Blueair 603 HepaSilent Air Purifier Review: Too Loud?
The Blueair 603 is one of the most powerful air purifiers on the market today and is designed for large rooms up to about 700 square feet in size. It works well for basements, work spaces, studios and even large family rooms.
To prove it, it has the world’s highest CADR. For those of us who don’t know what that means, it stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate, and it refers to a scale developed to compare the performance of air cleaners. Specifically, it measures the total air volume that an air purification system can clean in one minute. The Blue Air 603 outperforms other machines, operating at more than 450 cubic feet per minute.
This HepaSilent air purification system also minimizes draft that you oftentimes see with other air cleaners. It has something called SurroundAirTM, which means it takes in air from the sides and bottom and releases it from the top and sides (The air intake is six times greater than your average filtered system). This not only increases the air flow, but it also means the air isn’t blowing out in a steady stream like a fan.
As for noise, this unit is pretty quiet, thus the name HEPASilent. It captures 99.97% of particles in the air as small as 0.1 microns. It does this via mechanical and electrostatic filtration combined with ion particle charging, meaning it just cleans the air better. The dirty particles go through an ionization process, then they are filtered, and the healthy air is released. This is similar to a HEPA filter on a vacuum cleaner.
Video Review
Specs
- Clean Air Delivery Rate: More than 450 cubic feet per minute (more than 765 cubic meters per hour)
- Room Size: 698 square feet (65 square meters)
- Air Flow: 90-490 cubic feet per minute (150-830 cubic meters per hour)
- Air Changes per Hour: 5
- Total Weight: 35 lbs. (16 kilograms)
- Dimensions: 26” x 20” x 13” (660 x 500 x 340 millimeters)
- Noise Level: 32-66 decibels
- Energy Consumption: 35-120 watts
- Volts: Standard US outlet – 110 volt / 120VAC / 60Hz
- Speeds: 4
- Air Intake: Bottom & Sides
- Air Output: Top & Sides
- Replacement Filters: Blueair Replacement Particle Filter for 500/600 Series – about $80 for a set of 3
- Warranty: 5 Years
Quick Stats
- Designed for large rooms
- Patented HEPA system
- 5 Air changes per hour
- Magnetic filter timer
Pros
- Highest clean air delivery rate in the world
- Works great for large rooms
- Made in America
- Great at removing dust and pet dander
Cons
While most users are very happy with this machine, there are a few minor complaints. One is that it uses three filters at once. While this makes it perform better and increases its level of filtration, you can expect to spend money 1-3 times per year or so (depending on use) on replacement filters.
The second complaint is the same you’ll find with any air cleaner or fan, and that’s about the noise. At the lowest setting, this one is very quiet. However, you will hear it more on the highest setting as it takes in more air. Most users say they can still hear the television just fine even with it on the highest setting, but it is something to keep in mind if this is a concern for you. Many users in their reviews say they just keep it running on the lowest speed all the time with no need to change it. That way it’s nice and quiet.
How easy is it to use?
One great thing about this unit is that it’s on wheels, meaning it’s very easy to move when necessary. The wheels are like casters on a desk chair, so it moves effortlessly. As far as changing the filters, that’s easy too, and you don’t have to bend or lift anything to get to it, as it slides right out from the top of the cleaner. In fact, in one review, the user says it takes longer to unwrap the filter than to install it.
The Blueair 603 also comes with a magnetic timer that you can attach to any metal surface (think refrigerator, the air cleaner itself or anyplace else you’re likely to see it often). It gives you a digital countdown until the filters need to be changed so you won’t forget.
How often do the filters need to be changed?
The 603 does come with a magnetic countdown timer so you never forget to change the filters, but when you change it depends on how it’s used.
In user reviews, most people say changing them every six months works well for them. However, if you have it next to a wood burning stove or if you smoke in the house, you may need to change them more often. On the other hand, if you have no pets and live in a less dusty environment, you can probably get away with changing them less often.
How well does it work?
According to user reviews, the 603 is a great machine with many uses. Overall, it’s rated at 4.5 out of 5 stars, which is excellent. One user says she and her husband painted their kitchen, rolled the unit in, and the next morning there was absolutely no paint smell.
Another buyer says she got the unit because the previous owners of her home had many pets, and her allergies just couldn’t handle the residual dander. She now says she’s sleeping so much better at night and not have nearly as many problems breathing since getting her Blueair machine.
How do I clean it?
The easiest thing to do is to remove the filters and then blow out any dust with compressed air. In addition to that or in place of it, you can dust it out with a damp cloth. A shop vac with a brush attachment works well to get any fine dust particles out as well.
Does it generate heat?
From one user who has had the Blueair running nonstop for three months, he says both the unit itself as well as the air coming out remains relatively cool. Many user reviews say that it does not generate any heat by itself.
603 vs 650E?
There are a few key differences in these two machines. Namely, on the 603 you set the fan speed manually, and on the 350E it’s electronic and has auto speed. The 603 has four settings vs. the 650E, which sets the speed automatically. The 650E also comes with a remote rather than having to change the settings manually.
Is it loud?
This air purifier is known to be one of the quietest available on the market today. Even at its highest fan speed, it’s still a lot quieter than other brands and models. On high, it runs at about 66 decibels, though you probably won’t be running it on high very often.
How large of a room?
This model is designed to work in rooms up to 698 square feet and do five air changes per hour. If you have a more open concept home that is small, it will work to clean all the air it can reach, not just in the room where it is placed.
Does it capture small particles?
The HEPA system on this machine does seem to work as advertised. In fact, one user in his review says he bought a VOC meter to measure because he was debating with his wife whether air fresheners worked as well as air filters. He found that the room with the Blueair in it was by far the cleanest room in the house with nearly 0 PPM (parts per million).
What is it made of?
Some air filters are made of plastic, and it smells. This one has a steel housing, so there is no smell of plastic and it’s very sturdy.
Final Verdict
While the Blueair 603 is a bit on the pricey side, it’s still a great investment. It’s durable and does a great job of purifying the air of pet dander, dust, mold, cigarette smoke and other smells even in large rooms. It’s easy to use and move around, and the filters are reasonable priced and easy to change. Overall, consumers who bought one are very happy and are breathing better (even those who have kids with allergies, itchy eyes or sinus headaches).
If you need a powerful air cleaner, this is a great one to buy, especially if you get it on sale. We found the best price at Amazon.
