The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a small, very affordable, and very stylish air purifier that has been making a lot of noise lately on the market. This tremendous popularity and interest from users are justified, especially because Ikea’s air purifier can be bought almost anywhere in the world.
The trade-off in price is the lack of True HEPA filters, which directly affects the device’s overall performance.
Table of Contents
- In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary of the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG!
- Specifications
- Easy Installation and Setup Guide
- Design
- Features Overview
- Room Coverage & CADR
- Filtration Technology
- How to replace IKEA FÖRNUFTIG filters?
- Noise Test
- Performance Tests
- Operating Costs
- In-Depth Video Review: IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Air Purifier
- FAQ on IKEA FÖRNUFTIG
- Pros and Cons
- Final Thoughts
I have noticed that Ikea has released several different models since the FÖRNUFTIG and is very actively entering the air purifier market. This small air purifier is designed for rooms up to 108 sq. ft. (10 m2) It is ideal for a small bedroom, a small living room, or a similar smaller room.
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is essentially a beautiful air purifier that is very easy to set up and use.
Like all air purifiers so far, I tested the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifier’s performance to see how loud it is, how much electricity it uses, and whether this air purifier is actually worth buying. Read on to discover the answers to any doubts you may have about this air purifier.
In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary of the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG!
- Compact yet Powerful: Intended for rooms up to 108 sq. ft., making it perfect for small spaces.
- 3-Stage Filtration: Advanced filtration technology with an optional carbon filter (sold separately) for enhanced performance.
- Stylish Design: Sleek and modern, it easily blends with any home decor.
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable replacement filters keep maintenance costs low.
- One Drawback: Unfortunately, IKEA doesn’t offer a warranty for this air purifier bought in the USA.
Specifications
See the specifications of the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifier in the table below.
| Manufacturer | IKEA |
| Model | FÖRNUFTIG |
| Dimensions | 18.1 x 12.2 x 4.3 inches (46,1 x 31 x 10,9 cm) |
| Filters | Pre-Filter, HEPA Filter, and Carbon Filter |
| Filter Longevity | 4-6 months |
| Coverage | 108 sq. ft. (10 m2) |
| Wattage | 19W |
| Warranty | No (US) |
| User manual |
Easy Installation and Setup Guide
Specific preparations must be made before using the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifier for the first time. As the HEPA filter is packaged but already inserted into the device, it must be removed, unpacked, and returned back into the device.
If you buy a carbon filter, it must also be unpacked and inserted into the device below the HEPA filter.
The next step is to set up the stand where the IKEA air purifier is placed. This stand is made up of three metal parts that need to be assembled and inserted into the holes at the bottom of the device.
If you decide to hang the device on the wall, you must first screw the screws into the wall and then attach the FÖRNUFTIG to them. Something similar to when you hang a picture on the wall. But remember that the screws are not supplied with the FÖRNUFTIG. When the appliance is ready to use, plug it in, place it in the desired location, and switch it on.
Design
IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is designed as a simple air purifier with a modern look. This air purifier is available in white and black color; in both versions, the front cover is grey.
The build quality is second to none, the plastic is ok, as it should be for a device of this kind. In fact, the most important thing is that IKEA does not leave the impression of a cheap air purifier. The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has feet that can be mounted from underneath, and then the device can be placed on any hard surface. Or, if you want to mount the device on a wall, you can do so because the mounting holes are already fitted on the back of the device.
I like that the designers have thought through almost every detail. They put a carrying handle on the top, making it very easy to move the FÖRNUFTIG from one room to another. The power cord is long enough, just enough to place the device almost anywhere you want.
All in all, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a stylish air purifier that exudes minimalism and modernism in its appearance and can easily fit into almost any ambiance.
Intuitive Control Wheel
On the top side are the control wheel and the filter reset indicator.
The control wheel is the primary means of operating this device with which you switch the device on and change the fan speed.
The initial state of the control wheel is 0; with each clockwise turn, the mode switches to the next speed, a total of 3 speeds. To switch the device off, the steering wheel must be returned to position 0. This mechanical wheel allows the device to be connected to a smart plug.
