Toshiba Air Purifier CAF-Z85US(W) Review

Pros

• Reduced PM2.5 and PM10 down to 0.1
• Runs quietly on lowest fan setting
• Easy to use and has app connectivity

Cons

• Can be a little loud at the max fan speed, at 57.0 dB

Scoring

In This Review

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

Purification Performance

For our purification test, we placed the Toshiba air purifier in a medium sized room in our office (~14’ x ~10’). We then take a baseline measurement using an air quality detector of the current air quality, before turning the air purifier on. 

Next we turn on the air purifier to the maximum fan speed, and let it run for 1 hour. After 1 hour, we take an additional measurement and compare this data to the baseline to determine the air purifier’s performance.

The Toshiba Air Purifier was able to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 down to 0.1 and lowered airborne particulates down to 29.

This is fantastic performance from the Toshiba.

On average, across all of our air purifier tests we’ve done to date, we’ve seen PM2.5 brought down to 0.47, making the Toshiba’s 0.1 considerably better. In addition, the average PM10 we see is 0.70. This once again puts the Toshiba on top in terms of purification performance. 

When we test, we are looking for our key data points to get as low as possible. The closer the number to 0, the better. 

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

The Filters

The Toshiba Air Purifier uses a 3 part filtration system to purify air. 

These include:

• Pre-filter
• HEPA
• Activated carbon

The pre-filter acts as the first line of defense, capturing larger debris particulates floating around in the air.

Next, the HEPA filter can help remove airborne particulates as small as 0.3 microns. It helps remove dust, pollen, smoke, and much more. 

Finally, the activated carbon filter helps to reduce VOCs and odors. 

Wind Speed Test

To test the wind speed of the Toshiba Air Purifier, we run the air purifier on minimum and maximum fan speed, and measure with an anemometer the wind speed.

Ozone Test

We also measure whether or not the Toshiba Air Purifier creates any dangerous levels of ozone. With the Toshiba, we did not expect any level of ozone as there is no negative ion generator. 

To perform this test, we take pre-test measurements using an electronic ozone meter. We let the air purifier run for 1 hour, take post-test measurements, and then compare the results. 

As expected, the Toshiba Air Purifier did not create any levels of ozone in our tests.

Noise Test

To test the noise levels of the Toshiba Air Purifier, we use a sound meter from about 3’ away to take decibel readings of the device. We first measure the level of noise ambiently generated in the room without the purifier running. 

Next we turn on the Toshiba and run it on the minimum and maximum fan speed recording the noise level. 

Here are the results:

We found the Toshiba Air Purifier to have a noise range of 40.6 – 57.0 dB. At its quietest it was barely louder than the ambient noise level. This is great for those who like to sleep at night, but still want a purifier running. 

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

Usability for the Toshiba is excellent. It comes practically setup out of the box and is easy to use thanks to touch controls and wireless app connectivity. 

Setup

Setup is incredibly simple for the Toshiba Air Purifier. It takes only a few minutes to remove the device from the box, remove any excess packaging, and have it up and running. 

Here is what comes in the box:

• Toshiba Air Purifier
• HEPA filter (pre-installed)
• Activated carbon filter (pre-installed)
• Manuals

Controls & App

With the Toshiba Air Purifier you have 3 ways to interact with the device: physically, wirelessly, and with your voice.

On top of the air purifier are touch buttons and a display that allows you to change basic settings. You can adjust fan speeds, turn on preset timers, or switch between the 4 modes: sleep, auto, smoke, and turbo.

These adjustments will be reflected on the display, which also gives information on current filter life and current air quality. 

Alternatively, you can connect the Toshiba Air Purifier to the app. This takes additional setup time, but is done by following the in-app instructions.

TSmartLife app allows you to control the air purifier wirelessly and gives you access to more features not included physically. 

These include:

• Custom scheduling
• Custom timers
• Light controls
• Purification history

Furthermore, you can also connect the air purifier to Alexa via the app and control functionality with your voice. 

Maintenance

Maintenance is fairly standard for the Toshiba Air Purifier. The sensors and pre-filter need to be wiped clean periodically and the filters need to be replaced.

HEPA filters need to be replaced every 6-12 months and carbon filters every 12 months depending on usage and environment. 

Size & Dimensions

The Toshiba Air Purifier is medium sized and covers a medium sized area. It has a coverage area of 483 sq. ft. with 5 air changes per hour and CADR of 312 CFM. 

Here are the exact dimensions of the Toshiba Air Purifier:

• Length – 12.2″
• Width – 12.2”
• Height – 26.8”
• Weight – 27 lbs.

As an added bonus, the Toshiba comes on wheels which makes it easy to move around to different rooms as needed. 

Specifications

Specifications
Manufacturer	Toshiba
Model	CAF-Z85US(W)
Width	12.2″
Height	26.8″
Weight	27 lbs.
Filters	HEPA, Carbon
Wifi Compatible	Yes
Max. Wind Speed	12.3 mph
Room Coverage	483 sq. ft.
CADR	312 cfm
Returns	Varies by retailer
Warranty	1 year
Price	Check Price

Should you buy the Toshiba Air Purifier?

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

• Excellent purification: The Toshiba Air Purifier showcased practically perfect results in our test. After 1 hour, it reduced PM2.5 and PM10 to 0.1 and decreased airborne particulates from 1634 to 29. Within that 483 sq. ft. area, you can be sure you are breathing purified air. 
• Quiet air purifier for sleeping: If you like to sleep with an air purifier on, the Toshiba is an excellent option. In our testing we found it to only be 1.5 dB higher than our ambient noise level. By switching to sleep mode, you can easily get a quiet air purifier with no lights on.
• Great usability: Across the board we found using the Toshiba Air Purifier to be easy. Setup is quick, the physical controls are easy to interact with, and the app connectivity provides more features wirelessly. Thanks to auto mode, the Toshiba is an air purifier that will just work without much outside input.

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