Shopping for an Air Purifier to Help with Wildfire Smoke?
Have a look at our top picks!
Wildfire smoke can be an immediate cause of health concern, especially for the sick, elderly, and children.
Wildfires have become a lot more frequent and common. And while the effects of its smoke may not harm everyone at a distance, all those nearby are at great risk of serious health conditions.
The fine microscopic particles from the smoke can enter your lungs and cause many health problems ranging from a runny nose, burning eyes, and chronic heart and lung diseases.
This is why having a good air purifier to take care of the said smoke is imperative.
What's In This Buying Guide
Contents of This Guide
This buying guide includes detailed reviews of carefully shortlisted air purifiers that can combat wildfire smoke effectively. We compare the products with each other and list their pros, cons, and specs so you know what to expect.
To further help you narrow down your options, we highlight a few essential features you should keep in mind when buying an air purifier to remove wildfire smoke.
In the end, we answer some common queries about these purifiers so that you make a well-informed decision.
Best Air Purifiers for Wildfire Smoke
- 1Best for Large Spaces: Alen BreatheSmart Classic
- 2Most Thorough: Rabbit Air MinusA2
- 3Most Stylish : Dyson Pure Cool TP01
- 4Best for Small Spaces: LEVOIT LV-PUR131S
Alen BreatheSmart Classic
- Best for Large Spaces
Filters
Pure filter and True HEPA filterWarranty
1-year standard warranty Forever guarantee requires product registrationCADR
300
Rabbit Air MinusA2
- Most Thorough
Filters
Prefilter, medium filter, BioGS HEPA filter, customized filter, charcoal filter, and negative ion generatorWarranty
5-year warrantyCADR
CADR (Pollen): 200 CADR (Dust): 193 CADR (Smoke): 180
Dyson Pure Cool TP01
- Most Stylish
Filters
360-degree glass HEPA filterWarranty
2-year warrantyCADR
70
LEVOIT LV-PUR131S
- Best for Small Spaces
Filters
Prefilter, HEPA filter, and charcoal layerWarranty
1-year limited warrantyCADR
135 CFM
1. Best for Large Spaces: Alen BreatheSmart Classic
The Alen BreatheSmart Classic is an incredible purifier with a standard pure filter and a True HEPA filter and cleans up an area of 1100 square feet every half an hour.
It also has additional smart features like an auto mode and an air quality sensor light that updates in real-time.
It also ensures peace of mind as it functions quietly, creates a relaxing sleeping environment, and consumes little power.
Pros
- Ideal for large or open spaces, offices, schools, etc.
- Tackles dust, pet fur, dander, allergens, and foul odors
- Medical-grade H13 true HEPA filter targets 99.99% of bacteria
- Also has an ionizer
- Features a sensor light for air quality
- Functions very quietly
Cons
- The initial smell of chemicals after turning the unit on can be unpleasant
Our Review
Alen is known for integrating high-tech filtration systems in its units, like the Alen BreatheSmart FIT50 and Alen BreatheSmart 45i. And the Alen BreatheSmart Classic is no different.
It has a combination of two filters: the pure filter and the True HEPA filter.
The former is a standard filter for allergies or asthma symptoms and helps provide some relief. It also helps with constant sneezing, a runny nose, shortness of breath, congestion.
The second filter is a medical-grade H13 true HEPA layer that targets 99.99% of aerosolized viruses, bacteria, and airborne particles bigger than 0.1 microns. The H13 filter also lasts 3-5 months longer than a standard filter.
The BreatheSmart Classic is ideal for spaces as large as 1100 square feet, which means it is perfect for use in outdoor settings, schools, offices, and large living rooms. Plus, this air purifier takes less than 2 hours to work!
If the settings and configurations of a purifier confuse you, then you are in luck. The Alen BreatheSmart Classic features an auto mode. With this mode, it assesses the pollution levels in the room and then adjusts its features and operation accordingly.