Airflow
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a rectangular air purifier with filters located on the device’s front. The FÖRNUFTIG pulls air through the openings on the front, through the prefilter, which is essentially a fabric. The air is then filtered and exits through the openings on the top side of the device.
Size and Dimensions
The air purifier weighs 6.7 lb (3,3 kg). The dimensions of the device are 18.1 x 12.2 x 4.3 inches (46,1 x 31 x 10,9 cm). The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is not a very large or heavy air purifier, so you can easily move it from one place to other.
What’s in the box?
When you buy the device, you will receive an IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifier, HEPA filter, power cord, and user manual. The carbon filter is not included with the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG; it can be purchased separately.
Features Overview
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a minimal air purifier with hardly any advanced features. This model reminds me entirely of the Blueair 211+, which I recently had the opportunity to test and which, like the IKEA, uses only one control knob and an indicator to reset the filter.
In addition to the filter reset indicator, the IKEA also boasts the option to connect to a smart plug, and that’s basically it. So if you’re looking for a minimal air purifier without extra buttons that can only distract you and occupy your attention, then the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is just the model for you.
Filter Reset Indicator
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG uses a filter reset indicator located at the top, right next to the control wheel. This handy option lets you know when it’s time to change the filter. This period is usually between 4-6 months.
This way, you won’t have to manually track when you need to change the filter, and you can conveniently rely on the IKEA filter reset indicator.
Smart Plug Compatibility
As I explained at the beginning of the review, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG uses one wheel to change fan speed, which is the only control you get with this air purifier. As the control wheel is mechanical, you can attach the FÖRNUFTIG to a smart plug and thus make it at least partly a smart device.
Basically, if you want to attach it to a smart plug, all you have to do is leave the FÖRNUFTIG at the speed you want to use it at and then connect it to the smart plug. After that, you can switch the air purifier on or off from a remote location via the smartphone app.
Convenient Wall Mounting Option
In addition to being equipped with legs for the floor or any other hard surface, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG can also be wall-mounted. This is a convenient accessory, especially as the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG looks modern and can decorate the wall and the entire room in which it is placed very nicely. I recently tried the Aura Air air purifier, which is also wall-mounted and just as easy to install on the wall as the IKEA.
Warranty Details
It’s a bit unbelievable, but IKEA does not give any guarantee for the FÖRNUFTIG air purifier in the USA. I turn to IKEA’s support, which is very difficult to contact, mainly because they have no publicly accessible email, no real human chat support, and disabled Facebook chat.
I managed to get them on Twitter, where I received confirmation that they do not have a warranty for this device. If I needed any help from them within 365 days of purchase, I could contact them.
Room Coverage & CADR
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is designed for rooms up to 108 sq. ft. (10 m2) with a CFM of only 82.4 or 140 m3/h. It’s important to note that the CFM drops further if you choose to use a carbon filter, but this figure is minimal, and I don’t think it’s worth mentioning, especially when you consider how much efficiency is improved by adding a carbon filter.
This small air purifier best fits a small bedroom, small office, kitchen, or similar room that is about 100 sq. ft. (9 m2) or slightly larger.
Filtration Technology
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is equipped with a prefilter and a HEPA filter. In addition, it is possible to purchase a carbon filter. For the purpose of the review, I bought the carbon filter to test the FÖRNUFTIG at total capacity.
If we include the optional carbon filter, we can say that the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a 3-stage filtration air purifier. The filters are very affordable and efficient enough to meet the needs of ordinary households. They are not washable and require occasional replacement.
Pre-filter
The pre-filter is the first stage of filtration. It is essentially a plastic construction to which a fabric is attached. The primary purpose of the pre-filter is to collect all large dust particles, hair, pet hair, and large particles, thus preserving and extending the life of the HEPA filter.
The pre-filter is not washable but does not need replacement. It is recommended to clean it with a vacuum cleaner at least once every two weeks.
HEPA Filter
IKEA FÖRNUFTIG uses a HEPA 12 filter, which is less efficient than the True HEPA filter but has shown excellent performance. A True HEPA filter is more efficient and can stop much finer particles than the HEPA filter in the IKEA air purifier. The HEPA filter is included with the device and is not purchased separately.
