Air Purifiers

Ozone issues

Air purifiers like The (*est. $350), Oreck XL (*est. $470) and the Friedrich C-90B (*est. $500) are electrostatic air cleaners (though the Friedrich also includes other air-filtering technologies like filters and a fan). This means that they use an electrical charge. A byproduct of this technology is ozone gas. In sufficient quantities, ozone can be toxic; but it can irritate those with asthma or other respiratory problems even in smaller amounts.

Although some reviews say that the ozone produced by electrostatic air cleaners is safe for those in normal good health, both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and American Lung Association (ALA) advise against using these devices, since there are many ozone-free HEPA models on the market. While there are no government guidelines for ozone levels in the home, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does have an ozone regulation for medical devices (the FDA does not recognize home air cleaners as medical devices) and air purifier manufacturers may voluntarily submit their air cleaners for ozone-emission testing. The FDA mandates a limit of 50 parts-per-billion (ppb) when measured at 2-inches away from the unit.

Consumer Reports replicates this test for ionizing air purifiers, including the Ionic Breeze and Friedrich C-90B. While past versions of the Ionic Breeze exceeded the FDA ozone-emission guidelines, the latest versions do not, coming just within the guideline. The Friedrich C-90B falls well below the 50-ppb limit.

The jury is still out on whether small amounts of ozone are harmful in healthy individuals. There have been a lot of studies on the health effects of outdoor ozone levels, but few long-term tests have measured the effects of ozone produced by indoor devices like air cleaners. One 2006 study published in the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association tested 13 air purifiers, including several personal air cleaners designed to be in close proximity to a person. Research analysts conclude that even these are capable of producing steady-state levels of indoor ozone that exceed health-protective standards. Indeed, some people say they can smell ozone and some report headaches. Some reviewers, including Consumer Reports, say you should avoid air cleaners that produce ozone over the FDA guidelines, while other organizations say you should avoid home air purifiers that produce any amount of ozone at all. While all reviews say the Friedrich C-90B does a good job removing allergens from the air, it does produce small amounts of ozone as a byproduct.

Do you really need an air purifier?

Air purifier sales have soared amid ongoing concerns about environmental terrorism and diseases such as bird flu. But many experts, including those at Consumer Reports, say that most people really don't need an air purifier at all. Although home air cleaners can be effective against larger airborne particles such as pet dander, dust and smoke, all of those allergens can be better controlled at the source by removing elements in the home that produce dust and by not smoking indoors, as well as by regular vacuuming and dusting.

Since portable air cleaners can remove only airborne pollutants, they are not very effective against dust mites and their droppings (which are too heavy to be airborne for long) which are a significant allergen for many people. They also don't remove most viruses or gases like carbon monoxide and radon. That's because air filters are most effective on particles larger than three microns, such as molds, pollen, dust, plant spores, pet dander and the larger particles in cigarette smoke. Air-Purifiers-America.com measures down to .3 microns, which includes most pet allergens, smog and germs.

Most reviews agree that those with severe allergies, asthma and bronchitis -- who need to control indoor air quality as much as possible -- may benefit the most from air purifiers, but only when used in conjunction with other allergen source-control strategies, including ventilation and daily HEPA vacuuming. These reviews say there's little evidence that air purifiers are effective alone. The Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics takes this stance: "Air filters don't replace the need for eliminating or reducing indoor allergens. Beware of any manufacturer making health claims."

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an excellent document titled, "Residential Air Cleaning Devices: A Summary of Available Information" (see our Best Research section below for the link to that article). The EPA doesn't take a position either for or against home air cleaners, but states, "Some air purifiers, under the right conditions, can effectively remove certain respirable-size particles" (for example, larger tobacco smoke particles). Both the EPA and American Lung Association recommend that air purifiers be used as a last resort after allergen source control and ventilation. According to Consumer Reports, "In short, only those with respiratory problems are likely to benefit from using an air cleaner."

Before you run out and buy a $500 air purifier, you might make a $17 investment and try a simple whole-house furnace filter. If you have forced-air heating or cooling, these filters simply replace your regular furnace filter. Filters such as the 3M Filtrete Ultra (*est. $17) are effective at trapping particles like dust and pollen, but aren't very effective with smoke. Filters need to be replaced every three months. Be aware that some furnace filters can reduce air flow, especially as they become dirtier.

