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The Vacuum Review July 2013

Dyson DC41 Animal Dyson Ball Upright

DC41AnimalBlue

What they say…. 

Removes more dust than any other vacuum.

Easy to steer with an extra tool for pet hair.

DC41 Animal is engineered for outstanding cleaning performance and ease of use.

It automatically self-adjusts for different carpet lengths and hard floors.

DC41 Animal has Dyson’s latest Radial Root Cyclone™ technology, and Ball™ technology for smooth steering.

There’s also a Tangle-free Turbine tool for pet hair.

Strongest suction at the cleaner head

The cleaner head self-adjusts to maintain optimal contact with all floor types.

It lowers on hard floors to remove more dust and pet hair from crevices and corners.

On carpets, the base plate raises or lowers automatically, allowing the brush bar to remove pet hair and particles caught in the carpet fibre.

It’s designed for outstanding performance across all floors – not just carpets, but the whole of your house.

Lightweight and durable

DC41 machines are made from modified blends of materials selected for strength, flexibility and tolerance.

Many parts are made from polypropylene reinforced with 20% glass fibres and high-impact PC-ABS.

Using these materials means greater strength from less plastic – so the machine is lightweight.

Other amazing features that I think are attractive include:

  • Patented cyclone technology: Radial Root Cyclone™ technology
  • Suction power: 255AW
  • Movement type: Ball™ technology
  • Filter: Lifetime washable post filter
  • Cleaner head: Motorised brush-bar – self adjusts for all floor types
  • Brushbar control type: Fingertip brush control
  • Stair cleaning: Quick-draw Telescope Reach™ wand
  • Bin capacity: 2.1L
  • Dimensions: 1071 x 394 x 340mm (HxWxD)
  • Maximum reach: 14 metres
  • Cord length: 9.4 metres
  • Weight: 7.8kg

What we say….

As a big fan of Dyson, I was eager to try out their new range of products and the minute I turned this vaccum on, I wasn’t disappointed.

As usual, Dyson has pulled out all the stops with this one.

Not only does it look good, it performs brilliantly and does everything it claims to do.

Famous for it’s ‘Ball’ technology, it manoevres like a dream ensuring every centimeter of your floorcovering is well cleaned.

Unlike other machines, the new ‘Radial Root Cyclone Technology’ means the Dyson DC41 captures more dirt than any other cyclone by remodelling airflows to maximise suction power – which explains the excellent suction.

I particularly loved the self adjusting cleaner head.

You don’t have to worry about whether you’re on the correct setting for your floorcovering, it does it for you.

The moment you walk from one room to another, it will sense if the head needs to adjust.

Performance – the major factor when testing vacuum cleaners – is excellent.

We tried this model on various floorcoverings from laminate and vinyl to various types of carpet and could not fault it at all (probably due to the adjustable cleaner head).

We also tested its suction picking up pet hair, human hair, rice, soil, fluff, to name a few dirt samples and every time not a scrap was left on the floor.

More importantly, it picked up dust and dirt from a carpet that had been cleaned with an alternative vacuum two hours previously (that I thought had done a pretty good job – looks can be deceiving).

I particularly loved the various tools that come with the Dyson DC41 – very important with an upright as you simply extract the wand and fix the correct attachment head to the bottom and it will clean soft furnishings, beds, ceilings, stairs and all those awkward areas easily and efficiently.

A big improvement with this Dyson is the extra long cable (14m) and the bigger bin capacity (now 2.1 litres).

I didn’t realise I had a problem with my previous Dyson until I tried this one.

Although the DC41 is a little noisy, you can forgive Dyson as it does have that extra motor in the head and you could argue it won’t be noisy for long as it probably does the job in half the time of other vacuums!

Pros:

  • Excellent performance
  • Radial Root Cyclone Technology
  • Adjustable cleaner head
  • Extra long cable
  • Larger bin capacity
  • Suction power
  • Various attachment tools

Cons:

  • Little noisy – but would not affect the purchase at all

Overview:

I love this vacuum and would highly recommend. Best of the bunch….

More information:

Dyson website – DC41 Animal

Floorinsite recommends

 

Dyson DC39 animal

 

What they say…. 

Engineered to remove more dust. With tools engineered for pet hair removal.

