Customer Reviews

Venta Sonic VS100 Cool and Warm Ultrasonic Humidifier 100536

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(23)

 

 

We wanted to get an ultrasonic to replace/supplement our traditional fan-evaporative unit due to all of the funk that builds up in its wick/filter. After reading the amazon reviews, I went to our local hardware store planning to buy the Air-o-Swiss (same price as amazon, with possibility of easier return if there was a problem). There I found the Venta along-side the Air-o-Swiss. Comparing the two... both are high design and both seem very similar in overall quality: Venta - apparently German company, though unit made in Korea; Air-o-Swiss - seems likely a Swiss company, though unit also is made in Korea. The Venta was cheaper, but knowing nothing about it, I went home to read the reviews.

While there were many positive reviews for the Air-o-Swiss, there weren't any Amazon.com reviews for the Venta. Google revealed that Venta also makes several high capacity humidifiers and that Venta seemed popular among piano owners/enthusiasts, whom are much more concerned about humidification than myself (or likely other typical consumers, though makes me wonder if I need to worry about my wood furniture).

Both the Venta and the Air-o-Swiss have the silver-ion technology to combat unwelcome bacterial growth in the unit. They are different in how this silver-ion technology is implemented. Besides a small canister water filter to catch rust or other impurities, the A-o-S has a separate silver-ion stick in contact with the water. In contrast, the Venta does not have this separate stick, but has the silver ion impregnated in the small canister water-filter (both filters are similar size). Comparing prices, the Venta filter (with silver-ions) is cheaper than the A-o-S filter and you still have to buy a separate ion stick for the A-o-S. So the Venta is less initially for the unit and less for the consumables.

Very pleased with the performance so far (only a week). Comparing it to our tradition fan-wick Holmes, it is much much quieter. Virtually soundless (it makes a very small "glug-glug" sound every few minutes as it uses up water). Also versus the Holmes it puts out much, much more humidity. They are both 2-gallon units, the Holmes with a brand-new wick and Holmes on the medium setting running 24 hours goes through 1.5 gallons; the Venta puts out 2 gallons on a 60% setting (it's got a variable spin dial to choose amount of output - so you're not limited to "high/med/low"); I haven't tried it at the 100% setting for more than a few minutes, but since with these ultra-sonics you can see the "puff" or plume of moisture, the 100% setting would rip through the 2 gallon capacity probably in 12 hours.

While some A-o-S users have mentioned condensation on the floor near their units, we haven't had an issue. Though, I have our Venta near a heat duct, which helps disperse the puff/plume of moisture.

Overall, big thumbs up. Thinking about buying a second to replace the old Holmes.

Two other thoughts. Since fewer retailers carry the Venta versus the A-o-S, I loaded up on a few replacement Venta filters now, versus having to search for them later. Also, I hate carting whichever humidifier's reservoir back and forth to the bathroom/kitchen to fill. They are always odd shapes and awkward once filled to carry back. I'm using two empty 1-gallon PolandSprings/GeyserPeak/whomever containers to cart the water to the humidiers. These containers are much easier to fill (sitting flat under a tap no problem), have easy carry handles, and are designed to pour easily. Makes the daily task of refilling less of a pain.

UPDATE (1-23-06): We own two now. In two months we've found that happiness with the Venta is adversely affected by the amount of impurities in your water. In our kitchen we have one of those under-sink water systems (omni cb20); the rest of our house is city water, which is not great in our area. Our downstairs Venta was getting the clean water, while the upstairs one was not.

Water quality leads to a couple of observations. First, the Venta filters last longer with clean water. We have not replaced either filter yet, but the Venta using city water now drains more slowly; for the last 1.5 inches in the reservoir it stops and starts as the water slowly drains.

Second, is cleaning frequency. We've cleaned the downstairs/clean water Venta only twice. There is a nickel sized metal disk in a black rubber mount that vibrates creating the water mist. This disk and rubber mount accumulate what appear to be mineral nodules (a bit larger than table salt). This stuff needs to be brushed/scraped off and hoovered up (we use a rubber bulb). The upstairs/city water Venta needs cleaning about every two weeks.

Given the differences, we've started using the clean water in both and are still very happy with them. Having read about the other reviewer's experience about the filters clogging and the metal disk getting encrusted, you might want to steer away if your city water has alot of mineral content.

