The Friedrich C90B is an electronic room air purifier noted for particulate removal (smoke, dust, pollen) using washable collector plates and optional carbon mat for minor odors. It has been cited with high CADR numbers and AHAM certification in legacy references, which should be verified for current units. The C90B reduces replacement filter costs but is not optimized for VOCs or chemical odors. Confirm CADR, noise, dishwasher safety of plates, and availability from current product documentation before buying.

Overview

The Friedrich C90B is an electronic room air purifier that has been recommended for removing smoke, dust, pollen, and other airborne particulates. It targets whole-room cleaning and uses washable collection plates rather than disposable HEPA cartridges, which can reduce ongoing filter costs.

Performance for particulates

Owners and reviewers have highlighted the C90B's strength at removing visible smoke and common allergens. The unit was reported to carry AHAM certification and published Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) figures that made it suitable for single rooms of several hundred square feet: CADR values often cited are 300 for tobacco smoke, 325 for dust, and 370 for pollen, and an estimated coverage of about 465 sq ft .

These numbers indicate strong particulate removal compared with many consumer models, but please note the exact CADR and coverage should be confirmed for any specific unit before purchase 1.

Odors, chemicals, and suitability for asthma

The C90B is primarily designed for particulate capture. It supports a thin carbon mat for basic odor reduction, but it is not optimized for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or complex chemical odors. For households with asthma where odors or chemical triggers are a concern, a purifier with a dedicated activated-carbon or catalytic VOC-stage is generally recommended.

Maintenance and noise

The C90B uses washable plates that reviewers have said can be cleaned periodically (frequency depends on indoor dust and smoke levels). Some model owners reported cleaning the plates weekly when exposure is high, otherwise monthly. The plates have been described as dishwasher-safe in some sources, but confirm your model's manual before using a dishwasher 2.

Because it uses electrostatic collection rather than deep HEPA media, replacement costs are often limited to an inexpensive carbon mat for odor control, if used. The C90B has also been noted for relatively low operational noise while maintaining airflow, though exact decibel ratings should be checked in current specifications 3.

Buying considerations

When evaluating air purifiers (including the Friedrich C90B), consider:

  • CADR for the pollutants you care about (smoke, dust, pollen).
  • AHAM certification and verified CADR test results 4.
  • Noise levels at your typical fan setting 5.
  • Maintenance type and cost: washable plates vs. replacement HEPA filters.
  • Whether you need VOC/odor removal (look for substantial activated carbon or specialized VOC stages).
In summary, the Friedrich C90B is a competent particulate-focused electronic purifier that can lower ongoing filter costs thanks to washable collectors. Confirm current CADR, AHAM status, availability, and maintenance guidance from up-to-date product documentation before buying 6.
  1. Verify current AHAM certification status for the Friedrich C90B and any updated CADR listings.
  2. Confirm the exact CADR numbers (tobacco smoke, dust, pollen) and the claimed room coverage (e.g., 465 sq ft) for the C90B.
  3. Check whether the C90B is still in production or has been discontinued and note current availability.
  4. Confirm whether the collection plates for the C90B are explicitly dishwasher-safe in the manufacturer manual.
  5. Verify published noise (decibel) ratings for the C90B at typical fan settings.

FAQs about Friedrich Air Purifier

Is the Friedrich C90B good for allergies?
Yes - it targets particulate allergens such as dust, pollen, and smoke effectively. For allergy relief focused on particles, an electronic purifier with strong CADR is suitable. If you also need odor or chemical removal, add a unit with substantial activated-carbon or VOC filtration.
Does the C90B remove odors and VOCs?
No. The C90B supports only a thin carbon mat for basic odors and is not optimized for VOCs or complex chemical removal. For odors and VOCs, choose a purifier with a dedicated activated-carbon stage.
Are the collection plates washable or dishwasher-safe?
The C90B uses washable collection plates, and some sources report dishwasher-safe cleaning. Verify your unit's manual before using a dishwasher to avoid damage .
How often do I need to clean the plates?
Cleaning frequency depends on indoor air conditions. In high-smoke or high-dust environments, weekly cleaning is common; otherwise monthly cleaning is typical.
Does the C90B have AHAM certification and published CADR ratings?
Legacy references cite AHAM certification and CADR values (commonly listed as ~300 smoke, ~325 dust, ~370 pollen), but you should confirm current certification and exact CADR numbers for the specific unit you buy .