Best Air Scrubber for Smoke [Top 5 Air Scrubbers, Comparison]

Air scrubbers are known for maintaining clean and purified indoor air, the reason they are suitable for offices, homes, and construction sites. Standard air scrubbers come with a blower that channels contaminated air through a series of filters in the machine.

Each filter eliminates various pollutants, such as smoke, dust, pollen, odor, and more, from the air. The filters also trap airborne contaminants of various sizes measured in microns (a millionth of a meter).

Although the sizes of these smoke particles range from 0.008 to 0.6 microns, air scrubbers are still very effective against them. Air scrubbers eliminate smoke particles from the air through active and passive methods.

In the active method, the machine cleans the air by generating and spreading negative ions throughout the scrubbing area to bond with pollutants, such as smoke and dust. When this occurs, the particles become too heavy to float in the air as they fall on surfaces and floors.

Then you can remove those particles by wiping the surfaces. With the negative ions, filters can trap particles that are too small to catch.

At the same time, the filters in the machine, such as the pre-filter, HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter, combine to eliminate smoke from the air passively.

Read further to discover how the features of the best air scrubbers for smoke can work together to remove smoke and its odor from the air.

Top 5 Air Scrubbers for Smoke

Buyer Guide To Select The Best Air Scrubber For Smoke

If you want to get rid of smoke and fumes from the air, there are certain features you must consider in an air scrubber before making a purchase. This buyer guide will help you select the best air scrubber for smoke.

1. Filtration System

Some air scrubbers remove smoke from the air by leveraging various features simultaneously. They combine the functions of negative ions, HEPA filters, and activated carbon filters to remove smoke particles, fumes, and odors.

The best air scrubber for smoke must come with a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.

The pre-filter captures large particles, which are too heavy to float in the air after bonding with the negative ions released by the negative air machine.

HEPA filters are effective at trapping particles of sizes down to 0.3 microns. With this, they will do an excellent job trapping more smoke particles and further reducing the smoky air.

The negative ions and HEPA filters reduce the volume of smoke particles, but they are not good at neutralizing the smell of smoke from the air. That is the essence of having the activated carbon filter in your air scrubber.   

The activated carbon or charcoal filters eliminate the smell of smoke and other odors from the air. Not all air scrubbers come with these carbon filters, but some are compatible as optional filters.

Using the machine for a long time to rid the air of smoke will cause the filters to become saturated. That is why it is vital to replace the filters periodically so that the scrubber can maximize its efficiency.  

2. Airflow Rating

The Cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating of an air scrubber gives information on the volume of air cleared by the unit per minute. It is also called the airflow rating and falls between 100 CFM and 20,000 CFM.  

If you intend to use an air scrubber in your home for smoke particles, then an airflow rating of 500CFM and above is sufficient. For industrial or commercial purposes, a rating of 5,000 CFM and above can eliminate smoke from the air in your environment.

You must have in mind that the rating determines the size of the machine, so the higher the airflow, the larger the air scrubber. Due to this, it is necessary to decide on the location you want to use the machine before purchasing.

3. Blower Type  

The type of blower used in an air scrubber is vital as dirt filtered from smoky air accumulates on the filters and causes a decrease in pressure. A powerful blower such as the airfoil type prevents specks of dirt from building up on the filter.

When contaminants build up on the filters, it may choke the machine to create a static resistance, which incurs maintenance costs in the long run. This blower type enhances airflow by overcoming the drop in pressure caused by dirty filters.    

4. Coverage

The maximum coverage area of an air scrubber derives from ACH (Air Changes per Hour), CADR rating, and Airflow rating. If these factors are higher in a particular machine, the coverage area of that machine will be higher.

For smoke removal from small spaces, a minimum coverage area of 500 sq ft is preferable. To eliminate smoke from large areas, you can daisy-chain up to 3 units using the GFCI outlet on the primary unit. 

5. Air Changes per Hour (ACH)

ACH is the number of times the volume of air filters in 1 hour. It means that a unit with an ACH of 4 will draw in and decontaminate the air in a room about 4-times in one hour.

Experts recommend that air scrubbers for smoke in homes or small offices should have at least 6 ACH, which means completing air changes once every 10 minutes.   

For heavy contaminations caused by smoke particles during industrial projects, a scrubber with an ACH of 10 is the most effective in cleaning the air.

6. Durability

Any machine you purchase for your project must stand the test of time and prove its durability to avoid wasting money from time to time buying new units.

The best air scrubber for smoke must have a durable construction with a rotomolded body that can withstand harsh conditions like the heat from smoke and fumes.

Go for brands with positive feedbacks from buyers and a history of manufacturing quality machines, but remember that you cannot compromise quality over price.

You can also get a reliable, portable, and durable unit at a better price when you go for the one with your specific needs.    

7. Price

The type of work you intend to do with the machine determines the amount you should spend to purchase it. Always ensure that you specify the features of the unit you need to avoid spending too much on unnecessary features.

