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Purifiers with permanent and washable air filters can be great if you wanted to use a machine to clean the air in your home without having to spend on replacement filters.
In our review of the best air purifiers with washable and permanent HEPA filters, you’ll be able to learn about the main features that these devices have to offer. As a result, you can make a more informed decision about the air purifier that’s best for your needs.
A buying guide is also available which includes more details about air purifiers with washable and permanent HEPA filters, as well as an FAQ section and tips to help you use your purifier properly.
🏆 AirHonest Top Pick – Hamilton Beach 04386A
AirHonest Award: Best Overall Permanent & Washable HEPA Filter Air Purifier
Highlights:
- True HEPA filter
- Can be set up vertically or horizontally
- Quick Clean & Medium Modes
- Quiet motor
Hamilton Beach’s 04384A model comes with a true HEPA filter which is fantastic for removing 99.97% of pollutant particles in the air that are as small as 0.3 microns. This includes pollutant particles such as dust, pet dander, mold, and pollen.
We liked how you’re provided with the opportunity to easily clean the true HEPA filter. You can simply vacuum the filter to clean it and ensure that it continues working effectively. It’s a great feature for saving you the hassle and money of having to purchase replaceable filters.
Users have been liking how this air purifier has been made with a design that lets you set it up horizontally or vertically. This is because it’s more compact and easier to slot into rooms where you don’t have as much free space.
In addition to this, the motor can function quietly which is awesome for installing the air purifier in your bedroom. You can have it switched on and filtering airborne pollutants while still being able to sleep soundly.
The “Whisper Clean” mode is what lets you use the air purifier at its quietest. You can also select the “Medium” and “Quick Clean” modes to achieve cleaner air faster.
Pros 👍
✔ Easy to clean HEPA filter
✔ 3 fan settings available
✔ Compact design
✔ Quiet mode included
Cons 👎
✘ Front cover limits airflow a little
✘ Plastics on front & back could be more durable
✘ No carbon filter available
Read Our Full Hamilton Beach 04384A Review or Buy on Amazon
Envion by Boneco Therapure TPP240
AirHonest Award: Best for Medium & Large Rooms
Highlights:
- UV light
- HEPA type filter
- Ionizing system
The TPP240 air purifier is effective at removing pollutant particles from the air that include pet dander, mold, bacteria, dust, and odors due to the HEPA type filter that has been fitted. In addition to this, a UV light is included that’s great for targeting viruses, germs, and bacteria.
It’s fantastic for being used in rooms that are medium or large as it can cover up to 343 square feet.
Furthermore, the air purifier can provide room up to 343 feet with a full cleanse 3 times per hour. We also liked how it has a CADR rating of 155 for pollen, 132 for dust, and 137 for smoke. This makes it awesome for people living in homes with second-hand smoke and those who suffer from allergies.
An ionizing feature has been implemented to this air purifier which works to target pollutant particles at their molecular structure. This works by the air purifier releasing negative ions that attach themselves to pollutant particles and bring them lower to the ground to prevent them from being airborne.
Pros 👍
✔ Effective HEPA type filter
✔ Great for medium & large rooms
✔ Ionizing system included
✔ UV cleaning system
Cons 👎
✘ Blue lights are too bright at night
✘ No auto mode features available
✘ Uses more electricity than some were hoping
View Envion by Boneco Air Purifier on Amazon
Honeywell HFD-120-Q
AirHonest Award: Best for Smallest Pollutant Particles
Highlights:
- True HEPA filter
- Filter clean indicator
- Ionizer system available
A true HEPA filter has been integrated into the Honeywell HFD-120-Q which is great for removing up 99.97% of pollutant particles that are as little as 0.3 microns. This filter can also be easily washed to maintain its effectiveness.
To make things even easier, a filter clean indicator has been included. Therefore, the machine tells you when it’s time for the filter to be washed so that you never let it get too dirty.
We liked how the fan can operate powerfully while also being quiet. As a result, it could be a good option to consider for people interested in using an air purifier in their room while they sleep at night.
An ionizer function is available too. This sends out negative ions that capture any of the pollutant particles that the HEPA filter wasn’t able to reach.
This air purifier is best for being used in rooms that are 170 square feet as it’s able to effectively cleanse the air 5 times every hour.
Pros 👍
✔ True HEPA filter
✔ Ionizing features
✔ Filter wash indicator
✔ Great for small and medium rooms
Cons 👎
✘ The oscillating mode can lead to noise
✘ Some notice the air purifier produces a strong initial smell
✘ Taking filters out can be a little tricky
View Honeywell HFD-120-Q on Amazon
Bionaire BAP1412-U Air Purifier
AirHonest Award: Best for Small Rooms
Highlights:
- PERMAtech HEPA filter
- Optional ionizing function
- 3 fan settings
- Slim design
We liked how the Bionaire BAP1412-U Air Purifier has been made with a slim-profile tower design. As a result, you can have an easy time when it comes to installing the air purifier in smaller rooms that are up to 80 square feet to save on floor space.
