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.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Filter Type | Pre-filters, Activated Carbon impregnated with Potassium Iodide, True Medical Grade HEPA |
| Color | 4 Options - Black, White, Silver and Sandstone |
| For Room Size | up to 700 sq ft |
| Size | 16.5" x 11" x 11" |
| Weight | 18 lbs |
| Power Consumption | 80 Watt at max setting |
| Construction | Made of steel. Motor mounted on shocked absorbers |
About Austin
Austin Air has been in the air cleaning business for over 15 years.
At 480,000 square feet, Austin has the largest air cleaner manufacturing facility in the world, producing everything in house – from filter, metal forming, to the final paint.
How Austin Products Are Tested
Austin products are sent to these facilities for testings:
- Battelle Laboratories
- U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center
Track Records
- Austin Air was chosen by the U.S. Government to fulfill the largest deployment of air cleaners in American history.
- The company was also chosen by FEMA and The Red Cross to address the serious air quality concerns in post 9/11 New York.
Made in USA
Austin Air has made a conscious decision to keep Americans employed by keeping it’s manufacturing facility in the United States.