How Well Do Water Based Air Revitalizers Work?
Water-based air revitalizers are a cost-efficient solution to the same problems that air purifiers aim to address. They help reduce the amount of household air pollutants such as mold, pollen, dust mites, and even light cooking odors. Those suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma and allergic rhinitis would greatly benefit from a water-based air revitalizer running silently on their bedside table. In fact, these air revitalizers even go beyond air purification as they’re also able to humidify and aromatize the air to create a more refreshing ambience.
But how well do these water base air revitalizers work? Are they a worthwhile investment to make for you and your family? This article will be answering those questions and more as we discover more about water-based revitalizers and learn about which models make for a great investment.
The Basics of Water-Based Air Revitalizers
Water-based air revitalizers work through a natural process that takes place in a few simple steps:
As you can see from this process, water-based air revitalizers use water as a natural filter to remove common household air pollutants.
This begs the question, “How well do these water-based air revitalizers work?” When compared to conventional HEPA air purifiers that use mechanical filters, air revitalizers pale in comparison. This is because air purifiers were specifically designed to rid the air of stubborn, miniscule air pollutants that plague homes.
Water-based air revitalizers, on the other hand, were designed to make the air in your home cleaner and more refreshing to breathe in by doing a combination of the following things:
- Light humidification – Air revitalizers release a small amounts of moisture as they run, contributing to a small increase in humidity. Likewise, it would also be unrealistic to expect an air revitalizer to do as good a job as a humidifier when it comes to regulating the humidity in your home. When the air revitalizer is placed in your immediate vicinity, though, you’re bound to feel the refreshing effects of higher humidity levels.
- Light air purification – Since air revitalizers only use water as a natural filter, it would be unrealistic to expect it to remove air pollutants with the same efficiency as a mechanical filter. These revitalizers are able though to remove common air pollutants within small spaces and work especially well when close to your breathing space.
- Aromatization – If there’s anything that an air revitalizer is able to do very well, it’s definitely diffusing the sweet smells of essential oils into your home. Most water-based revitalizers are compatible with essential oils, which means that a few drops into the water basin can make the air you breathe even more pleasant and refreshing.
Water-based air revitalizers have the potential to cater to anyone who is looking to make the air around them cleaner, more fragrant, and more refreshing. In particular, water-based air revitalizers would greatly benefit people who:
- Suffer from mild allergies and asthma
- Work in enclosed spaces where air can become stagnant
- Own pets and are looking to minimize pet smells at home
- Smoke or live with smokers
Advantages and Disadvantages of Water-Based Air Revitalizers
When it comes to using water-based air revitalizers, the biggest advantage is its affordability. Compared to the combined cost of having both an air purifier and humidifier in your home, you can kill two birds with one stone with help of a water-based air revitalizer. Another very attractive feature of water-based air revitalizers is that they don’t use any filters, which means it’s affordable long-term too because you don’t need to worry about costly replacement filters.
In addition to those advantages, water-based air revitalizers are incredibly easy to use and maintain. Simply fill the water basin with the right amount of water, add a few drops of essential oil for aroma, switch it on, and there you have it! Likewise, maintenance is a breeze. Just dump out the used water and clean out the basin after every use.
Of course, there are downsides to sticking with water-based air revitalizers. The first of them is that water-based air revitalizers are not as efficient at removing air pollutants and adding humidity to the air as air purifiers and humidifiers, respectively. In addition to that, they’re typically only able to cover small to medium sized rooms depending on how large the water basin is.
Another downside is that, with water used as a filter, there’s a chance that the water basin becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms that could potentially be dangerous to you and your family’s health. This is why it’s important to replace the water after each use. Alternatively, you can also invest in chlorine tablets to add to the water to prevent microbial growth.
To sum up:
Advantages
- Short and long term affordability
- No filters
- Easy to use and maintain
Disadvantages
- Not as efficient as air purifiers and humidifiers
- Cover small to medium rooms only
- Water has to be replaced often to avoid bacteria build-up
The Best Available Water-Based Air Revitalizers
If you’re interested in purchasing a water-based air revitalizer for your home, here are our top picks for you:
- Covers up to 600 sq. ft.
