If you're in the market for a smoke eater, you might be wondering how to filter through the options — or even what options are available. If you're opening your first cigar lounge or another similar business, or are setting up a smoking sanctuary at home, this might be the first time you've purchased a smoke eater. Consider the following options and unique smoke eater features before you buy.
1. Commercial smoke eaters
If you're opening a business, you need a unit that can handle the amount of space and number of smokers you expect to have. Commercial smoke eaters work for:
- Cigar lounges
- Hookah bars
- Vape shops
- VFW halls
- Night clubs
Any other business where patrons enjoy electronic cigarettes, tobacco products or other forms of smoking. When purchasing commercial smoke eater systems for bars & restaurants you will have to take other things into consideration, including size, mounting, and aesthetics.
2. Home smoke eaters
If you're setting up a cigar room or something similar at home, you don't just have to rely on windows and fans. Smoke eaters aren't just for large commercial spaces. Appropriately sized home smoke eater units help protect you, your family, and your possessions from the dangerous effects of smoke over time.
3. Concealed smoke eaters
If aesthetics or bar decor is important — such as in a high-end cigar lounge — you can install flush‑mounted or concealed smoke eaters out of sight. Concealed smoke eaters can be mounted:
- Above the ceiling
- Behind a wall
- In a basement or attic
All that will be visible to your guests or patrons are supply and return grilles.
4. Flush mount smoke eaters
This type of smoke eater is another option for those looking for something that blends into the environment. As the name indicates, flush-mount smoke eaters can be installed flush with the ceiling or wall, reducing the aesthetic impact.
5. Media smoke eaters
The distinguishing factor about a media smoke eater is that it draws smoke through a filter that requires regular replacement. Otherwise, they are relatively low maintenance. You'll likely choose between media air cleaners with replaceable filters and electronic models if you're picking out cigar club smoke eaters. Here is a great resource about Media vs. electronic smoke eaters for cigar clubs.
6. Electronic smoke eaters
This type of unit (referred to as either electronic or electrostatic) works by trapping pollutant particles in smoke and giving them a charge. Collection cells attract the charged particles and pull them through a carbon after-filter that removes odors and disperses fresh air. Unlike media units, electronic smoke eaters don't have filters that require replacement.
Conclusion
In addition to the various types of smoke eaters on the market, there are different brands and sizes. Choosing the right unit isn’t just about aesthetics—it comes down to matching its airflow capacity to your room’s square footage and smoking volume. Before you buy, use our CFM calculator to determine how many cubic feet per minute of clean air your space requires. Then, if you’d like help comparing brands or mounting styles, fill out our smoke‑eater recommendation form and a specialist will assess your needs and recommend the best model for you. Or Contact us to size your system properly and ensure effective air purification for your space.
