[social_warfare]
There’s no denying the hazardous health effects of second-hand cigarette smoke, especially in enclosed spaces such as your house or workplace.
If the habit of cigarette smoking can’t be eliminated, then you must do your best to filter the air around you from cigarette smoke and its odor. If not for you, then for the sake of everyone that shares the same space as you. You can do that with the aid of the best air purifier for cigarette smoke. Continue reading to learn about the best ones you can get today.
Best Air Purifier for Cigarette Smoke
- GermGuardian AC5350B - Best Overall
- Hamilton Beach TrueAir - Best for Budget
- Coway AIRMEGA 400S - Best for Large Spaces
- LEVOIT Core 300 - Best for Personal Use
- Coway AP-1512HH Mighty - Premium Option
- Winix 5500-2 - Best Value for the Price
6 Best Air Purifiers for Cigarette Smoke in 2021
1. GermGuardian AC5350B - Best Overall
Starting off our list of the best air purifiers for cigarette smoke is the popular GermGuardian AC5350B from Guardian Technologies. This handy device flaunts a 4-stage filtration setup that consists of an activated charcoal filter, a true HEPA filter, a pre-filter, and a UV-C light filter that’s optimal to use.
This comprehensive filtration setup is able to rid you of minute particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. Further, the device has a CADR rating of 127 for pollen, 114 for dust, and 108 for smoke, so it’s definitely effective for cigarette smoke. It’s also worth noting that this 4-stage unit is able to laminate pet dander, dust mites, mold, and bacteria with an efficiency of 99.97%.
The GermGuardian AC5350B isn’t the only 4-stage filtration unit on the market, but it’s one of the very few that actually deliver on their promises. What do we mean by that? Well, the market is full of air purifiers that boast spangled operation and results, but upon trying these units, you’re left disappointed. The AC5350B isn’t one of these units, hence its massive popularity.
With that out of the way, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The pre-filter this unit uses does a superb job of increasing the true HEPA filter’s lifetime, and it helps trap larger particles like hair, dust, and so forth. The charcoal filter, on the other hand, completely eliminates any odors lingering in the air. It’s actually one of the strongest selling points of this HEPA filer because it helps get rid of the stinky smell of cigarette smoke.
Another strong selling point is the UV-C light functionality, which does a great job of getting rid of germs and mold. The device is also equipped with titanium dioxide lacing, so you don’t have to worry about volatile gases.
The GermGuardian AC5350B features 5-speed settings that you can choose from. Also, it has a programmable timer function that you can customize to suit your requirements. You can set the timer anywhere from a few minutes to 8 hours. Also, the device features a filter replacement indicator and a UV-C light controller, ensuring an ultra-friendly user experience.
The AC5350B is certified by Energy Star and AHAM and is designed to comply with the CARB regulations, which automatically puts it in the higher echelon of air purifiers. If that’s not enough, how about a 5-year limited warranty to sweeten the deal?
Despite being a state-of-the-art, aesthetically pleasing HEPA filter, the GermGuardian AC5350B is not free of flaws. The only drawback to buying this device is its inability to cover larger areas. It’s advertised to be able to cover up to 167 square feet, which isn’t much compared to some of the other alternatives on our list.
Another thing you ought to know about this device is that it features an LED light that shimmers when the UV-C functionality is activated. The problem here is that the light is a bit too bright, as some users indicate, which makes it inconvenient for bedroom use. Aside from that, this is one of the best air filters on the market today.
Pros:
- Powerful 4-stage filtration process
- Optional UV-C light functionality
- AHAM and Energy Star certified
- Meets the regulations of CARB
- Backed by a sweet 5-year warranty
- Aesthetically pleasing construction
Cons:
- Can’t cover larger rooms effectively
- LED is too bright for bedroom us
2. Hamilton Beach TrueAir - Best for Budget
Don’t let a tight budget get in the way of purifying the air in your house from cigarette smoke with the aid of the budget-friendly Hamilton Beach TrueAir. It might be inexpensive, but it’s far from cheap in terms of build quality. Just to give you an idea of the amount of value this unit offers, it features a true HEPA filter that’s designed for permanent use and can rid you of particles that are as small as 3 microns.
This air purifier measures at just 8.1x10.8x16.5, making it one of the most compact units on our list. And not only is it compact, but it’s extremely lightweight for ease of portability. Despite being a fairly small HEPA filter, though, the Hamilton Beach TrueAir is a sturdy unit.