DC39 Animal has Dyson’s latest Radial Root Cyclone™ technology, and a Tangle-free Turbine tool for pet hair.

It has Ball™ technology to turn on the spot and follow with greater control.

DC39 Animal comes with a Trigger-head tool that adjusts at the handle for different floor types – no need to bend down.

Ball™ technology for cylinder vacuums

Dyson Ball™ cylinder vacuums turn on the spot. DC39 cylinder vacuum cleaners have an articulated central steering mechanism.

The ball holds the heaviest component – the motor – positioned towards the base for a low centre of gravity and greater stability.

Dyson Ball™ cylinders follow with greater control and without the awkward moves.

Engineered for reduced noise levels

Essential components are located inside the acoustically treated ball.

The motor is attached to the housing with sound-dampening mounts.

Less noise escapes from the airways, and polyurethane sound-insulating materials absorb sound energy.

Other amazing features that I think are attractive include:

  • Patented cyclone technology: Radial Root Cyclone™ technology
  • Suction power: 280AW
  • Movement type: Ball™ technology
  • Filter: Lifetime HEPA filter
  • Stair cleaning: Stair tool
  • Bin capacity: 2L
  • Dimensions: 369 x 262 x 507mm (HxWxD)
  • Maximum reach: 10 metres
  • Cord length: 6.5 metres
  • Weight: 7.5kg
  • Brush-bar control type: Fingertip brush control
  • Cleaner head: Trigger-head

What we say….

In use, the Dyson DC39 was incredibly easy to move around due to the Dyson Ball.

I particularly like it’s lightweight design and it hasn’t affected the quality of the product at all.

Performance – excellent.

We tested this on all floor surfaces and it picked up everything in one sweep easily – pet hair (dog and cat), rice, dust, earth and fluff to name a few.

It was easy to empty too – no dust flying up in your face just a simple unclip, empty and replace.

I particularly loved the generous long cord length and the way it extracts back into the cleaner.

Pros:

  • Brilliant performance
  • Excellent cable winder & long cord length
  • Lightweight
  • Lifetime HEPA filter
  • Large bin capacity
  • Easy to manoeuvre
  • Tangle free turbine tool for pet hair
  • Triggerhead tool to adjust different floor types

Cons:

  • Little bit pricier than others but you certainly get what you pay for

Overview:

I love this vacuum – probably the best cylinder you can purchase.

More information:

Dyson website – DC39 Animal

Floorinsite recommends

 

 

AEG UltraCaptic

 

What they say…. 

The AEG UltraCaptic is a bagless cylinder vacuum cleaner with a new trick – clean emptying.

The dust you suck up is compressed into a ‘cake’, which should drop into your bin without the usual accompanying dust cloud – but does it work?

Powerful effortless cleaning

The UltraCaptic is more silent than most other Multi Cyclonic cleaners, without compromising cleaning efficiency.

The powerful Multi Cyclonic suction in combination with a super efficient AeroPro Silent nozzle, makes sure you get spotless results with a single sweep, even in corners and tight spots.

The flexible nozzle and the practical 3 in1 accessories make sure you can clean all types of surfaces.

You can move seamlessly between wood floors, carpets, tiles, furniture, crevices and any other surface in your home.

Hygienic Hepa filter

The UltraCaptic features a long lasting hygienic HEPA 13 allergy filter that catches even the tiniest dust particles, making it the perfect vacuum for allergies and for everyone else who wants truly clean results.

The Hepa filter lasts for up to 5 years, and is easy to replace when the time comes.

Other amazing features that I think are attractive include:

  • Hygienic dust emptying thanks to ‘Compact and Go’ Technology
  • Hygienic HEPA 13 allergy filter that catches even the tiniest of dust particles
  • Superior handling – big, soft wheels and a bumpers allow it to glide behind you whilst cleaning
  • Quiet operation at 79dB – with specially designed ‘Silent Air’ floor nozzle
  • Can be stored in a vertical or horizontal setting
  • Comes with a 7-meter reverse cord re-winder and covers a 10 meter action radius

What we say….

What a lovely little vacuum this is!

Easy to manoeuvre, UltraCaptic has soft wheels and bumpers and glides nicely behind you whilst you are cleaning.

