Have you ever wondered how good IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is compared to the Levoit Core 200S air purifier? If you did, you are exactly where you should be as this article will answer all your doubts.
IKEA started producing air purifiers lately, while the Levoit is an old player with many different air purifiers available to purchase. Levoit is one of the best air purifier manufacturers in the US, and they have sold millions of products.
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When talking about these two big rivals, I want to say that they are almost entirely different. IKEA is rectangular, has rectangular filters as well, and is a minimalistic air purifier without many advanced features. Levoit is, on the other hand, circular in shape, has circular filters hollow through the middle, and has plenty of advanced features.
I don’t have any remarks on the build quality of these two, as they both are of very good quality, just as is needed for this type of product.
Keep reading, and you will find which one did better in performance tests, which is quieter, which consumes less power, and in the end, I will declare the one I suggest you buy!
Specs: IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Vs Levoit Core 200S
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | IKEA | Levoit |
| Model | FÖRNUFTIG | Core 200S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 18.1 x 12.2 x 4.3 inches (46.1 x 31 x 10.9 cm) | 8.1 x 8.1 x 12.6 inches (20.5 x 20.5 x 32 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 7.84 lb (3.56 kg) | 6.6 lb (3 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 70 CFM (130 m³/h) | 118 CFM (200.6 m³/h) |
| Coverage (4.8 ACH)
Room Coverage Explanation: ACH is a measurement used in indoor air quality management to indicate how many times the air within a defined space is changed/moved through the filter media.
For more details, visit our ACH calculator tool. | 108 sq. ft. (10 m²) | 183 sq. ft. (17 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (71 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - Worst Score (2 products) We use the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter to test the particle removal efficiency of every air purifier. It measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Filtration Technology | Pre-Filter, HEPA Filter and Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 4-6 months | 6-8 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 71 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 19W | 37W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (71 products) 10 - Best Score (2 products) 1.7 - Worst Score (1 products) We measure the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculate how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we use an energy price of $0.12 per kWh. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Number of Fan Speeds | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 4 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 33 have the air quality sensor. | No | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 34 have auto mode functionality. | No | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have smart app functionality. | No | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | Smart Plug | Night LightDisplay LockDisplay OffTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 42.2 – 58.2 dBA | 42.1 – 53.9 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (71 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 8.2 - Worst Score (1 products) We use a special noise measurement tool to test the noise level of the air purifier at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Best Suited For | Bedrooms Low Energy Cost Small Spaces Quiet Operation | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Children's Rooms Quiet Operation |
| Warranty | No (US) | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG | Levoit Core 200S |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Features Overview
Since the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG doesn’t have advanced features, my primary focus in this section will be primarily on describing Levoit Core 200S features.
To make it clear, IKEA is not totally without features. It actually has a filter reset indicator (which is built-in the Levoit as well), and it works in combination with a smart plug.
Timer
The timer is a feature available only on the Levoit Core 200S. It is basically an option that allows you to set the time for which the air purifier will turn off.
You can set the Core 200S timer to 2h, 4h, or 8h.
IKEA doesn’t have this option, but you can make something similar to Levoit’s timer if you connect it to the smart plug.
Sleep Mode and Night Light
The sleep mode option is also included only on Levoit and is one of my favorite options on this air purifier. Basically, after switching on sleep mode, the air purifier will change the fan speed to the lowest one and will dim all the lights.
This is great if you plan to use Core 200S in the bedroom or any similar room.
What is also great if you plan to use it in the bedroom is a night light feature. Simply, it acts as a night lamp and is very practical as ambient light. Please keep in mind that the night light can be operated even though you don’t turn on the air purifier.
VeSync App
The smart app is a great addition to the Levoit Core 200S. If you connect this air purifier with the VeSync app, you will get some additional and handy features available only through the app.
For example, in the app, you can check the filter wear any time, control the device remotely and set up voice control for the Core 200S.
I would like more if this air purifier had an air quality sensor, which, along with the VeSync app, could be a fantastic combination and would put the Core 200S to a higher level.
Display Off and Display Lock
These are also great features that I believe many of you will use.
As their names say, the display feature is used if you want to turn off all the indicators on the device, and the display lock is used to lock down the buttons.
Airflow
Since their construction is very different, their airflow is too.
IKEA is rectangular. It draws air in through the openings in front, which is then filtered and exits through the grilles on top.
Levoit, on the other hand, draws air in through the bottom part, through the holes arranged on all sides, which is then filtered and exits through the openings on top.
