REVIEW – For many years my kids and I suffered from severe allergies both when indoors and outdoors. While it is difficult to control the exposure to allergens outdoors, I knew that air filters could or should be able to help when indoors. Over the years I have tried several with small and limited benefits until about a year ago when I got my hands on the Molekule Air air purifier. This quite expensive filter has lived up to its cost and claims since the day that I plugged it in and my kids and I are beyond thankful. The only issue is that we cannot use it in every room at the same time. I have smaller rooms that I work in and I am still using a less than effective cheaper filters. Enter the Molekule Air Mini, and now I am excited to try it. So here we go!!!
What is it?
The Molekule Air Mini utilizes the same new technology air purification system as the larger Molekule Air and offers the same experience covering up to 250 sq. ft. Just like its big brother, it has the same clean and sophisticated look to match any décor.
What’s in the box
1 x Molekule Mini Air
1 x User Guide
1 x Filter Replacement Instruction Card
Design and features
Features
- Ideal for small spaces, up to 250 sq. ft. (studio apartments, kids’ bedrooms, and home offices)
- Breakthrough PECO technology destroys pollutants
- Beautifully designed, quiet & energy-efficient
- Includes a 6-month filter. Automatic filter refills for $99/yr
Specifications
Room size coverage: Up to 250 square feet (23.22 m²)
Filter cost: 2 PECO-Filters – $99/year
Power consumption: 18-53 W (110/220v)
Noise level: 30-52 dBa
Dimensions: 12” (30.48cm) Height x 8.26” (20.98cm) Diameter
Weight: 7.3 lbs. (3.3kg)
Warranty: 2-year Limited Warranty
The Molekule Air Mini comes fully assembled as one simple unit. Inside the unit, there is the actual replaceable filter that can be accessed by pressing down on the Molekule and twisting counter-clockwise.
The replaceable air filter sits on the inside of the Molekule on a base that has 2 sensors in the center of the base.
On the top of the filter, there is the air vent that goes around the diameter of the filter. The center of the top is touch-sensitive and there are LEDs to indicate the power level. The is also an LED for the PECO filter status that indicates the following:
Off – No need to replace the filter
Orange – Filter is nearing the recommended replacement time
Red – Filter has reached the recommended replacement time
Red and White flashing – Filter has exceeded the recommended replacement time
At the bottom of the filter, there is a cutout to wrap the cord around and put it away when not in use.
Performance
The Molekule Air Mini is a plug and play filter. It arrives with the filter installed. All you have to do is unwrap the cord from the bottom and plug it in. Once you do, you touch the top center of the filter to adjust the power up or down.
According to the manufacturer: “Traditional HEPA filters only collect some pollutants. PECO destroys them, including VOCs and mold, with modern, breakthrough science.
Molekule Air Mini uses a patented PECO-Filter, which is coated with our proprietary catalyst and breaks down VOCs, bacteria, mold, viruses, allergens, and other pollutants at a molecular level when activated by light.”
The touch surface in the top center of the filter allows you to turn it on/off, or set it to any of the 5 power levels.
What I like
- The build quality
- The easily changeable filter
- The compact size
- The effectiveness
- The automatic filter replacement program
What I’d change
- I would like to see an LED touch display with info on the top of the filter
- Add some sort of sound insulation
Final thoughts
Much like the original Molekule Air, this Molekule Air Mini delivers the same great air filtration in my home. I put this one in a smaller room that I usually spend a lot of time in. I am so happy to have this filter now and it clearly has a positive effect on my allergies. Its operation is simple and it looks great. The mini size is perfect for my smaller room. When turned up to full power, it is quite loud, but up to level 3 of 5, the sound seems to blend in as a part of the room’s ambient sound.
Price: $399 (Pre-order) – (There is an optional $99 annual filter replacement program)
Where to buy: Molekule website
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Molekule.
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You might want to check out the Consumer Reports article from last week regarding the actual effectiveness of Molekules technology. Molekule was rated 2nd to last out of 48 air purifiers tested, despite being the 2nd most expensive.
Hi Mike,
Molekule has worked best for me and my family. I have tried numerous air purifiers and was dissatisfied with most of them. My review is about my experience with it. Others may have a different opinion
Point taken. The challenge for consumers in the air purifier market is simply a lack of measurable data. It might seem as though the air is cleaner but how do know for sure? Its a subjecrive call if you can’t measure air quality before and after. Same for water quality. An evolving market to be sure! Thanks.
I agree with you regarding the challenge for consumers to truly measure effectiveness. In my case, once I installed the first Molekule, my kids and I experienced undeniable relief and that continues to be the case. Another person may experience something different especially since there are other environment dynamics that may have to be considered.
got the mini today DOA…Not very happy, retired with pulmonary fibrosis…maybe this might help…its going back tomorrow
wife bought it…
she is a nurse
i’m her patient