Humidity swings can have a detrimental effect on the condition of our guitar. Wooden guitars are susceptible to the whips of humidity. Any changes in moisture can wreak havoc on the essence of our instruments and affect playability, tone, and overall longevity. So, what can you do? You can store the guitar in a case and keep it in a humidified room, especially when you travel or live in areas with weather extremes: dryness or cold. The best guitar room humidifiers can maintain the optimal humidity in your guitar’s cave and protect your instruments like outstanding guitar hard cases. How do you find the best humidifier that best safeguards instruments? Choosing the right one can be cumbersome among the numerous market options. To ease your tension, I am sharing my list of the 7 best humidifiers for the guitar room. Let’s explore!
How To Choose The Best Humidifier For Guitar Room
Below are the things you should consider while choosing the best humidifiers for your guitar room that will keep your guitars in pristine condition.
Coverage area:
The first thing to consider while choosing the best humidifier for a guitar room is the size of your room so that it can effectively cover the entire space. Check the specifications to ensure that the humidifier is suitable for the square footage of your room. 200 sq. ft. is enough for small to medium-sized rooms, while for medium to large rooms, 400 sq. ft. coverage would be a safer choice.
How do you measure the square footage of my guitar room?
To calculate the area of your guitar room:
- Use measuring tape to measure the length and width of the room.
- Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage. For instance, if your room measures 25 feet in length and 15 feet in width, the calculation would be 25 ft x 15 ft = 375 sq. ft.
Water Capacity:
A larger water tank means less frequent refills, and it helps maintain a consistent humidity level in your guitar room. Look for a humidifier with a tank capacity of at least 2 litres for a backup of around 24 hours and 4 litres for 40 hours (about one and a half days) of backup or more. However, a very large water tank (over 6L) has disadvantages too.
What are the disadvantages of a large water tank?
- A large water tank increases the overall size and weight of the humidifier. So, it’ll be more challenging to move or find a suitable place for it in your guitar room.
- Humidifiers with larger water tanks often come with a higher price tag compared to models with smaller capacities.
- While a large water tank reduces the frequency of refills, it also means that you need a large amount of water when you refill the tank.
Auto adjustments:
Wouldn’t it be fantastic if your humidifier could automatically adjust the humidity level based on the current conditions? Well, the best humidifier for a guitar room comes equipped with smart sensors and automatic adjustments. These intelligent humidifiers can monitor the humidity level in your guitar room and make necessary adjustments to maintain a consistent and ideal environment for your instruments.
Is auto adjustment really necessary?
Fluctuations in humidity can lead to problems such as warping, cracking, or even damage to the guitars. So, maintaining a consistent and ideal humidity level is crucial. With smart sensors and automatic adjustments, a high-quality humidifier maintains the optimal humidity level on its own. If you live or travel in an area with fluctuating or unpredictable humidity levels, the auto adjustment becomes even more valuable.
Cool mist:
Regarding humidifiers, you’ll find options for both warm and cool mist. Cool mist humidifiers are often preferred for guitar rooms because they don’t add heat to the environment. The best guitar room humidifiers come with cool mist, and they are generally safer, especially if you have kids or pets around your guitar room.
How is cool mist much safer than warm mist?
The absence of heat production in cool mist humidifiers reduces the risk of accidental burns or scalding. It may sound too much, but it’s important to prioritize the safety of guitar rooms with delicate instruments and accessories. Warm mist can potentially damage the guitar or its delicate finishes.
Top 7 Best Humidifiers For Guitar Room
1. LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Room:
Specifications
- Power Supply: AC 120V, 60Hz
- Rated Power: 280W
- Mist Output: 500 mL/h
- Dimensions: 11.3 x 7.0 x 10.5 in / 28.7 x 17.8 x 26.7 cm
- Weight: 6.5 lb / 2.95 kg
- Floor Area: 753 sq. ft.