The cleaning performance is excellent and at 300 air-watts the suction on this compact little machine really is amazing – probably the best we’ve tried.

It tackles the deepest clean and you really feel your carpets/floors have been revitalised!

The head feels solid and robust and doesn’t seem phased by the odd inevitable knocks.

It has a switch on the foot to easily adjust the brush to select the type of floorcovering you are vacuuming and like most other machines it has an adjustable air slider to allow you select the suction required.

The best part of this machine is the dust collector.

It’s allergy filter (which needs changing every 5 years) is a real plus for allergy sufferers as it catches even the tiniest of dust particles – you can see just how powerful this cleaner is watching the dirt come through with the clear window of the dirt bin.

When emptying the cleaner, you simply pull back on the handle and compress the dirt and empty without any dust floating around you.

Pros:

  • Hygienic dust emptying – compressing dirt before emptying
  • HEPA 13 Allergy filter – ideal for those suffering from asthma & other allergy sufferers
  • Quiet motor – silent air floor nozzle
  • Amazing cleaning performance
  • Useful tools suitable for soft furnishings/stairs/different floorcoverings

Cons:

  • Maybe too powerful for some – could pose a problem with deep pile carpets

Overview:

Overall: high recommended – looks good too.

More information:

AEG website – UltraCaptic

Floorinsite recommends

 

 

Morphy Richards 73240

 

What they say…. 

This is one of our latest bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners that features Never Loses Suction cyclone technology.

This means that as the canister fills, constant pick up performance is maintained as you vacuum around your home.

One touch bin empty By the simple press of a button the base of the canister is released and all the dust, hair and dirt falls out and can be easily dispensed of.

Great for allergy sufferers.

Other amazing features that I think are attractive include:

  • Type: Bagless Cylinder
  • Air watts: 230
  • Weight: 7.2kg
  • Total Capacity: 2.2L
  • On Board Storage: Yes
  • Floor Types: All
  • Filtration: HEPA 13
  • Hose Length: 2m
  • One Touch Bin Emptying: Yes
  • Click to Clean Filter: No
  • Cable Length: 7.8m
  • Accessories: Turbo Nozzle, Dusting Brush, Crevace Tool
  • Floor Head: Combination Floor Nozzle

What we say….

I was a little sceptical on how good this vaccum cleaner would perform due to the relatively low price however it was very competent and its performance on hard floors was really good.

Emptying is easy, and the unit feels sturdy yet not too heavy.

However, be warned that it’s carpet performance was not as good as other cleaners we tested.

The rotating bristles on the supplied carpet adaptor slow down considerably when worked on deep or heavy carpet, limiting its cleaning and suction power.

Overall a competent vacuum, not great for carpet, but pretty good value that feels well put together with some nice design touches.

Pros:

  • Good value
  • Easy to empty bin
  • Large capacity dust bin
  • HEPA 13 filtration

Cons:

  • Unfortunately not great on carpets

Overview:

Good value cleaner but would be even better value if it performed as well on carpet as it does on hard surfaces.

More information:

Morphy Richards website

Hoover GL 1103 Globe 3

What they say…. 

Globe is our new highly manoeuvrable multi-cyclonic upright vacuum cleaner.

Designed with our innovative ‘twist and steer’ technology, Globe has directional control to glide around and under furniture in your home with maximum ease.

Our Globe upright bagless vacuum cleaner features our advanced no loss of suction multi-cyclonic technology.

This gives you 120 air watts of constant powerful suction from an efficient 1100 watt motor, as well as minimal filter cleaning.

Other amazing features that I think are attractive include:

  • Dust Collection: Bagels
  • Dust Seperation Method: Multi Cyclonic
  • Motor Power: 1100 W (Watts)
  • Suction Power: 140 AW (Airwatts)
  • Filtration: Washable Hepa 10
  • Colour: Red / Titanium
  • Bag / Bin Capacity: 1.7 L
  • Cord Length: 7 m
  • Hose Length: 4.3 m
  • Working Radius: 9 m
  • Product Weight: 6.7 kg
  • Product Dimensions: 84x33x23 cm
  • Tools
  • Vacuum Cleaner Tools
  • Pets Hair Turbo Brush / 2 in 1 Crevice & Dusting Brush Multi Tool

What we say….

