Levoit Core Mini Review 2023 – Budget, But Is It Efficient?

In this review, I  thoroughly tested another air purifier from Levoit’s Core series. It is the Levoit Core Mini, a small air purifier, the smallest in the series, but with some innovative and unusual additions that make it interesting and worth considering. This air purifier covers very small rooms, up to 71 sq. ft., and in a room of this size, it cleans the air 4.8 times in one hour.

Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier - Review
I placed the Levoit Core Mini on the small desk in my living room.

The Levoit Core Mini is characterized by the addition of aroma pads, 3-stage filtration technology, very low power consumption, and convenient maintenance. I would say that the Core Mini is the air purifier that fits best in a small bedroom, a small office, or a small room within the recommended dimensions. With the addition of aroma, it will not only clean the air in your room but will also freshen the room with the scent of essential oils.

In the following paragraphs, I am presenting the results of all the tests I have carried out on the Core Mini air purifier, I am describing its specifications, and I am writing about the build quality as well as everything that is associated with this small device. So read on and find out if this is the air purifier for you!

Short on Time? Here’s My Short Summary of The Levoit Core Mini!

  • The Levoit Core Mini is a very small air purifier that covers rooms up to 71 sq. ft.
  • This air purifier uses a 3-stage filtration technology consisting of a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.
  • Thanks to an motor of only 7W, the Core Mini needs very little energy.
  • Levoit provides a 2-year warranty on this model.

Specifications

In the table below, you can see the specifications of the Levoit Core Mini air purifier.

Manufacturer Levoit
Model Core Mini
Dimensions 6.5 x 6.5 x 10.4 inches (16.4 x 16.4 x 26.4 cm)
Weight 2.2 lb (1 kg)
Filters Pre-filter, HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Longevity 4-6 months
Room Coverage (4.8 ACH) 71 sq. ft.
Number of Fan Speeds 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3
Power Consumption 7W
Warranty 2-year
User manual PDF

Setup and Installation

The Levoit Core Mini is a very small air purifier that comes in an equally small package. However, due to the specific way it is packaged, it requires some preparation before the first start-up.

Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier - Disassembled
You have to disassemble the Levoit Core Mini, as shown in the image above.

To start, remove the packaging of the device from the box. Next, separate the top and bottom of the device and remove the filter and the supplied power supply from the bottom of the device. Unpack the filter, insert it back into the device and screw the top part to the bottom part. Then remove the power supply and connect it to the device. Place the Core Mini in the desired location, move it at least 15 centimeters away from the wall or other objects, plug it in, and switch it on safely.

Always place the air purifier on a hard, dry surface, preferably a table, bedside table, or on the floor.

Design

I don’t think much needs to be said about the design of this air purifier. The Levoit Core Mini is basically a small air purifier with a smooth, cool design. It has a characteristic cylindrical shape and consists of two parts that are separated from each other. The lower part houses the 3-in-1 filter, while the upper part houses the motor, the control knob, the aroma pad, and the slot for the power supply.

Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier - Design
This is what the Levoit Core Mini looks like on my office desk.

As far as build quality is concerned, I have to say that this is a device of quite decent quality, just enough for this type of device. The controls are placed in an accessible location, it is easy to carry around, and the simple/minimalist design makes me confident that it fits in with almost any environment.

I also like the fact that the Aroma Pad is very well hidden and does not interfere with daily use. It is located near the top of the device in a special “drawer” that can be pulled out.

Controls

The control panel, consisting of indicators and one control button, is located on the top of the device. To begin with, I would like to point out that the control knob is based on touch technology. It is very precise and very well placed. I would also point out that the indicators are clearly visible and legible. Above the control knob are the indicators for the current fan speed and the filter reset indicator (which only lights up when it is time to change the filter).

Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier - Controls
The control button and indicators are located on the top of the device.

Please note that the indicator lights automatically switch off after 60 seconds of no use. This is very good if you intend to use the device in a bedroom or similar room where the indicator light might disturb you.