Pros
- Really fast humidification speed
- Massive area coverage
- Large 6L water tank saves from the trouble of refilling frequently
- Automatically shuts off when the tank is out of water
- Automatically turns on & off according to your setting
- Built-in humidistat
- Remote control facility
Cons
- Tap water can’t be used; it requires distilled or filtered water
LEVOIT Large Room Humidifier is a technologically advanced and innovative room humidifier for guitar collectors and owners. This upgraded version can effectively cover an impressive area of 753 square feet (roughly half the size of a standard basketball court) and last for 50 long hours. One of the standout features of this humidifier is its dual functionality, as it can provide both warm and cool vapor. So, it can be an ideal solution even for your bedroom. This best humidifier for the guitar room comes with an auto shut-off function that ensures the device turns off when the water runs out. Don’t want to get up to it again? The humidifier comes with a remote!
Key Features:
- Weather Adaptability: With this humidifier, you have complete control over the humidity level. You can either increase or decrease it to effectively combat weather conditions and maintain an optimal environment for your guitar.
- Versatility: Beyond its specific application for guitars, this humidifier is also highly reliable for everyday home use. It serves as an exceptional device to ensure a comfortable and healthy living environment. You can also add essential oils to the aroma box and enjoy wonderful, fresh-smelling air.
- Automatic Adjustments: This humidifier is equipped with intelligent sensors and determines the appropriate action based on the preset humidity level. If the device detects humidity exceeding your preset level, it automatically switches to warm mode and adjusts the relative humidity.
Buy This if: You’re looking for a room humidifier that has a broad area coverage and lasts around 2 days. It also offers auto adjustments and can be a reliable home-use choice.
Don’t Buy This If: You prioritize a top refilling feature. It doesn’t have a top refilling system. You need to detach the heavy water tank (Capacity: 6L) from the humidifier and fill it from the bottom. You can get the LEVOIT OasisMist if you want a top-refilling humidifier for your large room.
2. LEVOIT LV600HH 6L (Runner-up)
Specifications
- Power Supply: AC 120V, 60Hz
- Rated Power: 280W
- Mist Output: 500 mL/h
- Dimensions: 11.3″D x 7″W x 10.5″H
- Weight: 2.2 Kilograms
- Floor Area: 753 sq. Ft.
Pros
- Both warm and cool mist
- Massive area coverage
- Large water tank
- Auto mode adjusts the mist level
- Built-in sensor
- Remote control facility
Cons
- Bulky size
LEVOIT LV600HH Ultrasonic humidifier may come with a higher price tag compared to other models from the brand, but it’s an investment that pays off, especially if you have a larger room. This best humidifier for a guitar room can quickly cover up to 753ft² of an area like the LEVOIT For Large Room. The humidifier boasts a large water tank that provides an impressive runtime of up to 40 hours. You’ll love its nice, sleek look with the viewing window to check the water level. Even if you use it in your bedroom, the near-silent noise level will let you sleep peacefully, and you can add essential oils to the aroma box and enjoy wonderful, fresh-smelling air.
Key Features:
- Ultrasonic Technology: This humidifier utilizes ultrasonic technology to create a fine mist (warm and cool) of water vapor released into the air without producing any heat. This gentle and consistent humidity distribution ensures that your guitar’s wood remains moisturized without the risk of warping or cracking.
- Adjustable Humidity Levels: With the LV600HH, you have full control over the humidity level in your guitar room. You have the freedom to adjust the humidity levels based on your preferences manually. Also, if you prefer a hassle-free experience, the humidifier can automatically regulate the humidity output to create the most comfortable and suitable atmosphere in your space.
- Large Water Tank Capacity: One of the standout features of the LV600HH is its generous water tank capacity of 6 litres. It means you can enjoy hassle-free humidification without the constant need for refills.
Buy This if: You’re looking for a large room humidifier with a broad area coverage and a runtime of around 2 days. It also offers you auto adjustments and ultrasonic technology.
Don’t Buy This If: The size concerns you with limited space in the guitar room or studio. For that, the compact-sized PureEnrichment MistAire would be your ideal choice for small rooms.
3. Cool Mist Humidifier
Specifications
- Length: 11.42″
- Width: 6.69″
- Height: 13.27″
- Weight: 3.10 pounds
- Noise: ≤35dB(A)
- Mist Output: 270 mL/h
- Floor Area: 500 sq. ft.
