AROEVE MK01 Air Purifier Review – Justifies the Popularity?

Full Review

Frankly, I’m impressed with the popularity of Aroeve air purifiers, but I hadn’t tested any until I purchased the Aroeve MK01. It’s the smallest unit in the Aroeve series, but I decided to buy it and start from the beginning. 

The Aroeve MK01 doesn’t offer any exceptional features beyond its aromatic function, and I couldn’t help but notice it doesn’t have satisfying build quality. It also showed underwhelming performance during our testing.

What truly caught my attention was its low coverage. While not having impressive CADR, it does a great job in small spaces that aren’t heavily polluted.

We tested its performance, noise levels, and power usage and did an in-depth walkthrough of its features. How good is the Aroeve MK01 air purifier? Did it fulfill my expectations, and did it justify its popularity? All these questions and many others will be answered in the following article. So, keep reading!

How We Tested the AROEVE MK01?

1. For the filter efficiency testing, we used the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter, which measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI.

2. We placed the AROEVE MK01 in two separate performance tests, one in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room and the other in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the AROEVE MK01 run at maximum speed.

3. After 60 minutes, we measured the new values using the Temtop laser particle meter and saved the data.

4. Next, we placed the AROEVE MK01 in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke. Then, we measured how much time was needed for the air purifier to remove all the smoke from the box.

5. Using a special noise measurement tool, we tested the air purifier’s noise level at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale.

6. Finally, we measured the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculated how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we used an energy price of $0.12 per kWh.

Regarding the performance tests, I must say that I’m not truly satisfied with the Aoreve MK01 performance. First and foremost, its room coverage is very low, limiting its ability to deliver significant results in the performance tests.

Furthermore, its filter is relatively small and becomes dirty very quickly.

With a CADR of just 30 CFM (51 m³/h), it’s hard to expect it to do anything revolutionary regarding airborne particle capturing.

We’ve tested many air purifiers of a similar size, and honestly, not many of them have shown remarkable performance. One of the examples that come to mind is the Jinpus GL-2103, which performed even worse in the tests compared to the Aroeve MK01.

Moreover, the Aroeve MK01 falls short in effectively filtering and neutralizing unpleasant odors. I believe this is due to the small amount of carbon in the carbon filter.

For these reasons, I recommend getting a larger air purifier from Aroeve if you like the brand. Alternatively, you might consider other brands and models, such as the Levoit Core 200S or even the budget-friendly IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifier.

Testing in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) Room

In the first test, performed in a room of 120 sq. ft. (11 m²), which is nearly three times larger than the recommended dimensions, we ran the Aroeve MK01 for 60 minutes.

During this time, it managed to improve air quality by approximately 86% while operating at the maximum speed all the time. While this result may not be exceptional, it’s good given this air purifier’s motor power and CADR.

It reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 105.1 to 13.5 µg/m³. What positively surprised me is that the Aroeve made better results than the IKEA UPPÅTVIND in this test. The IKEA improved the air quality in the similar conditions by 82%.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend using it in rooms much larger than the recommended dimensions of 47 sq. ft. In the recommended room size, the Aroeve MK01 reaches 4.8 air changes per hour, which follows the AHAM standard.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

We performed one more test, this time in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, which is much larger than the recommended dimensions.

In this 60-minute test, operating at the maximum speed, the Aroeve MK01 managed to improve air quality by approximately 82%, which falls well below the performance of some competitive air purifiers.

This further confirms that this air purifier is not well-suited for use in rooms much larger than those recommended.

Performance – Smoke Removal Test

I will be direct: the Aroeve MK01 is one of the worst performers among all the air purifiers we tested in our smoke test.

It needed 139 seconds to remove all the smoke from the glass box. In comparison with some similar air purifiers, this is a terrible result.

Even some equal-sized air purifiers, such as the Levoit Core Mini and Blueair Mini Max, made better results. The Levoit needed 74 seconds.

In my opinion, extremely low CADR and a very small filter are the reasons for such low performance in this test.

This air purifier has three fan speeds: sleep mode, speed 1, and speed 2. It’s a compact air purifier with a relatively low-power motor, contributing to its status as one of the quietest air purifiers we’ve tested.

In sleep mode, it produces a sound of just 40.9 dBA, making it ideal for bedroom use, especially when combined with pleasant ambient light. In comparison with some similar air purifiers, the Aroeve is one of the quietest at the lowest speed (see the chart below).