The BreatheSmart Classic also has an air quality sensor light. Blue means that the air quality is excellent, orange indicates fair, and red indicates poor air quality.
The Alen air purifier cleans up an area of 1100 square feet every 30 minutes and removes airborne particles. It also emits a calming pink noise - this is the frequency of sound that makes it 25% easier for humans to fall asleep.
Also, when it is time for you to sleep, the lights on the display go out completely with just one touch, creating a peaceful room atmosphere.
Specs
Coverage Area: 1,100 Square Feet
CADR Rating: 300
Noise Levels: 23-49 dBa
Dimensions: 26.75″ x 17.75″ x 10″
Max. Airflow: 150 CFM (Speed 1), 185 CFM (Speed 2), 225 CFM (Speed 3), 290 CFM (Turbo Speed)
Filters: True HEPA Pure (H13)
Weight: 21 lbs
Power Consumption on highest setting: 60 Watts
Filter Life (Running 24/7): 9-12 Months
2. Most Thorough: Rabbit Air MinusA2
Rabbit Air does not believe that you should sacrifice style for quality. So instead of traditional-looking, clunky air purifiers, the company introduced the MinusA2, a stylish air purifier with an efficient 6-stage filtration process.
The MinusA2 functions quietly, has a light sensor, and comes with an impressive 5-year warranty and a convenient 90-day return policy.
Pros
- You can mount it on a wall
- Features several front panel colors and designs
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- 6 filtration stages
- Whisper-quiet functioning
Cons
- Doesn’t remember settings in case of a sudden power loss
- Doesn’t allow you to set schedules for different days of the week
- Negative ion generator produces a small amount of ozone
Our Review
Perhaps the most distinct feature of the Rabbit Air MinusA2 Air Purifier is its 6-stage filtration.
The first stage is the permanent (washable) pre-filter that catches and removes relatively large particles like different allergens, particles, or dust.
Next is the Medium Filter that collects airborne particles bigger than one micron. These include mold, pet dander, or pollen particles.
The third stage is the BioGS HEPA filter, which is one of the most significant filters. It traps particles or allergens as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.7%.
The BioGS filter also causes a drop in allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold, etc. This helps improve the filter life and overall filter efficiency. It even inhibits the growth of nasty bacteria and viruses on the filter itself.
The next is the customized filter. Here, you can choose from four filters: a germ defense filter, a pet allergy filter, a toxin absorber filter targeting VOCs and other chemicals, and an odor-removing filter. You can choose one based on your requirements and preference.
After this is the Charcoal-Based Activated Carbon Filter made from high-grade granular activated carbon, making it more efficient than a standard AC filter that only has a thin carbon coating. This filter is best for generic domestic odors and chemicals and tackles smoke particles.
Lastly, the Negative Ion Generator produces negative ions that enhance the air quality and make it fresher.
You can mount the MinusA2 on a wall or use it as a stand-alone unit. It has a smart light sensor that detects light levels in the room and puts the unit into sleep mode in low light, and automatically restarts a more active mode as light in the room increases.
The MinusA2 can clean and circulate air in an 815 square feet room twice in an hour. It also functions very quietly, and the Energy Star-rated motor and long filter life add value to your money.
The best part?
You get all this with a 5-year warranty, free shipment, and a 90-day return policy!
Specs
Weight: 19.4 lbs.
Dimension: 20H x 21.4W x 7D in.
Power Cord Length: 9.33 ft.
Standard Coverage (2 ACPH 7): 815 sq. ft.
Allergy Sufferer (4 ACPH 7): 408 sq. ft.
Power Consumption: 7 to 61 watts
Noise Level: 25.6 to 51.3 dBA
Air Flow: 58 to 218 CFM
CADR (Pollen): 200
CADR (Dust): 193
CADR (Smoke): 180
3. Most Stylish: Dyson Pure Cool TP01
The Dyson Pure Cool TP01 is not only an air purifier but also a tower fan that comes with smart features like carbon and HEPA filters, adjustable oscillation, magnetic remote control, and much more.