Pros
- Large 6L water tank saves from the trouble of refilling frequently
- Automatically shuts off when the tank is out of water
- Low-cost
- LED-lighted water level
Cons
- Not easy to clean
This sleek and stylish humidifier from Everlasting Comfort boasts an impressive range of 500 sq. ft. that can easily cover every corner of your large guitar room. The ultrasonic system can last up to 50 long hours and produces a fine cool mist without leaving residue. There’s no filter in the humidifier, and it’s super easy to clean. You don’t have to clean it often, and the package also comes with a brush. It comes with a fully adjustable dial setting and a 360-degree nozzle that lets you control the humidifier as you want. The humidifier also has an LED-lit water level marker on the side, so you instantly know when to refill. Besides, the 2-year replacement warrant will give you peace of mind.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Mist Output: With the ability to customize the mist output, you can fine-tune the humidity levels based on your guitar’s specific requirements for optimal care and protection.
- Large Water Tank: The Cool Mist Humidifier features a large 6-litre water tank. It means you can focus on the music without frequent interruptions to refill the tank.
- Automatic Shut-Off: The humidifier is equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that activates when the water level is low. So you don’t need to worry about additional electricity costs.
Buy This if You’re looking for a room humidifier with high-quality auto adjustments and la arge water tank. Its built-in auto shut-off feature saves bills.
Don’t Buy This If You prioritize a top refilling feature. This humidifier can’t be filled from the top and has no handle to carry the tank. It can be cumbersome when the tank is full. Want a top refilling humidifier that can cover the range like this one? Simply go for the LEVOIT OasisMist.
4. LEVOIT OasisMist Smart Cool:
Specifications
- Rated Power: 280W
- Effective Range: 215–430 ft² / 20–40 m²
- Noise Level: Lowest: < 26dB (Low Cool Mist) Highest: < 41dB (High Warm Mist)
- Dimensions: 10.8 x 6.0 x 11.97 in / 27.4 x 15.2 x 30.4 cm
- Weight: 5.3 lb / 2.4 kg
- Mist Output: 550 mL/h
- Floor Area: 250 sq. ft.
LEVOIT OasisMist Smart Cool comes with an area coverage of up to 430 sq. feet, making it well enough for large rooms. Also, it has a long run time of up to 45 hours. LEVOIT OasisMist Smart Cool doesn’t have high area coverage like LEVOIT Humidifier or a 360-degree nozzle like Cool Mist Humidifier, but I found its sensors pretty effective in helping this one to secure a position as number 4. The sensors automatically adjust the room’s humidity when humidity crosses the pre-set level.
Pros
- Automatic adjustments with a built-in humidistat
- Dual function provides warm and cool vapor
- 4.5L big water tank
- Automatically shuts off when the tank is out of water
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Tap water can’t be used; it requires distilled or filtered water
LEVOIT OasisMist Smart Cool Humidifier can be a valuable ally in your medium to large guitar room with an area coverage of up to 430 sq. ft. Also, it has the second-best long run time of up to 45 hours on my list, with a large water tank. The humidifier’s sensors are impressive and adjust the room’s humidity when humidity exceeds the preset level. It can increase your room humidity by 10% within only 15 minutes! You might get a slight white residue while using the humidifier, depending on your water situation. But it’s like a very light powder; you don’t need to worry about it.
Key Features:
- Convenient Control: You can connect it to the LEVOIT Smart App or use voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant for effortless adjustments.
- Large Water Tank: The humidifier boasts an impressive 4.5-litre (1.2-gallon) water tank; this humidifier is designed for long-lasting performance. It can humidify your space for up to 45 hours (about 2 days) at a time.
- Easy to Refill: This cool mist humidifier comes with a convenient top-filling design, so refilling the water tank is incredibly easy. With a simple twist, you can effortlessly add water without the hassle of removing the tank from the unit.
Buy This if You’re looking for an easy-to-use humidifier for medium to large rooms. It comes with a top-refilling feature, so you don’t have to remove the tank to refill it. It has a large water tank that goes a long way.
