Difference between Humidifier and Vaporizer

Key Difference: The primary function of a humidifier is to create a humid environment. It does this by releasing moisture into the air, which eventually changes the dry air into humid air. A vaporizer, on the other hand, is used to vaporize a substance, which basically means that it turns the substance into gas and releases into the air.

The terms humidifiers and vaporizers are often clubbed together, which leads to people mistaking them as the same thing. However, they are two completely different things that are meant to be used for two different processes. Nevertheless, there are situations where there is an overlap. For example, both, humidifiers and vaporizers are used in cases of cold and congestion. Still, they would provide the most benefit if they were used for their intended purposes.

The primary function of a humidifier is to create a humid environment. It does this by releasing moisture into the air, which eventually changes the dry air into humid air. A vaporizer, on the other hand, is different. Its primary purpose is to vaporize a substance, which basically means that it turns the substance into gas and releases into the air.

At the root of it, the primary function of both the devices is the same. They convert liquid into gas or steam and release it into the air. However, while humidifiers do this with just water, vaporizers are mainly used for other substances or for water mixed with substances. Nevertheless, the confusion is enhanced because many people used vaporizers to do the work of a humidifier.

A significant difference in the manner they work is that a humidifier releases the humidity without boiling the water, whereas the only way that a vaporizer converts liquid to steam is by boiling it. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The boiling hot liquid can burn the user if they come into contact with it. However, the heat also purifies the water and kills any bacteria in it. The cold air humidifiers have a risk of letting bacteria and mold accumulated in the still water that sits in the container.

In addition to working as a humidifier, a vaporizer is also commonly used to vaporize and inhale substances such as medicines or drugs like cannabis, tobacco, or other herbs or blends.

Comparison between Humidifier and Vaporizer:

	Humidifier	Vaporizer
Definition (Oxford Dictionaries)	A device for keeping the atmosphere in a room moist.	A device that generates a particular substance in the form of vapour, especially for medicinal inhalation.
Purpose	To add moisture into the dry air	To vaporize a substance
Uses	Single, to increase humidity	To vaporize the active ingredients of plant material, commonly cannabis, tobacco, or other herbs or blends To vaporize medicines for inhalation, such as for colds and congestions Cosmetic purposes, to open pores and for facials.