A lot of clever features on a small size machine
This Vendfo model MB026-1P-WB is a somewhat unique value proposition in the form in which it arrived. There are lots of machines this size out there with pre-screens, active carbon (carbon coated mesh), and hepa layers. There are many with multiple fan speeds. There are many with sleep settings which turn off the lights and lower the speed to keep the machine quiet. There are many with automation. You won't find this size, though, that directly go after formaldehyde with a specific technology. It's even added in the listing as almost an after thought because it's more complicated technology to explain. Vendfo included a sleeve of what would technically be a cold catalyst that you could hang up in your closet. It is specifically designed to react and convert the formaldehyde. That's an interesting bonus. I can't tell you how well it works because I have air sensors in my home and know my HCHO (formaldehyde) levels are about 0.0001mg/m3 (vs. EPA recommendation of below 0.007mg/m3). Given some clothes coming from (a country not named) have been found to have high formaldehyde, having something that you could hang with new clothes seems interesting. Washing clothes doesn't always solve the formaldehyde on clothes problem. Since it was a novel aspect of the machine, I wanted to call that out. The other features of the machine all worked well. Sleep was below the 30db I can measure. High speed noise about the level of a conversation. The automation sensor did work - though it scoffed at my usual test which uses essential oil. I did end up going with a stick of burning incense in the cupboard where I test and that prompted the angry red color and associated actions to confirm it was all good to go. While the filter looks bespoke, I test a lot of machines and recognize the little notch (so the filter is out there lots of places). One other thing I'll mention about the filter is you can see a sticker in my photo with a production date. Active carbon can not be re-activated at home and starts adsorbing the moment it is created in the factory. Wait for the filter to be needed before you buy one so you always get it as fresh as possible. The date sticker shows Vendfo know this and are trying to manage the inventory to keep the inventory fresh. (It's not usually mentioned by the air purifier brands - so consider this our secret). Read more
