Singapore’s recent haze episode has been a timely reminder that keeping the windows shut is not always the end of the story when it comes to indoor comfort. While the immediate concern is the air outside, spending more time indoors also means dealing with another familiar Singapore problem: humidity.
That is where the ÉlanPure by Mistral 3-in-1 12L Dehumidifier with Ioniser & Air Purifier comes in. At a listed price of S$249, down from an original retail price of S$349, the device combines three functions in one relatively compact appliance: dehumidification, air purification and ionisation.
The timing feels particularly appropriate. Singapore experienced a spell of unhealthy air quality this month, with all five regions entering the unhealthy PSI range on 15 September, the first time this had happened since September 2019. The air quality subsequently improved, but the National Environment Agency has continued to warn of haze risks, with smoke haze drifting from Sumatra and Kalimantan towards Singapore.
Of course, a dehumidifier is not a magic solution for haze. What makes the ÉlanPure interesting is that it brings an air purification function into an appliance whose primary job is managing moisture.
The device is rated to remove up to 12 litres of moisture per day under test conditions of 30°C and 80% relative humidity. It has a 2-litre water tank, although a supplied 1-metre drain hose allows for continuous drainage. For Singapore homes, where humidity can remain high even when the weather outside is dry, this is arguably the more practical feature to have running regularly.
The unit also has a real-time humidity indicator and Smart mode, alongside conventional Dehumidify and Fan modes. There is a 24-hour timer, automatic shut-off when the tank is full and an auto-swing lid designed to distribute air more widely.
Its handle and wheels also make it easier to move between rooms, which is useful if you do not want to dedicate one appliance permanently to a single space.
Mistral positions the ÉlanPure for rooms of up to around 24 square metres. That makes it suited to a bedroom, study, smaller living area or similar enclosed space rather than trying to treat an entire large apartment with one unit.
Relatively compact, the machine measures approximately 260mm wide, 405mm high and 190mm deep, with a weight of around 8.4kg.
Noise is another consideration with any appliance that may run for hours, particularly in a bedroom. The published specification puts the noise level at around 39dB(A), which is considerably more reassuring than having a loud appliance running continuously in the background. Its brushless DC motor is also designed for energy-efficient operation.
Then there is the air purification side of the equation. The ÉlanPure uses a HEPA13 filter together with an ioniser. Retailer specifications state that the filtration system is designed to capture particles including PM2.5, while the product’s ioniser adds another layer of air treatment. This is particularly relevant during haze periods, when we may be keeping windows and doors closed for longer.
There is also another practical benefit of having this appliance. A home can feel damp after a spell of rain, while indoor laundry can leave additional moisture hanging in the air. Excess humidity can contribute to musty smells, damp fabrics and conditions that encourage mould growth. Mistral recommends maintaining indoor humidity at around 40 to 55% and the ÉlanPure’s humidity monitoring and Smart mode are designed around this type of moisture management.
We also like that the unit does not require much interaction once it is set up.
The Smart mode can manage humidity automatically, while the timer provides more control over when the appliance operates. The 2-litre tank is not particularly large compared with the amount of moisture the machine can theoretically remove in a day, so households dealing with substantial humidity may find continuous drainage more convenient than repeatedly emptying the tank.
Mayer currently lists the 16L model at S$349, the 24L model at S$459 and the 35L model at S$699, making the 12L model the entry point into the ÉlanPure range, suffice for most Singaporean homes.
For us, the appeal of the ÉlanPure is less about any single feature and more about having three functions consolidated into one machine. During the current haze situation, the HEPA13 filtration gives it added relevance, while the dehumidifier remains useful even after the haze clears. Singapore’s humidity, after all, is not going anywhere.
More details are available on the official Mayer website.
