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Review of Blueair Air Purifier Models
Reviews are only as good as the underlying rating criteria used: After you are done reviewing, STEP5 Buying lists the best places to Air Purifier Summaries 
Model: 501  - Both Very Good Rating
Up to 580 sqft (6 AC/hr) MSRP $499.95/ $569.95 smokestop Conclusion: The 501 is best in the smokestop version. Detailed Review Below 
Model: 402 - Both Very Good Rating
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 201/250E  - All 4 Good Rating
Up to 175 sqft (6 AC/hr) MSRP 201 $299.95/$329.95 carbon MSRP 250E $349.95/$379.95 carbon Conclusion: Either purifier is better in the carbon version. Detailed Review Below 
Model: Blueair AirPod - Very Good Rating
Portable/ personal or 45 cubic feet MSRP $99.95 Conclusion: Certainly cost effective; not as "clean" effective. Detailed Review Below 
Model: Blueair Eco10 - Good Rating
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
Model: Blueair 601 Last Reviewed: 11-13-07 Rating Score: 68 points/ 67 points with smokestop 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. 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. Pictures: 
Rating Factors: 1) Value: 16/24 or 16/24 points - The MSRPs are $599.95/$669.95(smokestop). The square footage cleaned is 679 sqft. The Value equations are as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($599.95 initial + $220.15/year)/679 sqft)/10 removal points)) = 87.92. 87.92 = 16 points - good value. 100 * (1 - ((($669.95 initial + $360.05/year)/679 sqft)/12 removal points)) = 87.36. 87.36 = 16 points - good value. 2) What is Removed: 10/16 and 12/16 points(smokestop) - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs - Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. Add 2-points for smokestop, 1 for odors and gases and 1 for VOC protection. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 3/15 or 0/15 points(smokestop) - Particle filters w/ 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/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $60.15/year. Total cost $220.15/year or $360.05/year(smokestop). Expensive and Very Expensive to operate. 4) Quality: 11/12 points - 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. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Support Material - Good Quality, 1-point. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - This unit has a 10-year warranty. Filters are not covered unless defective. Excellent Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - Simplicity describes the maintenance and cleaning. The only routine maintenance is a 3-piece filter change every 6 months. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Only light dusting or vacuuming of the outside/inside at each filter change is needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points. Expect 20-30 minutes every 6 months. 7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points - My wife stated that it looked like an old computer (back in the 70's when they were huge). It is a simple design. Large unit 35lb. Looks Good, 2-points. No remote. The only control is the 3-speed operation dial. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - The Blueair company has been in business since 1996. They are located in Sweden. 9) Noise Level: 3/5 points - Low speed is presented as "nighttime" use, medium speed as "daytime" use, and high speed as "fast initial cleaning or very polluted air". Quiet on low - 32dB and a 490 CFM fan on high - 68dB. Average Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - This is a larger air purifier and it may take a "little extra" to get it out of the box. Ready to go out of the box. Easy Set-up. total = 68 points/ 67 points with smokestop Conclusion: Use the 501 unless you need the larger sqft. Model: Blueair 501 Last Reviewed: 11-13-07 Rating Score: 68 points/ 67 points with smokestop 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. Basic Specifications: The Blueair 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: 1) Value: 16/24 or 16/24 points - The MSRPs are $499.95/$569.95(smokestop). The square footage cleaned is 580 sqft. The Value equations are as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($499.95 initial + $208.50/year)/580 sqft)/10 removal points)) = 87.79. 87.79 = 16 points - good value. 100 * (1 - ((($569.95 initial + $348.40/year)/580 sqft)/12 removal points)) = 86.81. 86.81 = 16 points - good value. 2) What is Removed: 10/16 and 12/16 points(smokestop) - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs - Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. Add 2-points for smokestop, 1 for odors and gases and 1 for VOC protection. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 3/15 or 0/15 points(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/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $48.50/year. Total cost $208.50/year or $348.40/year(smokestop). Expensive and Very Expensive to operate. 4) Quality: 11/12 points - 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. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Support Material - Good Quality, 1-point. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - The Blueair 501 has a 10-year warranty. Filters are not covered unless defective. Excellent Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - Simplicity describes the maintenance and cleaning. The only routine maintenance is a 3-piece filter change every 6 months. