Last night was awesome! You had some friends over, cooked some nice food, drank a bottle or two of wine, but then you woke up in the morning to find out that what remained after your friends left was not just fond memories. The unpleasant smell of smoke still lingers in the dining area. If only you had the best air purifier for smoke.
It is not late yet, however. You have come to the right place to look for the most suitable product, whether it is to get rid of the odors, or to alleviate the symptoms of your allergies and asthma, which flare up every time dust touches your skin and nostrils. Our guide will provide you with reviews of air purifiers for smoke, as well as with all kinds of information about improving the quality of the air at home. Let us not waste any more time and begin with some juicy reviews.
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What is an Air Purifier for Smoke?
Before we delve into the functions and benefits of an air purifier, we would like to introduce you to the main types of filters you can find on the market. If anything, understanding the differences will both expand your purified horizons and narrow down the range of choices because a systematized list of features will tell you what type of device you would need.
You have probably noticed in our reviews, that those air purifiers do not only eliminate smoke but a whole range of pollutants from dust to pet dander. Thus, from now on, we will explore all functions of the air purifiers. Note that some products could combine more than one type of filter in the construction.
HEPA Filters
High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters, also known as HEPA filters, capture particles, such as dust and dander, on paper, fiber, or mesh filter. They require regular replacements, which could increase the price of the purifier over time.
Electrostatic Air Filters
Comprise of an electrically-charged panel or screen, which has the task to capture contaminants. The electrostatic air filter resembles ionizers, which attract particles to create lumps out of them. Once they are heavy enough, they drop from the air.
Activated Carbon Filters
The bad thing about activated carbon filters is that they often don’t last long and need to be replaced. However, their primary purpose is to eliminate various, unpleasant smells and gases from the air through the application of activated carbon. Unfortunately, they do not capture all types of gases.
UV Light
Not exactly a filter, the ultraviolet light is known for its capability to desolate bacteria and mold. Nonetheless, you cannot rely on units that apply that method entirely because the removal of dust and dander is not in their powers. They work best if you use them in addition to a filtering device.
Ozone Generators
The principles of ozone generators are contradictory because the production of the gas ozone can do more harm than good to people who have serious health problems like, for example, lung damage and asthma. If you have tried other filtering options and they have not worked, you might still want to incorporate the ozone technique to kill mold, mildew, and other contaminants. Then you must contact a professional cleaner to do the job.
Signs That You Need an Air Purifier for Smoke
“But what if I don’t need an air purifier, master?”
Chances are you live in a car-free, dust-free area surrounded by mountains and trees. But most people experience the effects of urbanization and human activity in their houses daily. As painful as it is to acknowledge, the air that we breathe might not be the healthiest, and everybody could benefit from an air purifier. Here are some signs that you need an air purifier:
What’s That Smell?
Candles and air fresheners only mask the unpleasant odors. If you really want to eliminate the smell of smoke, garbage, and other aromas that do not belong in the house, then you would need an air purifier to attack the source. Note that devices like air purifiers for wildfire smoke and air purifiers for cigar smoke are different models, which attack dominant smells in your environment.
The Allergic Itch
Whether you have chronic or seasonal allergies, they always come with skin and body irritations that can prevent you from peacefully performing your daily tasks. Dust and pet dander are some of your biggest enemies, and an air purifier could be your powerful weapon against them.
Asthma
This is the mothership of reasons why you would need to get an air purifier. As you know, asthma can be very dangerous, and the last thing an asthmatic needs in the house are triggers such as pollen and dander.
Dusty Furniture
It is natural for every house to accumulate dust. But layers of uncontrollable dust on your furniture might mean that your environment contains more contaminants than it is normal.
Overall Low Air Condition
Sometimes, you might think that there is nothing wrong with your domestic environment. However, harmful particles can be invisible to the human eye. Therefore, it could be helpful to use the best home air quality test kit to check how polluted the air in your house is.
Best Air Purifiers for Smoke Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
SilverOnyx Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon | |
Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon | |
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon | |
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon | |
Guardian Technologies Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon | |
Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon | |
KOIOS Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon |
The 10 Best Air Purifiers for Smoke – Top Picks
We are not ones to discriminate and classify, which means that the following reviews are not organized in any particular order. Each product has its benefits and drawbacks for you to judge. We hope you enjoy the treasure hunt!
