Blueair 201 Review

The best illustration is a copyrighted photo by alerg.com; go to the page linked, scroll down the right margin to the small photo marked "Filter Side." The link opens in a new window. Blueair 201 back photo at alerg.com.

Allerg's photo clearly depicts the filter, with no electrostatic brushes preceding it, at the very back of the 201. A single ionizing brush is located above the fan, but right behind the filter, primarily charging the exhaust air. This looks more like a conventional ionizer.

Apparently the company believes the charge field works through the filter, ionizing some particles on the upstream side. I have my doubts as to the effectiveness of this arrangement. They have produced a completely different type of filter for the 200 series air purifiers.

Confusing this with the pre-existing Blueair technology is a marketing mistake. I think the company should draw this distinction more carefully on their site and dealer information package. Confused dealers are all over the road on this one, using promotional materials, specifications, and incorrect photographs from other Blueair models.

Many vendor websites are misrepresenting the filter: it is approximately 19" by 15" by 1" thick.There must have been inadequate publicity and a lack of digital images with this model introduction.

A very large percentage of dealer webmasters have used images of the boxy, narrow, thick, blue and white traditional Blueair HEPASilent filters. The correct filter, 201PF, looks like the image posted here.

This is not the same HEPASilent electrostatic filtration featured on the other Blueairs. Blueair 301 was brieflythe low end model, and was displaced by the 201. The discontinued 301 Blueair used 3 brushes ahead of a typical Blueair electrostatic-hybird box filter, this may have contributed to the confusion.

Does this mean the 201s are inferior?

No!

Efficient Filtration Still the Norm

Despite the criticism above, the product quality we expect from Blueair is not missing.

AllergyBuyersClub.com, respected here for careful product evaluation, found over 90% efficiency in their particle counter tests. I love negative ions, and like the ozone-free Blueair brush ionizer system.

Testing at an agency of the Swedish Government showed the Blueair model 201 does not emit ozone. AllergyBuyersClub.com, using ozone test paper, found zero ozone emissions. Remember, this is an ionizer. Zero ozone is commendable, and rare.

The company claims Blueair 201 captures 99.97 percent of particles at 0.1 micron size, using a superior Hepa-like paper filter with smaller pores than the other models. This is also commendable, better than standard HEPA particle removal specs.

Since there is no prefilter, these machines accumulate the large visible dust right on the filter. It looks scary, but users can easily vacuum the '01s filter with a soft brush attachment. Warranty-required 6 month filter change intervals, using the company's posted $59.95 price, give around $140 annual filter costs. This produces a 2+ year maintenance to initial purchase price ratio, a middle rank.

The 201PF air filter is available on dealer sites ($48.99 to $81.75), users not buying from the company should save receipts for possible warranty verification. Changing filters is quick and easy without tools.

The SmokeStop filter is not available, there is an alternate 201carbon filter on the companywebsite for $89.95. This is a reminder that Blue air 201 has little odor or volatile chemical removal capability.

Still Quiet

With noise to volume stats, as recommended at Air-Purifier-Power, of 30dBA@80cfm, 37dBA@115cfm, and43dBA@140cfm, the little air cleaner is pretty quiet. These figures are from the company website, vendor sites are quoting higher numbers.

At 21 by 17 by 9.5 inches, the baby Blueair is compact. The steel case makes it heavier, and more durable than some competing air cleaners. At 25 pounds, it can be carried by all but the elderly or infirm.

Using 20-50 Watts, and EPA Energy Star rated at 2.48 dust CADR per Watt, the 201 by Blueair is frugal, but not a standout on power consumption. Blueair changed it's warranty for the 200 Series, offering a shorter 5 year warranty specificallyfor the 201s. Other Blueairs still have warranties running 10 years. Many vendor websites are incorrectly quoting 10 year warranty information on the 201. A limited warranty of 5 years requires users to buy genuine Blueair replacement filters every 6 months. A filter subscription plan is offered.

Blueair 201: Manual Controls

I rave incessantly about the need for US, Canadian, and European air purifier builders to notice the digital technology convergence tidal wave coming from Asia. Manually controlled air purifiers are rapidly becoming obsolete. Electronic particle, odor/chemical, room sound level, temperature, and humidity sensors are appearing on leading models from Asia. Air-Purifier-Power predicts sensor controlled automatic operation will soon be mandatory for product survival.

Tech leaders like Blue air know this, and are moving. But not as fast as I think they should. Blueair 201 has 3 manually controlled speeds. Period. No electronics.

However, Blueair 250e debuts as this is published (05/06). Very little data and no dealer websites areposted, but 250e is announced on the company website with the following:

"The 250E comes with an easy to use remote control and digital display system that gives the user instant feeback of particle detection, air purifier speed and timer operation."

Now that's more like it.

Blueair 250e looks exactly like 201, but sports a digital display for a particle sensor, automatic mode, and remote control.

Presumably the 250e Blueair will be priced somewhat above the 201, but I think buyers who want automated air purification should do a little fence sitting.

I would love to see these electronics work their way up the product line.

Other 200 Series competitors may be in the pipeline. 205c, available at upscale malls from Brookstone, has some carbon added to the filter.

Quite a few vendors are offering extra filters as deal sweeteners on the Blueair 201. If you decide to buy a 201, I recommend purchasing from dealers who have taken the trouble to get their facts straight.

Each of ten factors gets up to 10 points, 100 is perfect and very unlikely.

1. First do no harm; minimal out gassing, no ozone.

Score: 10 of 10, ozone free ionizer, metal case.

2. Serious gas and odor removal is a requirement if health benefits are expected: Units with real carbon VOC capability rank higher.

Score: 6 of 10, particle remover only.

3. Quality construction; case, gaskets, seals, and precision fitting eliminate bypassing and assure high efficiency at filtering sub-micron particles.

Score: 9 of 10, Hard to tell if rear mounted filter is well sealed.

4. The design maximizes the lifespan of each filter stage by allowing independent filter replacement. Ideally this is combined with electronic filter monitoring.

Score: 7 of 10, 6 month filter requirement penalizes light users and clean homes.

5. Unit has long filter life, low maintenance requirements, and reasonable operating costs.

Score: 7 of 10, lack of prefilter raises operating costs.

6. Purifier produces low noise levels and meaningful air flow rates relative to noise.

Score: 9 of 10, pretty quiet, good bedroom unit, many will put tape over the blue "nightlight."

7. Manufacturer has a track record, with many units in the field and a reputation for supporting what they sell. Warranty period and average service life are long.

Score: 9 of 10, drop to 5-year warranty.

8. Purifier is a value in terms of price/performance ratio. Every price range should be included, “models above $1,200 are best”, while true, is not useful to most consumers.

Score: 8 of 10, I'd hold for Blueair 250es price announcement.

9. No dirt; unit and manufacturer should be devoid of class-action suits, high returns, recalls, consumer complaints, and legitimate negative consumer reviews.

Score: 10 of 10, Reputable firm in a sea of crooks.

10. Unit is stylish, portable, comfortable, and convenient for consumer use.

Score: 9 of 10, sharp looks, but no automatic interface yet.

Numeric Rating;84, good bedroom particle remover.

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