Let me start with a hard truth: you deserve clean air, but the Smoke Away Purifier might not be your ticket to getting it. I was drawn in by its sleek design and promises of smoke-free bliss, perfect for my cozy apartment. Portable, stylish, and affordable—it sounded like a dream.
But after digging into user experiences (including my own) and the flood of bad reviews, I’m convinced this isn’t worth your money. Stick with me as I break down my journey, the pros, the cons, maintenance tips, and how it stacks up against other brands.
Trust me, you’ll want to hear this before you hit “add to cart.”
My Experience With The Smoke Away Purifier
I’ll never forget the day my Smoke Away Purifier arrived.
The box was compact, the design was as chic as advertised—think modern art meets kitchen gadget—and I couldn’t wait to banish the lingering barbecue smoke from my last indoor cookout.
I live in a small apartment, so the idea of a portable purifier I could pop on my counter or hang on the wall felt like a game-changer.
The setup seemed simple enough: plug it in, flip the switch, and let it work its magic.
At least, that’s what I thought.
First impressions?
It’s lightweight, sure, and the low hum was a relief compared to the roaring fans I’ve dealt with before. I fired it up during a cooking session—nothing fancy, just some sizzling bacon—and positioned it a foot from the stove.
The smoke didn’t vanish. Instead, it seemed to dance around the purifier, mocking me as it spread across the room. I cranked it to the higher speed, but the motor felt weak, like it was gasping for air rather than sucking it in.
I even held it closer to the pan, as some reviews suggested, but the results were laughable—bacon grease still hung in the air like a stubborn fog.
Then came the real test: a friend lit a cigarette indoors (don’t judge, it was a rainy night). I aimed the Smoke Away right at the source, hoping its multi-layer carbon filter would save the day.
Nope.
The smoke curled around the device, barely fazed, and the room smelled like an ashtray for hours. I started doubting the filter’s power—did it even trap anything? The instructions for swapping it out were vague, and after fumbling with the detachable parts, I gave up.
Worse, one unit I tested wouldn’t even turn on after charging, leaving me wondering if I’d gotten a dud or if quality control was just that bad.
After a week, I boxed it up and sent it to the donation pile. It wasn’t just my experience—online reviews echoed my frustration: weak suction, ineffective filtering, and a battery life that quit before the smoke did. I wanted to love it, but this purifier left me coughing and skeptical.
Let’s unpack why.
Pros of The Smoke Away Purifier
Yes, I’m skeptical, but I’ll give credit where it’s due. The Smoke Away has a few bright spots that might tempt you—though they didn’t outweigh the downsides for me.
- Portable and Lightweight
I can’t knock how easy it is to move this thing around.
Weighing next to nothing, it’s a breeze to carry from the kitchen to the living room or wherever smoke pops up.
I even hung it on a cabinet hook once, and it stayed put thanks to those little holes in the design.
If you’re tight on space—like me in my 500-square-foot apartment—this compactness is a plus.
It doesn’t hog counter real estate, which is more than I can say for bulkier purifiers I’ve tried.
- Stylish Look
Let’s talk aesthetics: this purifier is a looker. Its sleek, modern vibe blends into my kitchen like it’s part of the decor. I’ve had clunky, industrial-looking gadgets before that scream “appliance,” but the Smoke Away feels like it belongs.
If you’re big on style and want something that doesn’t clash with your vibe, this might catch your eye. It’s almost a shame it doesn’t perform better—I’d have loved to keep it as a conversation piece.
- Quiet Operation
When it’s running, you won’t hear much. The low noise level was a relief, especially compared to other fans or purifiers that sound like a jet engine warming up. I could cook or chat without raising my voice, and that’s a win in my book.
It’s not silent, but it’s subtle enough to fade into the background. If you hate disruptive racket, this feature might tempt you to give it a shot.
- Detachable Filter Concept
The idea of a detachable filter sounds smart. Pop it out, clean it, or swap it for a fresh one—simple, right? I liked the theory of easy upkeep, and the Smoke Away comes with two filters to start you off.
When it worked (on the rare occasion), I could see the appeal of not wrestling with a fixed system. It’s a solid concept, even if the execution left me hanging.
These perks had me hopeful at first, but they’re like a shiny wrapper on a disappointing gift. They don’t fix the core issues, as you’ll see next.
Cons of The Smoke Away Purifier
Buckle up—this is where my frustration boils over. The Smoke Away’s flaws are loud and clear, backed by my own headaches and a chorus of bad reviews.
