Winix NK100 Review: The best tower air purifier?
Most tower air purifier has to skim down on filters or features due to size constraint. Winix NK100 is the opposite of that. It is a mid-range, tower air purifier designed to combat against air-borne particles. This "fatter" tower machine works as a normal air purifier would. With a heap of practical attributes and a True HEPA filtration, what's there to like or not? Will you be content with the offering when it is priced similarly to a console air purifier? Let's examine the NK100 air purifier in the review below.
** MRSP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)/ RSP (Retail selling price) is provided by cleanairprice.com. Accurate at the time of posting.
^ Annual filter cost is calculated based on filter price and 12 hours of usage. Pricing could vary depending on air quality, usage frequency, and speed.
Winix NK100 Specification
| Product | Winix NK100 |
Dimension | 12.2 x 29.5 x 12.2 in (31 x 74.9 x 31 cm) |
| Weight | 17 lb (7.7 kg) |
| Fanspeed | 4 |
| Coverage (up to) | 320 sq. ft. (30 m2) |
| Airflow speed | 48-224.6 cfm (82-382 m3/h) |
| Dust free (CADR) | 221 cfm (375 m3/h) |
| Pollen free (CADR) | 218 cfm (370 m3/h) |
| Smoke free (CADR) | 207 cfm (352 m3/h) |
| 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 ($) | Coated Deodorization (CD) Carbon Filter 1 year |
| Ionizer/ Technologies | PlasmaWave Technology |
UV-light/ PCO | - |
Other filter | - |
All-in-one filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | Filter N 112180 1 year +- 119.99 |
Optional/ Addon | - |
| Noise level | 33.7 - 50+ dB |
| Power usage level | 5 - 55+ W |
| Timer/ Scheduler | Via app |
| Sensors | VOC sensors (Air quality) |
| Auto mode | |
| Air qualityAQ indicator | |
| Filter change indicator | |
| More color options | |
| Wi-Fi/ BTBluetooth | |
| ENERGY STAR | |
| Remote control | |
| Child lock | |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Email/ Phone support |
Key features
- 4-stage 360 degree filtration with PlasmaWave™ Technology
- Fine mesh pre-filter
- True-HEPA filter
- Coated Deodorization (CD) Carbon Filter
- 360 degree advanced air flow circulation
- 4 speeds (Low, Medium, High, Turbo) with Auto mode
- Auto Dim Feature (sleep mode)
- VOC Smart sensor/ Light sensor
- Child lock
- 2 years warranty
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage thanks to the 360-degree air flow distribution.
- Reliable 4-stage filtration with PlasmaWave Technology.
- Easy filter replacement on the all-in-one filter cartridge.
- Effective True-HEPA filter that will capture micron-size particles.
- Coated Deodorization (CD) Carbon Filter that is excellent on odors.
- Accurate Auto mode that will activate Sleep mode automatically when lights are out.
- Comes with the sorely missed Child lock features.
- 2 years warranty.
Cons
- Expensive bundled cartridge filter replacement. Any exhausted filter would have to replace all at once.
- Non-washable filters that so there is no way to extend the filter lifespan.
- In sleep mode, the indicator light is still glaring despite being dimmed down.
- Lacks remote control and timer. Both features rely on Winix app which is only available on WiFi-enabled model NK105.
The starters
Dimension
12.2 x 29.5 x 12.2 in
(31 x 74.9 x 31 cm)
Weight
17 lb (7.7 kg)Reddot award 2016 and GOOD DESIGN AWARD winner. Winix NK100 is one beautiful and modern tower air purifier that packs a punch. A rounded-shape tower design that does not take up much space, the slim 12.2 x 29.5 x 12.2 in dimension comes at a weight of 17 lb. Build quality is outstanding all-around aside from the back filter replacement cover. Everything is well screwed down with no traces of off-gassing. Air inlet is available throughout the air purifier while air outlet vent is at the top. Customarily Airfuji check, handle slot is available and is at the back above the VOC Smart Sensor.
Moving on to the simple but slightly inconvenience control panel. Centering the stage is the ring air quality indicator that is oddly hidden from sight. At the bottom, there is a Light sensor and four buttons that you can fiddle around with. The power button turns on or off the machine (duh). Check Filter button is only used when the Change Filter Indicator lights up. Press and hold the button for 5 seconds to reset the filter timer. Child lock button will disable all button functionality from children fiddling. Press and hold the button for 3 seconds to lock and repeat to unlock. Lastly, Mode AKA Sleep button will cycle between Low, Medium, High, Turbo, Auto and Sleep mode. Long press and hold for 3 seconds will enable/ disable PlasmaWave feature.
Let’s recap on the specification. There is a 4-stage PlasmaWave filtration with 4 fan speed and Auto/ Sleep mode. Child Lock, VOC SmartSensors, filter replacement indicator all comes standard. Lastly, AHAM, Ozone-safe certified by CARB, ECARF, UL listed, ENERGY STAR, and 2 years warranty.
Airflow, speed, and CADR
Purifying coverage
320 sq. ft. (30 m2)
Fanspeed
4
Dust CADR
221 cfm (375 m3/h)
Pollen CADR
218 cfm (370 m3/h)
Smoke CADR
207 cfm (352 m3/h)What’s inside count
As a tower air purifier, Winix NK100 noise level (33.7 - 50+ dB) is marginally lower than most standard air purifier. As usual, barely any noise generated at low speed and gradually increase at a higher speed. Ideal for night use with the selection of Sleep mode. Energy consumption is also lower between (5 - 55+ Watts). This is not accounting for the available Auto mode that will optimize the energy usage on surrounding air quality.Keep it down
Noise level
33.7 - 50+ dB
Power consumption
5 - 55+ WAt what cost
MRSP/ RSP**
+- 299
Annual Filter Cost
+- 120
^ Replacement filters/ estimated cost
Winix NK100 availability is slightly less than your typical 5500-2 model. Maybe it's due to the supply and demand but that's not the main focus point. You can still get it at Amazon with a substantial discount when there is stock left. All the Amazon perks including free shipping are there as well. Winix official site is also doable but it is slightly less convenience. Then there is Best Buy, Walmart and Home Depot retailers that may or may not offer the same price value.
Winix NK100 VS the challengers
Winix NK105
Same model from top to bottom with the exception of WiFi-enabled feature. Winix SMART app would change the whole spectrum on how the air purifier can be utilized. Pricing is of course the only setback that stands between.
Winix 5500-2
If you don't mind the bulkier body, 5500-2 is actually a great alternative with better scores. Everything from coverage, CADR, and airflow distribution is slightly better. Best of all, it is way cheaper and easier to maintain.
GermGuardian AC5250PT
Out is the wide purifying coverage, strong CADR, and airflow and in is the 5-stage filtration. Yes, this is a 5-stage purifying with an antimicrobial treatment and UV-light germ killer. Pricing is also on the cheaper end given the poorer airflow output.Final thoughts on Winix NK100
There are not many reviews on Amazon (yet), but 92% of them are very happy with it. They praise the air purifier effectiveness in reducing allergies in their home. Most of them are shocked when they see the filter cassette is filled with dust and other particles. Again, not many reviews gathered but the 4% complains is on the bright glaring LED light. It is glaringly annoying even in dimmed down Sleep mode. Bring to a conclusion, Winix NK100 is what an excellent tower air purifier should be. So should you buy it even if you don't need the slim framework? Yes, you should but there are many more options available.Verdicts and ratings
8.3
8.3
