Blueair, a Swedish company, believes clean air is a human right. They design their purifiers and air quality monitors to blend into any room’s decor. But, they also take pride in producing extremely effective machines. The brand’s unique features keep air clean and look good doing it. And their top notch quality cements Blueair’s place near the top of the market. Simply put, you can’t go wrong with one of their purifiers.
They provide nearly silent products that feature cutting edge technology. Blueair purifiers have won design awards worldwide. They are frequently featured in popular home magazines. The United States government even uses them to purify air in embassies. We created this air purifier review guide to get you started in choosing the best air purifier for your needs.
Their Technology
Blueair is an innovative company that developed several award-winning designs over the years. Their machines feature technology that you cannot find anywhere else. We’ve summarized the role and function of some of their best and most popular features below.
E-series Technology
The company’s base models all feature a simple knob for adjustments. However, their line of e-series models all feature special digital technology. These digital features include two sensors: an optic laser sensor and a ceramic sensor. These sensors allow the machine to detect odors and gas in addition to particle count. This gives e-series machines the ability to adjust fan speeds automatically. They increase speed when they detect higher levels of impurities. And automatically slow it down after they’re gone. This is a great feature for allergy sufferers. Pollen levels rise and fall throughout the day, with the worst concentrations often coming in the early morning. Air purifiers that can adjust to handle this increase allow users to sleep soundly and wake refreshed.
E-series models feature a digital display. Which works with the sensors to display the current air quality in the room. Along with these features, the e-series models include a timer. As well as an indicator light to alert you when it is time to replace the filter. These features work together to make appliance use and maintenance as easy as possible.
Digital units also include two universal remotes that allow you to turn the machine on and off. Users can also use the remotes to adjust fan speeds manually from anywhere in the room. If users wake with allergy symptoms, they can quickly increase the fan speed for easier breathing. This is an especially important feature for users who need air purifiers for medical reasons.
SmokeStop Filters
Blueair filter technology is a big selling point for these air purifiers. And, one of the company’s most notable filter innovations is their trademark SmokeStop filters. Engineers designed the filters to eliminate harmful odors and other gaseous pollutants. This makes them a great choice for smokers looking to keep their homes free of secondhand smoke.
This is made possible through the use of activated carbon. Which humans have used as a method of filtration for both air and water for hundreds of years. Carbon is special because it is extremely porous, which allows it to absorb impurities like a sponge. These filters are excellent for eliminating odors and gasses like smoke. This is because activated carbon has the ability to trap very small particles. Despite their high efficiency, HEPA filters are not as effective at removing such contaminants. Together, activated carbon and HEPA filters can remove the widest possible range of pollutants.
SmokeStop filters are special because they contain higher amounts of activated carbon. Not as much as filters in Austin Air purifiers. But, more than the carbon filters commonly found in other air purifiers. They are, therefore, more effective than regular carbon filters. SmokeStop filters are available for use in all 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 series models.
SurroundAir Technology
The company designed its trademark SurroundAir to maximize clean air delivery quietly and effectively. Most air purifiers cycle air through the front of the machine and send it out the back. Not Blueair purifiers. Thier SurroundAir machines pull in air from the bottom and sides. SurroundAir releases purified air from the top and sides. This unique airflow design cuts down on noise. It also eliminates the drafts caused by many air purifiers on the market. SurroundAir technology is found in all 503, 603, 650E, and ECO10 models.
HEPASilent Technology
HEPA filters were designed for use in the Second World War to protect soldiers from harmful chemicals. After the war, they were incorporated for use in a variety of other products. Eventually, they were adopted as the gold standard for air purifiers filters.
HEPA filters work differently than standard paper filters, which work by simply blocking large particles from moving through the filter. Instead, HEPA filters target pollutants by attracting them to the filter, where they stick and become trapped. HEPA filters are also regulated by the US government. The rating requires a filter to remove 99.97 percent of particles larger than 0.3 microns from the air.
Blueair has taken HEPA technology to the next level with HEPASilent. This filtration process uses an ionizer in conjunction with a HEPA filter. This makes HEPASilent more effective than standard filtration methods. Mainly because particles are electronically charged, causing them to adhere more strongly to the fibers in the HEPA filter. People with upper respiratory conditions should consult with a doctor before buying an air purifier with an ionizer. This is because some produce ozone, which may aggravate their symptoms.
Blueair Purifier Best Sellers
650E Digital HEPASilent
The 650E is Blueair’s premier model. It comes fitted with all of their signature technologies, and also boasts the world’s highest clean air delivery rate. Blueair packed it with enough power to purify the air in large rooms of up to 700 square feet. Although it is a large unit, it is designed with the same pleasing aesthetics as smaller Blueair machines.
Customer Sentiment
Users report that this unit filters air very thoroughly. They noticed visible evidence that it removed dust from the air. And, allergy sufferers saw significant relief from their symptoms. Even satisfied users, however, had significant issues with the inconveniently placed control panel. A few users had some trouble with this unit in their bedrooms. They claimed the blue light kept them awake. And, some found the product to be significantly louder than other Blueair air purifiers. Several users had problems with customer service, and others had the remote and/or manual missing from their delivered units.