The first thing that draws me to comment on is the manoeuvrability – not quite like Dyson’s Ball but it does manoeuvre well.

We tested this machine on various types of floorcovering and picking up dust, pet hair and small items such as rice.

We were not disappointed with it’s overall performance.

The dust compartment was easy to empty and the amount of extra dust this Hoover collected was astonishing.

Although the handle detaches itself for further reach, in our opinion reaching those high awkward places wasn’t easy.

There’s nowhere to store the extension piece to the hose or the brush that comes with it.

The small fabric cleaning brush only fits on the end of the hose and not the extension pipe.

Our biggest disappointment was the power cord was too short.

Pros:

  • Excellent performance
  • Easy manouvrability
  • Washable HEPA filter
  • Easy to empty

Cons:

  • Short power cord
  • Fitting some tools to the end of the hose – bad design

Overview:

Performance – pretty good, design – pretty poor

Numatic Henry – HVR200A

What they say…. 

A true professional in every sense of the word but never without that famous smile, loved and appreciated by users the world over… ask any Henry owner.

Henry brings professional cleaning to all, and is packed full of innovative features.

AutoSave technology saves energy, reducing running costs.

The 10-metre cable storage and rewind system is a work of art, trouble free and spring free, and it keeps everything neat and tidy.

The giant Tritex filter system makes sure that what goes in stays in, and the highly efficient HepaFlo dust bags, improve filtration efficiency, cleanliness and capacity.

Other amazing features that I think are attractive include:

  • High performance vacuum cleaner
  • Motor: Hi – 1200W, Lo – 600W
  • High efficiency filtration system
  • Folding carry handle
  • Simple to use Microflo dust bags
  • Unique rewind and storage system
  • Cleaning range: 26.8m
  • Hi/Low control on brush head
  • Robust construction
  • 9-litre capacity
  • Weight: 6.6kg
  • Dimensions: 340 x 340 x 370mm
  • Henry “AutoSave” Low Energy System
  • Full Twinflo’ two-stage professional motor giving exceptional performance; with AutoSave – Energy Conservation – 50% Energy saving – 30% Improved Air Quality – 20% Lower Noise Level.

What we say….

Compared to the older Henrys, the first thing I noticed was how much quieter this one is.

As far as I’m concerned they didn’t need to do much to improve the quality of this little vacuum cleaner but they have.

It has 30% better airflow and as soon as you swtich on it automatically goes to the economy setting.

In places where I needed more power I simply switched the red switch to operate in a higher mode.

To manoeuvre, it’s little robust wheels makes vacuuming a breeze.

Although not bagless, this clearly isn’t a problem as the bag has large capacity so you’re not forever emptying (tried and tested it a few times and still no need to empty).

The main plus was the extra long cable and the way it rewinds itself back into the cleaner with ease.

Although a little heavy to take upstairs, it’s easy to carry foldaway handle makes it less hard work.

I absolutely love the new Henry – it does everything it claims to and more.

It’s no wonder all the commercial and retailers are still using them.

Pros:

  • Excellent performance
  • Easy manouvrability
  • Long cable storage and rewind system
  • Solid and robust construction
  • Large bag capacity
  • Energy saving
  • Quieter motor
  • Excellent price

Cons:

  • Weight of the Henry – although not really much of a problem

Overview:

I’m sucked in with this little vacuum – no gimmicks, no fuss just a fantastic cleaner that does the job – and does it well.

Floorinsite recommends

 

 

 

Electrolux Air excel ZAS5200A

What they say…. 

Air Excel Lite Pet ZAS5200A is packed with the latest innovation in multi cyclonic technology that separates dirt and dust from the air path so your filters don’t get clogged.

This ensures powerful constant suction.

Air Excel Lite is easy to carry and store away thanks to its compact design and lightweight frame.

It’s our lightest compact bagless upright and is both efficient and environmentally friendly as you don’t have to worry about finding dust bags.

Air Excel Lite Pet has been designed specifically to eliminate pet odours, this is why the HEPA filtration system is combined with an Arm and Hammer anti-odour system to capture pollen, allergens and neutralising smells.

