This smart humidifier is the home office appliance I didn't know I needed (and it's on sale) | ZDNET

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Amazon is currently offering the Dreo Smart 5L Humidifier for $60, which is 20% off the regular price.

Along with being a writer, I've been an actor and singer for decades. Those two other skills require that I take care of my body, which includes my voice. To that end, I've depended on humidifiers for a very long time. And because I suffer from year-round allergies, which cause perpetual dry mouth and throat, raising the humidity in my office (or whatever room I'm in) is essential.

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I've been using an inexpensive (but very effective) humidifier I purchased from Amazon years ago. That humidifier predates the whole smart revolution, which means it's a set-it-and-forget-it device. The only thing I have to do with that humidifier is add water now and then.

Recently, I was sent the Dreo Smart 5L humidifier for review. I've become rather skeptical of devices that claim to be "smart." Not every piece of hardware has to be smart. And, if I'm being 100% honest, a humidifier certainly doesn't need the added boost of intelligence.

This smart humidifier does a great job of not only keeping ambient air moist but also greatly simplifying the process.

However, I played along. I set up the Dreo 5L Smart Humidifier, installed the app, and connected the device to my network. For the most part, I've used the Dreo without the app, but that's not to say the app doesn't have a place. Actually, I found features in the app that I like (such as scheduling, cleaning reminders, and filter life). That doesn't mean you have to use the app.

But, in the name of the review, I willingly dove down that rabbit hole.

What is there to say about a humidifier? Add water, turn on, and mist gently wafts from the machine. However, the Dreo does add a few nice options. Here are the specs.

You might think that humidifiers are all created equal. Trust me when I say they are not. Although they all share the same goal (raising the humidity in a room), they do not all achieve the same level of success.

For instance, many cheaper humidifiers do not sense ambient humidity. Instead, you turn them on, and they just go. Even my old humidifier (which I still use) can sense the humidity level in a room and can be programmed to stop when it reaches a certain level.

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Simply remove the top and fill the tank. It doesn't get any easier.

Without this feature, you run the risk of introducing mold, which you do not want. So, humidity sensing is a must. The Dreo 5L does a great job of sensing humidity and stopping when it reaches that point. This feature has an added bonus: You won't be filling the water tank as often.

Speaking of which…

My only beef with my old humidifier is that the tank had a screw-on cap at the bottom, which had to be removed for refills. The problem is that the cap can get very tight. Even though I have a fairly strong grip, I always have to place a towel on the cap to loosen it.

The Dreo 5L has an easily removable top, which greatly simplifies the tank-filling process. In fact, running this humidifier is quite simple. Insert the desalination cartridge, fill the tank, insert the tank, place the lid on the tank, turn the unit on, set the desired humidity level (either from the front Auto button or the app — the app being the easiest method), adjust the output vents, and enjoy the mist.

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At first, I was making adjustments via the front display panel but eventually realized it was much easier to do so with the app (which can be found on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. You can also easily switch the Dreo 5L from Manual, Auto, and Sleep modes. Sleep mode is the same as Auto but will turn off the display, sounds, and ambient light.

One very nice touch is the aroma diffuser. On the right side of the device, a pop-out drawer with a small felt pad is located. A few drops of your favorite essential oil will create a subtle scent in the mist. I've tried it with orange and cinnamon oils,, and it works beautifully.

I can pick only one nit with the Dreo 5L: It doesn't include a warm mist function. My old humidifier does offer this feature, and I use it all the time. To get warm mist from the Dreo, I have to fill the tank with warm water, which cools down fairly quickly. So, if you require/prefer warm mist, you'll have to look elsewhere.

The Dreo 5L is by far the best single-room humidifier I've ever used. It's an elegant solution that should serve you well when the ambient moisture makes your lips cracked, your throat dry, and your skin itching.

However, just remember to drink plenty of water (so you'll have plenty of moisture as well).