Filtrete FAP-ST02 Air Purifier: Trusted Review & Specs

The Filtrete FAP-ST02 is a solid entry to mid-range air purifiers with a few necessary features, but the standard Filtrete FAP-T03BA-G2 is still a good buy for anyone who doesn’t need the smart features. In our today Filtrete FAP-ST02 Review, let’s see whether the most expensive Filtrete air purifier nails the competition or not.

Filtrete FAP-ST02 ranks B in our air purifier ranking list. We give the biggest and most thorough database of air purifier reviews in the world.

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Filtrete is developed by the 3M engineers for about 30 years, and this is one of the biggest air filter manufacturers in the world. The Filtrete FAP-ST02 isn’t really the upgraded version of the old flagship Filtrete FAP-T03BA-G2 (we must wait for the Filtrete FAP-ST03), but it is currently the most expensive air purifier in the lineup (at the time of writing). So, get ready for our Filtrete FAP-ST02 Review.

Other Filtrete’s Air Purifier Reviews:

Filtrete FAP-ST02 Price

We can say the Filtrete FAP-ST02 is a decent mid-ranger with better sibling, the old traditional air purifier Filtrete FAP-T03BA-G2. Given that this is not a direct update to the aforementioned air purifier, we should wait for the Filtrete FAP-ST03 to roll out.

It is one of two smart air purifiers in the Filtrete range at the moment, and it offers a better value for money than the Filtrete FAP-SC02. For a few bucks more, you can double the performance while preserving all of the benefits of the smaller model.

So, I must say the Filtrete FAP-ST02 comes at a very competitive price, though I wish it could be a bit lower. The price is $269, meaning it is only $30 more expensive than the smaller FAP-SC02. However, given the drop of price in the FAP-T03, the Filtrete FAP-ST02 won’t be the stand-out member, as the non-smart version is cheaper with relatively few downgrades.

At its price, the Filtrete FAP-ST02 is shadowed by both the Airthereal AGH550 and Levoit Core 600S, both offer incredible value for the price. Even the Blue Pure 311 Auto is a better pick for its well-known and stylish design, as well as better performance than the Filtrete FAP-ST02.

Related post: Best air purifiers 2023.

Filtrete FAP-ST02 Design and Size

The Filtrete FAP-ST02 isn’t the most visually distinct air purifier in the world, but that’s the sum-up of company’s design for you.

It looks quite similar to the Filtrete FAP-T03BA-G2, with a slightly cut in height as it is only “02” in its name. Plus the top design of the new Filtrete FAP-SC02 for air quality monitor. It’s a big air purifier, a real tower air purifier at 28.6 inches in height and 14 inches in width. It is suitable for large rooms with such tall design.

On the bright side, we will have more handles to pick up the unit than the traditional air purifier. And we need it to move the air purifier with 17.3 lbs weight, a bit heavier than its simple sibling.

Even with the tower design, the Filtrete FAP-ST02 will run bottom-to-top air flow system concept, which is more suitable to give better efficiency than the traditional back-to-front. The air inlets are put in both sides for maximizing its fan power.

As a new smart air purifier from Filtrete, the Filtrete FAP-ST02 has a top touch control panel, with far better design and control.

Source: Amazon.com

Related post: Best air purifiers for bedroom.

Filtrete FAP-ST02 Filters

As the top manufacturer of high-quality True HEPA filter, Filtrete really wants the Filtrete FAP-ST02 to use its best air cleaning system. You will have the in-house 2-stage air cleaning system in this air purifier, which is also certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

1. True HEPA filter – Filtrete FAP-ST02 uses an in-house True HEPA Filter to reduce 99.97% of as small as 0.3 microns allergens like mites and pet dander, virus particles, mold spores, pollen, germs and bacteria particles.
2. Activated Carbon Filter – This in-house Activated Carbon filter adsorb unwanted odors and fume such as cooking smells, smoke, ammonia and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

However, the competition is really hard for even the best Filtrete air purifier. Our today Filtrete FAP-ST02 has far better performance than the Filtrete FAP-SC02, but it is just like the cheaper Bissell air400, cleaning 99.9% of all particles down to 0.3 microns in 200 square feet room, under 1 hour. As you can see from the result below, the Filtrete FAP-ST02 is near the bottom of the list.

