Blueair air purifier review: Summaries and Detailed Reviews.
Reviews are only as good as the underlying rating criteria used.
After you are done reviewing, STEP 5 Buying lists the best places to buy Air Oasis purifiers.
Blueair Air Purifier Summaries
Model: Blueair 601Both Rating – Very Good
Up to 679 sqft (6 AC/hr)
MSRP 599.99/669.95 smokestop
Conclusion: Use the 501 unless you need the larger sqft.
Detailed Review Below
Model: Blueair 501Both Rating – Very Good
Up to 580 sqft (6 AC/hr)
MSRP 499.95/569.95
Conclusion: the 501 is best in the smokestop version.
Detailed Review Below
Model: Blueair 402Both Rating – Very Good
Up to 310 sqft (6 AC/hr)
MSRP 399.95/ 469.95 smokestop
Conclusion: I would recommend the smokestop version over the basic 402.
Detailed Review Below
Model: Blueair 201/250EAll 4 Rating – Good
Up to 175 sqft (6 AC/hr)
MSRP 201 299.95/329.95 carbon
M250E 349.95/379.95 carbon
Conclusion: Either purifier is good in the carbon version.
Detailed Review Below
Model: Blueair AirPodRating – Very Good
Portable/ personal or 45 cubic feet
MSRP 99.95
Certainly cost effective; not as "clean" effective.
Detailed Review Below
Model: Blueair Eco10Rating – Good
Up to 200 sqft (6 AC/hr)
MSRP 899.95
Conclusion: I don't recommend unless they improve the filter medium to remove gases/odors/VOCs.
Detailed Review Below
Blueair Purifier Detailed Reviews
Model: Blueair 601
Rating Score: 68 points/ 67 points with smokestop
Review note: I have personally used, tested, and evaluated this Blueair air purifier.
Summary
I like that this purifier is simple to use. It has an exceptional warranty. Maintenance is easy. Sometimes we pay for easy though and the 601 does have a higher maintenance cost.
Overall a good purifier. If using for one room consider buying the 501 or 402 if the square footage is a match as they are very similar in technology and cost less. Make sure to read STEP5
Buying Tips, for getting the most Blueair for your money.
Basic Specifications
The 601 is designed for spaces up to 679 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to
be cleaned. The 601 uses a 2-step process. Particles are first charged and then pass through one of three high tech HEPA Filters with carbon (electrostatic precipitator/ charged media filter).
The Smokestop upgrade is enhanced with three specialized filters adding extra protection against particles, odors and some VOCs. The 601 has a 3-speed fan and offers a 10 year warranty. The
HEPA w/ carbon filter needs changing every 6 months to keep the warranty intact (80 X 2 = 160/yr). The Smokestop version = 300/yr. This purifier is easy to maintain with quick change
filters. The purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 438/ Dust 400/ Pollen 450 – This model has received high awards from AHAM.
Rating Factors:
1) Value 10/20 pts or 16/20 pts (smokestop) – The MSRP is 599.95/ 669.95 (smokestop). Converting the "What is removed" to rating factors scale = 2/5 pts or 3/5 pts (smokestop). I
rate the cleaning ability for up to 679 sqft at 2/2 extremely well. My equation is 599.95/(2*2)= 150 or 669.95/(3*2)= 111.7 (smokestop). 150 equates to 10/20 pts for value. (smokestop = 16
pts)
2) Quality 12/15 pts – Materials are made for the long-haul. Powder coated, galvanized steel parts are used throughout. Documentation is compact and a little on the minimal side. What is
there is well done. Workmanship 5/5 pts, Technologies 5/5 pts, Support/ Setup material 1/3 pts, and intangibles 1/2 pts
3) What is Removed 8/15 pts or 10/15 pts (smokestop) – A 2-step process is utilized. The particles are charged and these charged particles pass through one of three HEPA Filters with carbon
(electrostatic precipitator/ charged media filter). Smokestop adds protection against smaller particles and some VOCs. Particles >0.3 microns 1/1 pt, Odors and Gases 2/3 pts, VOCs 1/2 pts,
Basic Microorganisms 2/3 pts, Particles <0.3 microns 2/3 pts, Advanced Microorganisms 0/2 pts, Any other additional 0/1 pt. Add 2 points for smokestop for odors and gases and some VOC
protection.
