Guardian Technologies creates a wide variety of small appliances. And, each of their appliance lines focuses on improving the air. To help add a little moisture to the air they offer ultrasonic humidifiers. And to spruce up the smell Guardian has a line of aromatherapy products. But, their core focus is on home air purifiers. Germ Guardian reviews typically focus on the ubiquitous AC4825 model but we think their entire purifier line deserves consideration.
Their full range of air purifiers features several designs and filter types. But, the thing we really like is that they provide a HEPA filter and activated carbon at a very low price point. Which makes Germ Guardian air purifiers are a great pick when it comes to in-home machines.
With solid filters and low prices, they are a great value. If you’re shopping for a purifier to place in a small to mid-sized room we think you’ll be pleased with at least one of the following options.
GermGuardian Purifier Products
GermGuardian GG1100 – Summary
The GermGuardian GG1100 is a compact and easy-to-use purifier. It fits easily into any room’s decor plugging directly into any wall outlet. This machine features UV-C light which in an effort to fight germs and viruses. The UV-C technology is combined with Titanium Dioxide to boost odor elimination. The GG1100 measures 2.4 inches deep by 3.5 inches wide by 6.9 inches high and is great for small sized rooms. It has only one fan speed and comes with an easy to use USB port. Due to the use of UV-C, there are no filters to clean or replace. It’s pretty small, so this model is not very good for larger spaces.
Pros:
- Plugs directly into the wall
- USB Port
- 2.4 x 3.5 x 6.9 inches
- Great for small sized rooms
- UV-C light
- One Fan Speed
- Compact and easy-to-use
- No filter to clean or replace
- 1-year Warranty
Cons:
- Too small for larger spaces
- Only one setting
- Fan sound louder than expected
GermGuardian AC4100 – Summary
Just like the GG1100, the AC4100 houses a sleek and efficient air cleaning system. It is, however, a slightly larger model that uses a three-stage HEPA filter system. The AC4100 measures 7.5 inches long by 6.5 inches wide by 11 inches high and sits comfortably on any tabletop, blending into a room with its speaker-like design.
The three stages of cleaning begin with a charcoal pre-filter which traps common odors. The second stage includes a HEPA filter capable of trapping 99.97 percent of all airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. The final stage is a UV-C light that claims to be effective at killing airborne bacteria, viruses, germs and mold. While this model is considered silent, lightweight and relatively powerful, it is not good for large spaces or fighting heavy odors.
Pros:
- 3-stage filter system
- HEPA Filter
- UV-C Light
- Charcoal pre-filter
- Dimensions 7.5 x 6.5 x 11 inches
- 3-speed control
- Perfect for table tops
- Replacement filter reminder
Cons:
- Not as good for larger rooms
- Will not help with heavy odors
GermGuardian AC4825 – Summary
The GermGuardian AC4825 is one of our favorite air purifiers. The AC4825 is a sleek and modern-looking machine. It measures 7 inches long by 10.2 inches wide by 21.5 inches high. It is energy-star qualified and also utilizes a three-stage filter system similar to the AC4100. This model has an additional two-in-one pre-filter with activated carbon. Activated carbon is used primarily to eliminate strong odors. However, for severe issues with smoke or VOCS, other models will do a better job. The AC4100 is known to be ultra-quiet and has indicator lights for filter and UV-C bulb change. It is still a smaller air purifier so best used in smaller spaces.
Pros:
- 3-stage filter system
- HEPA Filter
- UV-C Light
- 2-in-1 activated carbon pre-filter
- CADR Rated 100+ (Clean Air Delivery Rate)
- 7 x 10.2 x 21.5 inches
- 3 Fans Speeds
- Filter Change Reminder
- Energy Star Qualified
- Quiet
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
- Sleek and modern design
Cons:
- Not designed for larger rooms
- Activated Carbon filter not good for smoke or VOCs
GermGuardian AC4900CA – Summary
Other than its external design, the GermGuardian AC4900CA is very similar to the AC4825. It looks more like a sound speaker and measures 8.9 inches long by 7.1 inches wide by 21.8 inches high. It also has three-speed settings and a three-stage filter system. The three-stage filter system once again uses a charcoal filter, HEPA filter, and UV-C. The AC4900CA is optimal for small rooms and offices. It is effective for allergy symptoms and is ideal for pet owners.