AirExcel lite is slim and lightweight but that doesn’t mean it cant hold a large amount of dust thanks to its large 2 litre dust capacity.

It’s also really easy to empty too.

Airflow can be directed to either the stretch hose or the floor nozzle for more targeted suction power.

This allows users to concentrate all of the vacuum’s suction power to where you need it.

For example when using tools to remove stubborn dirt from hard to reach areas like stairs the power is concentrated in the extension hose.

Other amazing features that I think are attractive include:

• Voltage: 240

• Wattage: (w) 1300

• Hose: 5 to 1 Stretch Clear

• Hose Reach: 2.4

• Hose extra stair cleaning No

• Cord length: (m) 7

• Suction wattage: 150

• Weight: (kg) 6.58

• Height: (mm) 1120

• Width: (mm) 305

• Depth: (mm) 300

• Price: (incl. VAT) 199.99

• EAN code 5023169130970

• Colour Silver

What we say….

The first thing I notice when testing this vacuum cleaner is how lightweight it is.

This made is easy to carry up and down stairs.

The performance was really good and tackled everything we threw at it.

I particularly like the fact that it has the HEPA filtration system and an anti-odour system to capture pollen and allergens (a real plus for all those asthma and other allergy sufferers) however the downside is that it was extremely noisy.

Another niggle I had was the dust bin – as it is quite small it does need emptying on a regular basis.

Overall a good compact and lightweight vacuum cleaner – not disappointed.

Pros:

  • Excellent performance Lightweight and compact
  • Easy manouvrability
  • HEPA filtration system – excellent for allergy sufferers
  • Anti-odour system – ideal for pet lovers
  • Decent size cable length
  • Four different surface settings
  • Excellent tool attachments

Cons:

  • Extremely noisy
  • Filters are expensive to purchase
  • Small dust bin which needs to be emptied regularly

Overview:

Great little vacuum cleaner – for the price would recommend.

 

Panasonic MC-UL594 eco max

What they say…. 

Efficiency is the word people are looking for if they want to describe this eco friendly vacuum cleaner.

1500W seems to be not enough but Eco-Max motor used in Panasonic MC-UL594 combined with extra features of the hoover, produce surprisingly high suction power, that is capable of removing even stubborn dirt from surfaces of your choice.

350W of power cannot be found in any other vacuum cleaner with a comparable motor size.

Like all Panasonic vacuum cleaners MC-UL594 uses HEPA filters which trap dust and dirt on its surface.

Vacuum cleaning is no longer a problem with this vac.

Long suction hose allows reaching further without moving the machine.

This model is energy efficient, leaving you with smaller energy bill every month.

It comes equipped in a mini turbine nozzle for more efficient use over limited areas.

8m working radius is not the best in its class, however it is still enough to reach to far corners of your living room 2.5 litre dustbin allows less frequent emptying.

Other amazing features that I think are attractive include:

  • Cable: 7.5 m
  • Power: 1500 Watts
  • Suction: 350 Air-Watts
  • Capacity: 3L
  • Cleaning reach: 8 m
  • Weight: 8.8 kg
  • Filter: HEPA
  • Additional tools: Mini-turbine nozzle, cervice nozzle, dusting brush, extension wand x2, hard floor nozzle

What we say….

I’ve always been pleased with my other ‘Panasonic’ electrical goods and as I had yet to try out one of their vacuum cleaners for the first time I was looking forward to seeing what it could do.

I was however a little disappointed with how heavy it was to use.

Once I got over this, I have to say I was most impressed with the performance and it does appears to be very robust.

The best thing I liked about this vacuum was the flat reclining body to enable me to clean under low furniture in particular beds.

Having found it really annoying to start attaching tools, this made life easier in that respect.

Pros:

  • Flat reclining body to work under low furniture
  • Excellent performance & brilliant suction power
  • Easy manouvrability
  • HEPA filter
  • Easy to empty
  • Various attachment tools

Cons:

  • It’s weight – a little too heavy for me.
  • Unless I was keeping it on one level, it would possibly put me off purchasing (sorry)

Overview:

Brilliant performance but too heavy.

 

Miele S8340 Ecoline Solution Cylinder

What they say…. 

10 year parts and labour cover including 2 year manufacturers guarantee.

