The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones presents a compelling option for households with extensive hard flooring, blending sleek aesthetics with practical features. This cordless vacuum cleaner, priced at £429.99, is engineered specifically for hard surfaces, making it a niche yet potentially valuable addition to your cleaning arsenal.
Design and Features
With a slender, pencil-like profile measuring 940mm in length and just 40mm in diameter, the PencilVac is notably compact for a Dyson product. It incorporates all components, including the collection bin, motor, battery, and controls, into a single pole, eliminating the need for a bulky top unit. Weighing 1.8kg, it feels lightweight during operation, enhanced by a clever design that includes four Fluffycones rollers arranged in a grid. These rollers rotate in opposite directions, effectively sweeping debris into the central suction tube.
The vacuum comes with a free-standing charging dock, which has a footprint of 25 x 29cm and includes magnetic retention for the vacuum and storage for attachments. Detection lights on both the front and back of the floor head illuminate dust and dirt, aiding in thorough cleaning. The floor head is omnidirectional, allowing easy navigation around furniture legs and obstacles.
Performance and Testing
In rigorous testing on hard floors, the PencilVac demonstrated strengths and weaknesses. It excelled at picking up fine particles like flour, with detection lights proving effective in highlighting dusty areas. The emptying process is notably cleaner than previous Dyson models, using suction to compact dust and reduce mess when disposing of contents.
However, the vacuum struggled with larger debris such as cat litter and pet hair clumps. The conical rollers sometimes scattered litter, and the narrow tube was prone to clogging with hair. While it handles dust and crumbs adeptly, it may require supplementary tools like the included crevice attachment for tougher tasks. Battery life measured 23 minutes on the most economical setting, falling short of the quoted 30 minutes, with a charge time of 3.5 hours.
Pros and Cons
What we love: The PencilVac offers exceptional flexibility with its omnidirectional floor head, making it ideal for navigating tight spaces. The dust-detecting lights are practical and non-gimmicky, while the easy-emptying mechanism enhances user convenience. Its lightweight build and sleek design make it a pleasure to use for regular sweeps.
What we don't love: Limitations include poor performance with larger debris and an inability to clean carpets. The irregular floor head shape may miss room corners, necessitating additional tools. At £429.99, it represents a significant investment for a device that cannot replace a full-house vacuum, particularly in homes with pets or mixed flooring.
Warranty and Sustainability
Dyson provides a two-year warranty covering parts and labour for faults, excluding wear and tear. Repairs come with an additional 12-month warranty. The vacuum is packaged in recyclable materials, and Dyson offers recycling services for old devices at their Demo Stores in London, Manchester, or Birmingham. Maintenance involves regular filter rinsing and bin emptying, with resources available via the MyDyson app.
Verdict
The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones is best suited for homes with predominantly hard floors that require frequent light cleaning. Its nimble design and user-friendly features make it a joy to operate, though it falls short as a standalone solution for comprehensive household cleaning. Consider it a luxury investment for enhancing daily maintenance rather than replacing your primary vacuum cleaner.