And you get a 30-day return policy and a 2-year warranty with all this!
Pros
- Can catch 99.97% of particles measuring 0.3 microns
- Equipped with gas, humidity, and temperature sensors
- Features a futuristic look
- Powerful and smooth airflow of 77 gallons per second
- Shuts down automatically if it tips over
Cons
- Has small parts, making it a choking hazard for children under 3 years
- Loud at high speed
Our Review
As is expected of the company, the Dyson Pure Cool tower fan and air purifier exudes class and elegance and complements almost any indoor décor setting.
Its 360-degree glass HEPA filter eliminates 99.97% of harmful particles as small as 0.3 microns like pollen, pet dander, smoke particles, and bacteria. And it uses activated carbon to eliminate gases and foul odors.
Since it works as a fan, you can put it anywhere in the room, and it will circulate the air in the room and keep it fresh. This also allows it to pull in pollutants far off from the unit, which is why Dyson claims to be the only manufacturer of air purifiers that can thoroughly clean a room.
The powerful stream of purified air also helps a person cool down. It even features an adjustable oscillation up to 70 degrees that projects clean and sanitized air in the entire room.
Although the TP01 has a towering design (40.1 inches tall), the base is small at 7.5 inches, so it doesn’t need much space and doesn’t look too big or awkward in a small room.
The remote control is also very stylish and rather petite. It has a curved design and is magnetized, so it can rest on top of the machine. This means, despite its small size, you won’t lose it.
The TP01 doesn’t have any fast-spinning blades or odd grilles, making it perfectly safe.
Many people are wary of the hassles of filter replacement and cleaning.
Lucky for you, the Dyson Pure Cool TP01 has very easy filter care. Replacing it is an easy and quick process, and the machine also gives filter-life notifications.
For those of you who seek third-party validation, the Dyson Pure Cool TP01 has two. The first is the Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) seal of approval that gives trust to families nationwide.
It is also certified to be Asthma and Allergy-friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
The best part is that you get all this with a 2-year warranty and a 30-day return policy!
Specs
Weight: 8.4 lbs
Airflow at max setting: 114.7 gallon
Amp diameter: 4.3 in
Base diameter with plate: 7.7 in
Cord length: 6.6 ft.
Total height: 40 inches
Air treatment type: Cool
Format: Tower
Height: 40 inches
Length: 4.4 inches
Width: 7.5 inches
Warranty: 2 years
4. Best for Small Spaces: LEVOIT LV-PUR131S
If the smell of wildfire has traveled into your house and is greatly hindering your ability to work or concentrate, the Levoit LV-PUR131S is perfect for you. Its 360 square feet coverage area makes it ideal for offices or study rooms.
The LV-PUR131S has additional impressive features like voice and smartphone control, auto and night mode, timer, filter life indicator, an efficiency rate of 99.97%, a 3-step filtration process, and much more.
Pros
- Compatible with Google Home Assistant and Alexa
- Use it anywhere from your smartphone
- Features a timer and air quality display
- Efficiency rate and speed is 30% times more than any ordinary air purifier
- Removes 99.97% of 0.3 microns allergens thanks to the 3-in-1 filtration
Cons
- Manufacturer doesn’t produce replacement filters, so you have to rely on third-party replacement filters
Our Review
The LEVOIT LV-PUR131S has 3 filtration steps: a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and a charcoal layer.
The fan pulls the air in the device and passes it through these filters. The first one traps large particles like hair or dust. Then the HEPA filter filters out finer particles like allergens and bacteria. Finally, the charcoal layer gets rid of odors.
Once the filter purifies the air, it pushes it through the grille at the top.
Collectively, you can expect the LV-PUR131S to take care of dust mites, bacteria, dust, mold spores, smoke, pollen, viruses, and much more. It removes 99.97% of contaminants as small as 0.3 microns found in the air.
