The HealthMate HM400 looks like a modern, industrial stool – square in shape with smooth, rounded corners, complete with casters and a metal cover. But it’s an extraordinary stool-like device. It’s one of Austin Air’s prized jewels that promises to clean up to 1,500 square feet of living space.
But should you buy one, or just forget about it in favor of other air purifiers on the market? To give you some answers, first, at least know what previous buyers have to say about their unit. What are its pros and cons? Here’s our Austin Air HealthMate HM400 review.
Key Features of the HealthMate HM400
Let’s get started by creating a list of the HM400’s key features.
HealthMate Filter
What’s unique about the HM400? Its filtration system, which consists of 4 stages and 4 types of filters as follows:
- Stage 1: Large particle pre-filter
- Stage 2: Medium particle pre-filter
- Stage 3: About 15 lbs. of activated carbon and zeolite
- Stage 4: 60 sq. ft. of True medical grad HEPA
As you can clearly see, the HM400 is a well-thought out air purifier so that every bit of dust, allergens, pet dander, and microorganisms larger than 0.3 microns are eliminated from the air, thereby allowing you to breathe only purified air.
That said, expect that this Austin Air air purifier weighs a lot. As advertised, it comes with 15 lbs. of activated carbon-zeolite filter.
Clean Air Pocket
Aside from the filtration system, another unique feature offered by the HM400 is something called Clean Air Pocket. In simple terms, this feature creates a breathing zone where you can take in clean air the moment you turn the unit on.
Controls
The HM400 doesn’t come with many functionalities. It has one mechanical switch or knob for adjusting the speed of this unit. Choose from 3 settings/options.
Other Features and Technical Specs
Here are other bits of info about the HealthMate HM400 that you might be interested in.
- Total Weight: 45 lbs.
- Filter Weight: 21 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 23″ H x 14.5″ W
- 3 speed controls
- All-steel construction
- Max. coverage area: 1,500 sq. ft.
- Casters
Also read: Alen T500 vs Paralda: Which Air Purifier is Better?
Consumer Feedback: Pros and Cons
In this part of our Austin Air HealthMate HM400 review, we give you a summary of the pros and cons of the product based on consumer feedback posted on a popular online retailer. How did this product fair among previous buyers? Here’s what we found out about the product.
Pros
- Performance. Austin Air has presented the HealthMate HM400 has having a well-built and impressive 4-stage filtration system (i.e., a 15-lb carbon-zeolite filter). But does it deliver results? The general consensus is yes. This air purifier indeed eradicates a variety of impurities in the air, which include smoke, kitchen odor, pet smell, sulfur smell, mildew smell, and even dust. Allergy sufferers also have only positive things to say about this air purifier, saying it helped relieved their symptoms.
- Construction. This air purifier has an all-steel construction, but a few people have complained of dents when their unit arrived.
- Noise. The general feedback is that this air purifier produces “white noise” or a soft hum, which should not bother your neighbors. You can even use it to lull you to sleep.
- Ease of Use. Because this product is a no-fuss air purifier, it’s very easy to use. All you have to do is to turn it on and choose the speed setting that you want.
Limitations
- Nope, this machine doesn’t cool air. According to the manual, the air is always room temperature even if the HM400 is turned on — unless, of course, the air conditioning unit is on.
- Sure, the HM400 requires little maintenance, but when it comes to replacing the filters, it can be a cumbersome task. Aside from that, there is no indicator to remind you to change the filters. However, as suggested, the HM400’s filters should last up to 5 years.
- A few people have voiced out concerns regarding the difficulty in acquiring replacement motors and other parts.
- The replacement filters are quite expensive.
Also read: Alen T500 Tower Air Purifier Review – Yay or Nay?
Our Recommendation: Austin Air HealthMate HM400 Review
Should you buy the HM400? Here’s what we have to say.
When you receive it without damage, the HealthMate HM400 works really well in eliminating a variety of air impurities, including allergens and smoke odors. The filter will also last up to 5 years with a pro-rated warranty. But think long and hard because some people have issues about the difficulty of finding replacement motors. Plus, although the filters last up to 5 years, replacing them can cost an arm and a leg.