- Adjustable output level
- Removes common household air pollutants
- Multi-color LED lights illuminate swirling water bath
- Comes with lavender scented oil
- 1-year warranty
- Covers up to 700 sq. ft.
- Uses a motorized rotating stem to add humidity and scents to the air
- Comes with antibacterial scented oils
- Multi-colored LED lights
- Easy to clean plastic base
- 2-year warranty
- Covers up to 500 sq. ft.
- Neutralizes up to 99% of odor-causing bacteria
- Comes with 3 scents
- Soothing blue LED light
- Filter-free operation
- 2-year warranty
- Small room coverage
- Long-lasting LED illuminate swirling water bath
- Low and high settings
- Sanitizes and washes air with water
- Filter-free operation
- 1-year warranty
- Deodorizes air with Sirena Deodorizer
- Aromatizes air with Sirena Fragrances
- Multi-color LED lights illuminate swirling water bath
- Filter-free operation
- 1-year warranty
The Pure H2O Large Water-Based Air Revitalizer from EcoGecko is a popular air revitalizer capable of covering areas as large as 600 sq. ft., which is an impressive coverage area for an air revitalizer as affordable and lightweight as it is. The Pure H2O can single-handedly remove common household air pollutants such as cooking odors, smoke, pet dander, dust, and other allergens to create a more refreshing and clean-smelling home environment. Aside from trapping pollutants in its water bath, it’s also able to aromatize the air with the help of the EcoGecko scented oils that come with it.
Unfortunately, there have been reports from users that EcoGecko oils are not fragrant as they would have liked. In addition, although the Pure H2O is capable of refreshing and revitalizing the air, it is still admittedly less efficient at filtering out air pollutants and odors than conventional air purifiers. The same goes for its humidifying capabilities, as it is only able to contribute minimal humidity to the environment.
It is undeniable, however, that the Pure H2O is a durable, high quality air revitalizer that’s affordable both upfront and long-term. Its plain white top and clear basin make it an easy match to any type of room decor. It’s also incredibly easy to use, clean, and maintain! With its quiet operation, the Pure H2O definitely works like a dream.
Pros
- Affordable upfront and long-term
- Large room coverage
- Removes light odors, allergens, and other air pollutants
- Adjustable output level
- Comes with 2 scented oils
- Easy to use, clean, and maintain
- Compact, lightweight, and quiet
- Optional LED light
Cons
- Oils are not as fragrant
- Not as effective at purifying and humidifying air as air purifiers and humidifiers, respectively
The Aroma Globe Air Washer and Air Revitalizer is a fast-selling water-based air revitalizer, owing to its incredibly affordable price both upfront and long-term. The Aroma Globe is surprisingly able to cover large areas, even beating out the Pure H2O from EcoGecko, by being able to service up to 700 sq. ft. of space.
The biggest drawback to the Aroma Globe is that it’s decidedly louder than we’d like. Although still categorized as white noise, most users have opted not to use the Aroma Globe in their bedrooms to avoid any disturbances during the night. Another problem is that its glaringly bright LED lights cannot be turned off.
As with most air revitalizers, you can’t expect the same efficiency in air purification and humidification from the Aroma Globe as you would from conventional air purifiers and humidifiers. In its defense, however, the Aroma Globe does an excellent job of removing light odors, masking the smell of smoke, as well as removing allergens from the vicinity. Its simplicity, performance, and room coverage make it a very attractive choice for any homeowner looking to create a fresher, more fragrant home environment.
Pros
- Affordable upfront and long-term
- Large room coverage
- Comes with antibacterial scented oils
- Traps dust, particles, odors
- Lightweight, compact
- Easy to use, clean, and maintain
- Compatible with scented oils
Cons
- Loud
- Bright LED lights cannot be turned off
- Not as effective at purifying and humidifying air as air purifiers and humidifiers, respectively
Homedics is a well-known home appliance brand and the BRT-150 aims to hold up that reputation. Easily the most expensive air revitalizer on this list, the BRT-150 is as sophisticated as they get. Its unique design definitely allows it to stand out and what’s even more impressive is that it’s capable of servicing areas up to 500 sq. ft. in size.
