5 Best Air Purifiers for Smoke in the UK (2024)

Best air purifier for smoke

Last updated: 03.12.2023 Reading time: 12 Min.

Did you know that the air in your home can be much more polluted than outside, especially with cigarette smoke? 🚬

This fact shows why keeping the air in your home clean is so important.

Air purifiers are essential in these homes.

But how do you know which air purifier is the best for smoke?

To help you with this, we have tested and analysed several air purifiers.

We've carefully collected all the information to find out which devices work best.

Let's take a look at what we found.

Best air purifier for smoke
  • Air purifiers effectively remove particles of smoke and odours from the indoor air.
  • Reduces the risk of respiratory and other health issues associated with smoke inhalation.
  • Helps get rid of the stubborn smell of smoke from cigarettes.
  • Not just for smoke; it also filters out dust, pollen and other allergens.
  • Especially beneficial for children and others who are sensitive to smoke.
  • Requires regular replacement and cleaning of the filter.
  • Can be a significant investment and can increase electricity bills.
  • Some models can be noisy, which might be annoying.
  • Cannot remove all contaminants and does not address the source of the smoke.

Best air purifiers for smoke

  • Core 400S
    Price from £ 219.99 £ (239.99 )
    A powerful three-layer filter system, including an H13 True HEPA filter, to effectively capture 99.97% of small airborne particles.
    Core 400S
    A powerful three-layer filter system, including an H13 True HEPA filter, to effectively capture 99.97% of small airborne particles.
    Price from £ 219.99 (£ 239.99 )
  • AC4825
    Price from £ 202.80
    With its UV-C light, this air purifier effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and mould.
    AC4825
    With its UV-C light, this air purifier effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and mould.
    Price from £ 202.80
  • Air400 Air Purifier
    Price from £ 538.81
    Automated system monitors air quality and adjusts fan speed for effective purification.
    Air400 Air Purifier
    Automated system monitors air quality and adjusts fan speed for effective purification.
    Price from £ 538.81
  • Air Purifier 211i Max
    Price from £ 624.08
    Perfect for large rooms, as it cleans areas of up to 140 square metres in just 30 minutes.
    Air Purifier 211i Max
    Perfect for large rooms, as it cleans areas of up to 140 square metres in just 30 minutes.
    Price from £ 624.08

Find out more about our favorites now

Levoit Core 400S

A powerful three-layer filter system, including an H13 True HEPA filter, to effectively capture 99.97% of small airborne particles.

The Levoit Core 400S Air Purifier offers five adjustable fan speeds with a noise range of only 24 to 52 dB.

The Levoit Core 400S is ideal for households where people smoke or where there is a lot of smoke. 🏠

It has a three-layer cylindrical filter system.

The pre-filter captures larger particles such as fur and dust.

The second part, a carbon filter, is good at getting rid of smoke and foul odours, even from things like petrol or new plastic items.

The primary filter is a special "H13 True HEPA" filter.

It captures 99.97% of tiny particles down to 0.3 microns, making it perfect for removing smoke.

This air purifier is suitable for rooms up to 37 square metres.

It has five different fan speeds, including a particularly quiet one for sleeping and a robust 'turbo' mode.

The noise level is also relatively low: it's only 24 dB in a quiet setting and can reach up to 52 dB.

You can set a timer for up to 12 hours and an air quality sensor that uses a laser to detect how many particles are in the air.

The PM2.5 counter and the LED ring on the touchscreen provide effective information on the air quality status.

Levoit 400S air purifier’s display
Image © Levoit

The air purifier shows you a light when you need to clean or change the filter.

You can also use the VeSync app to check the filter's condition, control the air purifier from your phone and even order new filters directly.

The app also shows how smoking cigarettes or using a wood-burning stove affects air quality. 🪵

The Levoit Core 400S also looks good, with a tall, sleek design in black and white.

It also has an easy-to-use touchscreen.

With the app, you can set customised schedules for the fan and display, making it even more convenient.

Advantages

Includes pre-filter, carbon filter, and H13 True HEPA filter.

Carbon layer effectively neutralises smoke and smells.

Suitable for up to 37 square metres.

Five fan speed options,  including quiet sleep mode and strong turbo mode.

