Bissell air220 Air Purifier Review: Modern & Efficient

Full Review

Bissell produces modern, premium, and excellent value-for-money air purifiers, and honestly, I’m not sure why it took me so long to review one.

The first model I bought and tested is the Bissell air220. It’s a medium-sized air purifier, making it comparable to many mid-range products I’ve already tested, and it will be very interesting to compare it with those models.

The Bissell air220 covers rooms up to 259 sq. ft. (24 m²) and will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour in a room of the recommended size.

All in all, this is an interesting air purifier with some minor disadvantages, and it’s definitely worth considering.

But rather than jumping to conclusions, I recommend we move on to the test results and see just how powerful this air purifier really is.

How We Tested the Bissell air220?

1. For the filter efficiency testing, we used the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter, which measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI.

2. We placed the Bissell air220 in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Bissell air220 run at maximum speed.

3. After 60 minutes, we measured the new values using the Temtop laser particle meter and saved the data.

4. Next, we placed the Bissell air220 in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke. Then, we measured how much time was needed for the air purifier to remove all the smoke from the box.

5. Using a special noise measurement tool, we tested the air purifier’s noise level at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale.

6. Finally, we measured the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculated how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we used an energy price of $0.12 per kWh.

The Bissell air220 is a medium-sized air purifier suitable for rooms up to 259 sq. ft. (24 m²).

It uses three-stage filtration technology, has powerful airflow, and is an ideal device for medium-sized rooms.

We tested this air purifier using our usual testing procedure, but I also used it for some time in my home. I noticed great performance and high efficiency, but also some issues with motor noise, which I will discuss in the next section.

I also want to mention that the Bissell air220 is excellent at neutralizing light odors such as cooking smells and other unpleasant odors.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the first test, performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Bissell air220 achieved outstanding results.

We placed it in the room, measured the initial air quality using the Temtop laser particle meter, and let it run at maximum speed for 60 minutes.

During that time, the Bissell air220 reduced the PM2.5 particulate matter from 105.3 to 6.2 µg/m³, which is an air quality improvement of about 94%.

I compared it with some similarly-sized air purifiers, and interestingly, all of the competitors achieved extraordinary results in this room (see the chart below).

Overall, the Bissell air220 is a highly efficient air purifier that performs exceptionally well in capturing airborne particles.

What immediately caught my attention with this air purifier is its impressive five fan speeds. I always favor air purifiers with as many fan speeds as possible because it makes it much easier to customize the device to personal needs.

Additionally, the Bissell air220 is very quiet at the lowest speeds. At speed 1 (the lowest speed), this air purifier produces a noise level of only 40.7 dBA.

When compared with the competition, Bissell is definitely among the quietest devices at this setting. The only air purifier quieter than the Bissell is the powerful Winix 5500-2, which produces a noise level of just 40.6 dBA at the lowest speed.

However, a significant issue I encountered with the Bissell is that after some time (approximately a month) of use, a very strange sound started coming from the motor, but only at the lowest speeds. This sound is like a low-frequency buzz, which is very irritating. Despite good results in the noise test, this buzzing undermines the overall evaluation of the Bissell.

At maximum speed, the situation is somewhat different. The Bissell air220 is much louder, producing a noise level of 64.1 dBA, which places it among the top three loudest devices compared to the competition.

However, what works in Bissell’s favor is that the small Levoit Core 300S produces a noise level of 65.2 dBA at maximum speed, which is quite high for such a small device.

Overall, the Bissell air220 is relatively well-optimized for noise, but the buzzing sound at the lowest speeds is a problem, giving me the feeling that more could have been done to refine this device before it was released to the market.

The first thing I want to address regarding operating costs is power usage. The Bissell air220 uses a 70W motor, which is honestly a bit higher than expected for the CADR this model offers.

However, when compared to the competition, models like the Winix 5500-2 and Coway AP-1512HH also use slightly higher-powered motors, so this isn’t unusual.

