Dyson/Supplied.
Living in a small space has meant that finding the right vacuum cleaner has always been a challenge. Without a dedicated storage cupboard or laundry, larger vacuum cleaners either end up taking valuable space in the kitchen or sit awkwardly on display in the living room. For a while, I even went without a vacuum cleaner altogether and opted for a sweeping brush and dustpan because it simply felt easier.
However, the concept of the Dyson PencilVac being the world’s slimmest vacuum had me interested. According to Dyson, the PencilVac flattens to 95mm and only weighs 1.9kg. This means that it could fit in the space between my fridge and the wall – the only slightly concealed space within my home. Its four soft conical brush bars are also meant to clean right to the edge – and in all directions, giving it the potential to be even more productive than a larger vacuum model.
But does the vacuum really live up to its claims? I tested the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones to find out.
Dyson’s PencilVac Fluffycones review verdict
- Our rating: (8 of 10)
- Why we rated it a (8/10): With its slim, lightweight design, Dyson’s PencilVac Fluffycones is a great vacuum model for a small space. However, the vacuum’s small storage bin means that it isn’t as well-suited to larger homes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cordless
- Swivel head can reach tight spots
- Compact size
- Stays charged for a long time
- Easy to empty
- LED light shows dirt
Cons
- Gets blocked easily
- Needs to be emptied frequently
- Doesn’t clean carpets
Results from our test
I quickly set up the Dyson PencilVac and its charging station without any issues. As someone who loses patience with an appliance that features too many parts and setup steps, this gave it an automatic tick in my book. While the charging station is too large to fit into the space between my fridge and the wall (the only concealed space within my small home), the PencilVac itself was able to, meaning that I could easily pop it away when guests are over.
Before turning on the PencilVac, I didn’t think my floor was too dirty. However, the vacuum’s green LED light soon revealed how much dirt and dust there really was. While this came as a slightly horrifying surprise, it was also super satisfying to see the dirt get sucked up by the vacuum cleaner.
The PencilVac is definitely a powerful vacuum and did a really good job of getting all of the dirt and dust off my floor. This did mean I had to empty the vacuum frequently as the small tube bin doesn’t hold a lot of dirt. While vacumming a relatively small room, I had to empty the vacuum three times. However, the PencilVac’s sliding and ejecting mechanism also makes for easy emptying – so it’s a small compromise to make.
With its swivel head, the PencilVac is also really good at getting into tight spaces, which is particularly helpful in an old home with lots of nooks and crannies. The PencilVac’s fluffycones head also features four conical brush bars, which are designed to detangle hair and suck strands straight into the bin. Unfortunately, that part of the PencilVac doesn’t work as well as I would have liked, with the strands of hair being simply sucked into a small ball and shot across the room, meaning I had to pick them up and pop them into the bin. The only other issue is that the PencilVac does get blocked quite easily, but perhaps that’s the price of a slim, lightweight model – we can’t have it all!
Overall, is the Dyson PencilVac worth it?
If you’re living in a small home or apartment, then the Dyson PencilVac is well worth the investment. The vacuum’s compact size and light weight are ideal for smaller living spaces and single-person homes. However, those in larger homes with young children and pets may find that the PencilVac doesn’t have the storage bin capacity or power to match the everyday messes of family life.
Some people suggest that combining the PencilVac with a robot vacuum is a good combination. The PencilVac is perfect for getting to any messes on the stairs and in tight corners, while the robot vacuum can take care of the bigger spaces and carpets.
Where to buy Dyson PencilVac
- Dyson, $849.00 (usually $949)
- David Jones, $849
- The Good Guys, $849
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