Features PM2.5 counter for air quality monitoring

VeSync app for remote control and filter management.

Tall, cylindrical shape with a black and white palette.

Disadvantages

Turbo mode reaches up to 52 dB.

Regular filter cleaning and replacement needed.

May not suit smaller spaces due to tall design.

Germ Guardian AC4825

With its UV-C light, this air purifier effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and mould.

The Germ Guardian AC4825 is a lightweight, compact air purifier perfect for purifying smaller spaces up to 153 square feet.

The Germ Guardian AC4825 is an affordable air purifier that removes dust, allergens and odours from your home.

The air purifier is handy if you have smokers in your neighbourhood.

It has a special HEPA filter and a charcoal filter that work together to capture particles from smoke and eliminate foul odours.💨

This air purifier also has a carbon filter.

It's good at removing smells and harmful chemicals, but bear in mind that it may not work as well in very hot or humid places.

This is because the heat and humidity can affect how the filter works.

For an extra cleaning boost, this air purifier has a UV-C light option.

It helps to kill bacteria, viruses, and mould in the air.

The HEPA filter is also very effective – it captures 99.97% of tiny particles, making it ideal for smaller rooms (up to 14 square metres).

Using the Germ Guardian AC4825 is quite simple.

Germ Guardian AC4825 start panel
Image © Germ Guardian

There is only one switch-on button and one button for the UV light, as well as three fan speeds.

On the lowest setting, it's really quiet, but on the highest setting, it can get louder. 🔊

It's also light and compact: it weighs just 8.5 pounds and fits nicely in the corner of a room with its tall, slim design.

Although it doesn't have advanced features like air quality sensors or automatic fan control, it's still a good, straightforward air purifier.

It's also ozone-free (which is healthier), CARB-certified and comes with a three-year warranty for extra reassurance.

Advantages

Cost-effective option for air purification.

Combines HEPA and charcoal filters to capture dust, allergens, and smoke particles.

Activated carbon filter removes smoke odours and some harmful chemicals.

Best suited for spaces up to 14 square metres.

User-friendly with a straightforward power knob and UV light button.

Weighing only 8.5 pounds, the tall and slim design fits easily into room corners.

Provides a three-year warranty.

Disadvantages

Performance of the carbon filter can diminish in high temperatures and humidity.

Lacks advanced functionalities like air quality detection or automatic fan speed adjustment.

Can be somewhat loud when operating on the highest speed.

Not as effective in larger spaces beyond 153 square feet.

Bissell Air400 Air Purifier

Automated system monitors air quality and adjusts fan speed for effective purification.

The Bissell Air400 air purifier is characterised by its ultra-quiet sleep mode, which operates at just 30 decibels.

The Bissell Air400 is a great air purifier to get rid of smoke.

This air purifier uses a three-step filter system.

Bissell Air400 air purifier’s three step filtration system
Image © Bissell

Firstly, a pre-filter catches larger particles such as pet hair and dust – and you can wash and reuse it. 🐶

Then, the HEPA filter grabs 99.7% of tiny particles down to 0.3 microns in size, including smoke.

Lastly, the carbon filter is particularly good at removing bad smells and harmful gases.

It also has a special certification from the California Air Resources Board.

This means that it's safe and doesn't release harmful ozone.

The Air400 works fast and well, removing almost all small particles in just one hour.

This makes it ideal for medium-sized to large rooms (28 to 38 square metres).

It's also quiet, especially in Sleep Mode, as it only makes 30 decibels of noise.

With 5 fan settings, it can be up to 65 decibels louder if you want to clean your room more thoroughly.

It also has an automatic CirQulate system that displays the air quality digitally and is colour-coded, automatically adjusting the fan speed to the air quality.

Bissell Air400 air purifier’s air quality indicator
Image © Bissell

At night, it even dims its lights so as not to disturb your sleep.💡

However, it may not look as stylish as other air purifiers because it resembles a CPU.

Advantages

Utilises a 3-stage filtration process.

Capable of trapping 99.7% of small particles (as small as 0.3 microns), making it highly effective against smoke particles.

Certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for safe ozone emission.

Features a Sleep Mode, operating as quietly as 30dB.

Offers real-time air quality readings and automatic fan speed adjustment.