4) Yearly Operating Costs 3/15 pts or 0/15 (smokestop) – Particle filters with carbon changed every 6 months costs 80 x 2 = 160/yr. The Smokestop version costs 149.95 X 2 = 299.90/yr.
Electricity ranges from 35 to 120 watts depending on fan speed. I'll assume 77.5 (midway). 77.5 watts/1000 X .0886 cents x 24 hours X 365 days = 60.15. Total Yearly cost 220.15 or 360.05
(smokestop)
5) Warranty 8/8 pts – The Blueair 610 has a 10 year warranty. Filters are not covered unless defective.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning 7/7 pts – Simplicity describes the cleaning and maintenance. Lift off the top, pull out 3 filters, lightly vacuum, and wipe outside as if dusting a piece of
furniture. Clean when changing filters every 6 months. Total time, less than 30 minutes every 6 months.
7) Manufacturer Years in Business 4/5 pts – Founded in Sweden, the company has been around since 1996.
8) Look and Feel 4/5 pts – My wife stated that it looked like an old computer (back in the 70's when they were huge). It is a simple design. No remote. The only control is the 3 speed
operation dial. Large unit 35lb. See quality for a discussion on materials.
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. This is a larger air purifier and it may take a "little
extra" to get it out of the box. 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 (32dB) 2/2 pts. 490 CFM fan on high (68dB) 1/3 pts. Low speed is presented as "nighttime" use, medium speed as "daytime" use, and
high speed as "fast initial cleaning or very polluted air".
total = 64 points/ 68 points with smokestop
Conclusion
Use the 501 unless you need the larger sqft.
Model: Blueair 501
Rating Score: 67 points/ 71 points with smokestop
Review note: I have not personally tested this Blueair air purifier; however, it is a slightly lighter duty version of the 601 which I did personally review above.
Summary
: I like that this purifier is simple to use. It has an exceptional warranty. Maintenance is easy. Sometimes we pay for easy though and the 501 does have a higher maintenance cost.
Overall a good purifier. If your room size fits, I would recommend the 501 over the 601. The 501/ 601 difference is the 501 has a lighter duty fan. Make sure to read STEP5 Buying Tips, for
getting the most Blueair for your money.
Basic Specifications
The 501 is designed for spaces up to 580 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to
be cleaned. The 501 uses a 2-step process. Particles are first charged and then pass through one of three high tech HEPA Filters with carbon (electrostatic precipitator/ charged media filter).
The Smokestop upgrade is enhanced with three specialized filters adding extra protection against particles, odors and some VOCs. The 501 has a 4-speed fan and offers a 10 year warranty. The
HEPA w/ carbon filter needs changing every 6 months to keep the warranty intact (80 X 2 = 160/yr). The Smokestop version = 300/yr. This purifier is easy to maintain with quick change
filters. The purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 388/ Dust 377/ Pollen 378 – This model has received high awards from AHAM.
Rating Factors (see similar 601 above for more details)
1) Value 14/20 pts or 20/20 pts (smokestop) – The MSRP is 499.95/ 569.95 (smokestop). Converting the "What is removed" to rating factors scale = 2/5 pts or 3/5 pts (smokestop). I
rate the cleaning ability for up to 580 sqft at 2/2 extremely well. My equation is 499.95/(2*2)= 125 or 569.95/(3*2)= 95 (smokestop). 125 equates to a 14/20 pts for value. (smokestop = 20
pts)
2) Quality 12/15 pts – same as 601.
3) What is Removed 8/15 pts or 10/15 pts (smokestop) – same as 601.
