MinusA2 SPA-780A

RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-780A Review Summary

The Good:
This attractive and wall mountable air purifier comes with 5 filters and a handful of functions. It is also very quiet and consumes little energy.

The Bad:
There is no odor sensor like one you’ll find in the RabbitAir’s cheaper machines. The so-called “mood light” can be intrusive while filter costs $75 yearly.

The BottomLine:
The MinusA2 780A air purifier is an attractive air purifier to those with mild to moderate allergy. But except for the slightly more powerful blower and the addition of the black model, it is exactly the same as the cheaper sibling — the MinusA2 700A. Just go for that one and save yourself some money.

What we like about the Minus A2 SPA-780A

Versatile Air Purifier:
The fourth filter could be changed according to your specific needs. If you suspect your allergies is due to airborne bacteria, you could choose the germ defense filter. If your neighbor’s smoke is the problem, choose the odor remover instead.

There are 5 filters in this machine – which more than most air purifiers in the market today.

1. A pre-filter
2. A medium filter
3. A HEPA Filter
4. A customized filter (choose between germ defense, toxins absorber or pet allergy)
5. An activated carbon

The replacement filters (number 2 to 5) should last up to 2 years. However, to make sure you get the maximum 5 years warranty, you must change it every year.

Easy to change filter:
The 4 filters will cost you $75 annually. But the good thing is they are sold together so that you can change all your filters at the same time. Many air purifying machines in the market have different lifetime for each filters – and it’s difficult for you to keep track which filter needs changing.

Energy Saver:
Its energy usage is also lower than many other air purifiers (only 8 to 58 Watt).

Won’t bother your sleep:
At the lowest speed this Ultra Quiet HEPA air purifier produces only 26dB of noise. At the highest setting, it is only 51dB.

Safe for kids or pets:
This machine will power off automatically if it detects that the front lid is opened.

Easy to use:
Like any other RabbitAir machine, the MinusA2 SPA-780A also comes with a AAA battery powered remote control. This is especially useful if you decide to hang the unit on a wall when all the buttons are out of reach.

The electronic functions:
This automatic machine comes with simple digital functions and a light sensor.

Because of this smart sensor, the machine will turn off its light automatically and set the fan to work at lower speed when it detects that you’ve turned off the lights in your room.

Can Be Hung on Wall:
If space is tight you can mount this plastic air purifier on your wall (you can buy the kit separately at $10).

Has Optional Artistic Cover:
If you run an art gallery or like to double the machine as a wall painting, you can change your front panel into one of four designs. These front panels are available for $49.95.

But, we are concerned that there’s:

No Odor Sensor:
The machine has no odor sensor – a useful feature that you’ll find in Rabbit Air’s cheaper machines.

No Filter Change Indicator:
You have to remember to clean/change the filters yourself.

Price is Irregular:
The retail price for this machine is around $915.00. But if you browse online, you’ll find it going as cheap as $550.

Lack of UV Lights
At the retail price of $915, we expect to see the addition of a UV lamp for sterilizing the air from airborne fungus. Unfortunately, there’s no option to equip the unit with such functionality.

MinusA2 SPA-700A

RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-700A Review Summary

The Good:
This attractive and wall mountable air purifier comes with 5 filters and a handful of functions. It is also very quiet and consumes little energy.

The Bad:
There is no odor sensor like one you’ll find in the RabbitAir’s cheaper machines. The so-called “mood light” can be intrusive while filter costs $75 yearly.

The BottomLine:
If the filter replacement cost is not a big problem for you, this MinusA2 700A air purifier is an attractive air purifier to those with mild to moderate allergy.

What we like about the Minus A2 SPA-700A

Versatile Air Purifier:
You could change the fourth filter according to your specific needs. For example if believe that your cat or your neighbor’s pet is the reason for your allergies, choose the pet allergy filter to help trap pet dander or other allergen related to animals.

