In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Crane Drop Review

Sleek design, basic features, quiet operation with effective humidity creation
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Crane Drop Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $55 List
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Manufacturer:   Crane
By Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team  ⋅  Jul 28, 2021
62
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 11
  • Ease of Cleaning - 35% 4.0
  • Effectiveness - 35% 7.0
  • Noise - 20% 9.0
  • Ease of Use - 10% 5.0

Our Verdict

The Crane Drop is a cool-looking compact ultrasonic humidifier with a unique tank shape. This unit has a small design with basic features that make it a simple option that fits almost anywhere. With various available color choices, it can be a nice-looking addition to most nurseries and fun to look at for small children. This unit has a family-friendly price and operates in relative silence, even at high levels. Unfortunately, this product isn't as effective as possible, and the lack of programmability means the humidity levels are harder to control. It is also more challenging to clean with small spaces, and the shape makes it difficult to fill and carry. These aspects make the Crane Drop less desirable than cheaper competitors. To compare it to the competition, check out our article on the best humidifiers.
REASONS TO BUY
Quiet
Filterless
Effective
Compact
Multiple color options
REASONS TO AVOID
Potential issues with motor performance and durability
Light always on

Compare to Similar Products

 
crane drop
This Product
Crane Drop
Awards Best Value Award
Budget-friendly Humidity
    
Price $55 List
$39.98 at Amazon
$60 List$50 List$40 List
$33.94 at Amazon
$50 List
$29.97 at Amazon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Simple, quiet ultrasonic humidification, but best for smaller spacesEffective humidifier with a wallet-friendly price that is somewhat loud but very effectiveCute, baby-centric option that is super quiet and easy to clean but it is less effective than most of the competitionA louder ultrasonic option that is small and less effective than most but easy to clean and lower in priceThis effective compact unit is relatively quiet but it is harder to clean and use than much of the competition
Rating Categories Crane Drop TaoTronics TT-AH001 TaoTronics TT-AH038 Honeywell HUL520 AquaOasis
Ease of Cleaning (35%)
4.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
2.0
Effectiveness (35%)
7.0
9.0
2.0
4.0
8.0
Noise (20%)
9.0
5.0
10.0
3.0
6.0
Ease of Use (10%)
5.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
3.0
Specs Crane Drop TaoTronics TT-AH001 TaoTronics TT-AH038 Honeywell HUL520 AquaOasis
Mist Type Cool Cool Cool Cool Cool
Technology Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Tank Capacity 1 gal 1.1 gal 0.66 gal 0.5 gal 0.58 gal
Visible Water Reservoir No Yes No Yes Yes
Room Humidification Area (Sq Ft) 500 sq ft 322 sq ft 269 sq ft Small Room Not Listed
Max Run Time Up to 24 hrs Up to 30 hrs Up to 30 hrs Up to 20 hrs Over 24 hrs
Humidity Output Control Variable Mist Control Variable Mist Control
Humidistat
Variable Mist Control Variable Mist Control Variable Mist Control
Demineralization Cartridge/Filter Available for Purchase No No No No
Night Light No Yes Yes No No
Empty Tank Auto-Shut Off Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dimensions (BGL) 8.7"W x 13"H x 8.7"L 6"W x 9"H x 11.4"L 8.3"W x 12.2"H x 5.5"L 8.1"W x 8.8"H x 8.1"L 8.5"W x 10"H x 6"L
Empty Weight (BGL) 2.24 lbs 1.83 lbs 3.71 lbs 2.6 lbs 1.58 lbs
Max Operation Noise Level in dB (BGL) <40 db 41.7 db <40 db 45.2 db 40.7 db

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Crane company started in 205 with a few designs and continued to add to its collection each year. The company works out of Itasca, Illinois, and is part of the Wachsmuth & Krogmann, Inc (W&K) company. Crane strives to design products that are efficient and stylish with designs that bring a smile to your face. Crane produces humidifiers, air purifiers, fans, and space heaters to increase personal comfort, no matter the climate.

Performance Comparison



crane drop - you will need a bottle brush or some kind of tool to get the inside...
You will need a bottle brush or some kind of tool to get the inside of the Drop clean as your hand is unlikely to fit inside.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Cleaning


The base of this unit has only a few small nooks and crannies, which made it relatively easy to clean. However, the water tank presents more of a problem and resulted in the Drop earning a lower score for ease of cleaning.

crane drop - the lid on the drop will require a smaller brush to get in all the...
The lid on the Drop will require a smaller brush to get in all the nooks and crannies.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The tank opening is too small for hands, and the longer shape makes it challenging to reach the bottom with a standard bottle brush. It does have a minimal number of parts, but keeping the ultrasonic plate clean and free of deposits was difficult and a hit or miss operation that caused a significant drop in mist production if not tended to regularly.

crane drop - cleaning the base takes some patience and some smaller brushes to...
Cleaning the base takes some patience and some smaller brushes to get in the smaller spaces. The manual also has instructions on cleaning more depth.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We find scraping around the washer increases mist production, but the sensitivity of the ultrasonic plate to cleaning causes concern about the overall longevity of the unit.

crane drop - this photo shows the dust created by the drop during a full run...
This photo shows the dust created by the Drop during a full run until the vessel was empty.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Using filtered water or the accessory filter is highly recommended to reduce minerals and minerals accumulation on surfaces and in the air (aka white dust). The filter (#HS-3161) must be purchased separately. Crane recommends replacing the filter with every 30-40 fillings. Also, they recommend replacement if the humidifier isn't used for an extended period.

crane drop - the drop proved to be relatively effective in tests compared to the...
The Drop proved to be relatively effective in tests compared to the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Effectiveness


This humidifier produces better mist than some of the competition with a higher than average output. It takes a little longer to get going than similar options, but within the first 14 minutes, it catches up and surpasses the lower-producing machines. Though the size of this unit still makes it best for smaller spaces or right near the crib or bed.

crane drop - the drop has a quiet operation compared to the competition with only...
The Drop has a quiet operation compared to the competition with only one option in our tests rating higher.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Noise


This unit is one of the quietest in the group. It is similar to the other Crane we tested and is sure to help little ones stay asleep.

crane drop - the user interface on the drop is straightforward with one dial that...
The user interface ON the Drop is straightforward with one dial that turns it on and increases or decreases mist volume.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The simple design of this humidifier made it easy enough to put together and operate. The single mist jet is easily adjustable to change the direction of the mist, and the continuously variable mist output knob allows for good control over the output. The compact design makes it ideal for placement on a nightstand.

We find the “on” light on the Crane to be distracting at night - and you can't turn it off, but by turning the unit to face the wall, it is less bright.

crane drop - while there is an obvious handle on the top of the drop, it also...
While there is an obvious handle on the top of the Drop, it also says not to use this grip point as a handle. Wait, what?
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Finally, we were put off by the design of a handle on the tank with a “Do not carry full tank by handle” instruction embossed into the plastic. Although it appears that you can use the handle with an empty tank, we feel that any handle included in the design of a humidifier should be able to support the tank, whether it is empty or full.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team