Eliminate Cooking Odors: Comprehensive Review of Top Air Purifiers in 2024

TL;DR: Find the best air purifier for cooking odors to keep your kitchen and home smelling fresh.

Key features include a high CADR for smoke, HEPA filter, activated carbon filters, and low noise levels.

Ideal for any room size, these purifiers effectively eliminate unwanted cooking smells, ensuring your living space remains inviting.

Cooking is a delightful experience, but the aftermath can be quite unpleasant, especially in open kitchens. The lingering cooking smells and fumes can be challenging to get rid of, even with a cooker hood.

An air purifier with a charcoal filter can be a lifesaver in such situations, effectively removing cooking odors and pollution. That’s why I’ve researched and tested several air purifiers to identify the best air purifier for cooking odors in kitchens.

When it comes to air purifiers, there are several types available in the market. However, not all air purifiers are effective against unpleasant odors from cooking.

The best air purifier for cooking odors is one that has quality filtration technology with an activated charcoal filter. Activated charcoal filters, also known as activated carbon filters, are designed to trap and remove odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.

They work by adsorbing the odor molecules onto the surface of the charcoal filter, which neutralizes the odor. For optimal results, it’s recommended to use the air purifier in conjunction with a cooker hood to further reduce cooking odors in your home.

When choosing an air purifier for unpleasant odors caused by cooking, it’s essential to consider the size of your kitchen and the air purifier’s coverage area.

You’ll want to choose an air purifier that can handle the size of your kitchen and has a high CADR (clean air delivery rate).

Additionally, quality filtration technology is important to ensure the effective removal of cooking odors. You’ll also want to consider the noise level, filter life, and maintenance requirements, especially if you don’t have a cooker hood in your kitchen.

After researching and testing several air purifiers, I’ve identified the best air purifier for cooking odors. This air purifier has a high CADR, HEPA filters, an activated charcoal filter, and a coverage area suitable for most kitchens.

It’s also ideal for removing odors and has an ideal room size. It’s easy to maintain and has a long filter life. Say goodbye to unpleasant cooking smells with our top pick for the best air purifier for cooking odors.

Our Top Picks Best Air Purifier for Cooking Odors

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Top 8 Best Air Purifiers for Cooking Odors

Cooking in kitchens can leave behind strong and unpleasant smells and odors that linger for hours or even days.

Whether you’re frying bacon, cooking fish, or making spicy dishes, the odors can be overwhelming.

That’s where air purifiers with charcoal filters come in.

As someone who loves to cook, I understand the importance of having a good air purifier that can effectively eliminate cooking odors.

After researching and testing various models, I have compiled a list of the best air purifiers for cooking odors.

These air purifiers with charcoal filters not only remove cooking odors but also improve the air quality in your home.

8. Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier

For those seeking to eliminate unpleasant odors and cooking smells from their home, I highly suggest the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier device. Having recently acquired it for my kitchen, I am thoroughly impressed with its efficiency in removing the charcoal smell.

The True HEPA filter is particularly effective at eliminating cooking odors, making it a great choice for kitchen air purifiers. Many air purifiers use the Washable AOC Carbon Filter to eliminate other household odors.

The PlasmaWave feature is also noteworthy for air purification. It serves as a permanent filter that safely breaks down odors, allergens, chemical vapors, and other pollutants without generating harmful ozone. Small air purifiers can benefit from this technology as well.

The Smart Sensors gauge the air, and the Auto Mode adjusts the fan to filter the air as needed. This is great for when I’m cooking and there’s a strong smell. The product is also CADR-rated for 360 square feet of room size, making it suitable for medium and large rooms, including kitchens. Additionally, the rating of this air purifier is excellent considering its price.

