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Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless review: light and easy to steer, but comes up short on power
9:15 pm | January 13, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless: two-minute review

The Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless is a rechargeable and bagless portable vacuum cleaner that is designed to be suitable for use in the home and the car. It's affordably priced, although on test I found it lacked the power to tackle anything but the simplest vacuuming tasks.

The design is pleasantly lightweight and easy to use. There's a washable HEPA filter, and the dust cup has a capacity of 2.3 cups / 550ml – enough for a few small cleaning sessions. However, there are a few slightly annoying design features. In use, care needs to be taken not to absent-mindedly hit the dust cup release button that sits a little way up the handle from the sliding power switch. Emptying the dust cup requires removing the whole front of the vacuum, including the filter. That's not unusual for a low-cost mini vacuum, but it is a little fiddly. On the plus side, it did mean that I regularly shook off the debris that had collected on the filter.

The accessories that come with the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless look a little cheap, but I found them to be useful. There’s an extension hose, a flat nozzle, and a small brush nozzle, which proved particularly helpful when vacuuming fabric surfaces.

Moving on to cleaning performance, and the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless was regretfully underwhelming. While it did an adequate job of picking up larger pieces of debris, such as biscuit crumbs and oats, it struggled to suck up finer debris like smaller crumb particles and flour, to the point where I needed to enlist the help of the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro (which sits at the top of TechRadar's best handheld vacuum guide), to finish the job to a good standard.

The Homekane Vacuum is sitting upright and leaning slightly to the right on a knitted, mustard color blanket.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

In terms of value for money, things are a little complicated. Comparing current Amazon list prices (which, it should be highlighted, can often change), it's significantly cheaper in the US than the UK. At the US price, it's perhaps worth considering if you just need something very basic for small cleanup jobs. However, in the UK, there are better affordable alternatives in our best car vacuum roundup.

That's the short version – read on for my full Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless.

Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless review: price & availability

  • Different configurations available in US and UK
  • More expensive in the UK, and not good value for money
  • Far cheaper in the US, where it's better value

The Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless is listed for £37.99 at Amazon UK, and this price includes the accessories and charging dock. It’s also possible to purchase the handheld vacuum and accessories without the dock (there’s a USB-C charging port on the end of the handle), for a list price of £29.99. While the price is relatively budget-friendly, it's not particularly good value for money when you consider the price and performance of other mini vacuums on the market.

In the US, the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless is significantly cheaper. The model with a charging dock is no longer available at Amazon US, but it’s still possible to purchase the standard version, for an extremely affordable $15.99. At that price, it's a much more compelling prospect, and might be worth buying.

You will need to factor in the ongoing cost of replacement HEPA filters. These aren't currently available at Amazon US, although you can pick them up at Amazon UK, where a pack of two costs £15.88. That's almost half the cost of the vacuum itself, but as they’re washable they should last a while, providing you aren’t frequently vacuuming areas that are excessively dirty.

  • Value score: 2.5 out of 5

Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless specs

Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless review: design & features

  • Small and lightweight
  • Cheap materials
  • Washable HEPA filter

Satisfyingly small and lightweight, the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless is easy to carry between locations, making it perfect for quick couch cleans after a biscuit binge, or for taking out to the car for a mini-valet. It has compact dimensions of 13.4 x 3.2 x 3.5 inches / 33.4 x 8 x 9cm and weighs just 1.2 lbs / 560g, so I found it easy to maneuver to vacuum high and low surfaces.

As expected for the price, the material quality of the isn’t outstanding on the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless or its charging dock. The majority of the plastic is a cheap-looking black plastic with a matte finish, and the material of the accessories isn’t the best either, but they did the job. The business end of the vacuum itself looks a little better, in a glossy translucent black plastic. This is pretty common among handheld vacs, as it still provides visibility of the remaining dust cup capacity, but helps to minimize the eyesore of the contents that were vacuumed up.

To power on the vacuum, there’s a teal-colored upward-sliding switch that I found a little more fiddly than a simple power button, but it wasn’t much of a hindrance. Further down the handle, toward the dust cup, there’s a pressable button with a subtle trash can icon that acts as the release trigger for the dust cup.

The detachable dust cup has a 2.3 cup / 550ml capacity, which is roughly a half cup more than the highly-rated Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus. Please be warned: the release button is so easy to press accidentally if you’re not paying attention. Fortunately for me, I only did this at the beginning of the testing process, so I didn’t end up emptying flour and oats over my car interior, but it could easily have happened.

