First Look: Dyson Pure Cool Link Tower

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In this first look we’ll give you our first impressions and thoughts on the Dyson Pure Cool Link Tower with a full extensive reviewing giving our final verdict.

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Take the Dyson’s AM07 Tower Fan and the AM06 Desk Fan, add a glass HEPA filter, Wi-Fi capabilities to allow it to be controlled remotely via the app and you get their new air purifiers. This new duo is filled to the brim with features and this is clearly reflected on the extremely long name: Dyson Pure Cool Link. “Cool” reflects the device’s ability to function as a fan and is usually given to Dyson’s fan range of devices. “Pure” echoes the device’s ability to clean the air, while “link” basically means that it’s a connected device. Personally I’m not a fan of the name, as it’s way too complicated, doesn’t roll off the tongue and it simply isn’t a name you’d remember. Dyson Purifier or Purifier connect would have been better choices.

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The unit comes in two sizes: the larger tower and the compact table version, with a selection of Iron/Blue and White/Silver colorways. As is expected from Dyson, these products typically launch with a choice of two to three colors, with more options added further down the line. Judging by their current lineup it’s safe to say that a Black and Silver/Grey version should follow further down the line. As expected from Dyson’s products, this new duo doesn’t come cheap, a whopping €579/$499  for the tower and €499 for the desk version. Dyson has decided not to release the desk version in the US, which is why we only have the price in euros.

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The new purifier series is basically two devices in one. At their core, the tower is basically an AM07 while the desk version basically an AM06, but because it’s also a purifier there’s a slight dip in performance. The difference isn’t dramatic, but is expected from Dyson’s two-in-one device. Take for example their heaters and humidifiers and compare them to their equivalent fan-only versions and the latter always performs a lot better at pushing air. This time around there’s only a slight difference. Take their dedicated AM07 tower fan for example. It will push air at a rate of 500liter/3 meters per second, while the tower purifier is able to push 414 liters at speed of 2.58m per second. With such a small difference in performance, Dyson has finally created a two-in-one device that performance at the level of their stand-alone fans. Strangely missing is a pedestal purifier, basically the purifier version of the AM08. Dyson’s fans traditionally have been available in three versions: desk, tower and pedestal, with the pedestal slightly outperforming the tower and the tower besting the desk option.  While the tower shape looks stunning, I’ve always had a soft spot for the pedestal which is basically a large version of the desk fan with a bigger loop sitting on a long pedestal. This version has always been Dyson’s flagship device. When asked, the Dyson rep had no clear reason why the pedestal was dropped, but hinted at the difficulty implementing the purifier in the pedestal shape. Fact is, the pedestal looks unique and evens outperforms the tower version. Dyson should introduce a pedestal version of the purifier.

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Design-wise, the unit is stunning with a very elegant and commanding presence. It basically takes the basic shape of the AM07 and goes for a wider pedestal which makes the base obsolete. The unit takes the updated design language we’ve seen with the Dyson Humidifier, but drops the see-through canister for a perforated metal basket, giving it a bold and modern statement. This design element visually emphasizes the device’s ability to purify the air and also where the air enters the device.  The rest of the unit uses softer, flowing lines which take a step back behind the eye-catching and bold perforated metal, which surely is the second thing that will catch your eye after you look at the amp. This time around the amplifier sits deeper within the pedestal which almost wraps around it, seamlessly integrating the two parts.  Dyson is known to create beautiful pieces of tech, but the Pure Cool Link just took it to the next level.

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I was skeptical about its purifying capabilities, but within a few days of using the device I was convinced. Being allergic to dust and pollen, I usually have a stuffy nose and itchy eyes in the summer. I started a routine of having the purifier in the bedroom at night and in the living room during the day, basically running all day in automatic model. This mode allows the device to monitor the air quality and will automatically turn on, adjust the fan speed based and even enter a sleep mode based on the air quality. In cases where the room was dusty or right after using some perfume the purifier would automatically turn on and clean the air and spontaneously turn off after less particles were detected. Not only have I noticed a dramatic drop in overall dust around the house, but I don’t wake up with itchy eyes or a stuffy nose. I’ve also decided to test it after doing some cooking. Within half an hour the purifier had cleared the room of most odors, something that usually would have taken hours after opening the windows. The downside is that the filter needs to be replaced and will cost a hefty $69.99/ €64.95. Luckily, this only needs to be done once a year, assuming you run the unit about 12 hours a day. I also like the fact that the app keeps tracks on how many hours the filter has been used and will warn you when it’s time to to get a replacement.

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Speaking of the app, the Pure Cool Link and the 360 eye are Dyson’s first connected and app powered devices. This means you can fully control the Purifier with your smartphone or app from your local Wi-Fi or across the globe using the Wi-Fi or mobile connections. The app is pretty simple and beautifully done, it’s typical Dyson with simplicity at its core.  It worked flawlessly and based on my experience it’s very stable. One of my  complaint so far is the large area of the app dedicated to a demo. They should completely replace this with a button that takes a small percentage of the overall space.  My other complaint so far has been when switching modes from On, Auto to Off. You basically need to scroll sideways to the desired mode and let go, but at first this wasn’t obvious. I instinctively wanted to scroll and select the option I wanted, which simply won’t work. I would prefer a system where all the modes are displayed and you’re able to simply select the mode you want which in turn would light up. So far I’m impressed with the app’s stability, speeds and simplicity.

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When I heard Dyson was releasing  a Wi-Fi connected device, I naturally thought of IFTT or If This Than That, a helpful app that ties all your connected devices to a single app that makes home automation easy. I envisioned how I could use Amazon’s Echo to control my Dyson or how a Nest thermostat would be able to activate the Purifier if the temperature rises above a certain level. Sadly, the Purifier doesn’t offer IFTT support or any home automation standard for that matter and there’s no word on when or if it’s coming. If I had to ask for one specific feature, this would be it. When it comes to home automation, this feature could make or break a product, especially when it comes to tech enthusiasts. Hopefully Dyson decides to add this features asap.

Judging from my first look at the Pure Cool Link, you can tell I really like it. It’s one of those devices that’s close to perfection, but it’s the lack of IFTT support that prevents it from being the perfected connected device and also what prevents it from getting that coveted 10 out 10 score. Stay tuned for our more in-depth analysis and final review of the Pure Cool Link.