Although such filters can reduce airflow in your system, we think they are worth a try if your main problems are airborne dust, pet hair and dander. A $15 or $20 furnace filter, according to Consumer Reports, can be just as effective as room-sized air purifiers in removing those allergens at a much lower cost.

Types of air purifiers

There are four main types of console-type air purifiers on the market right now. Many air cleaners use combinations of techniques.

HEPA air purifiers. These air cleaners use pleated High Efficiency Particle Arresting (HEPA) filters to trap particles, along with a fan to pull air through the filter. By a wide margin, reviews say this type of air purifier is the most effective. These models don't produce any ozone at all. Because they use fans, they can be noisy, but some are quieter than others.

Electronic ionizers. This type of air cleaner uses an electronic process to reverse the charge of particles in the air. The charged particles are then attracted to collection plates in the air purifier, as well as to objects in the room -- such as clothing, walls, floors and furniture. In effect, particles are removed from the air and deposited on your furnishings and clothing. To actually remove them from the room, you need to dust and vacuum to prevent allergens from being reintroduced into the air. The Sharper Image Ionic Breeze is this type of unit. Since it does not have a strong fan, however, experts say not enough air actually comes in contact with the charging plates. The Friedrich C-90B is a better application, since it also uses a powerful fan and a HEPA filter. Electronic and electrostatic air purifiers produce a small amount of ozone, as discussed above.

UV purifiers. These devices rely on ultraviolet light to neutralize biological contaminants. Experts agree that UV light is effective in destroying microbes such as bacteria, dust mites and mold spores, given sufficient exposure time. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), however, most home air purifiers fall short: "Bacterial spores would require a relatively long time under the light for the light to have a killing effect. Most household air cleaners move air too quickly to provide adequate exposure time." Without the addition of a filter and fan, UV purifiers are ineffective against particles such as dust, pollen and pet dander, and some experts have raised concerns about the safety of UV units in household settings.

Ozone generators. Some air purifiers do nothing but produce large amounts of ozone. These units do not remove allergens from the air. Ozone in large amounts can neutralize strong odors (such as the smoke odor from fire damage), but according to the EPA, this is dangerous for human health. These air purifiers get around the FDA limits for ozone production by not claiming to be medical devices. Ozone alone has no effect on particulate allergens at all.

HEPA air purifiers

Both Consumer Reports and Air-Purifiers-America.com test a wide range of HEPA air cleaners, which start at about $250 for mid-sized units. While it's easy to spend upwards of $700 on a home air purifier, most users probably don't need the kind of high-level, multi-filtered performance these high-end models provide. The top-rated models at AllergyBuyersClub.com are $650 to $800 IQAir HealthPro air cleaners, most of which can filter viruses, bacteria, chemical gases, volatile organic compounds, sulfuric gas and ammonias.

Air-Purifiers-America.com, Air-Purifier-Power.com, and AllergyBuyersClub.com rate the IQAir HealthPro (*est. $700) as the best purifier on the market if you have severe allergies. Reviewboard Magazine awarded the IQAir HealthPro its Editor's Choice Award For Best Air Filtration System two years in a row (2004 and 2005) and this brand was chosen by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority for use during the SARS outbreak. Test Magazine, the German equivalent of Consumer Reports, also gives the IQAir HealthPro top scores in a ten-model roundup. The IQAir HealthPro air purifier can clean up to a 1,000 square foot room and uses a HyperHEPA filter, which has a filter-change alert and is easy to change every two to four years.

Top scores from Air-Purifiers-America.com and Test Magazine, along with a wide range of other endorsements, convince us to include the IQAir HealthPro air cleaner in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers. If you have a severe medical condition and need "critical decontamination," then you should take a closer look at the IQAir HealthPro. But for most allergy and asthma sufferers, a high-quality, mid-priced HEPA air purifier fits the bill. HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of particles larger than .3 microns, enough to help improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to irritants and allergens.

