Sharper Image air purifier review: Summaries and Detailed Reviews.
Reviews are only as good as the underlying rating criteria used: CLICK HERE for my review criteria.
After you are done reviewing, STEP 5 Buying lists the best places to buy Sharper Image purifiers.
Sharper Image Air Purifier Summaries
Model: Hybrid GP Germicidal – Good Rating
Designed for a larger room
MSRP 499.95/ 2nd 249.98
Conclusion: The Best Sharper Image has to offer.
Detailed Review Below
Model: GP Silent – Very Good Rating
Designed for a larger room
MSRP 399.95/ 2nd 199.98
Conclusion: Mostly show and not as much go.
Detailed Review Below
Model: Quadra Silent – Good Rating
Designed for a larger room
MSRP 349.95/ 2nd 174.98
Conclusion: Mostly show and not as much go.
Detailed Review Below
Model: Tabletop – Fair Rating
Designed for a smaller room
MSRP 119.95/ 2nd 59.98
Conclusion: Priced low, but low on actual cleaning ability
Detailed Review Below
Model: Ionic Breeze Air Freshener 2.0 – Fair Rating
Designed for a small space
MSRP 19.95
Conclusion: Better than a chemical plug-in, but actual cleaning power limited
Detailed Review Below
Model: Ionic Breeze Air Freshener for Bathrooms – Fair Rating
Designed for a small space
MSRP 29.95
Conclusion: Better than a chemical plug-in, but actual cleaning power limited
Detailed Review Below
Sharper Image Air Purifier Detailed Reviews
Model: Hybrid GP Germicidal Sharper Image Air Purifier
Rating Score: 64/100 points
Summary
Sharper Image makes neat looking "stuff". The quality keeps getting better and better; however, here we have a purifier with low maintenance costs and low energy usage,
but not enough real cleaning power for the price. Sharper Image does run specials including the second purifier at half price, but has only a 1-year warranty. If I were to buy this purifier, I
would definitely buy two to save money and purchase the 5-year extended warranty from previous SI experience.
Basic Specifications
The Hybrid GP Germicidal is designed for larger rooms. This purifier is mostly passive technology as the air must pass through the purifier to be cleaned. The
technology includes a cleanable pre filter and an electrostatic precipitator. The cleaning process does create some oxidizing plasma and ozone which Sharper Image claims stays inside the unit.
Whether it does or doesn't, it does add extra cleaning power and will reduce odors and gases. The purifier has 4 speeds plus a "boost" setting. No replaceable filters or parts. A
standard 1-year warranty is included. Has some "plastic" smells out of the box – outgassing.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 141 / Dust 175 / Pollen 192 *** Special Note *** Sharper Image Uses this measure for
this purifier, but has not actually submitted to the AHAM. This makes the reading less meaningful as a comparison to other CADR rated units.
Rating Factors:
1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is 499.95. The estimated square footage cleaned is 300 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((499.95 initial + 9.10/year)/300 sqft)/7
removal points)) = 75.76. 75.76 = 12 points – fair value.
2) What is Removed: 7/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of
Odors and Gases – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,
0-points.
3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – There are no filters or consumable replacement parts. Calculating electricity usage: 12 watts/1000 X .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year =
9.10/year. Total cost 9.10/year. Very Inexpensive to operate.
4) Quality: 9/12 points – The manufacturing quality coming out of China keeps getting better and better. This purifier is plastic, but has a very solid and well designed feel. Fit, Finish,
and Workmanship – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Cleaning Technologies – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Support Material – Good Quality, 1-point.
5) Warranty: 2/8 points – Sharper Image offers a standard 1-year warranty included with a 5-year replacement warranty available for 49.95. Fair Warranty.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – There is no routine maintenance with this model. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Cleaning is recommended at least every week or as needed. The cleaning
process takes 10 minutes or less for basic weekly cleaning (cleaning collection grid) and 10-20 minutes for a thorough monthly or quarterly cleaning (ozone guard and internal cleaning). The
collection grid is lifted out the top and both the front and rear panels lift off for easy cleaning. Some dry time is needed before using after cleaning. Keeping this unit clean will prolong
life and is necessary for it to work optimally. Intensive Cleaning 1-point.
7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This unit looks good for a tower purifier. Looks Good, 2-points. Everything is plastic, but well fitting. Controls are easy to find and use. Feels Good,
2-points.
8) Years in Business: 5/5 points – Sharper Image is a specialty retailer that has been in business since 1977. They have control over the products they sell, but the products are made by
another company or manufacturer. They are located in San Francisco, CA.
9) Noise Level: 3/5 points – 4 small fans move air through the purifier. On Low 39dB. On High 51dB. Average Noise Level.
10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.
total = 64/100 points
Conclusion
The Best Sharper Image Air Purifier available.