Its 135 CADR rating is also pretty impressive. This reading basically means that it can clean up to 230 cubic meters of air in a 30 square meter room.
According to Levoit, the filter life of the LV-PUR131S can vary between three and six months, depending upon your use.
The machine itself helps you decide when you should change the filter. It uses an algorithm that observes the airflow via the filters. Then it uses this data to assess when these filters need to be changed.
Another easy way to check the condition of these filters is to take off the back panel and see if the filters have accumulated a lot of debris and dirt.
You don’t need to worry about the LV-PUR131S disturbing you as you sleep. On the sleep mode, it produces only 27 dB of noise, so you can enjoy uninterrupted deep sleep. You can also turn off the LED display if it bothers you.
Another mode of the LV-PUR131S is the auto mode that adjusts fan speeds on its own. It assesses the air quality in real-time and then takes action accordingly.
Using the Levoit LV-PUR131S is also very convenient. You can control the device via voice command, and it is even compatible with Google Home Assistant and Alexa.
The LV-PUR131S also supports the Vesync app, which has smart features like air quality display, timer, filter life, direct control, and more. So, turn on your device, tweak its features right from the palm of your hand via your smartphone, and enjoy its benefits!
Specs
Rated Power: 40W
Effective Range: ≤ 360 ft2/33 m2
Operating Conditions: Temperature: 14°–104°F/-10°–40°C
Noise Level: 27–52dB
CADR: 135 CFM/230 m3/h
Dimensions: 14.6 x 7.2 x 18.5 in
Weight: 11.49 lbs
Air Purifiers for Wildfire Smoke: Buying Guide
How Does an Air Purifier Remove Wildfire Smoke from the air?
Air purifiers drastically improve indoor air quality and are recommended by many professionals.
An air purifier pulls polluted air in towards the unit and blows it across its filters or purification mechanism. This mechanism traps and collects small and large pollutants alike like dust and hair particles, pet dander, VOCs, microbes, odors, and much more.
But one thing to remember here is that air purifiers alone cannot solve the problem, especially in areas where smoke content in the air is high.
It can complement other measures like ventilation system and design of the house, distance to the origin of the wildfire, etc.
Features To Look For
A plethora of air purifiers for wildfire smoke is available today, making it difficult to choose one. But if you keep the following features in mind, you can find the perfect air purifier for wild smoke for your needs.
Size and Portability
This depends on the usage you want to get out of your air purifier.
If you tend to travel a lot, it’s better to go for a small unit that doesn’t take up much space. It’s better if the unit has wheels or a handle to facilitate portability.
The Levoit LV-PUR131S is a perfect example of that. This way, you can enjoy fresh, clean air wherever you are.
But if you don’t move around too much and have a large space to take care of, designs that can handle a large coverage area are also bigger. So, you need to make sure you have enough space to spare.
Price
An air filter for wildfire smoke typically features a HEPA filter.
The cost of these purifiers can vary largely between $50 and $1000 due to varying features, especially coverage area and size.
The more you spend, the larger coverage area you get with better features like auto shut down, better design and aesthetic appeal, voice control, timer, etc.
But, you also need to consider your needs. For instance, there’s no point investing in a $500 air purifier for wildfire smoke with a large coverage for a small apartment or room.
Filtration
It’s essential that you choose the right filter mechanism to make the most out of your purchase. Smoke particles from wildfire range from 2.5 to 10 microns, so you need to select the filter accordingly.
We recommend getting an air purifier with either a HEPA filter or an activated carbon filter for wildfire smoke. Of course, your best bet is a unit that combines both of these, like the Rabbit Air MinusA2 Air Purifier and Dyson Pure Cool TP01.
Most particulate matter has a size of 0.4 to 0.8 microns, and a HEPA filter can catch particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it a good option. Meanwhile, an activated carbon filter works best for smoke odors and VOCs due to its high carbon matter.