You’d expect such an inexpensive device to lack in terms of performance, but it offers a pretty fair performance for the price. Of course, it’s not going to be as potent as some of the more premium options on our list, but it’s still an excellent unit for what it is.
When it comes to coverage, this air purifier is capable of covering a room size of up to 160 square feet, which is quite impressive for such a small and wallet-friendly device. Tests have been carried out on this device by Sun-Grun Environment Technology Co. to ensure that it’s as effective as it claims, and the device held its own very nicely.
We’ve already mentioned that this unit features a permanent filter, but what does that mean, exactly? Well, it means that all you need to do is clean this unit thoroughly every once in a while, and that’s about it. You won’t ever need to replace the filter or buy a different device.
Keep in mind, however, that Hamilton Beach does offer replacement filters if you ever feel the need to replace the true HEPA filter for whatever reason, whether it’s damaged or you just think it’s not functioning as effectively as it used to.
It’s also worth noting that Hamilton Beach gives you the option to buy an activated carbon filter to boost the device’s efficiency. We strongly recommend buying the carbon filter because it’s a key component in filtering cigarette smoke or any sort of smoke.
This air purifier flaunts 3 different speed settings: low, medium, and high. If you seek maximum air filtration, set it at high speed. If you seek regular all-day use, medium speed is the way to go. And if you’re looking for an ultra-quiet operation that fits bedroom use, the low-speed setting will be beneficial.
It’s to be expected from a sub-$100 air purifier to have some flaws, and one of the problems of the TrueAir is that it’s not water-resistant, meaning that you’ll have to stick to brushing and vacuuming when attempting to clean it. To add, it doesn’t have the best coverage, so make sure you only use it for a small room size.
Pros:
- Offers excellent value for the price
- Features a permanent HEPA filter
- Compact and portable construction
- Super smooth and quiet operation
- Can accommodate a carbon filter
- Offers 3 different operation speeds
Cons:
- Doesn’t have any advanced features
- The construction isn’t water-resistant
3. Coway AIRMEGA 400S - Best for Large Spaces
All of the products on this list are pretty impressive in their own regard, but when it comes to space coverage, there’s no beating the AIRMEGA 400S from Coway. This device is designed to tackle a large room size without any problems, with a coverage of up to 1,560 square feet, which is enough to cover an entire basement.
It’s worth noting, however, that the AIRMEGA 400S is the most expensive air purifier on our list, so we wouldn’t recommend buying it if you’re not trying to cover larger areas.
Another thing you should be aware of is that this unit’s predecessor, the AIRMEGA 300S, is also a highly capable unit that can cover up to 1256 square feet, and it’s slightly more affordable than the 400S. Both models are pretty much identical when it comes to features, though. Anything we say in the following paragraphs applies to both devices.
This air purifier is able to eliminate particles that are as small as 0.3 microns with an impressive efficiency of 99.97%. Moreover, it flaunts VOC elimination capabilities, enabling it to eliminate harmful fumes such as CH3CHO and NH3. These might not be compounds found in cigarette smoke, but they’re present in wildfire smoke, so it’s an overall effective purifier for smoke removal.
The device features a true HEPA filter that belongs to the Max2 category, meaning that it flaunts a combined layer of activated carbon for more comprehensive air purification, especially when it comes to cigarette smoke. It’s also very effective when it comes to odor removal, not just with cigarette smoke odor, but also pet, kitchen, and other odors that might be lingering in the house.
This air purifier’s impressive coverage capacity ensures that you only need a single unit to purify an entire one-story house. Just be sure to keep all the doors open so that its effect reaches all the rooms. It’s also worth noting that the unit’s effectiveness is amplified with the aid of a unique design that draws air from the sides then pushes the filtered output from the top.
When it comes to advanced features, the AIRMEGA is loaded with plenty. Firstly, it features an automatic speed adjustment functionality that alters the speed based on light intensity and air quality in the room. For example, if the light is too faint, it’ll lower the speed to reduce noise because faint light usually translates to people trying to sleep. It also features a timer that you can set to 1, 2, 4, and 8-hour time intervals.
Oh, did we mention that this device flaunts its own smartphone app? Yes! You can control its operation easily using your phone. In terms of noise, this device is incredibly quiet, even at higher operating speeds, topping at a sound level of around 43 dB, which is quite impressive for such a powerful and robust device.
