Brio Air Purifier Review

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Pros

• Unique filtration with effective performance
• Simple, no bells and whistles design
• Plug-and-use filters for easier maintenance

Cons

• Lacks usability features like app connectivity, timers, or an auto mode.
• Due to unique filter setup there are no 3rd party replacement filters available. However, they are relatively inexpensive at $49 / each and last 12 (cartridge filter) and 24 months (refresh plus filter)

Scoring

In This Review

Purification | Filters | Wind Speed | Ozone | Noise | Usability | Size | Specs | Summary

Purification Performance

To test the purification performance of the Brio, we placed it in a medium sized room in our office (~14’ x 10`). We lit incense to introduce smoke and other particulates into the air for 30 seconds. After, we use a professional air quality detector to take a measurement of the smoke filled air. 

Next, we run the Brio on the highest fan speed for 2 hours, taking measurements of the air quality at the one hour mark and the end of the test. Here is what we found:

Purification performance for the Brio was fantastic across the board. After 1 hour, the incense-spiked air was greatly improved with PM2.5 being 0.2 and PM10 being 0.3. Both of these metrics are well within safe breathing levels. For reference, the average PM2.5 is 0.5 and PM10 is 0.7. While the average is also safe to breathe the Brio’s numbers are still better. 

Below, we’ve included information on the testing criteria and what defines good vs. bad air quality. Simply, the lower the numbers the better.

Seeing Brio reach a PM2.5 of 0.1 after 2 hours, gives me tremendous confidence in its purification abilities. 

The Filters

The Brio air purifier utilizes a 4-part filtration system to clean the surrounding air. These include:

• Pre-filter
• Particle charger
• APART cartridge
• Refresh Plus filter

The primary filter is their APART cartridge. This is made of many foam plates that attract charged particles in the air, capturing them in the foam. 

These particles are charged by the particle charger, which gives contaminants that flow past it an electrostatic charge. Before passing through the particle charger, the air flows through the pre-filter, which removes larger particulates like pet hair. 

Once the air has flown past the previous filters, being charged and captured by the foam, the Refresh Plus filter helps to reduce ambient ozone levels before returning the air into the room. 

Wind Speed Test

Our wind speed test uses an anemometer placed directly on the air vents of the Brio to measure the fan speeds in miles per hour. We run it on the lowest and highest fan speeds and record the speed of the air coming out of the device. 

Wind speeds for the Brio were about average. Compared to all the air purifiers we’ve tested to date, the average minimum wind speed is 3.2 mph, while the max is 11.7 mph.

On the lower end the Brio has a slightly higher wind speed, but on the higher end it is slightly slower.

Ozone Test

With most air purifiers ozone generation isn’t an issue. That said, some that use negative ion generators have the potential to do so. To test this, we run the air purifier letting it run for 1 hour and measure the levels of ozone before and after with an ozone meter device. 

Our ozone meter (which measures to a resolution of 0.1 PPM) measured ozone at a rating of 0.0 PPM.

As part of the Brio’s filtration system is the Refresh Plus filter, which also helps to reduce ozone levels in the surrounding air. We recorded no levels of ozone beforehand so we were unable to measure the effectiveness of this particular filter.

Noise Test

While running the Brio generates noise, like any air purifier. To measure this, we use a sound meter and measure the decibel levels on both the lowest and highest fan speeds. In addition, we measure the ambient noise levels of the room as a baseline comparison. 

Here are the results:

Noise levels are fairly average compared to other air purifiers we’ve tested. On average we find air purifiers make 61.5 dB of noise at their highest fan speed. The Brio’s 64.3 dB isn’t much louder. 

Common noise levels:

• 20 dB – rustling leaves
• 30 dB – whisper
• 40 dB – quiet library, babbling brook
• 50 dB – refrigerator, moderate rainfall
• 60 dB – normal conversation, dishwashers
• 70 dB – traffic, showers
• 80 dB – alarm clock, telephone dial tone

Usability Tests

Overall usability for the Brio is quite simple. The real focus of this device is its unique filtration system, giving the rest of the device a simple yet effective design. 

Setup

There isn’t too much that comes with the Brio out of the box, which makes setup incredibly quick and easy.

Out of the box the Brio has:

• Brio air purifier
• Manuals
• Cleaning brush

When the device is unboxed, you will want to remove any excess packaging and remove and reinsert all the internal filters. This is done to make sure there has been no damage while shipping and every filter is properly inserted and secured.

Controls & Display

The controls and display take up a small amount of real estate on the top of the Brio. There is a small thin display panel that shows the power, a filter change notification, and the fan speed.

Right next to that is a small button that can be pressed to switch between the fan speeds and turn on / off the device. 

Maintenance

The majority of the maintenance required for the Brio is in handling the filters. Both the pre-filter and particle charger can be cleaned off monthly and reused. The pre-filter can be rinsed off if needed, but make sure to completely dry it before reinserting it into the Brio. 

The APART and Refresh Plus filter will need to be replaced over time. The APART system requires annual replacement, whereas the Refresh Plus filter only needs replacement every 2 years. 

Size & Coverage Area

The Brio stands to a medium height and has an unassuming appearance that can blend in well with most décor. 

Here are the exact dimensions of the Brio Air Purifier:

• Width – 13.5”
• Length – 13.5″
• Height – 23.5″
• Weight – 26.0 lbs.

It can cover up to 1755 sq. ft. on the highest fan speed. That said, this is only with a single air change in that hour. According to Brio, only a singular air change isn’t enough to be truly effective at providing clean breathing air. The more the air is cycled through the device, the better quality the surrounding air is going to be. 

For most homes, at least 2 air changes per hour is a good starting point. The Brio can achieve this on its highest fan speed in a 880 sq. ft. room.

Specifications

Specifications
Manufacturer	Argentis Air
Model	Brio
Width	13.5″
Height	23.5″
Weight	26.0 lbs.
Filters	Particle charger, APART, Refresh Plus
Wifi Compatible	No
Max. Wind Speed	9.2 mph
Room Coverage	1,755 sq. ft. (1 ACH)
Returns	30 Day
Warranty	2-years
Price	Check Price

Should you buy the Brio Air Purifier?

I would recommend the Brio Air Purifier if you’re looking for the following features:

• Fantastic air purification: Our testing showed the Brio does an excellent job at purifying the surrounding air. In 1 hour it reduced PM2.5 and PM10 to well within safe breathing levels and after 2 hours PM2.5 was 0.1, which is practically perfect. 
• Simple design: The Brio forgoes usability features in leu of a simplistic design and their unique filters. While this means you won’t have app connectivity or an auto mode, it also means it is easy to use, setup, and maintain. 
• Unique filter setup and maintenance: Unlike the majority of the air purifiers we test, the Brio doesn’t use a HEPA filter, instead using their APART and Refresh Plus filter. These and the other filters fit into slots that are easily removed and replaced as needed.

For more information or to buy the Brio Air Purifier, click here.