I don't remember how exactly I came upon an idea of getting an air purifier.
Maybe my allergies were bothering me a lot at that time or maybe I saw a review
on Epinions and realized I could benefit from one.
In any case, after researching some conventional air purifiers (devices that
push air through a filter using a fan), I found the
Sharper Image Ionic Breeze series. These devices are quite
unconventional. They have no moving parts and the air gets moved by charging
it, without the use of a fan. They also don't have a conventional filter and
use static electricity (as I understand) to attract dust to the metal grid
inside the unit.
They also look unconventional - instead of the rectangular box, they resemble
little slotted towers, available in several colors. I got two
Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Compact devices (one for each of my
rooms) in light gray color.
The supposed advantages of these unconventional technologies are low power
consumption (6 Watts), lack of noise and no need to buy replacement filters
(you wipe/wash the metal grid once a week or so).
Sharper Image also sells a "full-size" version of this product (Ionic
Breeze Quadra 4.0 Silent Air Purifier),
which is about 1/3 taller than the Compact version I got and consumes 10 Watts,
from which I conclude its cleaning power should be about 30-35% higher.
After receiving the devices, I read the manual and plugged them into the wall
outlets. The devices have a control button on their top surface and three green
LEDs for High, Medium and Low filtration. The button cycles through these three
modes and the "Off" mode (no LEDs are lit).
Pictures
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Ionic BreezeŽ QuadraŽ 3.0 Compact Silent Air Purifier
Ionic Breeze in Action
Once turned on, the devices started producing a constant (although light)
stream of air. To tell the truth I was slightly suspicious of this technology
at first, and the fact that the Ionic Breeze does move the air through without
using fans was a relief.
The devices are supposed to be operated constantly, which is not a problem
since they draw only 6 Watts and stay cool as a result. After about an hour, I
could smell the ozone in the air. The manual states that the device produces
ozone, but in low concentrations that are not harmful.
I feel no discomfort with ozone. On contrary, I like it and like the fact that
it helps fight odors. My apartment definitely smells better now.
Cleaning
The manual states that the devices should be cleaned about every 7-10 days. The
indication that the cleaning is due is the humming sound that appears when the
grid gets too dirty/dusty.
The cleaning is simple - you pull the handle on top of the unit, removing the
grid (that is actually three metal bars that run through the length of the
unit), wipe the grid with a wet paper towel, flip the unit housing a couple of
times (there are a couple of wires inside with little plastic spheres that move
along the wires when you flip the unit, cleaning the wires), wait until the
grid dries and re-insert it.
You have to make sure that the grid is completely dry before re-inserting it (I
usually wait about 5 hours). Also, make sure you don't burn oil lamps in the
room when the device is in operation.
Performance
I have discovered that the grid gets dusty/dirty within about 7-10 days. The
device starts making buzzing sounds and you can pull out the grid (after
turning it off) and see quite a lot of dust. When I wipe the grid with a wet
paper towel, the towel turns black, which makes me happy that this stuff was
removed from the air I breathe.
There seems to be less dust accumulation on the bookshelves and my desk now
that I have the Ionic Breeze running 24/7. I also feel less symptoms of
allergies, although this may be a placebo effect.
The Compacts are definitely adequate for one medium-sized room each.
In reality, I cannot say with any degree of certainty that the Ionic Breeze is
effective enough in removing allergens from the air. However, it definitely
makes the air fresher, reduces odors in the room, removes some dust from the
air and doesn't draw much power.
Pricing and Warranty
The units came with a 5-year warranty, which is a good thing with such an
expensive appliance. The pricing is quite high. The Ionic Breeze Compact sell
for $250 each and the full-size models are even more expensive. I got the
refurbished Compacts for about $95 each, shipping included. At this price, they
are more attractive and their low power consumption and no need in replacement
filters should make them cheap to operate. But stock up on paper towels...
Bottom Line
I am happy with my purchase. The
Ionic Breeze Compact works well removing dust and smells from the air.
Recommended
Yes
Overall Product Rating
(above average)
This review is also available at Epinions.com