4) Yearly Operating Costs 3/15 pts or 0/15 (smokestop) – Particle filters with carbon changed every 6 months will cost 80 x 2 = 160/yr. The Smokestop version will cost 149.95 X 2 =
299.90/yr. Electricity ranges from 35 to 90 watts depending on fan speed. I'll assume 62.5 (midway). 62.5 watts/1000 X .0886 cents x 24 hours X 365 days = 48.50. Total Yearly cost 208.50
or 348.40 (smokestop)
5) Warranty 8/8 pts – same as 601.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning 7/7 pts – same as 601.
7) Manufacturer Years in Business 4/5 pts – same as 601.
8) Look and Feel 4/5 pts – same as 601.
9) Set-Up Time 5/5 pts – same as 601.
10) Noise Level 2/5 pts – has a 4-speed fan with highest db at 71.
total = 67 points/ 71 points with smokestop
Conclusion
This is the Best Blueair purifier for basic home use. Model: Blueair 402 Last Reviewed: 11-12-07 Rating Score: 57 points/ 70 points with smokestop
Review note: I have not personally tested this Blueair air purifier; however, it is a smaller version of the 601 which I did personally review above.
Summary
I like that this purifier is simple to use. It has an exceptional warranty. Maintenance is easy. Sometimes we pay for easy though and the 402 does have a higher maintenance cost. If
your room size fits, I would recommend the 402 over the 501/601. I would only recommend the 402 smokestop version as the regular doesn't even have carbon filters for gaseous/odor/VOC
control. Overall a good purifier. Make sure to read STEP5 Buying Tips, for getting the most Blueair for your money.
Basic Specifications
The 402 is designed for spaces up to 310 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to
be cleaned. The 402 uses a 2-step process. Particles are first charged and then pass through a high tech HEPA Filter (electrostatic precipitator/ charged media filter). The Smokestop upgrade is
enhanced with a specialized filter adding extra protection against particles, odors and some VOCs. The 402 has a 4-speed fan and offers a 10 year warranty. The HEPA filter needs changing every
6 months to keep the warranty intact (60 X 2 = 120/yr). The Smokestop version = 240/yr. This purifier is easy to maintain with quick change filters. The purifier has non-outgasing
surfaces.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 335/ Dust 253/ Pollen 240
Rating Factors (see 601 for more details):
1) Value 2/20 pts or 16/20 pts (smokestop) – The MSRP is 399.95/ 469.95 (smokestop). Converting the "What is removed" to rating factors scale = 1/5 pts or 2/5 pts (smokestop). I
rate the cleaning ability for up to 310 sqft at 2/2 extremely well. My equation is 399.95/(1*2)= 200 or 469.95/(2*2)= 117.5 (smokestop). 200 equates to 2/20 pts for value. (smokestop = 16
pts)
2) Quality 12/15 pts – same as 601.
3) What is Removed 5/15 pts or 7/15 pts (smokestop) – The 402 filter does not have carbon (-3) pts on odors and VOCs vs. the 501/601. Same with smokestop – filter not as effective (-3) pts
on odors and VOCs vs. the 501/601.
4) Yearly Operating Costs 6/15 pts or 3/15 (smokestop) – Particle filters changed every 6 months will cost 60 x 2 = 120. The Smokestop version will cost 120 X 2 = 240. Electricity ranges
from 20 to 55 watts depending on fan speed. I'll assume 40. 40 watts/1000 X .0886 cents x 24 hours X 365 days = 31.05. Total Yearly cost 151.05 or 271.05 (smokestop)
5) Warranty 8/8 pts – same as 601.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning 7/7 pts – same as 601.
7) Manufacturer Years in Business 4/5 pts – same as 601.
8) Look and Feel 4/5 pts – same as 601.
9) Set-Up Time 5/5 pts – same as 601.
