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Product Description
The Whirlpool AP51030K features a three-stage filtration system comprised of a pre-filter, carbon filter, and true HEPA filter. The air purifier’s outside grill acts as a permanent pre-filter by capturing large particles and preventing them from entering the unit. Large particles that find their way inside the unit are promptly caught by the carbon filter, which also works to eliminate unwanted odors and protect the life of the HEPA filter. At the heart of the Whirlpool Whispure 510 is true HEPA filtration. HEPA filters provide maximum filtration of your room's air by removing up to 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns and larger. These particles include pet dander, dust mites, pollen, ragweed, mold spores, and other microscopic irritants that can damage your indoor air quality and aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
353 of 362 people found the following review helpful
To answer some questions in other reviews:
WHIRLPOOL MODEL AVAILABILITY:
The following Whirlpool models are both still available, (as is a third less powerful model, the 250, which uses different sized filters):
Whirlpool Whispure 450 Air Purifier (AP45030K), also 315-CADR
Whirlpool® Whispure 315-CADR Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter, AP51030K (this page)
Both of these models use the same replacement filters:
Whirlpool 8171434K Large Air Purifier Carbon Pre-Filters
4-Pack and the Whirlpool 1183054K Hepa Filter, Large (links below)
CADR RATINGS EXPLAINED:
The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) comes from measurements conducted by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), and is a measure of the amount of particle-free air being delivered into the room. It is the best measure of the true cleaning capacity of the air cleaner. The higher the CADR, the larger the room that can be effectively cleaned. A loose equation is: CADR x 1.5 = sq. ft. room size.
This is important because manufacturers can list any "room size" rating they choose, regardless of CADR rating. Thus you might have one product claiming it can effectively handle a 400 sq. ft. room, while another product says it can handle a 200 sq. ft. room, yet both have the same CADR ratings. So always use CADR ratings rather than room size ratings in making your comparisons.
That said, air cleaners are usually advertised with the room size for which they are recommended. If this accurately matches about 1.5 times the CADR rating (as in Whirlpool's case and with many other top brands like Honeywell), just keep in mind that this recommendation is based on the the unit's ability to provide 5 or 6 Air Changes Per Hour in a room of that size.
Thus, a 250 CADR rating x 1.5 = 375 sq. ft. room size, means the unit provides 5 - 6 complete Air Changes Per House in a 375 sq. ft. room sized room. Simple enough.
But for allergy-sufferers it's a bit more complicated than that. This standard rate is sufficient to decrease particle levels in the room by about 70%, which isn't enough for allergy sufferers. A larger unit in the same size room can produce 8 or more air changes per hour, decreasing levels by 90% or more, again, depending on properly matching CADR to room size. This is the correct target in medical situations.
Finally, Please Note: the CADR rating applies to the HIGHEST fan setting of each unit.
MODEL COMPARISON:
The AP510 on this page, is Whirlpool's slightly beefier model that has the following additional features: turbo and sleep modes, 1 extra fan setting, and electronic vs. the 450's manual controls.
Since the CADR ratings of the two units above are the same, the additional cleaning capacity over the Whirlpool 450 model must relate to a higher fan speed (and AC wattage draw) at the maximum setting of the Whirlpool 510. Again, keep in mind that if you want to effectively clean a room as advertised, both units will have to run at the highest speeds.
Sleep mode allows a user-defined setting for sleep hours, wherein the purifier automatically flips itself to the lowest fan settings for that time period, allowing the unit to be run continuously during sleep hours. After sleep mode expires for that period, it flips itself back up to the standard setting. (If anyone has info on Turbo Mode, I'd be grateful and will update this review).
As noted by another reviewer, the AP510 (this page) is Consumer Report's top-rated air purifier for home use in 2010, along with the Hunter 30547. (Consumer Reports September 2010, p.44, "Lab Tests: Air Purifiers - Our Tests Reveal Which Ones Deliver"). I searched for the Hunter unit on Amazon, and it is not available as of 11.5.10. Amazing the company would allow that, given that they should be selling like hotcakes after CR's review. It's typical price is $350, and it has ratings for rooms the same size as the Whirlpool AP510 on this page. (I could not find the CADR rating for the Hunter, but assume it must be the same or similar to the AP510).
UPDATE: The Hunter model has been discontinued, and they sell new models now that rate similar and which are sold here on Amazon: Hunter 30401 QuietFlo and Hunter 30402 QuietFlo. The 401 model is programmable, the 402 is not. The Hunter site lists the programmable 401 at a higher price than the 402, while Amazon sells it for a lower price than the 402. Go figure. Check Hunter's site for more details.
