As a non-smoker you might think that you’re safe from the side effects of smoking, but secondhand smoke is just as dangerous as smoking. The only way to avoid the associated health hazards is to avoid smoke!

If, however, you are wanting to tackle smoke indoors – and help to alleviate the toxic odours in the air – then an air purifier can help. We’ve reviewed some of the best air purifiers for smoke, and crowned the GermGuardian AC4825 our winner (with some strong contenders too).

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1Austin Air Healthmate HM-400

  • Long-life filters
  • True HEPA filter
  • Easy Filter Changes
  • Up to 1,500 sq. ft coverage
  • Wheeled casters
  • 3 Fan Speeds
  • 5-year Warranty

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2GermGuardian AC4825

  • Ultra-Quiet Operation
  • UV-C Technology
  • True HEPA filter
  • Coverage up to 167 sq. ft
  • 3-stage filtration
  • 3 Fan Speeds
  • 3-year Warranty

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3RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-780A

  • Covers up to 815 sq. ft
  • Filter Indicator
  • Air Quality Indicator
  • BioGS HEPA filter and Ionizer
  • 5 Fan Speeds
  • 5-year Warranty

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4Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier

  • Washable Pre-filter
  • Air Quality Indicator
  • True HEPA filter
  • Filter Indicator
  • Auto and ECO Mode
  • 3 Fan Speeds
  • 3-year Warranty


1

Austin Air Healthmate HM-400

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty air purifier, look no further than the Healthmate HM-400 from Austin Air. Weighing in at 45 lbs, it comes fully equipped with a 4-stage filtration system which includes a large particle pre-filter, medium pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and a True HEPA filter. These filters are guaranteed long life and only need to be changed every 5 years which effectively cuts maintenance costs for the HM-400.

Judging from how much activated carbon this air purifier has, you can immediately tell it was designed to target all kinds of airborne pollutants, as well as harmful odors, gases, and chemicals. If you live with several smokers and need a powerful air purifier to minimize the spread of secondhand smoke, then the HM-400 would be your best bet. In addition to its excellent performance with odors and VOCs, the HM-400 is capable of covering spaces of 1,500 sq. ft. at 1 complete air change per hour with 3 different fan speeds.

Unfortunately, such high performance and power comes with a high price as well, therefore, the HM-400 is definitely one of the more expensive air purifiers available in the market. What’s more, even at this price point, it lacks several features such as air quality and filter change indicators, as well as smart modes which are present in many air purifiers half its price. It’s also extremely large and heavy, with a design that isn’t very aesthetically pleasing; although, it does have casters for easier mobility.

However, despite these flaws, no one can deny that the HM-400 is on a whole other level when it comes to removing airborne pollutants at home. If you’re looking to cover a large area and don’t mind the hefty price tag, then go ahead and treat yourself to an HM-400.

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Pros

  • Long-life filters
  • Good for large spaces
  • Excellent at removing allergens, odors and VOCs

Cons

  • Expensive (upfront and long-term)
  • No air quality and filter change indicator
  • No smart modes/Fan speed does not adjust automatically


2

GermGuardian AC4825

The GermGuardian AC4825 is easily one of the most affordable, high quality air purifiers of its size and calibre. It features a 3-stage filtration system that includes a pre-filter with an activated carbon layer, a True HEPA filter, and UV light antimicrobial treatment.

The slim and lightweight AC4825 can easily be placed in any type of room, but is only capable of clearing rooms up to 155 sq. ft. in size – which is one of its biggest disadvantages. In addition, the AC4825 lacks features like air quality and filter change indicators which provide supplemental but very important information to the user. It also doesn’t have any modes to choose from, such as an auto mode and sleep mode, making it a lot less convenient to use.

However, the AC4825 does have 3 fan speeds to choose from and, while it’s not as loaded with features as the other air purifiers on this list, you can be sure that the AC4825 will be able to do its job very well. Thanks to its effective 3-stage filtration system, it can handle even the most unpleasant odors around the house while eliminating any disease-causing bacteria. It also has an Energy Star, so you can be sure it will be energy efficient.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable air purifier that will effectively remove odors in a small space, the AC4825 is the best choice for you. As evidenced by the thousands of positive reviews it has on Amazon, you can be sure that you won’t be disappointed with its performance!

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Pros

  • Affordable
  • Small and lightweight
  • Quiet
  • Good for odors, mold, viruses, and bacteria
  • Energy efficient

Cons

  • Small coverage
  • No air quality and filter change indicator
  • No smart modes/Fan speed does not adjust automatically

3

RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-780A

The RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-780A is one of the most innovative and beautifully designed air purifiers that is also packed with power. Within its 7-inch frame is a comprehensive 6-stage filtration system, which includes a customizable filter and ionizer.

