Claim Check: Venta-Airwasher “Humidicleaner”

The claim. The Venta-Airwasher—a “humidifier & purifier—two in one," according to the manufacturer’s Web site—is supposed to trap particles as small as 10 microns while adding moisture to the air. Four models of these German-made products are available for rooms of different sizes: LW 14 (1.2-gallon capacity, $200); LW 24 (2-gallon capacity, $300); LW 44 (3-gallon capacity, $400); and LW 84 (6-gallon capacity, $1,440).

A Venta-Airwasher uses a series of rotating plastic discs to clean the air and add moisture to it. Those discs, mounted on an axle that constantly rotates, dip in and out of a water-filled reservoir. As the wet discs emerge from the reservoir, a built-in fan evaporates the water on them, boosting humidity in a space. Particles in the air are supposed to stick to the discs, then wash off as the discs pass through the reservoir again.

The check. We tested the LW 14 and LW 44 (shown) models as we usually test air purifiers, by measuring their clean-air-delivery rate with the fine dust and cigarette smoke (0.1 to 3 microns) that are of more concern to people with respiratory problems. To test their humidifying chops, we placed each device in a sealed chamber and let it run overnight, recording the humidity level in the room.

The Consumer Reports take. The claim of ridding the air of particles as small as 10 microns is kind of a nonstarter: A 10-micron or larger particle is so big that it's unlikely to remain aloft in the air for long.

Both models we tested proved no better at removing dust and smoke than no air purifier at all. They were, however, efficient at adding moisture to the room. Note that they lack a sensor and controls to let you set a humidity level. Without those features, humidity could rise too high and contribute to mold and mildew growth. What’s more, the Venta-Airwashers are pricey and require you to buy water additive and cleaning solution—a cost of about $90 per year.

Essential information: Watch this video to see how we tested the Venta-Airwasher. Before you buy any air purifier, read the expert advice in our latest report, and find out how well some models eliminate odors and learn how much maintenance your air purifier might require.

Comments

[Stephen]

How is this a claim-check? You state that the model claims to clean air particles as small as 10 microns but your tests check for smaller particles on the basis of the unqualified claim that "a 10-micron or larger particle is so big that it's unlikely to remain aloft in the air for long." At the very least, please include tests to the specifications rated on the product.

[Bruce]

I bought a different model Venta humidifier and it was terrible and wildly expensive. Within 2 months the "maintenance free box" had to be replaced to the tune of $30.00. 2 months later, the box had to be replaced again, then the unit stopped working entirely. This is a $200 humidifier (I bought an expensive one thinking it would last). Don't waste your money on this brand.

[Eddie]

We use to have a few of this brands Air Purifier in our home. The original reason we need an air purifier was the dust created by our very large cockatoos. They are one dusty bird! I was never really satisfied with their performance. The ended up being replaced with 2 unites from Austinair. I have never regretted the purchase, they run 24 7 and have no troubles at all. I love the ease of cleaning the pre filter.

[Crispi]

For the terminally dry climate that we endure in the western U.S. the smallest Venta model has become an indispensable tool in the bedroom for sinus health and maintaining proper immunity. We certainly know when we sleep elsewhere without the unit and look forward to it's benefits upon returning home. As for CR's claim of a lack of humidity level control-sure,it is valid, but once again, the west never has a problem of mold and mildew in regular living spaces. Plus, the 10-micron claim is moot also-just clean the unit once every two weeks to see evidence of what it traps at the bottom of the unit.

[Crispi]

The smallest Venta has become the darling of our sinuses in the bedroom. Here in the western US, there is never a problem of too much humidity. Plus, see what the Venta traps when it is cleaned in three weeks of use. We love this product and are even soothed by it's 'purring', providing an ambient sound source.

[Genio]

I purchased an LW14 Venta and am currently starting on the 2nd year of use. The first year I had quite good results with effective humidification. However, this season I have been experiencing severe issues with mold produced by the Venta. I am extremely sensitive to mold and can detect its presence readily. When symptoms start, I remove the Venta from my bedroom and the symptoms go away. I've cleaned the machine thoroughly several times, but it seems of late that within one week of replacing the water and adding the WTA additive, I experience the mold symptoms. The disk stack began to brown at the end of the first year, and it seems no amount of cleaning can get rid of this. I'm concerned that I can no longer safely use my Venta. I'd like to know if anyone else has experienced the same issues.

[lara]

dont waste your money. i got the biggest model and having a problem with the disk making a clicking sound and now cant get a hold of customer service to help me with thten year warranty promise. I don't think it puts out enough humidity either, but I do live in the desert.

[coopster]

Mine is a godsend. The proof is in the filthy water that you change out. In a bone dry MN winter, this helps us avoid sinus irritations, and with a furnace blowing hot air 24 hrs a day for 6 months, last winter proved my house was noticeably less dusty. I would buy this product again, love it and recommend it highly.

[RobinNY]

I've had the LW14 Venta model for four years, and living in a generously heated New York apartment I wouldn't be without it in the winter. I change the water and clean the plastic rotor every 10 days and find the operation to be silent and the air to be as humid as necessary to keep wood sculptures from cracking and my sinuses supple enough for sleeping well. I have also found their service reps to be highly qualified, generous with their time, and very responsive -- the outer box needed to be replaced because I neglected to empty it when I stopped using it for the summer. They provided a replacement very quickly at a moderate charge. I've had other humidifiers, and this clearly is the best.