Pros
- E-Series digital technology with automatic setting and remote
- 4 fan speeds in manual mode
- Trademark HEPASilent filter
- SurroundAir technology for optimized airflow
- Energy Star certified
Cons
- Larger machine that takes up some space
- Digital display inconveniently placed on the side of the machine
203 HepaSilent Air-Purification System
The 203 is the company’s most compact machine. However, despite its small size, it effectively cleans the air in rooms of up to 240 square feet. That makes it perfect for smaller bedrooms. Like all other Blueair machines, it sports both sleek styling and solid construction. It is also simple to operate, and filter replacement is a breeze.
Customer Sentiment
Previous buyers loved this product. Allergy sufferers saw a dramatic improvement in symptoms, even those with lots of pets. Many users found the 203 Slim HepaSilent to work better than its competition. Users reported that it made very little noise and worked perfectly for bedrooms. The only serious critique was that the blue light on the appliance. It lit up dark bedrooms when users were trying to sleep.
Pros
- Quiet 3-speed fan that produces pleasant white noise
- HEPASilent filtration technology
- Magnetic filter change timer than can be placed on a refrigerator
- Most affordable Blueair model
- Built-in handle for portability
Cons
- Does not include SurroundAir technology
- Blue light may disturb sleep
403 HepaSilent Air-Purification System
This mid-sized model is the perfect compromise between power and portability. It is powerful enough to operate in rooms of up to 365 square feet. But also light enough to move from room to room with ease. The 403 is Blueair’s best-seller and has won the Excellent Swedish Design Award. It also boasts a permanent spot in the Stockholm National Museum.
Customer Sentiment
Previous buyers loved this product and gave it high praise. Although a few mentioned that it appeared a bit bulky in small rooms. However, the difference in air quality was almost immediately evident. Users found the unit had superior, sturdier construction compared to other brands. The product also lives up to its claims of portability. In fact, several users mentioned moving it around the house fairly frequently.
Pros
- HEPASilent filtration technology
- Double-suction radial fan produces a pleasantly quiet sound
- Simple knob to choose between 4 different fan speeds
- Magnetic filter change timer
- Best value of all Blueair models
- Energy Star certified
Cons:
- Does not include SurroundAir technology, but cycles air through the sides of the machine
- Light may interrupt sleep
Blueair Aware Indoor Air Quality Monitor
Unlike the other products on our list, the Blueair Aware is an air monitor rather than a purifier. While many top of the line air purifiers come with sensors, the majority do not. And, that’s not a big deal. Older models that still work perfectly well may not have the latest sensors. That’s where this product comes into play. It allows users to use their sensorless air purifiers more efficiently. The Aware monitors more than most air purifier sensors, too. In addition to dust particles and allergens, the Aware monitors carbon dioxide, total VOC, temperature, and humidity. After every scan, the Aware sends an update wirelessly to a smartphone app. Thus allowing homeowners to monitor their home’s air quality at any time.
Customer Sentiment
This product uses a lot of highly advanced technology. Unfortunately, that means the company needs to continue working out bugs and glitches. The will make improvements in future models, but feedback for the current product is clearly split between users. Some love it… some are less than impressed. In some cases, the Wi-Fi connection simply didn’t work.
Others had issues with the sensor. In those cases, it never changed its report. Even when moved into different rooms or after opening and closing windows. Some users also disliked the bulky wall plug. Since the Aware has no independent battery system, it must remain plugged in at all times. Despite all this, those who received functional models enjoyed their air quality monitor. It gave them a sense of safety and helped those with medical concerns rest easy.
Pros
- Allows remote air quality monitoring
- Monitors everything from airborne particles to dangerous gasses
- No batteries required
Cons:
- Development flaws/bugs
- Many initial buyers received broken products
Final Verdict
Blueair offers some of the best air purifiers on the market. Each model has slightly different features, but all feature similar appealing designs. Even though some models require more space than models like the Slim, their design helps them blend into your home.
The 650E is one of the company’s best large machines, and it is suitable for most applications. It can purify the air in rooms up to 700 square feet. That certainly provides the best performance out of all the products listed. Its size is more appropriate for large, open spaces. But that means it may eat up too much space in a small bedroom or study. The design and location of the control panel make situating the device in a room even trickier.
For those looking for a slightly more affordable option, the 403 would be an excellent choice, especially for smaller rooms. The 403 does offer fewer features. But, if the price is a concern it is arguably the best product on our list. It can’t handle as much air as the 650E. But, it does offer more positive feedback and might result in fewer headaches thanks to streamlined design features.
The Aware is an example of great technology that will be far more functional when the updated model comes out. It is ambitious, and it works well with their products. Until Blue air fixes the bugs, however, you may have to contend with recurring errors.