People who worry about odors and smoke can choose the Odor Remover Filter that traps and reduces odors from pets, cigarettes and cigars, cooking and mildew. This particular filter increases the odor-removing capacity of the SPA-780A by 91%. In addition to the customizable filter, the SPA-780A also has an ionizer which makes it even more efficient at removing visible smoke. However, it should be noted that the SPA-780A is known to produce ozone when the ionizer is turned on. Although it only releases a small amount, you can choose to completely avoid this by turning the ionizer off.

Aside from these features, the SPA780-A is powerful enough to cover up to 815 sq. ft. of space. You also have the choice of setting it on the floor, on a table, or even have it mounted on a wall. Strangely enough, though, despite having a lot of wonderful features, the SPA-780A doesn’t have a timer.

As one might expect, the SPA-780A is the most expensive of all the air purifiers in this list. However, it becomes a lot more affordable in the long run since it’s highly energy efficient and its replacement filters come quite cheap. Overall, the SPA-780A is an excellent investment for anyone looking to reduce odors from cigarette smoke in a large space.

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Pros

  • Large coverage
  • Customizable filter specifically for smoke
  • Affordable replacement filters
  • Can be mounted on a wall
  • Quiet
  • Fan speed adjusts automatically
  • Remote Control
  • Energy Efficient
  • Good for pet hair, dander, odor, etc

Cons

  • Expensive (upfront)
  • Ionizer produces ozone
  • No timer
  • Heavy

4

Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier

The Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier is our mid-priced contender for this list that comes in a small package but does not lose out in terms of performance and power. Even in its compact form, it has a 4-stage filtration system consisting of a washable pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, a carbon filter, and ionizer.

It is surprisingly feature-packed as well. Unlike the two air purifiers previously mentioned, the AP-1512HH has an air quality indicator and a filter indicator. The air quality indicator lets you know how clean the air is while the filter indicator tells you whether it’s time to wash or change the filters. While not essential, these features make the AP-1512HH much easier and convenient to use. You can control the AP-1512HH using its 3 fan speeds or let it run by itself on auto or ECO mode.

Aside from having a dedicated carbon filter for removing odors and other harmful VOCs, it also has a built-in ionizer which can target particles from cigarette smoke and make it easier for the air purifier to trap them. Unfortunately, one downside to the AP-1512HH is that its ionizer does produce ozone in small amounts. The level of ozone generated is low, but just like the RabbitAir above, this can be avoided completely by simply turning the ionizer off. Another limitation to the AP-1512HH is that it can only cover a relatively small space.

However, all things considered, the AP-1512HH is definitely a great air purifier. At its affordable price, you’re sure to get a sleek, quiet, powerful, and efficient device to take care of all types of pollutants at home – including smoke.

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Pros

  • Affordable (upfront and long-term)
  • Light and compact
  • Quiet
  • Adjusts fan speed depending on air quality
  • Good for smaller spaces

Cons

  • Less room coverage
  • Ionizer produces ozone

Comparison Chart

Austin Air HealthMate Standard HM-400GermGuardian AC4825RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-780ACoway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
TypeConsole, plug-inTower, plug-inConsole, plug-inCompact, plug-in
Size14.5 x 14.5 x 237 x 10.2 x 21.520.2 x 21.4 x 716.8 x 9.6 x 18.3
Weight45 lbs7 lbs19.4 lbs12.35 lbs
Filters/TechnologyPre + Medium + Carbon + HEPACarbon Pre + HEPA + UVPre + Medium + HEPA + Custom Filter + IonizerPre + HEPA + Carbon + Ionizer
Room Coverage1,500 sq. ft.155 sq. ft.815 sq. ft.361 ft²
CADR RatingsNot ratedDust: 131
Pollen: 123
Smoke: 112		Dust: 200
Pollen: 208
Smoke: 193		Dust: 246
Pollen: 240
Smoke: 233
Noise Level50~60 dBN/A24~50 dB24~54 dB
Price$$$$$$$$$
Warranty5-year3-year5-year3-year

Buyer’s Guide:

Air Purifier for Smoke

Air purifiers for smoke draw in the surrounding air, directing it through dense, high-quality filters. These filters trap smoke particles, as well as other pollutants such as dust, pollen and dander, before recirculating the newly purified air back into the room.

The most highly-regarded air purifiers for smoke use filters known as ‘true HEPA’ filters. These are made up of a very fine mesh of glass fibers, which are capable of trapping the smallest of microscopic particles. True HEPA filters must be able to capture 99.97% of particles sized 0.3 microns or larger, before they will be approved to carry the ‘true HEPA’ name.

Air purifiers which are advertised as “HEPA-like” or ‘HEPA style” should be avoided if you are looking to remove smoke from the atmosphere in your home. These air purifiers are not true HEPA and will not be able to remove particles as small as cigarette smoke.

However, as cigarette smoke particles are typically sized between 0.1 to 0.3 microns, it’s important to note that there are no air purifiers, even true HEPA purifiers, which are rated to remove 100% of smoke. As long as someone is smoking indoors, secondhand smoke is going to linger, and an air purifier can only do so much.