My search for a humidifier began after my dermatologist recommended I get one to help with my dry skin. After doing some homework, it was hard to find one at a decent price that wasn't so loud it could wake the dead. I went to J&R (the place that ships the product) last week to see some humidifiers in action and the Venta-Sonic was the clear winner. A major selling point is the fact that it offers both cool and warm mist options, but the most important thing was the noise factor-even when I have the humidity and power knobs up on high, it barely makes a sound. Even though the appearance of the unit doesn't really matter, the Venta-Sonic is also pretty good-looking.
The only negative aspects that made me give this 4 stars instead of 5: 1) changing the water is awkward- you have to lift the blue water tank, which is somewhat heavy and could be a problem for some people to lift, turn it upside down and fill it (it also just barely fits in my bathroom sink) Water also sometimes drops off the bottom of the tank after you remove it from the base, so watch out. 2) the price- at $100 this isn't exactly cheap, and the filters are $15 and need changing once a month (because I have hard water, otherwise every 2-3 months). Despite the downsides, the Venta-Sonic is the cheapest of similar warm/cool mist humidifiers I saw at J&R, like the Air-O-Swiss AOS7133 "NEW" Ultrasonic Antimicrobial Cool/Warm Mist Humidifier, and they both share these minor problems, so the Venta-Sonic is the clear winner.
Since using the humidifier my skin isn't nearly as dry and I no longer wake up with a sore throat and dry mouth like I usually do during the fall. I can honestly say this is probably the best thing I've bought in the past couple of months.

I got this exact Venta-Sonic model at a local Bed Bath and Beyond, expecting silent or near silent operation, after reading all the raving reviews here! As a satisfied Venta Air Washer customer, I hate to say that Venta-Sonic disappoints! It has disturbing high-frequency noises and it's far from the best! The overall noise volume Venta-Sonic imparts is lower than most fan-based humidifier. It makes high-frequency noise that feels piercing, causing me headaches. If you are sensitive to noises, looking for silence, Venta-Sonic doesn't cut it.

The first Venta-Sonic I bought kept me up all night (in New York City!) with its high-frequency noise and some sharp squeeking noise like some machine parts aren't fit right. Background noises can't drown out Venta! It gave me a mighty headache! Lowering machine's output or varying cold/hot mist settings doesn't make any difference! And once it's in operation, moving it only a tiny bit - water comes out between base and tank!

I exchanged for another unit. I also bought the newest model of Air-O-Swiss with digital control for comparison as I was told that it's the best humidifier on market. The two machines sat side-by-side. It's clear immediately to everyone that Air-O-Swiss is quieter. Even at highest setting, Air-O-Swiss' noise level and frequency are lower than Venta-Sonic's, and they blend nicely into background. They don't give me headaches. At lower settings, Air-O-Swiss can be virtually silent. With Air-O-Swiss on, I slept very well. The next night was Venta night. Unfortunately, the base machine noise was just as bad as the first unit, but without the strange squeeking noises. I tried to go to sleep with it on but after a few hours, headaches and agitation from the noise made me shut it off and switch on Air-O-Swiss and slept through afterwards.

I kept on alternating units days and nights to observe results from continued operation. After three days, Venta-Sonic unit began to add that strange squeeking noise. Air-O-Swiss gave consistent good near silent performance...and going strong still. Just based on noise-level alone, I had to return Venta-Sonic even though Air-O-Swiss costs $50 more. But that extra costs are further justified by the following:

1. Consistent Performance - I can put Air-O-Swiss on automatic mode with preset humidity level before I go to sleep, when I wake up, my bedside humidity reader (far away from the machine) has within 1% margin of error to the preset desired level.
Venta-Sonic however, I can put it to MAX settings, and I get only around 32% sometimes and other times anywhere below 50%.

2. Greater Output Capacity - My bedroom is 300 square feet+, half of 600 both machines claim can cover. Air-O-Swiss comfortably reaches my desired level (b/w 40% and 50%) with lower settings (It can go as high as 75%, I only set it up to 50%). Venta-Sonic labors over 8 hours at MAX settings and gets me LESS humidity! It won't get me above 50%.