To add to its long list of impressive smart features, the AIRMEGA’s very own smartphone, aptly named Coway AIRMEGA IoCare, is compatible with Google Home, Alexa, and Amazon Dash Replenishment. How cool is that?
Apart from the expensive price tag, there are a couple of drawbacks that you’ll have to endure with this device. Firstly, it doesn’t have too many indicators, making it hard to monitor or control its performance without using the smartphone app. And secondly, replacement filters for this device are a little expensive, making this the further it can be from a budget-friendly device.
Pros:
- Packed with many smart features
- Flaunts automatic speed adjustment
- Displays extremely quiet operation
- Comprehensive filtration setup
- Can be controlled from a mobile app
- Alexa and Google Home compatible
Cons:
- The most expensive unit on the list
- Doesn’t have performance indicator
4. LEVOIT Core 300 - Best for Personal Use
If you’re looking for a small air purifier for personal use, especially if you’re a cigarette smoker yourself, it doesn’t get more compact than the Levoit Core 300. It’s not just one of the best air purifiers for smoke, but it’s one of the best air purifiers, period. It’s incredibly effective, and it comes at a cost-effective price tag that won’t break the bank.
The Levoit Core 300 utilizes a 3-stage filtration setup that consists of a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. The pre-filter features a nylon construction and is intended to capture larger particles like hairs, fibers, fur, dust, and lint. Keep in mind that pre-filters should be vacuumed on a regular basis in order to remain effective.
The true HEPA filter is used to eliminate particles that are as small as 0.3 microns, including virus particles, allergens, bacteria particles, and even pollen. It also features a customized layer that serves as a toxin absorber, meaning it gets rid of smog, smoke, and VOCs, which is ideal for getting rid of cigarette smoke.
Lastly, the activated carbon filter deals primarily with odors and smoke. Whether it’s cigarette smoke, kitchen odor, or lingering odors from your pet, this filter will eliminate them effectively. It’s worth noting that the Levoit Core 300 is certified by the CARB (California Air Resource Board).
Despite being one of the smallest devices on our list, the Core 300 is able to achieve a max coverage of around 215 square feet, which is more than top-tier devices like the GermGuardian AC5350B. Also, it’s quite sturdy and long-lasting. This air purifier has a CADR rating of 145 for smoke, 141 for pollen, and 140 for dust.
If you stick to the advised size requirements, the Levoit Core 300 will help clean your room up to 5 times per hour, meaning that even if you’re a chain-smoker or someone in your household is, the smell of smoke will be regularly eliminated. Heck, this air purifier can help you purify vehicle exhaust if need be.
Is the Levoit Core 300 a perfect air purifier? Surprisingly, it is in a lot of ways. The main negative is that it’s not equipped with advanced features or any sensors, but that’s to be expected from a unit within its price point, so we can’t really consider it as a mishap. And as we already clarified, this unit is designed for personal use, so you can expect full-house coverage from it. This leaves us with a seemingly flawless HEPA filter, doesn’t it?
Features and functionality aside, this air purifier is one of the sleekest-looking units on this list, if not the sleekest. Also, it’s incredibly quiet in its operation. If you run it in sleep mode, the noise level won’t exceed the 24dB mark, thanks to the use of Levoit’s proprietary QuietKEAP technology, enabling you to have a good night’s sleep without any disturbance.
It’s worth noting that the Levoit Core 300 is completely ozone-free. It doesn’t utilize any UV or Ion light, so it’s not harmful to the ozone layer and won’t result in secondary pollution. Further, the device is certified by Energy Star, FCC, CA PROP 65, and CARB, not to mention that it’s ETL-listed. Into the bargain, it’s backed by a limited 2-year warranty for your convenience.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable construction
- Available at a cost-effective price tag
- Excellent room size coverage
- Doesn’t utilize UV or Ion light methods
- Outstanding CADR rating for smoke
- Extremely quiet operation at 24dB
Cons:
- Doesn’t have any advanced features
- We would’ve liked a smart sensor
5. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty - Premium Option
The AP-1512HH Mighty from Coway is arguably the most well-rounded air purifier for tobacco smoke on the market today. Why didn’t we crown it as our “best overall” option, then? Because of its comparatively costly price tag. It’s not as expensive as the AIRMEGA 400S or 300S, but it’s definitely not a budget-friendly device.