Model: GP Silent Sharper Image Air Purifier
Rating Score: 66/100 points
Summary
Sharper Image makes neat looking "stuff". The quality keeps getting better and better; however, here we have a purifier with low maintenance costs and low energy usage,
but not enough real cleaning power for the price. The silent feature is nice, but cuts down on actual cleaning power unless you have adequate room airflow. Sharper Image does run specials
including the second Sharper Image air purifier at half price, but has only a 1-year warranty. If I were to buy this purifier, I would definitely buy two to save money and purchase the 3-year
extended warranty from previous SI experience.
Basic Specifications
The GP Silent is designed for larger rooms. This purifier is mostly passive technology as the air must pass through the purifier to be cleaned. The technology includes
a UV lamp and an electrostatic precipitator. The cleaning process does create some oxidizing plasma and ozone which Sharper Image claims stays inside the unit. Whether it does or doesn't,
it does add some extra cleaning power and will reduce odors and gases. The purifier has 3 speeds plus a "boost" setting. No replaceable filters, but the UV bulb will need replacing
yearly (24.95) . A standard 1-year warranty is included. Has some "plastic" smells out of the box – outgassing.
Rating Factors:
1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is 399.95. The estimated square footage cleaned is 300 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((399.95 initial + 46.68./year)/300 sqft)/7
removal points)) = 78.73. 78.73 = 12 points – fair value.
2) What is Removed: 7/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of
Odors and Gases – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,
0-points.
3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – The only consumable cost is the UV-C light at 24.95/year. Calculating electricity usage: 28 watts/1000 X .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year
= 21.73/year. Total cost 46.68/year. Very Inexpensive to operate.
4) Quality: 9/12 points – The manufacturing quality coming out of China keeps getting better and better. This purifier is plastic, but has a very solid and well designed feel. Fit, Finish,
and Workmanship – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Cleaning Technologies – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Support Material – Good Quality, 1-point.
5) Warranty: 2/8 points – Sharper Image offers a standard 1-year warranty included with a 3-year replacement warranty available for 39.95. Fair Warranty.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – The only routine maintenance is replacing the UV lamp every year. Should take 10-15 minutes. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Cleaning is recommended at
least every week or as needed. A cleaning overdue light illuminates and/or an audible sound is made if not cleaned every two weeks. The cleaning process takes 10 minutes or less for basic
weekly cleaning (wiping collection grid bars) and 10-20 minutes for a thorough monthly or quarterly cleaning (internal cleaning). Some dry time is needed before using after cleaning. Keeping
this unit clean will prolong life and is necessary for it to work optimally. Intensive Cleaning 1-point.
7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This unit looks good for a tower purifier. Looks Good, 2-points. Everything is plastic, but well fitting. Controls are easy to find and use. Feels Good,
2-points.
8) Years in Business: 5/5 points – Sharper Image is a specialty retailer that has been in business since 1977. They have control over the products they sell, but the products are made by
another company or manufacturer. They are located in San Francisco, CA.
9) Noise Level: 5/5 points – The unit is "silent" as long as you keep clean per standard instructions. Noise usually means that particles are present in higher amounts on the
collection grid or ionization wires. A slight "electronic noise" may be present during certain settings, but below rating limits. Very Quiet Noise Level.
10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.
total = 66/100 points
Conclusion
Mostly show and not as much go.
Model: Quadra Silent Sharper Image Air Purifier
Rating Score: 64/100 points
Summary
Sharper Image makes neat looking "stuff". The quality keeps getting better and better; however, here we have a purifier with low maintenance costs and low energy usage,
but not enough real cleaning power for the price. The silent feature is nice, but cuts down on actual cleaning power unless you have adequate room airflow. Sharper Image does run specials
including the second Sharper Image air purifier at half price, but has only a 1-year warranty.
Basic Specifications
The Quadra Silent is designed for larger rooms. This purifier is mostly passive technology as the air must pass through the purifier to be cleaned. The technology
inside is an electrostatic precipitator. The cleaning process does create some oxidizing plasma and ozone which Sharper Image claims stays inside the unit. Whether it does or doesn't, it
does add some extra cleaning power and will reduce odors and gases. The purifier has 3 speeds plus a "boost" setting. No replaceable filters or parts. A standard 1-year warranty is
included. Has some "plastic" smells out of the box – outgassing.
Rating Factors:
1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is 349.95. The estimated square footage cleaned is 200 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((349.95 initial + 7.76/year)/200 sqft)/6
removal points)) = 70.19. 70.19 = 12 points – fair value.
2) What is Removed: 6/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of
Odors and Gases – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,
0-points.
3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – There are no filters or consumable replacement parts. Calculating electricity usage: 10 watts/1000 X .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year =
7.76/year. Total cost 7.76/year. Very Inexpensive to operate.
