Youtube Reviews
- Product Reviewed: Winix A231 (USA) / Zero Compact (Europe) air purifier.
- Target Audience: People with small spaces (up to 230 sq ft) and limited budgets.
- Price: Around $75-$77 (at the time of the review).
- Likes:
- Great price-to-air cleaning performance ratio (high CADR for the price).
- Auto mode (rare in budget units).
- Fairly priced OEM filters, with generic options available.
- Design prevents accidental filter removal when moving the unit.
- Fastest small air purifier in tests with plasma wave enabled.
- Dislikes:
- Louder than other small air purifiers tested.
- VOC sensor slow to activate auto mode compared to particle sensors.
- More power-hungry, leading to higher long-term costs.
- CADR: 154 CFM (high for its price range).
- Design:
- Available in two colors: white/gray (A231) and all-black (A230).
- Similar in size to the Levoit Core 300, but slightly shorter due to flared design.
- Touchscreen control panel with air quality indicator ring.
- Arrow buttons on the control panel are not illuminated, making them difficult to see in the dark.
- Filters:
- H13 HEPA filter with impregnated activated carbon.
- Fine mesh pre-filter requires regular vacuuming.
- Easy filter access by twisting the base.
- Performance:
- Achieved PM1.0 in 40 minutes in tests with plasma wave enabled, 46 minutes with plasma wave disabled.
- Outperformed other small air purifiers in particle removal tests (Levoit Core 300S, Philips 800 series, Clean Air Kits triple acceleron).
- Sound: Louder than some competitors at its highest speed.
- Energy Consumption: Higher than other small air purifiers, costing around $47.93 per year if run at top speed continuously.
- Filter Replacement: Recommended every 12 months, OEM filters cost $33.68.
- Generic Filter Test: Pureberg filters performed similarly and are cheaper, making them a good alternative.
- Conclusion: Best option for those on a budget who want the most air cleaning power in a small HEPA air purifier. Larger devices are recommended if budget and size are not a concern due to better long-term value and faster air cleaning.
Here are the key pointers from the video:
- Wix a231 Overview: Compact air purifier, 147 CFM CADR, 4-stage filtration, competitor to Levoit Core 300s, Coway Airmega 100, and Blueair 411 Auto.
- Setup: Unwrap filter from plastic and place it in the bottom of the unit.
- Design: Cylindrical with bottom air inlets and top air outlets, available in white or black.
- Features: Air quality sensor, LED indicator, auto mode, sleep mode, light sensor, and Plasmawave technology. No smart app or remote.
- Filtration:
- Pre-filter (nylon mesh): Captures large particles, extends HEPA filter life.
- True HEPA filter: Captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns (pollen, dust, smoke, pet dander).
- Activated carbon filter: Neutralizes odors and VOCs (less effective than pellet-based filters).
- Plasmawave: Creates ions, may produce ozone (within safe limits).
- Filter Replacement: Replace every 12 months, clean pre-filter twice a month. Reset indicator after replacement.
- Performance Tests:
- Improved air quality by 95% in a 194 sq ft room.
- Improved air quality by 92% in a 320 sq ft room.
- Highly efficient at particle removal, less effective at odor removal.
- Noise Levels: 40.2 DBA (sleep mode) to 66.5 DBA (max speed).
- Power Consumption: Uses a 55-watt motor. Consumes 40.6 watts at max speed.
- Maintenance Costs: Mid-range annual expenses due to power consumption.
- Pros: Excellent performance, quiet operation, good price-to-value ratio.
- Cons: Higher maintenance costs, less effective carbon filter.
- Product: Winix Zero Compact air purifier.
- Filter: True HEPA filter.
- Coverage: Up to 50 square meters.
- CADR: 250 cubic meters per hour.
- Effectiveness: Captures viruses, bacteria, fine dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, mold spores.
- Modes: Auto, Sleep, Manual Fan Speed.
- Auto Mode: Smart particle sensor adjusts fan speed automatically based on air quality.
- Sleep Mode: Dims lights and runs quietly (fan speed similar to auto mode speed 1).