1. SilverOnyx Air Purifier
What is different about the SilverOnyx Air Purifier is that it has five-speed settings rather than the usual three or four. Thus, it works across a broader range to suit different situations and air conditions. You can either switch it to automatic or manual mode. When it is in auto mode, the unit will analyze the air, and it will adjust its operations accordingly. It might start at the highest level to suck as many contaminants as possible, but it will slow down when the air is clean enough.
However, if you want it to work while you are sleeping, you might prefer the manual mode because you could adjust the product to run at a slower speed and make less noise. There is one composite filter that includes three layers. This combination should be replaced approximately every six months. Thus, maintenance is made easy and straightforward. A disadvantage you should be aware of is that you might notice a strong plastic smell from the casing. Overall, the model functions well in different spaces at a reasonable price.
Pros:
- Lightweight and movable
- Easy maintenance
- A simple interface and practical design
- Reasonable price
- Five-speed settings
Cons:
- The strong plastic smell from the casing
- Problematic noise as the speed gets higher
2. Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier
Our first pick is the PureZone Air Purifier, which works well in areas where frequent forest fires might occur. The unit can get rid of the pollutants in the air as well as from the smoke. You can place it on different surfaces in your house, including carpets. The timer allows you to adjust it to the amount of time you would want it run for continuously before shutting down. When you turn the sleep mode on, the speed goes to low, and the noise will be barely noticeable.
There is a faint blue light on medium setting that shines, but it faces upward and should not affect your sleep. Unfortunately, this unit has a connected filter, which means they cannot be replaced separately. The charcoal filter lasts significantly less than the HEPA filter, so you’ll either be wasting money replacing the entire filter sooner than needed or using the degrading charcoal filter.
Pros:
- The UV-C lamp has an on/off switch
- Works well in areas where there are frequent forest fires
- Timer with three settings
- Can be placed on different surfaces
Cons:
- Too small to run on low; too loud to run on high at night
- All-in-one filters: cannot be replaced separately
- Burnt plastic smell
3. Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
The following Winix Air Purifier has four fan speed settings, which is more than the usual three levels. However, note that the unit seems not to have a “middle” setting. It has lower three settings, with the first two circulating almost no air and one high setting. The high speed of the fan moves the air well, but it also produces a loud, disrupting noise. A considerable advantage of this unit is the light indicators.
On the one hand, the replacement filter indicator will tell you when to replace or clean the HEPA filter. On the other hand, the LED light will indicate the current indoor air quality through colors. With frequent uses, the HEPA filter will last you for about a year. A drawback of this design is that the auto mode turns off the unit when it gets dark. Thus, you would not be able to set it to that mode when you go to sleep.
Pros:
- Unobtrusive, modern design
- Exceptionally quiet on the lowest settings
- Night mode shuts off all control panel lights except for a tiny icon
- Filters are easy to change
Cons:
- No middle ground – lower settings are very weak, while the highest level is too loud
- Auto mode turns off the unit when it gets dark
4. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
The next product on our list is a Coway Mighty Air Purifier. The primary advantage of this unit is its ECO mode. That means that the purifier will switch on and off automatically when it detects the need to do so. This smart feature will allow the unit to kick on in either medium or high mode when it detects air pollution. It will run for whatever amount of time is needed to clear the air, and then the fan will cut off again.
Additionally, you can choose whether you would like to have the ion filter activated. The unit also uses a HEPA filter, which will need to be replaced every year. However, according to customer reviews, the filter could last longer. The carbon filters require replacement every six months. When it comes to noise, the Coway purifier switches on and off with a melody, but it is relatively quiet while working. It should not disrupt your sleep. What you might find to be a problem is the light that does not dim at night.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient
- Automatic on/off
- Long-lasting filters
- Noise is not too loud or disturbing
Cons:
- The light does not dim or switch off at night
- The fan wobbles
- The power supply does not range
5. Guardian Technologies Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
The Germ Guardian Air Purifier is designed to be compact and practical. Its small size makes it compatible with different spaces. However, note that this feature also means that it can cover bedrooms and small offices. It will not be as efficient in a big living room, for example. The unit can be placed on different surfaces, and it can also lie on its side. The timeframe for filter replacement depends on the frequency of use.
With heavy use – more than twelve hours a day – you would replace it every six months. If you use it less, then the filter can be changed every nine months. Make sure you put a vacuum to the filter to pull larger particles and contaminants out. This will extend the product’s lifespan. The Germ Guardian’s most inconvenient feature is that it is too loud for its size. The noise at level 3 of the fan becomes quite loud and annoying. With extended use, the fan will become noisier at low and medium speed as well.
