The indoor air quality is the worst around a kitchen, particularly when you forget something in the oven, and the best way to get rid of the air pollutants causing odor is by using air purifiers. Cooking odors, kitchen smells, and all kinds of pollutants make their way into the kitchen and not all purifiers are effective against them.
Air purifiers pack a mix of different filters, out of which only a certain type of filter fights smell while others combat larger particles.
Studies point towards an altered taste perception if the food smell is mixed with other odors. The right cooking odor air purifier will cleanse the breathable air and will take away the cooking smells so you can enjoy your food the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
In this article, we will cover
Do Air Purifiers Eliminate Kitchen Odors?
Yes. Any purifier for kitchen smells is bound to pack a carbon or an activated carbon filter. This filter neutralizes chemicals, VOCs, and kitchen odors effectively. Eliminating odors is not that simple and requires other filters as well. As conditions in the kitchen are humid and warm, air purifiers with a dedicated UV-C light will help in controlling the spread of odor-causing microbes.
According to studies, composting and other such processes can produce chemicals like hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, 1,3-xylene, and o-xylene that need to be removed and air purifiers offer excellent protection against them.
Air purifiers pack a mix of different filters starting with a pre-filter that captures larger particles before allowing the air to pass through the HEPA filter present in the air purifiers. According to official statistics from the EPA, HEPA filters can filter particles with a size of 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97%. A carbon filter can be placed on either side of the HEPA to neutralize VOCs, chemicals and to ensure no bad odor is left in the kitchen air. Some air cleaners also add activated carbon filters that make air purification even more efficient and effective.
Apart from the mechanical 3-stage filtration system, some manufacturers add smart sensors and air quality indicators, which make the air purifier usage easy and seamless. Additional features of air purifiers include UV-C light technology, automatic mode, timer function, and ion-based filtration.
Best Air purifier For Kitchen Smells
Here are the top air purifiers for the kitchen.
1. Winix 5500-2
Winix has a history of producing excellent air purifiers and the 5500-2 is no different. It brings improved airflow, better filtration, and smart features over the 5300-2 and the outgoing 5500. Winix has all the features that make it excellent for the kitchen as its activated carbon filter is washable and the PlasmaWave technology ensures no pollutants make their way into the air.
The 5500-2 features a 4-stage filtration system and has the highest amount of activated carbon content in class. The air purifier is extremely easy to clean as it features a rectangular design with all filters lining up one after the other. The user experience is improved thanks to the remote controller and the air quality sensors that will automatically detect smoke and other odors like gas from the stove and increase the fan speed.
Bad odor and any airborne contaminants don’t stand a chance against the Winix 5500-2 and the Energy Star rating makes sure your kitchen stays fresh and safe without burning a hole through your pocket. So if you have a big kitchen shelf or have ample leg space to accommodate the air purifier then the 5500-2 is a great option.
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2. Bissell Smart Air220
This Bissell Smart Air220 is another effective kitchen air purifier that features a rectangular design and 3-stage filtration. A pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter all come together to provide an excellent filtration system that is both effective and efficient.
The air quality sensor up top automatically controls the airflow depending on the contamination levels. The Air220 has a cord storage feature that allows you to move it around to other rooms when needed without having to worry about the cord. The raised design makes sure you can clean under the air purifier easily or stash some utensils when working around the kitchen.
The purifier is quiet as the noise levels are barely noticeable but if you’d like some strong air purification you can manually adjust the dial on top to deliver air at maximum speed. The raised platform, adjustable fan speeds, relatively inexpensive filter replacements, and automatic mode make the Bissell Smart Air220 a great choice for any kitchen.
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Read more: 5 Best Air Purifier for Eczema in 2022
3. Levoit Air Purifier 300
Levoit has quickly risen to popularity and is the #1 air purifier brand in the US. The LEVOIT Air Purifier 300 houses three filters. The combination of Pre-filter, HEPA, and carbon filters is effective and takes care of all odors. The pre-filter traps all the big particles and the HEPA filter has an efficiency of 99.97%. It doesn’t have the UV light or ion filtration like the more expensive options, but for the price, it is an excellent choice.
