This basic member of the Hamilton Beach Cool Mist family dispenses with frills such as automatic humidity control but retains a sleek, convenient oval design. Because the controls are on one end of the oval rather than the side, the unit can be operated easily even if placed in a narrow space. (It's 10 inches wide and about 17 inches deep.) The single control knob operates a two-speed fan, which means your only options are Quiet Mist and High settings; the latter is pretty noisy, but the former will probably do the trick in most circumstances. The curvy, translucent gray rear tank lifts off easily for refilling, as does the front fan unit for changing or rinsing the drop-in filter. The water tank is dishwasher-safe. --Richard Farr