FAQ: What is the Best Humidifier for 1200 Sq Ft Plus?
What is the best humidifier for 1,200 sq. ft. or more?
If you need a humidifier for a large space, such as 1,200 sq. ft. or larger, then you should purchase a whole house humidifier. Cool or warm mist humidifiers are usually meant for single rooms or personal use, while whole house humidifiers can humidify homes up to 2,500 sq ft.
The best humidifier is somewhat subjective. Instead, you should look at which are the best brands of humidifiers, because whole house humidifiers are available in a variety of styles and you will want one that looks nice and isn't an eyesore in your home. Definitely look at reviews across numerous sites to determine which brand and humidifier you think will be best for you.
In our experience at CompactAppliance.com, the best brand for whole house humidifiers is Essick Air. Here are our top-rated Essick Air whole house humidifiers and snippets of reviews:
1. Essick Air Console Style Whole House Evaporative Humidifier (SKU: 821000)
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The water capacity is greater than other style humidifier and so the time between additions is much longer."
"Small, quiet & it works."
"We use for the whole house, and it does an awesome job. No more static shocks, dry eyes and there seems to be less dust in the air."
2. Essick Air Credenza Style Whole House Cool Mist Humidifier and Air Cleaner (SKU: 697500)

"This humidifier does everything I wanted one to do. It really puts moisture into the house as evidenced by the monitor on my wall weather station."
"As rated it does the whole house of 2300 sq ft for 24 hours in the driest winter cold."
"I Have Had Many humidifiers in the past but this one so far is one of the best"
3. Essick Air Console Style Whole House Cool Mist Humidifier (SKU: H12300)
"Was very impressed with performance."
"Works very well and easy to put together no tools needed"
"Exactly what I needed"
It’s Back to School Time Again
Whether you like it or not, the school year is going to start again. If you're not quite ready to accept that though, go ahead and ignore this post, it'll still be here when you finally come to terms with summer ending.
For those of you who like to get a head start on your back to school shopping, here are the top products and deals for decking out your college dorm!
Hot Plates & Burners |
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| Avanti Induction Hotplate with Skillet | Fagor Induction Cooktop | Broil King Light Duty Double Burner Range | Summit Commercial Portable Induction Cooktop |
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Microwave Ovens |
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| Sharp 0.8 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave | Avanti 0.7 Cu. Ft. Electric Microwave | Avanti 0.7 Cu. Ft. Electronic Microwave with Touch Pad | Magic Chef 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave Oven - Red |
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Fans & Air Circulators |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Flippi V6 Personal Fan Midnight | Vornado 3 Speed Air Circulator | Vornado 3 Speed Air Circulator | Flippi V8 Personal Air Circulator |
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Ice Makers |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Koldfront Ultra Compact Portable Ice Maker | EdgeStar Portable Ice Maker - Titanium | EdgeStar Portable Ice Maker - Stainless Steel | Avanti Portable Ice Maker / Dispenser |
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FAQ: Where to Buy a Kegerator
Where can I purchase a home kegerator?
So you're ready to make the leap from bottles and cans to draft beer? There are probably multiple places around you that sell kegerators. Check your local home improvement store, but don't expect to leave with a kegerator in hand. Many home improvement stores sell kegerators, but they don't always keep them in stock. You'll have to place an order with the store and then wait for the kegerator to be delivered.
You're probably better off purchasing a kegerator online. There's a larger selection of home kegerators available online and you'll be able to read reviews. Also, if you buy from a specialized kegerator or beer website, they'll be able to answer any questions you may have with more expertise than someone in a large store that needs to know about a lot of different products because they probably have more hands-on experience.
While a homebrew store would be another good place to ask questions about a kegerator, they might not actually sell ready-to-use kegerators. If you're interested in making your own kegerator though, you might be able to find parts at a homebrew store.
FAQ: Can a Thermoelectric Wine Cooler Be Installed as a Built-In?
Is it possible to install a thermoelectric wine cooler as a built-in?