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Only light dusting or vacuuming of the outside/inside at each filter change is needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points. Expect 20-30 minutes every 6 months. 7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points - My wife stated that it looked like an old computer (back in the 70's when they were huge). It is a simple design. Large unit 35lb. Looks Good, 2-points. No remote. The only control is the 4-speed operation dial. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - The Blueair company has been in business since 1996. They are located in Sweden. 9) Noise Level: 3/5 points - Has a 4-speed fan with highest dB at 71. Average Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - This is a larger air purifier and it may take a "little extra" to get it out of the box. Ready to go out of the box. Easy Set-up. total = 68 points/ 67 points with smokestop Conclusion: The 501 is best in the smokestop version. Model: Blueair 402 Last Reviewed: 11-12-07 Rating Score: 66 points/ 65 points with smokestop 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 Blueair 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. 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: 1) Value: 12/24 or 12/24 points - The MSRPs are $399.95/$469.95(smokestop). The square footage cleaned is 310 sqft. The Value equations are as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($399.95 initial + $151.05/year)/310 sqft)/8 removal points)) = 77.78. 77.78 = 16 points - fair value. 100 * (1 - ((($469.95 initial + $271.05/year)/310 sqft)/10 removal points)) = 76.10. 76.10 = 16 points - fair value. 2) What is Removed: 8/16 and 10/16 points(smokestop) - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of VOCs - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. Add 2-points for smokestop, 1 for odors and gases and 1 for VOC protection. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 6/15 or 3/15 points(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/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $31.05/year. Total cost $151.05/year or $271.05/year(smokestop). Above Average and Expensive to operate. 4) Quality: 11/12 points - 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. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Support Material - Good Quality, 1-point. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - This unit has a 10-year warranty. Filters are not covered unless defective. Excellent Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - Simplicity describes the maintenance and cleaning. The only routine maintenance is a filter change every 6 months. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Only light dusting or vacuuming of the outside/inside at each filter change is needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points. Expect 20-30 minutes every 6 months. 7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points - My wife stated that it looked like an old computer (back in the 70's when they were huge). It is a simple design. Large unit 34lb. Looks Good, 2-points. No remote. The only control is the 4-speed operation dial. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - The Blueair company has been in business since 1996. They are located in Sweden. 9) Noise Level: 4/5 points - Quiet unit at 32dB on low and 51 dB on high . Quiet Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - This is a larger air purifier and it may take a "little extra" to get it out of the box. Ready to go out of the box. Easy Set-up. total = 66 points/ 65 points with smokestop Conclusion: I would recommend the smokestop version over the basic 402. 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. Basic Specifications: The Blueair 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: 8/24 or 8/24 points (carbon) / 8/24 or 8/24 points (carbon) - The MSRPs are $299.95 or $349.95 (carbon) / $329.95 or $379.95 (carbon). The square footage cleaned is 175 sqft. The Value equations are as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($299.95 initial + $131.05/year)/175 sqft)/6 removal points)) = 58.95. 58.95 = 8 points - poor value. 100 * (1 - ((($349.95 initial + $191.05/year)/175 sqft)/8 removal points)) = 61.35. 61.35 = 8 points - poor value. 100 * (1 - ((($329.95 initial + $131.05/year)/175 sqft)/6 removal points)) = 56.10. 56.10 = 8 points - poor value. 100 * (1 - ((($379.95 initial + $191.05/year)/175 sqft)/8 removal points)) = 59.21. 59.21 = 8 points - poor value. 2) What is Removed: 6/16 and 8/16 points(carbon) - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-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. Add 2-points for carbon, 1 for odors and gases and 1 for VOC protection. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 9/15 or 6/15 points(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/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $31.05/year. Total cost $131.05/year or $191.05/year(carbon). Average and Above Average to operate. 4) Quality: 11/12 points - 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. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Support Material - Good Quality, 1-point. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - These two units have 5-year warranties. Filters are not covered unless defective. Excellent Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - Simplicity describes the maintenance and cleaning. The only routine maintenance is a filter change every 6 months. