Once considered as a mini luxury appliance, UV sterilizers have become a household essential. Especially now that disinfecting is part of our everyday activities, a multipurpose and user-friendly sterilizer makes our daily routine more efficient. From sanitizing grocery items, utensils, toys, mobile phones, and doorknobs – UV sterilizers help in ensuring our safety and good health.
UV sterilizers eliminate harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses by using ultraviolet light. This method damages the DNA structure of these microbes, thus destroying their ability to multiply and cause disease. In this article, we prepared a buying guide, and our top 10 recommended UV sterilizers that are available online.
Compared to steam sterilization and other manual cleaning methods such as using soap and water and rubbing alcohol, UV sterilization effectively sanitizes different surfaces with less hand contact and without leaving any residue. Also, there is no risk of burns caused by hot water or steam and you can avoid any water mess or spills on your countertop too.
Moreover, UV sterilization is more comprehensive because it can cover all the angles of your items. Some UV sterilizers have filtration systems that eliminate dust and other hazardous substance as well. In general, UV sterilizers promote consistency in disinfecting by reducing some elements of human error and incorporating useful advances in technology.
Now that disinfecting is one of the top priorities in a household, pick a UV sterilizer that suits your lifestyle and routine. Let us guide you on what to consider before buying a UV sterilizer.
In general, there are 2 kinds of UV sterilizers – the portable type, which is operated by batteries, and the electric sterilizer box that is stationed at home.
Portable sterilizers are more compact and lightweight. For more efficiency, some have a built-in rechargeable battery pack. Portable sterilizers are available in several designs such as sterilizer wands and sterilizing bags.
Sterilizer wands, which are also known as sterilizer sticks are perfect for quick sterilizing. They are especially handy for sanitizing hard-to-reach areas like the nooks and crannies of your car as well as immovable items such as countertops, doorknobs, gate handles, and faucets.
Sterilizer wands are very useful during errands such a grocery shopping – you can disinfect doors, pushcarts or baskets, and other public objects that you will need to touch. These are also ideal for traveling because they can easily fit inside any bag.
Sterilizer bags, meanwhile, offer an enclosed space for sterilizing while you’re on-the-go. For example, you can place your wallet, mobile phone, keys, and other important IDs or passes inside the bag.
You can sterilize your personal items before stepping outside and once more after your errand, while inside the vehicle on the way home. Most sterilizer bags are also rechargeable and are waterproof for an extra layer of protection.
Sterilizer boxes are just as effective as portable sterilizers. These are bigger and entail a more permanent place in your home. They need an electric power source to operate. A sterilizer box is ideal for creating a “disinfecting station” in your home for your grocery purchases and commonly used items such as remote controls and kitchen utensils.
A popular variation of a sterilizer box is a sterilizer cabinet. Most moms use this for sanitizing baby bottles, toys and kids’ accessories. Sterilizer cabinets offer large compartments and racks so you can sanitize several items at once.
UV-C light has the shortest wavelength among the types of ultraviolet light. It is commonly found in man-made sources but only in small doses. It is referred to as the germicidal UV light because it can disintegrate the DNA of microorganisms, thus preventing it to multiply and cause disease. That is why UV sterilization is usually done through UV-C lamps.
UV-C disinfection is most effective within a wavelength range of 200-280nm, so take note whether the sterilizer bulbs work within these values or not. However, UV-C light is also the most harmful to humans. Make sure to avoid direct exposure to UV-C, specifically the eyes and your skin.
It will be handy to prepare a checklist of specifications so you can compare and contrast the performance of each sterilizer brand. Check the models' pros and cons, then choose a UV sterilizer according to your prioritized specs. Aside from using UV-C light, here are some basic features of a UV sterilizer.
Some UV sterilizers perform quicker, and others are more effective when the items are exposed to the UV-C light for a longer period. Take note of how many minutes a sterilizer takes to complete a cycle.
A sterilizer that automatically switches off is a big check on the “pros list” - it serves as a safety feature to avoid direct exposure to UV-C light. Meanwhile, having a timer and a sound alarm when the sterilization is done are also helpful features that make sterilizing more hassle-free.
The range of disinfection will give you an idea of how many items can be sanitized all at once. If you’re planning to sterilize a few articles or products at a time – sterilizer wands are a good way to go. These are perfect for sanitizing on-the-spot, for example, your phone, wallet, or a package that has been delivered to your doorstep.
