Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max Review: Our In-Depth Analysis

Expert Rating

Blueair Pure 211i Max Review

The Blueair Pure 211i Max stands out as a top-tier air purifier, designed to cater to those seeking a balance between efficient air purification and smart home integration.

Its prowess in filtering out a wide range of airborne pollutants, combined with its quiet operation, makes it a suitable addition to any modern home or office. The added convenience of smart controls through an app and WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities elevates the user experience, offering ease of use and enhanced functionality.

Despite its larger size and some challenges with light control and WiFi connectivity, the Blueair Pure 211i Max is a compelling choice for anyone looking to improve their indoor air quality significantly.

Its ability to monitor air quality in real-time adds an extra layer of reassurance, making it not just an appliance but a health-conscious investment for any living space. Consumer Reports grades this model as excellent, with an overall score of 86.

This unit replaces the discontinued Blueair Blue 211+Auto.

Specs and Features

The Blueair Pure 211i Max is packed with a range of specifications and features that make it a standout choice for air purification:

• Capacity: Efficiently purifies a room of 635 ft² in just 12.5 minutes and up to 1,524 ft² in 30 minutes, ideal for larger spaces.
• Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): Boasts a CADR of 410 cubic feet per minute (cfm) for pollen, dust, and smoke, indicating a high efficiency in air filtration.
• Air Changes Per Hour (ACH): Offers 4.8 air changes per hour, ensuring rapid air turnover and consistent air quality.
• Materials: Constructed from a combination of polypropylene, plastic, metal, charcoal, and leather, giving it a durable and premium feel.
• Settings: Features five settings – levels 1, 2, 3, Auto, and Night – to suit various needs and times of the day.
• Connectivity: Equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth, and smart capabilities for seamless integration with modern smart homes.
• Noise Levels: Operates quietly, with noise levels ranging from a low of 23 dB to a maximum of 53 dB.
• Certifications: Verified for zero ozone emissions (<5 ppb) by the Intertek Sustainability Program.
• Dimensions and Weight: Measures 22.7 x 14.4 x 14.4 inches and weighs 16.2 lb, making it a substantial yet manageable unit.
• Energy Consumption: Energy Star rated, with a power usage of 46 watts, balancing efficiency with energy conservation.
• Filter Replacement: Recommended every 6 months to maintain optimal performance.
• Warranty: A 1-year limited warranty is extended to 3 years upon product registration on Blueair’s website.

Design and Build Quality

The Blueair Pure 211i Max boasts a functional and aesthetically pleasing design, making it a versatile addition to various interior styles.

Its dimensions and shape, 22.7 x 14.4 x 14.4 inches, allow for a 360-degree air intake, ensuring efficient air purification from all angles. ¹

Despite its substantial size, the purifier’s design is inconspicuous, often mistaken for a regular piece of furniture like a small side table or a laundry hamper, blending seamlessly into any modern decor.

In terms of build quality, the Blueair Pure 211i Max is constructed from a combination of high-quality materials, including polypropylene, plastic, metal, and charcoal, ensuring durability and longevity.

The unit also features a leather tag on the pre-filter, adding a touch of elegance to its overall design. However, it’s worth noting that the unit’s 16.2-pound weight and lack of a carry handle make it less portable compared to smaller models.

Overall, the design and build quality of the Blueair Pure 211i Max reflect a thoughtful balance between functionality, durability, and style, making it an attractive and practical choice for those seeking effective air purification without compromising on aesthetics.

Dimension	Value
Height	22.7 inches
Width	14.4 inches
Depth	14.4 inches
Weight	16.2 pounds

Features and Technology

The Blueair Pure 211i Max has various innovative features and advanced technology, making it a highly efficient and user-friendly air purifier.

Three-Stage Filtration System

Central to its performance is the three-stage air filtration system. The HEPASilent™ filter technology combines electrostatic and mechanical filtration, effectively removing various airborne pollutants, including allergens, smoke, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander.

This technology captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns in size. The second stage involves an activated carbon filter that targets common odors, VOCs, and smoke, further purifying the air. ²

The unit features a washable pre-filter that captures larger particles like dust and pet hair, preventing them from entering the main filtration system and prolonging the life of the subsequent filters​​.