Weight
Weight is related to the size of your unit. Generally, people prefer a lightweight unit like the Dyson Pure Cool TP01. It is easier to move around in the house and ensures convenience.
Coverage Area
This depends on your requirements and where you want to place your air purifier.
For example, the Levoit LV-PUR131S only has a 360 square feet area, so it is ideal for study rooms and offices. Meanwhile, the Alen BreatheSmart Classic has a large coverage area of 1100 square feet and is adequate for large halls or open spaces.
Warranty
While many products come with a warranty, it carries more weight for electronics.
A warranty indicates the life of your purifier and helps you to trust the manufacturer. We recommend getting a unit with at least a 2-year warranty.
Some manufacturers also offer a return policy of up to 90 days.
How to Use an Air Purifier to Remove Wildfire Smoke
When using an air purifier to remove wildfire smoke, you must keep a few things in mind.
Choose an appropriate location for your purifier. It should have enough space all around it so that it can circulate air adequately.
When using the purifier in a large room, choose the best vantage point. This means you should place it near you so that you reap maximum benefits.
If wildfire smoke is a serious and prevalent problem, we advise you not to turn it off. You don’t need to worry about the electricity bill too much as most units nowadays are energy efficient.
An air purifier can’t work efficiently if the windows and doors are open, with outside air constantly blowing in. So, make sure you close the windows and door.
The filter health greatly dictates the performance of your purifier. Make sure you clean it regularly and change it on time.
Pros and Cons of Using an Air Purifier To Remove Wildfire Smoke
While an air purifier can effectively help you get rid of wildfire smoke, it does have a few drawbacks.
Here are both aspects of using an air purifier for wildfire smoke so that you make an informed choice.
Pros
Of course, the most obvious benefit of an air purifier for wildfire smoke is that it is one of the most effective ways of eliminating wildfire smoke particles and odors from indoor space.
Yes, it complements other measures, but to say that it is the most significant one would not be inaccurate.
The HEPA and carbon filters can efficiently combat any particulate, VOCs, and odor particles left behind even after proper ventilation and other common preventive measures.
The best air purifiers for wildfire smoke usually have other filtration technology integrated to serve as an additional perk.
They sometimes feature a UV prefilter that effectively kills microbes or have a pre-filter that tackles large particles like hair and dust particles first.
This means you don’t just get rid of wildfire smoke but improve the overall air quality in your room. Some even double as a humidifier and an air purifier, like the Oreck WK15500B.
Cons
Air purifier filter maintenance, which includes regular cleaning and replacement, may be tiresome for some people.
Also, you need to factor in the cost of running an electronic appliance all day, or at least for most of the day. Although many units are now energy Star-rated, this is still something to keep in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Keep My House Protected from Wildfire Smoke?
While nothing can guarantee 100% results, some steps can make you safer.
If there is an active fire near your house and wildfire smoke is expected to head your way, keep the windows and door closed and use your purifier with appropriate settings.
If the fire has died down and smoke has diffused, keeping the windows open may help with ventilation. Also, make sure you know how you can tweak the settings of your HVAC equipment to keep smoke out.
You can use fans and ACs to stay cool. If the danger is imminent, avoid using devices like evaporative coolers or portable ACs with a single hose as they bring in air from the outside so they may bring smoke content too.
How Frequently Do I Need to Change Smoke Removal Air Filters?
While this varies largely upon your usage, the air quality inside your home, and the initial quality of your filter, the EPA recommends changing the filters every 2-3 months.
Final Verdict: What Air Purifier Is the Best for Removing Wildfire Smoke?
The Rabbit Air MinusA2 Air Purifier is the best air purifier for forest fire smoke. It boasts a unique and rather ideal blend of quality and style.
It looks great with most indoor décor settings and has impressive features like a light sensor, a highly efficient 6-stage filtration process, and great CADR ratings. It also consumes low power and is backed by a 5-year warranty and a 90-day return policy.
