BlueAir 203

Blueair 203 Review Summary

The Good:
This portable machine is relatively quiet and comes with the efficient HEPASilent technology used by it’s more expensive siblings.

The Bad:
Filter is quite expensive.

The Bottomline:
There’s no doubt that this is a good machine for your small room. Unfortunately, we think it is quite expensive to own and maintain. If money is not an issue for you, this is one of the air purifier that you should consider. Otherwise, keep looking.

What we like about Blueair 203.

The filters:
BlueAir 203 uses a HEPA-like filter called the HEPASilent like all other machines made by the company.

It works like this. Before dirty air is sucked through the filter, the machine charged if first. So, instead of being forced through it, the charged particles will naturally stick to the filter.

And because the dirty particle seeks the filter, it can have larger holes than a traditional HEPA without degrading the performance. As a result, you get a quiet, efficient machine.

Filter is easy to change: You don’t need use any tools to change the filter.

Practical: The unit is made of galvanized steel which is light enough to move around using it’s carry handle. There’s also a timer that counts down from 6 months to remind you when to change the filter.

Uses little electricity: It only consumes 20 Watt on low and 50 Watt on high speed to clean the air.

It’s silent: The filter has been designed allow better airflow than a HEPA filter. Thus, Blueair 203 is one of the quietest machine in it’s class. Perfect for your bedroom or study area.

But, we are concerned that :

• The Price: Most air purifiers that covers area this big is around $200. But this one is $100 dearer.
  
• The filter cost: At around $100 a year, it is one of the most expensive replacement filter in it’s class.
  
• Warranty : You need to change your filter every 6 months or the warranty will be void.
• No carbon: Because it has no carbon filter, it won’t handle smoke, gases or odor well.

Baby's Breath Review

The Baby’s Breath air purifier is essentially the same as Austin Air Allergy Jr. air purifier. It has the same steel casing and filters. In fact, the price is also $300.

The only difference is the color and the name.

More Details on the Baby’s Breath Machine

Because it is an Allergy Machine Jr. in color, we’ll repeat what we have said about the Allergy Machines here.

The filters: The first stage filters things you can see like hair, dust and dander. The second stage filters unseen particles like molds, spores and pollens.  The last 2 stages use a Hepa filter and a military carbon cloth to take care of  bacteria and viruses as well as any airborne chemicals and gases.

360 degrees air intake: While most air purifiers only sucks the air from the front or the side, this air cleaner sucks air from all direction like any other Austin Air’s machines.

Made of Steel: Austin Baby’s Breath is encased in steel and the surface is scratch resistant.

Money Back Guarantee & Warranty: This air purifier comes with 5 years warranty on parts and filter. It also comes with 30 days money back guarantee.

Long Filter Life: While most air purifiers need a fresh filter every 6-12 months, Austin recommends that you replace your filter only once every 5 years.

Our Concern :

• Only 3 fan speeds: As there are only 3 speeds available, you don’t have much options when it comes to the noise level. But the lowest setting is quiet.
  
• No digital display: We don’t know why, but Austin Air seems to like analog controls.
  
• And no digital features: Without digital function means there are no remote control, timer or filter replacement alert. You need to remind yourself to change your filter ( every 5 years ).
• The outdated look : Compare Austin machines with other modern air purifiers and you’ll know what we mean.
• Filter stays too long: For things meant to trap dust and other airborne particles, we think 5 years is just too long (if you use it daily). We suggest you vacuum the filter regularly and replace it earlier than the suggested 5 years.

Our Verdict :

We don’t deny that Austin machines have withstood the test of time. However, unless the company changes it’s design and functionality, Austin Air may have trouble competing in the crowded field in the near future.

For us, it feels as if Austin is just getting lazier. Instead of adding new features to make this machine truly different, the company puts on the same filters it puts on the Allergy Machine, color the casing differently, and then market it as an nursery-safe air purifier for your babies.

Yes, it’s a good machine.  But it still comes with the same rehashed design and function.