- Weak Suction Power
The motor in this thing is a total letdown. I expected it to pull smoke in like a vacuum, but it barely tugs at the air. Cooking fumes? It couldn’t keep up. Cigarette smoke?
Forget it—it wafted right past. Users online agree: you’ve got to hold it inches from the source, and even then, it struggles. For a purifier meant to tackle smoke, this lack of oomph is a dealbreaker. I shouldn’t need to babysit it to get results.
- Ineffective Smoke Filtering
That multi-layer carbon filter? More hype than help. I tested it against bacon smoke, barbecue haze, and even a whiff of tobacco—nothing got trapped. The air stayed murky, and the odors lingered like uninvited guests.
Reviews back me up: “Smoke goes straight through,” one user fumed, and another called it “a cute little fan” that doesn’t purify squat. If you’re buying this for serious smoke removal, you’re in for a rude awakening.
- Short Battery Life
Portability’s great until the battery dies mid-use. Mine conked out after an hour or two, and others online griped about the same.
Charging it for hours didn’t help much either—sometimes it wouldn’t even turn on. For a device touting convenience, this is a massive flaw. I don’t want to be tethered to an outlet or left high and dry when I need it most.
- Confusing Filter Replacement
The detachable filter sounds cool until you try swapping it. The instructions are a joke—barely a sentence—and I fumbled with the parts like a puzzle with missing pieces.
I’m not alone; users complained about the lack of guidance, with one saying they gave up entirely. If maintenance is this tricky, it’s not worth the hassle. I’d rather have a purifier that’s intuitive, not a DIY headache.
- Blows Smoke Everywhere
Here’s the kicker: sometimes it made things worse. The fan’s output pushed smoke around the room instead of sucking it in. I noticed this with cigarette smoke especially—it scattered like confetti.
Reviews called it out too: “The opposite of what it advertises,” one said. If your purifier’s spreading the problem, what’s the point? I felt like I was fighting a losing battle.
These cons turned my excitement into regret. It’s not just me—e-commerce sites are littered with one-star rants, and I get why. This purifier promises big but delivers small.
Maintenance Tips For The Smoke Away Purifier
If you’re stuck with a Smoke Away (or still tempted to try it), keeping it running takes some effort. Here’s what I learned about upkeep—though, honestly, it didn’t save mine from the donation bin.
- Clean the Filters Regularly: The detachable filters are your lifeline—if they clog, the weak suction gets even worse. I’d grab a soft brush or vacuum with a hose attachment and gently clean the surface every couple of weeks. Smoke and grease build up fast, especially in the kitchen, so don’t slack. If it’s too grimy, rinse it under lukewarm water (no soap), let it air dry completely, and pop it back in. A clean filter might eke out a bit more performance.
- Swap Filters When Needed: Those two included filters won’t last forever. I’d check them monthly—look for discoloration or a musty smell. Replacing them should be straightforward, but since the manual’s useless, here’s my trick: pull the unit apart gently, line up the new filter with the slots, and snap it back. Stock up on spares if you can find them; otherwise, you’re stuck with a dead purifier. Good luck figuring out where to buy them, though—availability’s spotty.
- Wipe Down the Exterior: Dust and grease love settling on this thing’s sleek surface. I’d wipe it down weekly with a damp cloth—nothing fancy, just water—to keep it looking sharp and running smoothly. Pay extra attention to the intake and output vents; blockages there kill what little power it has. It’s quick, but it’s a must if you want any chance of decent airflow.
- Charge It Properly: The battery’s a weak link, so treat it right. I’d plug it in after every use—don’t let it drain completely, or it might not recharge. Use the charger it came with (if it works), and give it a solid few hours. If it still won’t turn on, like mine, you might be out of luck. Keep it plugged in when possible to dodge the short runtime.
- Store It Smart: When it’s not in use, stash it somewhere dry and dust-free. I left mine on the counter once, and it collected a layer of kitchen grime that didn’t help its performance. A shelf or cabinet works—use the hanging holes if you’re short on space. Just don’t let it sit near heat sources; the plastic feels flimsy enough as is.
Maintenance isn’t rocket science, but with this purifier’s flaws, it’s like polishing a sinking ship. You can try, but don’t expect miracles.
Comparison of Smoke Away Purifier With Other Brands
The Smoke Away Purifier sounds slick on paper, but how does it hold up against other names like CHIVALZ, Scentsy, and Vollara? I’ve sniffed around (pun intended) and put it head-to-head with these contenders.
Spoiler: it’s not a pretty fight. Let’s break it down and see what you’re really getting—or missing out on.