[Jerry Savaloja]

We bought 2 LW-44's in fall 2006 and for the most part they do a good job.I have some problem with the electrical switch sticking once in awhile on 1 ,but other then that, no problems.I called Venta and they offered to repair it,but not serious enough to send it back at this time. The discs have gotten yellow but don't think it is health problem. Don't use the fragrance additives. The oil will stick to the unit and fan and is very difficult to remove. Not having to deal with filters, pumps, etc. is what I like about them.

[Patrick Barry]

We've been running the small model every Chicago winter nonstop (four or five months straight) for about the last 10 years, and it does what we want, which is put water in the air quickly and quietly, without having to buy and change out old moldy filters. It's not perfect: we've had the clicking sound (the gear slipping on the cog wheel) but solve that by putting a piece of cardboard between the base and the top, at just the right place.

Having tried other humidifiers and been disappointed with them, we sprung three years ago for a second and larger Venta, the LW44, to use on the first floor. When winter hits hard and the indoor air goes completely dry, we start filling them both and can dump three to four gallons of water into the air every day. The plants love it and so do our sinuses.

One more thing. We've run the older Venta without additives or cleaners for years. They sometimes get a pink mold that we knock out with a diluted bleach soak. We get some mineral buildup but nothing major; I clean the units about once a year.

[Jeff Owens]

Don't use the solution Venta sells. I squirt one little trigger's worth of Tilex Mold & mildew remover every other day and eliminated the mold and mildew accumulation on the disks. I also clean it once/week.

[Robert (Manhattan)]

The test report's verdict:

"Both [Venta] models we tested proved no better at removing dust and smoke than no air purifier at all."

Than how does the water get so dirty? I have to add about a gallon of clean water for every 12 hours of use in the winter time (because of evaporation), and after two or three weeks what's in the tank starts getting cloudy.

And when the water gets dumped in the toilet, you can see how brown it is. (OK, light brown, but still a far cry from clear.)

CR should do an analysis of the amount of dust Ventas are capable of collecting over a two-week period from dirty city air.

As it stands now, you results you report don't seem to square with what owners see for themselves.

[Andy J]

It’s expensive but it works. It’s quiet and simple. Use your own cleaning solutions, save $$$$, get any cleaning products with nonionic or anionic surfactants and dilute accordingly.
Get one and try it; if it’s work for you, keep it; if it does not, return it.
It works for me. Consumer Reports used simulation, lab setting; it’s a fantasyland. We are human being - not machine or robot. Everyone is unique and complex. You have to try it.

[Alan]

Your report is biased and of no values whosoever.
I’m using the Lw31 for the past 15 Years in a smoking environment there no smell, no excess humidity in the air, create no moisture or mildew; you should advice peoples that in a close room meaning apparently sealed in your test are not normal condition.
Sorry to say, another useless report made by incompetent people that think than a test will make a better report than the peoples using the device for 1 to 20 years.

I’m in no way attached nor working for venta at all; I have use several device in more that 35 years, IT’S THE ONLY ONE THAT PERFORMED PROPERLY.
Cost of maintenance for the LW31 in 15 Years 43.50.
Forget the Price, Quality stay.

[Joseph hanke]

I bought the large unit 2 years ago. The motor went out on me a few months ago. they sent me a replacement at no cost. fair. But now its making a loud clicking noise to the point that I have unplugged it. Ive been calling them all day getting voice mails thus far. Will report back.

FUNCTION: it does work great as a humidifier but I agree its no air cleaner thats just wishful thinking. There is muck in the tank after a week but that's partly bacteria in the water that you have to keep there for that long and yes some dust particle do make it in there. The additive is also a joke as its expensive for no reason, I mean what is in there? Worst part is that it says you can put the unit in the dishwasher as it does get rather mucky with the stale water but it says set your dish washer to cold water or it will melt. Well great I have a bosch and it doesn't have a cold wash setting? now what! hand scub the damn wheels. not fun.

[sarwar kashmeri]

I have not received a customer service reply for 1 1/2 months. One of my two expensive LW44 units is broken and no one here or in Europe will respond. I wonder if they are out of business or in financial difficulties. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PRODUCT.

[Mario]

I bought the smallest unit at bedbath&beyond, it was their last and display unit, I hasseled the price 'coz it's a used display unit, they gave me 30% discount off the original price, but it was still pretty expensive for me. I have this product for 4 yrs. now. It's not a perfect nor ultimate product for air cleaning, but you could tell or feel the difference if you have one running in your room, you could see the evidence that it's working once you discard the water. I use a tablespoon of bleach to dissinfect the sys. and rinse. I also use a few drops of dishwashing liq.to create bubble films around the discs to enhance the capturing of airborne particles(just my theory). I have no regrets buying this product.

[KC]

We bought the LW24 in Feb 09. It's been working well with no issues yet. It is a humidifier and on that part it seems to work well. When we are too lazy to fill it and turn it on, we wake up with dry scratchy throats. When it is on, our skin and sinuses feel better when waking up. When we cook, the venta helps the odors dissipate much faster. As an air cleaner, we have our doubts. It moistens the air, so that may prevent dust particles from flying around as much, but they're still there. As for the dust captured by the venta, if you leave a bucket sitting in the same place for 5 weeks, filled or unfilled with water, you'll get the same results as the venta over 2 weeks. So it seems like it does capture more stuff, but it only captures the stuff that floats near it or falls into it. Either way, the venta works. We wake up with comfortable sinuses, have fewer allergies and fewer cases of the flu. Next we will try out the vornado heater fan or fan. The vornado claims to circulate air in the entire room. Hopefully, that will significantly improve the dust capturing function of the venta.