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Blueair 501

pros
  • Above average performance on its highest speed setting
cons
  • Performance suffers on lower speed settings
  • Very loud on high
  • Expensive replacement filters
 
 
Where to Buy
  • Amazon

    for $499.88

  • Allergy Be Gone

    for $479.59

  • Bestfilters.com

    for $499.95

 
 
 

October 2007. As with the Blueair 601, the main issue with the Blueair 501 (which combines electrostatic and HEPA-like filtration) is its performance on different speed settings. One expert source, which conducts its own testing, rates this air purifier's cleaning ability above average for high speed settings, but below average for low speed settings. Also as with the 601, experts and owners appreciate this machine's quiet performance -- but on the low (and less effective) speed settings. We found some complaints from owners about the high cost of replacement filters ($79 for a three-pack). One expert says the Blueair 501 works best in rooms of 380 square feet or less. For more recent reviews, please see our latest update on air purifiers.

The Blueair 501 Air Purifier doesn't receive quite as many reviews from owners or experts as the Blueair 601, but it still registers on most sources' radars: this air purifier is included in Consumer Reports' most recent category roundup, and is also discussed by Air-Purifier-Power.com and AllergyBuyersClub.com, as well as few owners posting on Epinions.

Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
AmazonAmazon rated 3.50 (1653 reviews)1653 store reviewsIn Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25!$499.88
Allergy Be GoneAllergy Be Gone rated 4.00 (534 reviews)534 store reviewsIn Stock. In Stock$479.59
Bestfilters.comBestfilters.com rated 4.50 (134 reviews)134 store reviewsIn Stock. New$499.95
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

The Blueair 501 HEPA Air Purifier is tested against over 30 other air purifiers in Consumer Reports' latest tests, which rate air purifiers and their ability to remove allergens from the air while operating at both high and low speeds. Noise is also evaluated.

Review: Air Purifiers, Editors of Consumer Reports, Dec. 2007

2. Air-Purifier-Power.com

Reviewer Ed Sherbenou doesn't test the Blueair 501 HEPA Air Purifier, but has some interesting observations. He says the cost of replacing the filters on this combination air purifier (which uses electrostatic and HEPA-like filtration) is high, but that it should do a good job removing allergens.

Review: Blueair 501 Air Purifier, Ed Sherbenou

3. Allergy Buyers Club.com

Reviewers at AllergyBuyersClub.com are very upbeat about Blueair air purifiers in general. As with the Blueair 601 HEPA Air Purifier, the editors say one of the most attractive features of the 501 is its silent operation on low speed settings. However, editors don't appear to have tested this unit with a particle counter.

Review: Blueair 500 Series Air Purifiers, Editors of AllergyBuyersClub.com

4. Epinions.com

Many of the owners posting at Epinions are happy with the Blueair 501 HEPA Air Purifier, especially its easy maintenance and noise level, but a common complaint is the high cost of replacement filters, and a few owners experience intolerable noise levels.

Review: Blueair 501 Air Purifier, Contributors to Epinions.com

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