Smart Connectivity and Controls

The 211i Max is designed for ease of use and convenience, especially in modern homes. It offers Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, allowing integration into smart home systems.

The accompanying Blue Air app enhances the user experience by providing various controls and monitoring options. Users can adjust fan speed and intensity, monitor indoor air quality, view filter life, and even set the purifier to night mode.

Additionally, the app allows users to monitor air quality in their area, providing a holistic view of their environment​​.

Air Quality Monitoring

Unique to the Blueair Pure 211i Max is its ability to monitor air quality in real time. While the purifier focuses on PM 1, PM 2.5, and PM 10 particle sizes, it does not track other elements like humidity, CO2, VOCs, or radon.

An independent air quality monitor would be necessary for users needing more comprehensive air quality data. The 211i Max’s monitoring capabilities will suffice for many, negating the need for additional equipment​​.

Child Lock Function

An often overlooked but vital feature is the child lock function. This addition is particularly useful for families with young children, preventing unintended operation or adjustments to the purifier’s settings.

Voice Control Assist

Adding to its smart capabilities, the 211i Max supports voice control. This feature is particularly beneficial when hands-free operation is desired, such as during cooking or other activities where manual interaction with the device is inconvenient or impossible.

Eco-Friendly Considerations

While focusing on air purification efficiency, the Blueair Pure 211i Max also incorporates features that align with eco-conscious practices.

The unit’s energy consumption is relatively efficient, and including a washable pre-filter extends the life of the primary filters and reduces waste. Blue Air’s Benefit Corporation (B Corp) status underscores its commitment to balancing profit with environmental responsibility​​.

These features collectively make the Blueair Pure 211i Max a versatile and advanced air purifier, suitable for a wide range of users who seek both effectiveness and convenience in maintaining indoor air quality.

Performance Metric	Value
Coverage Area	Up to 1524 sq ft
CADR Rating	410 CFM
Energy Efficiency	ENERGY STAR Certified 3
Filter Lifespan	6-9 months

Performance and Efficiency

In terms of performance and efficiency, the Blueair Pure 211i Max stands out in several key areas:

Air Purification Capacity

The device is capable of handling large spaces efficiently. It can purify a room of 635 sq. ft. in just 12.5 minutes and up to 1,524 sq. ft. in 30 minutes. This performance is backed by an impressive Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 410 cfm for pollen, smoke, and dust​​.

Energy Efficiency

Despite its powerful performance, the 211i Max is energy efficient, consuming 46 watts. This efficiency is a significant consideration for users conscious of energy consumption and long-term operational costs​​.

Noise Level

The noise level of the purifier ranges from 23 dB on the lowest setting to a maximum of 53 dB, about the same as a normal conversation. This makes it unobtrusive in daily use, particularly in settings like bedrooms or quiet office spaces. The Night mode further reduces noise and dims the light for disturbance-free operation during sleep​​.

Environmental Noise	Decibel Level
Quiet natural area with no wind, rustling leaves	20
Whisper	25
Suburban area at night, quiet library, soft music	40
Household refrigerator, moderate rainfall	55
Business office, dishwasher, normal conversation	60
Vacuum cleaner, traffic, shower	75
Alarm clock, city traffic	85
Lawnmower, chainsaw	110

Filter Maintenance and Cost

Although the replacement filters can be costly, with each filter costing around $60, the app’s filter life tracking and the yellow alert light for filter change help manage maintenance efficiently. Regular pre-filter cleaning can extend the inner filters’ life, potentially up to nine months​​.

These aspects of the Blueair Pure 211i Max highlight its ability to provide high-quality air purification efficiently and quietly, making it an effective solution for maintaining healthy indoor air in various settings.

User Experience and Setup

The Blueair Pure 211i Max is designed with the user experience in mind, offering a balance of simplicity and functionality. Setting up the purifier is straightforward and user-friendly, a factor that is crucial for consumers who value convenience.

Unboxing and Initial Setup

Upon unboxing, users will find the 211i Max well-packed, with minimal single-use plastic packaging, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. The initial setup is relatively simple.

The device comes with a pre-installed pre-filter, and the remaining assembly involves placing the silencer section on the base, followed by the top section of the unit, which clicks into place with a slight twist.