4) Quality: 8/12 points – The manufacturing quality coming out of China keeps getting better and better. This purifier is plastic, but has a very solid and well designed feel. Fit, Finish,
and Workmanship – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality, 3-points. Support Material – Good Quality, 1-point.
5) Warranty: 2/8 points – Sharper Image offers a standard 1-year warranty included with a 3-year replacement warranty available for 39.95. Fair Warranty.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – There is no routine maintenance with this model. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Cleaning is recommended at least every week or as needed. The cleaning
process takes 10 minutes or less for basic weekly cleaning (cleaning collection grid) and 10-20 minutes for a thorough monthly or quarterly cleaning (ozone guard and internal cleaning). The
collection grid is lifted out the top and both the front and rear panels lift off for easy cleaning. Some dry time is needed before using after cleaning. Keeping this unit clean will prolong
life and is necessary for it to work optimally. Intensive Cleaning 1-point.
7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This unit looks good for a tower purifier. Looks Good, 2-points. Everything is plastic, but well fitting. Controls are easy to find and use. Feels Good,
2-points.
8) Years in Business: 5/5 points – Sharper Image is a specialty retailer that has been in business since 1977. They have control over the products they sell, but the products are made by
another company or manufacturer. They are located in San Francisco, CA.
9) Noise Level: 5/5 points – The unit is "silent" as long as you keep clean per standard instructions. Noise usually means that particles are present in higher amounts on the
collection grid or ionization wires. A slight "electronic noise" may be present during certain settings, but below rating limits.
10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.
total = 64/100 points
Conclusion
Mostly show and not as much go.
Model: Tabletop Sharper Image Air Purifier
Rating Score: 58/100 points
Summary
Sharper Image makes neat looking "stuff". The quality keeps getting better and better; however, here we have a purifier with low maintenance costs and low energy usage,
but not enough real cleaning power to compete for the top spots. The silent feature is nice, but cuts down on actual cleaning power unless you have adequate room airflow. Sharper Image does run
specials including the second purifier at half price, but has only a 1-year warranty.
Basic Specifications
The Tabletop is designed for smaller rooms. This purifier is mostly passive technology as the air must pass through the purifier to be cleaned. The technology inside is
an electrostatic precipitator. The cleaning process does create some oxidizing plasma and ozone which Sharper Image claims stays inside the unit. Whether it does or doesn't, it does add
some extra cleaning power and will reduce odors and gases. The purifier has 2 speeds. No replaceable filters or parts. A standard 1-year warranty is included. Has some "plastic"
smells out of the box – outgassing.
Rating Factors:
1) Value: 8/24 points – The MSRP is 119.95. The estimated square footage cleaned is 100 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((119.95 initial + 6.21/year)/100 sqft)/4
removal points)) = 68.46. 68.46 = 8 points – poor value.
2) What is Removed: 4/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Odors
and Gases – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of VOCs – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,
0-points.
3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – There are no filters or consumable replacement parts. Calculating electricity usage: 8 watts/1000 X .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year =
6.21/year. Total cost 6.21/year. Very Inexpensive to operate.
4) Quality: 8/12 points – The manufacturing quality coming out of China keeps getting better and better. This purifier is plastic, but has a very solid and well designed feel. Fit, Finish,
and Workmanship – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality, 3-points. Support Material – Good Quality, 1-point.
5) Warranty: 2/8 points – Sharper Image offers a standard 1-year warranty. Fair Warranty.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – There is no routine maintenance with this model. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Cleaning is recommended at least every week or as needed. The cleaning
process takes 10 minutes or less for basic weekly cleaning (wiping collection grid bars) and 10-20 minutes for a thorough monthly or quarterly cleaning (internal cleaning). Some dry time is
needed before using after cleaning. Keeping this unit clean will prolong life and is necessary for it to work optimally. Intensive Cleaning 1-point.
7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This unit looks good for a mini-tower purifier. Looks Good, 2-points. Everything is plastic, but well fitting. Controls are easy to find and use. Feels Good,
2-points.
8) Years in Business: 5/5 points – Sharper Image is a specialty retailer that has been in business since 1977. They have control over the products they sell, but the products are made by
another company or manufacturer. They are located in San Francisco, CA.
9) Noise Level: 5/5 points – The unit is "silent" as long as you keep clean per standard instructions. Noise usually means that particles are present in higher amounts on the
collection grid or ionization wires. A slight "electronic noise" may be present during certain settings, but below rating limits. Very Quiet Noise Level.
