Dyson, Philips, Samsung, Bosch and Tefal. Which one?
Cordless or Hand-stick Vacuums are quite the rage in homes these days.
At one glance, cordless vacuums have obvious advantage over their traditional (think big, bulky and noisier) counterparts. Particularly so in space conscious Singapore where most of us live in high-rise apartments.
Same Same but Different:
Currently there are many brands and models of cordless vacuum cleaners in the market, each having its own seemingly unique features but yet serving the same function – to clean homes more effectively. The price range can be quite close hence making the decision making process confusing. Price aside, no one wants to buy a home appliance (or anything for that matter) that doesn’t serve our needs.
The Comparison:
We have been using the latest Dyson Cyclon 10 Absolute+ for a few months now. However, we were genuinely curious, on how the Dyson would compare against the many other cordless vacuum brands that have sprung-up over the recent years. So, on our own, we spent nearly 4 months reviewing the other prominent brands by enquiring, testing and using them to see which is truly efficient and value-for-money.
For the purpose of this comparison, we compared the following brands and models (listed here in alphabetical order):
- Bosch – BBS1224
- Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute +
- Philips Speed Pro Max
- Samsung Handstick Vacuum
- Tefal Air Force 360
To be objective, our reviews were conducted in the following manner:
- Acted as a ‘mystery shopper’, not representing any brand
- Randomly visited 4 major electrical retailers across Singapore
- Consulted with the brand representatives and promoters extensively
- Conducted the same usage test and asked the same questions at each visit
For it to a genuine test by a conventional Singapore home-family user, our usage test will cut through the technical jargon and terms as well as the range of nozzels etc . Instead we focus on what truly matters for the average Singapore home:
- Weight of the vacuum and Ease of Handling (with one hand!)
- Noise Level (No one wants to wake a sleeping baby or a tired parent!)
- Ease of clearing the Dust Tank (it should be user-friendly and uncomplicated)
- Type of Filtration – HEPA* or otherwise (Because we don’t want dirty air and dust to be recycled back to us!)
- Other Convenient Features (That would nice thank you!)
*HEPA: High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters are commonly used as a benchmark in the industry, including hospitals, to trap fine particulates. Hence may bring relief to allergy sufferers.
No Jargons Please:
Here are our review results, in alphabetical order:
Disclaimer: Please consult the brand’s website and sales representatives for technical details and other product-specific queries. The views expressed here are authentically ours and may not represent the views of the manufacturers.
A) Bosch- BBS1224
Weight and Ease of handling: 2.9kg. Handling and lifting with a single hand is very smooth and easy.
Noise Level: Among the quieter ones tested. Won’t wake a sleeping baby.
Ease of clearing Dust Tank: Easy with a single hand.
Filter Type: Non-HEPA.
Charging and Usage Time: 2 external batters and one external charger provided. Takes 1 hour for a full charge.
Other Convenient Features: With interchangeable batteries and an external charger, the Bosch can sustain long uninterrupted usage.
Verdict: The BOSCH is a worthy contender to the Dyson. Handling and noise level are very comparable. Its external batteries and small charger that provides continuous usage clearly set this vacuum cleaner above others. However without including a HEPA filter, dust and allergens may be re-circulated back to the environment.
Website: https://www.bosch-home.com.sg/product-list/vacuum-cleaners/cordless-vacuum-cleaners/BBS1224NC
B) Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute +
Weight and Ease of Handling: At 2.5kg, the Dyson is the lightest among the models of the same size. Easy and smooth to handle and easy to lift with a single hand.
Noise Level: At the lower modes it is among the quieter ones. However at the MAX mode it can rather loud and may wake a sleeping baby.
Ease of clearing Dust Tank: Easy with a single hand. However, will need to remove nozzle before emptying tank.
Filter Type: HEPA filter and whole machine filtration that ensures that air that exits the vacuum is clean air.
Charging and Usage Time: Internal battery. 3.5 hour for a full charge and lasts for up to 60 minutes.
