AirVac by Voom Review | Is BuyAirVac.com a good Portable Range Hood?

What is AirVac by Voom?

BuyAirVac.com's AirVac by Voom is a compact, portable kitchen air cleaner designed to eliminate smoke, odors, and airborne particles from cooking. It features dual-stage filtration with a micro-mesh screen to trap oils and an activated charcoal filter to purify the air. The device offers three adjustable speeds, built-in LED lighting, and adjustable height settings (14"–16"). Its foldable design allows easy storage, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, RVs, and small spaces.

AirVac by Voom Offer - Image Courtesy: buyairvac.com

What does AirVac by Voom claim to do?

Portable range hood like the AirVac by Voom is primarily and alternative to traditional, fixed range hoods. The BuyAirVac.com portable range hood serve the same purpose: removing smoke, odors, and airborne grease from the cooking area. However, since it is portable and do not require installation, it can also be considered as an alternatives to:

• Air Purifier: In kitchens without proper ventilation, AirVac by Voom helps reduce smoke and cooking odors similarly to air purifiers.

• Exhaust Fans: Instead of a wall-mounted or ceiling exhaust fan, BuyAirVac.com's AirVac by Voom can supposedly directly capture emissions from cooking.

• Dehumidifiers: BuyAirVac.com includes a charcoal filter that helps reduce humidity and particulate matter.

• Window Fans: Instead of relying on a window fan to push smoke out, the portable BuyAirVac.com hood captures it at the source.

What is the Science behind AirVac by Voom?

The AirVac by Voom is designed primarily for localized air filtration, using a combination of carbon adsorption and mechanical particle capture. The centrifugal fan enables effective air intake, but the recirculation mechanism limits its ability to expel air contaminants outdoors. The absence of HEPA filters makes it less effective for fine particulate removal.

Filtration Mechanism:

• Filter Types: The AirVac by Voom typically uses carbon filters and grease filters.

• Carbon Filters: These use activated carbon, a porous material that traps odorous molecules through adsorption. This means that molecules stick to the surface of the carbon due to Van der Waals forces.

• Grease Filters: Usually made of stainless steel mesh or aluminum, these capture oil particles through mechanical interception, where airborne grease adheres to the filter surfaces.

• Filtration Efficiency: Since it lacks HEPA filtration, it cannot capture particles smaller than 0.3 microns (e.g., fine dust, pollen, or smoke particulates).

Airflow Dynamics:

• Air Intake: The device uses a centrifugal fan to draw air from the cooking area.

• Fan Mechanism: Typically, a radial fan creates a pressure difference that pulls air into the unit. The fan blades increase the air velocity, pushing it through the filters.

• Airflow Rate: Measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), the rate is generally moderate to ensure localized suction rather than whole-room ventilation.

• Recirculation: After filtration, the air is released back into the room through the exhaust grille. This means that contaminants are reduced but not entirely removed from the environment.

Adsorption and Particle Capture:

• Adsorption: The carbon filters remove gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through adsorption. Activated carbon has a high surface area (often exceeding 1000 m²/g) to trap gas-phase pollutants.

• Particulate Capture: Grease and larger particles are mechanically trapped. The mesh density and fiber composition determine how effectively oil droplets adhere.

• Filter Saturation: Once the adsorption sites on carbon are filled, the filter becomes less effective. This requires periodic replacement or maintenance.

Noise and Vibration Control:

• Sound Dampening: The motor assembly may include insulated mounts to reduce noise, typically ranging from 40 to 60 dB.

• Vibration Absorption: Fan blades are balanced to minimize rotational imbalance, reducing vibrational noise.

Heat Dissipation:

• Thermal Management: The motor generates heat, which is dissipated through ventilation slits or integrated heat sinks.

• Airflow as Cooling: Continuous air movement through the unit helps maintain a stable operating temperature.

Does AirVac from BuyAirVac.com really work?

AirVac by Voom from BuyAirVac.com cannot accomplish all the tasks of the alternative equipment primarily due to its design limitations and operational mechanisms. The AirVac by Voom is useful only around the cooking area, it cannot fully replace air purifiers, exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, or window fans. The design and operational limitations make it unsuitable for comprehensive air purification, ventilation, or humidity control.

Filtration Efficiency: The AirVac by Voom contains carbon filters to trap odors and grease filters for oil particles. However, it does not have HEPA filters like air purifiers. HEPA filters capture particles as small as 0.3 microns (such as pollen and mold spores). The AirVac cannot effectively filter fine particles.

Airflow Limitation: Air purifiers circulate air throughout the entire room, filtering a larger volume. In contrast, the AirVac only captures air directly above the cooking surface. This limits its ability to purify the room's air.

Particle Specificity: Cooking produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The AirVac can trap larger particles and some odors, but it does not neutralize VOCs or the smallest particulates.

Recirculating vs. Ducted Systems: Traditional exhaust fans expel air outdoors, removing smoke, heat, and odors completely. The AirVac uses recirculation, filtering and returning the air to the room. This does not fully reduce pollutants or lower the indoor temperature.

Air Exchange Rate: Exhaust fans achieve a higher air change per hour (ACH), flushing out contaminated air. The AirVac primarily reduces localized contamination rather than refreshing the entire room's air.

