3M Ultra Clean Air Purifier Review
The 3M ultra clean air purifier uses a charged media filter that is designed to remove larger sized particles such as visible dust and pollen. This is not a HEPA filter but since it uses a mechanical filter it is closer to HEPA technology than the pure electrostatic air purifiers. From our review it appears to be closer in performance to a higher end 3M air filter that you can install in your HVAC system. This air purifier is designed for seasonal allergy sufferers however those with severe allergies or asthma will want to go with a true HEPA air purifier. The 3M Ultra Clean air purifier is one of the quieter air purifiers we have tested due to a lower efficiency filter that is not as restrictive to the air flow as we see in the HEPA air filters. This air purifier has only one filter so no pre-filter to help capture the large dust and no carbon for odors or VOC removal.
Approximate Price: $300
Overall Air Cleaner Rating: 6.8/10
- Ease of Use Rating: 1.4 out of 2. The 3M ultra clean air purifier is simple to set up and operate. The controls are easily accessed at the top of the air purifier and there is no assembly to get the air purifier working. The power controls are intuitive and access to the filter requires removal of the cover that is at the front of the air purifier. The filter requires replacement every 1-3 months which is more often than every other air purifier in the HEPA class but there is no cleaning involved. Filters can quickly cost more than the air purifier.
- Air Flow: 1.2 out of 2. The 3M ultraclean air purifier had a max air flow of 128 cfm (cubic feet per minute) so in our opinion it can clean rooms in the 150 sq ft range(10’ x 15’). In reviewing a leading consumer testing magazine we found average results for the 3M air purifier and this is consistent with what we have observed.
- Filter Efficiency: 1.4 out of 3. When tested at the 0.3 micron size, the 3M ultra-clean air purifier removed approximately 70% of the particles which is below average for the HEPA class but better than many of the electrostatic air purifiers. The 3M air purifier performed better on the larger particle sizes such as a larger dust or pollen sized particle. Since the air filter has an electrostatic charge we would expect the filter efficiency to decrease over time as the filter becomes dirty and the impact of the charge is reduced.
- Consumer Feedback: 2.8 out of 3. The 3M Ultra Clean air purifier has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars across review sites such as Amazon and internet retail sites. Customers are very pleased with the air purifier in removing dust as well as the attractive design. We could not find comments from asthma or severe allergy sufferers but those that have purchased the 3M Ultra Clean air purifier are quite happy with their purchase.
See how the 3M Ultra Clean air purifier compares to the listing of top rated air purifiers.
3M site