- Filter Replacement Indicator: Light indicates when the filter needs to be replaced (approximately after one year).
- Price: €130 as of March 2021.
- Alternative: Winix Zero available for €50 more.
- Review of Winix Compact Stage 4 Air Purifier.
- Smaller unit suitable for studies or small bedrooms.
- Includes unboxing, function testing, allergen response testing, and technology discussion.
- Four-stage filtration: Pre-mesh filter, HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and PlasmaWave technology.
- Filters out 99.97% of airborne pollutants down to 0.03 microns.
- Air quality indicator: blue (good), amber (fair), red (poor).
- Adjustable fan speed and a night mode that turns off the light.
- PlasmaWave technology reduces airborne bacteria and viruses with minimal ozone production.
- Responsive sensor quickly detects changes in air quality.
- Effective in filtering smoke and air freshener.
- Filters air in 29.5 square meters area.
- Filters gases, bacteria, viruses, and airborne pollutants.
- Filter needs changing every 12 months.
- 24-month warranty.
- Available for purchase in Australia.
- The air purifier has a 360-degree all-in-one filter.
- The filter consists of a pre-filter, a hospital-grade HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.
- To access the filter, turn the machine over and remove the base.
- Remove the filter from its wrapping before placing it back in the unit.
- To start the machine, plug it in and turn it on.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Zero Compact (A231) |
| Airflow | Multi-Directional |
| Filtration Stages | 4-Stage |
| Filter 1 | Fine Mesh Pre-Filter (Captures large particles) |
| Filter 2 | Activated Carbon Filter (Reduces odors) |
| Filter 3 | True HEPA Filter (Captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger) |
| Filter 4 | Winix PlasmaWave® Technology (Neutralizes pollutants) |
| Room Size | Up to 230 sq. ft. |
| Particle Sensor | Yes |
| Auto Mode | Yes (Adjusts fan speed based on air quality) |
| Sleep Mode | Yes (Dims lights and lowers fan speed) |
| Fan Speeds | 3 |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes |
| CADR (Dust) | 151 CFM |
| CADR (Pollen) | 164 CFM |
| CADR (Smoke) | 145 CFM |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | Approx. 21.3” x 8.3” x 8.3” |
| Weight | Approx. 8.6 lbs |
| Color | White |
| Power Consumption | 55W (Maximum) |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited |
| Special Features | Tower Design, Compact Size |
| Ideal For | Home office, Home classroom, Bedroom, Nursery |
| Certifications | CARB Certified, AHAM Verified |
Key Features
- 4-Stage Air Purification: Includes a pre-filter, activated carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and Winix PlasmaWave Technology.
- True HEPA Filter: Captures 99.99% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust, smoke, pet dander, and other allergens.
- Activated Carbon Filter: Reduces odors from pets, cooking, and smoke.
- Winix PlasmaWave Technology: Neutralizes odors, allergens, and other pollutants at a molecular level (produces no harmful ozone).
- Auto Mode: Automatically adjusts fan speed based on detected air quality.
- Sleep Mode: Operates quietly and dims the lights for undisturbed sleep.
- Smart Sensor: Monitors air quality and adjusts settings accordingly.
- Filter Replacement Indicator: Alerts you when it’s time to replace the filters.
- Compact Tower Design: Space-saving design suitable for smaller rooms.
- Suitable Room Size: Designed for home offices, home classrooms, bedrooms, and nurseries.
- H13 HEPA Filter: Higher grade HEPA filter, capturing even more fine particles.
What do people say about this product
Pros:
- Effective air purification (HEPA filter, activated carbon filter)
- Good for small to medium-sized rooms
- Compact design
- Relatively quiet operation
- Auto mode adjusts fan speed based on air quality
- Odor reduction
- Sleep mode for quiet nighttime use
- Filter replacement indicator
Cons:
- Limited coverage area compared to larger purifiers
- Filter replacement costs
- May not be powerful enough for very large rooms or heavy pollution
- Some users report the auto mode can be overly sensitive.
- Pre-filter needs regular cleaning