We have purchased the equipment and knew that to boil it. And so it was. The water is directed to a hot round block and then evaporated. That sounds exactly like that, as if dripping water on a hot stove. Depending on the calcium content must be more or less often relieve these evaporator stone from lime. The advantage is that the lime collects on the evaporator and not like other (cold) water evaporators as white spots on furniture or plants. The humidifier moistens the air quite well. But- Shortly after the end of the warranty period, he broke to the effect that our GFCI rausfliegt immediately when I put the plug in the socket and switch on the device. Therefore, one can not recommend the humidifier, especially since you may find, after reading the reviews that it's not an isolated case. I have now bought a humidifier with Sharp air purifier with HEPA filters and ionization. He's still in the warranty period and was much more expensive, but dampened our living space also excellent. For WICK therefore clearly not advise.