Warranty
Firstly, I want to say that I’m somehow disappointed with the fact that IKEA FÖRNUFTIG doesn’t have a warranty included. This is a considerable disadvantage and something that drives me away from purchasing this air purifier.
On the other hand, Levoit Core 200S comes with a 2-year warranty, but don’t forget to register the air purifier on their website after purchase.
Filtration Technology
When speaking about filtration, I must say that there are some differences. The first is related to the filters included initially with the products. The Levoit comes with a 3-in-1 filter, while the IKEA comes with 2 filters and the possibility of purchasing an additional filter (carbon filter).
If we consider that everyone will purchase the carbon filter for IKEA, then we can say that these two air purifiers use a three-stage filtration.
The first filtration stage is a pre-filter, which is washable on IKEA. The second filtration stage is a True HEPA filter on Levoit and a HEPA filter on IKEA. The last filtration stage is a pellet-based carbon filter on both.
Having a True HEPA filter makes Levoit much more efficient than IKEA, which you will see in the test results presented in the upcoming sections.
All in all, I like Levoit filters more and think its filters are of better quality than IKEA’s.
How to Replace Filters?
Considering that these two air purifiers use non-washable filters, you should replace old filters from time to time. There is an exception for the IKEA pre-filter, which is the gray fabric on the front and is washable.
The filter replacing process is straightforward and involves only several simple steps. If you want to see the process in detail, I suggest you click on the links below and read the in-depth guides I have written on filter replacement for these air purifiers.
Noise Test
What I do when comparing noise levels on air purifiers is to measure noise at all speeds separately. Usually, the air purifier with more fan speeds is quieter, and very often, my choice as a better option regarding noise. The same situation is with these two! Levoit has four, while IKEA has three fan speeds.
However, maybe somehow surprisingly, they both produce almost identical noise at minimum speeds. This surprised me because the IKEA is quiet at the first speed, almost identically to the Levoit in the sleep mode.
| Product | Noise Range (dBA) |
|---|---|
| Levoit Core 200S | 42.1 – 53.9 dBA |
| IKEA FÖRNUFTIG | 42.2 – 58.2 dBA |
The situation is slightly different on the max speeds, where the Levoit is quieter and more bearable to listen to.
All in all, I would likely choose the Levoit Core 200S air purifier if the noise levels are the only buying parameter.
Performance Tests
The first thing I want to clear before jumping to performance tests is that the Levoit Core 200S is intended for rooms up to 183 sq. ft., while the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is intended for rooms up to 108 sq. ft.
Apart from testing them in everyday use, I have performed some tests in special rooms.
Let’s continue and dive into the test in a 194 sq. ft. room and see which one of these two performed better and is more efficient in cleaning the air.
194 sq. ft. Room Tests
I have tested the Levoit Core 200S and IKEA FÖRNUFTIG in a 194 sq. ft. room. Of course, the tests were separated, after which I compared the results.
For 60 minutes, working at the max speed, Levoit improved the air quality by about 91%, while IKEA improved the air quality by about 89% in the same conditions and for the same time.
194 sq. ft. Room
* Data measuring time is 60 minutes.
I’m delighted with both results, but it’s evident that Levoit performed slightly better in this test.
Operating Costs
This is the test where IKEA cut the line and did better. The reasons are a motor of just 19W and a bit lower replacement filters price. Contrary, Levoit Core 200S uses a 37W motor and has a bit more expensive filters.
If you left these air purifiers working at the max speed, 24 hours per day, for one month, the Levoit would increase your electric bill costs by about $2.2, while the IKEA would increase your electric bill costs by just $1.2.
| Product | Wattage Range (W) |
|---|---|
| Levoit Core 200S | 0.6 – 24.6W |
| IKEA FÖRNUFTIG | 1.2 – 13.2W |
Despite IKEA being a bit cheaper for maintenance, I must say that these two air purifiers are overall inexpensive for maintenance annually.
Which One Does It Better?
This was a smooth battle between two affordable yet very different air purifiers. The most significant difference here is in the available features, which could be a buying factor for many users. If you are looking for a minimalistic air purifier, then the IKEA is for you, or if you are looking for a features rich air purifier, then the Levoit is for you.
Apart from that, in my opinion, the Levoit Core 200S is a better buying option than the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG. The reasons are more features, better performance, and quieter motor.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please use the comment box below. I will do my best to answer all the questions.
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