The Bissell air220 consumes around 63W at maximum speed. This means that if you were to use this device at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electricity bill would increase by about $5.52. This is a much higher cost than expected and significantly lowers the rating of this air purifier in terms of operating costs.

As you can see from the chart above, compared to competing devices, the Bissell air220 is definitely the biggest energy consumer.

For example, let’s compare the Blueair 411 Auto with the Bissell air220. The Blueair achieved identical performance results in tests, is a much more affordable device, uses a motor of only 10W, and would cost you just $0.80 if used at max speed, 24 hours a day, for a month.

However, what surprised me was the price of replacement filters, which are quite affordable and even comparable to some much smaller air purifiers.

The low price of replacement filters somewhat improves the overall rating of this device, but the significantly high energy consumption and the frequent unavailability of filters are reasons why I would say that the Bissell air220 is not particularly affordable to maintain on an annual basis.

Filtration Technology

One of the main aspects of any air purifier, besides the CADR value, is the filtration technology.

The Bissell air220 uses a three-stage filtration system, which includes a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.

This air purifier doesn’t have an ionizer or any similar filtration technology, does not produce ozone, and is 100% safe to use.

Additionally, the Bissell is CARB-certified, further confirming its safety for use.

Pre-filter

The first stage of filtration is the pre-filter, whose primary purpose is to be the first line of defense, trapping large particles like dust, hair, pet dander, and similar from reaching the True HEPA filter, thereby extending its lifespan.

This filter is fibrous, which I believe could have been designed better. For example, a pre-filter like the one on the Levoit Vital 200S air purifier, which is more like a mesh screen, would have been a much better choice because it’s easier to clean and maintain, which would increase it’s long-term efficiency.

True HEPA Filter

The second stage of filtration is the True HEPA filter, which captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

The True HEPA filter is the core stage of filtration and is primarily responsible for the excellent performance results this air purifier has achieved.

This filter captures pollen, dust, pet dander, and smoke, including that from wildfires and tobacco.

Activated Carbon Filter

The final stage of filtration is the activated carbon filter, which contains carbon pellets, making it generally much more efficient in neutralizing bad odors and cooking smells.

However, there is too much empty space in this filter, and I believe it could have contained many more carbon pellets. For example, the Austin Air Junior has over 6.5 lbs of carbon pellets in its filter, making it one of the best choices for smoke neutralization.

Overall, the activated carbon filter in the Bissell air220 is sufficient for light odors, light cooking smells, and similar pollutants. However, for heavy VOCs, smoke, and the like, I think it’s better to consider a more powerful air purifier.

How To Replace the Bissell air220 Filters?

The filters on the Bissell air220 last an average of 6 months, which is relatively reasonable considering the size of the filter and the device.

However, this timeframe can be slightly longer or shorter, depending on the environment in which you use the device, how often you use it, and at what speed.

Fortunately, the Bissell air220 has a filter reset indicator, so you won’t have to worry about when it’s time to replace the filters. If ‘F1‘ appears on the display, it means it’s time to replace the True HEPA + pre-filter. If ‘F2‘ appears on the display, it means it’s time to replace the activated carbon filter.

The procedure for replacing the filters is very simple and doesn’t require any advanced techniques or tools.

Setup and Installation

The Bissell air220 doesn’t require any overly complicated procedures before the first startup. The filters are already inserted in the device, but you need to remove them, unpack them from their protective plastic, and then place them back into the device.

Next, position the device in your desired location, plug it into an outlet, and turn it on.

When positioning the device, be sure not to block the air intake and exhaust vents.

Design

The Bissell air220 is a modern air purifier made of high-quality plastic.

This device is available in black, has a premium look, and will blend easily into almost any environment, especially in a modern living room, kitchen, or similar space.

On the top of the device, you’ll find the control button, display, and air outlet openings. On the back, near the top, there’s a slot that makes it easier to carry the device from one room to another.

Overall, the Bissell Air220’s design is premium, and I particularly commend this aspect of the device.

