The 5 Winners of Our Best Air Purifiers for Smoke Tests

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smoking is no match for these air purifiers we tested and refresh .

You ca n’t control the air alfresco , but you canimprove the air timbre insideyour abode with an air purifier thatremoves odor and contaminants . They ’re particularly beneficial for smokers ( or those living with smoking compartment ) or those inwildfire risk areas , saysJenna Podjasek , M.D. , allergist , immunologist , and generator .

Podjasek says that roll of tobacco intake “ can irritate the airways and induce asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) exacerbations . ” Long - condition photo can conduct to chronic respiratory condition and reduced lung use .

Bissell air400 Air Purifier displayed on carpet

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

" For these individuals , air travel purifiers can help reduce photo to harmful corpuscle and chemicals in smoke , improving respiratory health , " Podjasek says .

What We Tested

To regain the best strain purifiers for bullet , we value over 70 model free-base ondesign and feature , effectiveness , and racket level . For more on how we tested air purifier , seeour examination processbelow .

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Germ Guardian 4-in-1 Air Purifier

This air purifier noticeably removes odors from the room thanks to an activated fusain filter .

There is no manner to turn off the lights on the machine , and they ’re credibly too hopeful for a chamber .

Strong olfactory property can be a pesky side effect of dealing with wildfires or cooking mishaps , so the ability to trim back down on them makes the GermGuardian 4 - in-1 Air Purifier one of the good choices .

Amazon Germ Guardian AC5900WCA 4-in-1 Air Purifier

Credit: Amazon

Its activated charcoal filter gets rid of unwanted olfactory perception through a process called adsorption ( when positively charged charcoal draw in negatively charged contaminant ions ) . During testing , we noticed that it dramatically reduced bedding box odors and preparation smells .

Given its ability to work in way up to 1,760 square feet , it ’s large in great kitchens for removing fix andfood waste odors . It has an eight - 60 minutes auto close - off timer and a nightlight . We do wish there were an choice to turn off the light entirely , as we think it ’s too bright to use when slumber .

However , we liked the quiet operation . Other notable characteristic admit three fan speeds and an indicator notifying you that it ’s time to change the filter ( typically every six to eight months ) . It ’s also well-fixed to houseclean and simply requires using the thicket fastening on a vacuity .

Germ Guardian 4-in-1 Air Purifier sitting on a kitchen floor

During testing, the Germ Guardian dramatically reduced cooking smells and unpleasant litter box odors.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

One thing that sets this mannikin apart , other than its smell - reducing filter , is the UV - C sparkle filter , which reduces airborne viruses and bacteria — dandy for those with young children or soften resistant systems take care to reduce germ in their domicile .

Another asset : Its intermediate size and aerodynamic , glossy excogitation wo n’t be an eyesore if you choose to place it in a room that gets a lot of visitors ( like the living way ) . And , because of its white-hot hue , it ’s also less likely to show fingerprint .

How it Performed After Six Months

The Germ Guardian is a stand - out option when it come to freshening the air and eliminating odor . We mostly use it in the same way as our cat ’s litter box , and we only noticed the smells returning when it was time to exchange the filter after about five months of constant use .

To exchange the filter , you afford the front panel of the purifier . The charcoal filter needs to be replaced , while the paper filter can be vacuumed and reuse . Once we replaced the filter , the purifier worked just as well as it did when we first bring it home .

A person pressing a button on the Germ Guardian 4-in-1 Air Purifier

Best Budget

LEVOIT Compact Air Purifier

For the price , this is one of the best model we tested , and it would be ideal for a bedchamber grant how quiet it is .

We did n’t find out a very obtrusive remainder between the mellow and low options .

The LEVOIT Compact Air Purifier is a swell pick for someone face to buy an affordable air purifier for their bedroom . This compact model is best suited for a way around 129 square feet . It ’s incredibly muted at 50dB max ( quieter than a toilet flushing , for equivalence ) , and has a ready to hand nightlight feature as well .

Germ Guardian 4-in-1 Air Purifier sitting on the floor of a hallway

Even at its lower price , it ’s still equipped with a three - layer filter , a three - speed fan , and two brightness levels . It also feature a button that will light up continuously when the filter needs to be interchange ( to turn it off , supplant the filter and compact the push button for three seconds ) .

While it ’s not mean toremove pet hairor VOC irritants , it was indeed in effect in removing PM2.5 corpuscle from the aviation — after we released the pollutants and turned on the humidifier ’s low setting , the air returned to lower levels than it had begin at . The levels drop even lower after 10 minutes .

On the high setting , it did n’t outstrip the results see from the low setting . Still , both setting did prove its efficiency , and is a capital budget option for those look to spend less than $ 100 .