Sterilizer boxes offer more capacity and provide an organized way of sanitizing. However, UV is only effective when its light path is not blocked, so make sure that your items are directly in line with the UV light. Remember to check if the sterilizer box has multiple light bulbs that will generate UV light from different angles.
Room sterilizers offer a wider range of disinfection. These are simply placed at the center of a room and can sterilize an open surface area up to 20 square meters. These sterilizers are most effective when the lights are off, and the windows curtains or blinds are drawn.
It will sanitize all your furniture and personal items at once between 15 minutes to one hour depending on your chosen mode. However, remember that no person, pet, and plant is allowed inside the room during the sterilization.
UV sterilizers come in a range of sizes, designs, and operating modes. To help you decide which one will match your needs the most, we curated a top 10 list of excellent UV sterilizers that you can purchase online.
₱1,800
UV-C light sterilization | Yes |
---|---|
Sterilizing time | 15 seconds |
Auto Shut Off | Yes, when the wand is turned upward to avoid eye contact |
How to use/Range | Within ¼ inch of the surface |
Power source | Four AAA batteries and Rechargeable (Mini USB cable) |
Accessories included | Micro USB Cable, User Manual, and Warranty Card |
BUV-6900
₱3,999
UV-C light sterilization | Yes |
---|---|
Sterilizing time | 11-21 minutes (sterilize only), 51-61 minutes (dry and sterilize) |
Auto Shut Off | No |
How to use/Range | Enclosed area (dimension: 28 x 28 x 24.7cm) |
Power source | Electrical outlet |
Accessories included | Stainless Tray, Manual, and Cord |
P14
₱5,691
UV-C light sterilization | Yes (wavelength: 260-280nm) |
---|---|
Sterilizing time | 59 seconds (up to 180 seconds) |
Auto Shut Off | Device will recover to standby mode |
How to use/Range | Enclosed area (dimension: 25 x 27 x 17cm) |
Power source | Rechargeable and Powerbank (Micro USB) |
Accessories included | USB Cable, Shoulder Strap, Powerbank, and Product Manual |
₱15,000
UV-C light sterilization | Yes |
---|---|
Sterilizing time | 30 minutes |
Auto Shut Off | Yes |
How to use/Range | Unobstructed surface area of 15 square meters |
Power source | Electrical outlet |
Accessories included | Remote Control, User Manual and Warranty Card |
₱4,000
UV-C light sterilization | Yes (wavelength: 275nm) |
---|---|
Sterilizing time | 10 seconds |
Auto Shut Off | Yes, after 3 minutes of usage and when the product is turned over |
How to use/Range | Within 20cm radius |
Power source | Rechargeable (get 70 minutes of usage on a full charge) |
Accessories included | USB Charging Cable |
X5
₱6,941
UV-C light sterilization | Yes (260-280nm) |
---|---|
Sterilizing time | 3-5 minutes |
Auto Shut Off | Yes |
How to use/Range | Distance of approximately 1 inch |
Power source | Rechargeable battery (Micro USB Cable) |
Accessories included | Safety Goggles, Micro USB Cable, Soft Pouch, and User Manual |
₱14,899
UV-C light sterilization | Yes |
---|---|
Sterilizing time | 5-10 minutes (UV mode, sterilize only) and 30-70 minutes (Auto Function mode – dry and sterilize) |
Auto Shut Off | Yes, automatically shuts off when the door is opened |
How to use/Range | Enclosed area (internal dimension: 26cm L x 33cm H x 29cm D) |
Power source | Electrical outlet |
Accessories included | Metal Rack and Cord |
S2
₱4,178
UV-C light sterilization | Yes (wavelength: 260-280nm) |
---|---|
Sterilizing time | 3 minutes |
Auto Shut Off | Yes |
How to use/Range | Enclosed area (internal dimension: 8 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches) |
Power source | Electrical outlet |
Accessories included | Power Adapter and User Manual |
₱2,200
UV-C light sterilization | Yes |
---|---|
Sterilizing time | Minimum of 30 seconds |
Auto Shut Off | Yes, when the lamp is faced upwards |
How to use/Range | Distance of at least ½ inch |
Power source | Rechargeable |
Accessories included | USB Cable, Manual and Warranty Card |
₱1,148
UV-C light sterilization | Yes |
---|---|
Sterilizing time | 30 minutes |
Auto Shut Off | Not indicated |
How to use/Range | Up to 20 square meters |
Power source | Rechargeable |
Accessories included | USB Cable |
