Dyson PencilVac Review: A Lightweight Marvel for Hard Floors
Dyson continues to innovate in the vacuum cleaner market with the launch of the PencilVac fluffycones, an ultra-slim and lightweight model designed specifically for hard flooring. Weighing a mere 1.8kg, this vacuum promises convenience and agility, but how does it fare in a real-world setting with pets and daily mess? After extensive testing, here's our detailed assessment.
Design and Setup: Sleek and Simple
The Dyson PencilVac arrives in remarkably slender packaging, highlighting its compact engineering. Assembly is swift, taking less time than brewing a cup of tea—simply click the wand into the floor head and attach the handle. The vacuum features a slim aluminium-style finish, housing a Hyperdymium motor borrowed from Dyson's hair tools, which measures just 28mm in diameter, making it the brand's smallest and fastest motor.
Key design elements include a digital display for battery life and cleaning modes, a syringe-action dustbin with an 80ml capacity, and four Fluffycones rollers that rotate in opposite directions for effective debris pickup. The cleaner head includes laser lights on both sides to reveal hidden dust, enhancing visibility during use. A magnetic charging dock is included for tidy storage.
Performance: Agile and Effective on Hard Surfaces
In testing, the PencilVac excelled on hard floors, effortlessly picking up fine dust like flour, medium debris such as biscuit crumbs, and larger items like lentils. Its lightweight design and smooth swivelling head allowed for easy manoeuvrability around furniture and tight corners. The vacuum also performed well on low-pile rugs, though it is not suitable for carpets or deep-pile surfaces.
Pet hair removal was impressive, with the Fluffycones effectively lifting hair without tangling. The included combination dusting and crevice tool proved useful for above-floor cleaning tasks, such as removing cobwebs and dusting hard-to-reach areas. However, the vacuum struggled slightly with larger flat debris like dried leaves, which were sometimes pushed forward rather than immediately sucked up.
Limitations and Considerations
Despite its strengths, the PencilVac has notable drawbacks. The small dustbin requires frequent emptying, and the syringe-style mechanism can be fiddly, potentially causing dust clouds. Additionally, the vacuum comes with only one attachment, which may feel limited given its premium price point of around £430. It is also exclusively designed for hard floors, making it unsuitable for homes with extensive carpeting.
Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The Dyson PencilVac is ideal for households with predominantly hard flooring, offering unmatched lightness and agility for daily cleans. While it won't replace a full-sized vacuum for carpeted areas, its performance on hard surfaces and ease of use make it a compelling choice for those prioritising convenience. If you seek a sleek, nimble cleaner for quick tidying, the PencilVac delivers, albeit with some compromises on bin capacity and attachments.