The Germ Guardian 4-in-1 Air Purifier sitting on the floor

Best for Large Rooms

Levoit Core 400S Smart Air Purifier

This is a tech - forward alternative that performs similar function to our splurge model .

It takes 60 minutes for the car to completely sanctify the room .

We were impressed with the Levoit Core 400S ’s high - technical school feature . It ’s the good strain purifier for locoweed in a tumid blank space , and it ’s also one of the more technical school - advancing choice on this list . Aspects of it reminded us of our pet Dyson models — at about half the cost .

Germ Guardian 4-in-1 Air Purifier sitting on a kitchen floor

Theair purifierconnects to an app that allows you to twist it on and off , set a timer , or use voice commands to operate it . It also boast a show that allows you to monitor PM2.5 levels and a optical maser dust sensing element that reports back levels to the app in ordination to show you improvement in substantial - time .

It ’s an Energy Star merchandise , so won’ttake up much electrical power , and can shape in a infinite up to 1,980 hearty feet . The HEPA H13 filter traps most pollutant , while the additional activated carbon filter removes VOCs as well . We know how muted this was in its sleep mount , too .

During testing , PM2.5 levels lower to 5 on the low setting and 8 on high , after going all the way up to 999 with the introduction of pollutants , include weed . One interesting data : The app report levels to be slightly blue than our melodic phrase lineament monitor , so look at that fact when using the app to see your room ’s strain quality .

A person pressing a button on the Germ Guardian 4-in-1 Air Purifier

How It Performed After Six Months

A greatair purifier to keep in a bedroom , the night mode is exceptional . The book becomes nigh silent and all the lights reverse off so it wo n’t interrupt sleep . It ’s also fairly compact , considering it works in spaces up to 1,980 satisfying feet ; we hardly noticed it once we placed it in a corner . Our morningallergies dramatically decreasedwhen we slept with it on .

Best for Small Spaces

Levoit Core 300S Air Purifier

You have the ability to prefer for customized filter , with one specifically designed for smoke remotion .

It ’s a picayune more expensive for such a small model thanks to its power to connect with an app .

There are stacks of option available on the grocery store that can handle a few hundred straight feet , but the Levoit Core 300s is the proficient air purifier for smoke in small-scale spaces because it goes above and beyond some of the more affordable picks .

Germ Guardian 4-in-1 Air Purifier sitting on the floor of a hallway

One of the more interesting feature is your power to choose the filter that might do work the best for you : There ’s the filter that comes stock , but there are also pick for a favorite allergic reaction filter , a toxin absorber filter , and a smoking remover filter .

During examination , it deoxidise line pollutants and improved air caliber by 90 percent . to boot , we liked that it let loose very lilliputian light , the filter was leisurely to put back , and we could toggle between three configurations with ease . Nox mode and auto modality , which only turns on when there ’s an increase in PM2.5 level , are overnice feature .

The purifier has an app you’re able to connect to so you’re able to control it from a distance . This is a nice touch sensation , but it does drive up the terms for such a small purifier . At its loudest , it only make 55.4dB , about equal to thea icebox ’s hum .

The Germ Guardian 4-in-1 Air Purifier sitting on the floor

We know using this low but mighty air purifier at home . process is extremely straightforward , with simple button on the gimmick itself and a useful app that allows us to change options and monitor air lineament remotely . There ’s no sustainment required , aside from swapping the filter .

Within the testing period , we were able to see how well it sink in CT aroma and hackles . It kicks on when it detect odor and smoke from preparation , preventing our sensitive smoke sensor from going off unnecessarily . We like the purifier so much that we buy more units to employ in other suite .

LEVOIT LV-H132 Compact True HEPA Air Purifier

Credit: Amazon

Best Design

Dupray Bloom Air Purifier

Its decorative figure stand up out from other strain purifiers in footing of aesthetics and do for a beautiful animation room centerpiece .

For the eminent price , it ’s a scrap disappointing that there ’s a deficiency of customizable options .

The Dupray Bloom Air Purifier is a beautiful alternative you ’ll be proud to exhibit . It ’s dandy for a large space like a animation room , and double as either a planter or accent mesa . The table choice has two conclusion , and the purifier portion comes in 12 colors , so you could easily customize it .

Levoit Core 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

Credit: Amazon

We liked that the light on the front panel disappeared after ab initio turn it on , so it look less like a purifier masquerade as a planter . With 10 devotee speeds , the Dupray automatically adjusts its purification tier based on detected aviation pollutant , so you do n’t have to manually toggle between scope .

When it came to carrying out , we did n’t discover a major difference in melodic line quality , but we did find big cat tomentum in the filter , which speaks to the product ’s efficacy for pet owner . And our sensitivesmoke alarmdidn’t go off intimately as often during cooking while the Dupray was running .