Pros

• The True HEPA filter, equipped with charcoal, captures 99.97% of kitchen contaminants and airborne pollutants, making it great for removing cooking odors and pet dander smells.
• The Washable AOC Carbon Filter is perfect for air purification and removing household odors. Plus, it’s washable, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it.
• The PlasmaWave acts as a kitchen air purifier and Hepa air purifier, providing a permanent filter to safely break down odor, allergens, chemical vapors, and other pollutants with no harmful ozone, improving indoor air quality

Cons

• The product is a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at 15.4 pounds.
• The product is a bit on the larger side, measuring 7.8″D x 14.9″W x 23.6″H.
• The product is a bit on the expensive side, but it’s worth it for the quality and time-saving benefits in the kitchen. It effectively eliminates odors and can be easily installed as a unit.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon

7. Germ Guardian GG1100W 7” Pluggable Small Air Purifier

The UV-C light helps kill airborne viruses and bacteria. This makes it ideal for kitchen units that struggle with odors.

One downside to this air purifier is that the fan can be a bit loud, which may be bothersome to some users. Additionally, the UV-C light can be quite bright, so it may not be suitable for use in bedrooms or other areas where you want a darker environment.

Finally, while it does reduce cooking odors, it does not completely eliminate them. This unit is great for the kitchen but it may take some time to reduce odours.

Pros

• The UV-C light helps kill airborne viruses and bacteria
• The compact design makes it perfect for small spaces
• No filter replacement needed

Cons

• Some users may find the fan too loud
• The UV-C light unit may be too bright for some kitchen users, especially when dealing with odours.
• Does not completely eliminate all cooking odors

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon

6. LEVOIT Air Purifier Aromatherapy-LV-H128

The 3-stage dual-filter design effectively removed kitchen cooking odors and other airborne particles, leaving the air feeling fresher and cleaner.

I also appreciated how quiet the unit was. It didn’t disrupt my sleep or work.

The small size and lightweight design of the air purifier made it easy to move around and use in different rooms, including the kitchen.

I also liked the one-button control. It made it simple to adjust the settings and check the filter status while cooking or doing other kitchen activities.

One thing to keep in mind is that the air purifier may not be as effective in larger spaces or where there is heavy smoke or cooking odors in the kitchen.

Additionally, the fragrance sponge may not be suitable for everyone, as some people may be sensitive to certain fragrances.

Pros

• The 3-stage dual-filter design captures at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in size, making it effective in removing kitchen cooking odors.
• The air purifier is whisper-quiet, making it perfect for use in bedrooms or other quiet spaces like the kitchen.
• The small size and lightweight design make it easy to move around and use in different rooms, including the kitchen.

Cons

• The air purifier may not be as effective in larger spaces or where there is heavy smoke or cooking odors in the kitchen.
• The kitchen filter needs to be replaced every 6-8 months, which can add to the overall cost of using the air purifier.
• The fragrance sponge may not be suitable for everyone in the kitchen, as some people may be sensitive to certain fragrances.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon

5. LEVOIT Air Purifiers for Home, H13 True HEPA Filter

I’ve been using the LEVOIT Air Purifier for a few months now in my kitchen, and I’m impressed with its performance. The H13 True HEPA filter is effective at trapping dust, pollen, and pet dander.

This has helped me breathe easier while cooking. I also appreciate that the filtration system is ozone-free, making it safe for my family and pets in the kitchen.

Another great feature of the LEVOIT Air Purifier is how quiet it is. I can run it throughout the night in my bedroom without any disturbance.

Plus, the night light feature is a nice touch for those who prefer a little light while sleeping. However, it can also be used in the kitchen for clean air while cooking.

However, the air purifier is only effective in rooms up to 258 square feet. If you have a larger space, you may need to purchase multiple units.

Additionally, the filter needs to be replaced every 6-8 months, which can be a bit of a hassle. This makes it perfect for use in small kitchens.

Pros

• The H13 True HEPA filter is effective at trapping dust, pollen, and pet dander in the kitchen.
• The ozone-free filtration system is safe for children, asthma patients, pets, and kitchen use.
• The air purifier is whisper-quiet, making it perfect for use in the bedroom or kitchen.

Cons

• The air purifier is only effective in rooms up to 258 square feet, including the kitchen.
• The kitchen filter needs to be replaced every 6-8 months.
• The night light feature may not be useful for everyone in the kitchen.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon

4. LEVOIT Air Purifiers HEPA Filter Cleaner with Fragrance Sponge

The LEVOIT Core Mini Air Purifier has the 360° VortexAir Technology 3.0 and 3-stage filtration system ensuring that the air is purified in a matter of minutes.