HONEYWELL'S TOP UNIT:
I think of all the many models I reviewed under $600, the Whirlpool is the way to go. Excellent product, strong company backing, easy to find filters, great price. It is all you need, IF the only thing you need is effective particle removal. For serious odor and chemical removal, look to more expensive units.
But one other model that is a very strong contender for home use is the Honeywell 50250 at only $159 on Amazon. It has been very well received and has great reviews here on Amazon. It's faults appear to be high power consumption and noise. The Honeywell did come in at No. 9 in the same Consumer Report's review (out of 20 rated), where they noted it needed to be run on the highest fan setting to be effective, which caused it to be very noisy. As already discussed, all CADR ratings refer only to a unit's highest fan settings, no matter which brand you buy.
Noise is a problem. However, where the Honeywell excels besides a great price, is that their canisters are sealed and therefore they do not tend to leak any dust back out of the unit and into the exhausted purified air. Many other cheaper models do, including the Whirlpool models at least according to my online research. (If you can disprove this, please let me know). This is a big deal to me, though it may not be to other users, because I have asthma and I can't have the "vacuum cleaner effect" with house dust actually blowing up into the room from an air purifier.
UPDATE: I purchased 2 Honeywell 50250 units, and was blown away by the quality of simplicity of design on the units. If only everything was made this well and this easy to use and work with! Filter change was a total breeze. The filters are pretty loud, which doesn't bother me, but it's something you should note if you want something quiet. However, I had some strange problems with the exhaust on both units, and am working with Honeywell right now. The problem seems to be an anomaly and not normal, so I don't want to mention it here as I think it's just a fluke. One thing I can say, is that Honeywell offers AWESOME customer service, and has been great to deal with on the phone. :D
I hope all this helps you with your purchase. I've been researching air purifiers for over a month and I know how confusing it can be!
Please note, that running an air purifier like the 4 discussed here at top speed 24/7 will add a whopping $40 to my monthly electric bill here in San Diego. Do your own research before planning to run your own brand choice full time. As I mentioned before, top speed is required to achieve the CADR ratings advertised.
Links here:
Whirlpool 1183054K Hepa Filter, Large
Whirlpool 8171434K Large Air Purifier Carbon Pre-Filters, 4-Pack
Whirlpool® Whispure 315-CADR Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter, AP51030K
Whirlpool Whispure 450 Air Purifier (AP45030K) - HEPA Air Cleaner
and...
Honeywell 50250 99.97% Pure HEPA Round Air Purifier
Honeywell 38002 Enviracare Universal Replacement Pre-Filter
Honeywell 24000 Replacement HEPA Filter
and...
Hunter 30401 QuietFlo True-HEPA Programmable Air Purifier
Hunter 30402 QuietFlo 402 Air Purifier
Hope this helps!
WHIRLPOOL MODEL AVAILABILITY:
The following Whirlpool models are both still available, (as is a third less powerful model, the 250, which uses different sized filters):
Whirlpool Whispure 450 Air Purifier (AP45030K), also 315-CADR
Whirlpool® Whispure 315-CADR Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter, AP51030K (this page)
Both of these models use the same replacement filters:
Whirlpool 8171434K Large Air Purifier Carbon Pre-Filters
4-Pack and the Whirlpool 1183054K Hepa Filter, Large (links below)
CADR RATINGS EXPLAINED:
The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) comes from measurements conducted by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), and is a measure of the amount of particle-free air being delivered into the room. It is the best measure of the true cleaning capacity of the air cleaner. The higher the CADR, the larger the room that can be effectively cleaned. A loose equation is: CADR x 1.5 = sq. ft. room size.
This is important because manufacturers can list any "room size" rating they choose, regardless of CADR rating. Thus you might have one product claiming it can effectively handle a 400 sq. ft. room, while another product says it can handle a 200 sq. ft. room, yet both have the same CADR ratings. So always use CADR ratings rather than room size ratings in making your comparisons.
That said, air cleaners are usually advertised with the room size for which they are recommended. If this accurately matches about 1.5 times the CADR rating (as in Whirlpool's case and with many other top brands like Honeywell), just keep in mind that this recommendation is based on the the unit's ability to provide 5 or 6 Air Changes Per Hour in a room of that size.
Thus, a 250 CADR rating x 1.5 = 375 sq. ft. room size, means the unit provides 5 - 6 complete Air Changes Per House in a 375 sq. ft. room sized room. Simple enough.
But for allergy-sufferers it's a bit more complicated than that. This standard rate is sufficient to decrease particle levels in the room by about 70%, which isn't enough for allergy sufferers. A larger unit in the same size room can produce 8 or more air changes per hour, decreasing levels by 90% or more, again, depending on properly matching CADR to room size. This is the correct target in medical situations.
