Preface
This Xtar AF1 model is Xtar’s first foray into the Ozone Generator market.
The AF1 is a mini ozone generator that produces up to a maximum of 50mg/h of ozone, on its highest setting.
Let’s check out the merits and demerits of this new Xtar AF1 model.
Note: Special care is required when operating the Ozone Generator indoors, the precautions we used are shared in this review.
Packaging & First Impressions
This is what the Ozone Generator will come with as shown below.
- Made of Stainless Steel, Aluminium Alloy and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) material.
- No flexing of material is found.
- Provision of the lanyard ensures for easy hanging or carrying of the AF1 where required. That said, it would be nice if a better quality lanyard was provided instead.
- USB-C Cable provided is of fairly good quality and should hold up to the test of time.
Note: Do charge the AF1 and read the “Ozone – Benefit & Danger” section before first usage.
Front:
Back:
Sides:
Box Contents:
Quick Overview (Manufacturer Specifications)
- Body Material: Stainless Steel, Aluminium Alloy and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- Maximum Charging: 5V @ 380mA
- Battery Capacity: 600mAh
- Number of Modes: 4 (Mode 1 to Mode 4) → Mode 1 is the lowest output & Mode 4 is the highest output.
- Maximum Ozone Concentration: 50mg/h (Mode 4)
- Maximum Ozone Deodorization Area (Mode 1): 10m2 [No information provided for Mode 2, 3 or 4]
- Effective Sterilization Area & Runtime with built-in battery:
- Mode 1: 0.01m3 / 4days OR continuous running with external power source
- Mode 2: 0.1m3 / 30mins (timer-limited)
- Mode 3: 0.5m3 / 30mins (timer-limited)
- Mode 4: 3m3 / 40mins (timer-limited) OR 2h (with external power source)
- Over-charge, over-discharge & overheat protection
- Dimension: 70mm (diameter) x 36mm (height)
- Weight: 104g (including battery)
- Accessories Included:
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Lanyard
- MSRP: ~$30
Ozone Generation
Oxygen (O2) is made up of 2 oxygen atoms whereas Ozone (O3) is made up of 3 oxygen atoms.
In order to get from Oxygen to Ozone, the Xtar AF1 uses a method called “Silent Corona Discharge”.
Silent Corona Discharge is basically applying an electric current through O2 (which is inherently found in the air we breathe), and that causes the 2 oxygen atoms to split. The newly single oxygen atom then combines with other Oxygen (O2) to form Ozone (O3).
In other words, the Silent Corona Discharge process & effect can be summarized into the following:
- O2 = O + O
- O + O2 = O3
Ozone – Benefit & Danger
Since oxygen atoms prefer to be in the Oxygen (O2) setup, Ozone (O3) is an inherently unstable formation of 3 oxygen atoms.
This causes Ozone to readily react with organic compounds/matter (e.g. odorous compounds, smoke, virus, bacteria and mould spores and etc.) in the air and thus helps to “clean” the air/area.
As the quote “with great power comes great responsibility” goes, Ozone Generators (including the Xtar AF1) definitely is befitting of it.
Ozone in higher concentration is generally harmful to human, pets and even plants. It is not recommended to breathe in Ozone as it would react with the organic compounds in the body.
During operation of the AF1, ensure that no human, pets or plants are present in the same room/area. Subsequently, after operating the Xtar AF1, ensure that the area is fully ventilated for at least 30 minutes before entering. In our tests, we used fan(s) to ventilate the area and if possible, open the door/window for added ventilation.
The only exception to the above precaution measures is when using the Xtar AF1 in Mode 1 for deodorizing a ~10m2 room. Nonetheless, it is still recommended to avoid being close to the AF1 when it is in operation.
Note: We do not have scientific proof that the XTAR AF1 will effectively remove virus (such as COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus), bacteria and/or mould. However, it has since proven extremely effective in removing most odors in our tests (e.g. bedroom, kitchen, toilet, closet/wardrobe, shoe cabinet, small drawer and etc.). The key to removing odors permanently is to first remove the source of the odor, followed by using the AF1 based on the recommended sterilization or deodorization area.
Ozone – Tested Applications
Ever wanted to remove the greasy smell in the kitchen that still lingers in the air, despite wiping down all of the oily surfaces?
Ever wanted to remove the BBQ-scent that seems stuck permanently to the clothes after a nice BBQ session?
Ever wanted to remove the lingering scent after have a session in the toilet?
Ever wanted to remove the musky smell from an unused cabinet, drawer, wardrobe or even a spare room?
The list goes on but if any of the above is required, the Xtar AF1 has been able to easily handle all of the above with ease. As mentioned earlier, do read the “Ozone – Benefit & Danger” section before first usage of the AF1.
UI (User Interface)
UI is extremely straightforward to use and there is a safety measure to prevent accidental activation (long press to switch ON).
Note: Extra precaution should be taken when running continuously on Mode 4 (when with an external power source/power bank), as it does get fairly warm when operating without ventilation. We recommend using a fan running on at least a LOW speed, where possible.
Normal Operation
From OFF:
- HOLD (~ 4sec – LEDs will flash 4 times) – AF1 will switch ON to Mode 1.
From ON:
- 1 Press – Mode change (cycles through Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3 & Mode 4 → Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3 & Mode 4).
- HOLD (~ 1sec) – AF1 will switch OFF.
Power Indicator
There are 1 main types of Power Indicator for this AF1.
From OFF:
- HOLD (~4sec), this causes the AF1 to switch ON to Mode 1. Howver, during the 4 seconds it takes to switch ON the AF1, the 4 Blue LEDs will flash 4 times first.
- 4 LEDs Flash – Power is >75%.
- 3 LEDs Flash – Power is >50% but <75%.
- 2 LEDs Flash – Power is >25% but <50%.
- 1 LED Flash – Power is <25%, do recharge immediately.
Form Factor
The AF1 is a rather small size (mini) Ozone Generator, when taking into consideration that most Ozone Generators currently on sale are much larger in comparison. However, its Ozone Generation capacity/capability is limited by both its size (up to 50mg/h) and current battery capacity (600mAh).
With the exposed Stainless Steel areas and USB-C port, special care should be taken when it is brought outdoors or in the bathroom areas (i.e. when near water).
It can be placed in larger sized pockets, bag, purse, etc. (away from moisture); and one would probably not realize it is there, till it is actually needed.
Mode 1:
Mode 2:
Mode 3:
Mode 4:
With Lanyard:
Charging Process
With the provided USB-C Cable, the battery was charging at ~0.38A, which is exactly what Xtar claimed.
A Blinking BLUE indicator depicts charging in progress and 4 Solid BLUE indicators lit depicts charging has completed.
The AF1 can still be used whilst charging, but no Blinking BLUE indicator will be seen.
Scale Comparison (Ruler)
Summary
To sum up, we believe that the most important part of any review is if given the chance to purchase the same product for our own usage or to gift to our loved ones out from one’s pocket (wallet), would we still do it?
For this mini ozone generator, it is a probable YES, if this is the type of air purifier that is preferred/required.
The small form factor, accidental activation protection, 4 modes, built-in battery with option to operate with external power source and USB-C charging are all plus points for this Ozone Generator.
That said, it would be nice if XTAR had included a larger battery capacity while retaining a similar form factor as much as possible.
Here is a bonus size comparison picture with other Xtar product.
From Left to Right: Xtar AF1 and Xtar PB2C.
As with all gears, two is one and one is none.
Stay safe,
The Lite Review
Disclaimer: AF1 was provided for by Xtar (manufacturer) for this review. No other compensation was provided.
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