Molekule Air Purifier: A Deeper Dive
Written By: Dr Fahad Yasin
- Updated On:
HIGH-END, MODERN AIR PURIFIER
The Molekule air purifier is a top-tier air purifier that has a modern aesthetic, remote control from your smartphone, and excellent performance. For cleaning large rooms up to 600 sq. ft., this is certainly a model to consider.
Pros
- Provides an alternative to traditional HEPA filtration
- Auto mode can dynamically increase / decrease filtration speed based on air quality
- Wifi-connectivity for easy remote control
Cons
- Definitely on the pricier side
- Higher than average maintenance costs
- Difficulty connecting to the app during our testing
Air Quality Tests & Performance
Overall, the performance of the Molekule air purifier was impressive. It is quiet to operate, easy to control, and self-adjusting depending on current air quality in your home.
Testing Series
Imagine an average bedroom, about 12’x12′.
Starting pollution levels noted with precision.
Molekule ran its course for 1 hour, and then the results emerged.
What were the results?
Starting Baseline
PM2.5: 6.2
PM10: 10.7
Particles: 379
AQI: 25
After 1 hour
PM2.5: 0.6
PM10: 1.2
Particles: 44
AQI: 0
Within a mere hour, Molekule eradicated 88% of particulates.
PM2.5 air quality saw a staggering 90% improvement.
Tools of the trade: The Temtop LKC-1000S+ air quality detector.
What is PM?
- PM 10 = particulate matter that is 10 micrometers and smaller
- PM 2.5 = particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers and smaller
Air Quality
So overall, the air quality drastically improved by using the Molekule air purifier, within 1 hour of running the purifier.
During testing we continued to run the test for 4 hours and saw a little difference between the 1 hour and 4 hour test results.
How loud is the Molekule?
Silent Mode
30 dB
Auto Mode
42 dB
Boost Mode
55 dB
Actual Boost Mode under typical household noise? Roughly 65 dB.
The Competition:
- Airocide: Between 43 dB (low) and 48 dB (high).
- Rabbit Air BioGS: A range from 40 dB (low) to 55 dB (high).
- Levoit LV-H132: 40 dB at its lowest and 52 dB at its peak.
Crafted with an elegant machined aluminum exterior.
Paired with a leather handle – both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Weight: A solid 18 pounds – not just a showpiece but a symbol of its substantial capabilities.
Touch Screen Display
Touch screen interface with large, clear graphics.
Wifi compatibility – bringing air purification into the 21st century.
Dual-Filtration Design
A basic pre-filter for the bigger annoyances – hair, dust, etc. located at the base of the purifier, as well as the crown jewel: The PECO-filter. This is where the magic happens that is located towards the top of the purifier.
Even the minute particles below 0.3 microns aren’t safe from PECO.
How does the Molekule purifier clean the air?
The Molekule air purifier takes a different approach to cleaner air.
HEPA vs. PECO Filter
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air):
- Traditional, yet reliable.
- Captures 99.97% of pollutants 0.3 microns or smaller.
PECO (Photo Electrochemical Oxidation):
- The next step in air purification.
- Uses light to break down pollutants on a molecular level.
- Even the minute particles below 0.3 microns aren’t safe from PECO.
The Game Changer:
HEPA’s limitation is the 0.3 micron threshold. PECO doesn’t have that problem.
Benefits of HEPA Filters
Pollutants smaller than 0.3 microns lack the mass to break through.
Widely trusted in places with rigorous air quality standards, like hospitals.
In the bustling world of air purification, the Molekule stands as a testament to innovation, striving to redefine the way we clean our air.
The intersection of luxury design and top-tier performance is evident, but every luxury has its price, both in purchase and maintenance. Yet, for those who desire the finest in air quality, the Molekule makes a compelling case.
Size & Dimensions
What’s instantly striking about the Molekule air purifier isn’t merely its functional prowess, but its delicate balance between aesthetics and dimensions. It’s the Goldilocks of purifiers: not too small to be ineffective, yet not so large as to dominate your space.
It is tall and cylindrical, with no parts sticking out or adding visual clutter. It’s about 2′ tall, 8″ wide and weighs a little under 20 pounds. The exact specs are listed below:
- Width: 8.25″ diameter
- Height: 23” tall
- Weight: 18 lbs.
Accessories & Parts
Unlike those tech products that come with a plethora of accessories, Molekule keeps it simple.
Aside from the purifier itself, the only other main parts includes the power cord and the filters.
The Power Cord
6 feet of unobtrusive gray, designed to meld into your décor.