The Coway AP-1512HH Mighty, like many high-end options, utilizes a 4-stage filtration system. However, instead of utilizing UV-C light, it relies on a bipolar ionizer technology by the name of Vital Ion. The unit flaunts a CADR rating of 246 for dust, 240 for pollen, and an excellent rating of 233 for smoke. In other words, you can say goodbye to any contaminants in the air.
The device houses a true HEPA filter that’s capable of eliminating contaminants as small as 0.3 microns. This capability might be in common with a lot of other alternatives, but the AP-1512HH simply flaunts it at a higher capacity.
Coverage-wise, this incredible piece of technology is able to filter enclosed spaces of up to 361 square feet, making it one of the best units on this list when it comes to coverage, alongside the powerful AIRMEGA from the same manufacturer. With such coverage capabilities, you can use this device to filter any middle-size area like your home’s living room or so.
Okay, so what exactly is the outstanding Vital Ion feature that this device vaunts? Basically, it’s an ion generating system that aids in the filtration process by ionizing the air, which eliminates a host of contaminants, particulates, and even allergens. Note that this is an optional feature to use, as there’s an on/off button dedicated to it solely.
The device also features an odor-removing filtration layer that helps get rid of cigarette fumes, the smell of smoke, VOCs, and other unwanted odors. Unlike many competitors, this device is equipped with a number of useful indicators, such as the indoor air quality indicator, which effectively measures the level of pollution in the air and optimizes the unit’s operation accordingly.
Along with automatic operation, you can switch between the unit’s 3 speed levels manually, and you can utilize the timer feature for scheduling the hours of operation. You get to choose from 1, 4, 8, and 12-hour intervals.
This air purifier is very smart in the sense that if it detects no pollution in the air, it automatically goes into Eco Mode, which is an energy-saving mode that ensures minimal energy use of about 4.9 watts. It’s also a quiet device, as it operates on noise levels ranging from 24.4 to 53.8dB.
Like we already mentioned, this is one of the most well-rounded air purifiers we’ve seen, which makes it difficult for us to find a flaw in its operation. Trust us; we’ve tried. The main downside of buying this device is that it’s going to cost you more than most of its competitors.
Another thing that might deter people from buying this product, which we don’t really think is a bad thing, is the lack of a UV-C light functionality. But then again, the device makes up for it by incorporating the sought-after Vital Ion feature for air ionization.
Pros:
- Flaunts an air ionization functionality
- Excellent coverage of up to 361 sq-ft
- Automatic and manual operation
- Gets rid of cigarette fumes effectively
- Operates at relatively low noise levels
- Features an energy-saving mode
Cons:
- Not the most budget-friendly option
- Doesn’t have a UV-C light feature
6. Winix 5500-2 - Best Value for the Price
Winix is an established Korean brand of air purifiers that has gained a great deal of popularity in the U.S. as of late. It’s more prominent than a lot of popular American brands, actually. The Winix 5500-2 is an air purifier that’s designed with the budget-minded consumer in mind. It’s not as affordable as the Hamilton Beach TrueAir, but it certainly offers a lot of value for the price.
Despite being a cost-effective device, this air purifier flaunts a highly effective operation that’s able to get rid of tobacco smoke particles and odor with ease. It also packs a serious punch as far as its fan power, which isn’t common amongst most units in its price point.
This air purifier flaunts a 3-stage filtration setup. The first stage is a washable pre-filter that aids in getting rid of relatively large contaminants such as dander, dust, hair, and pollen. The filter is equipped with a layer of activated carbon, which enables it to enforce effective odor control and to get rid of VOCs and smoke. This is generally a separate stage in most advanced air purifiers, so this unit is technically a 4-stage device rather than a 3-stage one.
Okay, so what about the other two stages? Well, we have a true HEPA filter that does a superb job of eliminating minute particles that are as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, mold, virus particles, and even fungi particles.
The last stage is the PlasmaWave, which is Winix’s proprietary ionizer technology that helps ionize the air and get rid of pollutants. This stage has a dedicated on/off button, enabling you to use it only when required.
To find a HEPA filter that has effective air ionization technology at such a budget-friendly price tag isn’t very common, which places the Winix 5500-2 ahead of a lot of its competitors. It’s also one of the ultimate air purifiers when it comes to making cigarette smoke particles disappear with no odors lingering around, thanks to its use of an advanced odor-control carbon filter.
