
4.0
8.0
2.0
Effectiveness (35%)
2.0
9.0
7.0
4.0
8.0
Noise (20%)
10.0
5.0
9.0
3.0
6.0
Ease of Use (10%)
6.0
7.0
5.0
6.0
3.0
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



taotronics tt-ah038 - the opening on the taotronics tank is large enough for a hand, but...
The opening on the TaoTronics tank is large enough for a hand, but you can use a brush as well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

taotronics tt-ah038 - the smaller spaces and ultrasonic plate on this taotronic can be...
The smaller spaces and ultrasonic plate on this TaoTronic can be cleaned with the included small brush.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

taotronics tt-ah038 - this adorable taotronics isn&#039;t as effective at creating humidity as...
This adorable TaoTronics isn't as effective at creating humidity as the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

taotronics tt-ah038 - this is the amount of white dust created by the tatotronics during...
This is the amount of white dust created by the TatoTronics during testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

taotronics tt-ah038 - the user interface on the taotronics is easy to use and very...
The user interface on the TaoTronics is easy to use and very straightforward but lacks programmability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

taotronics tt-ah038 - the tank on the taotronics is easy to open and super large making...
The tank on the TaoTronics is easy to open and super large making the tank easier to fill and clean than those with smaller openings.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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 on the side of the TaoTronics is the nightlight control.
The button on the side of the TaoTronics is the nightlight control.
This TaoTronics has a dimmable nightlight that produces a soft glow.
This TaoTronics has a dimmable nightlight that produces a soft glow.

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.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team