There are 5 filters in this machine – which more than most air purifiers in the market today.

1. A pre-filter
2. A medium filter
3. A  HEPA Filter
4. A customized filter (choose between germ defense, toxins absorber or pet allergy)
5. An activated carbon

The replacement filters (number 2 to 5) should last up to 2 years. However, to make sure you get the maximum 5 years warranty, you must change it every year.

Easy to change filter:
The 4 filters are not cheap ($75). But the good thing is they are sold together so that you can change all your filters at the same time. Many air cleaning machines in the market have different lifetime for each filters – and it’s difficult for you to keep track which filter needs changing.

Energy Saver:
If you intend to leave your machine 24/7 and want a machine that uses little energy, this is a good option. Compared to most air purifiers, its energy usage is also very low (only 7 to 47 Watt).

Won’t bother your sleep:
At the lowest speed the machine produces only 20dB of noise. At the highest setting, it is only 46dB. Because of this, most people will only hear it working at its top 2 or 3 settings.

Safe for kids or pets:
This machine will power off automatically if it detects that the front lid is opened.

Easy to use:
The MinusA2 SPA-700A comes with a AAA battery powered remote control. This control is especially useful if you decide to hang the unit on a wall when all the buttons are out of reach.  But if you decided to leave it on the floor because you like to move it around the house, there’s a handle to help you lift it.

The electronic functions:
This automatic machine comes with simple digital functions and a light sensor.

Thanks to this sensor, the machine will turn off its light automatically and set the fan to work at lower speed when it detects that you’ve turned off the lights in your room.

Can Be Hung on Wall:
If space is tight you can mount this plastic air purifier on your wall (you can buy the kit separately at $10).

Has Optional Artistic Cover:
If you run an art gallery or like to double the machine as a wall painting, you can change your front panel into one of four designs. These front panels are available for $49.95.

But, we are concerned that there’s:

No odor sensor:
The machine has no odor sensor – a useful feature that you’ll find in Rabbit Air’s cheaper machines.

Only one color:
It is only available in white. If want a shiny black, you need to buy the more expensive 780A.

Price is Irregular:
The retail price for this machine is around $756.00. But if you browse online, you’ll find it going as cheap as $500.

BioGS SPA-582A

RabbitAir BioGS SPA-582A Review Summary

The Good:
The BioGS SPA-582A is just as stylish and lightweight as the cheaper SPA-421A. And it is also equipped with better automatic electronic functions than most machines in the market, very quiet and cheap to maintain. These 2 models are identical except that this 582A model offers a more powerful blower for faster cleaning power.

The Bad:
Like the SPA-421A the filter also lasts around 3 years. But it is not stated clearly that you’ll lose your warranty if you don’t change it earlier. And since the remote controls almost all the features, you won’t be able to change the settings it if you lose it.

The BottomLine:
We like this machine just as we like the cheaper sibling. It is very silent, energy efficient and comes with features you’ll only find on premium air purifiers. But if you don’t intend to run the unit to the full or if noise is a concern, you’re better off saving the extra 70$ and buying the 421A.

What we like about the BioGS SPA-582A

Long Lasting Filters: There are 3 filters in this machine. The HEPA can lasts up to 3 years while the pre-filter and activated carbon are washable. But in order to get the 5 years warranty, you need to change your filters every 1.5 years.

Low Maintenance Cost
Annual filter replacement cost is around $46 or $23 if you use it for only 12 hours daily.

Extensive Electronic functions:
This RabbitAir BioGS SPA-582A has one of the most extensive digital display indicator in the market today.

There are 2 air quality sensors – dust and odor. Apart from that it also has a timer function, 4 operating modes and 2 filter indicators. The first will tell you if the filter needs cleaning, and the other tells you if it the filters need to be changed.

When set to “automatic” it’s sensor will adjust the 5 fan speeds according to the air quality level in your home.