Image | 1 ![]() UV Care | 2 ![]() Babybee | 3 ![]() 59S | 4 ![]() UV Care | 5 ![]() EssGee | 6 ![]() 59S | 7 ![]() Haenim | 8 59S | 9 ![]() UV Care | 10 ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Pocket Sterilizer | UV Sterilizer | Mommy Sterilizer Bag | Portable Germ Zapper | Travel UV LED Sterilizer | UV Sanitizer Wand | 3rd Gen UV Sterilizer | UVC LED Sterilizer Box | Germ Stick | UV Disinfection Lamp |
Features | The Most Portable UV Sterilizer | UV Sterilizer with a Buzzer Indicator and 7-Sided Refraction | Best for Mommies On-The-Go | Most Suitable UV Sterilizer for an Open Space | The 10-Second Lightweight UV Sterilizer | Foldable UV Sterilizer Wand with a Child Safety lock | The Smart UV Sterilizer | The Best UV Sterilizer for Mobile Phones | Best UV Sterilizer Stick for Your Furniture | 2-in-1 UV Sterilizer and Air Purifier |
Price | ₱1,800 | ₱3,999 | ₱5,691 | ₱15,000 | ₱4,000 | ₱6,941 | ₱14,899 | ₱4,178 | ₱2,200 | ₱1,148 |
UV-C light sterilization | Yes | Yes | Yes (wavelength: 260-280nm) | Yes | Yes (wavelength: 275nm) | Yes (260-280nm) | Yes | Yes (wavelength: 260-280nm) | Yes | Yes |
Sterilizing time | 15 seconds | 11-21 minutes (sterilize only), 51-61 minutes (dry and sterilize) | 59 seconds (up to 180 seconds) | 30 minutes | 10 seconds | 3-5 minutes | 5-10 minutes (UV mode, sterilize only) and 30-70 minutes (Auto Function mode – dry and sterilize) | 3 minutes | Minimum of 30 seconds | 30 minutes |
Auto Shut Off | Yes, when the wand is turned upward to avoid eye contact | No | Device will recover to standby mode | Yes | Yes, after 3 minutes of usage and when the product is turned over | Yes | Yes, automatically shuts off when the door is opened | Yes | Yes, when the lamp is faced upwards | Not indicated |
How to use/Range | Within ¼ inch of the surface | Enclosed area (dimension: 28 x 28 x 24.7cm) | Enclosed area (dimension: 25 x 27 x 17cm) | Unobstructed surface area of 15 square meters | Within 20cm radius | Distance of approximately 1 inch | Enclosed area (internal dimension: 26cm L x 33cm H x 29cm D) | Enclosed area (internal dimension: 8 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches) | Distance of at least ½ inch | Up to 20 square meters |
Power source | Four AAA batteries and Rechargeable (Mini USB cable) | Electrical outlet | Rechargeable and Powerbank (Micro USB) | Electrical outlet | Rechargeable (get 70 minutes of usage on a full charge) | Rechargeable battery (Micro USB Cable) | Electrical outlet | Electrical outlet | Rechargeable | Rechargeable |
Accessories included | Micro USB Cable, User Manual, and Warranty Card | Stainless Tray, Manual, and Cord | USB Cable, Shoulder Strap, Powerbank, and Product Manual | Remote Control, User Manual and Warranty Card | USB Charging Cable | Safety Goggles, Micro USB Cable, Soft Pouch, and User Manual | Metal Rack and Cord | Power Adapter and User Manual | USB Cable, Manual and Warranty Card | USB Cable |
Link |
In the YouTube video above by Blanche Pennings, this mommy vlogger from the Netherlands shares helpful tips on staying safe while grocery shopping. Here, she explains how she uses her 59S Mommy Sterilizer Bag and UV Care Pocket Sterilizer when running errands.
Tips:
Create a sanitation routine in your household to ensure your family’s health. From disinfecting mats for the front door, soap dispensers for washing your hands, and quick-remedy wipes for personal items, we found the best disinfecting products that will complement your UV sterilizer. Click the article links below to see the detailed list.
Maintain a clean and safe environment inside your household by using UV sterilizers. Especially if you have seniors and little ones at home, sanitize commonly used items such as gate handles, doorknobs, appliances, and utensils, as well as newly purchased items before arranging them in your pantry and other storage areas.
UV sterilizers have become an everyday necessity these days and investing in a reliable model is very much recommended. To get your money's worth, choose a UV sterilizer that suits your lifestyle and your needs. Whether you’re going for a portable sterilizer or a sterilizer box, add an extra layer of protection by always washing your hands after a sterilizing routine.
Author: Ayeza E. Mangulabnan
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