Xiaomi Mi 3H Vs IKEA FÖRNUFTIG – Smart Versus Cheap? (2023)

Xiaomi and IKEA are two well-known brands offering a variety of different purpose products in their product line. In this comparison, I will compare Xiaomi Mi 3H and IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifiers.

The first thing I can say about these two air purifiers is that they are one of the most affordable devices in their class. However, many differences make these two unique, each in its own way.

Ikea FÖRNUFTIG is designed for rooms up to 108 sq. ft., while the Xiaomi Mi 3H is designed for rooms up to 484 sq. ft. It’s a huge difference, do you agree? However, I received many inquiries on which of these two air purifiers to choose, so it will be my pleasure to compare them and resolve the dilemma.

This article covers essential details, various tests, and buying suggestions for these two air purifiers. Keep reading and find out whether IKEA FÖRNUFTIG, which is also a cheaper air purifier, can compete with the Xiaomi Mi 3H.

Specs: IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Vs Xiaomi Mi 3H

Features Overview

IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a minimalistic air purifier that does not have any features to highlight. This model boasts a filter reset indicator as well as the ability to be used with a smart plug.

The Xiaomi Mi 3H, on the other hand, is a smart air purifier that has plenty of advanced features. The air quality sensor, smart app, and auto mode are just a few that I would like to highlight as my favorites.

Air Quality Sensor and Indicator

Since I have already mentioned that IKEA has no advanced options, I believe you somehow expected the air quality sensor feature to be available only on the Xiaomi Mi 3H air purifier.

This sensor is located on the back of Xiaomi, detects dust particles in real time, and works in combination with some other options on the device. For example, the current air quality values will be displayed in different colors on the air quality indicator located around the control button, on display, and via the smart application.

All in all, this is a handy feature that simplifies the device use and presents a better view of the current air quality.

I want to emphasize that Xiaomi, in addition to air quality sensors, also has temperature and humidity sensors. All this combined provides the user with a more comprehensive view of the state of the air in the room where Xiaomi is placed.

Auto Mode

Auto mode is another feature available only on Xiaomi, which works in combination with the air quality sensor as well.

Basically, when in auto mode, the Xiaomi will automatically change the working mode depending on the current air quality.

This can be a beneficial option, especially for people who prefer the device to do everything for them and not to think about whether they have set it up well or not.

Smart App

The smart app is another feature that adorns the Xiaomi Mi 3H. This air purifier can be connected to Mi Home, a universal application used for all Xiaomi products. It is available on Android and iOS devices.

By connecting to a smart app, you open up new possibilities for this air purifier, available only through the app. Of the options I would single out, manual mode and scenes are my favorites and, I believe, the most helpful ones.

In addition, a detailed view of air quality filtered by day and a detailed overview of filter wear are also very useful options available just after connecting the air purifier to a smart app.

Filter Reset Indicator

So you don’t have to monitor the filter status manually, there is a filter reset indicator built-in on both devices.

IKEA has an LED light that will light up as a notice that the old filter needs replacing. On Xiaomi, the filter reset indicator is a bit modernized, so you will be able to monitor the percentage of filter wear via the smart app or on display immediately after turning on the device.

I like Xiaomi’s filter reset indicator much more, mainly because it allows you to plan the time when to buy a filter.

Warranty 

Xiaomi provides a 1-year warranty for the Mi 3H air purifier.

Even though it may be hard to believe, IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has no warranty. So keep this in mind before buying a device.

Airflow

Xiaomi has a filter located on the bottom part of the device. It draws air in through the openings on all sides except the backside. The air is then filtered and exits through the openings on the top.

The IKEA draws air in on the front through the front cover (a pre-filter), which is then filtered and exits at the top.

Filtration Technology

When it comes to filtration, I must say that this is also an area where Xiaomi is far ahead of IKEA in terms of filtration quality.

Xiaomi uses 3 stage filtration consisting of a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. On the other hand, IKEA uses 2-stage filtration initially, while the carbon filter remains as an option for additional purchase.

What I would resent about IKEA is that it does not have a True HEPA filter and that a carbon filter needs to be purchased separately. Xiaomi uses the True HEPA filter, and that’s one of the main reasons I think Xiaomi did better on performance tests.

Xiaomi uses a cylindrical filter, hollow through the middle, while IKEA uses rectangular filters. One more, not more minor but very important difference when it comes to filters is that IKEA uses a permanent pre-filter, which means that you basically just have to replace the HEPA and carbon filters periodically.

How to Replace Filters on These Air Purifiers?

The process of replacing filters is straightforward in the case of both devices. A mitigating circumstance is that both air purifiers have a filter reset indicator that will notify you when it is time to replace the filter.

Xiaomi filter lasts on average between 6-12 months, while IKEA filters last on average between 4-6 months.

The ability to track the current filter wear in percentages is a feature that blew me away and is only available at Xiaomi.

If you want to ensure that you have followed the filter replacement procedure well, I suggest reading the detailed instructions for the filter replacement procedure on the links below.

Noise Test

The noise test procedure involves testing the volume on each speed separately. What I want to emphasize at the beginning is that the fact that Xiaomi has 5 fan speeds is its significant advantage, especially when compared to the 3 speeds that IKEA has.

Xiaomi has a sleep mode, which produces a sound of only 40.9 dBA, making it an ideal choice for the bedroom. On the other hand, IKEA does not have sleep mode, but it is not too loud at the first speed and produces a sound of about 42.2 dBA.

At maximum speed, unfortunately, both devices produce a slightly louder sound. But it should be borne in mind that the performance is the best at this speed and that the devices are the most efficient on it as well.

Although it is louder at max speed, the fact that it has more fan speeds, and is quieter at the lowest speeds, makes Xiaomi a generally quieter air purifier.

Performance Tests

Almost four times larger room coverage gives Xiaomi a significant advantage in performance tests. Therefore, I did not test these two devices in rooms of the same sizes, but tested them in rooms close to their room coverage.

I want to emphasize that both devices performed very well, and I’m just surprised by the results of some tests.

How I Tested These Two?

I tested Xiaomi in rooms of 320 sq. ft. and 560 sq. ft. In the 320 sq. ft. room, which is smaller than the recommended dimensions, this air purifier improved the air quality by about 95% in 60 minutes of operation at max speed. In the second test, in the 560 sq. ft. room, it was somewhat less efficient and improved air quality by about 90% in 60 minutes, working at max speed all the time as well.

In the first test, IKEA improved air quality by about 90% in a room of 120 sq. ft. within 60 minutes of operation at max speed. While in the second test, this time in a room of 194 sq. ft., it made a slightly worse result improving air quality by about 89% in 60 minutes.

All in all, these are very good results, and I must say that I am satisfied with the performance of both devices. I would prefer Xiaomi, which has had better results and has generally proven to be an air purifier with better performance.

Operating Costs

When we talk about power consumption, I must say that I expected that IKEA would prove to be more inexpensive. The main reason is that IKEA has a power of only 19W, which is twice less than the 38W that Xiaomi has.

If we left both devices running at max speed, 24 hours a day, and so on for a month, Xiaomi would increase your electricity bill by about $3.4, while IKEA would increase your electricity bill by about $1.2.

In addition to the cost of electricity, there is also the cost of replacement filters, which, despite having longer-lasting filters, is slightly more expensive for Xiaomi.

Overall, I conclude that IKEA is a slightly cheaper air purifier to maintain on an annual basis.