10) Noise Level 4/5 pts – quiet unit 32dB on low 2/2 pts/ 51 dB on high 2/3 pts.
total = 57 points/ 70 points with smokestop
Conclusion
I would recommend the smokestop version over the basic 402. Model: Blueair 201/250E Last Reviewed: 11-12-07 Rating Score: 201 59 points/ 74 points with carbon Rating Score: 250E
57 points/ 70 points with carbon
Review note: I have not personally tested this purifier; however, it is basically the same technology, but a much smaller version of the 601 which I did personally review above.
Summary
The old simple style (201) and the new digital style (250E). Pick which one you like. They have good warranties. Maintenance is easy, but moderately priced. I would recommend the
carbon version over the regular in both cases. The extra cost is worth it. Overall good purifiers. Make sure to read STEP5 Buying Tips, for getting the most Blueair for your money.
Basic Specifications
The 201/250E are designed for spaces up to 175 sqft (6 air changes per hour). The 201 and 250E are the same except for the interface on the 250E is digital. The 250E
has timers, remote, automatic mode, and air quality sensors. Passive technology – electrostatic precipitator/ charged media HEPA filter with carbon. Quiet 3-speed fan, 5 year warranty, HEPA – 6
month life 50 = 100/yr. Carbon version = 160/yr. Easy to maintain with quick change filters. The purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) 107/ Dust 112/ Pollen 140
Rating Factors
note 201 and 250E models both rated
1) Value 2/20 or 0/20 pts and 18/20 pts or 14/20 (carbon) – The MSRP is 299.95 or 349.95 / 329.95 or 379.95 (carbon). Converting the "What is removed" to rating factors scale =
1/5 pts or 2/5 pts (carbon). I rate the cleaning ability for up to 175 sqft at 1.5/2 very well. My equation is 299.95 or 349.95/(1*1.5)= 200/233.3 and 329.95 or 379.95/(2*1.5)= 110/126.7
(carbon). 200/233.3 equates to 2/20 or 0/20 pts for value. (carbon = 18/20 or 14/20 pts)
2) Quality 12/15 pts – same as 601.
3) What is Removed 4/15 pts or 6/15 pts (carbon) – Particles >0.3 microns 1/1 pt, Odors and Gases 0/3 pts, VOCs 0/2 pts, Basic Microorganisms 1/3 pts, Particles <0.3 microns 2/3 pts,
Advanced Microorganisms 0/2 pts, Any other additional 0/1 pt. Add 2 points for smokestop for odors and gases and some VOC protection.
4) Yearly Operating Costs 9/15 pts or 6/15 (carbon) – Particle filters changed every 6 months will cost 50 x 2 = 100. The carbon version will cost 80 X 2 = 160. Electricity ranges from
20 to 50 watts depending on fan speed. I'll assume 40. 40 watts/1000 X .0886 cents x 24 hours X 365 days = 31.05. Total Yearly cost 131.05 or 191.05 (carbon)
5) Warranty 8/8 pts – warranty on these two models is 5 years.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning 7/7 pts – same as 601.
7) Manufacturer Years in Business 4/5 pts – same as 601.
8) Look and Feel 4/5 pts – same as 601.
9) Set-Up Time 5/5 pts – same as 601.
10) Noise Level 4/5 pts – Quiet on low 34dB 2/2 pts and on high at 55dB 2/3 pts.
total 201 = 59 points/ 74 points with carbon total 250E = 57 points/ 70 points with carbon
Conclusion
Either purifier is good in the carbon version.
Model: Blueair AirPod
Rating Score: 84 points
Review note: I have not personally tested this purifier; however, it is a mini-version of the 601 which I did personally review above.
Summary
The AirPod is simple, energy efficient, and effective against standard HEPA particles. Good warranty (5 years). Keep in mind the 84 points is relative as this purifier is limited in
what it cleans and the size room it cleans. Compare to other like purifiers. Make sure to read STEP5 Buying Tips, for getting the most Blueair for your money.
Basic Specifications
The AirPod is designed for spaces up to 45 cubic feet. Passive technology – electrostatic precipitator/ charged media HEPA filter. Quiet 1-speed fan, 5 year warranty,
HEPA – 6 month life 40/yr. Energy efficient. Easy to maintain with quick change filters. The purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.