Even at the maximum speed, it remains very quiet, producing only 57.9 dBA. You can find a detailed comparison of noise levels at each speed in the table below.

Despite its impressive quietness, it’s important to note that this air purifier doesn’t meet all of our testing standards, particularly when comparing the CADR to noise ratio with some competing air purifiers.

Frankly, I expected the Aroeve MK01 to be a smaller power consumer, such as the Blueair Mini Max, and to use a motor of below 10W.

However, the Aroeve MK01 uses a motor of 17W, which is, in my opinion, too high for such a small CADR. I think there’s room for optimization, especially when considering the power-to-coverage ratio.

Some even larger air purifiers I have tested use motors of smaller power but have much larger CADRs. For instance, the Blueair 411 Auto has a CADR three to four times higher than the Aroeve, with only a 10W motor.

At the maximum speed, the Aroeve MK01 consumes 15.5W (with ambient lights and UV turned off), which, when factored in, doesn’t add up to much in terms of electricity costs. If you were to run this air purifier 24/7 at maximum speed for one month, it would increase your electric bill by about $1.4, which is a tolerable expense.

The IKEA UPPÅTVIND would cost you $0.59 in the same conditions, but it’s a bit more powerful air purifier with a much better power-to-CADR ratio.

On the other hand, the primary cost to consider is the price of replacement filters, which need to be changed every 3-6 months.

Notably, the Aroeve MK01 replacement filter is one of the most affordable on the market, coupled with its relatively low power consumption, making this air purifier cost-effective for annual maintenance.

Filtration Technology

The Aroeve MK01 air purifier relies on a 3-stage filtration technology as its primary defense against particulates. The filter itself is cylindrical, hollow through the middle, and located in the bottom part of the device.

The Aroeve filter is relatively small, non-washable, and typically lasts for about 3 to 6 months.

The first filtration layer is a pre-filter, which is a nylon mesh attached to the main HEPA filter. Its purpose is to block larger particles before they reach the primary filter, extending its lifespan and enhancing overall filtration efficiency. I recommend cleaning the pre-filter at least twice a month with a vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth.

The main filter, the HEPA filter, is the second filtration stage and is the most crucial filtration layer in this air purifier. It captures particles like dust, lint, fibers, hair, airborne allergens, and pet fur.

The final filtration stage features an activated carbon filter designed to neutralize unpleasant odors and adsorb gases and certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It’s not pellet-based; instead, it’s a fibrous filter coated with carbon, which is typically somewhat less effective than pellet-based carbon filters. I generally don’t recommend small air purifiers like this one for tackling heavy smoke, odors, or VOCs. For that purpose, the Winix 5500-2 air purifier with a pellet-based carbon filter is a more suitable choice.

One additional point worth noting is that some versions of this air purifier included the UV light feature. However, the company hasn’t explained the technology clearly, so I can’t confirm whether it uses genuine germicidal UV-C light capable of killing viruses and bacteria.

Setup & Installation

This compact air purifier doesn’t require any special preparation before the first use. The only thing you must do is to prepare the filter, a fact I consistently highlight in all my reviews. I’ve received feedback from individuals who overlooked this crucial step and ended up wasting months of filtration.

Thankfully, the filter preparation process is straightforward. Everything you need to do is to open the filter cover on the bottom and pull out the filter. Then, remove the protective wrap from the filter and reinsert it into the device.

Once you’ve completed this procedure, your air purifier is ready to purify the air in your home. Simply position it in your desired location, plug it in, and power it on.

Ensure that your air purifier is positioned at least a few inches away from walls or other objects, and avoid any obstruction of the airflow. This precaution is crucial as it safeguards the device from potential damage and ensures optimal performance.

Design

This is a simple air purifier with nothing innovative regarding design. It looks like many competitive air purifiers on the market. 

The build is cylindrical, consisting of two parts: the bottom half where the filter is and the top half where the motor, controls, aroma pad, and air outlets are.

The Aroeve MK01 comes in white or black; the model I purchased for this review is in black. Afterward, this may not have been the wisest choice, as the plastic material used appears to be of low quality, and every touch of the black plastic leaves fingerprints on it. Furthermore, the overall build quality falls below expectations.

What’s good about this model is its portability, making it easy to move from room to room. Overall, this air purifier doesn’t have anything revolutionary to offer in terms of design, but it will easily fit into almost any ambient. Just be sure to choose your preferred color (white or black) thoughtfully to blend it with your room’s decor.