The Whirlpool Whispure AP45030S (*est. $290) performs very well in one large comparison test. Whirlpool also makes air purifiers for Kenmore. For example, the Kenmore 83202 (*est. $250) is nearly identical to the Whirlpool model. Both units have a pre-filter for odors, a filter-change indicator and push button controls. This basic style of purifier doesn't have a lot of extra features, but reviewers say it does the job efficiently. The filter replacement costs can add up, however. The pre-filter should be replaced every three months (*est. $30) and the HEPA filter should be replaced every year (*est. $85), for a total annual expense in the $205 range. The Kenmore and Whirlpool air purifiers are rated for up to a 500 square foot area, which is only about half the area covered by the IQAir HealthPro air cleaner above. The Whirlpool Whispure AP51030S (*est. $290) is nearly identical except for a special sleep mode that will automatically lower the fan speed for eight hours. The Whirlpool AP51030 is far easier to find in stores that either the AP45030 or Kenmore model.

Austin Air air purifiers are tested at both Air-Purifiers-America.com and Consumer Reports, including the HealthMate HM400 (*est. $400) . As with the IQAir HealthPro air cleaner, these organizations come up with different test results for the HealthMate 400 Air-Purifiers-America.com representatives explain this is likely due to different measurement methods. Reviews say Austin Air purifiers are not adept at removing smoke particles, but they do a reasonable job with dust and pollen. In one head-to-head test, the IQAir HealthPro air purifier gets better scores for allergen removal. The Austin Air Jr. (*est. $300) , a smaller, less expensive version, is also available.

Although it isn't tested at Consumer Reports, the Alen A350 (*est. $400) outperforms the Austin Air HealthMate at Air-Purifiers-America.com. When run on high speed, testers say it is notably quieter than the IQAir HealthPro air purifier is. In addition, the Alen A350 has one filter cartridge that contains the HEPA filter, carbon filter and pre-filter all in one, so replacement filter costs are less than with the Whirlpool or IQAir air purifiers. Filters should be replaced every six to nine months (*est. $40 each). The Alen A350 air purifier can clean up to 800 square feet. This model has an ionizer built into the unit, but you don't have to use it – the ionizer feature can be turned off.

According to reviews, the Blueair 601 (*est. $600) is one of the quietest models (on low speed) on the market. The Blueair is stuck in the same spot as the IQAir HealthPro home air purifier -- highly rated at Air-Purifiers-America.com, but not as highly rated in other types of tests. The Blueair does have great airflow. According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers' (AHAM) April 2007 Directory of Certified Room Air Cleaners, it has the fourth-highest CADR (clean air delivery rate) score among 40 brands for dust, pollen and smoke removal (more on CADR in The Buzz below). Only hard-to-find Dri-Eaz, B&Y and the Korean Nano Biothys are slightly higher. The Blueair 601 can handle up to a 679 square foot room and has a ten-year warranty, as long as filters are changed every six months (the filters cost about $70 per set). By combining a HEPA-like filter and an electrostatic filter, some reviews say the Blueair captures a higher percentage of allergens without releasing ozone into the air, like other electrostatic models do. However, in tests, the cheaper Alen A350 air purifier performs as well and costs less.

In general, higher priced air purifiers have better filters and larger fans, which enables more air to be processed through the air cleaner. According to reviews, the trouble with smaller, less expensive air purifiers is that they don't pull a sufficient amount of air through the unit. One of the least expensive air purifier to receive good reviews is the Honeywell Enviracaire 50250 (*est. $150) . This circular air purifier has a pre-filter for odors (replacement filters *est. $20, replace every three months) and a HEPA filter (replacement filter *est. $30, replace once a year) to trap allergens. It is designed for use in rooms up to 375 square feet. In tests, the Honeywell is a little less effective than the Whirlpool Whispure air purifier, as well as being noisier.

An even less expensive option is the Hamilton Beach TrueAir Allergen Reducer 04383 air purifier (*est. $60) with a permanent HEPA-grade filter. An older version with a replaceable HEPA filter, the TrueAir 04161, received a mention from two reviewers for Best Value and the currently available Hamilton Beach 04383 receives a rating of three stars out of five from AllergyBuyersClub.com. The three-speed 04383 is only rated for a 160 square foot room, even smaller than the Honeywell Enviracaire, above. The permanent HEPA-style filter needs to be vacuumed twice a year but never needs to be replaced, making it an economical choice. AllergyBuyersClub.com cautions that the permanent filter will eventually deteriorate, however, but that even new it is less efficient than a true HEPA filter. As of the time of this update, Hamilton Beach has not submitted any of their models for AHAM CADR certification and we haven't seen it tested by Consumer Reports or Air-Purifiers-America.com.

