Electrolux Flow A3 – What Does It Offer for the Price?

Full Review

Electrolux is a very popular brand in the world of home appliances, and you may have heard of this manufacturer if you’ve ever researched washing machines.

However, as awareness of air pollution has grown over the years, many manufacturers are adding air purifiers to their product lines, and Electrolux is no exception.

I bought the Electrolux Flow A3 with my own money, and in this review, I will present the results of all the tests we performed on this device, a detailed analysis of its specifications, and an overview of the pros and cons of this model.

Electrolux is a German brand known for its high quality and has been in the market for decades.

I also want to emphasize that the Electrolux Flow A3 isn’t as popular in the US, as it is more focused on the European and Eastern markets.

How We Tested the Electrolux Flow A3?

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 Electrolux Flow A3 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 Electrolux Flow A3 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 Electrolux Flow A3 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.

The Electrolux Flow A3 model I bought number is FA31-201GY. This model has a CADR of 106 CFM (180 m³/h), making it ideal for rooms up to 165 sq. ft. (15.3 m²).

According to the recommended dimensions, we tested the performance of this small Electrolux in two rooms — one larger than the recommended size and the other smaller than the recommended size.

In addition to the standard tests we run on all air purifiers, I also used the Electrolux Flow A3 in my home for a while to get a better overview of its actual performance.

What is immediately noticeable is the lack of larger air inlet openings, as well as slightly weaker performance in neutralizing heavy smoke odors.

However, in smaller rooms, such as bedrooms and children’s rooms, it delivered very good results in capturing airborne dust particles.

Testing in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) Room

In the first test, performed in a room slightly smaller than the recommended dimensions, the Electrolux Flow A3 achieved excellent results.

In just 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, it improved air quality by approximately 93%.

We measured air quality improvement using the Temtop air quality monitor. What’s particularly interesting is that the Electrolux Flow A3 reduced the PM2.5 particulate matter from 102.8 to 6.9 µg/m³.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the second test, this time in a room with dimensions slightly larger than the recommended size, the Electrolux Flow A3 delivered somewhat weaker results compared to the previous test.

After 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, it reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 103.2 to 10.6 µg/m³, resulting in an overall air quality improvement of 89%.

When we compare this result with some similar air purifiers, we can see that the Electrolux Flow A3 ranks somewhere in the middle.

For example, the Levoit Core 300 achieved a much better result in this test, improving air quality by 93%. Not only Levoit, but the Winix A231 also performed better, improving air quality by about 95%.

However, there are also many air purifiers with identical or very similar results. For instance, the Philips 600i Series improved air quality by 89% in this test as well.

All in all, the Electrolux Flow A3 may not be the best in its class in terms of performance, but it achieved solid results in the tests.

When it comes to the noise test, the first thing I want to mention is that when we test noise levels, we use a specialized tool to measure noise on the dBA scale.

We test each fan speed separately. The Electrolux Flow A3 has 4 fan speeds: sleep, low, medium, and high mode.

At the lowest speed (sleep mode), the Electrolux Flow A3 produces a sound level of just 40.8 dBA, which is an excellent result, on par with some of the quietest air purifiers we’ve tested so far.

When compared to similar devices (see the chart above), we can see that it ranks very well, and there aren’t many air purifiers that are significantly better optimized. For instance, the Philips 800 Series produces a sound level of 41.8 dBA at its lowest speed.

At maximum speed, the situation is somewhat different. This small air purifier produces a sound level of 62.8 dBA at max speed, which is honestly a bit higher than I expected, especially considering the noise-to-CADR ratio.

However, it’s quiet enough that I would personally use it in my bedroom without any hesitation. Most importantly, the motor runs very smoothly, it doesn’t produce any strange noises, and it produces a very pleasant noise.

When it comes to power usage, I have to say that the Electrolux Flow A3 is very well optimized. This small air purifier uses a motor with a power of only 20W, which ranks it highly in terms of energy consumption compared to the competition.

If you were to use this air purifier at max speed, 24 hours a day, for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by about $1.67, which is a very small cost, especially considering that you likely won’t always use this model at max speed.

Compared to some similar air purifiers, there aren’t many ones with lower energy consumption. One device that consumes less energy on a monthly basis is the Aroeve MK01, which would cost you around $1.36. However, this model also showed much worse performance results in our tests.

In addition to electricity costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters, which need to be changed on average once a year.

However, replacement filters for the Electrolux Flow A3 are somewhat more expensive than those of the competition and a bit harder to find, especially in the US market.

This, combined with its energy consumption, slightly lowers our rating for the operating costs of this model compared to competing devices.

Filtration Technology

The Electrolux Flow A3 uses three-stage filtration technology consisting of a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter.

The filter is cylindrical in shape, hollow in the middle, and located inside the bottom part of the device.

This is a standard filter design typical of cylindrical air purifiers. Electrolux hasn’t shown any innovations when it comes to filtration technology.

Pre-filter

The first stage of filtration is the pre-filter. It’s a nylon mesh filter that is attached to the main (HEPA) filter.

In this way, the pre-filter captures large particles such as hair, pet hair, large dust particles, and similar.

This filter layer extends the life of HEPA filters but also increases the overall efficiency of the air purifier.