Don’t Buy This If You want a manual humidity controlling setting. This humidifier doesn’t have advanced controlling feature and you can set the output settings only in 3 presets. and you can’t set the desired humidity level manually. If you want precise and manual controlling, I recommend choosing the LEVOIT LV600HH.
5. GENIANI Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifier:
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.06 x 6.69 inches
- Weight: 4 Pounds
- Working Voltage: 24V
- Noise: ≤38dB(A)
- Power Adapter Rated Input: 100-240V
- Floor Area: 220 sq. ft.
Pros
- Decent 4L water tank
- LED night lights
- Easy top refilling system
- Automatically shuts off when the tank is out of water
Cons
- Plug is short
GENIANI Cool Mist Humidifier comes with advanced ultrasonic cool mist technology, and with a 220 sq. feet range, this humidifier is suitable for a small to medium room. The integrated smart sensor in the humidifier ensures the maintenance of an optimal room humidity level that promotes a healthy environment. Also, you have the flexibility to manually adjust and select the desired humidity level (low, medium, or high). It features a decent 4L water tank and a 360° nozzle, which can be effortlessly adjusted in any direction. This flexibility ensures the cool vapor disperses evenly throughout your entire guitar room.
Key Features:
- Silent Operation: GENIANI Cool Mist Humidifier has been meticulously engineered to operate silently (only 30db). It allows you to concentrate on activities such as playing the guitar without any distracting background noise.
- Auto Shut-Off: This humidifier is equipped with an auto shut-off feature. When the water is finished, the device will automatically turn off to prevent unnecessary electricity consumption.
- Essential Oil Tray: The Essential Oil Tray allows you to enhance the environment with pleasant aromas. Simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the tray, and the humidifier will disperse a soothing, fragrant mist throughout the room.
Buy This if You’re looking for a small to medium room humidifier that has a decent water capacity and low noise.
Don’t Buy This If You prioritize the ease of use. The power cord of this humidifier is short, and you can’t remove the water tank. To sum it up, filling up the tank is a bit difficult. If you want the same water capacity but with easy refilling, I’d say to try the LEVOIT OasisMist.
6. AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier
Specifications
- Length: 8.5″
- Width: 6.0″
- Height: 9.5″
- Weight: 2.18 pounds
- Floor Area: 400 sq. ft.
Pros
- Automatically shuts off when the tank is out of water
- Low-cost
- Easy-to-operate
- Comes with a cleaning brush
Cons
- Not a top-fill model, so refilling is a little problematic
- Small water tank of only 2.2L
- No advanced feature
If you live in a dry climate and are looking for a simple humidifier to protect your guitar, consider getting this AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier. This humidifier effectively maintains a suitable environment for your musical instruments by producing a soothing cool mist. It is a bottom-fill humidifier with a 2.2-litre water tank capacity and can cover up to 400 sq. Ft., and the company claims the runtime is 24 hours. The humidifier has 7 settings; on the lowest setting, it lasted for around 17 to 18 hours easily while testing.
Key Features:
- Silent Operation: You can say goodbye to humming, whistling, or crackling noises with this ultrasonic humidifier. While testing, I found the AquaOasis humidifier to be really quiet, with nearly zero noise distractions.
- Cool Mist Setting: The humidifier maintains consistent moisture levels in your surroundings by emitting a fine mist. The analog knob dial enables precise adjustment of the mist setting, while the 360° rotatable nozzle grants control over the direction and output of the mist based on your requirements.
- Lifetime Warranty: One of the most impressive things about this humidifier is it features a lifetime warranty, and that’s also at a very affordable price!
Buy This If You’re looking for an affordable small to medium-sized room humidifier that lasts around a day and has a low noise feature. Also, its lifetime warranty gives you peace of mind.
Don’t Buy This If You can’t accept the necessity of frequent cleaning. The unit’s base and inside the basin get dirty with yellowish-brown gunk and mold if not cleaned often. I’ve found the Pure Enrichment MistAire really easy to clean.
7. Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic
Specifications
- Mist Output: 150 mL/h
- Length: 8″
- Width: 6″
- Height: 9″
- Weight: 1.35 pounds
- Floor Area: 250 sq. ft.
Pros
- Small, space-saving design
- Automatically shuts off when the tank is out of water
- Easy to fill the tank
- Low-cost
Cons
- Small water tank of 1.7L
- Mist nozzle can get stuck sometimes
- Not easy to clean
The MistAire is an attractive and cutting-edge cool-mist humidifier. This best humidifier for a guitar room also adds to the visual appeal of your small-sized guitar room, which spans an area of 250 sq. ft. MistAire is a compact tabletop device designed to maintain the optimal humidity level in the room using only 1.5 litres of water. With its compact design and potentially stylish appearance, it might be a pleasing addition to the room decor. The company claims it can run up to 25 hours, and while testing, it easily ran for 16 to 17 hours.
Key Features:
- Ultrasonic cold mist technology: This device utilizes ultrasonic cool vapor technology, which generates a refined mist through sound vibrations, eliminating the need for filters. Besides, it operates seamlessly for 16 hours without interruptions.
- Adjustable settings: The MistAire humidifier offers multiple settings that can be customized according to your preferences. You can choose the mist direction and adjust the airspeed to achieve the desired level of comfort for both you and the guitars.
- Automatic shut-off system: It is equipped with an auto shut-off feature that activates when the 1.5-litre water tank is empty or removed from the base. So, there is no excessive electricity consumption.
Buy This if You’re looking for a compact-sized small room humidifier that lasts around a day and has an auto shut-off system. You can also customize its mist output setting.
Don’t Buy This If You prioritize the ease of use. The curved shape of the water tank made it difficult to pick it up off the base. Pick any of the top refilling humidifiers from the list to have the easy refilling advantage.
How To Maintain A Humidifier?
Unclean humidifiers can emit harmful air pollutants. Air pollutants can affect both your health and the guitar. Regularly maintaining the humidifier reduces the risk of contaminants. Follow the below guidelines to maintain a humidifier properly:
- Regularly check the humidifier to ensure it is never empty.
- Clean the humidifier’s water basin after each use.
- When you replace the water in the basin, ensure the basin is dry.
- If you have a filtered humidifier, don’t forget to replace the filter from time to time according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep the area around the humidifier as dry as possible to prevent mold.
Caution: Always keep the humidifier away from your guitar.
Benefits of Humidifier For Guitar Room:
The environment in which a guitar is stored affects it. So, choosing the best humidifier for guitar room is imperative. Below find some major benefits of using a humidifier:
- A humidifier prevents damage to the guitar’s body. Keeping the guitars stored in a dry environment will cause the guitar body to shrink. On the other hand, overly humid environments may lead to guitar body swelling. A guitar room humidifier can keep the guitar in the best shape.
- It protects the guitar’s sound quality. Guitars stored in humid environments start to lose their tone over time, and the best humidifier can keep your guitar sounding at its best.
- It maintains the appearance of the guitar. The extremely humid conditions can tarnish the finish on a guitar. A humidifier for the guitar room can protect your guitar from such havoc.
Final Words
Humidity changes have an impact on guitars over days, maybe weeks, not just in milliseconds that you won’t even notice. So, it is crucial to take proactive measures to monitor and regulate the humidity levels in your guitar room or studio. The best way to keep your guitar safe from humidity changes is to invest in a quality humidifier so you can protect your precious guitars from getting damaged.
FAQs:
Is a cold room bad for guitars?
Yes, a cold room can be bad for guitars. Cold temperatures can cause problems like fret sprouts, neck warping, and cracking. In addition, rapid temperature changes can also be harmful to guitars. To avoid these problems, try to store the guitar in a room that is not too cold. A room between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 24 degrees Celsius) is ideal.
What happens if you don’t humidify a guitar?
If you don’t humidify your guitar, the wood can dry out, crack or shrink, guitar’s top can sink, causing the bridge to come loose. The neck of the guitar can bow forward. Besides, the fingerboard can shrink, causing the frets to become exposed.