Bionaire air purifier review: Summaries and Detailed Reviews.
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Bionaire Purifier Summaries
Model: PERMAtech BAP2000-UPoints: 52/100
One room up to 170 sqft
MSRP 199.99
Conclusion: Focused on cleaning larger particles, not recommended.
Detailed Review Below
Model: BAP725 QUIETechPoints: 61/100
One room up to 256 sqft
MSRP 139.99
Conclusion: Basic HEPA and carbon filter air purifier
Detailed Review Below
Model: BAP1250-UPoints: 57/100
One room up to 418 sqft
MSRP 149.99
Conclusion: Basic HEPA and carbon filter with questionable ability.
Detailed Review Below
Bionaire Purifier Detailed Reviews
Model: PERMAtech BAP2000-U
Rating Score: 52/100 points
Review note: I have personally used, tested, and evaluated this purifier.
Summary
This is an interesting purifier. It looks ok, has a good warranty, operates fine, is relatively easy to setup, the quality is average, is relatively easy to clean, and cost
effective to use. The kicker is that it really doesn't clean too awful much. Mostly show and not much go. I'm not sure what else to say, but I do not recommend this purifier.
Basic Specifications: The PERMAtech BAP2000-U is designed for rooms up to 170 sqft. This purifier is passive/active with a pre filter and 99% HEPA on the passive side for particle filtration
and a negative ionizer putting out negative ions into the air (see technology section for explanation why this is questionable). No replaceable filters, 3-speed fan, remote Galileo operation
center controls many bells and whistles. 5 year warranty parts and labor. Smells like plastic out of the box – outgassing.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 110/ Dust 110/ Pollen 110
Rating Factors:
1) Value 0/20 pts – The MSRP is 199.99. Converting the "what is removed" to rating factors scale = 1/5 pts. I rate the cleaning ability for up to 170 sqft at .5/2 not well. My
equation is 199.99/(1*.5) = 400. 400 equates to 0/20 pts for value. It just doesn't clean much more than big particles. The HEPA filter is 99% which means it is best at 1.0 micron and
above and the ionizer technology is negative ions only which has some effect on smaller particles, but not conclusive.
2) Quality 9/15 pts – You can tell the company has made several revisions over the years as workmanship is relatively high for plastic. The buttons and technology are very basic. Made in
China. Workmanship 4/5 pts, Technologies 3/5 pts, Support/ Setup material 2/3 pts, and intangibles 0/2 pts.
3) What is Removed 3/15 pts – 3 basic technologies used for particle removal. A pre filter and 99% HEPA Filter (sub-standard) work inside and a negative ionizer sends negative ions outside
of the unit to attract and join particles together (see technology section for explanation why this is questionable). Particles >0.3 microns 1/1 pt, Odors and Gases 0/3 pts, VOCs 0/2 pts,
Basic Microorganisms 0/3 pts, Particles <0.3 microns 2/3 pts (note: generous grading), Advanced Microorganisms 0/2 pts, Any other additional 0/1 pt.
4) Yearly Operating Costs 12/15 pts – PERMAtech filters are cleanable and listed as not needing replacement. Electricity ranges from 50 to 150 watts depending on fan speed. I'll assume
100 (midway). 100 watts/1000 X .0886 cents x 24 hours X 365 days = 77.61/year. Total Yearly cost 77.61.
5) Warranty 8/8 pts – 5 years parts and labor.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning 5/7 pts – Manual says to check filters every 2 weeks and clean as needed. Cleaning included wiping outside, rinsing foam pre filter, and vacuuming the two
PERMAtech filters. The procedure is relatively easy, but will need to be done regularly. Allow 30-45 minutes per month plus dry time for foam pre filter.
7) Manufacturer Years in Business 5/5 pts – Originated in Canada in the late 70's with a line of ionizers. They have been around for over 20 years.
8) Look and Feel 3/5 pts – It looks modern with a rounded tower design. It is relatively neutral as far as colors (black with silver trim). The feel is "ok". Most of the plastic
fits well, but the buttons are a little cheap feeling and operate accordingly. Over all ok.
9) Set-Up Time 4/5 pts – Opening the box and paging through the User Guide. Less than 15 minutes closed box to up and running. Learning to use the Galileo will take longer. As with any
purifier, studying the materials further will allow you to get more out of your purchase.
10) Noise Level 3/5 pts – Quiet on low setting (30dB) 2/2 pts. Just in the loudest range on high (55db) 1/3 pts. The Ionizer makes a "zapping" sound which actually is a bit
annoying. It is not as audible on high as low, but annoying none the less.
Total = 52/100 points
Conclusion
Focused on cleaning larger particles, not recommended.
Model: BAP725 QUIETech
Rating Score: 61/100 points
Review note: I have not personally tested this purifier; however, it is of the same manufacture with very basic technology. I did personally review the PERMAtech BAP2000-U above.
Summary
This is a basic HEPA and carbon filter air purifier. They have designed the filter housing effectively on this model by enhancing the seal of the filters allowing less air bypass
around the filters. No pre filter. Recommended only for very light duty.
Basic Specifications
The BAP725 QUIETech is designed for spaces up to 256 sqft. This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned.