That said, if you make the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle (i.e. smoking outside more often than smoking inside), an air purifier for smoke will provide you and your family much needed protection against the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

If you’re a smoker, or if you live with someone who smokes, you’ll be well aware of the dangers of smoking to your health and wellbeing. Smoke from cigarettes and cigars permeates fabrics and lingers in the air, causing unpleasant odors and a variety of serious health concerns.

Of course, smoking outdoors is the best way to smoke without affecting the environment within your home, but this isn’t always possible or even desirable for many smokers. You may live in an area which frequently suffers inclement weather, struggle with a lack of mobility, or live in a residential block where smoking outdoors is against the rules.

Whatever the reason, if you wish to smoke indoors, using an air purifier for smoke will be of benefit to you. By efficiently filtering the air, trapping smoke particles and unwanted odors; these appliances will help to mitigate the effects upon you, your loved ones and your home.

A good air purifier for smoke should be able to combat the airborne smoke particles as well as the microscopic particles that form the odor. In this section, we take a look at the most important features to look for when choosing an air purifier for smoke:

True HEPA Filter

As mentioned above, to remove these particles, your ideal air purifier should have a True HEPA. True HEPA filters have been tested and proven to remove particles as small as 0.3 microns and larger 99.97% of the time. This means these filters are able to remove visible smoke from cigarettes as well as other unwanted particles like dust, pollen, and mold.

Activated Carbon Filter

A True HEPA filter alone is not sufficient to remove odors, so you’re going to want an air purifier which includes a dedicated activated carbon filter as well. Activated carbon filters are designed to filter out odors and volatile organic compounds. They help improve our air quality by removing unpleasant odors from cigarette smoke, cooking, and pets.

Room Coverage & CADR Ratings

In terms of coverage, you will also want to look at technical specifications like room coverage and Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) ratings. Most air purifiers have three CADR ratings: for pollen, dust, and smoke. Most air purifiers will state their coverage capacities, but as a general rule, you’ll want higher CADR ratings if you’re looking to cover a large area.

We have included the individual CADR ratings for our recommended air purifiers for smoke in the above comparison table.

  • Will I need to change the filters in my air Purifier more often if I smoke?

  • When you receive your air purifier, there will be manufacturers instructions regarding the frequency of filter changes required for your particular model. However, in general terms, the harder your air purifier has to work, the more often the filters will need changing. Therefore, if your air purifier is running 24/7 and you smoke a lot, you should expect to change the filters more often. Many models feature a filter-change indicator which will notify you when they need to be changed.

  • Should I leave my air purifier on even when I’m not smoking?

  • This really comes down to personal preference.

    If you have purchased an air purifier solely for the purpose of eliminating smoke odors and allowing you to smoke indoors, you may wish to only switch your air purifier on when smoking and for an hour or so afterwards.

    If, on the other hand, you also suffer from allergies – it makes sense to leave your air purifier on all day so that it can constantly work to improve air quality, whether you’re smoking or not.

  • How long will an air purifier for smoke take to remove odors?

  • The amount of time your air purifier will take to remove odors depends on a number of factors. First of all, the size of the room and the coverage capacity of your particular appliance.

    For example, if your air purifier is rated for 1,500 sq.ft and is being used in a space smaller than this, you can expect odors to be removed in as little as 30 minutes.
    For air purifiers with a lesser coverage, odors should be removed within a couple hours. If you are a very heavy smoker, it could take a little longer to eliminate odors, especially the first time you use your air purifier.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we believe the best air purifier for removing smoke, odors, and other harmful airborne substances is the Austin Air Healthmate HM-400. That is, of course, if you’re able to overlook the hefty price tag, the lack of additional features, and the seemingly bulky design. With 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite filter, this air purifier will be able to do some heavy duty odor removal in your home and make sure that you’re protected from the effects of secondhand smoke.

The best budget option would be either the GermGuardian AC4825 or the Coway AP1512-HH Mighty Air Purifier. Although the AC4825 is cheaper upfront, the AP1512-HH will be more cost effective in the long run because it is more energy efficient and costs less to maintain. If you’re looking to remove smoke and odors from your home while at the same time lessen the amount of disease-causing bacteria, then the AC4825 is your best bet. If germs aren’t too much of a problem and you prefer more cleaning power for a slightly larger space, then go for the AP1512-HH.

The RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-780A is the luxury option since it’s the most expensive one out of all the air purifiers we’ve reviewed. It is, however, also incredibly effective at removing visible smoke and odors from the room especially with the Odor Remover Filter installed. It does its job quietly and quickly and you can rest assured that you’ll be breathing in cleaner air with the SPA-780A.

All in all, homeowners who worry about secondhand smoke and its consequences should seriously consider investing in a high quality air purifier that can take care of anything from pollen and pet dander to smoke, odors, and VOCs. There is sure to be an air purifier out there that would suit your budget, lifestyle, and needs.

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