Elechomes' Pro Series Air Purifier Offers Quiet Efficiency

We purchased the Elechomes EPI236 Pro Series Air Purifier so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

If you’re looking to improve your home's air quality, an air purifier works to eliminate harmful irritants indoors, including pet dander, pollen, and smoke. The Elechomes EPI236 Pro Series Air Purifier's makers say it can trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns (for reference, bacteria particles are .2 to 3 microns in size) and is ideal for rooms up to 280 square feet. The Elechomes EPI236 has a three-filter system: a pre-filter, a carbon filter, and a HEPA filter. I put it to the test in my home for several weeks, assessing its feature-rich design and performance. Read on to see if this air purifier is worth buying. 

Weighing a little over six pounds, the Elechomes EPI236 is conveniently lightweight and portable. I was able to carry it easily from room to room. It has a 15-inch tall cylinder shape with a small footprint—8 inches wide. Its all-white, unobtrusive design should blend in nicely with most decor. I placed it in a corner of my bedroom, and it was hardly noticeable. The unit had that new appliance smell for the first few days, but it dissipated over time.

The user manual is easy to follow and clearly explains all of the control panel functions. This air purifier has touch sensors instead of buttons, which can be tricky to use. Sometimes the sensors didn’t respond when I pressed them. Initially, I thought I had a defective model, but the touchpad is a common complaint among users. It took some trial and error, but I realized the sensors work best if I hold my finger on them for a few seconds (instead of tapping on them repeatedly). 

Aside from the finicky touch sensors, the Elechomes EPI236 is easy to operate. It has four airspeeds: sleep, auto, level 1, and level 2. The unit is equipped with a timer set at one, two, four, or eight hours. Since the unit shuts off automatically if the timer is activated, I never worried about accidentally leaving it on. The child lock is another convenient safety feature. It can be activated by pressing and holding the "wind speed" button and filter replacement button simultaneously for three seconds. 

When I first turned on the air purifier, I was surprised to see the entire base light up green. I find any bright light distracting, especially while I’m sleeping, so I was relieved that it could be turned off. This light is actually the smart air quality sensor, which features three colors to indicate the air quality in your home: green is good, orange is moderate, and red is bad. In sleep mode, the indicator lights will turn off automatically. When set to auto mode, the unit will automatically adjust between fan speeds in response to these real-time air quality readings. 

Since this air purifier is intended for rooms up to 280 square feet, it wouldn’t be effective in my larger open-concept living room and kitchen. I decided to use it in my bedroom, which is a medium-sized space. After a few days of running the air purifier continuously overnight, I noticed my allergies had improved. I woke up feeling less sniffly and congested. Judging from the amount of dirt, dust, and dog hair collected in the filter in less than a week, the Elechomes EPI236 seemed to be working effectively. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to set up the air purifier? 

The Elechomes Air Purifier is quick and easy to set up. I had it up and running in less than five minutes. The unit comes fully assembled. I removed the plastic wrapping from the composite filter and installed it. To access the filter, you need to turn the air purifier upside down and open the cap on the bottom. The unit is incredibly lightweight, and the cap is easy to turn; installation is a breeze. 

How is the noise level? 

In sleep mode, the Elechomes EPI236 operates at a whisper-quiet level. It’s also quiet when running on the lowest setting (level 1). I could carry on a conversation, read, or watch TV, and the subtle noise didn’t disturb me at all. On level 2, which is the highest setting, it makes more of a whirring sound—similar to a box fan or air conditioner. The additional noise isn’t loud or disruptive, but it is noticeable. 

Is it effective on smoke? 

The Elechomes EPI236 is supposed to work particularly well on smoke. I don’t live in an area prone to wildfires, and there aren’t any smokers in my household. However, I do like to use my fireplace in the winter. The smell of burning wood can be a bit strong, especially if it seeps into the furniture. I ran the air purifier whenever I had a fire going, and it reduced the odor significantly.   

What are the noteworthy features? 

The Elechomes EPI236 is equipped with an automatic shut-off timer, a convenient feature. It can be set at one, two, four, or eight hours. For added safety and peace of mind, this unit features a child lock that disables the control panel. It also has a smart air quality sensor with a three-color light-based notification system to measure the air pollutants. 

Is there any maintenance or upkeep required? 

According to the user manual, you will need to clean the composite filter twice a week. This can be done with a vacuum or a small, soft brush. The filter should be replaced at least every six months for optimum performance. For added convenience, an indicator light will flash when the filter needs to be changed. A replacement filter retails for about $47, which is on the more expensive end for a replacement air filter. 

Elechomes EPI236 Pro Series Air Purifier vs. the Competition

If you need an air purifier for a larger space, the Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover has a higher capacity. It can be used in rooms up to 465 square feet. As you’d expect with a more powerful unit, the retail price is significantly higher too—approximately $250. At more than 17 pounds, the Honeywell HPA300 is much heavier than the Elechomes unit and almost double its size. Due to its sheer volume, it’s best suited for larger homes and commercial businesses. 

I also tested the Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier, another great option for small spaces (up to 200 square feet). In addition to a HEPA filter that captures 99.97 percent of allergens, it’s also equipped with UV-C light to kill bacteria and germs. The PureZone has some of the same features as the Elechomes EPI236, such as an intuitive control panel, whisper-quiet operation, and an automatic shut-off timer. But, it doesn’t have an air quality indicator. It costs about the same as the Elechomes model, retailing about $99.