Uses Very Little Energy: It’s energy usage is a little higher than the 421A model. But using only 7 to 67 Watt of energy, it is still one of the most energy efficient air purifier in the market right now.

Low Noise: At the lowest speed the machine is inaudible as it produces only 19dB of noise. At the highest setting, it is only 49dB. This is far lower than most Hepa air cleaners we’ve seen before.

Has Remote Control: You could control the machine from the comfort of your bed. But if you prefer it to run in the automatic mode, you can leave the tiny remote at the back of the machine.

Easy to Move Around: At 17lbs, the BioGS 421 is also one of the lightest and most portable machine in its class.

Sleek and Stylish: Because of it’s modern look and relatively thin profile, it should blend with your living room furniture well.

Easy to Change Filters: A Filter Cleaning Indicator is there to remind you when to get it cleaned. To remove the front panel, you can just use your hands.

But, we are concerned that :

The Remote Control operates all:
The remote controls almost all of this air purifier’s functions ( if you lose it, a replacement costs $13.)

Irregular price:
Many online websites list this model at $399 (which is 40% of the retail price). But brick and mortar stores may not sell it that low. Those buying from local stores could lose a few hundred dollars.

BioGS SPA-421A

RabbitAir BioGS SPA-421A Review Summary

The Good:
The BioGS SPA-421A is a stylish and lightweight air purifier equipped with better automatic electronic functions than most machines in the market. It is also very quiet and cheap to maintain.

The Bad:
Although the filter lasts around 3 years, it is not stated clearly that you’ll lose your warranty if you don’t change it earlier. And since the remote controls almost all the features, you won’t be able to change the settings it if you lose it.

The BottomLine:
Although the machine is rated for 600 sq feet, we think it suits a much smaller room due to it’s lower clean air delivery rating. But we like the fact that it is very silent, consumes very little energy and comes with features you’ll only find on premium air purifiers. We believe this is an excellent buy for those with mild to moderate allergy problem.

What we like about the BioGS SPA-421A

Long Lasting Filters: There are 3 filters in this machine, and the first 2 are washable.

• A pre-filter
• An activated Carbon Filter, and
• An anti-flu HEPA Filter

The HEPA should lasts up to 3 years but in order to get your 5 years warranty, you need to change the filter every 18 months.

Low Maintenance Cost
Annual filter replacement cost is around $46 or $23 if you use it for only 12 hours daily.

Extensive Electronic functions:
This RabbitAir BioGS SPA-421A has one of the most extensive digital display indicator  in the market today.

There are 2 air quality sensors – dust and odor. Apart from that it also has a timer function, 4 operating modes and 2 filter indicators. The first will tell you if the filter needs cleaning, and the other tells you if it the filters need to be changed.

When set to “automatic” it’s sensor will adjust the 5 fan speeds according to the air quality level in your home.

Uses Very Little Energy: The unit uses only 7 to 33 Watt of energy, making it one of the most energy efficient air purifier in the market right now.

Low Noise: At the lowest speed the machine is inaudible as it produces only 18dB of noise. At the highest setting, it is only 45dB. If you’re looking for an ultra quiet hepa air purifier that won’t bother your sleep, this is it.

Has Remote Control: You could control the machine from the comfort of your bed. But if you prefer it to run in the automatic mode, you can leave the tiny remote at the back of the machine.

Easy to Move Around: At 17lbs, the BioGS 421 is also one of the lightest and most portable machine in its class. Unless you have a serious back trouble, it should be relatively easy for an adult to move the unit around the house.

Sleek and Stylish: Because of it’s modern look and relatively thin profile, it should blend with your living room furniture well.

Easy to Change Filters: If the filters are clogged, the unit will let you know by illuminating its Filter Cleaning Indicator. You don’t need any tools to open the front door and get your filters.

But, we are concerned that :

The Remote Control operates all:
Like most modern tv, the tiny remote controls almost all of this air purifier’s functions ( if you lose it, a replacement costs $13.)

