
The Toshiba Air Purifier CAF-W83XIN is designed to handle large spaces, with a large coverage area of up to 2119 sq. ft (this happens to be the largest coverage area claim we’ve come across). This makes it ideal for living rooms, large bedrooms, or even office spaces that demand cleaner air. Priced at ₹16,990, it comfortably sits in the mid-range segment, offering an attractive option for those who want something more powerful without stepping into the premium price bracket.
When we set up this unit in our spacious MSP lab, I was particularly curious to see how well it would handle a space of this size. Large coverage claims often come with high expectations, and I wanted to see how it would perform in terms of real-world air purification, noise levels, and ease of use. Given that this model is meant for bigger spaces, I expected it to be more powerful and efficient than the smaller, entry-level purifiers I’ve tried before. However, with its mid-range pricing, I wondered how it would balance performance and affordability.
Build Quality and Design
The Toshiba Air Purifier CAF-W83XIN has a modern, sleek design that stands out due to its tall and slim profile. The clean white body gives it a minimalist look, making it blend easily into various home decors without feeling bulky or intrusive. Despite its large coverage area, the purifier is surprisingly compact for a model that handles such a large space, so it doesn’t take up too much floor space, which is great if you’re placing it in a high-traffic area.
The build feels sturdy, and the smooth finish adds a touch of elegance to what could otherwise be a utilitarian device. The rounded corners give the unit a softer, more approachable look, and the vents are well-integrated into the sides of the purifier, ensuring that airflow is maximised without disrupting the overall aesthetic.
The top panel houses an LCD touch control system, which adds to the purifier’s sleek design. The touch controls are intuitive and easy to use, giving you access to several functions such as sleep mode, timer, ion generation, fan speed, and an automatic mode for smart adjustments based on air quality. The LCD also displays air quality levels and current settings, which keeps everything visible at a glance. Overall, the design feels premium, and the controls are both functional and elegant, enhancing the user experience.
Filters and Air Purification
Filters
The Toshiba Air Purifier CAF-W83XIN uses a robust filtration system consisting of a Pre-filter, Active Carbon Filter, HEPA Filter, and a Pet Filter. The Pre-filter is designed to trap larger particles like dust and pet hair, preventing them from clogging the other filters. The Active Carbon Filter targets odours and harmful gases, while the HEPA Filter is the core element, capturing 99.97% of fine particles such as pollen, dust, and pollutants. The additional Pet Filter is a bonus for pet owners, effectively managing pet dander and hair.
Corner Test Results:
Time (minutes) | PM2.5 (ug/m3) | AQI |
Start | 398 | 100 |
10 | 80 | 32 |
20 | 34 | 19 |
25 | 34 | 19 |
Starting with a PM2.5 level of 398 ug/m3, which indicates unhealthy air quality, the Toshiba purifier showed impressive results. After just 10 minutes, the PM2.5 dropped to 80 ug/m3, with an AQI improvement to 32, showing significant air cleaning within a short time. By the 20-minute mark, the PM2.5 further reduced to 34 ug/m3, which is within healthier levels, and the AQI improved to 19. At 25 minutes, the purifier stabilised at the same levels, maintaining healthy air quality.
For context, the Philips AC1711 air purifier is available for ₹14,995, which also makes it a mid-range offering. I’ve reviewed the purifier in the past and noted that after 25 minutes, the AQI dropped from 100 to 31, and PM2.5 levels decreased from 410 µg/m³ to 69 µg/m³, which shows that this Toshiba unit performs more effectively. Though there is a difference of ₹3,000 in the prices, the latter stands out as a better option for health-conscious buyers. Also by virtue of the fact that the Philips AC1711 outperformed the Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 in our tests, the Toshiba Air Purifier CAF-W83XIN can be seen as the best model when comparing all three.
Centre Test Results:
Time (minutes) | PM2.5 (ug/m3) | AQI |
Start | 406 | 100 |
10 | 90 | 36 |
20 | 40 | 22 |
25 | 40 | 22 |
In the centre test, the starting PM2.5 was 406 ug/m3, also reflecting heavily polluted air. After 10 minutes, the PM2.5 levels dropped to 90 ug/m3, with the AQI improving to 36. At 20 minutes, the air quality became much healthier, with PM2.5 levels reducing to 40 ug/m3 and the AQI hitting 22, which remained stable at the 25-minute mark. These results highlight the purifier’s effectiveness in large spaces, providing consistent air purification across different positions in the room. In case you’re curious, the Philips AC1711 also falls short in the centre test, with the AQI dropping from 100 to 32, and PM2.5 dropping from 396 µg/m³ to 66 µg/m³ in 25 minutes.
Ease of Changing Filters and Cost
Changing the filters on the Toshiba Air Purifier CAF-W83XIN is a straightforward and user-friendly process, even for those who are new to air purifiers. Here’s how it works:
- Unplug the Unit: For safety, always start by unplugging the purifier.
- Open the Filter Compartment: The filter compartment can be accessed by pressing the release tabs, which opens the back panel without any tools.
- Remove the Old Filter: Once the compartment is open, simply slide out the old filter. There are no complicated latches or screws, making it a simple process.
- Insert the New Filter: Place the new filter inside, ensuring that it’s oriented correctly—this step is crucial as improper placement can affect the purifier’s performance.
- Close the Compartment: Securely close the back panel, ensuring it clicks into place.
In terms of cost, the replacement filters for this unit are moderately priced, falling in line with other mid-range purifiers.
Noise Levels
At 44 dB, the noise level of the Toshiba Air Purifier CAF-W83XIN is relatively quiet and not disruptive. To put it into context, 44 dB is about the same noise level as a quiet office or the gentle hum of a refrigerator. While it’s not completely silent, it’s subtle enough that it doesn’t interfere with conversations, watching TV, or even sleeping, especially in larger spaces where the sound tends to dissipate. During my experience with the purifier, I barely noticed the noise after a few minutes of operation, making it suitable for continuous use, even in quieter settings like bedrooms.
IoT Integration and Features
Unlike some of the newer, smarter air purifiers on the market, the Toshiba Air Purifier CAF-W83XIN doesn’t come with IoT or smart features. There’s no app for remote control, no voice assistant integration, or Wi-Fi connectivity.
All operations are manual or controlled through the touch panel on the device. While this may be a downside for tech enthusiasts looking for more automation, the lack of smart features also makes the unit simpler and more straightforward to use, especially for those who aren’t looking for complex app-based controls. It focuses on air purification rather than additional bells and whistles.
Verdict
The Toshiba Air Purifier CAF-W83XIN is a solid choice for anyone needing efficient air purification for large spaces. With a coverage area of up to 2119 sq. ft., it delivers powerful air cleaning performance, as demonstrated by its ability to reduce PM2.5 levels significantly in just 25 minutes. Its filtration system is comprehensive, handling dust, allergens, odours, and even pet dander. The design is sleek and modern, and the unit runs quietly enough at 44 dB to be unobtrusive in daily use.
However, it lacks smart features like app integration or IoT connectivity, which may be a drawback for tech-savvy users looking for more control options. On the flip side, this makes it simple to use, with all settings easily adjustable via the touch panel. Changing filters is quick and hassle-free, and the filters themselves are reasonably priced, keeping long-term maintenance costs manageable. Overall, this air purifier strikes a good balance between performance and ease of use, making it a strong mid-range option for larger spaces.