Pros:
- Nice, practical design
- Versatile – can be placed on different surfaces and its side
- Can work continuously without stopping
Cons:
- Too loud for its size
- Does not cover much space
- No timer
6. Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier
Our next recommendation is an air purifier by Blueair. The difference between this model and the previous ones is that it does not contain a HEPA filter. It consists of the usual carbon filter and a particle filter, which are knitted together. Unfortunately, this design does not allow you to replace them at different times. Changing the filtration elements is easy but pricey. However, the product comes with a valuable feature – a replacement indicator, which will signal the need to change the filter with a different color of the light. The
Blueair purifier consumes very little energy, and it can cover larger bedrooms. It requires a 110V power supply, and the use of a transformer is not recommended as it will void the warranty. You just need to make sure that no side of the unit is blocked. At night, the light will dim by 5%, but not more. You could use a strip of masking tape and lightly wrap it around the button, effectively blocking out that light.
Pros:
- Very quiet and unobtrusive
- Efficiently removes pet dander, dust, and other contaminants even in bigger bedrooms
- Color replacement filter indicator
- Low energy consumption
Cons:
- The carbon and the particle filters are knitted together
- Easy but pricey filter replacement
- The light dims by only 5%
7. KOIOS Air Purifier
The next product we will review for you here is the Koios Air Purifier. It is another HEPA filter model, which efficiently eliminates cooking, smoke, and pet odors, as well as pollutants from the air. However, it is essential to know that this unit has been designed for smaller spaces. It covers up to 60 square feet. A good thing about the Koios model is that it has a range of 110-220V if you have a quality voltage-transfer device.
The filter will need to be replaced every 6-8 months depending on the usage rate. The manufacturer recommends that you give the unit a break every eight hours for a longer lifespan. What is significantly negative about this model is that it has a very bright blue light at the top and bottom, as well as a wide band around the middle. Those lights cannot be switched off separately from the unit. If having a light in your bedroom at night is disrupting your sleep, maybe another air purifier might be better for you.
Pros:
- Efficiently eliminates odors and pollutants
- Allows for a voltage transfer to be used
- Barely noticeable sound on low and medium settings
Cons:
- Expensive replacement filter
- Very bright light
- Small coverage
- Bad instructions
8. LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Large Room with True HEPA Filter
The Levoit Air Purifier is another 3-stage unit. It is equipped with a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and a carbon filter, which allow it to capture contaminants and odors. It is not the most powerful unit, however. Its weaknesses mean that it needs to work on full speed to purify a very contaminated space. Unfortunately, the high speed is quite loud and inconvenient. Thus, most customers opt for it when they are not at home. In such cases, the auto mode becomes even more valuable because it adjusts the speed to exactly what your room needs.
However, the Levoit purifier does not have a memory feature and will not reset to the same mode. The most convenient location to place the purifier is on a flat floor surface, against the wall. Although this model is not explicitly rated as energy-efficient, it will still save you money when running on auto mode. The filters will require replacement every 6-8 months according to the space you want the unit to cover and the frequency of use.
Pros:
- Easy setup
- Reliable auto mode
- Steady flow on night mode
- Energy efficient
Cons:
- Not very powerful filtration
- The reset does not function properly
- Too loud on the most efficient – high – speed
9. Enther Air Purifier
Now we present to you Enther Air Purifier. What stands out about this particular unit is that it is compatible with oils, unlike some other models. There is a plate in the top center, which you remove to add the oil. As the air is pushed out the top, it mixes with the oil and releases a pleasant smell. It is an energy-efficient, compact device that will take up little space. That said, it is more suitable for small bedrooms.
Although it is a small purifier, it is also heavy for its size, which makes it inconvenient to move. Place it on a flat surface and that you allow 15 inches of clearance on all sides of it. The device itself is reasonably priced, and the replacement filters are easy to locate and change. What is good about the Enther purifier is that the light can be turned off entirely at night not to disturb you. It is advisable that you set it to a fixed mode because the auto setting will change the speed and noise of the fan while you are sleeping.
Pros:
- Functions as a diffuser
- Fairly priced for the features to offer
- Easily changed filters
- Compact
Cons:
- A loud fan at high speed
- Heavy
10. LEVOIT Air Purifier
Here you have another Levoit air purifier model. It is quite efficient in performing the tasks ascribed to such units. However, one would need to make a significant compromise to receive that top performance because the device is very noisy. The auto mode is not recommended at night due to the change of noise volume as the air quality fluctuates. On the other hand, the construction is stable and durable. It is bigger than other units, but it also has wheels, which help you move it. Note that they are not caster wheels, which means that they stay in place.