The 360 air intake means that the air purifier will work well despite having a thin layer of carbon. LEVOIT Air Purifier 300 has an elegant design that compliments your kitchen and the size is perfect for any size of shelf. The whole package is extremely lightweight making it both portable and the cleaning process easy as well.
The carbon sheet is not as thick as the competition but the 300 offers commendable protection against odors making it an excellent budget pick if you’re looking for an air purifier for your kitchen.
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4. Levoit LV-PUR131
Another offering from Levoit makes the cut. The LV-PUR131 features an automatic sensor that can speed up the fan and filtration based on the air quality of the place. The whole system is quiet and won’t bother your kitchen activities.
The huge honeycomb texture activated carbon filter makes sure no odors escape the strong purification of the LV-PUR131 making it an excellent choice against kitchen odors. Levoit rates the air purifier as a fit against even wildfire smoke. The whole system is efficient and has a small footprint so accomodating it on your kitchen shelf won’t be an issue. Moreover, Levoit’s excellent customer service makes it hard to overlook.
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5. Eureka Instant Clear
Eureka Instant Clear has three stages of filtration like the other air purifiers but packs an additional UV light. The HEPA filter works effectively in removing pollutants with a 99.97% efficiency and the carbon filter takes care of the bad odors, making the air clean and breathable.
This air purifier has all the advanced features that other manufacturers are charging a fortune for. The addition of the UV-C means that bacteria and allergens that cause odors will be dealt with at a molecular level making the air purifier perfect for a kitchen.
The size too is suitable for the kitchen it’s only 10 inches in width and 26 inches in height making and is convenient to handle but compared to Winix 5500-2 it still has a smaller size and is not as advanced as it.
Read more: 5 Best Water Based Air Purifier in 2022
Kitchen Air Purifier Buying Guide
Choosing an air purifier is not easy and choosing one for the kitchen becomes even more tricky because of the extra factors involved. Here are a few things to consider before making the ultimate choice.
Type of Filters
Every manufacturer brings their own blend of filters to their product, where some use a carbon pre-filter, others use washable nylon-based ones. The most common types of filters being used in air purifiers include:
- Pre-filter (Carbon/Paper/Nylon/Mesh)
- HEPA filter (H13 or H14)
- Carbon Filter/Activated Carbon Filter
Each filter brings its own advantages but for kitchens, having a carbon-based filter is necessary to tackle the odors. For airborne germs, a HEPA filter can provide ample protection. Using an Ion air purifier can also help as it adds negative ions that stop all particles, large or small, from going back into the air.
Ease of Moving
Kitchen shelves are made for working and having deadwood on them that can’t be moved around easily won’t sit well. You’ll want all the workspace when cooking up your favorite meal. The best purifier for odors for the kitchen would pack the right filters and can be moved around on the shelf to make room for cooking or other chores as needed. Having a long cord can save you from tedious extension cord management later.
Ease of Cleaning
Kitchens can get awfully greasy and having an air purifier that has a complex airflow system where grease builds up will defeat the purpose of an air purifier. Instead of tackling bad smells, it might start producing unpleasant odors. Be sure to choose an air purifier that is easy to maintain and clean.
Size
No one wants their view blocked by a big boxy cube right in the middle of the kitchen. Having a large-sized purifier for smoke can be bothersome and can rob you of much-needed workspace on the shelf. Select an air purifier that can tackle airborne contaminants without having a massive footprint.
Conclusion
Kitchens are full of odors and harmful VOCs that can come from the stove or the cooking processes. As far as air purifiers are concerned, specifically for the kitchen, mainly it should mainly have a HEPA and more importantly, an activated carbon filter. HEPA filters will keep the mold spores, dust mites, and particulate matter in check while the carbon filters will neutralize odors for you. So even if you burn a toast, your air purifier has you covered.
Winix 5500-2 packs all the bells and whistles you would expect from an excellent air purifier and will take care of all kitchen odors in a seamless manner. The high CADR and efficient operation mean you don’t have to wait hours for the purifier to clean the air.