The compact and travel-friendly design of the air purifier made it easy for me to move it around and fit it in any room, including the kitchen.

I also loved the fragrance sponge, which made my kitchen smell great and helped me cook better.

However, the air purifier doesn’t have any kitchen air quality monitoring features, which may be a downside for some users.

Additionally, it may not be suitable for large kitchen rooms, as it is designed for smaller spaces.

Lastly, in some cases, the touch panel may not work properly, which can be a bit frustrating.

Pros

• The 360° VortexAir Technology 3.0 and 3-stage filtration ensures top-notch kitchen air purification in a matter of minutes.
• The air purifier is perfect for your kitchen, using a fragrance sponge to keep your space smelling great while you cook.
• The compact and travel-friendly design makes it easy to fit in any bedroom, office, living room, or kitchen.

Cons

• The kitchen air purifier doesn’t have any air quality monitoring features.
• It may not be suitable for large rooms.
• The touch panel in the kitchen may not work properly in some cases.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon

3. LEVOIT Core P350 Pet Care Air Purifier

LEVOIT Core P350 Pet Care Air Purifier has a Custom High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter.

This filter is highly effective at eliminating pet odors, cooking smoke, and other stinky smells.

The H13 True HEPA Filtration reduces sneezing, itchiness, and stuffy nose caused by pets.

The patented ARC Formula technology is great at eliminating any odor around your kitchen, wardrobe, shoe box, carpet, or toilet, and leaving you with clean, fresh air.

>> If you’re curious about how air purifiers can help with cat litter odors, check out this article

One of the best features of this air purifier is the Sleep Mode, which turns display indicators to half-brightness and keeps noise levels as low as 24dB.

This allows you to sleep soundly without worrying about being disturbed by the air purifier.

The only downside is that the air purifier is a bit noisy in the highest setting.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the filter needs to be replaced every 6-8 months.

But, genuine replacement filters are readily available on Amazon.

Additionally, the air purifier is designed for rooms up to 219 sq ft/ 20 ㎡, so it may not be suitable for larger spaces.

Pros

• The Custom High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter is highly effective at eliminating pet odors, cooking smoke, and other stinky smells.
• The H13 True HEPA Filtration reduces sneezing, itchiness, and stuffy nose caused by pets.
• The patented ARC Formula technology is great at eliminating any odor around your kitchen, wardrobe, shoes box, carpet, toilet, and leaving you with clean, fresh air.

Cons

• The air purifier is a bit noisy on the highest setting, but the Sleep Mode turns display indicators to half-brightness and keeps noise levels as low as 24dB, allowing you to sleep soundly.
• The filter needs to be replaced every 6-8 months, but genuine replacement filters are readily available on Amazon.
• The air purifier is designed for rooms up to 219 sq ft/ 20 ㎡, so it may not be suitable for larger spaces.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon

2. Dreo Air Purifiers Macro Pro

I recently tested the Dreo Air Purifiers Macro Pro to help with cooking odors in my kitchen. I was impressed with its exceptional cleaning efficiency.

Class-leading authorities including AHAM, ECARF, SGS, Reddot, IF, and ENERGY STAR back this. It kept my home free of allergens and pollutants, and I could breathe cleaner air.

The purifier is perfect for large rooms, such as living rooms, bedrooms, studios, and offices, as it purifies up to 1358 sq ft. Its Macro Pro 360°air intake drags pollutants from all sides and circulates clean air up to 5 times per hour.

The pioneering brushless motor powers the air purifier. It takes only an hour to clean a 1358 sq ft room.

The TurboPure technology circulates clean air up and down at insanely fast speeds of up to 6 ft/s. This gets rid of allergens, dust, and other pollutants in your home.

With this air cleaner, every breath you take is a new experience. The Dreo air purifier captures 99.985% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns, including dust, pet dander, smoke, odor, and more.