No, a thermoelectric wine cooler should not be installed as a built-in unit. Thermoelectric wine coolers are designed to be freestanding because their cooling capabilities are easily influenced by the temperature around them. If a thermoelectric wine refrigerator were to be placed between cabinets, it would not be able to dissipate the heat it gives off and the unit would not be able to reach the cool temperatures necessary to store wine properly. The unit would also be more likely to fail or breakdown.
The difference with a built-in wine cooler is that the venting is on the front of the unit and it has a compressor instead of thermoelectric cooling. All thermoelectric and free standing wine fridges are vented on the back of the unit, but built-in wine fridges are vented on the front so when placed under a counter or into cabinetry the heat the unit gives off will be dissipated in the front instead of trapped in the back, which causes the cooler to overheat and malfunction. Because built-in wine refrigerators are compressor-based, they can reach and hold the set temperature despite how warm it may be on the outside of the unit.
If you do choose to build in a freestanding wine fridge you may end up spending just as much or more than you would on a built-in unit because the wine refrigerator will not last and your wine could be ruined if left in the broken wine cooler. Built-in wine coolers are definitely worth the extra cost if you want to keep your wine collection safely stored in a reliable unit.
Throwing the Best Backyard Bash
Top Supplies for an Outdoor Summer Party
Now that summer is officially here, it's time to start planning cookouts, pool parties and backyard BBQs (not to mention 4th of July celebrations). If you want your summer parties to be the ones your friends don't stop talking about, then you better make sure you have everything necessary to make them something to remember. Check out these suggestions below to make your backyard bash the best.
Outdoor Patio Furniture Set
Depending on the type of party you're throwing you might be able to get by without a patio dining set, but if you plan on serving food or snacks, you'll definitely want to have seating for your guests. Make sure you have enough seating for everyone as well. It can be fairly awkward if most people are sitting in chairs and others are forced to stand or sit on the ground.
Patio furniture sets come in a variety of sizes and styles. There are some as small as two chairs and a table and some that are made up of over 7 pieces. Try to decide which size will best accommodate your family and you can always add more lawn or indoor kitchen chairs around the table when you have guests.
A nice outdoor dining table will become the go-to gathering place for family and friends during the warm summer.
Grill
A delicious grilled burger, hot dog or even veggie kabob is the perfect complement to an outdoor shindig. Whether you're hosting a small get-together or big pool party, your guests are bound to get a little hungry (especially at a pool party, swimming always seems to make people hungry). Don't force yourself to be stuck in the kitchen slaving over a stove while your friends are enjoying the outdoors without you, instead get an outdoor grill so you can stay in the middle of the party.
There are various types of grills depending on how serious you are about your grilling; some guys can get very serious. If you prefer a hands-on approach, then you might want to go with a charcoal grill. Charcoal grills require you to light the grill yourself and keep an eye on the food so that it cooks evenly over the open flame. There will also be some clean up involved when you're finished. Those that enjoy watching the food cook to perfect, but don't want the hassle of keeping the grill lit and the food over the hot spots, should consider getting a gas grill. Gas grills have a steadier flame than charcoal grills and only have to be turned on to work, instead of lit. Just make sure the propane tank is filled before the party starts, it would be a major disappointment if you couldn't cook because you forgot to refill it.
Outdoor LCD TV
The point of being outside might be to escape the laziness of sitting on a couch and watching television, but now you don't have to choose one great thing over the other: you can enjoy your favorite shows and the outdoors together, with perfect picture quality. Yes, outdoor LCD televisions are real and they are amazing. These TV sets are made to keep sun glares from blocking the picture and to withstand all types of weather. One of these outdoor televisions can be sprayed with water and still function perfectly.
So invite over your friends to watch the baseball game or for an outdoor movie night and impress them with an LCD TV. You can make the TV the focal point of the party or just use it to provide extra entertainment and background noise, either way, it is sure to take your party to the next level.
Fire Pit
While summer days are capable of getting aggressively hot, summer nights can still be a little chilly. Don't be forced to move your party indoors, simply gather around a fire pit or bowl to warm up. Fires provide a special ambiance to any environment and the flames are enchanting, the way they can hold your attention. Fire pits easily become a gathering spot for people to chat.
