Hamilton Beach TrueAir Compact Air Purifier 04386

Bottom line

The Hamilton Beach TrueAir Compact Air Purifier 04386 gets high marks from owners, who say it's a strong -- and whisper-quiet -- performer at the lowest end of the price scale. It offers an affordable and compact option for users who need a simple machine to help improve air quality. This air purifier is designed for use in small spaces up to 160 square feet and has a permanent filter.

Performance

Effectiveness in a compact package. The Hamilton Beach 04386 isn't included in any professional tests we found, but it gets plenty of feedback from owners posting reviews to Amazon.com. Owners say it's effective, and several say they've noticed a reduction in allergy and asthma symptoms when using this air purifier. There are a few detractors who say they didn't notice much of a difference when using it, however. One user says she used it in her office space while the building was being remodeled to cut back on dust and other pollutants, and it worked well.

Ease of use

Intuitive to use; fits in small spaces. The Hamilton Beach 04386 is easy to use, and its compact size means it will fit in tight spaces without taking up too much valuable floor space. Its three speeds are set using a manual control knob at the top of the unit. This unit will function either standing upright or lying down, offering more versatility in finding an ideal spot for it. It's only designed for small spaces of up to 160 square feet, however.

Noise

Whisper Clean setting designed for nighttime use. Among the hundreds of owners posting feedback on the Hamilton Beach 04386 at Amazon.com, most say this machine is incredibly quiet during operation. Some owners who have also used a variety of air purifiers say this unit is "much quieter than others." It also has a Whisper Clean setting intended to purify the air while making very little noise, which users say is quite effective.

Cost of ownership

Fewer filter replacements. According to the manufacturer, the Hamilton Beach 04386's permanent HEPA filter never needs replacing, significantly reducing the cost of ownership of this unit over its lifespan. Simply vacuum the filter periodically (every three to six months) for maximum performance. However, both experts and owners suggest that replacing the Hamilton Beach's filter is necessary occasionally to keep the machine running at optimal performance