Finally, Please Note: the CADR rating applies to the HIGHEST fan setting of each unit.
MODEL COMPARISON:
The AP510 on this page, is Whirlpool's slightly beefier model that has the following additional features: turbo and sleep modes, 1 extra fan setting, and electronic vs. the 450's manual controls.
Since the CADR ratings of the two units above are the same, the additional cleaning capacity over the Whirlpool 450 model must relate to a higher fan speed (and AC wattage draw) at the maximum setting of the Whirlpool 510. Again, keep in mind that if you want to effectively clean a room as advertised, both units will have to run at the highest speeds.
Sleep mode allows a user-defined setting for sleep hours, wherein the purifier automatically flips itself to the lowest fan settings for that time period, allowing the unit to be run continuously during sleep hours. After sleep mode expires for that period, it flips itself back up to the standard setting. (If anyone has info on Turbo Mode, I'd be grateful and will update this review).
As noted by another reviewer, the AP510 (this page) is Consumer Report's top-rated air purifier for home use in 2010, along with the Hunter 30547. (Consumer Reports September 2010, p.44, "Lab Tests: Air Purifiers - Our Tests Reveal Which Ones Deliver"). I searched for the Hunter unit on Amazon, and it is not available as of 11.5.10. Amazing the company would allow that, given that they should be selling like hotcakes after CR's review. It's typical price is $350, and it has ratings for rooms the same size as the Whirlpool AP510 on this page. (I could not find the CADR rating for the Hunter, but assume it must be the same or similar to the AP510).
UPDATE: The Hunter model has been discontinued, and they sell new models now that rate similar and which are sold here on Amazon: Hunter 30401 QuietFlo and Hunter 30402 QuietFlo. The 401 model is programmable, the 402 is not. The Hunter site lists the programmable 401 at a higher price than the 402, while Amazon sells it for a lower price than the 402. Go figure. Check Hunter's site for more details.
HONEYWELL'S TOP UNIT:
I think of all the many models I reviewed under $600, the Whirlpool is the way to go. Excellent product, strong company backing, easy to find filters, great price. It is all you need, IF the only thing you need is effective particle removal. For serious odor and chemical removal, look to more expensive units.
But one other model that is a very strong contender for home use is the Honeywell 50250 at only $159 on Amazon. It has been very well received and has great reviews here on Amazon. It's faults appear to be high power consumption and noise. The Honeywell did come in at No. 9 in the same Consumer Report's review (out of 20 rated), where they noted it needed to be run on the highest fan setting to be effective, which caused it to be very noisy. As already discussed, all CADR ratings refer only to a unit's highest fan settings, no matter which brand you buy.
Noise is a problem. However, where the Honeywell excels besides a great price, is that their canisters are sealed and therefore they do not tend to leak any dust back out of the unit and into the exhausted purified air. Many other cheaper models do, including the Whirlpool models at least according to my online research. (If you can disprove this, please let me know). This is a big deal to me, though it may not be to other users, because I have asthma and I can't have the "vacuum cleaner effect" with house dust actually blowing up into the room from an air purifier.
UPDATE: I purchased 2 Honeywell 50250 units, and was blown away by the quality of simplicity of design on the units. If only everything was made this well and this easy to use and work with! Filter change was a total breeze. The filters are pretty loud, which doesn't bother me, but it's something you should note if you want something quiet. However, I had some strange problems with the exhaust on both units, and am working with Honeywell right now. The problem seems to be an anomaly and not normal, so I don't want to mention it here as I think it's just a fluke. One thing I can say, is that Honeywell offers AWESOME customer service, and has been great to deal with on the phone. :D
I hope all this helps you with your purchase. I've been researching air purifiers for over a month and I know how confusing it can be!
Please note, that running an air purifier like the 4 discussed here at top speed 24/7 will add a whopping $40 to my monthly electric bill here in San Diego. Do your own research before planning to run your own brand choice full time. As I mentioned before, top speed is required to achieve the CADR ratings advertised.
Links here:
Whirlpool 1183054K Hepa Filter, Large
Whirlpool 8171434K Large Air Purifier Carbon Pre-Filters, 4-Pack
Whirlpool® Whispure 315-CADR Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter, AP51030K
Whirlpool Whispure 450 Air Purifier (AP45030K) - HEPA Air Cleaner
and...
Honeywell 50250 99.97% Pure HEPA Round Air Purifier
Honeywell 38002 Enviracare Universal Replacement Pre-Filter
Honeywell 24000 Replacement HEPA Filter
and...
Hunter 30401 QuietFlo True-HEPA Programmable Air Purifier
Hunter 30402 QuietFlo 402 Air Purifier
Hope this helps!
