Air purifiers are devices designed to remove potentially harmful particles from indoor spaces. If you’re concerned about smoke in your home or workspace, then you may consider looking for an air purifier made specifically to trap smoke from tobacco products or fires.
Overall, the best air purifiers for smoke have multiple types of filters to trap small particles and gasses. Depending on your needs and budget, you may consider a portable air purifier for a room or a larger device for an entire home.
While using an air purifier isn’t the same as eliminating the source of smoke, purchasing one of these devices may help remove some of the harmful particles and give you peace of mind. Below are five air purifiers for smoke you may consider.
Our roundup of the best air purifiers for smoke is based on the following criteria:
- types of particles filtered
- device contains both HEPA and activated carbon filters
- room size the device can filter
- high smoke clean air delivery rate (CADR)
- additional technological features
- price
- customer reviews
- California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifications and Energy Star ratings
Best CADR rating for smoke
Blueair Classic 680i
Price: $$$
When it comes to filtering smoke out of the air, the higher the CADR rating, the more effective the filtration, or efforts to remove particles from the air. If you’re looking for an air purifier with a high CADR rating, consider opting for the Blueair Classic 680i.
This model works in rooms up to 700 square feet and has a 450 CADR rating. You can even control the device on your phone via the Blueair Friend app.
The system weighs more than 43 pounds. But it’s also on wheels, so it’s easier to move between rooms. Some customers note a chemical odor during the first few uses.
Best air purifier for smoke under $300
Bissell air220 Air Purifier
Price: $$
With a 4.7-average star rating on Amazon, this air purifier contains both high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and carbon filters to capture smoke, allergens, and odors. It also has a quiet motor, which may be ideal for bedrooms and workspaces.
While this air purifier can be used in rooms up to 266 square feet, it has a lower smoke CADR rating of 172. Some users complain of the noise and a temporary plastic-like smell after purchase.
Best HEPA and carbon filtration
Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier 2.0
Price: $$
HEPA and activated carbon filters work together to trap particles and gasses contained in smoke — this is also sometimes referred to as hybrid filtration. One highly rated example of this in action is the Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier 2.0.
This air purifier is made for large spaces up to 1,500 square feet. Note that while this air purifier has a higher price tag than some on the market, it comes with more features, such as a touchscreen and easy-to-read air quality scores. It’s also CARB and Energy Star certified.
Some customers report replacement filter shortages and a few who specified they use the unit to capture cigar smoke indoors state that the purifier effectively captures smoke but doesn’t get rid of the odor completely. Many other customers state that it’s effective at this for other types of smoke.
Best purifier for small rooms
Blueair Blue Pure 411
Price: $
If you’re looking for an affordable purifier for small rooms, dorms, and workspaces, consider the Blueair Blue Pure 411. At 3.4 pounds, this device is portable and made for rooms up to 175 square feet.
Blueair’s filtration system, called HEPASilent, uses both mechanical and electronic filtration. This is important for people who want to avoid any amount of ozone creation in their spaces for health and safety reasons. Note that Blue Pure 411 is also CARB certified.
Some customers complain about a lack of quality and a chemical-like smell upon using the device.
Best smoke filtration for large rooms
Alen BreatheSmart 75i
Price: $$$
The Alen BreatheSmart Classic is designed to purify the air in a 1,300-square-foot space in 30 minutes. It’s also one of the pricier options on this list. However, it comes with additional features, such as longer-lasting filters, less noise, and color-coded sensors.
While highly rated by customers on Amazon, there are a few complaints about the manufacturer’s warranty. Also, since the device is made for large spaces, it weighs over 30 pounds and doesn’t have wheels, which could make it harder to move from room to room.
When looking for the best air purifier for smoke, consider where you want to use the device. This can help you select the right size to do the job. You’ll also want to look for the following features:
The right filters
To get rid of smoke, look for an air purifier that is equipped with both HEPA and carbon filters. HEPA filters are designed to remove particles of all sizes and are considered standard in quality air purifiers.
Additionally, your air purifier should be equipped with activated carbon filters. These help trap the gasses contained in smoke.
Together, HEPA and carbon filters work to get rid of particles and gasses found in smoke. While many air purifiers on the market contain both, it’s important to double-check the product features to be certain.
A high CADR rating for smoke
A quality air purifier for smoke will also have a high CADR rating. The CADR applies to home air purifiers and measures how quickly the device cleans the air of various particle sizes. Unlike pollen and dust, smoke has a smaller particle size.
When it comes to finding the right air purifier, the higher the CADR rating, the better. When looking for air purifiers, you’ll see a CADR rating for different particle sizes and types. Make sure the device in question has a high CADR rating for smoke or small particles.
Ozone-safe devices
To prevent ozone emissions, you may consider purchasing a mechanical air purifier, or an electric one that has an emissions concentration of 0.050 parts per million or less. Some of these devices may also have a seal of approval from CARB.
Air purifiers may be a worthwhile purchase, but it’s important to know your overall goal before making this investment. In some cases, you’ll find that devices with more advanced features come with higher price tags.
If you want to get rid of occasional smoke, then an air purifier may be worth the money. However, if there’s constant smoke in your work of living spaces, it’s best to address the underlying source of the smoke instead.
It’s also important to be aware of any aggressive marketing techniques that may be associated with air purifiers. No device will eliminate smoke entirely, and no device makes it safe to live with chronic exposure to tobacco or wildfire smoke.
An air purifier may help get rid of smoke particles and related gases in your home or workspace. It’s important to find an air purifier that’s specifically designed for smoke. Some devices may specialize in other pollen, dander, and dust particles.
Our roundup of the best air purifiers for smoke suits different price points. Aside from your budget, you’ll also want to find a device with the right types of filters, a high CADR rating, and perhaps advanced smart features.
Keep in mind that no matter which air purifier you choose, the best way to get rid of smoke in the air is to remove the source. Talk with your doctor for more tips.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/air-purifier-for-smoke