The Filtrete FAP-ST02 will use the old F1 and F2 air filters just like any traditional models. However the filter’s life is short.

Related post: Best air purifiers for allergies.

Filtrete FAP-ST02 Room Coverage

The Filtrete FAP-ST02, like the rest of the Filtrete family, has been certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). This flagship model is recommended for rooms up to 310 square feet in size.

The ACH of Filtrete FAP-ST02 is 4X. This air purifier can exchange the air in your room up to every 15 minutes.

The CADR of Filtrete FAP-ST02 is 205 Dust/ 200 Smoke/ 240 Pollen (cfm). This performance is a little behind the competition, and can’t compare even to its sibling Filtrete FAP-T03BA-G2. It maybe explains for its lower performance than the sibling.

Related post: Best large room air purifiers.

Filtrete FAP-ST02 Sound

Filtrete excels at noise reduction, but it’s a significant task to make their flagship “ultra-quiet” with increased fan power. In the realm of air purifiers, the bigger the fan power, the noisier it is.

This indicates that the Filtrete FAP-maximum ST02’s noise level is 58 decibels (db), which suggests that you should avoid using the rapid cleaning mode while sleeping.

However, due to the superior fan motor, the Filtrete FAP-ST02 is able to maintain a noise level of as low as 32 decibels (db). Such a noise level is comparable to a whisper, and as I previously stated, was nearly faultless.

Related post: Best air purifiers for baby.

Filtrete FAP-ST02 Power Consumption

One of our most FAQs is “Do air purifiers use a lot of energy?” In fact, air purifier must be used for a long time to be efficient. And power consumption is one important criteria to review if this air purifier is good or not.

Regrettably, the Filtrete FAP-ST02 is not Energy Star certified. Perhaps the 115 watts of power consumption is too high for even Filtrete to submit this item for rating.

If you run the Filtrete FAP-ST02 for 8 hours per day, the annual cost is up tp $41.

Related post: Best air purifiers for pets.

Filtrete FAP-ST02 Additional Features

Now, let’s talk about the main reason you’re seeking for the Filtrete FAP-ST02: smart features. When it comes to air quality indicators, it is a truly smart air purifier that uses both color and numerical scales. The Smart Sensor also enables the Filtrete FAP-ST02 to operate in Auto Mode, which allows the fan speed to be automatically adjusted in response to the current indoor air quality reading. For quicker and more accurate results, Filtrete incorporates a laser air sensor (rather than just a dust sensor).

The Filtrete FAP-ST02 is connected to a smartphone app through Wi-Fi. It may also be managed by Alexa, which is convenient for rapid management.

Aside from that, we still have the classic Timer feature, as well as a lighting function that allows us to dim or turn off the lights altogether when necessary. Finally, the LED indication for filter replacement will alert you when it is time to replace the old filter with a new one.

Related posts:

1, Best air purifiers for smoke.

2, Best air purifiers for dust.

3, Best air purifiers for mold.

Filtrete FAP-ST02 Customer Service

Filtrete is the official air purifier brand developed by the 3M Company, so this company really focuses on the customer service. You can find a very strong knowledge base on Filtrete website, to know any definitions commonly associated with indoor air quality.

If you have questions, make sure to contact them via live chat or phone at 800-388-3458. The customer service is available from 8 AM to 5 PM CST, Monday – Friday.

Any Filtrete air purifiers are covered with a 1-year warranty. If you want to send them a message, you should follow the instructions in their Contact Us page. They will respond to your email request in 24 – 48 business hours.

Our verdict

Filtrete FAP-ST02 has a better pricing than the new Filtrete FAP-SC02 for certain, but performance wise it is a little behind its sibling Filtrete FAP-T03BA-G2. It has good fan power, decent performance for a lot of things it provides, but it is still a little behind the competition at the moment. For all that, it’s a bit hard to recommend the Filtrete FAP-ST02, unless we see a drop in the price.