You Should Never Cook Without an Air Purifier Nearby. Here’s Why

For all the attention we give to outdoor air quality, the air inside our homes is rarely as clean as we assume — especially in our kitchens. According to the American Lung Association, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and, in some extreme cases, 100 times more polluted. The pollution isn’t just from the usual culprits, like cigarette smoke, an errant toaster, or lingering wildfire smoke that’s crept its way inside.

When you cook, if the air becomes fragrant without whatever it is you’re boiling, searing, braising, or frying, you’re breathing in particulate matter. And the type of appliance you cook with can make matters worse. Combustion stoves (gas) release far more harmful particles into the air than electric ones, and poorly ventilated gas stoves are among the largest sources of indoor particulate pollution. Even electric stoves aren’t impact-free, so proper ventilation is critical no matter what you use. In my case, though, my gas stove came without a hood, and my best bet for ventilating my kitchen while I cook is opening a window — even in the dead of winter. That’s why I make sure to run my air purifier near my stove every time I cook.

Levoit Core Mini-P Air Purifier

This option from Levoit, what they call the Core Mini-P, is quiet and compact — perfect for even the smallest kitchen. According to The Spruce, the average kitchen ranges from 161 to 169 square feet, and this machine manages up to 225 square feet.

Levoit Core Mini-P Replacement Filter

Because of its lesser range, it’s the perfect size and weight to move between the floor and your countertop (when you cook, like I do): 6.5″D x 6.5″W x 10.4″H and 2.2 lbs, respectively. The 3-in-1 design features a built-in pre-filter and main filter that trap allergens like lint, hair, pet dander, fine airborne particles, and smoke, helping keep the air noticeably cleaner, and the activated carbon filter works alongside them to reduce odors, smoke, and fumes, making the air feel fresher and easier to breathe.

It’s important to note, though, because kitchens produce lots of grease and smoke, filters typically have a shorter lifespan in this room. You can extend it by keeping the purifier six to 10 feet from cooking surfaces, though. When it does eventually get too clogged to continue doing its job, Levoit offers replacement filters for all of its models, and the Core Mini-P filter is far cheaper than the others — and available via Amazon for quick shipping if you notice your machine struggling to keep up.