Air Allergy Jr. Review
This mini version of Austin Air Allergy Machine is a simple air purifier.

Specifically tailored for those who are allergic not only to dust but also to gases and smoke, it comes in a metal casing for long lasting durability.

More Details on the Air Allergy Jr. Machine

While the other Austin machines use a carbon filter at the third stage, the Air Allergy Jr uses a Hepa filter instead. After the stage, an activated military carbon cloth is used to clear harmful gases or smoke.

And because this cloth replaces a heavy carbon filter, this machine is 6 lbs lighter than the other Austin Air’s junior air purifiers.

The filters: The first stage filters things you can see like hair, dust and dander. The second stage filters unseen particles like molds, spores and pollens.  The last 2 stages use a  Hepa filter and a military carbon cloth to take care of  bacteria and viruses as well as any airborne chemicals and gases.

360 degrees air intake: While most air purifiers only sucks the air from the front or the side, this air cleaner sucks air from all direction like any other Austin Air’s machines.

Made of Steel: Austin Air Allergy Jr. is encased in steel and the surface is scratch resistant.

Money Back Guarantee & Warranty: This air purifier comes with 5 years warranty on parts and filter. It also comes with 30 days money back guarantee.

Long Filter Life: While most air purifiers need a fresh filter every 6-12 months, Austin recommends that you replace your filter only once every 5 years.

Our Concern :

• Only 3 fan speeds: As there are only 3 speeds available, you don’t have much options when it comes to the noise level. But the lowest setting is quiet.
  
• No digital display: We don’t know why, but Austin Air seems to like analog controls.
  
• And no digital features: Without digital function means there are no remote control, timer or filter replacement alert. You need to remind yourself to change your filter ( every 5 years ).
• The outdated look : Compare Austin machines with other modern air purifiers and you’ll know what we mean.
• Filter stays too long: For things meant to trap dust and other airborne particles, we think 5 years is just too long (if you use it daily). We suggest you vacuum the filter regularly and replace it earlier than the suggested 5 years.

Our Verdict :

We don’t deny that Austin machines have withstood the test of time. However, unless the company changes it’s design and functionality, Austin Air may have trouble competing in the crowded field in the near future.

For us, the Air Allergy Jr. is a good machine. But it comes with design and function of  the 80s.

Healthmate JR. Review

The Healthmate Junior is essentially a Healthmate – but it is smaller, covers less area and is $150 cheaper. It’s also lighter and so, more portable than the 45 pound Healthmate.

It also comes with the same, high standard medical grade filters.

However, it does not have all the features of modern air cleaners – things like automatic speed adjustment, digital display, filter replacement alert or a timer.

What does it do ?

The filters: The first stage filters things you can see like hair, dust and dander. The second stage filters unseen particles like molds, spores and pollens.  The last 2 stages use the activated carbon (impregnated with Zeolite) and a 30 sq ft Hepa filter to take care of gases and smokes as well as bacteria and viruses.

360 degrees air intake: Like other Austin Air machines, this purifier sucks air from all direction.

Steel Construction: Austin Healthmate Jr.  is also made from steel like any other Austin Air air cleaners.

Money Back Guarantee & Warranty: The machine comes with 5 years warranty on parts and filter. Austin corporate website also says that it comes with 30 days money back guarantee.

Long Filter Life: While most air purifiers need a fresh filter every 6-12 months, Austin says this one only needs to be replaced every 5 years.

Our Concern :

• The sound level: As there are only 3 speeds available, you’ll notice that the sound will vary considerably from one level to another. The lowest setting is quiet though.
  
• No digital display: We don’t know why, but Austin Air seems to like analog controls.
  
• And no digital features: Without digital function means there are no remote control, timer or filter replacement alert. You need to remind yourself to change your filter ( every 5 years ).
• Filter stays too long: For things meant to trap dust and other airborne particles, we think 5 years is just too long (if you use it daily). We suggest you vacuum the filter regularly and replace it earlier than the suggested 5 years.