The web-based marketing of one brand of HEPA air purifier, the RabbitAir (*est. $400 to $500) , claims that its website provides unbiased and detailed comparative reviews. No testing or analysis is performed, however, and only RabbitAir purifiers are sold. Air-Purifier-Power.com's Ed Sherbenou gives RabbitAir a rating of 87 out of 100 based on product specifications and user reviews at Bizrate.com and Amazon.com. The RabbitAir BioGS (*est. $400) covers 780 square feet and offers a five-year warranty. The HEPA filter (*est. $50) needs to be replaced every three years. This unit is tested at Air-Purifiers-America.com, where it finishes ahead of the Ionic Breeze, but behind the Whirlpool AP51030S, which costs less.

UV air purifiers

Although HEPA air purifiers are generally recommended over UV models, AllergyBuyersClub.com gives a five-star rating to the Eco-Rx Master Series RX 400 Air Purifier (* est. $600), putting it on the same level as the IQAir HealthPro and Blueair models. According to AllergyBuyersClub.com, the sealed chamber of the Eco-Rx ensures that incoming air remains in the unit long enough to be decontaminated. The Eco-Rx also has a safety shutoff feature to minimize the risk of accidental UV exposure.

The Eco-Rx covers mid-sized areas – up to 500 square feet – and the UV Cartridge (*est. $130) needs to be changed once a year. The Eco-Rx is not mentioned in test-based comparative reviews and, like other UV-only purifiers, this unit is effective only against biological contaminants. Those who need protection from dust, pollen and pet dander should consider a HEPA or combination model instead.

The Alen A375UV (*est. $500) is similar to the Alen A350 (*est. $400) , included in our Fast Answers, with the addition of two UV lamps. Air-Purifiers-America.com gives both the Alen A375UV and the Alen A350 their second highest rating, saying they perform as well as the more expensive IQAir HealthPro in dust and pollen removal. The Alen A375UV covers an area of 800 square feet. Twice annual filter (*est. $50) and annual UV bulb (*est. $60) replacement brings the maintenance cost to a moderate $160 a year.

The problem with UV air purifiers, or combination units which include UV light bulbs, is that the science isn't conclusive. While studies do show that UV light can kill organic allergens, heat, low humidity and exposure time are also important. Critics doubt that the UV light bulbs contained in air purifiers can live up to their claims because allergens aren't exposed for very long to the light. For now, it's not clear whether these air purifiers are worth the extra expense over a good performing HEPA unit.

Combination air purifiers

The Friedrich C-90B (*est. $500) receives good performance scores across the board from experts, but because it uses an electronic precipitator in conjunction with a HEPA filter and fan, it produces a small amount of ozone. The Friedrich air purifier uses a combination of technologies, including several pre-filters and a fan to pull air through the machine in order trap allergens. It also uses an electrostatic ionizer to charge remaining particles, which attach to collection plates within the unit -- and possibly to your furniture, walls, and/or floors.

The Friedrich C-90B is the top performer in one comparison test of over two dozen air purifiers. Air-Purifiers-America.com docks the Friedrich C90-B a few points because they say the Friedrich is less effective on high speed. Some owners have returned these machines because of an annoying odor emitted by the unit. Some consumers report the odor as a musty smell, which is most likely the small amount of ozone produced by this model, since it uses electrostatic plates in addition to filters to trap particles. In people who are sensitive to it, including those with severe allergies, the ozone odor may be off-putting and/or may cause headaches (as it did to an editor who evaluated it for a separate publication) or respiratory problems.

Two reviewers also point out that while the older Friedrich C-90A is generally one of the quietest models on the market, it can make some crackling sounds if the plates are not kept clean. According to AllergyBuyersClub.com (which tests air purifiers for noise and ease-of-use), "Even when it doesn't need cleaning you will hear little zapping sounds periodically."

The Bionaire BAP825-U (*est. $120) air cleaner is only meant for bedrooms, but it's one of the least expensive models available. However, reviews say that small models like the Bionaire don't clean very well (since their filters are smaller) and that they are noisier (since their blowers work harder to pull air through a smaller filter). This Bionaire uses a HEPA filter (*est. $35 annually), with an odor-reducing carbon pre-filter (*est. $14 annually). The Bionaire BAP825-U contains an ionizer, but this can be turned on and off with a switch on the top of the unit. However, reviews say the inexpensive Bionaire just doesn't work that well. You might eliminate more allergens by vacuuming or dusting more frequently.