The exterior fabric pre-filter is also provided, which can be put on before securing the top section​​.

Operating the Purifier

One presses the fan speed button on the central control panel to operate the purifier. The device offers three fan speed settings for added convenience: Night mode and Auto mode. The Night mode is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a quieter operation and minimal light during sleep​​.

App Integration

While the Blueair Pure 211i Max can be operated without the app, the Blue Air app greatly enhances the user experience. It allows for various functions, including air quality monitoring, brightness adjustment, fan speed control, filter life tracking, and activating the night mode. The app’s user-friendly interface and additional features make managing the air purifier more convenient and efficient​​.

Child Lock Feature

A Child Lock function adds a layer of safety for households with young children, preventing accidental settings or unintended operation​​changes.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Based on customer reviews, people have found the Blueair Pure 211i Max to be good, highlighting various aspects of its performance, usability, and effectiveness.

Positive Reviews:

1. Longevity and Reliability: A customer who replaced their 20-year-old model with the 211i Max noted the product’s reliability and longevity, expressing hope for similar durability with the new model. This indicates strong brand loyalty and satisfaction with the product’s lifespan​​.
2. Effective Air Purification: Users have reported significant improvements in air quality, particularly in filtering smoke from wildfires and removing small particulates. The ability of the 211i Max to clear a 2,600+ sq. ft. home of kitchen odors efficiently demonstrates its effectiveness in large spaces​​.
3. User-Friendly Interface: A reviewer mentioned the ease of using the control panel on the air purifier without the app, appreciating the clear display of particulate matter levels, which indicates a user-friendly design​​.
4. Noise Level: The 211i Max’s noise level was favorable compared to older models, with a customer highlighting its quieter operation even on high settings​​.

Critical Reviews:

1. Filtering and Sensor Issues: One user experienced challenges with the AUTO mode and PM 2.5 sensor, noting that the sensor failed to detect airborne contaminants effectively. This issue points to potential limitations in the purifier’s sensor technology​​.
2. App Functionality: The same reviewer mentioned problems with the app, such as random disconnections, indicating potential issues with the software integration​​.
3. VOC Filtering: A notable downside was the purifier’s limited capability in filtering VOCs and odors, with the carbon filter being described as more of a gimmick due to its limited effectiveness over time​​.
4. Room Placement and Design: Some users found the air distribution pattern and the unit’s design challenging for ideal room placement, and one noted it as not being cat-friendly​​.

Customer Rating	Percentage
5 Stars	77%
4 Stars	14%
3 Stars and Below	9%

Price and Value for Money

Its price point is essential when considering the Blueair Pure 211i Max. Based on my experience and observations, the purifier falls into a mid-to-high range in terms of cost compared to other air purifiers on the market. However, when evaluating its value for money, several aspects stand out.

• Performance Efficiency: The purifier’s ability to efficiently clean air in large spaces is impressive. Its quick action in reducing particulate matter and odors justifies the investment for those particularly affected by allergens or living in areas with poor air quality.
• Durability and Brand Trust: Having replaced a two-decade-old model with this one, I can attest to the brand’s reputation for longevity and reliability. This long-term perspective adds value, as the purifier is not just a short-term solution but a lasting investment in home air quality.
• Smart Features and Ease of Use: The smart features, although with some minor app-related issues, offer convenience and modern functionality, which are increasingly sought after in home appliances.
• Noise Level and Design: The low noise level, even on high settings, combined with a design that blends into home decor, contributes to its overall value.

While the initial cost and the price of replacement filters (which are slightly on the higher end) are factors to consider, the Blueair Pure 211i Max offers substantial value for its price, especially for those prioritizing air quality and smart home integration.

FAQs

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Blueair Pure 211i Max air purifier is excellent in performance and quality. It not only looks good but also works well. It’s great at cleaning the air, doesn’t use much energy, and is quiet, making it a great choice.

This air purifier is especially good for:

• People with allergies or breathing problems who need clean air indoors.
• Those living in bigger spaces, as it’s effective in medium to large rooms.
• Users who want something easy to use don’t need much upkeep.

Even though it’s a bit pricey, its health, comfort, and convenience make it worth the cost. It’s recommended if you’re looking for a high-quality air-purifying solution.

For more, see our post on Best Air Purifier for Large Rooms