Disadvantages

Design may not be as appealing, resembling a CPU.

Can be somewhat loud at the highest fan speed (up to 65dB).

Requires filter replacements every 6 months, adding to maintenance costs.

Blueair Air Purifier 211i Max

Perfect for large rooms, as it cleans areas of up to 140 square metres in just 30 minutes.

The Blueair Air Purifier 211i Max is 50% quieter, has been awarded the QuietMark certificate, and its noise level never exceeds 53 dB.

The Blueair Air Purifier 211i Max is ideal for quickly cleaning the air, especially in homes where people smoke or have a high level of air pollution.

It's good at cleaning large areas (up to 140 square metres) in just half an hour.

This is particularly useful if you have smokers in the house or the air indoors is polluted. 💨

What makes the 211i Max air purifier special is its HEPASilent technology.

It effectively removes almost all tiny harmful particles in the air.

This includes smoke and germs, and it can filter the air particles as small as 0.1 microns.

Woman starting the Blueair Air Purifier 211i Max
Image © Blueair

It also traps allergens such as animal hair, pollen and mould.

Plus, it has an activated carbon filter that removes light odours from cigarettes, pets and cooking.

Compared to other models, this air purifier works 83% faster and makes 50% less noise - which is impressive.

It's so quiet that it has been awarded QuietMark certification.

The Blueair 211i Max can be super quiet at 23 dB or reach up to 53 dB, but it's never too loud.

It's easy to use, with simple controls and 5 different fan speeds, including an automatic mode.

Fan speed display of the Blueair Air Purifier 211i Max
Image © Blueair

The LED lights on the air purifier and the app show you how clean the air is.

The app also offers cool features such as filter change reminders, a child lock, and brightness adjustment options.📱

Its RealTrack system even tells you exactly when you need a new filter. 

Plus, you can control it with your voice, and it can switch on and off depending on whether you're home.

211i Max has advanced tech and is user-friendly, so it keeps the air in your home clean and healthy.

Advantages

Quickly cleans large areas up to 140 square metres in about 30 minutes.

Uses HEPASilent technology to remove 99.97% of small airborne particles.

Captures smoke, pet dander, pollen, mould, and dust.

Carbon filter captures light household odours from smoking, cooking, and pets.

Operates on low at 23dB and maxes out at 53dB, awarded QuietMark certification.

Offers 5 fan speeds and an auto mode, with an easy-to-understand LED indicator.

Smart app includes accurate filter tracking, voice control, and a home feature for energy efficiency.

Disadvantages

Needs regular filter replacements, which could be an additional ongoing cost.

Might be too large for smaller rooms or spaces.

May be a significant initial investment compared to other models.

The carbon filter is more effective with light odours and might not fully eliminate strong smoke smells.

Comparison of our air purifier favourites for smoke

Features Blueair Air Purifier 211i Max Germ Guardian AC4825 Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 Bissell Air400 Levoit Core 400S
HEPA filter Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Activated carbon filter Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Fan No No Yes No No
Room size 140m² 14m² 40m² 38m² 37m²
App Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Auto mode Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Sleep timer No No Yes Yes Yes
Remote control Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Weight 3.33kg 3.88kg 4.65kg 10.35kg 6.16kg
Check Amazon Check Amazon* Check Amazon* Check Amazon* Check Amazon* Check Amazon*

What are air purifiers?

An air purifier is a device that purifies the air in a room or a specific area.

It's like a silent helper that constantly removes dust, allergens, and other particles from the air around you. 🦠

The main purpose of an air purifier is to make the air we breathe cleaner and healthier.

Dyson Purifier sitting on a table
Image © Smart Home Fox

These air purifiers come in all sizes, for small rooms like bedrooms or larger rooms like living rooms.

There are air purifiers available for every type of room.

How do air purifiers help combat smoke?

Have you ever wondered how to keep the air in your home free of smoke?

Smoke from cooking, forest fires, or cigarettes can make the air in your home unhealthy.

Let's take a look at how air purifiers can help with this problem.

What are the dangers of smoke in homes?

Have you ever thought about how safe the air is in your home, especially when there is smoke around?

Smoke in your home is more than just a bad smell – it's terrible for your health.

