Alen BreatheSmart Ratings
PERFORMANCE - 97%
DESIGN - 97%
FEATURES - 95%
SILENT OPERATION - 98%
97%
EXCELLENT
We like this air purifier because it is fully automated and Energy Star qualified. Moreover, it is very easy to use.
Air purifiers, like most modern devices, are reviewed according to their performance, features, design, and ease of use. This review is about the incredibly popular Alen BreatheSmart Classic air purifier, which seems to have all four of these aspects mastered. Learn more about the BreatheSmart and whether or not it’s a good match for your home by reading through this helpful article.
Pros
- Customizable filters depending on your needs
- Wide coverage
- With smart sensors and an auto mode
- Customizable panels
- Air quality indicator
- Sleep mode for minimal light pollution and noise output
- Filter replacement indicator
Cons
- Expensive
- Not True HEPA
Technical specifications
The BreatheSmart Classic includes a pre-filter and an optional ionizer in its lineup of purifying technologies. The star of the show, however, is the fact that you can choose among four HEPA-type hybrid filters upon purchase—with each filter specializing in a particular concern.
These four filter options are called HEPA-Pure, HEPA-Silver, HEPA-FreshPlus, and HEPA-OdorCell. Since all four are HEPA-type filters, they’re all able to remove dust, pollen, and other particle pollutants from the air. If these particle pollutants are all you’re concerned with, then the HEPA-Pure filter is your best bet.
However, if you’re also looking for a filter that addresses odor and VOC problems, then you might want to get the HEPA-FreshPlus filter. Meanwhile, the HEPA-OdorCell variant was designed for pet owners who are having problems with pet dander, animal hairs, and pet-related odors. Lastly, there’s the HEPA-Silver filter, which fights mold, germs, VOCs, chemicals, smoke, and odors on top of the particle pollutants mentioned above.
With four speed settings and a coverage area of 1,100 sq. ft., it’s clear that the BreatheSmart Classic had been designed to be a cut above the rest. With that said, you might find it helpful to note that it does tend to consume more energy (105 watts maximum) than your average model.
Specifications Sheet
| Specs | 50250-S |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.75” x 26.75” x 10” |
| Weight | 21 Lbs |
| Area Coverage | 1,100 sq. ft. |
| Fan Speeds | 4 |
| Filters/Technology | Pre-filter + HEPA-Pure/HEPA-Silver/HEPA-FreshPlus/HEPA-OdorCell + Ionizer |
| Control Style | Electronic buttons |
| Timer Function | Up to 12 hours |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Performance
Alen claims that the BreatheSmart Classic can provide pure and fresh air in under two hours—provided that you use it inside a room that’s 1,100 sq. ft. or smaller in area while on Turbo mode. It has a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 300 CFM, although the specific CADR ratings for smoke, dust, and pollen are unknown.
Normally, we look at the kinds of pollutants that a particular model can and cannot purify efficiently when doing reviews. When it comes to the BreatheSmart Classic, however, doing so may be a bit futile considering that there’s a filter variant for every type of need (as discussed above). Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the HEPA-Silver filter is the one that’s branded by Alen as an “all-around filter,” meaning it’s the variant you should select if you want your air purifier to be effective against every type of airborne pollutant common inside households.
While some consumers might be disappointed to find HEPA-type filters on an expensive model (instead of True HEPA), the customizability offered by the BreatheSmart Classic is nonetheless worthy of commendation. As a final note, all the filters boast lengthy estimated lifespans of 8 to 9 months.
Features
The Alen BreatheSmart Classic detects the level of pollution in your home using smart sensors and lets you know its findings through an air quality indicator. These smart sensors are also responsible for controlling the air purifier’s auto mode, which adjusts the fan’s speed depending on the level of purification you need. Aside from the auto mode, there’s also a sleep mode which minimizes noise and turns off the LED indicators to keep your room dark and quiet.
If you have small kids in your household, you’ll be pleased to know that this model also has several child-friendly features. For one, its air vents were designed to be child-safe. There’s also an option to lock the control panel to prevent kids from unintentionally changing the purifier’s settings.
Design
On its own, the Alen BreatheSmart has a modern and classy look, but what sets this air purifier apart from other models is that its front panel is actually customizable. You’ll be asked to pick 1 out of 14 available panel designs and colors upon purchase, but you can buy additional panels if you want a different look in the future. The 14 available designs and colors are White, Luxury Marble, Classic Red, Vintage Gold, Vintage Silver, Brushed Bronze, Brushed Stainless, Espresso, Graphite, Maple, Oak, Rosewood, Safari Black, and Weathered Gray.
The electronic control buttons are located on the top panel, which makes it easy for users to change the settings on the BreatheSmart Classic. Air intake grills are located at the bottom and sides of the front panel, while the output grill is at the back. As such, make sure you leave enough clearance between this machine and the wall to maximize air circulation.
Obviously, this air purifier won’t be as easy to move around as portable models that were designed for smaller spaces. However, at 21 lbs. and with measurements of 17.75” x 26.75” x 10”, it’s not too heavy or bulky, either. The dedicated handle is another plus as well.
Warranty and Support
Buyers of the BreatheSmart Classic are set to enjoy a limited lifetime warranty from Alen. This means that if your purifier quits under normal operating conditions (that is, while using it for personal purposes in the United States), you will get a replacement from the manufacturer free of charge. Alen also has several customer support channels that you can use should you find yourself needing some assistance.
Final Thoughts
The Alen BreatheSmart Classic’s customizability in terms of filters and design is definitely an attractive prospect for many consumers. It’s also laden with convenient features like a timer, adjustable speed, an auto mode, and an air quality indicator. Obviously, though, all of this comes with a price — and it’s a rather-hefty one at that. That being said, if you’re set on having an air purifier that’s loaded with all sorts of bells and whistles and are willing to pay a pretty penny, then there’s no reason to believe that you won’t be satisfied with this model.
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What’s the warranty of this product?
It comes with a more than generous lifetime warranty, so you are ensured that no matter what happens to it, the manufacturer is going to fix the unit free of charge.
How much noise does it produce on the highest and lowest speed settings?
On the lowest speed setting, it produces 41.5 dB, while on the highest speed setting it produces 56 dB.
It might have cost a pretty penny, but I definitely don’t regret buying this unit! There are no unpleasant odors lingering in the air anymore, and I have felt better than ever since I have it.
This is, by far, the best acquisition that I’ve made this year! I recommend it to all of you who suffer from allergies! At first I must admit that I was skeptic about its capabilities, but I’m more than pleased with the decision of purchasing it as it’s totally worth the money.
What are its size specs?
It measures 26.75 inches by 17.75 inches by 10 inches, and it weighs 21 pounds, so you will not have a hard time finding it a resting spot in your home or office.
Can I use it to purify the air in a 550 square feet basement?
Considering that it is actually rated to purify the air in spaces of up to 1100 square feet, you can confidently use it for your basement.