The biggest problem we have with the BRT-150 is its exorbitant price tag that surpasses even some high-quality HEPA air purifiers and humidifiers! In addition, users have complained about it being loud, and the LED lights cannot be dimmed or turned off.
In terms of purifying and humidifying the air, the price tag just doesn’t justify its performance. In terms of refreshing and revitalizing the air, though, the BRT-150 does an excellent job. It’s able to trap irritating household air pollutants as well as neutralize 99% of odor-causing bacteria. You can also save in the long run because the BRT-150 is energy efficient and filter-free.
Pros
- Large room coverage
- Comes with refreshing scented oils
- Neutralizes 99% of odor-causing bacteria
- Traps dust, smoke, and other odors
- Energy efficient
- Easy to use, clean, and maintain
Cons
- Very expensive
- Loud
- Bright LED lights cannot be turned off
- Not as effective at purifying and humidifying air as air purifiers and humidifiers, respectively
The Rainbow RainMate is a popular air revitalizer and has been on the market for several years. It has solidified its reputation as a reliable and effective water-based air revitalizer that would greatly benefit any household it stays in.
While it’s unclear how large of a space the RainMate is capable of covering, it’s evident from consumer reviews that it’s only capable of covering small rooms. Considering its price, this is disappointing. The scented oils also have to be bought separately, unlike with the Pure H2O and Aroma Globe that both come with their own scented oils. Overall, however, the RainMate remains an solid choice for an air revitalizer given its reliability, durability, and quiet operation. It’s convenient and easy to use, clean, and maintain.
Pros
- Low and high settings
- Easy to use, clean, and maintain
- Long-lasting LED lights
- Helps alleviate asthma and allergy symptoms by trapping air pollutants
- Neutralizes odors with scented oils
- Quiet
Cons
- Small room coverage
- Expensive
- Scented oils have to be purchased separately
- Not as effective at purifying and humidifying air as air purifiers and humidifiers, respectively
The Twister from little-known brand Sirena is a robust water-based air revitalizer capable of competing with the bigger names in the air revitalizer market. It claims to be able to aromatize, deodorize, and purify the other with the help of the Sirena Fragrances and Deodorizer.
Unfortunately, the Twister reportedly runs quite loudly, which can be a problem if you’re planning to use it in your bedroom, and it is not as efficient at purifying and humidifying the air as air purifiers and humidifiers, respectively. The Sirena Fragrances also need to be purchased separately as the unit doesn’t come with any.
With all things considered, though, the Twister remains a worthwhile investment for your home if you’re only looking for light air purification and humidification. It’s affordable, easy to use and maintain, and you have the benefit of breathing in cleaner, more refreshing air.
Pros
- Affordable upfront and long-term
- Traps dust, odors, and other pollutants
- Deodorizer neutralizes odors from cooking and smoke
- Multi-colored LED lights perfect for nightlight
- Easy to use, clean, and maintain
Cons
- Loud
- Scented oils need to be purchased separately
- Not as effective at purifying and humidifying air as air purifiers and humidifiers, respectively
Final Thoughts
So, are water-based air revitalizers worth it? Ultimately, it all depends on your needs and expectations. If you’re only looking for light air purification and humidification with an eye towards making the air more pleasant and refreshing, then water-based air revitalizers are definitely worth it. If, though, you’re suffering from more serious air quality problems, then a water-based air revitalizer might not cut it for you and you’ll have to consider more powerful solutions such as an air purifier or humidifier.
If you’re considering purchasing a water-based air revitalizer, we’d definitely recommend the EcoGecko Pure H2O Large Water-Based Air Revitalizer. For a very affordable price, you get an air revitalizer that can cover large spaces with a wide array of scented oils from which to choose. It runs quietly, is easy to use and maintain, and you have the option of turning on that potentially annoying LED light.
The Aroma Globe is another excellent, budget-friendly option that is easy to clean and comes with a strong 2-year warranty.
