Although it's hard to know if an air purifier is really working, the Bissen air220 does kick into a higher fan speed when I start cooking. We also did some staining and painting and it recognized those smells as well and increased the fan speed. When I come home now, I don't smell last nights dinner anymore. The design is nice with the venting on the top and the cord storage. It sounds like a fan running, not loud or annoying. It does quiet down when the lights go out too. I am very happy with my purchase.