10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.
total = 58/100 points
Conclusion
Priced low, but low on actual cleaning ability.Return to Top Model: Ionic Breeze Air Freshener 2.0 Sharper Image Air Purifier Last Reviewed: 01-09-2008 Rating Score: 53/100
points
Summary
A basic Plug-in unit. More expensive than a chemical plug in or a candle, but better for you. Sharper Image is currently selling these at a very low price. Consider trying Ecoquest
Focus first.
Basic Specifications
Silent plug in with a nightlight. The technology is a mini electrostatic precipitator. Similar to the larger Tabletop or Quadra Silent Sharper Image air purifier.
Rating Factors:
1) Value: 4/24 points – The MSRP is 19.95. The estimated square footage cleaned is 20 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((19.95 initial + 10/year)/20 sqft)/2 removal
points)) = 25.13. 25.13 = 4 points – bad value.
2) What is Removed: 2/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Odors
and Gases – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of VOCs – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,
0-points.
3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – Total Yearly cost less than 10.00. Very Inexpensive to operate.
4) Quality: 7/12 points – Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality, 3-points. Support Material – Good Quality, 1-point.
3) What is Removed 2/15 pts – The technology is a mini electrostatic precipitator. Similar to the larger Tabletop or Quadra Silent. Particles >0.3 microns 1/1 pt, Odors and Gases 1/3 pts,
VOCs 0/2 pts, Basic Microorganisms 0/3 pts, Particles <0.3 microns 0/3 pts, Advanced Microorganisms 0/2 pts, Any other additional 0/1 pt.
5) Warranty: 2/8 points – Sharper Image offers a standard 1-year warranty.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – There is no routine maintenance with this model. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. This purifier is designed to be cleaned weekly. Wiping clean the
collection blades and shaking hidden debris loose should take under 10 minutes/week. Some dry time is needed before using after cleaning. Keeping this unit clean will prolong life and is
necessary for it to work optimally. Intensive Cleaning 1-point.
7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – Looks "ok" for bathrooms or anywhere you plug it in. Looks Good, 2-points. Has a LED nightlight which can be useful in most locations. Feels Good,
2-points.
8) Years in Business: 5/5 points – Sharper Image is a specialty retailer that has been in business since 1977. They have control over the products they sell, but the products are made by
another company or manufacturer. They are located in San Francisco, CA.
9) Noise Level: 5/5 points – The unit is "silent" as long as you keep clean per standard instructions. Noise usually means that particles are present in higher amounts on the
collection grid or ionization wires. A slight "electronic noise" may be present, but below rating limits. Very Quiet Noise Level.
10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.
total = 53/100 points
Conclusion: Better than a chemical plug-in, but actual cleaning power limited. Return to Top Model: Ionic Breeze Air Freshener for Bathrooms Sharper Image Air Purifier Last Reviewed:
01-09-2008 Rating Score: 51/100 points
Summary
A basic Plug-in unit. More expensive than a chemical plug in or a candle, but better for you. Sharper Image is currently selling these at a very low price. Consider trying Ecoquest
Focus first.
Basic Specifications
Silent plug in with a nightlight. The technology is a mini electrostatic precipitator. Similar to the larger Tabletop or Quadra Silent Sharper Image air purifier.
Rating Factors:
1) Value: 4/24 points – The MSRP is 29.95. The estimated square footage cleaned is 30 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((29.95 initial + 10.00/year)/30 sqft)/2 removal
points)) = 33.42. 33.42 = 4 points – bad value.
2) What is Removed: 2/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Odors
and Gases – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of VOCs – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,
0-points.
3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – Total Yearly cost less than 10.00. Very Inexpensive to operate.
4) Quality: 7/12 points – Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality, 3-points. Support Material – Good Quality, 1-point.
5) Warranty: 2/8 points – Sharper Image offers a standard 1-year warranty. Fair Warranty.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – There is no routine maintenance with this model. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. This purifier is designed to be cleaned weekly. Wiping clean the
collection blades and shaking hidden debris loose should take under 10 minutes/week. Some dry time is needed before using after cleaning. Keeping this unit clean will prolong life and is
necessary for it to work optimally. Intensive Cleaning 1-point.
7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – Looks "ok" for bathrooms or anywhere you plug it in. Looks Good, 2-points. Has a LED nightlight which can be useful in most locations. Feels Good,
2-points.
8) Years in Business: 5/5 points – Sharper Image is a specialty retailer that has been in business since 1977. They have control over the products they sell, but the products are made by
another company or manufacturer. They are located in San Francisco, CA.
9) Noise Level: 5/5 points – The unit is "silent" as long as you keep clean per standard instructions. Noise usually means that particles are present in higher amounts on the
collection grid or ionization wires. A slight "electronic noise" may be present, but below rating limits. Very Quiet Noise Level.
10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.
total = 51/100 points
Conclusion
Better than a chemical plug-in, but actual cleaning power limited.
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