A PERMAtech filter has been implemented to this air purifier and it comes with a HEPA media. Therefore, it’s effective at removing up to 99% of pollutant particles that are airborne in your home. The filter is also permanent which means that you don’t need to purchase replacement filters.
An ionizer system is available to use as well. Users have been liking how they’re provided with the choice to use the ionizing features or not by turning it on or off. 3 fan settings are at your disposal to choose between so that you can select the most appropriate one depending on the cleanliness of your air.
Pros 👍
✔ Slim tower design
✔ Optional ionizer available
✔ Easy-to-use controls
✔ 3 fan settings
Cons 👎
✘ Motor operates loudly
✘ Produces more ozone than some were expecting
✘ Some find it produces a chemical smell
View Bionaire BAP1412-U Air Purifier on Amazon
AirHonest Verdict
At AirHonest, the Hamilton Beach 04384A is our top pick due to how it comes with an effective true HEPA filter, quiet motor, and a compact design for easy setup.
We also recommend that you check out the other air purifiers as we’ve included some great cheap and inexpensive options, as well as pricier ones that all have their own features that may stand out to you as being best.
Buyers Guide on the Best Air Purifier with Permanent Filter
Differences Between Permanent and Washable Filters
If you’re looking for air purifier reusable filter options, you may have come across a couple of different types of machines. They include permanent and washable air filters. Both of them have similarities when it comes to letting you use them over and over again without having to replace them.
However, if you see a filter that states it’s washable, this means that you can clean it with water and soap without causing any damage. However, when it comes to the permanent filters that don’t mention being washable, using soap and water to clean it can cause damage. Instead, you should use a vacuum or brush to clean permanent filters.
Pros and Cons of Washable and Permanent Filters
People who are on a tighter budget often opt for reusable home air filters because it saves them the cost of having to purchase new filters regularly. Initially, it may seem like permanent and washable filters are superior to others.
However, they come with some downsides that you’ll want to consider before making a final decision on one of these air purifiers. Below, we’ve listed the upsides and downsides to using washable and permanent filters.
Advantages
- Maintaining the filter is generally pretty easy
- You can save money on buying replacement filters
- Being able to clean the filter whenever you want lets you keep it spotless and effective
Disadvantages
- Some reusable filters aren’t effective at trapping particles that are any smaller than 2 microns
- Some people find having to clean the filters regularly to be more of a hassle than replacing them
- Air purifiers with permanent filters
Area Coverage
Considering the amount of space that your air purifier can cover before purchasing it is incredibly important. Therefore, we recommend that you measure the size of the room in square feet that you’re planning to use an air purifier in.
This will make it a lot easier when it comes to choosing between the different purifiers that are available as you can focus on the ones that are best for the size of your room.
The permanent air filter purifiers tend to be best for small and medium-sized rooms. Although, some great options can be used for larger rooms as well. The models with less coverage are best for bedrooms and smaller rooms whereas the ones that can cover more space are better suited for medium and large rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
HEPA filters that state being washable or permanent can be safely cleaned without causing damage.
The HEPA filters that just mention being permanent mean that you should clean them using a vacuum or a brush. On the other hand, air purifiers with washable HEPA filters can be cleaned with soap and water.
This will depend on the kind of air purifier that you’re using and how often it’s being turned on. Many models in 2019 come with filter change indicators that let you know when it’s time to replace them.
With other models, it’s recommended to change them every 12-18 months.
Permanent filters in air purifiers can be good for people looking for a way to save money and avoid the hassle of having to purchase new filters. However, if you don’t mind spending on new air filters when they need replacing, the ones that aren’t permanent may be a more convenient option.
Be sure that the purifier is turned off and follow the instructions in the manual for your particular model on how to take the filter out for cleaning.
If it’s a washable filter, shake it off and run it under warm water with soap. For the permanent filters, it’s best to use a vacuum to clean them.
Tips On Using Air Purifier With Washable Filter
- Make sure that you choose an air purifier that’s the right size for the space that you want to use it in. For smaller spaces, the compact and slim-profile models are best whereas the larger air purifiers can be more suitable for bigger spaces.
- When you clean your filters, it’s a good idea to also wipe the rest of the purifier to ensure that the grills and air vents are clean.
- Using the brush attachment available with vacuums is best for cleaning permanent filters as it can dislodge particles and suck them up.
