Ionic Pro air purifier review: Summaries and Detailed Reviews.
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Ionic Pro Air Purifier Summaries
Model: Therapure 100 Germicidal Air Sanitizer – Poor Rating
Small Room
MSRP 49.99
Conclusion: A sharp looking little purifier that couldn't.
Detailed Review Below
Model: Purepro Professional – Fair Rating
Smaller Room
MSRP 49.99
Conclusion: A bad Oreck knock-off; low cleaning power.
Detailed Review Below
Model: Ionic Pro Ionic Pro Air Purifier – Fair Rating
Single Room
MSRP 149.99
Conclusion: Knock-off of old sharper image design with poor cleaning ability.
Detailed Review Below
Model: Ionic Pro Turbo Ionic Pro Air Purifier – Fair Rating
Single Room
MSRP 179.99
Conclusion: Makes a great infomercial; questionable real cleaning power.
Detailed Review Below
Ionic Pro Air Purifier Detailed Reviews
Model: Therapure 100 Germicidal Air Sanitizer Ionic Pro Air Purifier
Rating Score: 49/100 points
Summary
In the world of generic towers and mini-towers, this purifier stands out with its unique looks. If it would actually do much cleaning we would have a winner. It is energy efficient,
easy to maintain, and quiet. These are all important, but when the cleaning power is lacking none of that matters.
Basic Specifications: The Therapure 100 Germicidal Air Sanitizer is designed for a small room. This purifier is passive as the air is drawn through the purifier and affected by the UV bulb.
Ionic Pro states the cleaning is a 3-stage process, but includes drawing the air in and pushing it out as two stages. The only cleaning stage is the UV lamp. The air that passes through the UV
chamber will incur a reduction in microorganisms. The actual reduction will depend on the actual microorganism and the air flow. No cleaning data or test results given. The UV bulb lasts a year
and will cost 14.95 to replace. There is a 3-speed fan and a 1-year warranty. This Ionic Pro air purifier has minor plastic outgassing smell out of the box.
Rating Factors:
1) Value: 4/24 points – The MSRP is 49.99. The estimated square footage cleaned is 120 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((49.99 initial + 26.59/year)/120 sqft)/1
removal points)) = 36.18. 36.18 = 4 points – bad value.
2) What is Removed: 1/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of
Odors and Gases – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of VOCs – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,
0-points.
3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – The UV bulb has a lifespan of 1-year. Replacement cost is 14.95/year. Calculating electricity usage: 15 watts/1000 X .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X
365 days/year = 11.64/year. Total cost 26.59/year. Very Inexpensive to operate.
4) Quality: 6/12 points – The quality is good for China plastic. I especially liked the mechanism and release lever for removing the UV bulb; slick. Unfortunately everything else is average
or below. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality, 3-points. Support Material – Poor Quality, 0-points.
5) Warranty: 2/8 points – The Therapure has a 1-year warranty. Fair Warranty.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points – Changing the UV bulb every year is the only routine maintenance. The marketing information states the high quality bulb lasts for years; very
general statement. 1 year is more likely. Changing the bulb is easy; less than 10 minutes. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. The manual recommends cleaning the UV lamp every 3-4 months. You will need
to let the lamp cool for at least 15-20 minutes before wiping the bulb. Easy Cleaning 3-points.
7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This is a decent looking little purifier. It is a small tower, but does not look generic like some of the lower cost models. Looks Good, 2-points. Plastic, but
a reasonable feel. Feels Good, 2-points.
8) Years in Business: 3/5 points – The products are marketed through the Sylmark group and its group of companies. They are less than 9 years old.
9) Noise Level: 5/5 points – This purifier has a 3-speed fan, but it is quiet from low to high. Very Quiet Noise Level.
10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Remove from the box and attach the AC adapter to the unit. Plug and go.Easy Set-up.
total = 49/100 points
Conclusion
A sharp looking little purifier that couldn't.
Model: Purepro Professional
Rating Score: 54/100 points
Summary
There are many tower purifiers out there, so look-a-likes are expected, but here is an Oreck knock-off. The Purepro states the "Highest Clean Air Rating" and "Whisper
Quiet", but shows no proof. They do seem to be Energy Star rated, but use an artificial CADR rating (they are not certified by AHAM). The actual cleaning ability is average or below.
