VAX LiftOut Pet Vacuum Review: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse for Hair-Filled Homes
Living in a shared house with multiple occupants and a constant stream of dog-loving visitors presents a unique domestic challenge: an endless battle against hair accumulation. From carpets and stairs to hard flooring surfaces, the build-up occurs rapidly, and not every vacuum cleaner on the market is equipped to handle such a demanding environment.
Putting the Budget-Friendly Contender to the Test
Our team has rigorously evaluated dozens of vacuum models, including premium options like the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Upright and the Dyson V16 Piston, which performed admirably but often carry a significant price tag. This led us to test the more affordably positioned VAX LiftOut Pet Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner. After several weeks of real-world use in a genuinely messy, multi-pet household, the results were compelling enough to warrant a detailed assessment.
Design, Features, and First Impressions
From the initial cleaning session, it was evident the VAX LiftOut Pet was engineered for challenging environments. The substantial 2-litre dust bin capacity proved invaluable in a busy shared home, allowing for extensive cleaning without frequent interruptions to empty the container. The one-touch release mechanism facilitated a quick and hygienic emptying process.
The standout LiftOut feature, which allows the canister to detach from the main body, transformed tasks like stair cleaning from a dreaded chore into a manageable one. This portability, combined with the attached hose and tools, enabled efficient cleaning of sofas, curtains, and awkward corners without manoeuvring the entire heavy unit.
An unexpectedly beneficial feature was the 12.5-metre cable reach, which eliminated the constant need to switch power sockets between rooms. Additionally, the LED headlights on the floorhead revealed hidden dust and debris on hard surfaces, significantly improving cleaning thoroughness.
Performance and Suction Power
In daily use, the vacuum glides smoothly across both carpets and hard floors. Its performance under stress testing was impressive, efficiently lifting semolina, rice, and larger particles from various surfaces. The integrated dust compactor maximised bin capacity, reducing emptying frequency.
Where the VAX LiftOut Pet truly excels is in hair removal. It effectively extracted embedded human and pet hair from carpet fibres. The specialised HairWrap Resist brush roll technology significantly reduced tangling compared to standard vacuums, though occasional manual cleaning of the brush bar was still required for stubborn strands.
Practical Considerations and Drawbacks
The vacuum's primary drawback is its considerable weight, which becomes noticeable when navigating tight spaces or carrying it upstairs. While the LiftOut function mitigates this for above-floor cleaning, the main unit's heft is undeniable during standard use.
The included tool selection is comprehensive and useful, including dedicated pet-hair and stair tools. However, switching between attachments can slightly disrupt cleaning momentum. Due to the main body's bulk, some confined areas remain inaccessible without using the hose and a tool.
Value for Money and Market Comparison
Priced at £229.99, the VAX LiftOut Pet occupies a sensible mid-range bracket. When compared to key competitors, it holds its own:
- Against the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Plus Upright Pet Vacuum (approx. £196): The Shark may offer slightly more advanced active hair-management technology, but the VAX provides robust performance with a valuable LiftOut feature.
- Against the Dyson Ball Animal (approx. £229): The Dyson offers formidable deep-carpet suction but is often heavier and less manoeuvrable than the VAX model.
The VAX model also boasts strong user validation, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from hundreds of reviews on the official VAX site, supported by a reassuring 5-year guarantee.
Final Verdict
The VAX LiftOut Pet Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner delivers impressive suction, thoughtful features like the LiftOut canister and LED lights, and solid performance against pet hair at a reasonable price point. While its weight and occasional need for brush maintenance are minor inconveniences, it represents a sensible and well-judged purchase for households battling constant hair, mess, and the need for versatile cleaning solutions.
