Which Home Air Filters are the Best?

After extensive testing, the Coway AP-1512HH Mighty remains the top choice for home air filters. This disposable electrostatic filter contains self-charging electrostatic cotton or paper fibers that attract and trap small particles, with a MERV rating of 10. It is an affordable option in standard sizes, making it a great choice for homes with children, pets, or smokers. Custom sizes are more expensive and need to be replaced regularly over several years. HEPA filters are very dense and can reduce the airflow entering the oven, so they are usually used only in commercial ovens or hospitals.

With a MERV rating of 16-20, they block the highest level of particles in the air and provide better air quality, but they are not suitable for most residential ovens. Oven filters come in dozens of sizes, with the three most common being 16 by 20 inches, 20 by 25 inches and 16 by 25 inches. The thickness of the filter varies from one to five inches, and in general, the thicker the filter, the more particle blocking capacity it will have. Before choosing a filter, you will need to consult the owner's manual or operating manual, as not all ovens accept a thicker product.

As the filter becomes thicker, the oven must work harder to draw air through it, reducing its efficiency and service life. The Filtrete AC oven air filter is presented as our best overall oven replacement filter due to its high-efficiency MERV-12 rating that traps as much debris as possible in the air. The Nordic Pure MERV 12 pleated air conditioning oven filters are also a great choice for blocking dust and other airborne contaminants that could otherwise end up in the oven or be recirculated throughout the home. These disposable pleated filters are hypoallergenic and feature electrostatic fibers that attract contaminants and resist mold and mildew growth.

They are one inch thick and come in a variety of sizes. However, because these filters offer a high MERV rating of 12, they can clog more quickly than filters with lower scores. Depending on how often the oven works, you may need to replace them more often than every three months. The AirX ALLERGY MERV 11 pleated air filter is designed with additional density to trap airborne allergens that can trigger allergy symptoms.

It's also good for blocking smoke and odors. The MERV 11 filter is dense and helps prevent allergens from recirculating through your home's ducts. It is 1 inch thick and comes in a variety of sizes. For pet owners, the Aerostar Allergen & Pet Dander MERV 11 pleated disposable air filter is an excellent choice for blocking pet hair and dander.

This high-efficiency electrostatic filter attracts particles and traps them in place. This disposable pleated filter is available in a variety of sizes 1 and 2 inch thick to fit a wide range of ovens. The manufacturer recommends replacing it at least once every three months. The disposable pleated filter from Affordable and Durable absorbs odors and removes unwanted odors while trapping other airborne particles such as dust and pollen. The filter comes in several sizes and should be changed at least once every three months.

It has a MERV rating of 8 and comes with 4 filters with V-pleats for a larger surface area and additional airflow. For those looking for a more durable option, check out the Honeywell Home MicroDefense AC Air Filter that lasts up to 12 months before needing to be replaced. This 4-inch thick disposable filter features deep pleats and electrostatically charged fibers that capture and retain a large amount of particles in its crevices. It is only available in 2 sizes: 16 inches by 25 inches by 4 inches and 20 by 20 inches by 1 inch, so measure your current filter to ensure that the Honeywell Extended Use filter fits. In addition, this filter can help control odors. With so many options available, finding the right oven filter can be difficult.

One of the best choices overall is the Filtrete oven filter with its disposable electrostatic design, multiple size options, MERV rating of 12, and 3-in-1 technology to trap lint, dust, pet dander, soot, pollen and mold. The preferred type of oven filters are pleated and electrostatic disposables because of their ability to filter lint, dust, pet dander, soot, pollen, and mold spores while many picks are unable to filter out smoke and bacteria. Most options come in various sizes and thicknesses to be compatible with your oven while having MERV ratings ranging from 8 to 12 without impeding airflow. As for special features, arrows are included in the frame to direct placement and airflow; odor control; HEPA filters; Bluetooth capability for added convenience; deep pleats; electrostatically charged fibers; V-pleats for larger surface area; additional airflow; hypoallergenic fibers; resistance to mold & mildew growth; car emissions control; humidifier dust control; Legionella control; odor control; HEPA filters; Bluetooth capability; arrows for placement & airflow direction. According to a CNN article, HEPA filters with MERV ratings of 17 to 20 are best at reducing the spread of viruses but most household ovens cannot draw air through a dense HEPA filter. Many oven filters need to be changed every 2-3 months so many options come with multiple filters or last longer than 12 months.

Dianna Lapere
Dianna Lapere

General tv guru. Wannabe travel fanatic. Devoted food guru. Incurable bacon aficionado. General travel trailblazer.