The Filters
A dual-layered system, with the Pre-filter and the innovative PECO-filter. Replace the former every 3 months and the latter every 6 months to ensure optimal performance.
Molekule Features
Molekule’s claim to fame isn’t just in its sleek design; it’s in the innovative technology it employs. Unlike the traditional HEPA purifiers we’re accustomed to, Molekule has reinvented the wheel.
Notable Features Include:
App control
A responsive system, albeit with some initial hitches. Once connected, it becomes your air quality remote control. Everything from checking air quality to changing modes is at your fingertips.
- Turn the purifier on / off
- Check current air quality
- Send notifications to your phone
- Configure the space / how much to clean
- Changes modes
- Monitor filter replacement schedules
Operating Modes
Four distinct modes for every situation – be it post-dusting or bedtime:
- Auto Mode: In Auto Mode you can input information about your room, like room size, to help determine the optimal airflow for your space. In Auto Mode the fan speed is set automatically.
- Boost Mode: In Boost Mode the purifier will run at full power until you turn it to a different mode. This is a handy feature for when you’re cleaning especially dirty air or right after dusting or vacuuming.
- Silent Mode: Silent Mode is a cleaning option that operates at the lowest possible sound output (approx. 40 dB).
- Dark Mode:The Dark Mode, which, in the absence of light, stores bacteria to be treated by the PECO filter once the mode is turned off.
Initial Clean Up
The Molekule doesn’t believe in complex setups. It’s as simple as plugging in and pressing play. On its first run, it undergoes an “Initial Clean Up,” wherein it sizes up the room to deliver the most effective purification.
NOTE: The Initial Clean Up cycle could take as long as 50 minutes.
Suitable for Large Rooms
The Molekule air purifier is designed to be able to treat air quality in any size room, but is especially suited for larger rooms.
The air purifier can replace the air in a 600 sq. ft. room once every hour. This would be comparable to a large living room (or approx 20′ x 30′).
Setup & Usability
Setting up the Molekule air purifier was as simple as unboxing it, plugging it in, and turning it on.
How to Use the Molekule Air Purifier
Using the Molekule air purifier on a daily basis was easy, as there are a number of features that make this air purifier responsive and adaptive.
When you first start up the Molekule air purifier…
- The purifier will run the “Initial Clean Up” cycle to learn more about the environment and how best to treat the air.
- Locate the menu on the
touch screen for immediate adjustments.
From the menu, you can:
- Select a cleaning mode — Auto, Boost, Silent, or Dark Mode.
- Turn Dark mode on / off
- Check the status of your filters
- Put the purifier on standby
For efficiency, Auto Mode is your go-to, utilizing between 20-85 watts based on cleaning mode.
Molekule Air Purifier Maintenance
The mainstay of its maintenance? Its filters.
- The pre-filter is a quarterly change.
- The PECO-filter is a semi-annual change.
To simplify the process, Molekule offers a package delivered bi-annually with the required filters. The touch screen even indicates filter life, provided the Wi-Fi is enabled.
Is the Molekule worth it?
It’s a question of balancing cost with value. Molekule certainly falls on the pricier side of the spectrum, but its offerings provide compelling justification:
This air purifier is expensive, no doubt about that. But with the extra costs also comes:
The Upsides:
- Performance: Our tests noted a staggering 90% improvement in indoor air quality.
- Remote control through a dedicated app.
- High-quality build with machined aluminum and a thick leather handle.
- A unique and effective PECO filter system.
The Verdict: While there are less pricey alternatives, Molekule offers a blend of aesthetic and functional superiority. If the PECO filter and its design resonate with you, this might be your perfect match.
Molekule Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Molekule |
| Model | Molekule |
| Width | 8.25" |
| Height | 23" |
| Weight | 18 pounds |
| Filters | 2 filters (1 PECO and 1 Pre-filter) |
| Wi-Fi Compatible | Yes |
| Room Coverage | ~600 sq. ft. |
| Filter Costs | / year |
| Returns | Varies by retailer. |
| Warranty | 1 years limited |
| Price | Check Price |
Who should buy the Molekule Air Purifier?
For those seeking an exceptional blend of design, innovation, and performance, the Molekule is hard to surpass. Suited for large spaces, with 360-degree air intake, it offers optimal air quality for those especially with respiratory challenges. The price tag might be steep, but the value is undeniable.
The Molekule air purifier may be best if you:
- Want an air purifier suited for larger spaces
- Want simple controls
- Want outstanding performance