Although it is not True HEPA, I am again delighted with the performance that IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has made with this HEPA filter. Perhaps it would not be a bad thing if IKEA left the option to buy a True HEPA filter.
Optional Carbon Filter
The carbon filter is the last stage of filtration and is not included with the device but can be purchased separately. This filter is credited with neutralizing odors. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get rid of odors more effectively than is possible with a HEPA filter alone.
You should note that the CFM drops slightly if you decide to put a carbon filter in the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG, but this is negligible and does not affect the coverage of this device much.
How to replace IKEA FÖRNUFTIG filters?
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG uses replaceable filters that need to be changed at a particular time. Fortunately, this air purifier uses a filter reset indicator to let you know when to replace the carbon and HEPA filters. This time is approximately 4-6 months.
The pre-filter doesn’t require replacement; however, it should be cleaned at least twice monthly.
The process of replacing the filter in this air purifier is simple and uncomplicated.
Total time: 10 min.
Step 1 – Power Off & Open Cover
To begin, switch off the air purifier and open the cover (pre-filter) on the front.
Step 2 – Remove Filters
Next, remove the HEPA and carbon filters from the unit.
Step 3 – Vacuum Unit & Pre-filter
It is advisable to vacuum the inside of the unit and pre-filter to eliminate any accumulated dust residues.
Step 4 – Reset Filter Indicator
Reset the filter reset indicator by pressing and holding the button located on the top side just below the cover for 5 seconds.
Step 5 – Insert New Filters
Proceed to unpackage the new HEPA and Carbon filters, insert them into the device, and close the front cover.
Noise Test
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has three speeds at its disposal to get the job done, which makes it much easier for me to test the volume produced by this model.
To begin with, my complaint is that this air purifier does not have a sleep mode and that at the first speed, although it is very quiet, it is still much louder than some competing devices.
| Speed | Value (dBA) |
|---|---|
| Speed 1 | 42.2 dBA |
| Speed 2 | 49.3 dBA |
| Speed 3 | 58.2 dBA |
It is loud even at maximum speed, but not that much more than the rivals. Personally, I do not mind it working at top speed, as the motor’s sound is pleasant, there is no squeaking or unpleasant noises. Note also that at maximum speed, the machine’s efficiency is highest.
I used the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG for a while in my bedroom, I like that there are no indicators because the extra light is very distracting, but I would have liked the motor sound to be at least a little quieter.
Performance Tests
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a very small air purifier designed for rooms up to 108 sq. ft.
This device has a low airflow and does not use a True HEPA filter, but it works better than I expected. Although I bought a carbon filter for testing, I can say that I am not satisfied with the performance in gas filtration. This model filters gases poorly and needs much more filtration time than some other similar air purifiers. Below I will show you the most exciting tests I have done on this device.
120 sq. ft. (11 m2) Room Test
In the first test, in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m2) room, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG improved the air quality by 91% in 60 minutes of work at maximum speed.
| # | Starting Baseline | After 60min |
|---|---|---|
| PM 2.5 | 106 | 9.6 |
| PM 10 | 148.5 | 13.4 |
| Particles | 153808 | 13972 |
| AQI | 138 | 13 |
In this test, the FÖRNUFTIG performed well in a room close to the recommended dimensions. I noticed a slightly lower performance in gas filtration, even though I used a carbon filter.
194 sq. ft. (18 m2) Room Test
I tested the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m2) room, which is slightly larger than the recommended dimensions for this product. The FÖRNUFTIG was running on Speed 3 the whole time. In 60 minutes, it improved the air quality by about 89%, which is an excellent result considering it uses a MERV-12 HEPA filter. I can say that I am pretty satisfied.
| # | Starting Baseline | After 60min |
|---|---|---|
| PM 2.5 | 102.2 | 10.3 |
| PM 10 | 143.1 | 14.4 |
| Particles | 148217 | 14977 |
| AQI | 134 | 15 |
I should mention that I used a carbon filter in all the tests, which also contributed to the performance of this model. Overall, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG performed satisfactorily, but not as well as I would expect from a modern air purifier.