Irregular price:
Many online websites list this model at $330 (which is 40% of the retail price). But brick and mortar stores may not sell it that low. Those buying from local stores could lose a few hundred dollars.

BlueAir 603

Blueair 603 Review Summary

The Good:
The Blueair 603 is an improved Blueair 503. It is still as quiet, but performs much better due to a different casing design and more efficient motor.

The Bad:
The machine’s efficient HEPASilent filter is expensive. And it doesn’t have an automatic sensor that adjusts the fan speed according to the pollution level.

The BottomLine:
If you want a high performance room air cleaner to clear normal household pollutants, this is one of the contender. But be prepared to pay a premium.

What we like about the BlueAir 603

The filters: The major difference between BlueAir machines and other air purifiers that uses a HEPA filter is in the technology called the HEPASilent.

The HEPASilent filters made by Blueair has larger holes than a normal HEPA but before dirty air is sucked through the filter, the machine uses ion brushes to charge if first. So, while normal air purifiers suck the air through their filter, the Blueair 603 makes the charged contaminants attracted to it’s filter.

Because of this, the filter is quieter and more efficient than most machines in the market. If a HEPA can trap contaminants 0.3 micron and larger, this one traps smaller airborne contaminants – from 0.1 micron or larger.

There are 3 HEPASilent filters positioned in this machine.

Filter change is easy: To replace all 3 filters inside the unit, you just need to open the top lid with your hand.

Practical: The unit is made of galvanized steel and you can move it around your rooms using it’s castors. There’s also a timer that counts down from 6 months to remind you when to change the filter. And because it so quiet, there’s a blue power on light to let you know if it’s on operation.

Uses little electricity: An Energy Star qualified, it consumes 35 Watt on low and 120 Watt on high speed.

Works faster: Similar to the best-selling 503, the 603 diffuses filtered air from all sides. And because the filter doesn’t block the air, filtered air is released faster than machines using traditional HEPA.

It’s silent: Since air is not forced through the filters, the motor doesn’t need to work hard. Coupled with noise-muffling steel for the housing, you’ll get a quiet machine that lets you sleep peacefully.

Safe for kids and pets: This air purifier shuts down automatically if it’s door is opened. Important feature if you have small kids or curious pets around the house.

But, we are concerned that :

• It’s relatively expensive: Covering around 600 sq feet, the 603 is one of the most expensive air purifier in the class.
• The filter cost: You need to spend around $160 a year if you change the filter every 6 months as recommended by Blueair.
• Warranty : 10 years – but only if you change the filter according to Blueair’s schedule.
• No pre-filter : Most air cleaners come with pre-filter to stop bigger airborne particles from entering the main filter. But the 603 one lacks one. We suggest you vacuum your filter to help it lasts longer.
• It’s all manual: It has only 3 fan speeds that you adjust with a manual dial knob. It will not adjust the fan speed automatically if the air suddenly gets contaminated.
  
• No remote control : Not a big issue for most people.
  

BlueAir 503

Blueair 503 Review Summary

The Good:
The silent Blueair 503 consumes little energy and is rated as one of the most effective air purifier in the market due to it’s filter technology.

The Bad:
You need to change the unit’s 3 filters every 6 months.

The Bottomline:
This a solid air purifier for everyday use provided you don’t have any serious smoke, odor and molds problem.  If peaceful sleep is a major concern, this is one of the machine you should consider. But it is not cheap to own or maintain.

What we like about Blueair 503.

The filters:
The major difference between BlueAir machines and other air purifiers that uses a HEPA filter lies in the technology called the HEPASilent.

The HEPASilent has larger holes than a normal HEPA but before dirty air is sucked through the filter, the machine uses ion brushes to charge if first. So, while air cleaners made by other companies force the air through their filter, the Blueair 503 makes the charged contaminants attracted to it’s filter.

