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A real mycology flow hood is a fan-filter unit or cabinet that moves HEPA-filtered air across a work area; it is not a still-air box, a room purifier or a bare replacement filter. HEPA ratings, filter face size, fan performance and the usable workspace determine what a unit can do. The models below are assembled laminar-flow units or FFUs. They reduce airborne particle exposure at the work surface when operated and maintained as designed, but do not make an uncontrolled workspace automatically sterile. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance directions and use appropriate culture technique.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mycology-Supply Model 1 FFU | $340-$450 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Mycology-Supply Model 2 Bio Hood | $625-$750 | Amazon |
| 3 | Mycology-Supply Model 4 FFU | $690-$900 | Amazon |
| 4 | Mycology-Supply Model 3 FFU | $950-$1,100 | Amazon |
| 5 | Bonsai XL 24 × 18 Flow Hood Version 2.0 | $850-$900 | Amazon |
| 6 | Bonsai 2 × 2 Foot FFU | $550-$700 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Bonsai 3 × 2 Foot FFU | $800-$1,000 | Amazon |
| 8 | Bonsai 4 × 2 Foot FFU | $1,100-$1,300 | Amazon |
| 9 | Bonsai Commercial Series 48 × 24 Flow Hood | $1,550-$1,700 | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
Mycology-Supply Model 1 FFU
A compact 13 by 15 inch all-metal tabletop fan-filter unit for a small mycology work area.
- 13 × 15 in filter face
- H13 HEPA rated 99.97% at 0.3 µm
- ball-bearing blower
- Portable 7.8 lb format
- Ready-to-use FFU rather than a still-air box
- Small work area limits bag and bulk work
Mycology-Supply Model 2 Bio Hood
A positive-pressure 24 by 24 by 24 inch cabinet using the Model 1 FFU at the top, for a more enclosed workspace.
- 24 × 24 × 24 in cabinet
- H13 HEPA FFU
- aluminum construction
- Cabinet gives a defined work envelope
- Designed for hobby and small-farm use
- Not as wide as an open 2-foot or 4-foot hood
Mycology-Supply Model 4 FFU
An open 24 by 24 by 14 inch metal FFU for a small-to-medium bench workspace.
- 24 × 24 × 14 in FFU
- custom H13 HEPA filter
- optional work surface
- Four-square-foot filter face is a substantial step up from tabletop size
- Complete unit rather than a DIY parts list
- Open airflow needs a clear working zone
Mycology-Supply Model 3 FFU
The 24 by 48 inch Mycology-Supply open FFU, giving a broad commercial-scale work face.
- 24 × 48 in filter face
- H13 HEPA filtration
- all-metal construction
- Largest workspace in this maker’s standard line
- Good scale for daily small-farm work
- Needs considerable bench space and availability may vary
Bonsai XL 24 × 18 Flow Hood Version 2.0
A horizontal laminar-flow hood with a 24 by 18 inch work face and a 99.99% HEPA claim from Bonsai Filtration.
- 24 × 18 in horizontal hood
- 99.99% HEPA claim
- 120 V unit
- Purpose-built horizontal hood shape
- More bench width than compact FFUs
- Smaller than a full 2 × 2 foot filter face
Bonsai 2 × 2 Foot FFU
A standalone 120 V 2 by 2 foot fan-filter unit sold for mycology work, rather than a passive filter panel.
- 2 × 2 ft FFU
- 99.99% HEPA claim
- 120 V power
- Square two-foot workspace
- Less depth than many cabinet hoods
- Open FFU placement matters to preserve smooth airflow
Bonsai 3 × 2 Foot FFU
A 3 by 2 foot 120 V FFU that balances a wider active face with a manageable bench footprint.
- 3 × 2 ft FFU
- 99.99% HEPA claim
- 120 V fan-filter unit
- Wider workspace than a 2 × 2 unit
- All-in-one FFU configuration
- Still needs a cleanable dedicated bench area
Bonsai 4 × 2 Foot FFU
A 4 by 2 foot, 14-inch-deep Bonsai FFU with an upgraded fan motor for a broad production-facing work zone.
- 4 × 2 ft filter face
- 14 in depth
- 99.99% HEPA claim
- Large surface without a deep cabinet
- Useful size for multiple culture vessels
- Price and bench requirement are substantial
Bonsai Commercial Series 48 × 24 Flow Hood
A 4 by 2 foot horizontal laminar-flow hood for commercial-scale work, sold separately from Bonsai’s FFU line.
- 48 × 24 in horizontal hood
- 99.99% HEPA claim
- commercial-series format
- Wide horizontal work face
- True hood format rather than a still-air enclosure
- Most expensive option here
Buying tips
- Buy an assembled FFU or hood when you need predictable airflow. A still-air box has a different method and should not be presented as a laminar-flow substitute.
- Choose filter-face width for the containers and tools you actually manipulate, then leave the front of the filter and work zone unobstructed.
- A HEPA efficiency figure describes particle filtration under its test conditions, not a guarantee of sterile culture work. Clean surfaces, monitor technique and replace filters as specified.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.