Where Are Lasko Humidifiers Manufactured?

When shopping for humidifiers, most people used to focus solely on features like tank size or noise levels. Today, however, many customers want to know something more fundamental: where was it made?

For Lasko a century-old Pennsylvania brand with deep American roots this question touches on both practical considerations and brand identity. With rising interest in domestic manufacturing and supply chain transparency, understanding the origin of these products has never been more relevant.

This guide explores the real manufacturing story behind Lasko's expanding humidifier lineup, revealing why most new models roll off Chinese assembly lines while certain legacy units still maintain their American heritage. Whether you're outfitting a healthcare facility or simply looking for a reliable home unit, knowing where these products are made affects everything from price and availability to service and parts.

The Bottom Line

If you're short on time, here's what you need to know: all current Lasko ultrasonic humidifiers (UH-series) are manufactured in China. This includes popular models like:

• UH200 (Cool-Mist tabletop)
• UH300 (Warm/Cool digital tower)
• UH150 (Personal Cool-Mist)

Retail packaging and specification sheets for these models plainly state "Country of Origin: China" or "Manufactured in China."

In contrast, some legacy evaporative console models particularly the wheeled 9-gallon model 1128 have historically carried "Made in USA" identification plates. These larger, traditional units represent the remaining American-made portion of Lasko's humidifier catalog.

The Company Behind the Brand

Founded in 1906 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Lasko started by manufacturing sheet-metal window fans. Today, the company maintains three U.S. facilities:

• West Chester, PA (Corporate Headquarters)
• Fort Worth, TX
• Franklin, TN

These American plants primarily handle products with substantial plastic housings but simpler electronics mainly box fans, air circulators, and space heaters. The company employs roughly 1,000 people across these locations.

Humidifiers, particularly the ultrasonic models that dominate today's market, contain specialized components like ultrasonic transducers and complex electronic boards that Lasko sources more economically from overseas partners.

Why China? The Economics Behind Manufacturing Choices

Why would Lasko ship relatively lightweight humidifiers across 7,000 miles of ocean instead of producing them domestically? The answer involves both component sourcing and manufacturing economics.

The ultrasonic atomizer the heart of every UH-series unit is a commodity component mass-produced by specialized vendors in Guangdong province. By assembling these units in the same industrial regions where the critical components originate, Lasko achieves significant cost advantages.

This manufacturing strategy appears plainly in product documentation. The UH200's specification sheet explicitly states: "Designed and Engineered in the USA — Manufactured in China." Similar notations appear across the entire ultrasonic lineup.

Labor economics remain a major factor. Manufacturing wages in Guangdong average around $4-5 per hour compared to $24-28 in comparable U.S. facilities. Despite rising shipping costs, Lasko optimizes container utilization by packing up to 10,000 tabletop units per 40-foot container.

American-Made Legacy: The Evaporative Console Line

Not everything in Lasko's catalog comes from overseas. The company's large evaporative console humidifiers most notably the model 1128 have traditionally been manufactured in the United States.

These units rely on simpler technology: a wick filter and squirrel-cage fan rather than precision ultrasonic components. The bulky design aligns perfectly with Lasko's domestic manufacturing capabilities:

1. The cabinet weighs five times more than ultrasonic models, making overseas shipping less economical
2. Tooling for the large reservoir was paid off years ago, reducing the incentive to move production
3. These units share motor assemblies with Lasko's American-made box fans, creating economies of scale

The trade-off comes in pricing these American-made units typically retail around $120, significantly higher than their ultrasonic counterparts. They're also primarily distributed within North America.

Lasko's "Dual-Source" Strategy

Lasko executives describe their approach as a "dual-source" manufacturing model that balances cost, quality, and delivery speed. Company materials summarize this strategy as "utilizing both domestic production and Asian sourcing to deliver high-quality, low-cost products with limited lead time."

This hybrid approach offers several advantages:

• Cost optimization: Producing ultrasonic units in China keeps retail prices competitive (under $50 for most models)
• Rapid replenishment: U.S. facilities can deliver fans and heaters to retailers within 48 hours during demand spikes
• Risk mitigation: The dual-source capability provides flexibility if trade policies or tariffs change suddenly

This balanced strategy has helped Lasko remain the only legacy American fan manufacturer still prominently featured in major home improvement chains.

Model-by-Model Manufacturing Guide

Pro Tip: Lasko occasionally creates retailer-exclusive model variants (like "UH200-H" for Home Depot). The fastest way to verify origin is to check the silver ETL certification sticker on the base country of origin appears just above the serial number.

Lasko Humidifier Manufacturing Comparison

How to Verify Manufacturing Origin

U.S. customs regulations require that the country of origin be visible to the purchaser at the point of sale. Here's how to check Lasko humidifiers:

• Boxed units: Look at the end panel with the UPC code; "Made in ___" should appear in lettering at least as tall as the country name
• Display models: Check the underside for the ETL/UL compliance plate where the country of origin appears below the electrical rating
• Online purchases: Scroll to the specification table's bottom section; if origin is omitted, assume "Imported"
• Government contracts: For TAA compliance, request a written country of origin certificate from your distributor

Remember that "Designed in USA" (which appears on all Lasko packaging) is not equivalent to "Made in USA." Also note that replacement parts may have different origins than the main unit replacement wicks for the 1128 are made in the USA by BestAir in Illinois, regardless of where the humidifier itself was manufactured.

Common Questions About Manufacturing Origin

Does manufacturing location affect warranty coverage?

No. All Lasko humidifiers carry the same one-year parts-and-labor warranty administered from Pennsylvania, regardless of manufacturing origin.

Are filters interchangeable between U.S. and Chinese-made units?

Yes, for evaporative models. The 1128 uses Lasko's THF8 wick regardless of where final assembly occurred. Ultrasonic units don't use replaceable filters, only optional demineralization cartridges.

Will Lasko bring ultrasonic production back to the U.S.?

While company representatives mention "ongoing evaluations," the specialized tooling and component ecosystem in Shenzhen make a near-term shift unlikely. Any reshoring would likely begin with premium, small-batch products.

Are Chinese-manufactured units less reliable?

Field data provided to commercial buyers shows return rates under 2% for both domestic and imported units. Most failures stem from water quality issues (mineral buildup on electronic components) rather than manufacturing defects.

Conclusion

Lasko's manufacturing approach reflects the balance between tradition and economic reality. The company maintains its century-old American production facilities for fans and select humidifier models while leveraging Chinese manufacturing expertise for the precision components in modern ultrasonic units.

For consumers, the choice is straightforward:

• If you want an affordable, compact ultrasonic humidifier under $70, you'll be purchasing a Chinese-manufactured Lasko
• If supporting American manufacturing is a priority—and you don't mind a larger unit with a higher price tag—the evaporative console models offer a domestic alternative

Both options come with identical warranty coverage and customer support. With this manufacturing knowledge in hand, you can confidently select the Lasko humidifier that best aligns with your budget, performance requirements, and personal values.