It’s definitely comically expensive. But I’ve had mine 15 years and it’s still the best least fuss humidifier I’ve ever owned. Oh and I never use their additive. Little dish soap (drop of two) in each refilling keep the water “sticking” to the disks nicely, nothing else to replace. Never had a mold problem with them either.

I owned a (different) Honeywell cool mist humidifier and ended up buying a Venta LW45 after getting fed up with the Honeywell. The Venta works _shockingly_ well, and requires basically no maintenance. The problem with most wick humidifiers is that minerals build up on the wick very quickly (even before anything starts to grow), and minerals prevent the wick from absorbing any liquid. Even if you don't see or smell anything growing on the wick, the efficiency drops dramatically within a couple weeks, unless you change the wick constantly.

In comparison, the Venta requires almost zero maintenance, and the entire machine is basically indestructible. The electronics pop out if you press the two buttons on top, which means you can hose the entire thing down in a bathtub if you want. You could probably put the whole thing in the dishwasher if you really wanted to, but I haven't tried that myself.

I have two ventas, both purchased off ebay used, and they really are the best. Simple, reliable, cleanable and no expensive wick refills.

That honeywell lasted about one season. The wick refills are ridiculously expensive. It was cheaper to trash it and use anything else. I'm also upset with the wirecutter for that trash recommendation.

Do your airwashers make clicking noises? I had one that did, but was kind of old and beat up. I bought a new one and, sure enough, like 2 months later the clicking was back.

I’ve tried replacing the... little walking thing that moves the discs? (not sure what to call it) that makes the noise but it didn’t help.

I had this issue too at one point. I ended up soaking that part in vinegar (to remove the gunk on it) and then rinsing it off with water, which ended up fixing it. I assume it was just grinding due to mineral build up. Seems like it's a pretty common issue, as it's even listed on their website in the FAQ.

Okay I could’ve sworn I scoured their website for this information. Granted it was a few years ago so maybe it’s new...? I’d found the “push the rubber coupling” tip, which has helped before, but I am breaking out the vinegar as we speak - thank you! I owe you one.

I have had a Venta LW15 for a long time, and like it. I have gone through many humidifiers, and the LW15 is the only one that has lasted more than five years and does not require filters. It is expensive, even with cleaning>

It does require regular cleaning, though -- that can be a pain. It pulled minimal power, too.

I have switched to a whole house humidifier this year and I really like not having to change water every day. I am not sure how it will work in the long term.

I don't know if the LW15 has a different mechanism than the LW45, but it shouldn't be difficult to clean. The entire machine literally comes apart (https://youtu.be/-f2FAI70BSk?t=154), leaving only plastic pieces that can be hosed down.

It is probably the same mechanism. The only thing that took time was wiping down both sides of than fan blades.

I would still be using the venta if I didn't have a new geothermal system installed. The ultrasonic humidifiers I had before the venta didn't last more than two years.

Yeah, I run two Venta air washers in two small rooms. They are expensive but the only option for me that is easy to fill, easy to clean and has a nice noise profile.