Overview
The Winix Plasmawave 9000, 9000s and 5000 (we’ll be reviewing the 9000 here) are a line of multi-technology air purifiers sold in stores – especially Bed, Bath and Beyond. Nothing really new here in it’s technology, we’ll look closely at the quality, replacement filter cost and value of this brand.
5 Stages sounds good, right? I had to say 5 but my review of each shows that it’s not just how many…
Stage 1 Anti-bacterial pre-filter. This pre-filter will keep germs and bacteria from developing on the pre-filter (not in the air of the room).
Stage 2 Hepa Filter – our primary pollen and dust collector recommended by Doctors. You’ll be paying 100 every 6 months in the average home to replace this filter
Stage 3 Silver Mesh Shield – neutralizes bacteria on contact (good for the inside of the machine, but won’t help bacteria in the room)
Stage 4 Carbon Filter – Washable (very thin). Carbon absorbs gas and odor, and while you can wash it on occasion any water inside of it can create otehr problems in the room. This units carbon filter is very thin, so I doubt it will work very well, or absorb much before becoming filled with gas.
Stage 5 Plasma Wave On/Off switch (Electronic Grid – neg/pos charged) – (combines with water vapour produces Hydroxyls – kills some viruses and odors). I talked to several Scientists about the hydroxyl approach to viruses and they didn’t believe it was very effective
Pros and Cons
Pros
1 – Filters available at Bed, Bath and Beyond
2 – Hepa for allergies
3 – Carbon for gas
Cons
1 – No UV, Negative Ions, TI02
2 – Low square footage
3 – 30 day guarantee (only if unused)
4 – Loud
5 – Expensive filters
Graphic here…..
Specifications and Technologies
Winix PlasmaWave 9000
Retail Price:
Purification Technologies:
Square Footage: 284 SQ. Ft.
Replacement Filter Costs: 99.99
Yearly Costs: 99.99- 130
Decibel Level: low/high 26/53
Pros – Good for allergies
Cons- Not good for germs, viruses, mold, bacteria
Warranty – 30 day money-back (only if unusedunused)/ 1 year limited
Number of Speeds – 4
Filters – HEPA, Carbon
Size/dimensions/weight – (ease of moving to different rooms)
16.5 wide x 21.9 High x 8.9 Depth 18.8 pounds
Other Brand Model Names/Numbers
9000S – 213 sq ft for 249.99
Replacement Filters – 4 pack – 74.99
Smaller – 13.8width x 18.5 height x 9.1 depth
Speeds: 4 – Low 26.4db, Med 33.5db, High 39.3db, Turbo 53db
Air Purifier Rating
1. Technologies Included: (out of of 10 technologies) 3
2. Particle Removal (Allergens, Dust) 7
3. Immune System Threats (Germs, Virus, etc.) 2
4. Gas Removal (Odor, Chemicals, Smoke) 6
5. Longevity/Quality 4
6. Noise Levels 5
7. Ease of Use 9
8. Warranty 3
9. Customer Service/Reputation (reviews) 4
10. Price Value 5
Score: 48 = Fair
Conclusion
Given the price of the Winix 9000 Plasmawave and the replacement filter cost I don’t believe it is a very good value. But my opinion is it is better than the Oreck and other infomercial brands. The square footage is small, the replacements filters are 100, and it’s too loud (even with a brushless motor).
The factory they are made at – I’ll just say they rank in the middle of the field for quality. If you have a Bed, Bath, and Beyond nearby and want the convenience of returning it (you can’t get a full refund if you use it at all) or replacing the filters locally it might be an option.