The smoke from cooking, cigarettes, or even barbecues in the house contains many chemicals and tiny particles.

These particles are so small that they can penetrate deep into your lungs. 🫁

If you breathe them in over a long period, they can cause breathing problems, aggravate asthma or even lead to severe illnesses such as chronic bronchitis.

It's not just your lungs that are affected.

Smoke can also irritate your eyes, nose and throat, which can be very uncomfortable.

This can be a big problem, especially for children, the elderly or people with health problems.

Family sitting in a room with a layer of smoke
Smoke present in the home can have adverse effects on children and elderly individuals with health conditions.

In addition, the smoke particles don't just disappear but can stick to things like your sofa and curtains. 🛋️

They leave behind an odour and can later be released back into the air.

That's why using a smoke air purifier in your home is essential.

Using air purifiers to remove smoke from homes

Now that you know the risks of smoke in your home, let's look at how air purifiers can help eliminate it.

They draw in air from the environment and pass it through a series of filters.

These filters capture and remove pollutants such as dust, pollen, and smoke particles.

Smoke contains tiny particles and harmful gases, whether from cigarettes, cooking or fires.

Man sitting in a room and smoking with an air purifier.

The first line of defence in an air purifier is usually a pre-filter.

This pre-filter traps larger particles such as dust and pet hair.

It's beneficial when trapping the larger components of smoke, such as ash or soot.

After the pre-filter, the air is typically passed through a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.

HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing tiny particles.

They can trap 99.97 % of particles with a size of just 0.3 microns.

HEPA filter on the Dyson air purifier.
Image © Smart Home Fox

This includes microscopic particles in smoke, which pose a major health problem.

In addition to the HEPA filter, many air purifiers have activated carbon filters.

The activated carbon filter is the key to dealing with smoke.🌪️

Activated carbon filter on the Levoit air purifier.
Image © Smart Home Fox

It works through adsorption, in which gases and odours stick to the filter surface.

This filter is particularly good at removing the harmful chemicals and smells associated with smoke.

They use a combination of filters to capture a wide range of pollutants.

By understanding how air purifiers work, you can decide which air purifier is best for your needs.

Do air purifiers remove cigarette smoke?

When it comes to smoke from a cigarette, it's not just about the odour. 🚬

The smoke contains toxic particles and gases that can harm our health.

To counteract this, your choice of air purifier needs to be just right.

Most importantly, you choose an air purifier with a medical-grade HEPA filter and a heavy-duty activated carbon filter.

The filter is designed to capture very fine particles.

Tobacco smoke, with its tiny toxic particles, falls squarely into the category of pollutants that these filters are designed to trap.

They can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, which covers most of the fine dust particles in smoke.

Then, there is the activated carbon filter. ⚫️

As already mentioned, these filters can absorb odours and gases thanks to their large surface area.

They "soak up" the harmful components of smoke from a cigarette, helping to purify the air and eliminate any remaining smoke odour.

Together, these filters do a great job of eliminating any smoke from a cigarette.

What are the best air purifiers for cigarette smoke removal?

Here are some of the best air purifiers for cigarette smoke removal in the UK.

What should you look for in an air purifier for smoke?

It's not always easy to find the best air purifier for smoke because there are many options.

Which features are most important? 🤔

We'll help you determine what you should look for in an air purifier to combat smoke effectively.

Types of particles filtered

Particles are really tiny, measured in microns, and this measurement is crucial when choosing an air purifier for smoke.

If you're dealing with smoke at home, you need an air purifier to handle the tiny particles.

These smoke particles are usually around 0.3 to 0.5 microns in size.

So, when choosing an air purifier, make sure it can filter out particles up to 2.5 microns in size to remove the smoke from your air.

Fortunately, the modern HEPA filters in air purifiers can filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns.

HEPA certified

An air purifier certified as 'True HEPA' has an efficiency of around 99.9995%.

Medical grade HEPA filter on the Dyson air purifier.
Image © Smart Home Fox

You need this type of air purifier to combat smoke effectively.

But watch out for tricky advertising claims. 🎥

Some brands claim their air purifiers are 'HEPA-like' or 'True-HEPA', but these terms can be misleading.

Choosing an air purifier with an 'H13 medical-grade HEPA filter' is best.