The electronic panel is equipped with easy to use controls, and it tells you how much the purifier is filtering out in real-time. Although this model does not have an energy-saving rating, it still covers large areas while saving power at 45W. Overall, it is a pricey device with expensive filter replacements, but this model is sensitive to the quality of the air. Thus, it is capable of adjusting to the needs of the room.
Pros:
- Powerful performance
- Easy to use controls
- Tells you how much it is filtering out in real-time
- Solid construction
- Wheels
Cons:
- Expensive device and pricey filter replacements
- The wheels are locked in place
- Very noisy
How Do Air Purifiers Work? Do Air Purifiers Work?
You may be asking yourself whether air purifiers actually work to make the air in your house cleaner and healthier to breathe. While they are efficient at removing some pollutants, they are not capable of capturing every contaminant that might hinder your breathing. However, before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s look into how these devices function.
The Method
As you already know, air purifiers cleanse the air by passing it through a single or several filters. The fan sucks the air, and the filter captures the particles that need to be eliminated. After that, clean air is released into the house, usually from the top of the device.
Naturally, the newer the filter, the more particles it will capture. Therefore, frequent replacements of the filter will be necessary for the unit to function correctly. The total cost of your device will include electricity bills and replacement filters. However, many purifiers are energy-efficient and have low user ratings.
The types of filters mentioned above have their specific characteristics and, thus, the method may vary. Please, read the list of different kinds of purifiers to know what each one does better.
Do Air Purifiers Do the Job?
The first thing you need to remember here is that air purifiers cannot do magic tricks and cure allergies. They are not medical appliances. Secondly, they cannot capture all kinds of pollutants. Yet, that does not mean that they do not alleviate the condition of the air at home.
Their efficiency depends on a lot of factors at home: where they are positioned, the existing conditions of the air, the intensity and longevity of operation. The quality of the air in different houses varies due to geographical locations and climate.
That said, how useful are air purifiers after all? It is not in their capabilities to eliminate gaseous pollutants or mold. If you have mold complaints, then you would want to check our highest-quality air purifiers for mold for the specific purpose.
What standard air purifiers do best is capture pollutants such as dust, smoke, pollen, pet dander, etc. For allergy or asthma sufferers, the most recommended type of air purifier is the HEPA filter one. Their very fine fiber filter captures particles of various sizes through three stages and efficiently clean the air.
How to Choose the Best Air Purifier for Smoke
Do you make compromises with your health? No, right? Then you should not compromise with the quality of the air in your house environment. Then you should also not compromise with the class of the air purifier you will be purchasing. In the following section, we will advise you on what to look for in an air purifier for your home. Here are some valuable features:
Wheels
It may sound strange, but you would most certainly be thankful to yourself if you get a mobile air purifier. Especially if you want to cover larger areas and you buy a bigger device. As the filter accumulates particles and wears out, the purifier will become heavier, which will make it more challenging to move around from one room to another.
Filter Replacement Indicator
Looking for this feature does not make you look lazy. The replacement indicator will make you more responsible and aware when the time to change the filter comes. Thus, you will prolong the life of the air purifier, and you will perpetually improve the quality of the air.
Remote Control Access
Most of the products we previously reviewed for you did not have that feature, and it is not a compulsory one. However, having a remote control for any device is always a plus.
Convenient Digital Controls
One does not realize how important the ergonomics of the digital controls are. Let’s say there is an older person in the house. He or she might find it painful or difficult to press hard buttons. Thus, we recommend that you check the design of the buttons before you purchase a purifier.
Timer
The majority of people prefer to leave the purifier to work during the night. However, for the sake of energy savings, setting the device to switch off after a certain amount of time is an essential feature.
Fan Speed
Usually, air purifiers have three fan speeds: low, medium, and high. Sometimes, looking for a product that has one more setting in-between is not a bad idea because it means you might be able to find the perfect balance between intensity and quiet operation easier.
Air Quality Sensor
That feature usually comes as a light indicator, which changes from blue to yellow or red to show how polluted the air in the room is. It might not tell you exact parameters, but at least you could keep relative track.
Proper Size
You would need a model that is designed specifically for the space you would want it to cover. The smaller models might be quieter and suitable for a peaceful night in your bedroom, while the bigger devices would clean the air in larger areas.
AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers)
This is a verified mark for standards of safety, efficiency, and performance of various home appliances. A manufacturer doesn’t need to have this stamp on his product, but it makes it easier for the user to choose a model.
