Whirlpool Air Purifier
The Whirlpool Air Purifier AP51030K is arguably the best air purifier around for mid-size rooms. Its triple step filtration mechanism ensures full and thorough cleansing of the air, and the simple yet surprisingly effective external grill also provides an additional net for the larger particles which would otherwise harm the unit.
As a well respected brand in all things home related, Whirlpool has made sure that the AP51030K does its name proud. The Whirlpool Air Purifier AP51030K is classified as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) air purifier which meets the criteria as specified by the US DoE, namely that the unit has to filter out 99.97% of all particles which are larger than 0.3 microns.
The Whirlpool AP51030K combines the security of a well known brand with the added security of meeting federal air filtration specifications. As such, the Whirlpool AP51030K is a low risk solution for anyone wishing to remove dust, mold, pollen, waste from dog/cat fur, as well as countless other irritants which can damage your health.
The Whirlpool Air Purifier AP51030K has the following features:
- Triple filter: preliminary filter, carbon, followed by HEPA
- Odor elimination via carbon filter
- HEPA filter providing 99.97% elimination of >0.3 microns particles
- 4.8 filtration cycles per hour per 500 sq ft
- Digital controls for quick, easy programming
- 4 x fan speeds
- Clean air delivery rate (CADR): 315
Many of the Whirlpool Air Purifier reviews are quick to note that this unit has been voted the best air purifier of the year 2010, and the rating of 92% (4.6 stars from 5) on Amazon is an indication of the converging opinions of both Amazon and consumer reports users. It should give the average person seeking an effective, reliable air purifier a lot more confidence to see that the opinion is near universal (a true indicator of a top quality product).
There was a Hunter brand unit that shared the top rated crown for 2010, but unfortunately that model has been discontinued. As for Honeywell – often the most popular brand when it comes to air purifiers – it seems that Whirlpool has done just as well, if not better. While Whirlpool may not specialize in air purifiers as does Honeywell, the Whirlpool AP51030K shows no signs of lack of focus, in fact quite the opposite.
Despite the slightly above average size, the customers who have written the Whirlpool AP51030K Air Purifier reviews on Amazon are pleased with features such as simple yet very plentiful controls giving lots of options, including fan speed which is quite nice as some people can tolerate more fan noise than others. Not that the Whirlpool Air Purifier AP51030K is especially loud, in fact, personally I find it slightly quieter than average, but a fan is a fan and especially running at the very powerful ‘turbo’ mode, it’s not going to be silent!
Customers are also pleased by the indicators that let you know when you need to replace the filter, but not only that, it lets you know how much ‘life’ it has got left which is a nice little touch. People who have bought the Whirlpool AP51030K feel a lot more secure with the 5 year warranty, although I must remark that it is limited.
As for the all important factor, the quality of air post Whirlpool Air Purifier AP51030K, well, the general consensus is that the air feels a lot more clean, fresh, the smell is improved, and all visible dust/dirt/other particles are removed by this unit. Some reviewers have even gone on to order more of these units, despite the additional cost, simply due to the health benefits they have received. It certainly is not within our best interests to sit indoors all day, be it at the office or at home, breathing in dirty air.
Although the negatives of the Whirlpool AP51030K are few, I did find one or two. First of all, in addition to the initial investment on the actual Whirlpool AP51030K unit, using this regularly will lead to an increase of around $10 per month on your electricity bill.
Some reviewers have 4 air purifiers in the house, adding nearly $50 to their monthly electricity bill, which is a massive amount if you think about it. However, if you stick to just one, $10 per month is manageable. When they work well, as the Whirlpool AP51030K invariably does, air purifiers are miraculous things, but make no mistake – they do require a fair bit of power.
Other minor issues include high noise reported by one customer, though others claim it is the quietest air purifier available, and excessively bright LEDs which make it difficult to go to sleep when the unit is turned on. If that’s the extent of the Whirlpool Air Purifier AP51030K problems, however, I can definitely live with that!