Customer Reviews

Crane Cow Cool Mist Humidifier

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Although this humidifier looks like a toy, it works perfect fine. It is not the most high performance humidifier and it does not have any additional feature, like UV lamp or water filter, but it performs extremely well for its price. I bought it at around $30, before the price increased. Like all ultrasonic humidifier, it produces small water droplets using high energy acoustic action. The droplets are then delivered out using a small fan. It is extremely quiet that you will barely notice the sound even when you are going to sleep. The specification sheet states the power consumption is 32 W maximum, but it consumes less power in practice. Humidification is not necessary higher by operating the humidifier at higher power. At maximum power, the water droplets generated are very large and they will fall to the floor without increasing humidity. Thus, the humidifier should be operated at optimum power to generate finer water mist. Therefore, the operation power is lower than 32 W. For the same reason, the humidifer delivers 15-24 hours of performance with a galleon of water, instead of the 11 hour stated on the specification sheet.
It is important to point out, there is no extra replacement cost because this unit has no extra features. For this reason, it cannot eliminate mineral or bacteria in the water. So if there are minerals or bacterias, they will also be dispersed in the air. Filtered or distilled water should be used if tap water has minerals. Water should also be changed everyday and the unit should be clean every week to avoid bacteria buildup. I have noticed that you can put in trace amount of hydrogen peroxide to prevent bacterial growth. I suggest using about 1 teaspoon of home use (3%) hydrogen peroxide in a galleon of water. Doing so, I noticed that I do not have to change water everyday. Make sure you do not put too much peroxide, and do not put the humidifier next to your head during sleep after you added peroxide.

*Update*
Although the instruction manual suggests cleaning the water tank (top unit) with mild clorox blench solution, it does not mean you can clean the bottom unit with blench. I made the mistake and the paint/coating on the ultrasonic part is falling apart. At least this is why I think the coating is coming off. Now it cannot be used. Also my water has too much minerals in it, even with the PUR faucet filter, the humidifier still produces white dust. A reverse osmosis water purifier might do the job, but I do not have one. Good while it last, but I will have to get a different kind of humidifier for my next winter. I also like to down rate this humidifier to a 4 star, but Amazon does not allow me to change my star rating. It is still a pretty good for its low price ($30).*

*Super Update* Crane has now offer a mineral filter to minimize white dust. I have not use one, but I thought readers should be made aware of it. It is about $10-11 and it lasts ~2 months.

I purchased this for the cuteness factor, and based on previous reviews, felt it would suit my needs. It turned out to be a good decision in combating the dry air of winter. I have it sitting atop a dresser, and adjusted the settings per the included instructions. Within a day the sinus headaches are history. Also, I no longer spend moments feeling guilty for accidentally shocking my kitten due to static electricity.

Although this product works great as a humidifier, I am frustrated by the inability to dry the tank after use. I've left it hanging for a week in different positions, tried drying it with a hairdryer, to no avail. The opening to the tank is much too small to reach in to wipe the inside of the tank after use. If this company can come up with a way to get access to easily dry the inside of the tank, then I would give this 5 stars. At this point, I do not feel comfortable re-using this product without properly disinfecting it prior to use, since mildew and mold buildup is guaranteed.

We purchased two of these, one cow and one elephant. The cow worked perfectly and all claims of the leaking and wetting the items around it can be resolved by properly adjusting the output level. However, the other unit seemed to produce way to much mist and spouted mist all the way around the lid. We contacted customer service and they were even more friendly and helpful than if we had known them personally. They were in contact with us all the way through the replacement of the product and we now have two working units that our little girls love. INCREDIBLE customer service.

I bought this humidifier for my daughter in college. She used it for one day and loved it for that one day. It didn't work again.
So, because she was so busy with classes and didn't get a chance to return it within the 30 days we are stuck with a brand new
humidifier that doesn't work. Lesson learned and scared to buy another one that might not work.

I adore this humidifier! It is so cute and the steam comes out of his ears! It lasts a long time too, the tank can go for up to 24 hours.