This compact vacuum has a washable HEPA filter that sits on top of the dust cup. This meant that I had to remove it every time I needed to empty the cup contents, which is a small inconvenience, but did serve as a good opportunity to check the state of the filter each time and a reminder to wash it regularly to maintain efficient suction. I found it easy to release and remove the dust cup thanks to the button on the vacuum body. The filter was a little fiddly to remove as a type of rubber material surrounds it, but overall it was simple to pull out and replace.

The Homekane Handheld Vacuum sits in its dock along with the accessories.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

There are some convenient attachments included with the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless, including an extension hose that I found useful for reaching further into tighter spaces when connected to the flat nozzle, plus a brush nozzle for keyboards, to hoover up pet hair, and other tasks. All the accessories attached to the vac easily enough, and they stayed firmly in place during use.

The cheaply-made hose attachment wasn’t the most flexible, but it was adequate for the job. The flimsy nature of the connecting ends gives me a little concern, though, as I’m not sure they’ll stand the test of time, and look like they could easily split. They performed well during testing however, so I could be being overly cautious.

Homekane claims that the Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless has a runtime of 25-30 minutes, and supposedly takes three hours to recharge via USB-C. It was a simple case of popping the vacuum into the dock, although I wasn’t a fan of the configuration. I understand that storing the vacuum handle first in the dock allows the dock to be smaller, therefore saving space, but it’s a little inconvenient.

In addition to this, the design means that the charging indicator light faces backward, so when the dock is placed against a wall, it’s not possible to see when the vacuum is fully charged. This may not be an issue for people who are happy to leave the dock powered at all times, but it's not ideal for the more energy-conscious among us.

The stated noise level of the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless is 80 dB, which is equivalent to the sound of busy traffic. Testing the noise of the vacuum with a decibel meter on my phone confirmed that this statement is accurate, and while it’s unpleasant for someone like myself who suffers from tinnitus, it’s no louder than one would expect from a compact vacuum cleaner.

  • Design and features score: 3 out of 5

Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless review: performance

  • Struggles to vacuum up fine particles
  • Tackles larger pieces of debris adequately
  • Emptying process could be easier

Unfortunately, there’s only one power setting of 9,500Pa available on the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless, which is considerably less than the Temola Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, which offers 15,000PA on its highest setting. Even its eco mode is more powerful than the Homekane, at 10,000Pa.

Nonetheless, it had no issue when vacuuming up crumbs, but the real test was to come when I put it through its paces against our TechRadar vacuum testing process. Unfortunately for me, this involved decanting flour, biscuit crumbs, and oats into my car's interior.

I tested three car vacs together for a direct comparison, our best handheld vacuum and best car vacuum, the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus, and the Temola TS20BS. The Homekane was lightweight and easy to wield, a nice contrast from the noticeably heavier handheld Shark vac. But, while it may have been more pleasant to hold, I quickly found myself wishing that I hadn’t left the Homekane till the last to test.

The lower suction level of 9,500Pa was evident, with the finer particles refusing to budge from within the pile of my car mat. Worse still, the back-positioned air outlet meant that I had to change the order of my testing process, as, to my horror, it blew the oats I’d spread for the next test everywhere – under my seats and deeper under the glove compartment area. I was not amused, to say the least. I didn’t experience these issues with the Shark or Temola, as their air outlets are helpfully located on the sides, making for minimal blowback.

A close-up of the nozzle attachment and extension hose, held by a woman's hand over a mustard colored sofa.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

I decided to test the small floor brush attached to the crevice nozzle to see how much this would help, and I’m pleased to say that it did a great job at picking up the elusive particles, making an incredible difference to the results I got from using the vac alone, so that’s one saving grace for the Homekane.

The results weren’t 100 per cent perfect, and I certainly wouldn’t use it for a full-on car valet, but overall the carpet looked clean enough. It did an okay job with the larger oats, which were collected fairly easily, but it was much slower than the other two car vacs. And again, there just wasn’t enough suction to pick up those smaller particles.

The crevice tool did a good job, presumably because the limited suction was restricted to a smaller area. It picked up lots of loose leaves and stones in the nooks and crannies of my car’s footwell and vacuumed the dust from the small gaps around my door’s armrest with ease. The flexible extension hose proved useful when vacuuming the crevices around my car’s center console, providing a little extra reach when the crevice tool on the Homekane Handheld Vac alone wouldn’t have fitted as far into the space.

