Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Review: Former Air Purifier of The Year
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Specification
| Product | Coway AP-1512HH Mighty |
Dimension | 16.8 x 18.3 x 9.6 in (42.7 x 46.5 x 24.4 cm) |
| Weight | 12.3 lb (5.6 kg) |
| Fanspeed | 3 |
| Coverage (up to) | 326 sq. ft. (30 m2) |
| Airflow speed | |
| Dust free (CADR) | 246 cfm (418 m3/h) |
| Pollen free (CADR) | 240 cfm (408 m3/h) |
| Smoke free (CADR) | 233 cfm (396 m3/h) |
| Humidifying(H) speed | |
| Filtration | 4-stage |
Pre-Filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | Pre-filter Permanent |
HEPA filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | True HEPA filter 1 year |
Carbon filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | Deodorization filter 6 month |
| Ionizer/ Technologies | Vital Ionizer |
UV-light/ PCO | - |
Other filter | - |
All-in-one filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | 3304899 Replacement Filter 1 year +- 47.17 |
Optional/ Addon | - |
| Noise level | 24.4 - 53.8 dBA |
| Power usage level | 4.9 - 77.8 W |
| Timer/ Scheduler | 1, 4, 8 hours |
| Sensors | Particle sensors |
| Auto mode | |
| Air qualityAQ indicator | |
| Filter change indicator | |
| More color options | |
| Wi-Fi/ BTBluetooth | |
| ENERGY STAR | |
| Remote control | |
| Child lock | |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Email/ Phone support |
Key features
- 4-stage filtration including Vital Ionizer
- Permanent Pre-filter
- True HEPA filter
- Deodorization filter
- 3 speed with Auto mode and Energy Saving Eco mode
- Smart air quality indicator with color display (Blue = clean, Purple = Medium, Red = Highly polluted)
- HEPA and Odor filter replacement indicator
- 3 preset timer (1, 4, 8 hours)
- 3 years warranty
Pros
- Well-priced for a powerful 4-stage filtration air purifier.
- Very low annual filter replacement fees. Cost only 1/3 of some premium air purifier.
- Decent purifying coverage capable of catering for large room size.
- Genuine True HEPA filter that compliments well with the pre-filter, deodorization, and ionizer.
- Sensor comes with 3 adjustable preset setting plus the availability of Auto mode and timer features.
- Energy Saving Eco mode that will stop the fan from spinning when no pollutants are detected for 30 minutes.
- 2 Separate HEPA and Odor filter replacement indicator.
Cons
- Particle sensors occasionally take its time to detect nearby pollutants even though it is set to "sensitive" level.
- Carbon filter lifespan is shorter than the market average of 1 year.
- not known to have the most responsive customer service support (things might have improved recently).
The starters
Available in black and white, Coway AP-1512HH is perhaps the most underrated air purifier in the market that many people overlooked. Given it’s a dated model, the design might not be the most practical with air quality indicator hidden from the front sight. The plastic cover front panel with big circle budge does not feel premium, but the all-around design is sturdy that will prevent any off-gassing. At 16.8 x 18.3 x 9.6 in and 12.3 lb weight, the air inlet is nicely tugged on both sides with air outlet located at the back.
Moving to the controls, at the top you will find 5 round buttons and an air quality indicator. Starting from the left is the Power button that requires no explanation. Next to it is the speed button will top indicator that will cycle between Auto, 1, 2, 3, and Eco mode. The center Ionizer button will either enable or disable the Ionizer function. The fourth button belongs to Timer that will cycle between 1, 4, 8 hours, and off. The fifth Filter Reset button will reset either the Odor or HEPA filter count timer by pressing and holding the button for 2 seconds. A hidden function that is not shown on the screen is the Air Quality Sensor adjustment. To make any adjustment, press both airflow speed and ionizer button for 2 seconds. A beep sound can be heard and the speed indicator will blink to show the current sensor sensitivity. Press the speed button to cycle between speed 1 (Sensitive), speed 2 (Standard), and speed 3 (Insensitive). Repeat pressing both airflow speed and ionizer button for 2 seconds to save the setting. Last but not least, there is an air quality indicator that will display in Blue when air is clean, Dark purple when air polluted, and Red when air is highly polluted.
To wrap-up on the spec sheet, Coway Mighty comes with 4-stage filtration with 3 speed, 2 filter replacement indicator, Auto mode, Eco mode, 3 preset sensor setting, Energy Star rated and 3 years warranty.
Airflow, speed, and CADR
Recommended Read
What’s inside count
Coway Mighty utilizes the familiar 4-stage filtration that consists of pre-filter, True HEPA filter, Deodorization filter, and Vital Ionizer. Starting with the pre-filter that focus on large particles like dust and hair, follow by HEPA filter that captures fine particles as small as 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency rate. The deodorization filter will target smoke and gas particles that are not targeted by HEPA filter. Finally, Vital ionizer will cause particles to fall so it can be captured by existing filter. Overall, filter size is good apart from the deodorization filter that has a shorter lifespan.Keep it down
At what cost
^ Replacement filters/ estimated cost
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty VS the challengers
Winix 5500-2
A worthy competitor that is around the same price bracket, same specification, same features, and same filtration setup. Winix 5500-2 has the advantage of slightly wider purifying range while Coway Mighty has the upper hand on filter replacement cost.
Winix HR1000
Everything is better if you are willing to splash some extra cash and filter maintenance cost. HR1000 on paper should be a better alternative that excels in almost every part. You will also gain the Wi-Fi enabled feature that supports remote access via iOS or Android app.
Honeywell HPA300
If you don't mind the lack of features like Auto mode, Eco mode, and an inferior carbon pre-filter, Honeywell HPA300 True Allergen Remover is a good replacement for someone that needed the raw airflow performance power and nothing else.
Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 SPA-550A
The most expensive alternative in the list yet with a poorer airflow performance. It is the filtration set (BioGS HEPA Filter + Charcoal Activated Carbon Filter) that pushes BioGS into this consideration list. The inclusion of remote control doesn't sound too bad either.Final thoughts on Coway AP-1512HH Mighty
Dated it is, but lack of quality it is not. Coway Mighty is a very popular air purifier between its user base with a high 84% positive 4-5 stars ratings. Most compliments received are coming from filtration quality, followed by the noise level, sturdiness, and lastly pricing. The 11% dissatisfied customer complains mostly of two things: the fan motor that abruptly "make noise" and the poor customer support. Thankfully our few test unit is working fine and I am assuming most positive feedback driven user would experience the same.