Get even more use out of them by using the fire to make heat up marshmallows and make s'mores. Friends and family will enjoy the childhood treats and it's a snack that doesn't require people be sitting at a table.
Continue the party all night long with a fire pit to keep friends and family warm and entertained.
Outdoor Beverage Cooler
Spending time out in the heat can cause you and your guests to get quite thirsty. Stay hydrated with a selection of drinks readily available from an outdoor beverage fridge. There are a lot of benefits of having a beverage cooler outside. It keeps people from having to leave the excitement to go inside and fetch drinks, and it stops them from tracking dirt, mud and water from the pool.
An outdoor beverage cooler is designed specifically to withstand the harsh weather elements and endure a wide range of temperatures. Some feature glass doors so you can easily see the selection available, while others have solid doors that might stand up better to some bad weather. They can also hold more than enough cans or bottles to keep you and your guests satisfied for the duration of the party.
Margarita Maker
Now we're getting to the good stuff. Not much goes down easier than a frozen drink on a hot summer day. Whether you prefer your margaritas and daiquiris alcoholic or virgin, one of these margarita machines will know how to make it taste just right.
Simply add the drink mix to the cup and pour ice into the reservoir on top, then set the dial to the type of frozen drink you wish to make (margarita, daiquiri, pina colada, etc), turn it on and watch it work. Most margarita makers or blenders feature just one cup, but the margarita machine pictured here has 3 so every one of your guests can get the drink that they prefer. The machine will even automatically rotate to each blender jar and mix the drinks for you. Definitely the makings of a perfect party.
Outdoor Kegerator
But wait! There's more! (Note: Terrible marketing lingo just for fun, not at all serious.) Maybe you don't feel like a fruity drink and no one can argue that beer just tastes better on draft than it does out of a can or bottle, well, then it sounds like you need an outdoor kegerator.
If you plan on entertaining quite a bit outdoors and you and your friends enjoy your fair share of beer, then an outdoor kegerator might be a good investment. Like other outdoor appliances, they are made to be more durable than indoor models so they can survive harsh weather. They also offer the same benefits of having an outdoor beverage cooler, people get to stay outside and enjoy the party and no one tracks dirt or mud in the the house.
If you have kids or feel like changing up the draft selection from time to time, kegerators can also dispense root beer.
Useful High School Graduation Gifts
Best Appliances for the College Dorm
(They make great high school graduation gifts too!)
Transitioning from high school to college is an exciting time in a student's life. A student will encounter a new place, new people, new opportunities, and a new living situation. Starting college can also be stressful, especially when moving into a dorm. Dorm rooms are typically small, therefore space is limited. Trying to figure out what to bring and what not to bring can be extremely difficult, and many students are unsure of what they will actually need.
Moving into a new dorm and deciding what is necessary does not have to be this hard. There are a few appliances that will make any student's new dorm life much easier.
Mini Fridge With Freezer
A mini fridge is a must-have item for any college student. With a mini fridge that includes a freezer, a college student can keep all of their favorite snacks and drinks right in their dorm room. Eating in the dining commons daily can become monotonous, not to mention it is often unhealthy and expensive. A student will often choose to eat elsewhere. A compact fridge with a freezer creates the option for a student to make their favorite frozen meals quickly and conveniently. It gives a student more control over what they eat.
Hot Plates
If the college the student is attending allows hot plates, they can be a great way to make cooking easier and quicker. Any college student will love the convenience that these can provide. They are a better alternative to a microwave because they can cook more thoroughly but almost just as fast. Induction cooktops allow for a reduced chance of burn injuries because only the skillet gets hot.
Electric Kettle
Many students love to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate walking back from a class on a cold winter day. Some may like to share it with their study group or some friends. Other students like to drink a cup of tea before bed or may prefer to drink tea over coffee in the morning. An electric kettle is a great selection for these uses. It boils water much faster than a traditional stove kettle, which is perfect for college students who are always on the go.
Home Soda Makers
Almost every college student loves to drink soda and does so often. A soda maker allows you to make your own soda right in the dorm. It can be both fun and practical. This is not only a healthier option, but a much cheaper option as well. As an added bonus, it is much better for the environment than cans or plastic bottles.
