FPR45CX and FPN40CX: Twins

FP-R45CX offers a "quick clean" mode that runs on high for the first 15 minutes and then reverts to auto. This function is implemented through a new button on the remote.

Air-Purifier-Power.com likes Sharps, and FPR45CX. While I have no experience with international shipping charges, delivery times, or exchange rates, the prices quoted in $CDN look sky-high to me.

Using an exchange rate deflator of .88, which may not be correct in the future, I get $351 US as the equivalent American-side price (399x.88=351). With the FPN40CX listing in the low $200's stateside, I have to ask if the extra features on this otherwise attractive upgrade are fairly priced.

Sharp air purifiers have a fad pricing pattern: high initial prices drift lower as the novelty factor wears off. I am looking for a new purifier for my wife's office, but will wait for some price decay on FPR45CX.

Air-Purifier-Power Rating Criteria

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: 7 of 10, oxidizers are dangerous, but user controlled. Depending on your environment, I recommend avoiding direct contact with blue light (oxidizer) operation until your room is clean enough that auto mode stays mostly on green light (ionizer). See other Sharp reviews for more.

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

Score: 10 of 10, Sharps were already a ten, more power is nice.

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

Score: 8 of 10, filter basket system looks weak, but my Sharp 60 never shows a bit of bypassed fine dust.

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

Score: 10 of 10, carbon filter monitor is a timer.

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

Score: 10 of 10, smokers or other contaminant sources in place expect shorter filter life.

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

Score: 10 of 10, if quiet is important to you, Sharp is your brand.

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: 7 of 10, warranty should be longer.

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 like the improvements, are they worth the money?

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

Score: 8 of 10.

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

Score: 10 of 10, handy remote, easy automatic interface.

FPR45CX Numeric Rating; 88, very good