Operating Costs
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG uses very little energy; it is powered by a 19W motor. This small, very inexpensive air purifier, if left running at speed 3, for 24 hours a day, will cost you about $1.2 monthly. This is a minimal cost and a very similar consumption to the Blueair 411, which like the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG, is one of the more affordable air purifiers to maintain.
In addition to the electricity costs, there is also the filter replacement cost, which is also very affordable. Suppose you choose to use only a HEPA filter without a carbon filter. In that case, the maintenance costs of this device are so minimal that it is not worth switching it off.
| Speed | Power Usage (W) |
|---|---|
| Speed 1 | 1.2W |
| Speed 2 | 5.5W |
| Speed 3 | 13.2W |
The carbon filter is slightly more expensive, but it is a matter of choice. All in all, the Ikea FÖRNUFTIG is one of the cheapest air purifiers to maintain that I have had the opportunity to test so far.
In-Depth Video Review: IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Air Purifier
Check out the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG in the video above and see more in detail how good is this air purifier. Find out how did this air purifier do on all my tests.
FAQ on IKEA FÖRNUFTIG
Is the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG ozone-free?
This air purifier is entirely safe to use and does not produce ozone.
What’s the warranty coverage for the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG?
Unfortunately, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG purchased in the USA doesn’t come with a warranty.
Does the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG have a carbon filter?
No. The carbon filter is purchased separately, and there is room for it in the device.
Pros and Cons
To revise, here are the advantages and disadvantages of the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifier:
Do you know how effective the carbon filter is?
It’s effective for neutralizing unpleasant odors, such as cooking smells, but it’s nowhere near as effective as, for example, the carbon filter on the Winix 5500-2.
Hi Milan, this was a very detailed and helpful review.
I have two questions.
Do you know if this hepa filter contains fiberglass?
And, I read that this unit can be plugged into a “smart” plug. Does that mean there is a trannsmitter or receiver built into the unit?
Hi Chris, thanks!
Unfortunately, I don’t have that information, but I will do some research and update the comment if I find anything.
It doesn’t have anything similar. Due to its mechanical wheel, you can set it to a specific speed, let’s say the second one, and then turn it on/off via the smart plug. That’s how you can make it smarter.
Hi! When it comes to power usage, is it then 13W at 3rd speed hourly or daily?
It’s actually at the moment. Converted to kWh, it’s about $0.31 kWh/day.
I just received mine today but I wonder if it’s defective because at level 1 it’s practically silent, even when I remove the filters, however if I place my hand where the fan is I can feel a little bit of air moving. On level 2 and 3 I definitely hear it working. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to sleep with it on but if it’s normal that level 1 is pretty much silent then I guess it’s great as long as it’s actually cleaning the air. I bought the carbon filter that is sold separately because I’m hoping to get rid of the smell of cannabis from the neighbour next door.
It works great at all speeds but is the most efficient on the third. That’s why I suggest running it on the third speed for some time (let’s say 15 minutes) and then switching to the first speed to maintain good air quality in your room.
when it comes to noise levels, does it makes any difference if carbon filter is installed or not? I havebought Förnuftig mainly as a white noise generator to my bedroom, I have one without carbon filter and level 1 for me is too quiet, almost no sound, can’t hear it, level 2 is too loud for small room to sleep in and level 3 is a tornado.
Having a carbon filter certainly makes a difference; not only will it help reduce noise, but it will also help efficiency.
Word of warning. I’ve used mine for about a year now and the pre filter has become filthy and greasy beyond repair. the cloth cover sheet is just coated and clogged with filth, rendering the inner filters disfunctional. no wonder guarantee isn’t provided. Sustainability score zero
Hi Milan what would be the next level up from this ikea air purifier that does have a true heap filter (but doesn’t cost the Earth, is quiet and also looks nice!! :))? Thanks , katie
Hi Katie.
Maybe some of Levoit’s budget air purifiers, such as Core 200S and Core 300S, or Blueair 411 Auto (it’s not True HEPA).
Other than that, if the Philips Series 800 (the version with activated carbon filter) is available in your country, I would also suggest it as a great buying option.
The red light on top does not go out after pressing the reset button for 5 seconds. What’s wrong?
Regards,
Jouko Patrikka
Hi Jouko,
Have you tried to press it harder or for a bit longer than 5 seconds?