Rating Factors:
1) Value 20/20 pts – The MSRP is 99.95. Converting the "What is removed" to rating factors scale = 1/5 pts. I rate the cleaning ability for up to 45 cubic feet at 1/2 well. My
equation is 99.95/(1*1)= 100. 100 equates to a 20/20.
2) Quality 12/15 pts – rated same as 601.
3) What is Removed 3/15 pts – Particles >0.3 microns 1/1 pt, Odors and Gases 0/3 pts, VOCs 0/2 pts, Basic Microorganisms 1/3 pts, Particles <0.3 microns 1/3 pts, Advanced
Microorganisms 0/2 pts, Any other additional 0/1 pt.
4) Yearly Operating Costs 15/15 pts – Particle filters changed every 6 months will cost 40/yr (2 pack). Electricity 5 watts. 5 watts/1000 X .0886 cents x 24 hours X 365 days = 3.88. Total
Yearly cost 43.88.
5) Warranty 8/8 pts – warranty is 5 years.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning 7/7 pts – same as 601.
7) Manufacturer Years in Business 4/5 pts – same as 601.
8) Look and Feel 5/5 pts – Good.
9) Set-Up Time 5/5 pts – Simple.
10) Noise Level 5/5 pts – one speed quiet.
total = 84 points
Conclusion
Certainly cost effective; not as "clean" effective.
Model: Blueair Eco10
Rating Score: 58 points
Review note: I have not personally tested this purifier; however, it is an advanced version of the 601 which I did personally review above. The advancements appear to be mostly in how the
purifier operates as opposed to how it cleans. The 601 review above covers the technology.
Summary
Very simple, energy efficient, and quiet. The lifetime warranty is fantastic. I have trouble recommending this purifier without some type of an odor/gas/VOC option. At this time it
appears to only have quality HEPA filtration for particles. I will update review as time goes on if changes occur. Make sure to read STEP5 Buying Tips, for getting the most Blueair for your
money.
Basic Specifications
The Eco10 is designed for spaces up to 200 sqft (6 air changes per hour). Passive technology – electrostatic precipitator/ charged media HEPA filter. Quiet 2-speed fan,
lifetime year warranty, HEPA – 12 month life 100/yr. Extremely energy efficient. Easy to maintain with quick change filters. The purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures(AHAM) Smoke 190/ Dust 195/ Pollen 200
Rating Factors (see 601 for more details):
1) Value 0/20 pts – The MSRP is 899.95. Converting the "What is removed" to rating factors scale = 1/5 pts. I rate the cleaning ability for up to 200 sqft at 2/2 extremely well.
My equation is 899.95/(1*2)= 450. 450 equates to a 0/20 for value.
2) Quality 12/15 pts – same as 601.
3) What is Removed 5/15 pts – Particles >0.3 microns 1/1 pt, Odors and Gases 0/3 pts, VOCs 0/2 pts, Basic Microorganisms 2/3 pts, Particles <0.3 microns 2/3 pts, Advanced
Microorganisms 0/2 pts, Any other additional 0/1 pt.
4) Yearly Operating Costs 9/15 pts – Particle filters changed every 12 months will cost 100. Electricity 10 watts. 10 watts/1000 X .0886 cents x 24 hours X 365 days = 7.76/yr. Total Yearly
cost 107.76.
5) Warranty 8/8 pts – Lifetime warranty – impressive!
6) Maintenance and Cleaning 7/7 pts – same as 601.
7) Manufacturer Years in Business 4/5 pts – same as 601.
8) Look and Feel 4/5 pts – same as 601.
9) Set-Up Time 5/5 pts – same as 601.
10) Noise Level 4/5 pts – a good 49 dB on High
total = 58 points
Conclusion
I don't recommend unless they improve the filter medium to remove gases/odors/VOCs.
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