Honeywell AirGenius 3 HFD300 is 1 of the 3 filterless air purifier. It's considered the "entry level" model although that doesn’t say a lot considering how good AirGenius is. Integrated with the same technologies and the QuietClean ifD in its core filtration. How well can the air purifier perform when competing against its own Honeywell AirGenius 4 and 5? Will this touted weaker air purifier worth the saving?
Honeywell AirGenius 3 HFD300 Specification
| Product | Honeywell AirGenius 3 HFD300 |
Dimension | 11.5 x 29 x 11.5 in (29.2 x 73.7 x 29.2 cm) |
| Weight | 13.5 lb (6.1 kg) |
| Coverage (up to) | 225 sq. ft. (21 m2) |
| Dust free (CADR) | 150 cfm (255 m3/h) |
| Pollen free (CADR) | 160 cfm (272 m3/h) |
| Smoke free (CADR) | 146 cfm (248 m3/h) |
| Airflow speed | |
| Fanspeed | 3 |
| Filtration | 3-stage |
Pre-Filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | Washable Pre-filter |
HEPA filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | - |
Carbon filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | - |
| Ionizer/ Technologies | Oscillation |
UV-light/ PCO | - |
Other filter | ifD Micro-Filter Permanent |
All-in-one filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | - |
Optional/ Addon | HRF-K2 Filter K Household Odor & Gas Reducing Pre-filter (2 pack) 3 months+- 15.95 |
| Noise level | |
| Power consumption | |
| Timer/ Scheduler | |
| Sensors | |
| More color options | |
| Auto mode | |
| Air qualityAQ indicator | |
| Filter change indicator | |
| Wi-Fi/ BTBluetooth | |
| ENERGY STAR | |
| Remote control | |
| Child lock | |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Email/ Phone support |
Product image
Key features
- 3-stage filtration
- 2 pre-filter options - Washable foam pre-filter or odor & gas reducing pre-filter
- Permanent QuietClean ifD filter
- Optional Oscillation mode
- 3 speed controls with filter check button
- 5 years limited warranty
Honeywell AirGenius 3 HFD300 review
- Sleek honeycomb style tower design.
- Works either with permanent pre-filter or Odor-reducing pre-filter (optional upgrade).
- Zero annual maintenance cost.
- Effective QuietClean ifD filter that is proven against microscopic household allergens.
- 5 years limited warranty.
- Price is close to AirGenius 4 and 5 with less speed, no timer, and no live filter change gauge indicator.
- Weaker overall airflow performance.
- Incomparable with traditional filter HEPA media filtration efficiency.
- Permanent filters require vacuuming to free up space from the dust particles.
The starters
Dimension
11.5 x 29 x 11.5 in
(29.2 x 73.7 x 29.2 cm)
Weight
13.5 lb (6.1 kg)The older and so-called “entry-level” to AirGenius series. Honeywell AirGenius 3 HFD300 shares many design elements and specification from the group. At 11.5 x 29 x 11.5 in dimension and 13.5 lb weight, the air purifier is neither compact or bulky. Going through the slim profile body, you will find a large honeycomb air inlet at the back and air outlet at front. The flask wide bottom design retained for better stability. Overall, fitting is tight but the lack of a bottom accent light is one of the few things you have to compromise.
Let’s begin the controls from left to right. The Check Filters Button allows you to check filter status on single click. If you see the filter status in red color, press and hold the button for 3 seconds to reset the timer. Next, the Purification level button will cycle between Sleep (night use), General (everyday use), and Max (highest fan speed). The power button will turn on or off the air purifier (duh). To the right, Oscillate will activate side to side purifying for better circulation. If you have seen AirGenius 4 or 5 previously, you will notice HFD300 controls is a little bit empty. that is because there is no Light Dimmer button, Timer button and speed are limited to 3 options.
Lets recap on the specification. You have a 3-stage permanent filtration with 3 cleaning setting. Timer, Oscillation, and check filters/ Reset Button. Finally, AHAM and ARB certified, Energy Star rated and 5 years warranty.
