While the outdoors boasts some of the world’s cleanest air, keeping it that way indoors can be a different story. Here, amidst the rolling hills and sheep paddocks all the way to downtown cities and the suburbs, even the most nature-loving Kiwi can find themselves battling allergies, dust mites, and
Breathing easy indoors: The best air purifiers in New Zealand (2024 guide)
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These unassuming machines are like tiny air ninjas, silently filtering out allergens, dust, and odours.
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Best air purifiers in New Zealand (2024)
Here’s a list of top-rated air purifiers, reviewed for their features, efficiency, and value:
- Best air purifier overall: Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™
- Best air purifier for small spaces: Philips Air Purifier Smart 1000i Series
- Best air purifier for allergies and odours: Dyson Purifier Cool™ purifying fan
- Best air purifier for pet owners: RENPHO Air Purifier
- Best compact air purifier: Stelive Compact Air Purifier
1. Best air purifier overall: Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ (White/Silver)
Our rating: 9.5/10
Why it’s the best overall:
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The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ takes the top spot because of its unmatched versatility and performance. This all-in-one solution doesn’t just purify the air with HEPA and activated carbon filters but also provides heating during cold months and cooling in summer. Its smart features, powerful purification, and year-round functionality make it the most comprehensive air purifier on the market.
Key features
- HEPA and activated carbon filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
- Auto Mode optimises air purification and temperature control based on real-time air quality.
- Dyson Link app lets you monitor and control your purifier remotely.
What we like:
- Year-round comfort: Purifies, heats, and cools in one device.
- Powerful filtration: Effective against allergens, pollutants, and odours.
- Stylish design: A modern addition to any Kiwi home.
What we don’t like:
- Higher price tag: A premium product at $1099.00.
- Requires regular filter replacements.
Perfect for:
Homeowners who want a single device to handle air purification, heating, and cooling in a sleek, high-performing design.
2. Best air purifier for small spaces: Philips Air Purifier Smart 1000i Series
Price: $233.36 (down from $364.86) at Amazon
Our rating: 9/10
Why it’s the best for small spaces:
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The Philips Air Purifier Smart 1000i Series is perfect for small living spaces due to its compact design and powerful performance. Its advanced filtration system effectively removes allergens, dust, and pollutants, while its intelligent sensors adapt to the air quality in real-time. With whisper-quiet operation and app connectivity, it’s ideal for modern homes with limited space.
Key features:
- 3-Stage filtration system: Includes a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter to eliminate allergens, dust, and odours.
- Smart AirSense technology: Monitors and adjusts settings based on real-time air quality.
- Compact size: Fits seamlessly into bedrooms, offices, or small apartments.
- App control: Connects to the Philips Clean Home+ app for remote monitoring and control.
What we like:
- Compact design: Space-saving and stylish, perfect for small rooms.
- Real-time air quality monitoring: Adjusts automatically for optimal performance.
- App connectivity: Easily control and monitor air quality from your phone.
- Energy efficient: Low power consumption makes it cost-effective.
What we don’t like:
- Limited coverage area: Best suited for smaller spaces, not large rooms.
- Filter costs: Regular replacements can add up over time.
- Higher price point: Compact design with smart features comes at a premium.
Perfect for:
Individuals living in small apartments, bedrooms, or office spaces who want a compact, intelligent air purifier that doesn’t compromise on performance.
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3. Best air purifier for allergies and odours: Dyson Purifier Cool™ Purifying Fan
Our rating: 8/10
Why it’s the best for allergies and odours:
The Dyson Purifier Cool™ earns this ranking because of its exceptional filtration technology and ability to tackle both allergens and odours effectively. Its HEPA and activated carbon filters work in tandem to eliminate common irritants, while its Air Multiplier technology ensures even distribution of purified air throughout the room. With its sleek design and smart features, it’s a must-have for allergy sufferers.
Key features:
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- HEPA and activated carbon filters capture allergens and neutralize odours.
- Auto mode adjusts settings based on real-time air quality for hassle-free operation.
- Night mode ensures quieter operation for a peaceful environment.
Perfect for:
Allergy sufferers or anyone dealing with odours who want a stylish, effective solution for their home.
What we like:
- Stylish design: A sleek and modern addition to any home.
- Effective filtration: Captures allergens, pollutants, and odours.
- Powerful airflow: Delivers clean air throughout the room.
- Night mode: Ensures quiet operation for a good night’s sleep.
What we don’t like:
- Limited heating/cooling: Focuses solely on air purification and circulation.
- Higher price point: Compared to some basic purifiers.
- Filter replacements: HEPA and carbon filters need regular replacement, adding to the cost.
4. The best air purifier for pet owners: RENPHO Air Purifier
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Our rating: 8/10
Why it’s the best for pets:
The RENPHO Air Purifier earns its spot as a top choice for pet owners due to its advanced filtration system and effective odour elimination. Its H13 True HEPA filter captures pet dander, fur, and allergens, while the activated carbon filter neutralises unpleasant pet odours. With its quiet operation and compact design, it’s perfect for creating a comfortable, pet-friendly environment in any home.
Key features:
- H13 true HEPA filtration: Removes 99.97% of airborne particles, including pet hair, dander, and allergens.
- Activated carbon filter: Eliminates pet odours and keeps your home smelling fresh.
- Whisper-quiet operation: Runs at low noise levels, ensuring it won’t disturb your pets.
- Compact and sleek design: Fits seamlessly into any room, from bedrooms to living spaces.
What we like:
- Highly effective filtration: Removes allergens and neutralises odours caused by pets.
- Quiet operation: Ideal for use in bedrooms or shared spaces without disturbing pets.
- Compact design: Portable and easy to fit into any space.