Alternatives to Eliminating Smoke
We understand that you might have your personal reasons to hesitate whether to buy or not to buy an air purifier for smoke. You might not have the financial means to afford the device itself and the replacement filters, which you would need. We want to help you in every possible way.
That’s why here you can find some alternative ways to eliminate the smoke in your house. The following tips are also suitable for removing any types of smoke: cigar, wildfire, etc.
Maintain Your HVAC System In Good Condition
The first thing that should always come to your mind when you sense any kind of unpleasant smell at home is to check your HVAC system. Mind you, it should become your regular task to maintain the filters. The nasty smoke can reach any part of the heating or air conditioning circulation system, so make sure you clean the air ducts and the evaporator coil. For proper advanced maintenance of various heating units, head to our website and search for any top home climate-related products.
Wash the Walls and Ceilings
Chances are washing walls and ceilings is not part of your weekly cleaning routine. However, if you have a smoker inside or if there has been a forest fire nearby where you live, the smoke might latch on surfaces. The transparent substance also travels up and could even become visible as stains.
Make a solution of 3:1 vinegar-water and use a mop or a piece of fabric to wash the walls and ceilings in the rooms affected. If doing that does not fix the problem, then you might need to do some hardcore repainting.
The Lightbulb Effect
As odd as it may sound, replacing the lightbulbs with new ones is part of the whole process of eliminating any trace of smoke from your house. Smoke induces dust, which fuses the bulbs as they get hot. Changing them will make a positive difference.
Going Down
Now that you have been informed of the importance of washing the walls and ceilings, you can relax and get back on your feet, where the floor could also benefit from some cleaning. First, you can try to sprinkle baking soda on the ground to deodorize it, after which you can decide whether steam cleaning would be necessary as well.
As for hardwood flooring, vacuum cleaning would be your initial action. The next step would be to use a mop.
Wash the Curtains
You know how easy it is for the unpleasant odor of cigar smoke to attach to your clothes. The same goes for any type of fabric and curtains are the main target in your home. Take them down and give them a proper wash with detergent.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Purifiers for Smoke
We have already said a lot about air purifiers, but have we said it all? Most certainly not, because there is an insurmountable number of questions each customer might have when it comes to choosing a product that would improve the health conditions at home. Here, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions on the Internet, but you can always contact us if you need to know something else.
Where Should I Place My Air Purifier?
Usually, people opt for their bedrooms to place the air purifier because that is where they sleep and where they need the cleanest air. However, since most units can cover the size of a single room, some customers decide to move the device around the house. For example, you might want to have it in a place where people have smoked.
All sides should be a few inches away from the walls so that the air can circulate freely in and out of the purifier.
How Much Maintenance Does an Air Purifier Require?
Actually, air purifier maintenance is quite simple. Judging by the reviews we have offered, most air purifiers have at least one filter, which needs to be replaced every six to eight months. However, the variety of devices demonstrates that different models have different needs. Some quality filters might require a replacement only after a year of usage. Again, that depends on the intensity of that usage. Although we have not mentioned it here, there are purifiers with filters that would never need changing.
What Does CADR Mean?
CADR is a measurement for air purifiers, which stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers gives the stamp of approval to the various models by indicating the volume of filtered air. CADR presents three measurements: one for pollen, one for tobacco, and one for dust. The higher the CADR number, the faster the unit filters the air.
Do All Air Purifiers Clean the Same Type of Pollutants from the Air?
The simple answer is that there is a diversity among air purifiers. As you already know, there are models for different types of smoke. If you suffer from specific allergies, then you might want to look for what would be most suitable for your needs in particular. Dog and cat owners, for example, will benefit significantly from high-class air purifiers for pets.
However, there is a solution for people who want a universal device that will encompass all types of cleaning features. The key is to find an air purifier with a True HEPA filter, just like most of the products from our reviews.
Wrap Up
Now that we have reached the end of our article let the search begin. We want to wish you good luck with finding the best air purifier for smoke, but we would also love to think that the hunt will not be that challenging after you have gained all that useful knowledge. We tried to be as extensive as possible, gathering information about devices, which will successfully remove contaminants and unwanted odors from your home.
Use our air purifiers for smoke reviews to give you some relative direction in spotting the model, which would suit your needs most efficiently. Do not forget to recommend our website to friends or family members of yours, who would also find it valuable. We would appreciate it! What is more important is that you feel free to contact us in case any other questions pop up in your mind.
Thanks so much for reading, and as always – stay put! You may also be interested in our pellet stove reviews!
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