For any student, these appliances will make dorm life easier. All of them are easy, quick, and convenient; which is exactly what college students want and need.
Share-2-Win Giveaway!
That's right, we're hosting another giveaway and this time, it's on every one of our sites! Check out the graphic below for the details (including prizes):
The graphic says that you'll receive a store credit for the furniture, which basically means you'll get a gift card worth a $1000, $500 or $250 that can only be used on Home Styles Furniture on LivingDirect.com. That way you are able to pick out the furniture of your choice that will match your home and decor instead of winning whatever we pick out for you.
Here are the links to all of our sites, so you can get started reviewing the product of your choice:
- LivingDirect.com
- CompactAppliance.com
- Kegerator.com
- PortableAirShop.com
- WineCoolerDirect.com
- SimplyDehumidifiers.com
- IceMakerDirect.com
- HotWaterSource.com
The giveaway ends on June 8, 2011, so you have plenty of time to review. Good luck!
How to Cool a Home without Central Air Conditioning
The lack of air conditioning in your home probably hasn't bothered you for the last 6 or so months, but now with summer approaching, the impending heat is starting to creep into your thoughts with dread. The hot nights make it difficult to sleep and your fans seem to provide very little relief. You don't have to suffer through summer though just because there's no central a/c. Here are some alternatives for keeping cool:
How to Keep Cool without Central Air Conditioning
Portable Air Conditioner
A portable air conditioner is an air conditioning unit that doesn't require permanent installation. With some minor set up and take down, it can be easily moved to a different room depending on where it's needed (i.e. living area during the day, bedroom at night). Residential portable air conditioners can cool rooms between 225-525 sq ft to temperatures as low as 60°F.
Portable air conditioners do require ventilation in order to run properly. The heat the unit creates and takes in must be dissipated outside of the room it is trying to cool so it can work efficiently. Most commonly, portable a/c's are vented through a window using a window vent kit. If a window isn't available, portable air conditioners can be vented through a dropped ceiling or, as a last resort, they can be vented into another room through the door. This last method will cause the other room or hallway to get very warm, and if there isn't something blocking the air from getting back into the room being cooled it might not reach the desired temperature.
Some portable air conditioners also have a heater function so they don't become useless in the winter and they can also dehumidify in the spring when humidity levels are high.
Learn more about portable air conditioners.
Window Air Conditioner
Window air conditioners are more well-known than portable air conditioners. They require more effort to install and are typically not moved once they are placed in a window. They are capable of cooling rooms up to 725 sq ft. If you don't have the floorspace for a portable air conditioner, then a window air conditioner is the best option for cooling your home.
A window air conditioner does not require additional venting like a portable air conditioner since most of the unit will be on the outside of the home. If you don't have a window available for holding the unit, then it is possible to have a window air conditioner installed through the wall. However, you should first ask a professional if it is possible to install the particular unit you are interested through a wall and hire a professional to install it for you.
Like some portable air conditioners, many window air conditioners also function as a heater so you receive additional warmth in the winter as well.
Learn more about window air conditioners.
Mini Split Air Conditioner
Mini split air conditioners are similar to central air conditioning in that they have an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. The main advantage of having a mini split a/c is their small size and their cost effectiveness over central a/c. A mini split air conditioner must be installed by a professional and can cost more than a window or portable unit, but some have the capability of being hooked up to multiple air handling units so more than one room can be cooled at a time.
These units don't require any duct work, so the energy loss associated with air conditioning ducts are avoided and less energy is consumed than with central air. They attach to a wall, but only require about a 3 inch hole be made in the wall for it to hook up the condenser unit outside.
All mini split units also function as a heater and a dehumidifier. They are fairly low maintenance once installed and can be controlled with a remote like portable air conditioners and window units.
Learn more about mini split air conditioners.
Residential Air Cooler
Residential air coolers, or evaporative air coolers, are not air conditioners, so they are not able to cool down an entire room, but with the same amount of energy as a light bulb, an evaporative air cooler can keep you cool. An air cooler works better than a normal fan because the unit is filled with water (or ice water if you prefer), which causes the air to feel cooler. It's similar to how your breath feels cool if you blow on your arm, but it feels even cooler if your arm is wet and you blow on it.