This Miele cylinder vacuum cleaner comes with a powerful 1200w motor.

It is sleek, robust and compatible with a range of useful floorheads.

The silence setting combines the lowest noise output with the ideal power level for optimum cleaning results.

All Miele appliances will give exceptional performance and are tested for up to 20 years of average use.

There are 3 on-board accessories stored in the cleaner, including: Crevice nozzle, Upholstery nozzle and Dusting brush.

Other amazing features that I think are attractive include:

  • Bag/Bagless: Bag
  • Cable length: 6.5m
  • Capacity: 4.5L
  • Dimensions: H22.9 x W24.9 x D42.8cm
  • Filtration AirClean filter
  • Settings 1, plus silent setting
  • Tools included: Upholstery nozzle, dusting brush, crevice nozzle, Parquet brush, full size turbobrush, AirTeQ floor-head: Vacuum cleaner style
  • Wattage: 1200W
  • Weight: 7.1kg

What we say….

As Miele are known for their excellent reputation I was keen to try this little cylinder cleaner out.

First impressions, it certainly looks and feels good.

As soon as I switched it on, I was impressed by the amazing suction – it almost pulled the carpet up but no worries, I simply turned it down.

I particularly liked the 3 attachments (which neatly stores inside) including a soft one for parquet floors which is perfect for the hard surfaces we were testing on.

Although I didn’t get that far, the dustbag change indicator (to change the bag) would be a plus for me.

Pros:

  • Excellent performance
  • Easy manoeuvrability
  • Tools storage
  • Easy to empty and dustchange indicator
  • Various attachment tools

Cons:

  • Little bit pricier than others but I’m sure you will get what you pay for with this

Overview:

Excellent little vacuum cleaner – highly recommended.

 

Bissell Floors & More Family 5283E

What they say…. 

If you want your house to smell clean and fresh every time you vacuum, choose the Bissell 5283E Febreze Floors & More Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner.

One-click manoeuvring The upright bagless vacuum cleaner is easy to manoeuvre round every room in your house.

Moving from carpet to hard wood flooring is just one click away with the foot pedal controlled roller brush.

Hard-to-reach areas are a thing of the past with the unique Edge Cleaning feature delivering dedicated side suction, and the 10-metre cable makes reaching those corners just that little bit easier.

Accessories such as the crevice tool and turbo brush lend a helping hand whenever its needed.

Non-stop suction The powerful Multi-Cyclonic Filtration system means the Bissell 5283E provides non-stop suction, delivering a better clean and longer filter life.

The Easy Empty system gives increased dirt tank capacity, which means you can go on vacuuming for longer between empties.

Make a difference around your home with the Bissell 5283E Febreze Floors & More Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner.

Other amazing features that I think are attractive include:

  • Weight: 8.2kg
  • Cable Length: 10m
  • Clean Capacity: 3L
  • Tools Included: Crevice Tool
  • Accessories Turbo Brush Febreze Filter Brush Bar
  • Extra Features: 1800 Watts Easy Empty Dirt Cup
  • Non stop suction – Powerful, MultiCyclonic Filtration-provides non stop suction and longer life
  • Scatter free – Easy to use brush roll foot pedal that turns the brush roll-on/off for safe use on hard floors
  • True Edge Cleaning – Unique Edge Cleaning feature with dedicated side suction for quicker and easier edge cleaning
  • Easy Empty – Increased dirt tank capacity means fewer times emptying

What we say….

This lovely looking upright cleaner has met all our expectations.

It cleans all floor services well, and the accessories are sensibly designed and easy to use.

The Febreze filter, although not something that decided us on this model, is a pleasant plus.

The rollers at the front grip everything off the floor (keep them on) it also moves the item easily resulting in less weight to move around.

Brilliant suction.

The cable lead is surprisingly very good.

I particularly liked the attachment tools which were very well made.

Only downside is that it is too heavy to carry upstairs.

Pros:

  • Excellent performance
  • Easy to empty and dustchange indicator
  • Various attachment tools
  • Easy emptying – although large dirt tank means fewer times emptying

Cons:

  • Bit too heavy

Overview:

Not one of the best but needless to say good performing vacuum cleaner for the money.

 

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