The Fresh Air Machine by Science Air (*est. $220) has similar features to the Bionaire, but at a higher cost. The Fresh Air Machine also uses a combination HEPA filter and ionizer and, like the Bionaire, the ionizer can be turned off. Interestingly, the higher priced Fresh Air Machine has a shorter warranty -- only one year compared to the Bionaire's two-year warranty. As of the time of this update, neither of these combination models are mentioned by reviewers or included in current air purifier tests.

Another air purifier creating a buzz is the Fresh Air by EcoQuest (*est. $800) . Ecoquest was started in 2000 by a former executive of its predecessor, Alpine Industries. In the late 1990s, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled against Alpine Industries for making misleading health claims, and in 2000, a federal judge again ordered the company to stop making claims that its machines relieve medical conditions or that they effectively remove indoor air pollutants. Subsequently, both Alpine Industries and EcoQuest were named in a complaint filed by the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Justice Department. Alpine Industries was fined $1.49 million on the health claim charges; it also came to light that the company owed a large amount of back taxes to both Minnesota and Tennessee.

EcoQuest markets its air purifiers primarily through a large network of affiliate salespeople, sometimes door-to-door by enterprising entrepreneurs. EcoQuest's Fresh Air purifier has a five-speed fan, a carbon filter and uses a UV-light ionizer. The manufacturer claims that the ionizer reduces airborne contaminants, while the ultraviolet light kills microorganisms. Like the Ionic Breeze, the EcoQuest produces ozone as a byproduct of ionization. One consumer posting to Epinions notes that her EcoQuest "died years too early" and says that this model doesn't work in humid climates. This, along with the company's history, makes us pause. While the Fresh Air hasn't been included in independent comparative testing yet, we think that for the price, you might better consider other models, such as those mentioned above, that have been proven to clean air without the ozone risks. While there is solid research evidence showing the germicidal properties of ultraviolet light, as claimed by the EcoQuest, you'll want to be careful of models that use ultraviolet light simply to produce ozone in order to eliminate odors, like the AirSource discussed below.

Electrostatic ionizers

The Sharper Image Ionic Breeze models are electronic ionizers. They do not have fans or HEPA filters. Rather, they charge particles close to the unit so that those particles fall to the floor or stick to furnishings. But experts say that the Ionic Breeze does not remove enough particles from the air -- in part because it lacks a fan to pull air through its charging plates. In tests at Air-Purifiers-America.com, particle removal within the room was only 5%. Editors report that they "even tested this unit beyond our standard 20 minute duration and extended it for an entire day. This unit still didn't remove any significant particles from the room."

A number of other models are trying to steal some market share from The Sharper Image, which by far sells more units than any other manufacturer. The AirSource 3000 (*est. $650), distributed by Shaklee Corporation, uses ultraviolet light to produce low levels of ozone to reduce odors, as well as an electron generator to "reduce the static charge inside the entire home" so "particles drop from the air and out of your breathing space." Like the Ionic Breeze, the AirSource doesn't have a fan, so it's quiet but also can't pull large amounts of air through it. Furthermore, all those particles dropping out of the air are likely accumulating on furnishings and walls.

Similarly, the Biotech EdenPURE (*est. $300) used ultraviolet light and "activated oxygen" in its previous model. The latest EdenPURE model claims to use "4 electronic mechanisms of eliminating pollution that mimic the way it is done by nature's thunderstorm." In short, this means ionization. However, the EdenPURE makes some pretty lofty claims about eliminating all odors and all indoor pollution without a HEPA filter; the manufacturer states it only uses a small mesh pre-filter that can be cleaned by running water over it. This leads us to think that all those contaminants are accumulating on your furniture and walls, as with other ionizing models. According to testing at Air-Purifiers-America.com, the EdenPURE only removed "8% of the particles from the test room and 10% at the unit itself."

Ozone generators

Air purifiers that only produce ozone do not remove allergens from the air. Ozone in large amounts can neutralize strong odors (such as the smoke odor from fire damage), but according to the EPA, it is dangerous for human health. These units get around the FDA limits for ozone production by not claiming to be medical devices. Many of these units, however, walk a fine line by suggesting that ozone has some kind of health benefit.

