Trying to find the best rated air purifier? A better question is: What is the best air purifier for my needs?
“BEST RATED” DOES NOT EQUAL BEST FOR YOU!
Despite the ratings that one might find on either Amazon or Consumer Reports there is no ” best rated air purifier “, and that is because each individuals problems are different. Some have allergies, and some have pet odor problems which take a different technology. It’s not that the information that magazines like consumer reports offer isn’t valuable, it’s just that they just provide blanket opinions and isolated reviews which have nothing to do with your needs.
A much better approach is to:
1) learn the 10 technologies available
2) calculate the square footage needed, and
3) determine which air purifiers might fit your needs.
At that point read reviews on these models to narrow your search. (NOTE: A complete video guide to finding the right air purifier can be found on the home page)
BEST RATED = SCAM
Unfortunately the term “best rated” is more often used by marketers themselves and websites that sell many brands. In many cases the most profitable air purifiers become the “best rated” models on those sites.
For our purposes here we will be taking a step beyond “best rated” and help you discover “best for my needs”. The video and 4-step process on the home page will help you accomplish this.
The air purifier industry, in my opinion, needs to provide more independent testing and research reports to the public. Even the CADR ratings are based on a political lobby group with a vested interest in the air purifier manufacturers. They do not represent the consumer.
Need for Particle Tests
As a 30 year expert in both air technologies and in the natural health field I’ve been asked for air purifier advice thousands of time. Because allergies are the most frequent problem removing pollen and dust is a primary concern. To remove dust and pollen one will need a HEPA filter which captures and holds these particles. The measure of effectiveness on pollen and dust is best determined by a particle tester. Oddly enough you do not find many particle tests on air purifiers online. If I had one criteria for the best rated air purifier it would start with a solid particle test.
This website features particle tests (VIDEO) on most major air purifier brands. This specially made particle tester measures both microscopic particles (bacteria and microscopic dust) as well as larger particles like dust and pollen. You can access particle tests on most brands by viewing the reviews via the left menu.
Need for Bacteria Tests
Germs and viruses are the second most frequent problem in the air. To remove bacteria, germs and mold one will need either Uv light or Ozone. The measure of effectiveness on bacteria and germs is best determined by a bacteria test.
While to date we have done only a few bacteria tests more are coming thanks to the university and lab we are working with. In cases where companies have done such tests from independent labs we will provide that information. Only a few companies that I know of have done so.
Conclusion
I encourage you to take the steps on the homepage of this website in order to determine the best air purifier for your needs. Start by watching the video guide which covers the 10 air purifier technologies and how to determine square footage (which is more involved than you might think).
Hopefully more air purifier companies will provide more conclusive tests to help people assess what air purifier is truly best for them.