I adore this unit but I have two problems with it... one is the build up on the heating unit of 'crud' and I can't seem to get it off and now my water tank has a small crack (not leaking yet) on it and I have been very careful, have not dropped or anything so don't know why the tank might have a hairline crack in it.. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem.. I use mine day and night so it is rarely ever off... the only thing I can think of is if it had not cooled down enough before I refilled it with water and that caused the crack. I have read that the old units had the 'crud' problem but not the upgraded version but I think I have the updated version... has anyone else had these problems. I want to order another one but not until I get some feedback or can figure out how to solve my two problems... the is the 3rd humidifier/vaporizer I have bought from Amazon - one cold air and two warm air and all three are still going strong... does anyone have any ideas of input in my problem...

I have been using different humidifiers as models come and go. I very much prefer only the heated mist type.

This Vicks model is super easy to clean. I am so grateful for that. However, it does not put out nearly the amount of moisture all the older styles did. I don't know why this reduction in mist.

The heater knob is totally accessible, a big part of making it so easy to clean. I soak vinegar in its tray, covering the know. Then it cleans quite easily with a toothbrush. I can get at it and all around it to clean the plastic area as well.

I love this humidifier. I got this based on a recommendation from a colleague at work and am so happy I did.

1) The heating element is completely enclosed to reduce the risk of burns. I've stood over the unit with my hands over the steam and the temperature is about that of a hot steam shower. I've also taken it apart while the heating element was running and the quantity of water that is heated at a time is so small, I didn't get burned. While, I don't recommend throwing caution to the wind, I'm happy that it's a relatively low risk unit.

2) There's a little extra reservoir for essential oils.

3) It's efficient and effective. The water reservoir is large enough to run for 12 hours on low, which means you don't need to get up in the middle of the night to refill. The slow steady steam effectively adds a lot of moisture to a12' x 12' room. We've woken up to foggy windows and mirrors in the morning from the steam in the air.

4) No problems with mold. I've had this since March 2015 and experience no issues with mold, even through the summer months. I've even left standing water for more than a week. In previous cool mist humidifiers, I had mold problems like crazy. I don't know why.

5) Clean up is super easy! All the parts slip out and snap back in quite easily. Minerals do build up around the heating element, but I just take it apart and de-calcify the build up. I consider this part of the normal maintenance so don't consider the build up as a con. To avoid build up, you could use DI water or Zero water with lower particulates.

I highly recommend this humidifier over a cool mist humidifier.

The older models were of better quality. The plastic is very cheap. The reservoir for the Vicks steam is too big and doesn't work like the former model.

So far so good. I bought two for my daughters' rooms. I didn't want to blow cool air into their already cool rooms. We only run them at night while they sleep. It's quiet except for a little boiling noise due to the heating element. However, my entire family sleeps with noise makers, so this is nothing of concern. It's pretty easy to clean. Basically, just need to soak the heating element area in vinegar for 20 mins then scrub with a soft brush and also rinse the water tank with vinegar. I recommend doing it weekly. If you do happen to see growth in the water tank, you can actually reach your hand inside to wipe down the sides. Any other humidifiers I've had (crane cool mist) do not have holes big enough to get your hand inside, so I think this is a real plus.