We researched this for a long time. Although I am a vine reviewer I was buying this myself with my own hard earned money, so had to get it right. We had saved up and needed something like this because I have COPD and allergies, I have often been rushed into hospital and been there for weeks on air and medication. It can be very debilitating and it's no fun being in hospital and very inconvenient and a financial hardship when you have to work to pay the bills and are not earning when there. I was in hospital recently with suspected air fungal infection in my lungs and wanted to be sure I had a good air purifier.
THE GOOD POINTS - It is very well made and solid. You can see and feel it will last way above the time of the five year filter (assuming that you use it as per average usage or less).
We chose the most expensive of the Shark air purifiers, because for just a little more it covers twice the amount of space. We believe this gives far better value for money.
Shark and Ninja are the same company.
It is easy to use, you press the keys on top and they respond quickly. The keypad is well laid out.
We put it on at night when we have cheaper electricity so it helps that we can set a timer to turn it off while we are asleep.
We received ours today and after a quick read of the instructions had it up and running... this took about ten minutes. We positioned it at the top of the stairs near the bedrooms so it could be on when sleeping. And set it on automatic mode. Within a minute or two of it being turned on it told us our air was 88% clean and fresh, after a few more minutes this went to 91%. I went to bed in the nearby bedroom and was able to sleep breathing through my nose, where before I had always been a "mouth breather" for years"!
I was very pleased to note that it was virtually silent so would not keep us awake. The noise level goes up and down a little according to the forceful you set it from one upwards. One is totally quiet. I have exceptionally good hearing and with my aches and pains etc a lot of trouble sleeping so this would have been a big problem for me.
The fact the filter can last for up to five years and does not need much maintenance is a joy.
We have had it on for about seven hours and are delighted with it.
The two gripes are these...
The downside to it being so solid and sturdy is that for an old or disabled person, like me, it is heavy and bulky. I would struggle to pick it up and move it about the home. If we wanted one that was being moved from room to room regularly this would not be suitable. Though my partner can move it without this being a problem.
And, like many of these air purifiers it is very modern looking and unappealing, ugly. We have an old fashioned home with crochet blankets at the back of the sofa, tiffany lamps etc, and it clashes like an eye sore. This is perfect for the top of the stairs where you do not really see it but it works very well. We are getting two more air purifiers - at our own expense - but because these are going into a room where you sit and look at them for hours we are getting different makes and models that do not stick out like an ugly eye sore. And yes this does mean we have to compromise on efficiency and maintenance. If this air purifier was smaller, lighter and prettier I would not hesitate to give it a hundred out of ten.
We have now purchased with our own money, an air medic and philips air purifier. We chose these three because each one is solid and should offer good value, they are not cheap and flimsy, they should be able to perform well and last - for what you pay. We will keep you up to date on those too. And used these for a week or so...
Comparison ...
The shark filter lasts five years with normal use. The philips for three years and then you can replace it with another three year filter for about £85 at today's prices. The air medic costs more for filters.
The shark is - in my view - too futuristic and modern looking, bulky and very heavy. I am an old lady who is disabled with breathing problems. So I put this one in a part of the house where it will not be on show. And I had to get my husband to do that for me.
The philips is neither modern or old fashioned,. it is a bit less heavy and bulky than the shark, it can fit in without being such an eye sore. The air medic is the smallest, lightest and best looking one. It looks good in the lounge.
The instruction panel is push button and always on the top with all three. The shark one is easiest to understand and use without having to read up a lot of stuff or ask someone. The philips you can work out if you put your mind to it, we put this in the kitchen and move it between this room and other rooms near it. I can just about pick it up and move it on my own if I can stop and start it and not moving it far. The air medic was the most confusing. The guy who sells it,. Steve, says he will talk you through it on the phone. I see this as a a flaw. I know many older people who have bad memories and would much prefer to have it written down in an easy to follow way. But the air medic is the nicest to look at and the lightest.
| Manufacturer | Shark |
|---|---|
| Part Number | HP300UK |
| Product Dimensions | 33.5 x 33.5 x 57 cm; 5.7 kg |
| Item model number | HP300UK |
| Colour | White |
| Style | 130sqm Coverage |
| Wattage | 54 watts |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Certification | Certified HEPA |
| Special Features | 5-Year filter life, HEPA filter, easy-to-clean DebrisDefence pre-filter, Auto mode & 5 speeds, Anti-Odour Technology, Neutralises odours & releases fresh scent, LED display, Quiet performance, Dimmable lights, Large rooms |
| Included Components | remote control |
| Batteries included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Item Weight | 5.7 kg |