Unfortunately some of the marketing material here reminds me of a Tupperware-Like product I once bought with lifetime warranty. Once I got the product home and it broke I could not find anyone
to talk to to get a replacement. Everything was a blank dead-end. Ionic Pro is not that bad, but some of the claims are inflated and it is very hard to find substantial factual data on their
air purifiers.
Basic Specifications
The Purepro Professional is designed for rooms up to 178 sqft. This purifier is passive/active with a pre filter, electrostatic precipitator, oxygen plus filter, and
negative ionizer (see technology section for explanation why this is questionable). There are no filters or parts to replace and all maintenance is done by wiping and washing. This unit has a
3-speed fan and 1-year warranty. This Ionic Pro air purifier has minor plastic outgassing smell out of the box.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 178/ Dust 178/ Pollen 178 *** Special Note *** Ionic Pro Uses this measure for this
purifier, but has not actually submitted to the AHAM. This makes the reading less meaningful as a comparison to other CADR rated units.
Rating Factors:
1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is 199.95. The estimated square footage cleaned is 178 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((199.95 initial + 65.97/year)/178 sqft)/5
removal points)) = 70.12. 70.12 = 12 points – fair value.
2) What is Removed: 5/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Good Removal, 1-point, Removal of Odors
and Gases – Good Removal, 1-point, Removal of VOCs – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Good Removal, 1-point, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,
0-points.
3) Yearly Operating Costs: 12/15 points – This purifier has no replacement filters or parts. Calculating electricity usage: 85 watts/1000 X .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year =
65.97/year. Total cost 65.97/year. Inexpensive to operate.
4) Quality: 6/12 points – Basic plastic quality from China. Average or below. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality, 3-points. Support
Material – Poor Quality, 0-points.
5) Warranty: 2/8 points – The Purepro has a 1-year warranty. Fair Warranty.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – There is no routine maintenance with this purifier. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Frequent cleaning of the electrostatic plates will be needed. The
pre filter will also need periodic cleaning. Expect to clean every 1-2 weeks or as needed. Intensive Cleaning 1-point.
7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This is obviously a knock-off of Orecks XL Tabletop Professional. It comes in graphite or white. Looks Good, 2-points. Plastic, but a reasonable feel. Feels
Good, 2-points.
8) Years in Business: 3/5 points – The products are marketed through the Sylmark group and its group of companies. They are less than 9 years old. The products are marketed through the
Sylmark group and its group of companies. They are less than 9 years old.
9) Noise Level: 3/5 points – Quite on low and louder on high. No actual dB information available. Average Noise Level.
10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.
total = 54/100 points
Conclusion
A bad Oreck knock-off; low cleaning power.
Model: Ionic Pro Ionic Pro Air Purifier
Rating Score: 55/100 points
Summary
Ionic Pro goes head to head with Sharper Image in its infomercial. They do not use this purifier (they use the Ionic Pro Turbo) because it is an older model. This is an old Ionic
Breeze knock-off. The Ionic Breeze was a successfully marketed unit, but it lacked durability and actual cleaning power. This purifier runs in that same line. What we have here is a low cost,
knock-off of a dated, questionable cleaning power air purifier. Part of the cleaning problem is the silent air flow. Without real good air flow, this purifier has trouble doing much of
anything.
Basic Specifications
The Ionic Pro is designed for rooms up to 200 sqft. This purifier is passive which means the air must pass through the purifier. It uses a basic electrostatic
precipitator and relies on its design to move the air silently. There are no filters or parts to replace and all maintenance is done by wiping and washing. This unit has 3-output settings and
2-year warranty. This Ionic Pro air purifier has minor plastic outgassing smell out of the box.
Rating Factors:
1) Value: 8/24 points – The MSRP is 149.99. The estimated square footage cleaned is 200 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((149.99 initial + 31.04/year)/200 sqft)/3
removal points)) = 69.83. 69.83 = 8 points – poor value.