Also watch out for manufacturers who disguise ozone by other titles, such as "pure air," "energized oxygen," "saturated oxygen" or "trivalent oxygen." See the EPA's document: "Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners: An Assessment of Effectiveness and Health Consequences." (Find a link below in our Best Research section.) If you already own an ionizer and are curious about whether it's producing ozone, the not-for-profit International Association of Air Cleaner Manufacturers (IAACM) offers free ozone test kits to consumers so they can test their own air purifiers for ozone production. To get a free test kit, visit IAACM.com.

Important Features: Air purifiers

The science of air cleaning can be confusing and the way manufacturers present scientific information is often misleading. The truth is, unless you're an excellent mathematician, it's difficult to determine which air cleaner is right for your specific needs, because you must weigh initial costs, frequency and cost of maintenance, power requirements, level and sources of pollution, room size and unit efficiency. On top of all this, there's no mandate from any independent scientific source that says what works best.

With all that in mind, reviews say to look for the following in an air cleaner:

• A Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) that matches the size of the room to be cleaned. CADR is a standard developed by the independent Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to measure the removal of dust, smoke and pollen from the air. CADR measures the amount of clean air (in cubic feet) that an air cleaner delivers to a room per minute. A CADR of 50 is appropriate for a room of 80 square feet; a CADR of 80 for 120 square feet; a CADR of 100 for 144 square feet; and a CADR of 200 for 320 square feet. However, not all manufacturers have submitted their models for CADR testing.

• A High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filter is the best way to filter air. Experts generally agree that true HEPA filters, which trap 99.97% of particles, are the most efficient pollutant removers on the market. Some filters advertise themselves as HEPA or "HEPA-type" filters, but unless the word "true" appears in front, they may be lower-grade filters that don't trap as many pollutants.

• Electrostatic ionizers charge particles so that they fall to the floor or cling to furnishings. Electrostatic ionizers charge particles in order to accelerate their fall to the floor (and hence remove them from the air). You then need to dust or vacuum to actually remove the allergens from your living space. Consumers should be aware that most electrostatic devices produce a small amount of toxic ozone as a byproduct. Some models use ionizers in conjunction with other filters, using collection plates for the charged particles. Some of these combination machines, like the Blueair (which produces no ozone) and the Friedrich C-90B have been found effective, but you have to weigh that benefit against whether you're comfortable breathing small amounts of byproduct ozone.

• Air purifiers with fans work better in tests. Without a fan, air is not pulled through the unit to either charge particles and/or filter them through collection media like a HEPA filter.

• A filter monitor alerts you when filters need to be changed. Proper maintenance is crucial for air filter effectiveness. Once filters become clogged with particles, they can actually turn into air polluters, churning contaminants back into circulation. Some monitors have visual or audio cues that prompt you to change the filter. This feature is not essential; since most HEPA filters need to be changed about once a year, it's easy enough to mark the date on your calendar.

• A noise level you can accept. Look for models with different fan speeds, so you can control the noise level. However, according to Mercia Tapping, president of AllergyBuyersClub.com, "Vendors routinely overstate the effective cleaning area of a machine because the area is calibrated at the machine's high fan speed. Now, try to sleep with that fan on high -- it sounds like a train going through your bedroom." Some reviewers, including Consumer Reports, suggest buying a larger unit than you need for a bedroom, then running it on low speed to cut down on noise.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
5	IQAir HealthPro (*est. $700)	details
4	Blueair HEPA 601 (*est. $600)	details
3	Whirlpool Whispure AP51030S (*est. $290) AP45030S (*est. $290)	details
2	Friedrich C-90B (*est. $500)	details
1 each	Austin Air HealthMate , Austin Air The Pet Machine , Alen A350 , Alen A375UV , Alen T300 , Honeywell Enviracaire 18150 , Hamilton Beach True Air HEPA , Bemis by Essik Air Purification System 200-001, Eco-Rx Master Series Rx 400

The IQAir HealthPro and Blueair are the most frequently recommended models in reviews. Both are high-end units. Though we saw it tested only once, the Alen A350 appears to come close to the performance of the IQAir HealthPro. As for less expensive air purifiers, the Whirlpool AP45030 and nearly identical AP51030 test better than other air cleaners in their price class.

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