If you are tackling smoke, fumes, and smoke smell in your home, then a moderate-priced air scrubber can do the job.

Spending a few hundred dollars on a scrubber with an airflow rating of 500CFM and above should be enough to remove smoke particles from the air for fresh, clean, and purified air.

Top 5 Best Air Scrubber for Smoke [Pros & Cons]

1. XPOWER X-2580 Professional 4-Stage HEPA Mini Air Scrubber

Best Filtration System

The XPOWER X-2580 HEPA air scrubber is portable and lightweight with 4-filters to remove smoke, fumes, and smoke smell from the air in your environment for fresh and clean air.

The first and second filters are Nylon mesh pre-filters. It traps medium to large particles of smoke from the air. The third is the activated carbon filter, which handles the smoke smell and adsorbs the odor. The fourth filter is the HEPA filter. It eliminates up to 99.97% of the tiniest particles.

The resultant air after this filtration process is free of smoke and other airborne particles. That is why the XPOWER X-2580 has the best filtration system than other air scrubbers listed here.

Also, there are 5-variable speed settings on this machine, and the highest setting gives up to 550 CFM airflow with the 1/2HP motor.    

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 550 CFM
• Coverage: 1500 sq ft
• Filter Change Indicator: Yes
• Filtration System: 4-stage filtration
• Power Cord Length: 13 ft
• Power Rating: 2.8 Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 23.6lbs

Benefits

• It is lightweight, stackable, and portable
• It comes with 5-variable speed settings
• It has 4-stages of filtration

Drawbacks

• It is lousy at the maximum speed level.

2. BlueDri BD-AS-550 Negative Airborne Cleaner HEPA Scrubber

Best Coverage

The BlueDri Air Shield 550 provides an effective solution to pollutants with its 3-stages of filtration to protect your health. It is effective on smoke, pollen, pet dander, sawdust, and other airborne contaminants.

The pre-filter traps larger particles while allowing the finer particles for the HEPA filter. The prime HEPA filters remove about 99.97% of contaminants with sizes greater than or equal to 0.3 microns.

The optionally activated carbon filter traps and eliminates smoke odors and other smells from pets, paint, cooking, and cleaning products.

It is suitable for a print shop or salons for eliminating unwanted fumes from the air.   

It has a LED indicator light to notify you when the filter needs a replacement and variable speed control to adjust the speed and power of the machine in operation. It also has an hour-meter display and a GFCI port to daisy-chain other units for a larger workspace.

The BlueDri BD-AS-550 is durable, portable, and lightweight with a stackable design to save space at job sites or your home. 

Due to its ability to scrub the air of smoke, fumes, and odors, it is the best choice during fire damage restoration, water/flood restoration, painting, sewage remediation, home repairs, construction, crawlspaces, and attics.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 250 – 500 CFM
• Coverage: 1500 sq ft
• Filter Change Indicator: Yes
• Filtration System: 3-stage filters
• Power Cord Length: 25 ft
• Power Rating: 2.5 Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 45lbs

Benefits

• It is durable and efficient
• It has 3-filtration stages
• Removes smoke and odors effectively
• It is portable and stackable
• It traps small and large particles
• The optional carbon filter is for odor elimination.

Drawbacks

• It has a loud operation
• The replacement filters are expensive
• The carbon filter does not come with the machine.

3. COLZER Commercial Air Scrubber, 1500 CFM

Value for Money

The COLZER 500 Commercial air scrubber has a portable and stackable design with a durable rotomolded body to withstand extreme conditions.

The air quality indicator monitors and measures the air standard and indicates when adjusting the speed is necessary. This indicator also helps regulate the air quality in your home after a fire incident.

It has 3-filters – a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.

The pre-filter is washable and traps particles such as smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other larger-sized contaminants in the air.

The H13 HEPA filter eliminates 99.97% of minute particles of sizes down to 0.3 microns, including fumes to release fresh, clean, and purified air. The activated carbon filter eliminates smoke smells from the air.    

The COLZER commercial air scrubber can scrub contaminated air in the whole house with a large CADR of 1,500 CFM. You can control the noise level and fan speed with a knob.

A light indicator informs you when the filter is dirty or needs replacement. You can also set the operating period of the unit with a timer setting.

It has a safety feature, which trips at 12 Amps to avoid damage due to overheating or overloading. This air scrubber is suitable for home or office, construction, renovation, and sewage remediation, to eliminate all particles of smoke, fumes, and odor from the air around you.     

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 250 – 500 CFM
• Coverage: 1000 sq ft
• Filter Change Indicator: Yes
• Filtration system: 3-stages
• Power cord length: 30 ft
• Power Rating: 2.5 Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 40lbs.

Benefits

• It is portable, lightweight, and stackable
• It has 3-filter levels
• It is durable with a rotomolded body
• The indicator signals the air quality status.

Drawbacks

• It is loud at maximum speed.

