Austin Air purifiers deliver genuine HEPA filtration without marketing theatre — they're built for allergy sufferers, asthma patients, and anyone serious about indoor air quality. The choice between their current lineup comes down to room size and budget: the Healthmate Junior suits flats and bedrooms, while the Healthmate Standard handles whole-home purification. All models use the same 5-stage filtration, so the main difference is throughput capacity and footprint.
Why Austin Air?
Austin Air has specialised in medical-grade air purification since 1989. Unlike trendy competitors chasing "smart" gimmicks, they focus on one thing: effective filtration through mechanical HEPA and activated carbon — no ozone generation, no ionisers. Their filters are built to last 5 years (not months like budget rivals), and the company publishes independent lab testing for every unit. They're manufactured in the US, which means spare parts and support don't vanish when companies rebrand or relocate. This reliability matters when you're investing £400–£800 in a device meant to last a decade.
Top Picks
Healthmate Standard Air Purifiers – Midnight Blue — £765.00
Best for open-plan homes and large bedrooms. The flagship model cleans up to 1,550 sq ft with 6 air changes per hour, using 360-degree intake and a 5-stage filtration system (HEPA + carbon + VOC filter). If you suffer from dust mites, pet dander, or chemical sensitivities, this is the one — it's the closest to clinical-grade purification available for home use. The midnight blue finish blends into modern interiors better than dated beige boxes.
Healthmate Junior Air Purifiers — £550.00
Best for medium bedrooms and offices. The mid-range option covers 700 sq ft with the same 5-stage filtration as the Standard but at a lower noise level (quieter for sleeping). Compact enough to fit under a desk or beside a bed without dominating the room. This is the sweet spot if you want serious purification without the flagship price or industrial footprint.
Healthmate Junior Sandstone (With Wheels) — £414.99
Best for budget-conscious buyers and flexibility. Identical filtration to the unpaired Junior model but with mobility — wheeled base lets you move it between rooms. Sandstone finish is less visually striking than midnight blue but practically neutral. Entry point to Austin Air's medical-grade filtration; you're not sacrificing performance, just skipping the premium finish and paying less.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | Healthmate Standard (Midnight Blue) | £765.00 | Large open spaces, whole-home filtration | 1,550 sq ft coverage, 6 air changes per hour | | Healthmate Junior | £550.00 | Medium bedrooms, offices, balanced size/power | 700 sq ft coverage, quieter operation | | Healthmate Junior (Sandstone + Wheels) | £414.99 | Budget-conscious, multi-room use | Mobility + full 5-stage filtration at entry price |
What to Look For
- Coverage area (CADR rating): The Standard covers 1,550 sq ft; Junior models cover 700 sq ft. Match this to your room size — undersizing won't capture circulating pollutants effectively.
- Filter lifespan and cost: Austin Air filters last 5 years (not the 6-12 months of cheaper units). Replacement HEPA + carbon filters cost £100–150 but last significantly longer, making total cost of ownership competitive despite upfront investment.
- Noise level: The Standard produces 50–60 dB at full speed (like background conversation); Juniors are quieter at 45–50 dB. If it runs in a bedroom at night, the Junior's efficiency matters.
- 5-stage filtration vs. 3-stage alternatives: Austin Air includes pre-filter, HEPA, carbon, VOC (volatile organic compound) filter, and post-filter. This removes dust, allergens, odours, and chemicals — three-stage competitors miss the VOC stage, meaning cooking smells and off-gassing linger.
The Bottom Line
The Healthmate Standard at £765 is Austin Air's best all-rounder and the one to buy if you can justify the cost — it outperforms mid-market competitors by a margin. But the Healthmate Junior at £550 (or wheeled version at £415) is genuine value for smaller spaces; you're getting 80% of the standard's purification capability at a fraction of the price. Skip gimmicks like app control or Wi-Fi — Austin Air doesn't offer them because they don't improve air quality, and that's their strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin Air good value for money?
Yes, relative to lifespan and filter costs. A £765 Standard costs roughly £153 per year over 5 years, and replacement filters (at £100–150) last 5 years each. Budget purifiers cost £200–300 upfront but need £40–60 filters replaced every 6 months, making long-term cost comparable or higher.
Do I need the Healthmate Standard or is the Junior enough?
Measure your room: if it's under 700 sq ft (roughly a large bedroom or small open-plan), the Junior is sufficient. If you have 700–1,550 sq ft (two-bedroom flat or larger), the Standard is necessary for effective whole-room coverage.
How loud are Austin Air purifiers?
The Standard runs at 50–60 dB on high speed (similar to a busy office); on low, it's quieter. Juniors are slightly quieter at 45–50 dB. Most people run them on medium speed at night without disruption.
Are wheeled Juniors worth the money?
Only if you plan to move the unit between rooms regularly. The wheeled version costs £135 less than the standard Junior but offers identical filtration — the wheels are the only practical difference. If it stays in one room, save the money and buy the standard model.