Controls

The Aroeve air purifier has simple touch controls placed on the top of the device. Actually, there is a control panel including touch-sensitive buttons, light indicators, and an aromatic pad slot.

Evidently, the Aroeve MK01 lacks a remote control feature and doesn’t work with a smart app. Therefore, users are limited to using the built-in touch controls only. While this may not be a significant problem, I must say that I haven’t ever used an air purifier with such tiny and messy controls, which is a big disadvantage of this air purifier, along with poorly arranged light indicators.

In my opinion, it would be much better if it had an external remote or just if there was more spacing between the touch buttons and the indicators.

Size and Dimensions

When discussing its dimensions, I must highlight that this is one of the smallest air purifiers I have tested. It’s even smaller than I initially thought it would be.

The Aroeve MK01 measures 6.1 x 6.1 x 9.7 inches (15.5 x 15.5 x 24.6 cm) and weighs just 3 lbs (1.4 kg).

What’s in the box?

After purchasing the AROEVE MK01, you will get an air purifier, a filter, an aroma pad, and a user manual.

Features Overview

This is a simple air purifier with just a few features to highlight. It’s an almost completely minimalistic device, with only a few standard features that are essential in modern air purifiers, as I will explain in the continuation of the article.

Night Light

The Aroeve MK01 features a blue night light with two adjustable levels chosen by pressing the light button on the control panel.

However, this same button also activates a UV light, which emits a different shade of blue compared to the night light and is placed inside the device. I wouldn’t talk much about the UV light because of two reasons: 

1. The company’s explanation is lacking, and it’s unclear if a UV light exists.
2. It’s uncertain whether the UV light is effective or if it’s just a standard light with no bacteria-killing capability.

Sleep Mode

Sleep mode is an interesting and useful feature, especially if you plan to use the air purifier in a bedroom, which is my top recommendation, given its limited room coverage (low CADR).

Activating sleep mode will dim all the indicators and set the air purifier to its lowest speed. This quiet setting is all you need for a bedroom or a similar-sized room, not much larger than 47 sq. ft.

Timer

The timer is a standard feature with a simple function: to automatically turn off the air purifier after a set amount of time. You can configure your Aroeve to turn off after 6 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours.

Compared to most air purifiers, which typically offer timer options for 2 hours, 4 hours, or 6 hours, the Aroeve’s timer settings are more adaptable with its wider ranges.

Essential Oils Pad

Frankly, this isn’t my first time seeing an essential oil pad in an air purifier. To date, I’ve tested the Levoit Core Mini and LV-H128, which feature this function and work on the same principles.

The essential oils pad in the Aroeve MK01 is similar to these models and doesn’t show any significant innovations. It works by applying a few drops of essential oil onto the aroma pad, which is positioned just above the air outlets on the top. Then, when the air goes through the vents, it spreads the essential oil through the room.

These essential oil pads are replaceable and should be changed after a certain period (not a predefined time; it depends on how frequently you use this feature). They typically come in a package containing several pads, which can last for a few months, depending on how often you intend to use essential oils with your device.

Airflow

The Aroeve MK01 is a cylindrical air purifier with air inlets at the bottom. These inlets consist of small openings arranged across the entire bottom half of the device.

When the device draws air in, it’s filtered within through the 3-stage filtration technology and exits through openings at the top of the device.

Warranty

The Aroeve MK01 comes with a 2-year warranty, which is a standard duration in the market. What’s noteworthy about Aroeve is that you don’t need to register your device on the website to activate the warranty; it’s automatically activated on the day of purchase.

Room Coverage & CADR

Coverage is one of the most important specifications of an air purifier, alongside its filtration technology. Regarding the Aroeve MK01, I couldn’t find any official statement about its Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), so I measured it myself and got a value of approximately 30 CFM.

Based on this calculation and adhering to the AHAM standard, I recommend using the Aroeve MK01 in rooms of around 47 sq. ft. In such a room, it will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour.

However, Aroeve suggests using this air purifier in much larger rooms, approximately 215 sq. ft., claiming it will achieve one air change per hour in such spaces. Considering that AHAM recommends that an air purifier should provide 4.8 air changes per hour, and considering that the Aroeve didn’t perform exceptionally well in larger room tests, I wouldn’t recommend using it in rooms much larger than 47 sq. ft.

FAQ on AROEVE MK01