Coway Airmega 100: Top-Rated Air Purifier Under €150 by ETM Testmagazin

Check out the full article on ETM-TESTMAGAZIN’s website here.

The Coway Airmega 100 at a Glance

Who is it for?

For anyone interested in the effective removal of mites, pollen, dust, etc. The air purifier can also remove gases, odours, etc. thanks to its 3-in-1 filter.

Essential features

It features an intuitive, reliably responsive touch panel with a programmable timer (1 – 8 hours). It has very moderate noise emission at night (e.g. 27.5 dB from 1 m in sleep mode ) and an effective 3-in-1 filter (can remove more than 99.999% of all particles with a size of ≥ 0.1 µm and gases and odours).

Why Use It

Mites, pollen, spores, etc. are everywhere, and these can reach our respiratory system and cause problems. They are a nightmare for people who suffer from allergies. But various gases can also waft through our homes – volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as methanal can come out of furniture, carpets, etc. This is a gas that can cause significant health problems after a while. Fortunately, all of this can be easily eliminated and you can enjoy a consistently "clean" home with an air purifier. Coway’s multi-membrane filters can trap the majority of these particles and clean your air in just 15 - 30 minutes, depending on the size of the room.

This model stands out for its very slim size and its 3-in-1 filter, which also has a HEPA membrane: it is designed to separate more than 99.999% of the particles swirling around the home and absorb many gases. Another great feature is that you can adapt the air purifier to any imaginable situation at home by choosing the right mode. The test examined how easy or difficult it was to operate, how much noise and power was emitted during use, and how effective the membranes really were.

Overview

• The Coway Airmega 100 is an extremely slim model whose 3-in-1 filter can eliminate most of the gases, particles, etc. that blow through the home.

• Its neutral white colour scheme means the model fits in anywhere - regardless of whether the furniture in the home is modern or more classic-conventional. 

• With a size of 22.0 × 22.0 × 39.5 cm, it is so slim that you can even use it at your workplace without losing much space. The feet on the bottom of the body noticeably improve its stability.

• Operating it is very easy thanks to the very reliable touch panel. All the graphics clearly illustrate what can be achieved via which part of the touch panel, for example, how to change the mode or program the timer. A concise "Quick Start Guide" from the manufacturer explains everything you need to know about the model.

• The membranes of the 3-in-1 filter proved to be very effective. The model's sensors were also excellent; they allowed the air purifier to analyze how many PM 2.5 particles (e.g. mites, pollen, etc.) were present in the air and adjust the fan output accordingly. The model's 3-in-1 filter should be replaced regularly, for example, every 6 - 12 months. The outer membrane should be cleaned every 2 - 4 weeks.

• The power consumption is very moderate. You can use it continuously without having to worry about the price of electricity.

• The materials showed no signs of blemishes even after many weeks of use but instead proved to be very durable. 

• The noise output of the fan is also fantastic. The sleep mode makes it perfect for use in the evening, for example. It only emits 27.5 dB from 1 m away. Only when you use it with the fan at full power does it become noticeable (60.2 dB).

Anyone interested in consistently easy removal of mites, pollen, dust, etc. can definitely benefit from the Coway Airmega 100. Its 3-in-1 filter in particular is very impressive. ETM gave the Coway Airmega 100 a well-deserved test rating of "Very Good", scoring 94.5% overall. Recommended for those who want an affordable and efficient air purifier. 

The Test

ETM tested the Coway Airmega 100’s multiple modes, including the sleep mode that reduces noise to 27.5 dB, the touch pane, and the timer. The tests showed it’s energy efficient, 2.9W in sleep mode and 18.2W at max. In practical tests, it performed well in filtration, reducing allergens like pollen and dust. Results showed it’s a good and affordable air purifier. 

Filtration Testing

This tested the filtration performance to reduce particle and mass concentration in a test chamber. The test chamber was 2.5 × 2.5 × 3.0 m. ETM tested the model by measuring the particle concentration with aerodynamic diameters of 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 µm before and after 15, 30, and 60 minutes of operation in all modes. The chamber was initially infused with tobacco smoke aerosol by burning 0.7 g of tobacco to simulate real world conditions. 12 testers also gave subjective evaluations of the air purifier’s odour neutralization. 

Practical Functionality

Key areas of focus were the ergonomics of the buttons, size, position and usability for right and left handers. It also looked at the responsiveness of the air purifier after button presses and the accessibility of the different functions. It also examined the maintenance of the filters and the workload and recommended replacement intervals. The quality of the manufacturer’s documentation was critiqued, with a focus on clarity and readability for the average consumer. The inclusion of troubleshooting resources like FAQs was also highlighted as a bonus. 

Features

This test focused on the operational features of the air purifier’s modes, the range of factory configurations, distinct attributes, and their ability to adjust to user preferences. The modes are divided into basic toggle operations and more sophisticated automated settings that use sensors to monitor particle mass and gas concentrations. Also tested was the timer function, including its programming options and flexibility of use.

Noise Levels

This test was conducted in a test chamber environment to measure acoustic performance. The chamber was 2.5 × 2.5 × 3.0 m and lined with sound-absorbing foam to block out external noise. Sound pressure levels were measured at 1m from the air purifier to measure sound emissions.

Material Quality

This test examined the materials and manufacturing process and the composition and combination of materials in the Coway Airmega 100. It tested to ensure materials were defect-free from the manufacturing process and there were no gaps in the housing.

Evaluation

The Coway Airmega 100 was awarded 94.5% overall. It was strongest in filtration 96.4%, especially for coarse and fine particles which is above 97%. Usability scored 92.2% and range of functions 93.5%. Price is £119.99 and the price-performance ratio was 1.27. A very efficient and versatile air purifier offering great value for money.

Coway – creating a cleaner future! Discover more about how you can breathe easier by improving the air quality in your home on our blog.