A residential air cooler doesn't require any permanent installation. Many come with caster wheels so they can be moved to any room that you desire. They simply require an outlet and water to operate. Eventually, the air cooler will up all of the water that is in its reservoir, so you will have to refill it occasionally, but it shouldn't require any additional set up or maintenance.
As stated above, evaporative air coolers use very little energy when running. If you want to feel cooler but don't want to waste the energy running an air conditioner, a residential air cooler is the best available appliance for the job.
Learn more about evaporative air coolers.
Fans & Water or Ice
If the heat situation hasn't escalated to the point where you're wanting to spend money on an air conditioning unit or an air cooler, then there is an alternative. A fan, or if you want to get fancy "an air circulator," can be set up to function as an air cooler fairly easily.
Simply place the fan on a window sill and set up a table in front of the fan or something tall enough to reach the window sill and wide enough to hold a tray. Fill a tray with water (or ice water, if you prefer) and put it on the table in front of the fan. Turn on the fan.
It's really that easy! Though it could end up being messy and isn't quite as portable as an air cooler, this method should effectively work the same way. The air the fan is blowing should cool down as it skims over the water. You will probably have to be sitting fairly close to the table though to feel the cool air.
View our assortment of fans.
Other Resources:
Top 5 Products for a Compact Kitchen
Top 5 Appliances for a Compact Kitchen
Having a small kitchen can be stressful at times. Cooking a meal means every countertop is being used and just a few dirty dishes can overwhelm the area. You learn to be creative with your storage solutions and understand just how precious any empty counterspace is. A compact kitchen doesn't necessarily mean you have to do without the amenities of a large one though. This list will touch on just a few of the appliances available to make small living a lot easier.
Portable Ice Makers
If your refrigerator doesn't have an automatic ice maker or you frequently purchase bags of ice, then you should look into getting a portable ice maker. These little units are pretty impressive in the amount of ice they can make in a very short amount of time. The first batch of ice (typically about 8 cubes) is ready in less than 10 minutes, and over the course of a day a portable ice maker can produce up to 28 pounds of ice - more than the standard 10 or 20 lb bags you can buy at the gas station.
Portable ice makers don't require a water line to work, which is what makes them portable; all you have to do is pour water into the reservoir and it will take care of everything else. The insulated storage compartment holds up to 2 pounds of ice at a time, but it isn't refrigerated so the ice will eventually melt. Don't worry about having to drain the unit though, the ice maker will reuse the water to make more ice continuously until it runs out of water.
These units make bullet shaped ice in your choice of 1 of 3 sizes available. They're about 15" tall, making them ideal for countertop use.
Learn more about Portable Ice Makers.
Apartment Refrigerators
Apartment refrigerators are just a slightly smaller version of their full-size counterparts. They aren't as wide as a full-size refrigerator, usually under 25" in width, so they take up less floor space and the door requires less room to swing open. Apartment refrigerators are also a little shorter than full-size ones, by about five inches, but come with adjustable legs so you can raise it to fit the space you want to place it in. They are the perfect size for two people sharing a smaller apartment or just one person.
Like full-size units, apartment refrigerators feature a vegetable crisper, additional storage in the door and an interior light. They also have a separate freezer section for frozen food storage. Unfortunately, not all apartment fridges come with an automatic ice maker in the freezer section so you might have to lose some valuable freezer space for ice cube trays if you don't have a portable ice maker.
Learn more about Apartment Refrigerators.
18" Dishwashers
Compact 18" dishwashers are great if your kitchen doesn't have the space for a full-size dishwasher. They can be built into existing cabinetry like the dishwasher pictured on the left or they can be freestanding units. These small dishwashers can be permanently installed if you have a waterline to hook up to the dishwasher. If you don't have a waterline available, you can look into purchasing a portable, compact dishwasher. These dishwashers are on wheels so they can be easily rolled closer to the kitchen sink and then hooked up to the faucet to run.
