Kenmore EnviroSense 85500 Review

What the reviewers like:
In tests, the Kenmore EnviroSense 85500 air purifier is shown to be exceptionally quiet, and some add that it's a nice looking machine.

What the reviewers don’t like:
Comparative tests show the Kenmore EnviroSense 85500 to be only moderately effective at removing airborne allergens. Some owners of the EnviroSense complain about expensive ($100 or so) replacement HEPA filters.

Kenmore EnviroSense 85500 review highlights

In one comparative test, the Kenmore EnviroSense 85500 finished near the bottom of the pack, receiving average or below-average scores for dust and smoke removal. Ed Sherbenou, an air cleaner expert who runs the Air-Purifier-Power.com website, recommends this model for small rooms (180 square feet or less), but says it’s extremely similar to the Sharp PlasmaCluster FP-N60CX (*est. $300) which he prefers. There are some complaints from owners about expensive replacement HEPA filters. In this price range, we found better reviews for the Whirlpool Whispure AP51030S (*est. $300).

The Kenmore EnviroSense 85500 is among the 30 air purifiers tested and compared by Consumer Reports in its October 2005 roundup (it isn't included in the magazine's more recent November 2007 testing). The EnviroSense also receives an in-depth review at Air-Purifier-Power.com, and is the subject of a handful of reviews from owners on Sears.com (which sells Kenmore appliances).

Also see full report: Air Purifiers

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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Air Cleaners: Some Do Little Cleaning
Editors of Consumer Reports
Oct. 2005

The Kenmore EnviroSense is one of the 30 air purifiers tested by Consumer Reports in its October 2005 category roundup. By injecting allergens into a test chamber, then measuring air purifier performance at several time intervals on both high and low speeds, editors test models for dust and smoke removal, ozone emission and noise level.

2. Air-Purifier-Power.com
Kenmore 85500 EnviroSense Air Purifier Review
Ed Sherbenou

In this writeup, air-purifier expert Ed Sherbenou notes the similarity of the Kenmore 85500 EnviroSense to the Sharp PlasmaCluster FP-NC60X. While he doesn't conduct hands-on testing, Sherbenou evaluates the Kenmore model based on its specifications and features, and on a handful of owner-written reviews he found at Epinions.

3. Sears.com
Kenmore EnviroSense True HEPA Air Cleaner Review
Contributors to Sears.com

Most of the owners posting at Sears.com are very happy with the EnviroSense air purifier. A few note the high cost of its replacement filters. Noise doesn't appear to be a big problem.

Also see full report: Air Purifiers