IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Review – Is it a Good Value for the Money?

Full Review

The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a small, very affordable, and stylish air purifier that has been making a lot of noise on the market lately.

I think this huge popularity is truly justified, especially because IKEA’s air purifiers can be bought almost anywhere in the world.

IKEA has released several different models since the FÖRNUFTIG and is actively entering the air purifier market.

This small air purifier is ideal for a small bedroom, a small living room, or a similar smaller room.

Like all air purifiers so far, we tested the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG’s performance, noise level, and operating costs and will determine whether this air purifier is actually worth buying. So, keep reading to find out!

How We Tested the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG?

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 IKEA FÖRNUFTIG in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG 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 IKEA FÖRNUFTIG 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 IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a very small air purifier designed for rooms up to 108 sq. ft. (10 m²). It will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour in such a room.

This device has low airflow and doesn’t use a True HEPA filter, but it works better than I expected.

Although I bought a carbon filter for testing purposes, I’m not satisfied with its performance in gas filtration. It filters gases poorly and needs much more filtration time than some other similar air purifiers.

If odor neutralization was my main concern, I would rather go with air purifiers such as the Winix 5500-2.

Testing in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) Room

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 operation at maximum speed.

This room is close to the recommended dimensions, which is why I expected the FÖRNUFTIG to achieve such great results.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

I tested the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, which is slightly larger than the recommended dimensions for this air purifier.

The FÖRNUFTIG was running at maximum speed the entire 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’m quite satisfied.

However, I must mention that some much smaller air purifiers achieved similar or better results in this test. For example, the Levoit Core 300S improved air quality by about 94% in the same test. Additionally, the Xiaomi 4 Compact, the Philips Series 800, and the Hathaspace HSP001 also improved air quality by about 94% in this room.

Overall, I would say that the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG achieved very good results in this and other tests, especially considering the price for which we get such performance.

Performance – Smoke Removal Test

Although the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG didn’t achieve a result that would place it among the top-performing air purifiers in the smoke test, it still did a great job.

The FÖRNUFTIG managed to remove all the smoke from the smoke box in 44 seconds. In contrast, some smaller air purifiers did it much faster: the Blueair 411 Auto needed 27 seconds, and the Xiaomi 4 Compact needed 22 seconds.

Please keep in mind that the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG comes without the activated carbon filter. I purchased one, and it was included in this test.

I believe the result would have been even slower without the activated carbon filter.

This air purifier has three fan speeds controlled through the knob on the top. It doesn’t have a sleep mode, but it is generally quiet at the lowest speed.

The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG produces a sound of 42.2 dBA at the lowest speed, which is comparable to the noise level of some competing air purifiers.

Furthermore, the FÖRNUFTIG is one of the quietest air purifiers at the maximum speed, producing only 58.2 dBA. In comparison, the much smaller Philips Series 800 produces a sound of 62.8 dBA.

I used the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG in my bedroom for some time and easily got used to its noise. The only issue I had with it is that it doesn’t have a night light or a light sensor to adjust the fan speed based on the time of day.

The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a well-optimized air purifier with a motor of just 19W. It uses only 13.2W at the maximum speed.

If you were to use this air purifier at the maximum speed, 24 hours daily, for a period of one month, your electricity bill would increase by about $1.16. This is very affordable and significantly below the cost of some competing air purifiers.

In comparison, the Levoit Core 300S would cost about $2.01, and the GermGuardian AC4825 would cost even more, about $3.78.

The only air purifier worth mentioning that would cost you less is the Blueair 411 Auto ($0.80), but it has a motor of 10W.

In addition to the power use costs, there is also the filter replacement cost, which is very affordable. However, if we add an activated carbon filter, the replacement filter costs would increase slightly.

All in all, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is one of the cheapest air purifiers to maintain that I have tested so far.

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.

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.

FAQ on IKEA FÖRNUFTIG