While 18" dishwashers aren't able to hold as many dishes as a full-size dishwasher, they are capable of washing up to 8 place settings at a time. They also feature multiple automatic cleaning cycles, a heated dry cycle and extra insulation for quiet operation. Depending on the height of your kitchen countertop, a compact dishwasher can be raised or lowered to fit into the space desired.
Learn more about Compact Dishwashers.
Countertop Dishwashers
If you don't have room for a full-size dishwasher or an 18" compact dishwasher, then you're not out of luck yet. That's right, there is such a thing as a countertop dishwasher. These units are fairly small for a dishwasher, but they are a little bigger than the typical microwave, so not tiny. If you don't have much counterspace to begin with, then you might hesitate before purchasing a countertop portable dishwasher. However, if you hate washing dishes just think about how much time and work one of these appliances will save you.
Countertop dishwashers can hold up to 4-6 place settings depending on the model. (The unit pictured on the left can hold 4 place settings.) They feature multiple wash settings and some even have a heated dry cycle. There is no need to permanently install a countertop dishwasher. In order to run a cycle, simply hook the dishwasher up to your kitchen sink.
Almost all countertop dishwashers are energy star rated because they use less energy and less water than full-size and 18" dishwashers to operate.
Learn more about Countertop Dishwashers.
Combo Kitchen Units
If you live in a space that doesn't have a kitchen or you need an extended kitchen, then a combo kitchen unit has everything you need. They can take up to as little as 30" of floor space and contain a refrigerator, sink, two cooktop burners and some storage space. These units are perfect for efficiencies, RVs and cabins.
You can even purchase a kitchen cart to place next to the combo kitchen unit that can hold a countertop dishwasher, microwave or whatever else you need it to. Some combination kitchens are twice the size of the smaller 30" models and feature additional counterspace for food preparation.
The only amenity really missing from a combo kitchen is a freezer for the storage of frozen meals and ice cube trays so you can enjoy iced beverages.
Learn more about Combo Kitchen Units.
4 Space-Saving Laundry Solutions from CompactAppliance.com
If you live in a small space, chances are doing laundry is a major hassle. You either don't have room or don't have connections for a standard washing machine and dryer, and the reliability of the machines in the shared laundry room or laundromat are spotty. That is why I've put together this short list of alternatives to the standard washer and dryer.
1. Washer Dryer Combos
Perfect for Apartment & Condo Living
No laundry connections or dryer vents are needed for an all-in-one washer/dryer. All you have to do is simply hook the unit up to a sink faucet to run. Combo units are our top selling laundry solution for those without dryer venting capability. These machines are ideal for 1-2 people. You can throw in a few items in the morning before you leave for work, set the start timer and come home to clean, fresh-smelling clothes in the evening.
Prices starting at $699
2. Manual Portable Washers
No Electricity Required for Truly Green Cleaning (and a Decent Workout!)
Manual washers are great for the environment and easy to use. They require less detergent than a normal machine and take less than 10 minutes to hand crank out clean clothes. Manual washers are compact enough that they can be taken on camping trips and easily fit on a countertop. And don't worry about your delicate items, the Wonder Wash manual washer (pictured left) can also be used to wash wool, silks, knits and cashmere.
Priced under $50.
3. Electric Portable Washers
Store in a Closet & Roll Out When Needed
A portable washer is ideal for those who live in small quarters like a motor home or efficiency apartment. Compact electric washers can clean about half of a standard washing machine load, but they're also only half the size. Portable units come with caster wheels already attached to making moving the units from storage to the sink easier. Like combo washer dryers, these units don't require a traditional hookup, but can be used with a sink faucet.
Prices starting at $270.
4. Stackable Washer/Dryer Sets
Why Sacrifice Floor Space?
Conserve space in a laundry room by stacking a full-size, front load washer and dryer. These units do require laundry connections and dryer ventilation to operate, but they use less water than standard models. Stackable machines are ideal for those who have a closet-sized laundry room or want to maximize the rest of their space for other storage or a folding work station. These units are specifically designed to be stacked safely.
Prices starting at $624 per unit.