2) What is Removed: 3/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Odors
and Gases – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of VOCs – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,
0-points.
3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – This unit has no replaceable parts. Calculating electricity usage: 40 watts/1000 X .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = 31.04/year. Total
cost 31.04/year. Very Inexpensive to operate.
4) Quality: 6/12 points – Basic plastic quality from China. Average or below. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality, 3-points. Support
Material – Poor Quality, 0-points.
5) Warranty: 4/8 points – A 2-year warranty is standard. Good Warranty.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – There is no routine maintenance with this purifier. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. This purifier needs cleaning every week. You may wipe the collection
blades or fully wash them with soap and water. They need to be fully dry before sliding them back into the purifier. You will also need to clean the wire by pulling a "wire cleaning
mechanism" up and down a few times. Wipe the outside of the unit as needed. Intensive Cleaning 1-point.
7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This unit looks like an old Sharper Image knock-off. The price is right, but the old Sharper Image units were flaky. Looks Good, 2-points. Plastic, but a
reasonable feel. Feels Good, 2-points.
8) Years in Business: 3/5 points – The products are marketed through the Sylmark group and its group of companies. They are less than 9 years old. The products are marketed through the
Sylmark group and its group of companies. They are less than 9 years old.
9) Noise Level: 5/5 points – Billed as silent, except for the crackling when it needs cleaning and down the road when it becomes less cleanable. Very Quiet Noise Level.
10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.
total = 55/100 points
Conclusion
: Knock-off of old sharper image design with poor cleaning ability. Return to Top Model: Ionic Pro Turbo Ionic Pro Air Purifier Last Reviewed: 01-17-08 Rating Score: 58/100
points
Summary
Ionic Pro Turbo goes head to head with Sharper Image in its infomercial. The talk around and around about its improved silent air flow being "second generation". They say
this gives them an edge over Sharper Image. Since it is a "copy" with improved air flow it should end up closely rated. It is and they both are not recommended.
Basic Specifications: The Ionic Pro Turbo is designed for a single room. This purifier is passive which means the air must pass through the purifier. It uses a basic electrostatic
precipitator and relies on its design to move the air silently. They claim improved air flow because of second generation technology. There are no filters or parts to replace and all
maintenance is done by wiping and washing. This unit has 3-output settings and 1-year warranty standard. This Ionic Pro air purifier has minor plastic outgassing smell out of the box.
Rating Factors:
1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is 179.99. The estimated square footage cleaned is 200 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((179.99 initial + 31.04/year)/200 sqft)/4
removal points)) = 73.62. 73.62 = 12 points – fair value.
2) What is Removed: 4/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Odors
and Gases – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of VOCs – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,
0-points.
3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – This unit has no replaceable parts. Calculating electricity usage: 40 watts/1000 X .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = 31.04/year. Total
cost 31.04/year. Very Inexpensive to operate.
4) Quality: 6/12 points – Basic plastic quality from China. Average or below. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality, 3-points. Support
Material – Poor Quality, 0-points.
5) Warranty: 2/8 points – A 1-year warranty is standard, but if you order online and pay full price upfront instead of the Free Trial, you get a 2-year warranty. I would do that if I
purchased this purifier. Fair Warranty.
6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – There is no routine maintenance with this purifier. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. This purifier needs cleaning every week or two. You may wipe the
collection blades or fully wash them with soap and water. They need to be fully dry before sliding them back into the purifier. Wipe the outside of the unit as needed. Intensive Cleaning
1-point.
7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This an improved Shaper Image knock off with a front removed collection blade array. Even though it is an improvement over the Ionic Pro, it is still just
another generic looking plastic tower. Looks Good, 2-points. Plastic, but a reasonable feel. Feels Good, 2-points.
8) Years in Business: 3/5 points – The products are marketed through the Sylmark group and its group of companies. They are less than 9 years old. The products are marketed through the
Sylmark group and its group of companies. They are less than 9 years old.
9) Noise Level: 5/5 points – Billed as silent, except for the crackling when it needs cleaning. Very Quiet Noise Level.
10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.
total = 58/100 points
Conclusion
Makes a great infomercial; questionable real cleaning power.
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