Airflow, speed, and CADR
Purifying coverage
225 sq. ft. (21 m2)
Fanspeed
3
Dust CADR
150 cfm (255 m3/h)
Pollen CADR
160 cfm (272 m3/h)
Smoke CADR
146 cfm (248 m3/h)What’s inside count
Washable Pre-filter
Oscillation
ifD Micro-Filter
Permanent
^ Honeywell AirGenius 3 HFD300 filters/ technologies/ lifespan
AirGenius 3 QuietClean ifD technology is what this air purifier is all about. With no filter replacement needed, the pre-filter could easily trap large particles like dust. Next, the patented ifD filter would handle microscopic allergens as small as 0.3 microns. For smoke and chemicals, you have the option to switch to the odor-reducing pre-filter. Do note the filter is non-washable and requires quarterly replacing. There is also an Ionizer at the end that will release ions to merge with airborne particles. This caused the particles to fall from increased weight and the ifD filter will take over from there. As with all permanent filter, regular maintenance is needed (vacuuming only). This would prevent the filter from being congested by contaminants.Covered against
Dust
EXCELLENT
Pollen
GOOD
Hair/ Pet hair
GOOD
Dust mites
GOOD
Mold/ Mildew
GOOD
Pet dander
GOOD
Virus/ Germ
GOOD
Tobacco smoke
OK
Chemical
OK
VOCs
OK
Smoke/ Gas
OK
Odor
OK
Despite the under par 150 cfm dust CADR and 160 cfm pollen CADR, AirGenius 3 can cover all kinds of pollutants. This includes dust, hair, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold, bacteria, and viruses. Opting for the odor-reducing pre-filter, it can now remove pet odor, tobacco smoke, and VOCs.
Keep it down
HFD300 noise level is very similar to other AirGeniuses despite the weaker airflow. As usual, noise is virtually silent at speed 1 (sleep mode) and audible but not too intrusive at speed 3 (Max). Same goes with power usage, it's at low to a reasonable rate depending on the cleaning mode. Technically, it should use less than a lightbulb but we have not tested it on that.At what cost
MRSP/ RSP**
+- 219.95
Annual Filter Cost
+- 0
^ Replacement filters/ estimated cost
If you insist on getting Honeywell AirGenius 3, you're out of luck. Last we checked, most store from Amazon, Walmart, BestBuy, or even Honeywell does not carry it anymore. Instead, go with AirGenius 5 that is a much better version of 3. It is still available in Amazon with sales price, comes in 2 colors, and at a very minimal top up.
Honeywell AirGenius 3 HFD300 VS the challengers
Honeywell AirGenius 4 HFD310
Around the same price (after discount) for better airflow and slightly wider purifying. You also gain 1 additional cleaning mode, light dimmer, and 3 preset timers. Availability wise is better but we will recommend going straight for the top model.
Honeywell AirGenius 5 HFD320
This is the model you should go for. It is widely available, has the best-in-class CADR, and widest purifying coverage. There is also light dimmer, 5 cleaning mode, and 6 preset timer airflow distribution. The best thing is the price is not too far off from HFD300!
Hamilton Beach TrueAir Compact Pet 04384
If you want something way cheaper yet comes with a permanent HEPA filter (HEPA-type that is). It can be purchased at most retail outlets, comes bundled with carbon sheet. Just don't mind the inferior airflow range and performance.Final thoughts on Honeywell AirGenius 3 HFD300
Honeywell AirGenius 3 is a niche air purifier that most buyers know exactly what are they paying for. 65% of the buyer that gave it 4-5 stars like what they received. This includes the permanent ifD that is effective against microscopic particles particularly pet dander. Praises also coming from the air purifier design and no recurring filter fees. A high 27% of the 1-2 star reviewers are dissatisfied with the durability. Common signs include burned circuit board, or funny noises within a couple of months. We notice the reliability issue is common throughout the 3, 4 and 5 series. If you are still interested in it, give Kaz the manufacturer a call to check if the issue has been resolved.Verdicts and ratings
7.5
