A humidifier is an essential purchase for certain homes, but how do you know which one is right for you, or which one can handle your space? Consumer Reports has a comprehensive video buying guide for humidifiers, with a cheat sheet for the right size for a room.

After several tests, here are their recommendations based on the square feet (sq ft) area of the room, and the ideal humidifier for each.

  • Small humidifiers for rooms less than 300 sq ft: Crane Owl, $45.
  • Medium humidifiers for rooms between 300 and 499 sq ft: Vicks V5100NS, $50.
  • Large humidifiers for rooms between 500 and 999 sq ft: SPT SU-4010, $75.
  • Console humidifiers for spaces larger than 1000 sq ft: Essick MA1201, $115.

The full interactive video guide above has other things you should remember while buying a new humidifier, while the detailed post below has any other details you might need, like the best bacteria-free humidifiers.

Humidifier Buying Guide | Consumer Reports