The 3-stage high-efficiency H13 true HEPA filter improves indoor air quality. It helps you breathe the air in its true nature.

The air purifier creates a peaceful environment for your sleep and work. Its integrated airflow system smooths out air turbulence, along with its brushless DC motor to deliver air as quiet as 20 dB in sleep mode.

No disturbance in sleep mode when you work, learn, or play in the room.

Pros

• Exceptional cleaning efficiency
• Purifies up to 1358 sq ft
• Smooths out air turbulence

Cons

• Filters need to be replaced frequently
• The app tracker can be unreliable
• Expensive compared to other air purifiers

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon

1. Shark HE601 Air Purifier 6

In my experience, the Shark HE601 Air Purifier 6 is a great choice for anyone looking for an air purifier that can handle cooking odors and other household pollutants.

The Anti-Allergen Multi-Filter captures 99.98% of dust, dander, allergens, smoke, and household odors. Meanwhile, the advanced odor guard on the filter protects against household odors from cooking, cleaning products, and more.

>> READ MORE:

For those dealing with pet odors, especially from cats, you might also be interested in air purifiers specifically designed for cat pee smell

For cigar enthusiasts, it’s essential to have an air purifier that can handle cigar smoke. Here’s a list of the best air purifiers for cigar smoke.

The Shark HE601 Air Purifier 6 is also incredibly easy to use. It has an intuitive display panel that gives you real-time air quality reports, so you can have peace of mind knowing that the air you’re breathing is clean. Plus, the remote control makes it easy to adjust the settings from anywhere in the room.

Pros

• The six high-speed micro-fans work together to evenly distribute airflow across the filter, ensuring that the air in your home is constantly being cleaned.
• The Shark HE601 is remarkably quiet, thanks to the multiple smaller fans, so you won’t even notice it’s running.
• The Clean Sense IQ feature tracks air quality and automatically adjusts power to maintain clean air in your home. Plus, the easy-to-use control panel displays data in real-time.

Cons

• The automatic function may not be fantastic if you’re using the purifier for allergens like cats and dust mites.
• The Shark HE601 is a bit loud, so it may not be the best choice for those who are sensitive to noise.
• Although it works well, some users have reported that the Shark HE601 broke after a short period of use.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon

Best Air Purifier for Cooking Odors – Buying Guide

As I was researching the best air purifiers for cooking odors, I found that there are a few key features to consider when making a purchase.

First, you want to look for an air purifier with a high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) for smoke. This measures how effectively the purifier can remove smoke particles from the air.

A higher CADR means the purifier can clean the air more quickly and efficiently.

>> To understand more about how air purifiers tackle smoke, read this detailed guide.

Another important feature to consider is the type of filter used in the purifier.

Look for a purifier with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which can capture tiny particles as small as 0.3 microns.

This is important for capturing cooking odors and other pollutants that can be harmful to your health.

>> For those who smoke or live with smokers, you might also want to explore the best air purifiers for smoking weed

Some air purifiers also come with additional filters, such as activated carbon filters, which can help to absorb odors and chemicals.

These can be especially useful for cooking odors.

When it comes to size, consider the square footage of the room where you will be using the purifier.

Look for a purifier that is designed to cover the appropriate square footage for your room size.

Finally, consider the noise level of the purifier.

If you plan to use it in a bedroom or other quiet space, you may want to look for a purifier with a low noise level.

Here’s a summary of the key features to consider when choosing an air purifier for cooking odors:

• High CADR for smoke
• HEPA filter
• Additional filters, such as activated carbon
• Appropriate size for room square footage
• Low noise level

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Verdict

After researching and testing various air purifiers, I can confidently say that the best air purifier for cooking odors is one that has a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter.

These filters work together to capture tiny particles and absorb cooking odors and VOCs.

It’s also important to look for air purifiers with high CADR ratings for smoke to ensure efficient odor removal. The higher the CADR rating, the faster the air purifier can clean the air in the room.

Air purifiers with multiple fan speeds and automatic sensors are also convenient for adjusting to different cooking situations. This allows for customization and ensures that the air purifier is running at the optimal level for the current cooking environment.

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