Review of Ikea Starkvind table: A disguised table doubling as an air purifier

Review

Ikea, known for its flat-pack furniture and iconic meatballs, may not be the first brand that comes to mind when thinking of innovation. However, the company’s smart home line features some unique and creative ideas, including the Ikea Starkvind table, an air-purifying table designed to freshen up any living space.

Available for $199.99 / £199 / AU$249 directly from Ikea, the Starkvind table is part of Ikea’s collection of smart home products, which also includes the Symfonisk lamp speaker and Symfonisk picture frame speaker.

Although not the most impressive air purifier on the market, the Starkvind table offers a stylish and minimalistic design. With a height of 55cm / 21.7 inches and a diameter of 54cm / 21.3 inches, it provides ample surface area.

In terms of price, the Starkvind table is slightly overpriced compared to other air purifiers with superior performance and specifications. For example, the Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto is priced at $150 / £100 / AU$150. Additionally, in order to use the Starkvind table’s smart features, users must purchase the Ikea Dirigera smart device hub for $69.99 / £60 / AU$99. This hub allows for integration with popular smart home ecosystems such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant. There are also additional costs for replacement filters, including an activated carbon filter for gaseous pollutants and a particle filter.

Despite its price, the Starkvind table is well-designed and offers decent performance as both an air purifier and a functional table. The setup process is simple, with easy assembly and pairing instructions for the smart home hub. The table features a sleek design, with attention to detail such as cable management and anti-drip grooves on the underside of the tabletop.

In terms of performance, the Starkvind table’s air filtration system is capable of removing 99.5% of smaller airborne particles. It operates quietly on its lowest setting but becomes noisier on higher settings. The table’s air sensor quickly detects pollutants and adjusts the purifier’s power accordingly. Maintenance is straightforward, with regular filter checks and replacements every six months.

Overall, while the Starkvind table delivers on its promises, the lack of advanced purification technology and the requirement of Ikea’s smart home hub may make it less appealing compared to other air purifiers on the market.

In conclusion, the Ikea Starkvind table offers a stylish and functional addition to any living space. While it may not be the most impressive air purifier in terms of performance and price, it delivers decent results and is well-designed. The decision to purchase the Starkvind table ultimately depends on one’s specific needs and preferences in an air purifier.