Other Convenient Features:
- The Dyson Absolute+ model features one of the largest dust tanks at 0.54L
- It is the most powerful with 150W of power for the strongest suction in its class.
- It has 3 power modes to suit the different intensity of vacuuming.
Verdict: The British marquee home appliance brand that introduced cordless vacuums to the world has some essential features that, when combined, makes this cordless model an all-rounder complete with a reliably tested filtration system and a strong suction power.
Website: https://shop.dyson.com.sg/dyson-cyclone-v10-absolute-241013-01
C) Philips Speed Pro Max
Weight and Ease of Handling: The double dust chamber design makes this among the heaviest. There is greater strain on the wrist when lifting with a single hand.
Noise Level: Among the quieter models. Will not wake a sleeping baby.
Ease of clearing Dust Tank: The double filtration tank requires a series of actions for cleaning although it is simpler then the Samsung model.
Filter Type: Non-HEPA.
Charging and Usage Time: 5 hours for a full charge. Full use up to 65 minutes. Internal battery.
Other Convenient Features:
- The design allows this Philips to go ‘flat down’ on the ground for easy reach below sofas and beds.
- 360 suction head allows for suction even when reversing.
- LED lights on the brush nozzle for vacuuming darker corners.
- Comes in another model with slightly longer lasting battery.
Verdict: This Philips is functional however its weight plus the non-HEPA filter may NOT make it suitable for those who prefer a cordless vacuum cleaner that is easier to manage and one that does not spew out dirty re-circulated air.
Website: https://www.philips.com.sg/c-p/FC6823_61/speedpro-max-stick-vacuum-cleaner
D) Samsung PowerStick Pro
Weight and Ease of Handling: This is the heaviest of the lot and there’s great pressure on the wrist when lifting with a single hand.
Noise Level: Reasonably quiet. Won’t wake a sleeping baby.
Ease of clearing Dust Tank: Requires many actions. Not single-handed. Tank is among the smallest of the cordless vacuums.
Filter Type: HEPA.
Charging and Usage Yime: Full charge takes 4 hours for a full usage of 40 minutes.
Other Convenient Features:
- Power output: Up to 150w – among the strongest.
- With interchangeable batteries and an external charger, the Samsung can sustain long uninterrupted usage but not as long as that of the BOSCH.
- Samsung’s ‘Flex’ design allows the unit to go ‘flat down’ to vacuum under tight spaces (think below beds and sofas).
- Roller nozzle has LED lights to illuminate darker areas to ensure cleanliness
Verdict: The Samsung PowerStick Pro, though heavier and less maneuverable than the DYSON, is another contender particularly with its interchangeable batteries, HEPA filter and the ‘Flex’ feature. However, do note also that the set typically comes with only one battery and the external battery charger is huge, almost like a car battery!
E) Tefal Handstick Vacuum AirForce 360
Weight and Ease of Handling: The TEFAL looks and feels like the baby among the cordless vacuum. It is among the lightest and reasonably easy to handle with a single hand.
Noise Level: Among the quieter models. Will not wake a sleeping baby.
Ease of clearing Dust Tank: Single hand to release and open dust tank.
Filter Type: Non-HEPA. The simplest filter among the models tested.
Charging and Usage Time: 3 hours for a full charge for use up to 20 minutes.
Other Convenient Features:
- The lightest and smallest model tested with basic features.
Verdict: The Tefal Handstick Vacuum AirForce 360 is the smallest and lightest with the most basic of features among the models we tested. However it does not come with a HEPA filter, making it an entry model for those wishing to experience the convenience of using a cordless vacuum cleaner.
Website: https://www.tefal.com.sg/Home-Cleaning/Cordless-Handsticks/AIR-FORCE-360-TY9051/p/2211400220
Overall Verdict:
In terms of overall value-for-money features (taking into consideration the weight, the suction power and the HEPA filter system), clearly Dyson leads the pack. However if your priorities are not so much on the quality of filtration or the power of the suction but rather more on the noise level, and the fact that it needs to be able to reach low levels easily, then the other models may better meet your needs.
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