Dyson PencilVac FluffyCones: A Comprehensive Review of the Lightest Vacuum Yet
The Dyson PencilVac FluffyCones represents a significant leap in vacuum cleaner design, boasting the title of Dyson's lightest and slimmest model to date. Weighing a mere 1.8 kilograms, this ultra-portable device is engineered specifically for hard flooring, promising unparalleled convenience and manoeuvrability. In this detailed review, we put the PencilVac through rigorous testing in a bustling household with pets and active family members to assess its real-world capabilities.
Innovative Technology and Design Features
At the heart of the PencilVac's performance are its four FluffyCones rollers, strategically positioned with two at the front and two at the back. These cones rotate in opposite directions, effectively capturing dirt, debris, and hair without tangling, while extending to the edges for superior edge cleaning. The vacuum's slim profile, measuring just 38 millimetres in diameter, is made possible by Dyson's new Hyperdymium motor, borrowed from their hair care tools, which is the smallest and fastest motor the brand currently produces.
Assembly is remarkably straightforward, taking less time than brewing a cup of tea, with a simple click-together system for the wand, floor head, and handle. The design includes a digital display for battery life and cleaning modes, laser illumination on both sides of the cleaner head to reveal hidden dust, and a syringe-action dustbin that compresses debris to maximise its 80-millilitre capacity. However, it's important to note that this model is not suitable for carpets or deep-pile rugs, limiting its use to hard surfaces and low-profile mats.
Performance in Real-World Testing
During extensive testing over several weeks, the PencilVac demonstrated impressive agility and suction power on hard floors. It excelled at picking up fine dust like flour, medium debris such as biscuit crumbs, and larger items like lentils, though occasional multiple passes were needed for the latter. Pet hair removal was particularly effective, with the vacuum efficiently collecting hair from a shedding Golden Retriever and a long-haired cat.
The lightweight design allowed for easy manoeuvrability around furniture and tight spaces, such as under shoe racks, while the laser lights provided clear visibility of dust in both forward and backward motions. The included combination dusting and crevice tool proved useful for above-floor tasks like clearing cobwebs and dusting surfaces, though the vacuum's performance on larger flat items, such as dried leaves, was less consistent, sometimes pushing them forward rather than sucking them up immediately.
Practical Considerations and Limitations
While the PencilVac offers many advantages, it does come with some drawbacks. The small dustbin requires frequent emptying, which can be a hassle during longer cleaning sessions. The syringe-style emptying mechanism, though designed to reduce dust clouds, proved somewhat fiddly in practice, with dust often collecting in seams and crevices. Additionally, the limited attachments—only one extra tool is included—might disappoint users expecting more versatility for the price.
Battery life is adequate, offering up to 30 minutes of runtime on a single charge, with eco, medium, and boost modes available to balance power and duration. Noise levels are manageable, and the vacuum connects to the MyDyson app for maintenance tips and settings, though this feature may not be essential for daily use.
Verdict: Is the Dyson PencilVac Worth the Investment?
Priced at £430, the Dyson PencilVac FluffyCones is a premium option that prioritises ease of use and portability. It is ideal for homes with predominantly hard floors, where quick daily cleans are preferred over deep carpet cleaning. Its lightweight build and agile performance make it a joy to use for routine tasks, though it may not replace bulkier vacuums in carpeted areas.
In summary, if you seek a sleek, high-performance vacuum for hard surfaces and value manoeuvrability above all else, the PencilVac is a compelling choice. However, consider its limitations in bin capacity and attachment variety before making a purchase.