HEPA Filter

The HEPA filter is the second stage of filtration and the most important filter in this device. This filter captures small airborne particles such as dust, pollen, mold spores, allergens, and even some viruses and bacteria.

It is important to note that the HEPA filter is responsible for the excellent performance this model achieved in our airborne particle removal tests.

Activated Carbon Filter

The final stage of filtration is the activated carbon filter, whose primary purpose is to neutralize bad odors.

It’s important to mention that this filter is pellet-based, which makes it much more effective than some fibrous filters coated with carbon, which are very common in similar air purifiers within this price range.

Although I can’t say that the Electrolux Flow A3 has the capacity to neutralize heavy odors like cigarette smoke, I must admit that it performs quite well in neutralizing light odors and small amounts of unpleasant smells in the space.

How to Replace the Electrolux Flow A3 Filter?

This air purifier doesn’t use a washable filter, which means you need to replace the filter from time to time.

The replacement period is approximately every 12 months. The Electrolux Flow A3 has a filter reset indicator that lights up when it’s time to replace the filter.

The filter replacement procedure is extremely simple and consists of just a few steps.

Room Coverage & CADR

This is a very small air purifier with a CADR of just 106 CFM (180 m³/h), which means that the Electrolux Flow A3 will clean all the air in a 165 sq. ft. (15.3 m²) room 4.8 times in one hour.

This is also the recommended room size for using this air purifier.

However, it’s also important to note that the Electrolux Flow A3 will clean the air twice in one hour in a room of about 400 sq. ft. (37 m²).

Setup and Installation

The Electrolux Flow A3 doesn’t require any advanced preparation before the first start except for preparing the filter.

What you need to do is remove the filter from the device, unpack it from the plastic packaging, and return it to the device.

After that, connect the power adapter to the device, place it in the desired location, making sure not to block the airflow, plug it into the power outlet, and turn it on.

Design

Although the Electrolux Flow A3 features a classic cylindrical design, I must say that it still reflects some unique design principles.

It’s available in a light gray color with some black details. The build quality is excellent, and we can say that it consists of two parts.

The upper part contains the motor, air quality sensor, and display with controls, while the lower part houses the filter.

Although the gray color might seem unusual, I believe that the Electrolux Flow A3 will fit into almost any environment.

LED Indicators and Controls

On the top part of the device, there is a control panel consisting of touch buttons and LED indicators.

Here, you can find touch buttons for power, toggle mode & filter reset, and fan speed control.

In addition, there are indicators for filter reset, air quality, fan speeds, auto mode, and sleep mode.

All in all, although the controls are very clear and easy to use, I must say that I miss the option for a remote control or, even better, the option to connect it to a smart app.

Airflow

The Electrolux Flow A3 draws air through small openings at the bottom of the device, then filters the air and releases it through the openings at the top of the device.

However, in my opinion, a major drawback of this model is that it has very small air intake openings. Because of this, I believe its airflow is reduced, and the filter also wears out unevenly.

Size and Dimensions

The dimensions of the Electrolux Flow A3 air purifier are 9.4 x 9.4 x 14.9 inches (24 x 24 x 38 cm). It weighs 6.2 lb (2.8 kg).

What’s in the box?

When you buy the Electrolux Flow A3 (FA31-201GY) air purifier, you’ll get 1x Air Purifier, 1x Pre-installed Filter, 1x Power Cord, and 1x User Manual.

Before the first start of your air purifier, please unwrap the filter from the plastic wrap.

Features Overview

Although the Electrolux Flow A3 doesn’t have smart features, it still has some useful features for everyday use.

What I miss is the ability to control remotely and the option to connect to a smart app. At the moment, I’m also testing another air purifier from the sister company, the AEG AX5, which has the ability to connect to a smart app, making everyday use of the device much easier.

Air Quality Sensor & Indicator

The air quality sensor is located at the back of the device, and its purpose is to monitor air quality in real-time and send this data to other features on the device, such as the air quality indicator and auto mode.

Essentially, the air quality sensor tracks the concentration of PM2.5 particulate matter in the air.

The air quality indicator is located just below the power button. It’s essentially a semicircular line that lights up in different colors depending on the level of PM2.5 particles in the air.

Light’s Color	PM 2.5 (µg/m³)	Air Quality
Blue	0-15	Very good
Green	16-35	Good
Orange	36-75	Bad
Red	>75	Very bad

Although the air quality indicator is a very useful feature, I miss having a display of the exact PM2.5 particle count, which could ideally be shown on the display or via a smart app. Unfortunately, this model has neither of these options.

Auto Mode

Auto mode is another feature that works in combination with the air quality sensor.

When set to auto mode, the air purifier will change the fan speed based on the current air quality.

This means that if the air in your home is heavily polluted, the air purifier will switch to a higher speed. Once the air quality improves, the operating mode will automatically decrease.

Auto mode is a very useful feature for anyone who wants to let the air purifier do its job and be sure that the air in the room will always be clean and of high quality without having to manually adjust the fan speeds.

Sleep Mode

When in sleep mode, the air purifier will operate at the lowest speed, and all indicators on the device will dim except for the sleep mode indicator.

Warranty

The Electrolux Flow A3 comes with a two-year warranty.

However, depending on the market and supplier, this warranty period can often be longer.

FAQ on Electrolux Flow A3