63 of 64 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
I purchased this unit after doing TONS of research and upon the recommendation of a major consumer testing and reporting magazine. My first impression of the unit was that it was way too big to fit unobtrusively in my living room; however, because the air is pulled in through the front grill and discharged from the top of the unit, I was able to push the purifier up against the wall to save space.
The controls are simple to use. I find there to be plenty of options for fan speed (noise control). On the lowest setting I can watch TV at normal volume levels with the unit sitting three feet from me. After leaving the room it's easy to ratchet it up to the TURBO mode which I leave it on most of the time when not using the living areas. I appreciate the indicators which tell you when the filter needs replacing, and roughly where it is at in terms of its lifespan (there are five lights to represent HEPA and pre filter status). I also appreciate the 5 year limited warranty that comes with the unit (see brochure for details).
After 2.5 months of use I find that there is a noticeable difference in the quality of the air. It feels fresher, smells cleaner, and I can't see dust flying through the air (which was a usual occurrence before the filter). At first I was hesitant to spend so much on a purifier which required an on-going investment each year; however, after spending 2.5 months with the first unit I'm going to order a 2nd unit for my bedroom. I don't have allergies, but feel that the investment is well worth the reduced dusting, potential health benefits, and quality construction of the unit itself.
The controls are simple to use. I find there to be plenty of options for fan speed (noise control). On the lowest setting I can watch TV at normal volume levels with the unit sitting three feet from me. After leaving the room it's easy to ratchet it up to the TURBO mode which I leave it on most of the time when not using the living areas. I appreciate the indicators which tell you when the filter needs replacing, and roughly where it is at in terms of its lifespan (there are five lights to represent HEPA and pre filter status). I also appreciate the 5 year limited warranty that comes with the unit (see brochure for details).
After 2.5 months of use I find that there is a noticeable difference in the quality of the air. It feels fresher, smells cleaner, and I can't see dust flying through the air (which was a usual occurrence before the filter). At first I was hesitant to spend so much on a purifier which required an on-going investment each year; however, after spending 2.5 months with the first unit I'm going to order a 2nd unit for my bedroom. I don't have allergies, but feel that the investment is well worth the reduced dusting, potential health benefits, and quality construction of the unit itself.
67 of 70 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
I selected this air purifier because it received high marks from Consumer Reports. As CR ratings indicate, it is effective and quiet (relative to other air purifiers I have owned over the years). I was surprised, however, by the quantity and direction (up) of the air flow this unit generates. Even at the lowest setting it produces as stiff a breeze as a portable room fan. We tried moving it around our bedroom but could find no location where the wind didn't bounce off the ceiling and blow on us at night, causing chilliness, dry eyes, and other discomforts. Our solution has been to turn it off at bedtime (which we had done with out previous air purifier because it was so loud). If this schedule works for you, I can recommend the product.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Just what I was looking for
Because of family memebers with alergies, we needed an air filter that would take care of dust and cat dander. This product is not too large and operates quietly. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Judy
Terrific !
Well worth the price. Quiet on the lowest setting ... which still processes a lot of air. We had it in the bed room, where it was still a bit too loud when sleeping. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Fm Koiwai
Whirlpool Whispure Air Purifier, HEPA Air Cleaner, AP51030K
Got this from Consumer Wholesales. Top Rated in Consumer Reports 2 years in a row! Installed it in our bedroom. Fantastic. Runs quietly and efficiently. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Lee
Great for asthmatics
I bought this item for my son's dorm room for college. He has a lot of allergies and asthma. It has worked great! Read more
Published 11 days ago by dermdawg
Great air cleaner - wish it was easier to find Whirlpool brand...
We had two old Honeywell air cleaners that finally quit working. When I got the Whispure Air Purifier AP51030K I was delighted. Read more
Published 19 days ago by Judith Hoffman
Noticed Immediate Improvement
I was very impressed with the performance of this air cleaner. After a few hours of running on turbo and then running in sleep mode overnight, we noticed an immediate improvement... Read more
Published 29 days ago by CFlowers
WOW! Very impressive!
I've had my Whispure 510 for about 10 months and I'm amazed at how well it works. It really cleans the air and captures the dust extremely well. I have it in my office at work. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Crusader
Amazing
I was recently diagnosed as having multiple allergies including all outdoor allergens and inside dust, dust mites, feathers, cats and dogs. Read more
Published 1 month ago by JCBSGRL
Reviews are not much help
I was a little afraid to buy this purifier because of all the reviews of noise, vibration and lord knows what else. But, buy it I did and I think it is great. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Michael Truelove
Nice and works like a beast but kind of loud in a small bedroom
I am living in a tiny bedroom in a molded house, and thought about buying this. I end up returning it because my land lady wants extra rent for having this in my room. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Arie H.
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