3. Ease of Use with Digital Control - I like Air-O-Swiss' Auto Mode with Desired Humidity Setting. The machine adjusts output automatically. Venta-Sonic only has two dials, you'll have to experiment for a while to find the optimal settings. As soon as atmospheric humidity changes, which can be daily or a few hours, you'd have to re-adjust again...that's like shooting darts in the dark all the time, you can get close if lucky but never on target.

4. Better Mist Venting Notch Design - I put both machines on 3-feet-tall dresser. Air-O-Swiss' notch is tilted higher than Venta's. This means when operating cold mist, Air-O-Swiss's disappears into air vs. some Venta's still hit the floor - not enough to form condensation but less efficient in humidifying - perhaps that contributes to Venta's lower output previously mentioned.

5. Better Craftsmanship - Venta-Sonic is a notch below Air-O-Swiss, appears to be made simpler and CHEAPER.

Filter changes and clean up are similar. Venta needs to change filter cup. Air-O-Swiss needs filter cup and once-a-year silver stick change. Both are fool proof. Venta filters are more expensive but Air-O-Swill has extra silver stick. Cost-wise it's similar. I like Air-O-Swiss's option of replacing resins - just dump old resin in filter cup and put new packet in and you get a NEW filter - this cuts cost by almost 65% and less trash for the environment.

Water tank design is similar. Both fills water upside down. I still prefer Air-O-Swiss because the top is more leveled, easier to sit in sink or bath tub than Venta's tilted top.

Venta-Sonic has a lot to catch up to compared to Air-O-Swiss. Anything Air-O-Swiss can improve? Sure! The humidity reader on the machine is adjusted about 13% lower than actual average room humidity. They probably did it to ensure average humidity far away from the unit reaches target, but I think they can do so internally without having to show it. It would be a mistake to read the room humidity off that machine.

After I got the machines, I googled on both. There was one review elsewhere saying that Venta-Sonic broke after a month and half, out of store 30-day warranty and owner took a loss. Air-O-Swiss has 3 year warranty, if I remember correctly, Venta 1 year.

The trouble I went through is worth the finding of the right humidifier for me. Hope this helps those with similar concerns!

I purchased this humidifier without having much prior knowledge about it - all I knew was that it looked pretty solid and had earned reasonably good user reviews. I am glad I made this choice! A main concern was noise - I was switching from an evaporative humidifier with a very loud fan. The VentaSonic is almost completely silent (the oscillator does make some noise, but you really can't hear it unless you are right next to it and trying to hear it). Unlike many other humidifiers I've used, it can actually be moved without spillage if you are reasonably careful - very little water actually sits in the tray during normal operation. The controls are straightforward and allow you to regulate the spray intensity, room humidity (to stop humidifying at a certain level of moisture in the room), and to switch between cool and warm mist, which in a small room like the one I use it in, can assist you in regulating the room temperature quite effectively - a feature I really appreciate.
This thing is a real powerhouse - When turned all the way up, it really puts out moisture and goes through its average water capacity faster than other units I've used. When you handle it you can tell it's well built and will likely last. Overall, highly recommended - I have nothing bad to say about the VS100!

In a word--wow! The VENTA Sonic VS100 is an amazing humidifier. Having gone thru at least 3 or 4 humidifiers over the past ten years, we wanted to upgrade to an ultrasonic model (we were fed up with the weekly cleanings, yucky gunk build-up, etc. of our old fashioned humidifier).

This humidifier is unbelievably quiet (almost eerily so!); honestly, the only way we could tell that it was on was when we saw a faint plume of humidity streaming out of the top of the unit.

One word of caution/warning; experiment with the humidity/power settings in order to achieve just the right amount of humidity. The instruction manual cautions that you should leave the room door open when the unit is in operation. We learned the hard way; after having it set on one of the higher settings, we went into our daughter's room two hours later to find that her bedroom rug was soaking wet!! Needless to say, we've turned the humidity level way down and now monitor the settings on a fairly regular basis now.

All in all, a great unit!

Prior to purchasing this unit in December 2005, I was using a cool-mist humidifier by Holmes. I hated it. It was so, so loud, it didn't seem to give off any moisture, and it stunk, even though we regularly changed the wick filter.

I have a ton of sinus problems, and my husband has allergies, so we needed to upgrade our humidifier. I did a lot of research about the various brands, and the Venta and Air-O-Swiss consistently came up as the best, time and time again.

