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Dyson PH04 Humidifier Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Nov 22, 2024 at 08:37 am
Dyson PH04 Picture
7.9
Home
7.6
Bedroom
9.0
Cleaning
7.4
Capacity
6.8
Humidifier Efficiency

The Dyson PH04 is a high-end evaporative humidifier that also functions as an air purifier. It has a coverage of 400 ft2 and a 4.2 L (1.1 gal) water tank, enough to run the machine for approximately 20 hours. As an air purifier, it has a HEPA13 filtration system and a separate catalytic filter to destroy formaldehyde. You can operate it remotely using your smartphone through the MyDyson companion app.

Our Verdict

7.9 Home

The Dyson PH04 is a very good option for general home use. It's fantastically easy to clean, even if you don't use its automatic Deep Clean feature, which takes a lot of the tedium out of day-to-day maintenance. Its humidification capacity isn't class-leading, but it'll be reasonably quick in adding moisture to medium-sized bedrooms or offices. Unfortunately, it is a pretty tall unit, which can make it difficult to place in tighter spaces, and its overall efficiency is pretty poor.

Pros
  • Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote operation.

  • Decent humidification capacity.

  • Long runtime.

  • Easy to clean manually, but also has a self-cleaning function.

Cons
  • Somewhat bulky size.

  • Noisy at high fan speeds.

7.6 Bedroom

The Dyson PH04 is a good option for bedrooms. Its tall design can make it a tight squeeze in some smaller bedrooms, and it gets a little noisy at higher fan speeds. On the upside, its humidification capacity is well-suited to medium-sized bedrooms. Its long runtime also means that it isn't likely to run out of water partway through the night. Its self-cleaning function also makes daily maintenance a relative breeze.

Pros
  • Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote operation.

  • Long runtime.

  • Quiet at lowest fan speed setting.

  • Easy to clean manually, but also has a self-cleaning function.

Cons
  • Noisy at high fan speeds.

9.0 Cleaning

The Dyson PH04 is remarkably easy to clean. There are few parts you'll need to clean, though it's worth noting that you'll have to do so by hand. On the upside, you won't do that too often, as it has a built-in Deep-Clean function that automatically descales the tank, filter, and inner part of the humidifier. However, it's worth noting that you'll need a descaling kit for this function to work properly.

Pros
  • Easy to clean manually, but also has a self-cleaning function.

Cons
  • Somewhat bulky size.

7.4 Capacity

The Dyson PH04 has a decent humidification capacity. It might struggle to efficiently add moisture to the air in especially large open-concept spaces, but it's well-suited for most bedrooms or offices.

Pros
  • Decent humidification capacity.

Cons
6.8 Humidifier Efficiency

The Dyson PH04's overall efficiency is sub-par. Since it performs double duty as an air purifier, its power consumption is quite high relative to its humidification capacity. Since this is a cool mist unit, you'll also need to pay a little more to heat your home if you run it during cooler months.

Pros
Cons
  • Poor humidification efficiency.

  • 7.9 Home
  • 7.6 Bedroom

Performance Usages

  • 9.0 Cleaning
  • 7.4 Capacity
  • 6.8 Humidifier Efficiency
  1. Updated Nov 22, 2024: Review published.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Dyson PH04 is only available in a single color variant: 'White/Nickel/Gold.' For those interested, here's the label.

Let us know in the comments if you come across another variant of this humidifier.

Compared To Other Humidifiers

The Dyson PH04 is a hybrid air purifier/evaporative humidifier. It offers plenty of features, including a built-in humidistat, automatic off function, and Wi-Fi connectivity. You can also operate the device with the remote control or voice commands made through Amazon Alexa or Google Home devices. While its humidification capacity is decent overall, there are much cheaper options on the market that offer similar or superior overall performance as a humidifier.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
6.2
Design
Size
Height 92 cm (36.3")
Width 31 cm (12.3")
Depth 34 cm (13.2")
Power Cord Length 1.95 m (6.4 ft)

For the sake of comparability, all in-test images of humidifiers are taken from the same angle and distance. In the case of larger humidifiers like this, not every aspect of the device will be visible from this perspective. For those interested, you can see a wider-angle shot of the humidifier to see it in full.

9.0
Design
Cleaning
Dishwasher Safe
No

The Dyson PH04 is fantastically easy to clean. Only six parts make up the humidifier system, none of which have any hard-to-reach spots. Better yet, while you can hand-wash them, there's no real need to. The PH04 has a Deep-Clean function that automatically de-scales the tank, filter, and inner part of the humidifier, though you will have to add citric acid to the water for this function to work properly. A single pouch is included with the purchase of the machine, and you can buy more from the manufacturer's website. You can set reminders for the frequency of this Deep Clean cycle depending on the hardness of your water at home.

Design
Features
Type
Evaporative
Mist Temperature
Cool
Humidistat
Yes
Water Sterilization
No
Essential Oil Compatible
No
Auto-Off
Yes
Smartphone App
Yes

The Dyson PH04 is a feature-rich humidifier. You can operate it using the MyDyson companion app on your smartphone, which you can also use to monitor ambient humidity and air quality levels.

There's also integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to change the humidifier's settings using only voice commands. Alternatively, you can operate the unit with the provided remote control.

There's also a Sleep mode, which dims the display and sets the fan to its quietest level.

7.8
Design
Runtime
Tank Refill Type
Top Fill
Tank Usable Capacity
4.2 L (1.1 gal)
Runtime
20 hrs
Performance
7.4
Performance
Humidification Capacity
Time From 30% To 60%
56 min
Advertised Coverage
400ft²
Water Emitted By The Humidifier
181 ml (6.1 oz)
Water Evaporated By The Environment
160 ml (5.4 oz)
Tested Humidification Capacity
4.7 LPD
6.8
Performance
Humidifier Efficiency
Humidifier Energy Consumption
38 Wh
Humidifier Efficiency
4.2L/kWh

The Dyson PH04's efficiency is pretty low for an evaporative unit. This is likely due to its relatively powerful fan motor for its air purification system.

8.3
Performance
Overall Efficiency
Energy Required For Evaporation
100 Wh
Overall Energy Required
138 Wh
Overall Efficiency
1.2L/kWh

The Dyson PH04's overall efficiency is pretty good. Like any cool mist humidifier, its cooling properties can force your heating system to work harder if you use it regularly. This won't be an issue if you use it in warmer, drier areas.

7.0
Performance
Noise
Noise @ Highest Setting
52.1dBA
Noise @ Lowest Setting
32.8dBA