The BAP725 uses a basic 2-step process. Particles travel through a HEPA filter and a carbon filter. The purifier is easy to maintain and filter replacement cost is reasonable. The purifier has
a 4-speed fan. Smells like plastic out of the box – outgassing.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 168/ Dust 150/ Pollen 140
Rating Factors:
1) Value 12/20 pts – The MSRP is 139.99. Converting the "what is removed" to rating factors scale = 1/5 pts. I rate the cleaning ability for up to 256 sqft at 1/2 well. My
equation is 139.99/(1*1) = 140. 140 equates to 12/20 pts for value.
2) Quality 10/15 pts – Similar to 2000 above. It appears the housing has a tighter air vacuum then older models. Made in China. Workmanship 4/5 pts, Technologies 4/5 pts, Support/ Setup
material 2/3 pts, and intangibles 0/2 pts.
3) What is Removed 3/15 pts – Two basic passive technologies, HEPA and carbon filtration. Claims better seal around filters for less bypass and better overall filtering. 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 1/3 pts, Advanced Microorganisms 0/2 pts, Any other additional 0/1 pt.
4) Yearly Operating Costs 9/15 pts – HEPA filters last 1-2 years 35/year total. Carbon filters last 3-4 months at 17/year total. Electricity ranges from 40 to 150 watts depending on fan
speed. I'll assume 95 watts (midway). 95 watts (watts/1000 X .0886 cents x 24 hours X 365 days = 73.73 Total Yearly cost 125.73.
5) Warranty 4/8 pts – 2 year warranty parts and labor.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning 7/7 pts – Basic wiping down of unit and changing HEPA and carbon filters as needed. Should be less than 30 minutes every 6 months.
7) Manufacturer Years in Business 5/5 pts – Originated in Canada in the late 70's with a line of ionizers. They have been around for over 20 years.
8) Look and Feel 3/5 pts – Basic looking box unit. Assuming controls similar to 2000 model above.
9) Set-Up Time 5/5 pts – Opening the box and paging through the User Guide. Less than 10 minutes closed box to up and running. As with any purifier, studying the materials further will allow
you to get more out of your purchase.
10) Noise Level 3/5 pts – Quiet on Sleep setting (<30dB) 2/2 pts. Louder on high (56dB) 1/3 pts.
Total = 61/100 points
Conclusion
Basic HEPA and carbon filter air purifier. Model: BAP1250-U Last Reviewed: 12-03-07 Rating Score: 57/100 points
Review note: I have not personally tested this purifier; however, it is of the same manufacture with very basic technology. I did personally review the PERMAtech BAP2000-U above.
Summary
This is a very basic HEPA and carbon filter air purifier. The remote monitoring system is more show that actual functionality although a few of the options may be desirable. The
actual cleaning power is likely less than stated as the filters are very basic and not as heavy duty as more quality air purifiers. You get what you pay for. No pre filter. Not recommended
except for very light duty.
Basic Specifications
The BAP1250-U is designed for spaces up to 418 sqft. This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. The
BAP1250-U uses a basic 2-step process. Particles travel through a HEPA filter and a carbon filter. The purifier is easy to maintain and filter replacement cost is reasonable. A 4-speed fan and
remote monitoring system run the bells and whistles. Smells like plastic out of the box – outgassing.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 275/ Dust 270/ Pollen 230
Rating Factors:
1) Value 10/20 pts – The MSRP is 149.99. Converting the "what is removed" to rating factors scale = 1/5 pts. I rate the cleaning ability for up to 418 sqft at 1/2 well. My
equation is 149.99/(1*1) = 150. 150 equates to 10/20 pts for value.
2) Quality 9/15 pts – Similar to 2000 above. Made in China. Workmanship 4/5 pts, Technologies 3/5 pts, Support/ Setup material 2/3 pts, and intangibles 0/2 pts.
3) What is Removed 3/15 pts – Two basic passive technologies, HEPA and carbon filtration. 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 1/3 pts, Advanced Microorganisms 0/2 pts, Any other additional 0/1 pt.
4) Yearly Operating Costs 9/15 pts – HEPA filters last 1-2 years 35/year total. Carbon filters last 3-4 months at 17/year total. Electricity ranges from 40 to 150 watts depending on fan
speed. I'll assume 95 watts (midway). 95 watts/1000 X .0886 cents x 24 hours X 365 days = 73.73/year. Total Yearly cost 125.73.
5) Warranty 4/8 pts – 2 year warranty parts and labor.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning 7/7 pts – Basic wiping down of unit and changing HEPA and carbon filters as needed. Should be less than 30 minutes every 6 months.
7) Manufacturer Years in Business 5/5 pts – Originated in Canada in the late 70's with a line of ionizers. They have been around for over 20 years.
8) Look and Feel 3/5 pts – Basic looking box unit. Assuming controls similar to 2000 model above.
9) Set-Up Time 4/5 pts – Opening the box and paging through the User Guide. Less than 15 minutes closed box to up and running. Learning to use the remote sensor unit will take longer. As
with any purifier, studying the materials further will allow you to get more out of your purchase.
10) Noise Level 3/5 pts – Quiet on Sleep setting (<30dB) 2/2 pts. Louder on high (57dB) 1/3 pts.
Total = 57/100 points
Conclusion
Basic HEPA and carbon filter with questionable ability.
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