Humidity Control (Dehumidifier Function): The AirVac does not have compressors or desiccant wheels to remove moisture. It is not designed to function as a dehumidifier.

Charcoal Filtration Limits: Activated charcoal in the AirVac can absorb some odor-carrying molecules and moisture, but the amount is minimal compared to a dehumidifier, which actively condenses and collects water vapor.

Thermodynamic Inefficiency: Dehumidifiers cool air to below its dew point to reduce humidity. The AirVac lacks cooling mechanisms, so passing air through filters does not significantly lower moisture levels.

Air Movement Patterns: Window fans create cross-ventilation, pulling fresh air in and pushing contaminated air out. The AirVac does not create this pressure differential, so it cannot effectively move air between indoors and outdoors.

Static Filtration: The AirVac captures particles near the cooking surface but does not create directional airflow. It cannot remove heat or humidity from the entire room.

Price Analysis

The AirVac by Voom is priced at $39.99 + $19.99 Shipping and Handling. The total cost in $60.

What Parameters and Factors should you consider before buying Portable Range Hood

• Countertop Space: The AirVac measures 20cm x 20cm x 12.5cm. Make sure your kitchen has sufficient space to accommodate it without obstructing your cooking activities.

• Proximity to Cooking Area: Being a portable unit, it should be placed close to the source of smoke and odors for optimal performance.

• Room Ventilation: While the AirVac by Voom is designed for recirculation and doesn't require external ducting, adequate room ventilation can enhance its effectiveness, especially during heavy cooking sessions.

• Cooking Habits: If you frequently engage in high-smoke cooking methods (e.g., frying, grilling), consider whether the AirVac's filtration system meets your needs or if supplementary ventilation is necessary.

• Filter Availability: The AirVac utilizes a dual-stage filter system, including a Micro-Mesh Screen and an Activated Charcoal-infused Filter. Confirm the availability of replacement filters in your region to ensure uninterrupted usage.

• Maintenance Routine: Regular cleaning and timely filter replacement are essential for optimal performance. Assess whether you can commit to the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer.

• Alternative Uses: Beyond the kitchen, the AirVac can be used in areas like bathrooms, garages, or near pet areas to tackle odors and fumes. Consider the versatility of the device in your living spaces.

• Portability Needs: If you plan to use the AirVac in multiple locations (e.g., RVs, dorm rooms), evaluate its portability features, such as weight (1.48kg) and the presence of a carry handle.

Does the Square Shape offer any benefit?

The square shape of the fan housing in the AirVac by Voom can offer a few practical benefits compared to circular or more rounded designs:

• Space Efficiency: A square shape generally fits more easily into compact or narrow spaces, especially in small kitchens. It can be placed flush against walls or between other appliances without wasting space.

• Stable Placement: The flat sides and base provide better stability on countertops, reducing the risk of tipping over during use.

• Air Distribution: Square housings can promote more even air distribution when the fan is positioned correctly, especially if the air intake and exhaust are positioned on opposite sides.

• Aesthetic and Design Compatibility: The square design can match modern kitchen aesthetics and blend well with angular or geometric kitchen elements.

• Filter Fitting and Maintenance: Square filters can be easier to replace and fit more snugly within the housing, reducing gaps where unfiltered air might escape.

However, the square shape if Voom AirVac does not inherently improve airflow efficiency. Fan performance depends more on the motor power, blade design, and filter quality than on the shape of the housing itself.

Pros of AirVac by Voom:

• Affordable: Lower price compared to other brands.

• Effective for Steam: Works well for removing steam from boiling pasta or vegetables.

• Moisture Protection: Helps protect cabinets from moisture when used during cooking.

• Portable: Easy to position for targeted use.

• Powerful Fan: Moves air with noticeable force.

• Some Grease Filtration: Captures some grease from smoke, reducing kitchen surface residue.

Cons of AirVac by Voom:

• Ineffective Odor Removal: Does not eliminate cooking smells effectively, especially fish or strong odors.

• Poor Smoke Extraction: Often just moves smoke around rather than extracting it, leaving the area smoky.

• Weak Filtration: Thin charcoal filter fails to remove odors and smoke.

• No True Ventilation: Recirculates air rather than venting it outside, making it less effective than ducted range hoods.

• Loud Operation: Noticeably noisy during use, which can be bothersome.

• Fan-like Performance: Functions more like a regular fan than a range hood, merely blowing air rather than purifying it.

• Low Build Quality: Made of cheap materials, prone to breaking quickly.

• Difficult Maintenance: Filters are hard to remove and clean.

• Inconsistent Performance: Sometimes removes some steam and odors but fails with stronger smells.

• Not Suitable for Large Spaces: More effective in small areas like campers rather than regular kitchens.

Our Final Verdict

AirVac by Voom isn’t really unique. There are plenty of similar portable range hoods from brands that actually know their stuff. Ontel Products doesn’t specialize in kitchen gadgets—they’re more about marketing than making quality gear. If you’re looking for something reliable, go for brands like AirHood, Zomagas, Hauslane, Broan-NuTone, Empava, or Falmec. They’ve got a solid reputation. AirVac’s claims sound good on paper, but there’s not much proof to back them up. It just makes sense to choose a brand known for quality.