4. ALORAIR PureAiro HEPA Pro 970 Professional Air Scrubber

Best Airflow Rating

The ALORAIR PureAiro HEPA Pro 970 is a professional-grade air scrubber with UV-C Radiation to break-down smoky, moldy, and musty odors. It also destroys fungi and mold spores in the air and environment.

The 3-stages of filtration with commercial-grade filters make it efficient and effective on smoke, fumes, odors, and other airborne particles.

The pre-filter is the first stage of filtration, which eliminates larger particles to sustain and extend the life of the two-in-one HEPA filter with an activated carbon filter.

As the resultant air passes through the second stage of filtration made of a two-in-one HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, about 99.97% of smaller particles with sizes down to 0.3 microns are removed from the air.

The third stage of filtration is the UV-C radiation, which eradicates germs and other bacteria in the air.

For fire damage restoration, the pre-filter eliminate smoke particles while the HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter remove fumes and odor.    

This multi-purpose negative air machine is for fire damage restoration, remodeling projects, renovation, water/flood restoration, sewage cleanup, mold treatment, and construction jobs.

The ALORAIR PureAiro HEPA Pro 970 has a maximum airflow of 750 CFM with a GFCI outlet to daisy chain up to three HEPA units.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 330 CFM – 750 CFM
• Coverage: 1000 sq ft
• Filter Change Indicator: Yes
• Filtration system: 3-stages of filtration
• Power cord length: 20 ft
• Power rating: 3 Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 39.6lbs.

Benefits

• It has 3-stages of filtration
• It is lightweight and compact
• It is durable with a stackable design
• UV-C radiation captures and destroys bacteria.

Drawbacks

• It makes a loud noise during the operation.

5. ALORAIR Air Scrubber with MERV-10 Filter, HEPA/Activated Carbon Filter

Best Price

The ALORAIR Air Scrubber with MERV-10 filter is a professional, heavy-duty machine with a moderate price and easy operation. It is durable with a rotomolded polyethylene shell to withstand harsh conditions for a long time.

You can turn the unit ON/OFF, reset the circuit breaker, or adjust the airflow range with the control panel. It also has an indicator light to remind you when the filter needs a replacement.

It has a maximum airflow of 550 CFM, and you can daisy-chain up to 3-units to this machine through the auxiliary GFCI outlet on the panel to give a combined airflow of 1650 CFM.

It is lightweight and portable with a carrying handle and can be stacked vertically or horizontally.  

This negative air machine has 3-stages of filtration, including a MERV-10 filter, HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.

The MERV-10 filter captures larger particles while the HEPA filter traps 99.5% of tiny particles down to 0.3 microns. The particles may include fumes, fine drywall dust, mold spores, and fungi.

The activated carbon filter captures and eliminates odor such as food odors, fumes, sewer odors, and smoke particles in the resultant air.   

It is suitable for water/fire restoration and repairs, sewage/home repairs, printing shops, and salons.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 270 – 550 CFM
• Coverage: 1000 sq ft
• Filter Change Indicator: Yes
• Filtration system: 3-stage filtration
• Power cord length: 25 ft
• Power rating: 2.8 Amps, 115V, 60 Hz
• Weight: 44lbs

Benefits

• It is lightweight, portable, and stackable
• It is a heavy-duty unit with high-performance
• It is effective in restoration projects
• A stylish and high-quality machine
• It is cheap but highly-efficient
• Perfect for smoke, fumes, and odor eradication.

Drawbacks

• Makes loud noise
• It is very tough but unreliable.

Comparison Above Listed Top 5 Air Scrubbers For Smoke

Air Scrubber	Airflow Rating	Filtration System	Coverage	Power Rating	Weight
XPOWER X-2580 Air Scrubber	550 CFM	4-stages	1500 sq ft	322W (2.8 Amps)	23.6lbs
BlueDri BD-AS-550	250 – 500 CFM	3-stages	1500 sq ft	288W (2.5 Amps)	45lbs
COLZER Commercial Air Scrubber	250 – 500 CFM	3-stages	1000 sq ft	288W (2.5 Amps)	40lbs
ALORAIR PureAiro Pro 970	330 – 750 CFM	3-stages	1000 sq ft	345.6W (3 Amps)	39.6lbs
ALORAIR with MERV-10 Filter	270 – 550 CFM	3-stages	1000 sq ft	322W (2.8 Amps)	44lbs

Final Words:

The tiny particles of smoke can penetrate your lungs and cause heart and asthma attacks, bronchitis, strokes, and respiratory diseases.    

Inhaling these fine particles of smoke may lead to premature deaths among people with lung and heart diseases. Children can experience dizziness, chest pain, coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulty.

However, using an air scrubber for air contaminated with smoke removes the fumes, smoke, and odor, to maintain clean, fresh, and purified air. Also, it will help with allergy symptoms, coughs, sinuses, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. 

For a fire restoration project, consider the air scrubbers and buyer’s guide in this review if you must invest in your health and well-being.