Overview
In this Oreck XL Air Purifier review I’ll be revealing the story behind this air purifier, from it’s manufacture in China, to showing you many of the pro’s and con’s of the most well known air purifier. The video below will also take you inside the air purifier to show you some of the inner working of this machine.
By the end of this Oreck XL air purifier review you’ll have a better ability to determine whether it is a good idea for your household or not. The newer Oreck XL also includes UV light.
Infomercial Heaven
Having produced several national infomercials I know the inside story behind infomercials, and Oreck was very fortunate that the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze was removed from TV because of high Ozone levels. This paved the way for the Oreck XL to enter the limelight.
To run an infomercial successfully you need at least a 5 (ideally 7) times markup to pay all the expenses, unlike store markups. Online products can often compete by lowering expenses below store markups. Any infomercial on TV that succeeds has to follow this formula, and it gives you idea of the profit built into any item.
Made in China
One of my friends was the first TV spokesperson for the Oreck XL air purifier and according to him the unit cost Oreck 35 to make in China. I know the factory, it is one we have used (they recently changed factories) to make other products. The “Truman Cell” is made in Japan for quality (and perhaps so the Chinese don’t duplicate it). I’m sure the cost is higher since it was first on TV, and now has UV light added.
Most air purifiers today are made in China today because of the low production cost. Plus the quality level is much higher than China used to be known for.
Oreck’s Dubious Claims
The Oreck XL air purifier infomercial claims several things which I take issue to:
1) “You never have to change the filter” – The small charcoal “odor eater” is a small charcoal filter which needs to be replaced every 3-5 months and costs 59 for 2. It absorbs odors and chemicals. Watch the video to get an idea. Oreck get’s away with saying “no filters” by calling it an “odor eater”.
2) “Removes Dust and Pollen” – Without a HEPA filter the “ionic” plates (Truman Cells) will do a less than adequate job of removing pollen and dust. Some dust will collect because of the static charge. This is not your best bet if you have allergies.
2) “Quiet” – I found my Oreck to be neither quiet (at 28 db on low) and especially not when it would make it’s infamous zapping noise in the truman cell. The zapping noise can happen (and yes it’s an electrical zapping) from dust across the electrically charged plates and from bugs being electrocuted across the plates.
Stages of Purification
Now let’s take a look at the filters and technology for cleaning the air. In this Oreck Xl Air Purifier review I am including the UV light of the newer version. the older Oreck XL is no longer sold by Oreck. The oreck now has 5 stages:
Stage 1 This small washable prefilter holds dust (see filters in the video)
Stage 2 A very small carbon filter traps smoke and odors (it be replaced every few months and are ordered separately)
Stage 3 The Ionizer plates (they call them Truman Cells) which attracts pollution and kills odors. This is the primary way that the Oreck cleans the air. These ionic plates – charged plates (+ and – ) – attract soot and other airborne particles like a magnet.
Stage 4 Negative Ionization – creates healthy air and will kill some odors and mold
Stage 5 New Helioshield – Ultraviolet light for killing germs and viruses
Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s
1 – Now includes UV light
2 – Convenient stores for repairs
3 – Washable
Con’s
1 – Overpriced for the square footage
2 – Does not include HEPA (best for dust and pollen)
3 – Small Carbon filters are very expensive
4 – The Warranty is pro-rated (only 3 years)
5 – Will only treat a small 8 x10 room
Specifications and Technologies
Oreck XL Proshield Plus Air Purifier
MSRP Price:
Purification Technologies: 4 (5)
Square Feet: 216 SQ. Ft.
Replacement Filters (Carbon):
Yearly Cost To Operate: 100
Decibel Level: 28 on low (a bit high)
Pros – Good for Smoke.
Cons – Not great for Dust, Pollen
Warranty – 3 year limited
Number of Fan Speeds – 3
Filters – Carbon, Truman Cell, and Pre-filter
Oreck XL Air Purifier Review
“Richardson” Air Purifier Rating
1. Technologies Included: (out of of 10 technologies) 4
2. Particle Removal (Allergens, Dust) 3
3. Immune System Threats (Germs, Virus, etc.) 6 (pro only)
4. Gas Removal (Odor, Chemicals, Smoke) 4
5. Longevity/Quality 7
6. Noise Levels 5
7. Ease of Use 9
8. Warranty 3
9. Customer Service/Reputation (reviews) 2
10. Price Value 3
Score: 46 = Fair
Conclusion
OK, I’m not a big fan of the Oreck having owned several. Without HEPA it is not going to do a great job on allergies. Given that it will only cover a little over 200 square feet (on high speed) it is considered a small room air purifier. A lot of money for a small air purifier which does not carry the best dust technology.
If you have allergies I would look at the comparison chart on this site for a better choice. Hepa filters get filled with smoke so fast a washable ionic air purifier is a more affordable way to go.