The filter has two part : a washable pre - filter and a medical - level filter that is made of activate carbon and is HEPA - sanction . In terms of noise degree , it ranges from 10 ( normal breathing ) to 50 ( rainfall drib ) reckon on the setting , which is lower than other model we tested .

Person removing the Levoit Core 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier from plastic

We found this unit fairly compact for a large-room air purifier and hardly noticed it once we placed it in the corner.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

For its higher cost tag , we expected it to come in with more customizable features or app connectivity . However , we appreciate how easy it was to set up and conserve . We also love its dual functionality as a plantation owner or side mesa , and appreciated its straightforward , no - fuss controls .

The Bottom Line

TheBissell air400 Professional Air Purifieris our top pluck thanks to its efficiency , ability to also remove VOC pollutant from the air , and added features that make it elementary to operate .

For a cheaper option , we were impressed with theLevoit Compact reliable HEPA Air Purifier , which effectively removed smoke and other contaminants from the air for a fraction of the monetary value of other models .

Our Testing Process

After removing each air purifier from the box and lay it together , we recorded notable entropy , include relevant certifications and any list CADR rating . to boot , decibel degree were appraise from 2 and 8 feet aside on its highest and lowest background ( if applicable ) .

We marked the follow placement : Six foot in front of the purifier ( Mark B ) , 4 feet from the left of Mark B , 4 foot from the rightfield of Mark B , 4 feet from the left side of the air purifier , 4 feet from the right side of the gentle wind purifier , and ( when a tested model had an applicable mellow setting ) 3 feet from the front of the air purifier .

Once these patsy were create ( in an enclosed space with a draft strip under a unsympathetic door ) , we recorded the melodic phrase timbre with a offer varan at each mark . We distributed pollutants in the breeze — incense , a mixing of flour , sawdust , and dirt , and room deodorizer .

Person pushing a button on the top of the Levoit Core 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

Then we monitored and recorded tune calibre at each mark again and set the gentle wind purifier on its lowest setting . We exited the room for 30 minute of arc , coming back to measure out the results with the zephyr quality monitor on each Deutsche Mark .

For melodic line purifier with a high scope , we perform the same tests , this time with the accession of faux best-loved haircloth , which we tossed in the air around 15 minutes after the original test had begun . After the test was terminated , we immortalise how much pet tomentum was collected in the filter .

What to Know About Air Purifiers Before Shopping

Room Size

aviation purifiers will always list a urge square footage , so it should be easy to tell whether a small orlarge elbow room air purifierwill match up with the size of the room you need to apply it in .

For example , our top picking for big room , theLevoit Core 400s , say it work in suite up to 1,980 hearty feet , whereas our option for small spaces , theLevoit Core 300s , exercise best in rooms up to 219 square feet .

Another broker is the air purifier ’s CADR , which stand for neat air speech pace . Typically , it measure three vulgar pollutants — smoke , pollen , and dust — and calculates how quickly they can be removed from the air . The number is listed according to CFM ( cubic feet per bit ) .

Person removing the Levoit Core 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier from plastic

CADR is forecast by the fraction of particles that have been removed and breed by the air flow rate charge per unit that give-up the ghost through the air purifier . Essentially , the high the CADR , the faster the atmosphere purifier mould to purge the air , thus proving its efficiency in the home .

Filters

When shopping for the good aura purifier , the filter it uses should also be regard . AsNiha Qamar , M.D. , panel certified in allergy , immunology , and internal medication , note , if you have allergy or asthma , a HEPA filter is a must .

HEPA stands for high - efficiency particulate air . A HEPA filter is define by theU.S. Department of Energyas one that can theoretically take away at least 99.997 percent of pollutants ( likedust or pollen ) up to .3 microns in sizing . All of the purifiers on our tilt have HEPA filters .

If you ’re depend for even more auspices from pollutant , you’re able to check into out a filter ’s MERV ( Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value ) valuation , which measures a filter ’s efficiency in take away particles larger than .3 microns and up to 10 micrometer .

Person pushing a button on the top of the Levoit Core 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

The higher the MERV — it can go up to 16 — the more efficient it is at moving larger molecule , and Qamar recommend a MERV rating over 13 if you ’re frequent with that number in head .

If you ’re living in an environment near a lot of construction or refurbishment , you might consider rat for a filter that also removes VOCs .

According to the EPA , VOC stand for volatile organic compoundsand typically bear on to synthetic chemical substance such as paint , paint thinner , cleaning supply , pesticides , building material , correction fluid , and more .

Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

Credit: Amazon

If these are concerns , take an air purifier that say it get rid of VOCs as well as other pollutant — they’ll typically come with filters that are made with carbon .

in conclusion , you should turn over the cost of filter and how often you ’ll need to replace them . While producer will often take less frequent changes are necessary , Qamar recommend swop out filters every 1–3 calendar month for best effect . If price is a major consideration , note this cost in your determination - making .

