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 machine to clean 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.
  

Alen T300 Review

Alen T300 Air Purifier Review Summary

The Good: 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 UV lamp 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.

Alen A375 Review

Alen A375 UV Air Purifier Review Summary

The Good: An easy to change 3 in 1 filter with 2 UV lamps is versatile enough to clean and sterile the air of most homes.  Has a simple safety feature and lifetime warranty.

The Bad: The top 2 fan speeds are loud.

The Bottomline: If Alen A375 is a car, it would be a Honda Civic. It’s a simple, reliable machine with  better features and performance than most units at the same price. If you need an affordable machine that not only cleans the air but also sterilize it from floating germs or fungus, this is one of your options. Coupled with a lifetime warranty, this is surely one of the most attractive air cleaner in the market.

What we like about the Alen A375

The filter: Like other Alencorp machines, this one has a 3 in 1 filter – a pre-filter, a HEPA and an activated carbon all rolled into one. This helps make it easy to change your filter as well as ordering them (you don’t need to order separate filters at separate time like many air cleaners).

It also contains Photo-Catalytic Oxidation technology to help reduce harmful VOCs (VOCs are the harmful vapors that things like glue, formaldehyde and some aerosols emit.)

UV Lamps: It also comes with 2 UV lamps to kill bacteria in your air. Handy if you suspect you have molds under your damp carpets.

Easy: The A375 is also easy to use  because it comes with a remote control, smart automatic filter change indicator and a timer function. You can basically control it from the comfort of your sofa or bed.

Save Space: If your space is tight, you can mount it on the wall. And if you hate the plain look, there are 6 bright, funky skins for the machine ( older folks may hate the bright colors though!)

Less Worry: One of the biggest advantage of this air purifier is a peace of mind :-

• Firstly, the machine shuts down automatically if the lid is opened. Very important if your have small kids or dogs.
• And secondly, it has a lifetime warranty (if you change your filter at recommended interval).

But we are concerned about the :

• Noise: You may want to keep it at any of the 2 lowest settings if you’re going to sleep. Sleeping with the machine at the highest speed may feel like sleeping in a wind tunnel.
• Filter costs: The filter cost is at par with many other air purifiers that covers an area this big. You’re looking at $90 – $120 a year.
• Ionizer: The unit comes with an optional ionizer function. Ionizers may emit ozone, which is harmful in large quantity. The company claims that the ozone this machine emits is 92% below the limit set by the FDA. But if you’re still worried, just turn the ionizer off.