Because of this, the machine is quieter and more effective than most air purifiers in the market. If a HEPA can trap contaminants 0.3 micron and bigger, this filter can trap smaller airborne contaminants of 0.1 micron or larger.

Filter is easy to change: You can change the filter without a screwdriver or any other tools.

Practical: The unit is made of galvanized steel and can be moved around using it’s castors. There’s also a timer that counts down from 6 months to remind you when to change the filter. And because it so quiet, there’s a blue power on light to let you know if it’s on operation.

Uses little electricity: An Energy Star qualified, it only consumes 35 Watt on low and 120 Watt on high speed.

Works faster: The 503 diffuses filtered air from the sides and top. And because the filter doesn’t block the air, clean air is delivered faster.

It’s silent: Since air is not blocked, the motor doesn’t need to work hard. Coupled with noise-muffling steel for the housing, you’ll get a quiet machine that lets you sleep peacefully.

Safe for kids and pets: This air purifier shuts down automatically if it’s door is opened. Important feature if you have curious kids or pets around the house.

But, we are concerned that :

• It’s not cheap: The price says it all.
  
• The filter cost: If you replace it every 6 months as advised by the company, you’re looking at around $160 a year. It’s bigger sibling, the Blueair 603 costs the same but covers bigger area.
  
• Warranty : You need to change your filter according to the schedule or you’ll void your warranty.
• No pre-filter : Most air cleaners come with pre-filter to stop bigger airborne particles from entering the main filter. But this one lacks one. We suggest you vacuum your filter regularly.
• No auto sensor: You need to adjust the fan speed manually because there is no automatic sensor to detect pollution and adjusts the settings.
• No remote : Because it is not a digitally controlled machine, there’s no remote control.

BlueAir 403

BlueAir 403 Review Summary

The Good:
Just like any other Blueair air cleaners, the 403 comes with an energy efficient HEPA Silent filter and a quiet motor.

The Bad:
You need to change the filter every 6 months.

The Bottomline:
The Blueair 403 still maintains the efficient and energy saving filter used by it’s bigger siblings. But with only 1 filter and negligible amount of carbon in it means that it will not help much with odor or smoke problem.

What we like about the Blueair 403.

The filter: BlueAir 403 uses the HEPASilent air purification system like any other machines made by the company.

It works like this. Before dirty air is sucked through the filter, the machine uses ion brushes to charge if first. So, while air purifiers made by other companies force the air through their filters, this one makes the charged contaminants attracted to the filter.

And because the dirty particle willingly cling to the filter, the HEPASilent can have larger holes than a normal HEPA. As a result, you get a quiet and efficient cleaning machine.

Filter is easy to change: The unit is designed so that you can change the filter without using a screwdriver or any other tools.

Practical: The unit is made of galvanized steel and can be moved around using it’s built-in carry handle. There’s also a timer that counts down from 6 months to remind you when to change the filter. And because it so quiet, there’s a blue power on light to let you know if it’s on operation.

Uses little electricity: It only consumes 30 Watt on low and 70 Watt on high speed.

It’s silent: Because the filter has better airflow than a HEPA filter, the Blueair 403 is one of the quietest machine in it’s class. Suitable for your bedroom or study area.

Our Concern :

• The Price: It only covers a relatively small area but the cost is similar to machines that cover twice the area.
  
• The filter cost: At around $120 a year for 1 filter, 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 10 years warranty will be void.
• No carbon : Because it lacks a specialized carbon filter, it won’t handle smoke, gases or odor well.
• No pre-filter : Most air cleaners come with pre-filter to stop bigger airborne particles from entering the main filter. But this one lacks one. We suggest you vacuum your filter to help it lasts longer.
• Movability: Yes, there is a carry handle but at 33lbs, castors are better.
• Not automatic: There’s only manual dial to adjust the 3 fan speeds. There’s no automatic sensor to adjust the speed according to the pollution level. At this price, we expect to find one.