Our Verdict :

Another basic machine from Austin Air. If you just need an air purifier with good filters and do not care about digital features  and other convenience offered by more modern air purifiers, this might be it.

But we suggest you replace your filter earlier than suggested by company.

Healthmate+ Jr. Review

Austin Air Healthmate+ Junior is like a mini sports car with a very powerful engine. Unfortunately, like a racing car, it is meant to deliver performance, not comfort.

So, while the filter is good, it does not have all must-have features of modern air cleaners – things like automatic speed adjustment, digital display, filter replacement alert or a timer.

But the filter is good and the casings are made of steel.

What does it do ?

The Healthmate Plus Junior is supposed to be a mini version of the Healthmate Plus. And as expected, it is $200 cheaper and covers an area half as big.

The filters: The first stage filters things you can see like hair, dust and dander. The second stage filters unseen particles like molds, spores and pollens.  The last 2 stages use the activated carbon (impregnated with Potassium Iodide) and Hepa filter to take care of gases and smokes as well as bacteria and viruses.

360 degrees air intake: Like other Austin Air machines, this purifier sucks air from all direction.

Steel Construction: Austin Healthmate Plus Jr. is encased in steel and the surface is scratch resistant.

Money Back Guarantee & Warranty: The machine comes with 5 years warranty on parts and filter.

Long Filter Life: While most air purifiers need a fresh filter every 6-12 months, Austin says this one only needs to be replaced every 5 years.

Our Concern :

• The weight: At 18 Ibs, it is still quite heavy. Not suitable to be lifted up and down the stair.
• The sound level: As there are only 3 speeds available, you’ll notice that the sound will vary considerably from one level to another.
  
• No digital display: Many air cleaners around this price have easy to read digital control.
  
• Lack various digital features: Without digital function means there are no remote control, timer or filter replacement alert. You need to use your calender to remind you to change your filter ( every 5 years ).
• Filter stays too long: For things meant to trap dust and other airborne particles, we think 5 years is just too long (if you use it daily). We suggest you vacuum the filter every 6 months or replace it earlier than the suggested 5 years.

Our Verdict :

At this price, the Austin Healthmate Plus Jr. is quite attractive. But like we said before, while the core function is good, lack of comfort and convinience make this machine seems like it was built during the 80s.

If you like dials and hate all things digital and automatic try this one. But please replace your filter earlier than suggested by Austin Air.

Alen T300 Review

Alen T300 Air Purifier Review Summary

The Good: This HEPA Tower machine is stylish and full of features. Has a lifetime warranty and the filter cost is reasonable.

The Bad: No air intake on sides.

The BottomLine: With features you’ll only find in premium air purifiers, the stylish T300 tower air purifier is definitely a good buy. If you want an affordable air purifier for your kid’s room, this is a perfect choice.

What we like about the T300

Slim but packed with features: It has almost all the accessories of  it’s big brother – the high performance A375. The difference is it’s slimmer and is made to clean a smaller area.

Has UV Lamp: It also comes with ultra violet light to kill bacteria in your air. Handy if you suspect you have floating molds due to damp carpets, etc.

Cheaper: And unlike many air cleaners, at around $45 to $60, the cost to maintain it is reasonable because apart from 1 UV lamp, there is only 1 filter (pre-filter, HEPA and carbon are combined) to change.

Easy: The T300 comes with digital display and a smart automatic filter change indicator that will let you know when to change your filter. There’s no need to mark your calendar.

Less Worry: Like any other Alen air cleaners :-

• This machine shuts down automatically if the lid is opened. A very important feature if you want to put it in your kid’s bedroom.
• Alen backs it with a lifetime warranty, provided you change the filter every 6 to 9 months. No other air purifier makers back their machines this long.

But we are concerned that:

• This tower air purifier has no air intake on both it’s sides. Thus, it may be less efficient compared to machines with 360 degrees air intake.
• The unit also comes with an ionizer button. Ionizers may emit ozone, which is harmful in large quantity. Alen Corp claims that the ozone this machine emits is far below the limit set by the FDA. If you’re worried, just leave the button switched off.