Airflow

As I mentioned earlier, the Levoit Core Mini is cylindrical in shape and consists of two parts. The lower part consists of small round holes arranged on all sides. Through lower holes, the air purifier sucks in air, which is then filtered and exits through the openings on the top of the device.

Size and Dimensions

The air purifier weighs 2.2 lb (1 kg). The dimensions of the device are: 6.5 x 6.5 x 10.4 inches (16.4 x 16.4 x 26.4 cm). The Levoit Core Mini is a very small air purifier, and, in short, the lack of slots or handles for carrying is not a problem as the device is very light. I am sure you will have no problems carrying it from one location to another.

What’s in the Box?

When you buy the device, you will receive a Core Mini Air Purifier, 3-Stage Filter (pre-installed), Aroma Pad (pre-installed), AC adapter, and user manual.

The Levoit Core Mini is packaged in a somewhat specific way, so I suggest you read the instructions I have written for installing and setting up the device for first use.

Features

The Levoit Core Mini is a small and minimalistic air purifier that doesn’t have many advanced features. In fact, this device has a few essential options, such as a filter reset indicator, and that’s it. However, it is the Aroma Box feature that takes it to a slightly higher level and makes it unique and exceptional on the market.

Filter Reset Indicator

The filter reset indicator is a very useful option that lets you know when it’s time to change the filter. This indicator is located on the control panel but is not always visible, only when it is time to change the filter. You will know and notice this very easily as the indicator will glow bright red.

Aroma Pad

I have to admit that I first saw this option on the Levoit LV-H128, and I was simply blown away by it, mainly because I am a fan of essential oils.

Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier - Aroma Pad
This picture shows the Aroma Pad pulled out from the device.

The Aroma Box is basically the part on the top of the gadget where the Aroma Pad is placed, into which you can drip essential oil, preferably 5-7 drops. After you switch on the air purifier, the airflow is such that the air will pass through the Aroma Box and thus disperse the scent of the essential oil throughout the room.

Please note that the Aroma Pad is consumable and must be replaced after a certain period of use.

Never mix different essential oils and always clean the Aroma Box before using another essential oil.

Warranty

Levoit, like all other models, gives a 2-year warranty on this model. To confirm the warranty, I recommend that you register the air purifier on the Levoit website immediately after purchase, wherever you buy it.

Room Coverage and CADR

The Levoit Core Mini is, as I have mentioned countless times, a very small air purifier, so it covers rooms of only 71 sq. ft. In such a large room, the device will clean the air 4.8x in one hour, and I personally recommend using the device in rooms of these dimensions.

However, the Core Mini scored very well in the performance tests I conducted in larger rooms, which means that it could be very useful in slightly larger rooms. For example, this air purifier will clean the air twice in one hour in a room up to 178 sq. ft.

If you’re still looking for an air purifier that’s a little bigger and more powerful, there are always other models in the Core series, such as the Levoit Core 200S. In short, remember that the Core Mini is designed for small rooms, and if you need a device for larger rooms, look for another, more powerful model.

Levoit Core Mini Video Review

Check out in the video above all the things you should know about the Levoit Core Mini. See it in action and how it behaves in a room while providing fresh, clean air.

Aroeve MK01 Air Purifier Related reviews

Filtration Technology

This small air purifier uses a cylindrical filter that takes up half of the unit and consists of 3-stage filtration technology. In fact, we have seen this type of filter before in other Levoit air purifiers, and there is not much difference, except for one important one, which is that the Levoit Core Mini does not have a True HEPA filter.

Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier - Filtration Technology
Levoit Core Mini 3-in-1 HEPA filter placed on the office desk, in the front of the device.

Although this air purifier does not use the best of Levoit, I have to admit that it performed very well in the performance tests, much better than expected, and above all, much better than some other similar air purifiers from Levoit.

Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier - Replacement Filter

Levoit Core Mini Replacement Filter

Always buy genuine filters for the best performance. As soon as the filter reset indicator is on, you are ready to change filters. Do it as quickly as possible.

