I also just noticed that the ones I posted the link too - the pre-filters are washable and "don't have to be replaced". I'm not sure that kind is better? They say they're carbon activated - but I don't get how that they don't have to be replaced. I know that means a little cheaper since you don't have to buy replacements, but just don't know if it would work as well.

Do you like the tower ones better because you feel they work better? Or you just like the design better?

If its working well, and its not having to be run on high all the time, you are able to shut off the ironizer, I would say yes its acceptable.
I dont know alot about the differnt brands because I got the kenmore and was happy with it, so stuck with it.

The HVAC system in my house has washable filters, but my experience is that you can't wash all the tiel dust out of them. So I've started using disposable filters of better-than-average quality for that.

It's been about a year and a half now since I bought my air purifiers, and I did a lot of research before I bought. At that time it was clear to me that true-HEPA was the way to go, and expensive filter replacements were the price I'd have to pay for maximum effectiveness. I don't know if anything has changed since then. Among the more reasonably priced brands, Kenmore, Whirlpool, and Honeywell are all pretty good. Hunter is decent too.

I like the look AND I feel they work a lot better than the others. I had them - in fact, I just recently threw them all away (yup- in the garbage). I run them on low and they run 24/7.