Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Review: An Ultra-Light Vacuum for Hard Floors
With many vacuum cleaners adept at handling both carpets and hard surfaces, investing in a specialised device might appear extravagant. The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones, priced at £429.99, is a hard-floor specialist that cannot manage carpets or extensive cleans, making it an unlikely replacement for your primary vacuum. However, for households with ample hard flooring requiring frequent sweeping of dust, hair, and crumbs, this accessible and flexible cleaner presents a compelling option.
Design and Features
The PencilVac distinguishes itself with a slender, pencil-like design, measuring 940mm in length and just 40mm in diameter, akin to a broom handle. Weighing 1.8kg, it incorporates the collection bin, motor, battery, and controls into a single pole, eliminating bulky attachments. Its free-standing charging dock, with a 25 x 29cm footprint, includes magnetic storage for the vacuum and its accessory.
The Fluffycones floor head features four rollers arranged in a grid, rotating in opposite directions to direct debris towards the central suction tube. Enhanced by four caster wheels, it glides effortlessly, offering an omnidirectional experience ideal for navigating around furniture legs. Dust-detecting lights on both front and back illuminate dirty areas, aiding thorough cleaning.
Performance and Testing
In rigorous testing on hard floors, the PencilVac excelled with fine substances like flour, achieving near-complete pickup and effectively managing dust and crumbs. The detection lights proved functional, highlighting debris for removal. However, it struggled with larger items such as cat litter, which scattered, and clumps of pet hair, prone to clogging the narrow tube. Corner cleaning required the included crevice tool due to the floor head's shape.
Battery life measured 23 minutes on economical settings, falling short of the quoted 30 minutes, with a charge time of 3.5 hours. Suction power registered 21kPa, though Dyson's anti-blocking mechanisms limit this metric's utility. The 0.8-litre dust compartment uses suction to compact debris, maintaining performance and enabling cleaner emptying without dust clouds.
Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Sleek, lightweight design enhances manoeuvrability.
- Effective dust-detecting lights improve cleaning precision.
- Clean emptying process reduces mess.
- Omnidirectional floor head suits obstacle-filled spaces.
Drawbacks:
- Struggles with larger debris like cat litter and pet hair.
- Limited to hard floors, not suitable for carpets.
- High price point at £429.99 for a specialised tool.
- Battery life underperforms claims.
Warranty and Sustainability
The PencilVac comes with a two-year warranty covering faults, excluding wear and tear. Repairs include an additional 12-month guarantee. Maintenance involves monthly filter rinses and regular bin emptying, with resources available via the MyDyson app. Dyson offers recycling for old devices at Demo Stores in London, Manchester, or Birmingham within 28 days, and packaging is recyclable cardboard.
Verdict
The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones is a niche product best suited for homes with extensive hard flooring needing frequent light sweeping. Its enjoyable usability and innovative features justify consideration for regular sweepers, but it remains a luxury purchase that complements rather than replaces a main vacuum, especially in households with carpets or pets.