Check Filter Price On Amazon

Pre-filter

The pre-filter is the first stage of filtration and is a very important stage, especially as this filter captures large particles such as dust, fibers, lint, pet hair, and pet dander. In this way, this filter preserves the HEPA filter and prolongs its life.

To keep the filtration quality at the highest level and to preserve the HEPA filter for as long as possible, I recommend cleaning the pre-filter with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner 1-2 times a month.

Personal HEPA filter

In my opinion, the biggest weakness of this model is that it does not have a True HEPA filter, which makes this air purifier not as powerful as some other Levoit air purifiers. This air purifier uses a personal HEPA filter that removes at least 97% of airborne particles up to 0.3 microns in size, while a true HEPA filter removes 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size.

However, the Core Mini has performed well in performance tests, and this air purifier effectively traps airborne particles such as fine dust, smoke particles, and allergens such as pollen and pet hair, among others.

Activated Carbon Filter

The final stage of filtration is the activated carbon filter, which neutralizes odors. This filter physically adsorbs smoke, odors, and fumes.

How to Replace the Levoit Mini Core Filter?

The Levoit Core Mini uses a filter that is not washable, which means that it needs to be changed from time to time. Given that it is a small filter, I was very surprised to find that it lasts, on average, 4-6 months.

Although the filter should not be washed, I recommend regular maintenance and cleaning of the pre-filter at least twice a month. This can be done with a dry cloth or with a vacuum cleaner.

Total time: 5 minutes.

Step 1

Unplug the device from the mains and immediately separate the upper and lower parts of the device.

Separate the upper and lower parts of the device

Step 2

Then, remove the old filter from the device.

Remove the old filters from the device

Step 3

It would be a good idea to remove any remaining dust that may have accumulated in the machine. This can be done with a dry cloth or even with a vacuum cleaner.

Use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum up any dust accumulated inside

Step 4

Then, unpack the new filter and insert it into the device.

Prepare a new filter and insert it into the device

Step 5

Screw the upper part of the device to the lower part, and restore everything to its original state.

Place everything back as it was

Step 6

Finally, reset the filter reset indicator by holding your finger on the power button for 3 seconds. To reset the filter reset indicator, the device must be switched off!

Reset the filter reset indicator

Noise Test

I think it is very obvious that such a small air purifier cannot produce a loud sound and that it does not have an motor large and powerful enough whose sound at any speed would be so loud as to disturb the average user.

Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier - Noise Tests
I used a special tool to measure the noise levels of the Levoit Core Mini.

The Levoit Core Mini has three different fan speeds; at the first speed, this air purifier makes a sound of only 41.8 dBA, while at the highest speed, it makes a sound of only 53.6 dBA. It is clear that this air purifier is not loud, even at maximum speed, especially when compared to some competing devices that produce volumes well above 60 dBA.

Speed Value (dBA)
Speed 1 41.8 dBA
Speed 2 46.5 dBA
Speed 3 53.6 dBA

Because of the very low noise level produced by this device, I would recommend it for use in a bedroom, office, children’s room, or any small room that requires silence.

Performance Tests

When it comes to performance tests, I have to say that I pushed the Levoit Core Mini a bit, especially as I tested it in rooms much larger than the recommended dimensions.

Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier - Performance Test
I tested the performance of this air purifier using a Temtop laser particle meter.

The lack of a True HEPA filter is obvious, and the fact that it has a very small filter is also noticeable, as in the tests I did, I noticed that it performed slightly worse in neutralizing odors.

120 sq. ft. Room Test

In the first test, in a room of 120 sq. ft., which is almost twice the recommended dimensions, this air purifier gave solid results, improving the air quality by a staggering 91% in 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed.

# Starting Baseline After 60min
PM 2.5 95.3 8.4
PM 10 133.4 11.8
Particles 138200 12226
AQI 125 11

Considering that the Core Mini does not have a True HEPA filter and that the filter is generally very small, I have to say that I am very satisfied with these results.

