Rating:

- There doesn’t seem to be much difference between the 582A and the lower-coverage 421A, except for the calibrated fan speeds. If you don’t intend to run the unit “full-tilt”, or if noise is a concern, you’re better off saving the extra 70$ and buying the 421A.

- The “auto” mode seems to be of dubious value, and will significantly reduce the coverage area of the unit, because it relies on the on-board sensors to adjust fan speed, and they can’t sample air quality over the entire advertised coverage area unless the unit is on very high. You can test this yourself by hitting the “turbo” button — the dust/odor sensor will spike as the unit pulls in more air. You’ll be better off to manually set the fan to the highest setting that you find acceptable (noise-wise), and purchasing multiple units for coverage. See my previous comments about the 421A.

- The “odor” sensor seems to be possessed. I assume the manufacturer is using some sort of an industrial chemical sensor, so it goes off at mysterious times for mysterious reasons. Unfortunately, it can’t be disabled (easily). You’ll notice this feature is missing from the new microA2 model.

- My 582A shakes at low fan speed, no doubt because of an imbalance in the internal fan (which is oddly somewhat off-center). This problem is entirely cosmetic, as the unit makes no additional noise as a result, but the shaking is oddly disconcerting and wouldn’t exist if the fan’s axis was at the center of the unit.

The good stuff;

- For the money, you would be hard pressed to buy a similar device.

- The five year warranty is exceptional, although the unit is of such simple design, its hard to imagine anything breaking or wearing out.

- The multistage filtration system is well conceived, filter life is excellent, and replacement costs are low.

- When run at an appropriate speed with a reasonable coverage area, the unit is quiet and power efficient.

- It will actually remove many household odors, despite the oddities of the sensor.

Rating:

The new Oreck Tower Pro XL was first. It was an amazing product, made the entire area smell fresh and the turbo mode is powerful like a rocket. Why did I return it? After a month or so, it started to *hum* in an annoying oscillating way.

Then I tried the Friedrich C-90B. The ugliest unit by far, looks like it was designed in 1970. But it worked great. Why did I return it? After a week it started to *rattle*, the fan blades hitting.

Then I tried the Alen A375. I was impressed, it had a low-tech remote control, seemed advanced compared to the Friendrich but still a dull white color. Why did I return it? It was weak, didn’t purify the air or deodorize, and the fan vented air straight up.

So then I found out about this Rabbit, and purchased one. It is by far the most impressive looking unit, Lighted display, high-tech remote, beautifully designed. The good news is its function is as advanced as its features. While the vent is upwards, it is angled so that the entire room gets a blast of fresh purified air. The 4 speeds are perfect, from silent to turbo. The filters are huge, and inexpensive. And it works as good as it looks.

I had some dust on a tv stand from construction work in the area. I blew the dust off, and for the first time, I saw the display light up warning of *bad air*. That is how sensitive it is. After a few minutes, the display warning went down and back to normal.

This is the unit that does it all, does it quietly, and does it while looking great.

Rating:

1) it had great technical reviews on allergy websites

2) it is very power efficient to run

3) its pre-filter and charcoal filters are washable (don’t pay any attention to the reviewers who say they aren’t)

4) it is very quiet

5) you only have to replace the hepa filter every 1.5 years or so

6) it is attractive, at least by the standard of most air purifiers

7) it covers quite a large square footage

I live in a house with three dogs, and the air in my bedroom where I have this unit is significantly cleaner. I was uncertain that it was really working until I had it unplugged one night while the filters were drying after a wash, and I woke in the morning all stuffed up and sniffling. I run it in pollen mode most of the time, due to the advice of another reviewer here, and I agree that that is the mode that works best.

Cons are the cost of course, and also, I think, some past shady behavior by the company that produces it, a least according to some (maybe biased, I don’t know) information I have seen on the web. But I have been very satisfied with the unit, and if it lasts 2 years I will count it well worth the somewhat high cost.

Rating:

Thanks to Rabbit Air excellent customer service and super fast delivery the replacement unit arrived quickly, and it does not vibrate at Maximum fan speed! In the mean time, I also bought a Sharp FP-P60CX Plasmacluster from newegg so I’ll do a brief comparison between them.

SHARP FP-P60CX Plasmacluster:

-pushes more air but slightly louder (maximum 233cfm @52dBA)

-only has one odor sensor

-carbon filter bag contain twice as much carbon, but replacement filter also cost more

-big remote, can’t store it on the unit but you can access to all function from the unit without it

-HEPA filter is slightly bigger and thicker, suppose to last 5 year but replacement filter cost twice as much

-More advanced and effective Ionizer, it scrubs the air! (you can read about Plusmacuster technology on Sharp’s website)

-Display light can be turn off

-Outside housing of the unit feel more rigid and slightly better construction, no vibration of any kind.

