The Ionic Air Purifiers Battle It Out!

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The Ionic Air Purifiers are duking it out trying, not only to clean the air we breathe, but to be the top choice amongst consumers. Of course, breathing cleaner, healthier air is desirable but which is the better choice if they basically do the same thing?

Of all the ionic air purifers (and how many are there really?) the two top contenders are the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Quadra and the Oreck XL Super Air 8 Purifier. Of these, the Ionic Breeze Quadra was the first on scene. With it's sleek design, no movable parts or filters, and silent air purification technology it quickly dominated the market and is still going strong. Since its inception, it has undergone a few upgrades that've made it even better. There even is version of the Quadra that emits some kind of ultra violet light that kills germs. Very cool.

It didn't take very long, however, before the Quadra's claim to fame was challenged by none other than Oreck, the vacuum guys. Yes, that's right. They make vacuums and they sure seem to know how to clean the air too! Their contribution to ionic air purifiers is the Oreck Super Air 8 - also known as the Oreck XL Professional Air Purifier. Oreck takes the Quadra head-on. They even do a side by side comparison showing their version powerfully holding up a balloon while the Quadra doesn't even move theirs.

The folks over at Oreck also go a little further by, not only using the Ionic Purification technology, but by also including a special filter for better effectiveness. Now, I know what you're asking. Isn't the whole idea behind ionic air purifiers not to use filters at all? Well, I'd say so, but remember that Oreck makes vacs also. They definitely would know about filtering undesirable particles from the air. I figure adding it could be their way of going above and beyond of what we'd expect from their products. Definitely a good thing in my book.

A more recent player in the ionic air purifier business is the Ionic Pro Air Purifier. This one came on the scene with the same sleek design as, you guessed it, the Quadra! They say imitation is the best form of flattery and the one thing the Pro does not imitate is the Quadra's price. The Ionic Pro is definitely cheaper and might be a good alternative to the Quadra or Super Air 8.

So then, which of the ionic air purifiers is better? They all basically do the same thing and the Ionic Breeze and Oreck Super Air 8 are priced fairly the same. Well, I'd say choose on looks. If you think sleek and thin fits your room's decor, then go with the Ionic Breeze Quadra. If that doesn't matter to you and you just want to place your ionic air purifier on any table or stand, then go with the Oreck Air Purifier. If price is an issue, then go with the Pro. Either way, you'll be glad once you start breathing cleaner air!

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Update 04/05 -
The Ionic Breeze Quadra and Ionic Pro have recently been criticized by Consumer Reports for not being effective. Though we believe the companies behind these products are good and reputable, should the criticisms be a concern to you, we highly recommend you consider the Oreck Air Purifier. It has been designed with an additional filter (besides the ionic technology) to remove airborne pollutants.

In The News -

Plants with a Purpose (Richfield Reaper)
(ARA) - Thank a plant today. Silent and always "working," these green heroes toil tirelessly to purify our environment and improve our lives, naturally cleansing the very air we breathe.

Tax Payers Foot Bill For Council Member's Office Supplies (FOX 7 News Austin)
When City Council members leave office, they leave behind all the office supplies bought on their more than $250,000 office account. These office supplies for outgoing council members Betty Dunkerley and Jennifer Kim includes everything from Air Purifiers to VCRs. FOX 7's Crystal Cotti tells us what happens with all of these supplies when the term is up.

Save Yourself From Hay Fever Hell! (The Motley Fool)
If you're sick of sniffling through the summer months -- and fed up with spending a fortune on medication -- try these helpful hay fever tips.

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