This type of filter is more advanced and usually has a four-stage filtration system.

CADR

The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is an important indicator because it shows how well the air purifier can clean the air in a room, depending on the size of the room.

Graphic depicting clean air delivery rate of an air purifier.

Think of it as a score that tells you how well the air purifier does its job in different rooms.

It also helps you to find out how big a room the air purifier can clean.

Room Size

When looking for an air purifier to clear smoke, it's essential to consider the size of the room you want to use. 🏠

Let's say you have a room of 237 sq. ft.

Then, you should look for a large HEPA air purifier suitable for smokers with a CADR value of about 200m3/h.

This means that the air purifier is well suited to the size of your room and can clean the air effectively.

How can you find the right air purifier for smoke in your room?

To find the perfect air purifier for your room, you should pay attention to its functions and size.

An important consideration is that the air purifier's performance should match your room's size.

If you have a large room and choose an air purifier designed for smaller rooms, it may not clean the air as efficiently.

On the other hand, a small room does not need an oversized unit.

How do I find the right size HEPA air purifier for my room?

Choosing the right size HEPA air purifier for your space is crucial to its effectiveness.

Many brands offer a room size recommendation for their models.

However, it is advisable not to rely on this alone.

This is because these recommendations are based on the manufacturer's tests, which do not always reflect the diverse conditions in everyday life.

This is where the CADR comes into play.

It indicates how quickly the air purifier can remove pollutants such as smoke particles from the air. 💨

In a typical environment, the air circulates through the air purifier several times per hour.

You will achieve the best results if you base your decision on the room size and the CADR value specified by the manufacturer.

How loud are air purifiers?

When considering an air purifier, many people wonder about the noise it produces. 🔊

After all, the last thing you want is a device that disrupts your daily routine or sleep.

To find out how noisy these air purifiers are, we ran them longer with different settings.

Our tests showed that these devices are quiet and fit easily into your home.

To put it simply:

Low fan speed ▶ Low noise level

Increased fan speed ▶ Increased noise level

Even at higher settings for maximum filtering, the noise level only goes up to 50 dB.

This is about the noise of a normal conversation or a running shower. 🚿

The sound comes more from the air coming out of the vents than from the motor.

It's similar to the sound of a computer fan.

Do air purifiers for smoke really work - Conclusion

Let's conclude our discussion about air purifiers and their effectiveness against smoke.

The big question is, do these devices really work? Yes, they do help, but you must choose the right air purifier.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them very effective against the fine dust contained in smoke. 🦠

The carbon filters in these air purifiers are also good at removing odour and harmful gases from smoke, improving your air's smell.

But the air purifier will only work properly if it's the right size for your room.

You should always check the CADR rating to ensure it's powerful enough to clean the air in your room.

An air purifier that is too small won't do a good job in a large room.

Frequently asked questions

  • How much do air purifiers for pets cost in the UK?


    In the UK, air purifiers specifically designed for pets vary in price, largely depending on their features and brand. 💷

    Generally, you can find basic models starting at around £100

    Mid-range purifiers, which often come with more features, typically range between £250 to £400

    If you're eyeing high-end models with advanced technology, you could be looking at £500 and above

    We typically advise against going for the cheapest options. 

    This is because they often lack the necessary filter efficiency and fan strength to clear a room of allergens over time consistently. 🪭

  • What is the best filter for removing smoke from a cigarette?


    If you want to get rid of smoke from a cigarette in your home, a real HEPA air filter is the best option.

    These filters can capture the smallest particles and are ideal for ridding the air of smoke.

  • How often should I replace filters in air purifiers used mainly for smoke removal?


    If you use an air purifier mainly to remove smoke, you must change the filters every three to six months. 📆

    If the room is very smoky, e.g. due to regular cigarette smoking, you may need to change the filters more often.

    This is because the filters can fill up more quickly due to the smoke.

Aeman

Aeman

After finishing my Masters in Journalism, I found a new interest in copywriting. That’s when I figured how smart home gadgets can make life easier. Now, I love to explore new tech for SmartHomeFox and share what I find with our readers. When I’m not working with gadgets, you’ll find me capturing fleeting moments in the mountains or experimenting with new recipes that may or may not be edible.

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