[Mania] Clean 'Safe Humidification'... Trying LG Hydro Tower

High-Temperature Sterilization and Purification Filters Enable
'Cleaner Humidification'
Convenient Cleaning Also an Advantage
Somewhat Loud Noise and Limited Water Tank Capacity Are Drawbacks

During winter, many people turn to humidifiers to maintain an appropriate indoor humidity level (40~60%). However, choosing a humidifier is not as easy as it seems. Each product operates differently and requires consideration of the usage environment. Above all, it must be a product that alleviates concerns about safety and hygiene. Humidifiers that pose risks of microbial growth or cannot be cleaned frequently tend to be avoided.

LG Electronics recently launched a new concept premium water-purifying humidifier, the 'LG PuriCare Objet Collection Hydro Tower,' focusing on solving the inconveniences users face. We borrowed LG Electronics' ambitious product, which concentrates on creating a humidifier that can be used comfortably without worrying about safety, and tested it for a week.

The exterior of the Hydro Tower measures 96 cm in height and 31 cm in width. It weighs 17.5 kg.
Photo by Han Ye-ju

The Hydro Tower’s exterior measures 96 cm in height and 31 cm in width, resembling an air purifier more than a humidifier. Unlike conventional small-sized humidifiers that need to be placed on a desk to regulate humidity at an appropriate height, this product can be placed in a corner of the living room and humidify the entire house without difficulty.

The weight was considerable. At nearly 1 meter tall and weighing 17.5 kg, it felt somewhat heavy for an adult woman to carry. It was challenging to clean or move the product around the space. Unless the customer plans to keep the product in one place continuously, purchasing the Hydro Tower main unit along with the easily movable moving wheel set would be more convenient.

After filling the water tank to use the product and turning on the power button, I was able to visually confirm the process of water entering the purification filter and the water boiling.
Photo by Han Yeju

The most satisfying aspect was hygiene. The Hydro Tower applies a thorough management process for cleaner humidification, including ▲water purification filter ▲high-temperature sterilization ▲clean filter. The process consists of three stages: first, water is filtered through the purification filter; second, the purified water is boiled at 100 degrees Celsius in the heating tank for high-temperature sterilization; third, the clean humidification is completed. When filling the water tank and turning on the power button, it was possible to visually confirm the water passing through the purification filter and the boiling water.

Additionally, the product’s automatic drying function helps dry the moisture in the passage where water vapor particles have passed after humidification ends. The steam created by boiling water at 100 degrees before use manages the passage of moisture particles, allowing hygienic use.

You can see the steam with your eyes while humidifying.
Photo by Han Yeju

The ability to select operating modes was also convenient. The Hydro Tower operates in three modes: humidification, humidification with purification, and air purification. While humidifiers are often considered winter-only appliances, this product can be used year-round by selecting the air purification mode when indoor humidification is unnecessary.

In humidification mode, selecting 'Cozy Humidification' sprays warm moisture particles at about 35 degrees Celsius, allowing use without lowering the indoor temperature even in cold winters. It was also convenient to adjust humidity from 30% up to 70% in 5% increments according to personal preference.

It was also appreciated that various parts exposed to moisture, including the stainless steel water tank, can be easily disassembled for cleaning. No matter how well a humidifier manages itself, seeing and washing it directly provides peace of mind. The Hydro Tower’s stainless steel water tank allows for regular washing, dishwasher use, and even hot water sterilization, ensuring safe use.

You can control the product remotely even when you are not at home through the LG ThinQ app.
[Photo by LG ThinQ app capture]

The smart home platform LG ThinQ app, a unique feature of LG appliances, provided useful control. Through the app, users can remotely adjust lighting color and brightness, as well as humidification temperature and amount, even when away from home. It was convenient to check at a glance how humidity, temperature, and fine dust are managed during product use through indoor air history.

The product also features a mood light in the center, which can subtly change the indoor atmosphere with soft lighting.

The Hydro Tower has an energy efficiency rating of grade 3. Since the steam humidifier includes an air purification function, electricity bills might be a concern.
Photo by Han Yeju

However, due to the nature of the product, the noise generated during the water boiling process was quite noticeable. While mainly using the humidification with purification function, the sound of the device operating was loud enough to be heard over the TV volume. Fortunately, in sleep mode, the product could be used without significant disturbance even late at night.

The water tank capacity was also somewhat disappointing. The tank holds a maximum of only 2.8 liters of water, requiring refills every 3 to 4 hours when maintaining humidification mode. Even in humidification with purification mode, when turning on the device around 11 p.m. before sleep and waking up around 6 a.m., a water shortage alert always appeared.

Considering it is a premium product, the high price may be a burden. The Hydro Tower’s retail price is 1,390,000 KRW.