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Only light dusting or vacuuming of the outside/inside at each filter change is needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points. Expect 20-30 minutes every 6 months. 7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points - My wife stated that they look like old computers (back in the 70's when they were huge). They are a simple design w/ the 250E having a controls update. Larger units at 25lbs each. Looks Good, 2-points. The 201 has only a control dial for fan speed, but the 250E has both a digital control screen and a remote. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - The Blueair company has been in business since 1996. They are located in Sweden. 9) Noise Level: 4/5 points - Quiet on low at 34dB and high at 55dB. Quiet Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - This is a larger air purifier and it may take a "little extra" to get it out of the box. Ready to go out of the box. Easy Set-up. total 201 = 63 points/ 62 points with carbon
Conclusion: Either purifier is better in the carbon version. Summary: The AirPod is simple, energy efficient, and effective against standard HEPA particles. Good warranty (5 years). Keep in mind the 74 points is relative as this purifier is limited in what it cleans and the size room it cleans. Compare to other like purifiers. 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: 12/24 points - The MSRP is $99.95. The square footage cleaned is 45 cubic feet. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($99.95 initial + $43.88/year)/45 cubic feet)/4 removal points)) = 75. 75 = 12 points - fair value. - note: this purifier does not fit the equation because of its unique nature; I estimated a value number based on all available data. 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 - Particle filters changed every 6 months will cost $40/yr (2 pack). Electricity 5 watts. 5 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $3.88/year. Total cost $43.88/year. Very Inexpensive to operate. 4) Quality: 11/12 points - 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. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Support Material - Good Quality, 1-point. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - The Airpod has a 5-year warranty. Filters are not covered unless defective. Excellent Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - Simplicity describes the maintenance and cleaning. The only routine maintenance is a filter change every 6 months. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Only a very light dusting or light vacuuming of the outside/inside at each filter change is needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points. Expect 10-15 minutes every 6 months. 7) Look and Feel: 6/6 points - The Airpod looks and feels great. "Designer" look. Looks Great, 2-points. Feels Great, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - The Blueair company has been in business since 1996. They are located in Sweden. 9) Noise Level: 5/5 points - Very Quiet Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - Plug and play simple. Easy Set-up. total = 74 points Conclusion: Certainly cost effective; not as "clean" effective. 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. 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: 1) Value: 4/24 points - The MSRP is $899.95. The square footage cleaned is 200 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($899.95 initial + $107.76/year)/200 sqft)/7 removal points)) = 28.02. 28.02 = 4 points - bad value. 2) What is Removed: 7/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of VOCs - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 9/15 points - Particle filters changed every 12 months will cost $100. Electricity 10 watts. 10 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $7.76/year. Total cost $107.76/year. Average to operate. 4) Quality: 11/12 points - 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. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Support Material - Good Quality, 1-point. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - The Eco10 has a lifetime warranty. Filters are not covered unless defective. Excellent Warranty - Impressive! 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - Simplicity describes the maintenance and cleaning. The only routine maintenance is a filter change every 12 months. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Only light dusting or vacuuming of the outside/inside at each filter change is needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points. Expect 20-30 minutes every 12 months. 7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points - My wife stated that it looked like an old computer (back in the 70's when they were huge). It is a simple design. Large unit 35lb. Looks Good, 2-points. No remote. The only control is the 2-speed operation dial. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - The Blueair company has been in business since 1996. They are located in Sweden. 9) Noise Level: 4/5 points - A good 49 dB on High. Quiet Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - This is a larger air purifier and it may take a "little extra" to get it out of the box. Ready to go out of the box. Easy Set-up. total = 60 points Conclusion: I don't recommend unless they improve the filter medium to remove gases/odors/VOCs. Return to STEP3 Reviews A-H from Blueair Air Purifier
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