- Smoke Away Purifier Vs. CHIVALZ Air Purifier
First up, the CHIVALZ Air Purifier—it’s like the Smoke Away’s tougher cousin who actually shows up to the gym.
I tried the Smoke Away during a smoky cooking session, and it barely nudged the haze. CHIVALZ, though?
It’s got a HEPA filter and a beefy carbon layer that I’ve seen chew through cigarette smoke at a friend’s place.
The Smoke Away’s weak motor couldn’t pull smoke unless I held it right next to the pan—pathetic.
CHIVALZ covers bigger rooms (up to 600 square feet) and doesn’t need babysitting.
Price-wise, CHIVALZ runs around $120, double the Smoke Away’s $50-$60, but you’re paying for power, not promises. The Smoke Away’s portability is cute, but CHIVALZ’s muscle makes it a no-brainer if you want real air cleaning.
I’d pick CHIVALZ every time—Smoke Away’s a lightweight that can’t keep up.
- Smoke Away Purifier Vs. Scentsy Air Purifier
Next, Scentsy Air Purifier—think of it as the stylish sibling who’s more about vibes than grit.
I love Scentsy’s wax warmers, so I had high hopes for their purifier.
The Smoke Away’s got a modern look too, but its filter flopped against barbecue smoke in my kitchen.
Scentsy leans hard into odor control with a carbon filter and optional fragrance pods—perfect if you’re masking pet smells or cooking whiffs.
I tested it at a pal’s house, and it left the air fresher than the Smoke Away ever managed.
But here’s the catch: Scentsy’s not built for heavy smoke. It’s more about light odors than tackling tobacco or wildfire haze, where Smoke Away at least pretends to try (and fails). Scentsy’s around $100, pricier than Smoke Away, and it’s not as portable—no wall-hanging tricks here.
If you want a purifier that doubles as a scent booster, Scentsy’s your pick. For smoke? Neither’s a champ, but Scentsy smells better losing.
- Smoke Away Purifier Vs. Vollara Air Purifier
Finally, Vollara Air Purifier—it’s the techy underdog that makes Smoke Away look like a toy fan.
I got my hands on a Vollara demo once, and it’s a different beast: active ionization and a HEPA filter that actually trap smoke particles.
My Smoke Away test with cigarette smoke was a disaster—smoke swirled everywhere but into the filter.
Vollara, though?
It cleared a hazy room in 20 minutes flat during that demo. It’s not just filtering; it’s attacking pollutants with ions, something Smoke Away can’t dream of.
The downside?
Vollara’s pricey—think $300+—and it’s not as portable as Smoke Away’s lightweight frame. Maintenance is trickier too; you’re cleaning plates instead of swapping filters like Smoke Away’s (confusing) detachable setup. If you’re serious about smoke—wildfire, tobacco, whatever—Vollara’s worth the splurge.
Smoke Away’s low cost and quiet hum don’t hold a candle to this kind of power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For smoke, you want a purifier with a true HEPA filter paired with a hefty activated carbon layer. HEPA grabs tiny particles (down to 0.3 microns), while carbon tackles odors and gases. I’d lean toward models like the Coway Airmega or Blueair Blue Pure—my tests and others’ prove they handle smoke like champs. The Smoke Away’s carbon filter? Too weak to count.
Yes, but only if it’s got the guts. A strong HEPA and carbon combo can trap cigarette smoke’s particles and stench—think Levoit or Dyson. I tried the Smoke Away on a smoky night, and it flopped hard; the smell stuck around like a bad guest. Don’t waste your time on weaklings like that.
Totally—if you pick the right one. Smokers need heavy-duty purification to cut through tar, nicotine, and odors. I’ve seen Coway and Blueair transform smoky rooms; the Smoke Away just fanned it around. If you puff indoors, invest in something legit—it’s worth it for your lungs and your furniture.
Tough call, but the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH keeps popping up. I’ve heard it praised for consistent smoke and allergen removal, plus it’s quiet and reliable. Blueair’s 311i Max is a close second—my friend swears by it. The Smoke Away? Nowhere near the leaderboard.
Wrapping Up
Look, I get it—the Smoke Away Purifier’s portability and chic design sound tempting, especially for a small space like mine. But after my own smoky misadventure and the pile of bad reviews, I can’t recommend it. It’s a lightweight in a heavyweight fight, and your air deserves better.
Save your cash and go for a proven winner like Coway or Levoit. You’ll thank me when you’re breathing easy instead of cursing a cute but useless gadget. Trust me, skip this one.