-1,4,8 hour timer

CADR rating: Dust 209 / Smoke 213 / Pollen 205

Rabbit Air 421A:

-Less powerful fan but quieter (maximum 159cfm @45dBA)

-both odor and dust sensors

-carbon filter catridge contain less carbon, cheaper to replace and easier to clean

-tiny remote, can be store at the back of the unit and you NEED the remote to access to most function

-HEPA filter is slightly smaller and thinner, only last 1.5yr, but cheaper to replace

-Display light cannot be dim or turn off

-1,2,4 hour Timer

CADR rating: Dust 145 / Smoke 144 / Pollen 163

-Excellent customer service

Honestly, it’s very hard for me to pick between the two, so I decided to keep them both. I paid about the same for both units, and at the end of 5 year mark I believe the total cost of operation will be about the same too. If I have a tight budget and can only afford to buy one unit, I would probably get the Sharp FP-P60CX Plasmacluster because it pushes more air(higher CADR) which mean it can cover a bigger room, don’t have to replace the filters for 5 years, and the timer is more useful(8hr instead of 4hr). Fortunately I can afford to keep both, so I’m using the more powerful unit (SHARP) in the living room, and put the quieter unit (Rabbit Air) in the bedroom. I leave them on full time (Auto mode)24/7, the sensors from both units are effective enough to adjust itself as necessary, and trust me….these sensors work as advertised, they are not a gimmick, my daughter farted around the air purifiers and both units kicked into high gear instantly, even before we can smell it!!

Rating:

Several years ago I purchased a GE HEPA Air Purifier from Wal-Mart for about $100. I have some moderate dust mite allergies and, being a college student with roommates, I this was the best option to contol the dust (the house certainly wasn’t going to be cleaned regularly!) The GE unit was very noisy. I simply assumed that all purifiers were noisy. I assumed that this was something I had to learn to deal with. I’m a light sleeper. After a few days of no sleep with the GE Purifier, I began only to run it when I was gone at class or work.

I’ve since graduated and decided to try an upgrade. The market has a ton of expensive unit. This one I’d say is “middle priced.” But don’t let that get you down. This unit has VALUE. You can drop a benjamin for a noisy unit from Wal-Mart. Or, you can bite the bullet and make a WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT. The HEPA filter that comes with the unit is hefty. The unit itself is very stylish. The remote is great (it can be stored on top of the unit too so you don’t loose it).

I found the most frustrating part of shopping for an air purifier is a lack decibel ratings. I did the research for you – this is the quietest unit on the market. Silent mode really is silent! Low mode is almost inaudible. I would equate the medium mode to sounding like like air coming blowing from any AC vent in your home. High mode is noticeable, but hey, it’s moving a lot of air on high mode.

The automatic function is great. It senses air quality and adjusts. It’s one of those “set it and forget it” products. Today is the first day of using the unit so I can’t comment on long-term efficacy. From the looks of it though, this is going to be a great product with low maintenance. I’m the king of buyer’s remorse. I’m also fresh out of college and not loaded with cash. I feel no regret in purchasing this product. If you’re skeptical of my strong recommmendaiton, don’t be. I so emphatically support this product because it’s one of the few products out there (besides an apple computer) that lives up to its promise. The biofresh is an awesome product.

Rating:

Pros:

-The charcoal/pre filters are washable in sink or dishwasher

-The HEPA filter is coated with antiviral/antibacterial agent to last longer

-1.5 year filter life with continuous use.

-5 year Warranty

-Very clear high tech looking front display

-Body painted with anti electro-static coating to prevent dust build up

-HEPA filter has a gasket on bottom edge perimeter to prevent air leakage

-The Odor and Particle sensors on front actually function accurately. I would have thought it was a cheap gimmick but they actually work! Its a nice extra feature you don’t see elsewhere. (when you buy one spray some air freshener or puff powder somewhere in middle of room and watch the odor/particle lights crank up shortly afterward)

Cons: (small gripes, but not enough for me to effect 5 star rating, but if this was a 1 out of 10 scoring system. I’d give it a 9 or 9.5)

-I dont have a problem with this but some people say front panel is to bright to have in bedroom. If you like perfect blank room then find a way to cover the display. No way to shut off front display other then power off.

-The unit requires a remote control to get to all its higher functions. All you can do on the unit itself is turn power on/off. The remote uses over sized watch battery so it wont be something you have laying around the house as a spare backup.

-The Ionizer turns itself on every time you select a new function on the remote (speeds and settings) So, you need to turn it back off everytime you change its settings (not a big deal)

-Some people were surprised by its size. But after getting it its about mid thigh high. You can press it up against a wall if you want.. and since its a somewhat thin profile it takes up less floor space then thise giant square or round designs other air purifiers have.

I am not sure if its worth the price yet. However, so far so good! When you look at the price of the competition and the quality and featurs you get on this. Its a very nice comparable model to put on your shopping radar if you are in the market.