As the largest of the Pure Guardian home humidifiers, the H4500 retains all
of the features you have come to expect from Pure Guardian while dramatically increasing the run time between water refills. This new
model holds nearly 2.5 gallons of water and can run for up to 120 hours before it needs to be refilled. With the H4500
in tow, I headed home to see how this model would perform over a weekend of constant use.
What I like about the Pure Guardian H4500 Humidifier
You'll immediately notice the size of this unit when you open the box. While the shape and styling is in line with all of the
Pure Guardian humidifiers, this model has a noticeably wider base and much larger tank. The very practical upside to the much
larger capacity of the H4500 is that the humidifier will run much longer than other Pure Guardian models and most
comparable models. The product specifications say 120 hours without having to refill the unit. I ran this unit dead center
on the humidity control knob.
With a full tank starting at 7 pm on a Friday, the unit ran until Monday night at 7 pm. So it
worked 3 full days. When I was done, I measured out the remaining water. I had just under six cups (about a quart and a half of water).
On my setting in my living room, I would probably really be stretching it to get a full 120 hours per tank. I estimate that under my
conditions I would have to refill the H4500 at just before the 100 hour mark. To put this in perspective, I would have to the fill the tank
about every 4 days with continuous use. Most of the other models we sell are dry before you hit the 48 hour mark.
Using this humidifier is very easy. You simply unscrew the bottom opening, fill, tighten the cap back on, and then place the tank back on the unit. The
humidity level is set with the large dial in the center, and you can select either cool or warm mist with the main control knob. Other
than this, you simply refill the unit when the indicator light tells you, or when you can visibly see the water level is low.
No maintenance is a very nice added benefit. With
evaporative humidifiers, there is always an evaporator wick which needs to be replaced. Wicks can be a breeding
ground for bacteria. The Pure Guardian H4500 requires no wicks or demineralization cartridges. Should you notice
a mineral buildup, you can allow the unit to dry and remove it from the diaphragm with the supplied brush. Another solution is to use a mix
of vinegar and water to wipe the water tank or inner system. Aside from this, there really is no maintenance for these home humidifiers.
As a cool mist ultrasonic humidifier, the H4500 is ideal. The output is excellent, and there is no worry of small children possibly
getting burned. On the warm mist setting, you may be surprised. Unlike some models which actually boil the water, the warm mist is
very safe even around small children. This is because the temperature never gets very hot. The upside is it eliminates
any safety concern. The downside is, if you are looking for a unit that actually boils the water to a hot steam, the Germ Guardian H4500
is not what you are looking for.
For some the night light may be an added benefit. Personally, I prefer a room that is as near to completely dark to possible, but
should you need a little night for in the middle of the night, the option is there.
Lastly, if you are looking for a quiet home humidifier, the H4500 is it. Even on the highest setting, it makes very little
noise.
What I do not like about the Pure Guardian H4500 Humidifier
This is, and likely will always be my complaint with most humidifiers, there simply is no easy way to move these things, especially
once the tanks are full of water. Granted, you really shouldn't be moving your humidifier around, but handle and hand holds are
deceptive on all humidifiers. They are almost exclusively for carrying the water tank, NOT the entire unit. Don't grab a handle or handhold
thinking you are picking up the entire unit. This can be very messy.
These models both lack any sort of hygrometer or humidistat. For this model in particular, to monitor the humidity level, you would
have to make an additional purchase. For many of us though, you will adjust the humidity until you are comfortable. In my case, I adjust
the setting to the point where when I wake up in the morning, my throat is not sore. For something more accurate, you'll have to
purchase a hygrometer.
Overall, the Pure Guardian H4500 is very similar to its smaller Pure Guardian counterparts in performance and functionality. The main difference is the size
of the tank and how long you can use the unit between refills. You can adjust to have the mist point in two different directions and maintenance is not an issue. The H4500 is
very easy to use and will work well for most of the largest rooms in your home. If a humidity reading is not essential, this home humidifier is
ideal for humidifying the largest rooms in your house without frequent refills or costly maintenance.