Pros:
- 3-stage filter system
- HEPA Filter
- UV-C Light
- CADR Rated 101+ (Clean Air Delivery Rate)
- 8.9 x 7.1 x 21.8 inches
- 3 Fans Speeds
- Filter Change Reminder
- Quiet Operation
- Energy Star Qualified
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Need to replace filters every 6 months
GermGuardian AC5000E – Summary
The GermGuardian AC5000E is nearly identical in appearance to the AC4825 except that it is a slightly larger model and therefore can accommodate a slightly larger room. Because of this, the AC5000 has a warranty lasting up to five years instead of only three. It houses the same three-stage filter system as the other GermGuardian models, combining charcoal and HEPA filters with UV-C technology. The UV-C on/off control is very bright and distracting at times but the AC5000E is still considered quiet compared to its size. This model is also Energy Star-certified.
Pros:
- 3-stage filter system
- HEPA Filter
- UV-C technology
- Activated carbon filter
- CADR Rated 125+ (Clean Air Delivery Rate)
- 10.2 x 7 x 28 inches
- 3 Fans Speeds
- Filter Change Reminder
- UV-C On/Off Control
- Quiet Operation
- Energy Star Qualified
- ARB Certified
- 5-Year Limited Warranty
- Tall and sleek design
Cons:
- UV-C light bright and potentially distracting
- Emits plastic smell first few days of use
GermGuardian AC5250PT – Summary
The tall and sleek GermGuardian AC5250PT is a perfect air purifier for pet owners. This machine also has a three-in-one air cleaning system but with a slight twist. In addition to the charcoal filter, HEPA filter, and UV-C light technology, the AC5250PT comes with a PetPure filter.
This filter features an antimicrobial agent which prevents the growth of mildew, mold, bacteria and helps keep your home smelling clean. The dimensions measure 6.1 inches long by 9.5 inches wide by 27.2 inches high and works well in small or large rooms. The AC5250PT has five-speed settings as well as a five-year warranty. The higher settings produce louder noise than desirable and some reviews suggest the machine emits a plastic or chemical smell during the first few days of use. Overall, however, the AC5250PT is a powerful and efficient machine.
Pros:
- 3-stage filter system
- HEPA Filter
- UV-C technology
- Activated carbon filter
- CADR Rated 125+ (Clean Air Delivery Rate)
- 6.1 x 9.5 x 27.2 inches
- 5 Fans Speeds
- Filter Change Reminder
- UV-C On/Off Control
- Quiet Operation settings
- Energy Star Qualified
- 5-Year Limited Warranty
- Tall and sleek design
Cons:
- Higher fan settings produce more noise
- May emit plastic chemical smell at beginning
GermGuardian AC5300 – Summary
The GermGuardian AC5300 is yet another great Guardian Technology machine. It retains the tall and sleek design pattern but with a more stylish design. This machine has the three-stage filter system standard to other Guardian machines, utilizing activated carbon, HEPA and UV-C light technologies. The AC5300 has three speed settings, a filter change indicator, and a five-year warranty. This machine has dimensions measuring 9.1 inches long by 6.7 inches wide by 27.6 inches high and works best in medium to large rooms. Just like many of the other models, the AC5300 can be louder on higher settings.