I went to my local Bed Bath & Beyond and they were out of the Venta Sonic, but there was one floor model on a shelf, spewing out tons of moisture. They did have the A-O-S, but I just wasn't interested in paying the astronomical price for it. I played with the floor-model Venta Sonic for about 10 minutes, and decided to buy it. BB&B gave me an additional 10% off, since I was buying the floor model, plus I used one of the 20% off coupons that I always get in the mail.

I wound up paying $74 with tax for the floor model Venta Sonic, although I knew I was taking a risk because there was no box or instruction manual with it.

When I got home, I found Venta's customer service number on their website, and called to request an instruction booklet for the humidifier. About 5 days later, I received it in the mail.

That was almost three months ago, and we haven't looked back. We use the humidifier every single night from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. and haven't had any problems with it. As some posters have mentioned, it is best to keep the unit elevated off the floor so that your flooring or carpet doesn't get soaked. We keep it on one of our nightstands, with a hand towel underneath the unit.

I'm not sure what a few posters were saying about the high-frequency noise that this humidifier supposedly creates. All I know is that it's the quietest unit I've ever owned. Except for the occasional "glug glug" sound of water filling the reservoir, this unit is whisper-quiet, even on the highest setting.

I love it and have raved about it to all my friends and family. This was a little pricey, but totally worth it!

We bought this humidifier after a decent amount of research. Our needs were to have a quality humidifier that was quiet, easy to clean, easy to adjust, and relatively affordable. We had been advised to get an ultrasonic humidifier by pediatricians shortly after the birth of our son.

Some things I really like:

- The unit is quiet. The newborn baby sleeps quite soundly while it is one.
- The unit is not very large, which allows me to place it on a small nightstand type shelf (about 2 1/2 feet high).
- It is easy to fill and easy to clean. It comes with a small brush to clean the oscillator with very clear, simple instructions.
- The controls are very easy to use.
- It is effective. The house itself is not terribly dry, so I use it on a low setting.
- It does not wet the floor (at the lower settings...). I find that the high settings is much too much humidity for the room. There is no wetness on the floor or the walls it is near.
- It does not leave white powder as some have mentioned. I have not noticed any of the white substance.
- It is cheaper than some comparable units.

Some things I wish were different:
- The 'warm air' setting does make the mist a little warmer. But it is not a enormous difference. Of course, I was not expecting it to be giving up warm steam. The warm mist is a nice feature, but personally, I don't know if it makes that big of a difference to the room or for the baby.

All in all, I am very pleased with the product and would recommend it for others looking for a quality humidifier.

Overall it's a great unit, very quiet at the maximum settings, evaporates several gallons a day and turning nose is great - you can direct the flow of the vapor, so you can keep it in the corner and don't get your walls wet.
The only downside - it's a pain in the neck to refill it. It has to be done twice a day, tank doesn't fit into the sink, so you have to sit near your tub, with one hand extended (unscrew the filter with another one), tank upside down and no handle to support all this acrobatics/weight-lifting. The one who designed it apparently never tried to fill it with the water.

Wonderful product. You won't believe how quiet it is! You don't even know it is there. I read a lot of reviews before I chose Venta and never regretted it. We have another humidifier (Homes warm mist) which also works well, but it is nothing comparing to Venta.
Venta is easy to maintain, easy to use, doesn't make noise, doesn't leak, has automatic shut off, and looks nice.
The only thing that I found strange is that there is almost no difference between warm/cold mist (the mist itself is so fine and dispersed that you can't really feel the temperature), so I wouldn't recommend it to someone who is used to warm/hot steam coming out of the humidifier.

My 2 year old has eczema and we have struggled to find a good humidifier. The VENTA SonicS100 looked ideal:cool and warm mist, Ultrasonic, filter. The only problem is, they both stopped producing mist after 3 weeks. The filter went after 2 weeks (at $15 a pop, this can become one expensive humidifier). When the filter goes, the water does not drain properly and the unit shuts itself off. I thought maybe I did something wrong with the first one so I was very disciplined in cleaning the metal part in the unit every night. It would still get covered with particles from the filter as well as hard chunks around the rubber. I returned and I am currently in search for a decent humidifier.