Cons: None, except unit delivered with missing foot.
The Bottom Line: If you wish to avoid electrostatic type cleaners, then this should be your choice in HEPA-style purifiers. Probably the best air cleaner available in this price range.
newtownbeans's Full Review: Whirlpool Whispure 510 Air Purifier
After about 11 years of use, my Friedreich air cleaner needed to be replaced. Originally costing more than $400., I was not sure that I wanted to invest that much money into another air purifier, so I did some research and found the Whirlpool Whispure 510 as a suitable replacement.
The Friedreich is an electrostaic cleaner and I have recently read that this type of air cleaners create ozone and this is not good for asthma sufferers. Since my granddaughter has a slight asthma condition, I wanted to avoid electrostatic type cleaners and researched the different HEPA type cleaners.
The Whispure seemed to be the most desired cleaner in the price category of $200-$300. After price shopping at various internet sites, I found the best price at AbsoluteHome.com and paid $219. with free shipping. It took about 2 weeks for the unit to arrive, so if you are not in any particular hurry, this is the place to buy it.
The unit has a claimed capacity of cleaning the air in a space up to 510 s.f. I am using it in an open area of kitchen, dining and living room, which is about 480 s.f. and the unit seems to be doing an adequate job. I have been told that units designed with HEPA filters actually work more efficiently as the filter becomes used over a period of time, up to the point where it requires replacement. I will have to see how true that is as the unit gets more mileage on it.
After unpacking the cleaner, I noticed that one of the rubber feet on the bottom was missing. The unit was not balanced on the floor, so I had to affix some small felt self-stick pads where the rubber foot was missing. Although this seemed to correct the problem, I still called the seller and complained that the foot was missing and they informed me that they would contact the manufacturer and have a replacement foot sent to me. So far I have not received it.
The Whispure is a fairly good looking unit and it can be used flat against a wall for maximum space saving. There is a large lighted power button and a lighted fan speed button with 4 speeds-low, medium, high and turbo. When set at the turbo speed, I find the unit to be much quieter than my old Friedreich at its lowest setting. There is also a sleep mode on the Whispure and a control lock setting which is very handy if you have curious fingers in your household.
This air purifier comes with 2 filters- a HEPA filter and a pre-filter. Both filters are very easy to replace. There is a filter status light for each filter on the control panel, which is designed to indicate the expended use of the filters from "new" to "replace". These indicators can be reset when new filters are installed. The manufacturer recommends replacing the pre-filters about every 3 months and the HEPA filter about once every year, depending on use. The HEPA filters can be purchased for about $60. each at FiltersAmerica.com and for a little less than that for after-market types. The pre-filters cost about $25-$30 for a package of four.
So far I am very pleased with the Whirlpool Whispure. Smaller models are also available for smaller rooms. The Whispure 450 is designed to clean a room size of 450 s.f., but the difference in price between the 510 and the 450 might not make the 450 a good choice and the 510 is a much more stylish design than the rather boxy looking 450.
The unit comes with a 6-foot 3-prong cord and a nice cord storage space in the back. It appears that the back of the housing can be removed with 4 screws in order to get to the fan housing for cleaning and maintenance when necessary, but I have not attempted that yet. There is also a convenient carry handle built into the top and the unit is fairly light and easy to move.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 219.00 Battery Life: N/A Noise Level: More quiet than most
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