It’s also worth noting that the device houses an incredibly accurate sensor for detecting odors. It automatically gauges the quality of the air and adjusts the fan speed accordingly to ensure ideal filtration. This is quite significant because the majority of devices within the 5500-2’s price range only have a dust sensor, so you’re getting a ton of value with this unit, as we mentioned.
This air purifier can cover up to 360 square feet, placing it amongst the best air purifiers for smoke in terms of coverage. The unit features a CADR rating of 246 for pollen, 243 for dust, and 232 for smoke, so you can definitely rely on it to get rid of cigarette smoke with ease.
From afar, the Winix 5500-2 comes across as a faultless air purifier, but that’s not the case. This device consumes a considerable amount of power for its operation. So if you’re going to buy it, be ready for a notable increase in your utility bills. Also, filter replacement for this device is on the more expensive side, and they’ll be needed on an annual basis.
Pros:
- Delivers a lot of value for the price
- Effective odor-control carbon filter
- Features an accurate odor sensor
- Ionizer tech for reduced pollutants
- Flaunts outstanding CADR ratings
- Excellent coverage of up to 360 sq-ft
Cons:
- Expensive annual filter replacements
- Consumes a notable amount of power
How to Choose an Air Purifier for Cigarette Smoke
Even after learning about the best air purifiers for smoke, choosing one can still be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. The following paragraphs help shed light on the different factors to consider when in the market for an air purifier for smoke elimination.
Filtration System
Most air purifiers for smoke come with a 3-stage or 4-stage filtration system that consists of a pre-filter, activated carbon filter, HEPA filter, and either a UV-C light or an air ionization feature. You must make sure you buy an air purifier that features an effective HEPA filter as well as an advanced activated carbon filter, as they’re the most responsible for eliminating contaminants and smoke.
A true HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Arresting) should be able to capture and get rid of microscopic particles that are as small as 0.3 microns so that you don’t breathe in these harmful particles into your lungs.
Activated carbon filters, on the other hand, are entirely responsible for eliminating odors, which is something that even the best HEPA filter can’t do. These filters consist of activated carbon of numerous adsorbent pores that collect cigarette smoke and odor so that the purifier eliminates them.
CADR Rating
CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate, which is a measurement unit that was developed by the AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) and it helps communicate a purifier’s ability to eliminate contaminants per minute. The higher the CADR rating, the more capable the device is.
Most manufacturers indicate the CADR ratings for their air purification devices on their labels or product descriptions, so be on the lookout. Keep in mind, however, that most CADR ratings are estimated in controlled conditions, meaning you should opt for a device that offers higher CADR ratings than required, especially for smoke since we’re on the topic of cigarette smoking.
Construction
When we speak of construction, we’re talking about both build quality and compactness. Please avoid opting for a cheap air purifier, as it’s most likely not going to last you long, and it’ll probably lack in terms of performance. Invest the money in a device that’s going to serve you for years to come.
Also, make sure you invest in a device that’s fairly easy to carry around and not too bulky. The size of an air purification device will probably be proportionate with its coverage, so if you’re trying to purify a large area such as an entire one-story house, you may be forced to buy a bulky device.
Coverage
Next, you should make sure that the device you’re about to buy is able to purify the entire area you’re trying to keep free of cigarette smoke and odor. Devices like the Coway Mighty and the Winix 5500-2 are perfect for mid-sized rooms, whereas the Coway AIRMEGA 400S and 300S should be your go-to choice if you’re trying to purify massive areas.
If you’re looking for a device that can purify small-to-moderate spaces such as a bedroom or a living room, the GermGuardian AC5350B or the budget-friendly Hamilton Beach TrueAir are perfect choices.
User Interface
Some air purifiers come loaded with a ton of advanced features like dedicated smartphone apps and integrations for services such as Alexa and Google Home. If you’re going for one of these units, make sure they offer a user-friendly control scheme so that you don’t spend hours trying to figure them out.
You should also invest in a device that features performance indicators such as an indicator of air quality so that you can keep tabs on the quality of your environment.
Budget
Obviously, the more expensive the air purifier is, the more packed it’s going to be with advanced features and the more capable its purification and coverage will be. However, this doesn’t mean that you should aim to buy the most expensive device out there. Figure out what you need from an air purifier and make your purchase accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the absolute best air purifiers for cigarette smoke available today. We’re quite confident that one of the units mentioned above will meet your air filtration requirements as well as your budget. Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions. Enjoy breathing fresh, clean air.
Additional Reading