194 sq. ft. Room Test

In a second test, this time in a 194 sq. ft. room, which is much larger than the recommended dimensions, I have to say that the Levoit Core Mini did not disappoint.

# Starting Baseline After 60min
PM 2.5 96.1 9.9
PM 10 134.5 13.8
Particles 139374 14389
AQI 126 14

In 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, the Core Mini improved air quality by 89%, a very good result and much better than I expected, given its power. Although it cannot compete with a model like the Levoit Core 300, I think the Core Mini is still a solid air purifier, but for some smaller rooms.

Operating Costs

With this model, Levoit has confirmed that an air purifier can be energy-friendly and use very little energy. The Levoit Core Mini uses a motor of only 7W, which is extremely low, and I can say that this is one of the smaller power consumers on the market. I must also mention the Blueair 411 Auto, which has a slightly larger 10W motor, but this model is much more powerful and covers larger spaces than the Levoit.

Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier - Operating Costs
Levoit Core Mini uses a small motor of just 7W.

For example, if you were to leave the Levoit Core Mini running at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a period of one month, your electricity bill would increase by about USD 0.62, which is a very small cost and completely sustainable.

Speed Power Usage (W)
Speed 1 1.0W
Speed 2 2.8W
Speed 3 7.2W

In addition to the cost of electricity, there is also the cost of replacement filters, which need to be changed up to 3 times a year, but fortunately are not too expensive. When you add it all up, it is easy to conclude that the Levoit Core Mini is extremely affordable for annual maintenance.

FAQ on Levoit Core Mini

Does Levoit Core Mini produce ozone?

No. The Levoit Core Mini does not have an ionizer or any other type of filtration that can produce ozone, which means that this device is 100% ozone-free and completely safe to use. On top of all this, this air purifier is CARB certified.

What is the warranty on the Levoit Core Mini?

The Levoit Core Mini, like almost all Levoit air purifiers, comes with a 2-year warranty.

How often do I need to change the Core Mini filters?

This air purifier requires filter changes between 4-6 months, which is approximately up to 3 times a year. Fortunately, this device has a filter reset indicator that lets you know when it’s time to change the filter.

Pros and Cons

To revise, here are the advantages and disadvantages of the Levoit Core Mini:

Pros

  • 3-stage filtration technology
  • Easy to use
  • Very quiet while working
  • Low power consumption
  • Aroma pad additive
  • Automatic switch-off of indicator lights
  • Affordable maintenance
  • Solid performance on tests

Cons

  • Very low room coverage
  • No advanced options
  • No True HEPA filter

Final Conclusion

All in all, the Levoit Core Mini is a small, not-so-powerful air purifier but ideal for a smaller bedroom, a child’s room, a small office, or other similar personal space. This air purifier uses 3-stage filtration technology, there are no advanced options, but it has the addition of the Aroma Pad, which makes it very innovative and interesting on the market.

Basically, if you are looking for an air purifier for a small room, then the Core Mini might be a good choice for you, but if you are looking for an air purifier for a slightly larger room of 100 sq. ft., then I would recommend looking at another air purifier from the Core series, or even another brand. I’ve done a lot of reviews that I’ve posted on the Air Purifier First website, so I definitely recommend you take a look.

If you have any questions about the Levoit Core Mini, please leave a comment in the comments box below.

9.0

SCORE

Review Breakdown

Performance

8.5

Noise

9.6

Operating cost

8.9

Value for money

8.6

Ease of use

9.6

10 Comments

  1. AMS December 1, 2023 Reply
    • Milan Antonic December 1, 2023 Reply
  2. Joao Jacinto October 30, 2023 Reply
    • Milan Antonic October 30, 2023 Reply
  3. Susan Blizzard July 11, 2023 Reply
  4. Lenny May 23, 2023 Reply
    • Milan Antonic May 23, 2023 Reply
  5. sam November 5, 2022 Reply
    • Milan Antonic November 5, 2022 Reply
  6. Ben September 2, 2022 Reply

Leave a Reply