Starkvind is IKEA's formula for reinventing air purifiers [Analysis]

IKEA is working very hard to implement the different products that can encompass the "basic home automation" of a standard home. Proof of this are the countless collaborations with Sonos that we have been able to review previously, as well as their first version of an accessible air purifier that we also tested.

Now it's time to refine products, and that has been the main idea with the new Starkvind, a versatile tabletop air purifier with features to match. Stay with us and discover what this peculiar air purifier from IKEA consists of that makes other brands tremble in this market.

Materials and design: It will be difficult to know that it is a purifier

And the title on this design section is the best summary of the device and what I think, from my humble point of view, is precisely its most favorable point. It's hard to know what the hell it is if they don't tell you, and that's good, because it's essentially a table. As we have said, a table that has the ability to purify the air and that has the classic IKEA mounting system that you either love, or hate. I learned a valuable lesson when I furnished my house, you always have to buy the IKEA electric screwdriver, you will gain health and time.

• Colors: Dark Brown / White Oak
• Versions: With integrated table / In individual mode
• Dimensions: 54 x 55 centimeters

But let's not deviate and continue talking about the Starkvind, the IKEA purifier that although in its 149 euro model can be a 54 x 55 cm side table, We can also buy it in its 99 euro version, which limits it to being a fairly large purifier that has a classic metallic foot in the style of the previous model. The 1,50 meter cable is integrated into one of the legs (keep this in mind when placing it) and blends in very well with the surroundings, however, this limits for obvious reasons the location of the table, which should preferably be be placed near a wall, or sofa so as not to have a dangerous cable hanging around.

Assembly and configuration

In this mounting it will depend a lot on the user and his personality. It took me barely 10 minutes to complete the 13 steps. The table has barely eight screws that are placed with the included Allen key and the click-shaped cover, the rest is more of a purifier assembly work such as the placement of the filters and the wiring.

As for the configuration, simple. The first filter is already assembled but in a bag, so we have to access the cabin and pay it. Once we have done this, we put the second gas cleaning filter that you can buy separately for € 16 (ideal for odors).

Now is the time to take advantage of its home automation features. This Starkvind has connectivity with the IKEA Tradfri system, so we can work from the IKEA Home Smart application. Needless to say, the "bridge" Tradfri it is strictly necessary for this. We simply follow the following steps:

1. We open the application and select the device
2. We press the pairing button when requested
3. Connects automatically

Now we just have to integrate it with Apple's HomeKit or Amazon's Alexa and enjoy. This is, by the way, the first IKEA Tradfri product to use the automatic pairing system in this way, and it is something to be thankful for.

Purification capabilities and technical characteristics

We start with the basic technical characteristics, this device also has an «automatic» mode with five manual powers that will emit a certain noise depending on the purification capacity:

• Level 1: 24 db for 50 m3
• Level 2: 31 db for 110 m3
• Level 3: 42 db for 180 m3
• Level 4: 50 db for 240 m3
• Level 5: 53 db for 260 m3

How could it be otherwise, electricity consumption too it will increase progressively, between 3W in minimum mode and 33W in maximum mode. In the same way, we have a series of elements that we must maintain.

• Pre-filter: Cleaning two to four weeks
• Air quality sensor: Every 6 months
• Particulate filter: Replace every 6 months
• Gas filter: Replace every 6 months

Automatic mode On the other hand, it will select the fan speed according to the quality of the air thanks to the PM 2,5 particle meter. To replace the filter when the warning appears on the control panel, we must press the «reset» button located inside, for at least three seconds until the indicator goes off.

User experience

As we have said, the standard filter is used to remove dust, pollen and other airborne allergens (PM 2,5). For its part, the gas filter allows us to eliminate fumes, gases and especially odors, an accessory that is sold separately and that from my point of view is necessary, Well, without it we are deprived of one of the characteristics that precisely for me is the most interesting of these purifiers, that of odors. In times of cold it is interesting to be able to "ventilate" the house without having to open any windows, a good morning pass and an indescribable clean smell is noticed.

As an advantage, we have a design that only IKEA has been able to offer so far and that frees us from having to justify the placement of the purifier, which on many occasions is the reason that makes us avoid coming home. Now we would only have to replace one of our side tables with this Starkvind and we have a two-in-one. This design works especially well with those homes decorated with IKEA elements, but they are quite neutral, They will not clash in most environments and makes it ideal even for offices.

At the level of satisfaction we have found good performance both in terms of air purification and odor elimination, accompanied by absolute integration with the rest of the home automation elements and even IKEA itself as this smart blind that we have already tested before. At this point, the Starkvind for 159 euros seems to me a very alternative to consider.

Editor's opinion

Pros and cons