Features

The secure tune purifier for smoke should remove pollutant from the air , first and foremost . But there are other characteristic you’re able to take when finding the one that will figure out the best in your home .

This can include the ability to customize buff swiftness or utilize timers for the motorcar . Several of the air purifiers on our leaning feature of speech video display that show air quality and/or the PM2.5 layer in the way , which can be especially utilitarian if you ’re attempt to quickly dispel smoke from the breeze .

If you ’re looking for an air travel purifier to apply in your bedroom and you ’re a light sleeping car , consider one with lower dB output or a Nox - light alternative . Many models will prompt you to change your filter harmonise to manufacturer guideline .

Person touching the top of the Levoit Core 300S Smart Air Purifier

During testing, the compact Levoit Core 300S was able to purify the same size of room as larger units in a similar amount of time.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Fancier options have fancier features , such as the ability to control the purifier via an app , LCD projection screen , and rooter capabilities so you may cool off the room down as well as purify the air .

Other Products We Tested

Blueair DustMagnet 5210i Tabletop Air Purifier for Small Bedrooms

deal the higher cost of the Blueair , we were surprised at how ineffectual it was on the grim place setting . While the high stage setting brought the PM2.5 levels down to a 10.8 , the lowest kept the air at unhealthy level ( a PM2.5 of 85.5 ) after 10 minutes .

Black+Decker BAPUV350 Air Purifier

This air purifier is large and bulky , and while it performed fairly well , it ’s expensive compare to other models of the size of it without take the extra style of oursplurge pick from Dyson . We did n’t think it was quite deserving the respectable cost due to the lack of extra features .

Iris WooZoo APF-28 Air Purifier

While this air purifier was well-fixed to set up , had an intuitive user interface , and produced noticeably new air in the bedroom , the lights were far too bright for us to sleep with . It also was far tawdry than other models we test , and was awkward to listen to while on the eminent loudness setting .

Your Questions, Answered

Do air purifiers really remove smoke?

Yes , " Air purifiers transfer smoke by using a compounding of filter , chiefly HEPA filters ( which capture the all right particulate matter matter present in smoke ) and activated carbon copy filter ( which filters adsorb volatile constitutive compound , or VOCs , and aroma ) , " explains Podjasek .

If you ’re purchasing an air purifier with a HEPA filter and a high MERV rating ( and you place it in a room with a proper CADR ) you’re able to absolutely take away smoke pollutant from the air .

According to Qamar , usual PM2.5s can also let in vehicle fumes , burning , fires , tobacco , cooking exhaust fumes , candles , and heaters , and that the upright models can reduce these PM2.5s by at least 30–50 percent .

Person holding a burning incense stick

What kind of air purifier is best for smoke?

The unspoilt tune purifier for smoke have a HEPA filter and will lower PM2.5 levels substantially to ensure it can polish off the largerparticles of wildfire smokeas well as the minor speck of cigarette or baccy Mary Jane .

" HEPA filter … maw particle as small as 0.3 microns with 99 pct efficiency , " say Podjasek . " Since sess molecule are typically within this size mountain chain , HEPA filter are fantabulous for get rid of smoke from the breeze , keep it from go into the respiratory system and causing harm . "

When bet for the honorable aura purifier for smoke , you ’ll also want to take into account your way size , as right way sizing coverage check the purifier can cover the air mass in the intended place , says Podjasek .

Hand pressing the power button on the Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

How much does an air purifier for smoke cost?

Once you purchase the air purifier itself ( the ones on our listing range anywhere from under $ 100 to over $ 600 ) , there are additional cost to debate . The main one is filter replacements . filter cost around $ 15 each — if you end upreplacing them every three monthsor so , you ’ll spend around $ 60 a year .

Some model have multiple office — for instance , our top picking has pre - filter and carbon filter in addition to regular filter . Finally , there is the factor of how an air purifier will show up inyour galvanic bill . If you pick a model that isEnergyStar compliant , energy costs should be pretty negligible .

Who We Are

Alida Nugentis a writer for BHG with year of expertness in kitchen , deary , beauty , bedding , and home . She has write several article on air purifiers for the site . For this clause , we consultedNiha Qamar , M.D.for expertise on strain purifiers .

The clause was updated byMichelle Rostamian , a author and editor program with over a decade of experience publish about home , lifestyle , and wellness Cartesian product . She also utter toJenna Podjasek , M.D. , allergist , immunologist , and source ofParticles in the Air .

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list , you may have acknowledge our BHG Recommends sealskin of commendation . Products that earn the seal have been put through strict examination to make trusted they ’re worth a maculation in your dwelling . We buy most of the products we test ourselves , but now and again we are provided sample by companies if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we apply the same examination criteria we use to screen the purchased products .

Person touching the top of the Levoit Core 300S Smart Air Purifier