Live Science Verdict
The KOIOS EPI810 may be light and compact, making it ideal for desktops and small office spaces, but it doesn’t pack the punch that a more powerful air purifier does.
Pros
- +
Works straight out of the box
- +
Small enough to travel with
- +
Built-in night light
Cons
- -
Noisy on highest setting
- -
Weak performance in tests
- -
Replacement filters are expensive compared to the base unit price
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In this KOIOS EPI810 review, we’ll be taking a closer look at this compact air purifier, from checking its performance in a family home, to looking at how other users rate theirs
We’ve reviewed a range of the best air purifiers, from hi-tech purifiers with dedicated apps and Smart technology to more basic but affordable options. So, if the KOIOS EPI810 doesn’t have what you’re looking for, check out our guide to the best air purifiers and find one to suit you.
Available from $45.95
Covers 269 square feet
True HEPA filter
Activated carbon filter
Built-in nightlight
1-year limited warranty
Around 50dB, even at highest setting
Small enough to sit on a desktop
Easy to operate straight out of the box
Less than 2.5 lbs.
Featuring a True HEPA 3-stage filtration system and an activated carbon filter, the KOIOS EPI810 should be able to absorb around 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other particles bigger than 0.3 microns. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.
The activated carbon filter absorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can come from chemicals used around the home, such as cleaning products or adhesives. It can also help to remove unpleasant smells that tend to linger around the home, such as cooking or pet odors.
Two fan speeds allow users to choose a quieter, less powerful setting, while a built-in night light makes this purifier a good choice for kids’ rooms.
KOIOS EPI810: How big is it?
- Height: 7.5 (in)
- Diameter: 6.9 (in)
At about the size of a 1-gallon can of paint, the KOIOS EPI810 is the most compact air purifier we’ve reviewed. It’s small enough to sit comfortably on any office desk or shelf. Weighing in at less than 2.5 lbs, it’s also light enough to take traveling.
The KOIOS EPI810 covers areas of up to 269 square feet, so it may be more suitable for homes with small-to-medium-sized rooms.
KOIOS EPI810 review: How easy is it to use?
The KOIOS EPI810 works straight out of the box, as the filter is already fitted. Simply plug in the appliance and switch on using the single power button on the top. The same button allows users to switch between the two fan speeds and power off the nightlight if desired.
Users can operate the purifier via a mains socket or run it off their laptop via a USB cable. However, we found that the fan speed was reduced when operating via USB, so this extra feature seems largely redundant.
- Related: What is the Air Quality Index?
KOIOS EPI810 review: Performance
The KOIOS EPI810 features a True HEPA H13 filter, which means it should remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles. In our at-home trials, we measured ambient air quality before and after use of the purifier for 30 minutes, alongside a match smoke test and an incense smoke test for the same duration.
Using an air particle counter before, during, and after an ambient air quality test in a 323 square feet sealed room, we found that the KOIOS EPI810 absorbed just 52% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, and 55% of particles smaller than 2.5. This was at the lower setting, so we ran it again on the higher setting to see if it could perform any better.
After running the KOIOS EPI810 for another 30 minutes at the higher setting, we found it performed slightly better, absorbing 75% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns and 82% of particles smaller than 2.5 microns.
Our match smoke test assessed how well the purifier absorbed particles released by burning matches. At the highest level setting, we found that the purifier absorbed 69% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, 76% of particles smaller than 2.5 microns, and 91% of particles measuring smaller than 10 microns.
Finally, our incense smoke test evaluated how well the purifier performed after burning five incense cones simultaneously and found mixed results. While the KOIOS EPI810 absorbed an impressive 99% of particles measuring 10 microns, it only absorbed 52% of particles smaller than 2.5 microns.
Based on our at-home tests, results showed that the KOIOS EPI810 fell far beneath below the 99.97% absorption expected from a H13 True HEPA filter across all particles. However, running the air purifier for longer than our limited 30-minute tests may yield better results for users.
KOIOS EPI810 review: What’s good about it?
The KOIOS EPI810 has got to be one of the easiest to operate air purifiers we tested, while its small size and weight make it easy to move the air purifier from room to room or even take on vacation or business trips.
The bonus feature of a night light makes the KOIOS EPI810 a good air purifier for a nursery or child’s bedroom. The night light can be switched off by holding the power button down for four seconds, although this information is easy to miss in the manual, hence some negative reviews on Amazon (see our User Reviews section below).
KOIOS EPI810 review: What’s not so good about it?
The KOIOS EPI810’s simplicity means that it lacks the functionality of more expensive air purifiers, such as scheduling the purifier to switch on and off at pre-programmed times or being able to view its performance on a smart app or LCD display.
The noise levels of both settings are high compared to more expensive options. The lowest setting measured at around 40 decibels, which is the same as ambient noise or bird calls, while the high setting clocked in at a noisy 52 decibels, which is the same as a normal conversation.
Unfortunately, the KOIOS EPI810 didn’t live up to our expectations during our at-home tests. It almost always fell below the 99.97% expected from a device with an H13 HEPA filter and was the poorest performer in tests than every other air purifier.
KOIOS EPI810 review: User reviews
The KOIOS EPI810 scores an impressive 4.5 stars out of five on Amazon.com. Users who gave it the full five stars praise the purifier’s performance as well as its conveniently compact size. Others rate its ability to neutralize unpleasant cooking odors and pet smells. Many reviewers have bought several purifiers to use in multiple rooms.
Negative reviews point out that the purifier can be noisy at its highest setting, or that they have been unable to switch the night light setting off. Others criticize the quality of the unit as having a ‘cheap’ feel and say the replacement filters are too expensive, at almost half the price of the base unit.
Should you buy the KOIOS EPI810?
If you’re looking for a light and compact air purifier, the KOIOS EPI810 fits the bill. Its affordability and simplicity could make it a reasonable entry-level purifier. However, if you’re looking for an air purifier that packs a punch performance-wise, you’d do better to spend a little more money.
If this product isn’t for you
If the KOIOS EPI810 isn’t the air purifier for you, check out the Levoit H132. A little larger than the KOIOS EPI810 and also featuring a night light, the Levoit H132 is still affordable but performed better in our at-home tests.
If you’re looking for something more powerful and with the bonus of smart controls, why not try the Levoit 400S, perfect for the modern connected home.