Pros:
- 3-stage filter system
- HEPA Filter
- UV-C technology
- Activated carbon filter
- CADR Rated 109+ (Clean Air Delivery Rate)
- 9.1 x 6.7 x 27.6 inches
- 3 Fans Speeds
- Filter Change Reminder
- 5-Year Limited Warranty
- Tall and sleek design
Cons:
- Louder on higher settings
GermGuardian AC5350 – Summary
With an identical exterior to the AC5300, the GermGuardian AC5350 incorporates several unique advantages. This model also measures 9.1 inches long by 6.7 inches wide by 27.6 inches high and is great for medium to large rooms. The most important difference, however, is that the AC5350 has an advanced four-in-one filter system. In addition to the charcoal and HEPA filters plus UV-C technology, this model has specialized functions for allergen and odor reduction. The AC5350 has five-speed options, a filter change reminder, UV-C controls, and an eight-hour timer. It is a wonderful air purifier for a modern home.
Pros:
- 4-in-1 cleaning system
- HEPA Filter
- UV-C technology
- Activated carbon filter
- CADR Rated 110+ (Clean Air Delivery Rate)
- 9.1 x 6.7 x 27.6 inches
- 5 Fans Speeds
- Filter Change Reminder
- UV-C On/Off Control
- Quiet Operation settings
- 8-hour timer
- Energy Star Qualified
- 5-Year Limited Warranty
- Tall and sleek design
Cons:
- Louder on higher settings
- Not recommended for heavy odors
GermGuardian CDAP4500BCA – Summary
The GermGuardian CDAP4500BCA is another tower model with a unique addition. This model has dimensions measuring 8.9 inches long by 6.4 inches wide by 22 inches high, perfect for a medium-sized room. It utilizes the four-in-one air cleaning system and has a filter change indicator as well as a programmable timer. But the truly unique aspect of this air purifier is that it is Wifi enabled. It works with [easyazon_link identifier=”B01DFKC2SO” locale=”US” tag=”pasupply-20″]Amazon Alexa[/easyazon_link] for voice control and can be automatically optimized by downloading an app. The Smart AQM (Air Quality Monitor) detects the amount of particles in the air. It then adjusts the speed automatically to optimize room air quality. The Guardian Technologies app will also notify you when it is time to change a filter or bulb. The CDAP4500BCA is a truly innovative air purifier.
Pros:
- 4-in-1 cleaning system
- HEPA Filter
- UV-C technology
- Activated carbon filter
- WIFI enabled
- SmartAQM
- CADR Rated 100+ (Clean Air Delivery Rate)
- 8.9 x 6.4 x 22 inches
- Filter Change Reminder
- UV-C On/Off Control
- Programmable timer
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Higher fan setting produce more noise
- May emit plastic chemical smell at beginning
GermGuardian AC9200WCA – Summary
The GermGuardian AC9200WCA is an exceptionally powerful machine with a one-of-a-kind design. This model is aesthetically different from the other GermGuardian air purifiers. Instead of being tall and sleek, it is a slightly bulkier design, though still small enough to comfortably fit into any room, measuring 9.1 inches long by 6.7 inches wide by 27.6 inches high.
The AC9200WCA includes the three-stage filter system as well as an optional Ionizer which can be turned on or off. The ionizer assists in controlling allergens. Since these units have ionizers they can produce ozone which is damaging to your lungs. In contrast, the AC9200WCA has a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) of 244 for smoke, 310 for dust and 346 for pollen so it can clean the air of a room up to 378 square feet.
Pros:
- 3-stage filter system
- HEPA Filter
- UV-C technology
- Activated carbon filter
- Optional Ionizer
- CADR Rated 244+ (Clean Air Delivery Rate)
- 9.1 x 6.7 x 27.6 inches
- 3 Fan Speeds
- Filter Change Reminder
- UV-C On/Off Control
- Timer
- Energy Star Qualified
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Ozone Production
Final Thoughts
GermGuardian air purifiers are a great value and come with a variety of options. With three or four-in-one cleaning systems, these machines will purify the air in your home at an affordable rate. Some of the settings are slightly too loud and many of the models are better suited to smaller spaces. Overall, however, these machines are high functioning and with modern innovative designs. In our Germ Guardian reviews, these always perform well. Therefore we recommend them for anyone shopping for a budget friendly purifier.