- Affordable and efficient: Delivers high performance without breaking the bank.
What we don’t like:
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- No smart features: Lacks app connectivity or automatic adjustments.
- Filter replacements: Regular replacements are necessary to maintain performance.
- Limited coverage: Best suited for small to medium-sized rooms.
Perfect for:
Pet owners looking for an effective solution to combat pet hair, dander, and odours while maintaining a clean and healthy home.
5. Best compact air purifier: Stelive Compact Air Purifier
Our rating: 7/10
Why it’s the best compact air purifier:
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The Stelive Compact Air Purifier is perfect for small spaces, thanks to its lightweight design and high-efficiency performance. Despite its size, it boasts a True HEPA-13 filter that captures 99.97% of airborne particles, ensuring clean air in compact living areas. Its user-friendly touchscreen controls and sleep mode make it a convenient and affordable choice for apartment dwellers or small homes.
Key Features:
- True HEPA-13 filter for maximum allergen and particle removal.
- Compact design fits easily into small bedrooms, offices, or apartments.
- Sleep mode operates quietly with dimmed lights for nighttime use.
What we like:
- Affordable: A budget-friendly option for basic air purification needs.
- True HEPA-13 Filter: Effective for capturing dust, allergens, and other small particles.
- Activated carbon filter: Helps with some odours and VOCs.
- Convenient features: Touch screen control, multiple fan speeds, timer, and sleep mode.
- Compact size: Ideal for smaller spaces and easy to move around.
What we don’t like:
- Limited coverage area: Not suitable for large rooms.
- Basic functionalities: Lacks smart features or air quality monitoring.
Perfect for:
People living in smaller spaces who need an effective, space-saving air purifier that won’t break the bank.
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The great air purifier showdown: HEPA vs. ionisers
In the air purifier arena, two main contenders vie for your attention: HEPA filters and ionisers. But which one is the champion for your Kiwi home? Let’s break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you pick your perfect air purification partner.
HEPA hero:
- The muscle: HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. These filters are the workhorses of air purification, trapping a whopping 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. That includes dust, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and even some bacteria.
- The all-star: HEPA filters are fantastic for allergy sufferers and anyone looking to improve overall air quality. They’re particularly effective at tackling those pesky allergens that wreak havoc on your respiratory system.
- The downside: HEPA filters need replacing regularly to maintain their effectiveness. While they can trap odours to some extent, they don’t actively eliminate them. Additionally, some HEPA filters can restrict airflow, so ensure you choose one with the right capacity for your room size.
Ionic intrigue:
- The silent warrior: Ionizers work by electrically charging particles in the air, making them clump together and fall to surfaces. This can be helpful for reducing dust and some allergens.
- The odour buster: Unlike HEPA filters, ionisers can tackle some odours by neutralising their electrical charge. This can be beneficial for those dealing with pet odours or cigarette smoke.
- The mystery guest: While ionisers can improve air quality to some extent, the long-term effects of ozone production (a byproduct of the ionisation process) are still under debate. Some studies suggest it can irritate the lungs. Additionally, those fallen particles need to be cleaned up regularly, otherwise, they can simply get re-circulated in the air.
So, who wins?
There’s no clear-cut victor. The best choice depends on your specific needs:
- For allergy and asthma sufferers: HEPA filters are the undisputed champion.
- For general air quality improvement and odour control: A combination air purifier with both HEPA and ionisation technology might be the ideal solution.
- For budget-conscious buyers: Ionisers are generally cheaper upfront, but factor in the cost of regular cleaning and potential filter replacements.
Breathe easy in your home: Your air purifier questions answered!
Do I even need an air purifier?
Air purifiers can be a game-changer for allergy sufferers, asthmatics, or anyone looking to improve indoor air quality. They’re also helpful in homes with pets or in areas prone to dust or smoke.
What are the different types of air purifiers?
There are two main contenders: HEPA purifiers that trap particles like dust and allergens, and ionisers that electrically charge particles to make them clump together. Some purifiers combine both technologies for a double whammy on air quality.
What size air purifier do I need?
Don’t get lost in a sea of features – choose a purifier with a coverage area suitable for the room size you want to treat. Most purifiers list their recommended coverage area in square metres.
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What are the different filter types?
HEPA filters are the MVPs of air purification, capturing those pesky allergens and dust particles. Activated carbon filters tackle odours and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) – think new furniture smells or cigarette smoke. Some purifiers might have pre-filters to extend the lifespan of the main HEPA filter.
How often do I need to replace the filters?
Replacement frequency depends on how much you use your purifier and the air quality in your home. HEPA filters typically need replacing every 6-12 months, while carbon filters might last longer. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific purifier.
Do air purifiers remove mould?
HEPA filters can capture airborne mould spores, but they won’t eliminate existing mould growth. If you have a mould problem, address the source of moisture and consider professional remediation.
Do air purifiers add moisture to the air?
Most air purifiers focus solely on cleaning the air, not adding moisture. If dry air is a concern, consider a humidifier alongside your air purifier.
Are air purifiers noisy?
Noise levels vary depending on the model and fan speed. Thankfully, many purifiers offer quieter sleep modes for nighttime use.
Do air purifiers use a lot of energy?
Modern air purifiers are generally energy-efficient. Look for models with Energy Star certification to save on those power bills.
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Where should I place my air purifier?
Think central location with good airflow! Ideally, place your air purifier at least 30 cm away from walls and furniture, and keep it away from heat sources or vents for optimal performance.
*This story contains carefully curated selections from The Selection team and affiliate links which may earn NZ Herald a commission. *Prices are as stated at the time of publication, these prices may vary at the discretion of the listed brands.