Controls

When it comes to controls, this air purifier has only two main components.

The first is a dial for adjusting the fan speeds, which also includes a button for turning the device on and off. To change the fan speed, twist the dial clockwise.

Below this control dial is a display that shows the current settings, such as fan speeds and auto mode. Occasionally, you’ll also see the ‘F1’ and ‘F2’ indicators on the display, which signal that it’s time to replace the filters.

Airflow

The Bissell air220 is rectangular in shape, with air inlets on the front of the device.

The device draws air in through these openings, which is then filtered through the three stages of filtration.

The filtered air exits through the fan grilles on the top.

Size and Dimensions

This is a medium-sized air purifier with dimensions of 14.5 x 8.5 x 24 inches (36.8 x 21.6 x 61 cm).

One downside regarding the size of this device is the impractical slot intended to help with carrying, as well as the lack of wheels, which would make it easier to move the device from one room to another.

Additionally, the Bissell air220 weighs 18.7 lb (8.5 kg), so it’s not exactly a lightweight device.

What’s in the box?

When you purchase the Bissell Air220 air purifier, you receive one air purifier, one pre-filter + HEPA filter combination, one activated carbon filter, and one user manual.

Features Overview

Although the Bissell air220 doesn’t have the option to connect to a smart app or offer voice control, it still includes some advanced features that are more than sufficient for everyday use.

Air Quality Sensor and Indicator

The Bissell air220 uses CirQulate technology to detect VOC levels in the air. The sensor is highly accurate and detects VOCs very quickly.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the sensor detects VOCs, not dust particles, pollen, or similar particles, so be sure to consider this before deciding on this model.

The air quality sensor works with other features on the Bissell air220 air purifier, such as the air quality indicator and auto mode.

The air quality indicator collects data from the sensor and lights up in different colors depending on the current air quality.

Indicator Color	Air Quality
Blue	Good
Orange	Moderate
Red	Poor

In the table above, you can see what each color on the air quality indicator represents and the corresponding air quality level.

Auto Mode

Auto mode is another feature that works in combination with the air quality sensor.

Essentially, the sensor sends data about the current air quality to the device, and auto mode automatically adjusts the fan speed accordingly.

This is a great and very useful feature; however, the downside is that the air quality sensor on the Bissell air220 only detects VOCs, similar to the limitation found in the Winix 5500-2 and C535 models.

This means that auto mode is recommended for use primarily in situations where you want to neutralize bad smells, remove VOCs, and similar tasks.

Night Mode

The Bissell air220 has a night mode feature that works in combination with a light sensor to monitor the current lighting in the room.

If the sensor detects that the room is dim (assuming it’s night), the device will automatically dim all the lights on the display and switch to Night Mode.

Any press of the control dial or an increase in room lighting will automatically deactivate Night Mode.

Cord Storage

A very interesting addition to the design of this device is the cord storage located on the back of the unit.

It’s essentially a slot where you can wrap the power cord, making it much easier to store your air purifier when you’re not using it. Alternatively, you can simply wind up the excess power cord to keep it out of the way if the outlet is close to the device.

Warranty

The Bissell air220 comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

This is a very generous warranty, especially considering that most air purifier brands offer up to a 2-year warranty for their devices.

Room Coverage and CADR

When it comes to air purifiers, one of the most important factors to pay attention to—and one that brands often manipulate or provide inaccurate information about—is the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate).

The Bissell air220 has a CADR of 167 CFM (284 m³/h), which means this air purifier is ideal for rooms up to 259 sq. ft. (24 m²) and will clean the air in such a room 4.8 times per hour. This aligns with the industry standard set by AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers).

However, it’s useful to know that the Bissell air220 will clean the air in a 626 sq. ft. (58 m²) room twice per hour and in a 1,252 sq. ft. (116 m²) room once per hour.

All in all, this is a medium-sized air purifier that is ideal for living rooms, large bedrooms, kitchens, and even offices and similar spaces.

FAQ on Bissell air220