I also used the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless with the crevice and brush nozzle attachments to vacuum my desk and keyboard in our busy TechRadar reviews office. It did a satisfactory job of making them look cleaner, but it left behind some of the finer dust and fibers. This result was lacking in comparison to the Temola TS20BS, which did a better job of picking up most of the debris thanks to its higher suction setting.

A close-up of the small brush attachment over a mustard colored sofa.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

When attempting to empty the dust cup, I found the washable HEPA filter tricky to remove, finding I had to put my fingers within the filter itself to get enough purchase to wiggle it out. After testing with the flour, biscuit crumbs, and oats, I found I needed to spend some time bashing the filter to remove as much as I could before washing it.

  • Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless?

Buy it if...

You're in the US and you want a super-cheap vac
While I wouldn't recommend this handheld vac to fellow Brits, at the current price of $15.99 it wouldn't make a bad purchase for spontaneous clean-ups.

You want something lightweight
One thing this small vac has going for it is that it's satisfyingly small and light to wield, so it could make a good choice for someone who struggles with larger vacuums.

Don't buy it if...

You want good suction
There are plenty of other high-suction and better-performing alternatives out there for a similar price. I kept an open mind about the limited suction power, but after testing other vacs at the same price point that did a far better job.

You want high-quality materials
From the packaging to the vacuum and accessories, the low price point is clear. Don't get me wrong, nothing fell apart or broke when I was using it, but if you like to own products that look good quality, this isn't one of them.

Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless review: also consider

Temola TS20BS
This lightweight vac is only slightly more expensive than the cost of the Homekane in the UK, but you get an awful lot for that little extra investment. It has two suction levels, 10,000PA, and 15,000PA, with the latter doing a fantastic job of picking up the finer dust from testing, especially when the dust brush was used. One important caveat, however, is that I've been unable to source replacement filters so far, so this is something to keep in mind.

Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
A firm favorite here at TechRadar, this Shark handheld vac offers great vacuuming performance and versatile tools. No wonder it's our top choice for the best handheld and car vacuums. Check out the full review to learn more.

How I tested the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless

  • I tested the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless against two other handheld vacs
  • I assessed its ability to vacuum both large and fine debris
  • I made use of the included accessories

I took a close look at the design and materials used for the Homekane Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Cordless. I used it to vacuum my sofa and my desk and put it through its paces against the TechRadar vacuum testing process in my car. This involves testing a vacuum's ability to pick up fine and coarse particles, namely oats, and a mixture of flour and fine biscuit crumbs.

I assessed the fit of the accessories and used each of them to see how effective they were. I also looked at how easy and efficient the dust cup emptying process was.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

First reviewed December 2024

Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine review: a beautiful manual coffee maker that lets you call the shots, but at a price
9:13 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: | Comments: Off

Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine: two-minute review

The Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine is a manual coffee maker that gives you a taste of the barista experience, giving you the option of pulling an espresso shot with a pleasingly smooth and tactile lever, or simply twisting the filter handle into place and pressing a button to let the machine do the work for you.

After trying the Smeg Mini Pro last year, one of my colleagues at TechRadar concluded that although lovely, it was "probably overkill for me and most coffee drinkers" – but having used it for several weeks in place of my usual espresso machine, I'm inclined to disagree. Although it has the looks of a professional coffee maker, it's not only one of the best espresso machines I've used when it comes to brewing consistently good coffee, it's also one of the easiest to use, and makes achieving a good shot refreshingly simple.

Latte made using Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine

The Smeg Mini pro will help you achieve consistent results, and its steam wand was a particular highlight for me (Image credit: Future)

It's a relatively compact (small enough not to dominate a tiny kitchen) and thoughtfully designed, with features including a bright LED display, a pressure gauge that gives you an indication of how well extracted your espresso is likely to be, and customizable temperature and volume settings – the latter of which are very handy if you'll be using the single and double shot presets regularly.

However, although it's not overkill in terms of features, the Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine is certainly expensive. I'd expect to pay a premium for one of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines, but it's rare to see a manual consumer espresso machine at this price point. This is approaching the price of a commercial machine (with pressure profiling and flow control, which the Mini Pro lacks), so you'll have to really fall in love with it to justify the cost.

If you like the idea of a lever coffee machine and don't have that much cash to spend, it's worth taking a look at the range of fully manual machines from La Pavoni (a company now owned by Smeg), which includes several more affordable models.

Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine

The Mini Pro has a smart 60s-inspired look that's become one of Smeg's signatures (Image credit: Future)

Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine: Specs

Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine: price and availability

  • Launched in the UK in June 2024
  • List price £1,399.95 (about $1,700 / AU$2,800)
  • Not yet available to buy elsewhere

The Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Machine launched in the UK in June 2024, priced at £1,399.95 (about $1,700 / AU$2,800). At the time of writing (January 2025) it's not yet available in other territories.

That's a serious price tag for a home espresso machine, and much pricier than even premium bean-to-cup coffee makers like the Breville Barista Touch Impress.

  • Value score: 3/5

Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine: Design

  • Sleek 1960s-inspired aesthetic
  • Choice of lever or button controls
  • No flow control or pressure profiling

The Smeg Mini Pro is a lovely looking coffee maker, with the same brushed metal and smooth curves as the fully automatic BCC13 bean-to-cup espresso machine I reviewed last year. It comes in a choice of three colors: white (shown here), black, or emerald green.

It's also relatively compact, measuring 14.2 x 8.7 x 17in / 360 x 220 x 433mm. This meant it didn't look out of place in my small kitchen, and fitted easily underneath my wall cabinets.

Side of Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine

As its name suggests the Smeg Mini pro is quite compact and won't look out of place in a small kitchen (Image credit: Future)

Although it might look a little intimidating if you're used to more basic machines, the Mini Pro is refreshingly simple to use. Reach behind the machine and you'll find a power button on the left-hand side, which turns it on with a reassuring click. Once that's done, the machine will begin to heat. It's set to 92C as standard, which in my experience gave good results, but you can delve into the settings to change it if you prefer something higher or lower.

A round LED display at the top right shows key information, such as whether the water is up to temperature, time elapsed if you're using the machine to pull a shot of espresso in manual mode, maintenance status, and the various customizable options. It's bright, and although simple, the icons in the interface are unambiguous.

There's also a pressure gauge at the bottom left of the machine's face, which gives you an idea of how well extracted your finished shot is going to be. It's a shame that there's no flow control or pressure profiling though, particularly for a machine at this price.

lose-up of controls on Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine

You can use either the manual lever or the preset buttons to pull a shot (Image credit: Future)

The Mini Pro is supplied with four filter baskets: two pressurized ones, which Smeg says are best for experimenting with grinding, dosing, and tamping, and two non-pressurized ones that are best when some of those factors are out of your control (if you're using ready-ground coffee, for example). Which one you should choose depends on whether you're brewing one or two cups.

You also get a blank filter to be used when cleaning the water tank – not something I've seen included with many espresso machines – plus a brush and two different sized needles. One of these is for cleaning the steam wand, and the other is for the holes of the filters.

Filter handle for Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine

The machine comes with a choice of pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets (Image credit: Future)

The 1L water tank is located at the back, and has a sturdy handle that makes it easy to remove. There's no water filter supplied, but if you have hard water (identified using the testing strip included with the coffee machine) you can buy them separately and simply screw one into the bottom of the tank. When the tank needs refilling, you'll be notified by an icon on the display.

There's a cup-heater on top, which has a bumpy surface that keeps your stoneware from slipping off, and the drip tray is easy to slide out and empty without spillage. My only criticism of the design (and it's a very minor one) is that there's nothing really securing the cover that sits over the water tank, so you could knock it off when you're pulling the machine forward to access it.

Cups being warmed on Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine

The machine has a convenient cup-warmer on top (Image credit: Future)

Most of the components (including the filters and filter holder) can be cleaned by rinsing in water. You can use mild dish soap to clean the drip tray if necessary, but avoid anything abrasive on any part of the machine.

You'll receive an alert when it's time to descale the Mini Pro. The pros at Smeg use Oust brand descaler, but when I checked, they told me any food-safe liquid descaler would be fine. They also provided a video demonstrating how to descale the machine.

  • Design score: 5/5

Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine: performance

  • Produces consistently well extracted coffee
  • Fast heating and quiet pump
  • Lacks pressure profiling and flow control

The machine heats fast, with separate thermoblocks for coffee and steam, plus an independently heated group head to keep a consistent temperature while your coffee is extracted. During my tests it reached the target temperature of 92C within a minute, and was ready to brew shortly afterwards (the LED display will show when it's ready to go).

I really appreciated having a choice of ways to brew an espresso – either by tapping one of the buttons to pull a single or double shot, or by pulling the lever up manually so you can keep an eye on the volume of coffee and the timer yourself.

Tamping coffee for Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine

The accessories supplied with the Smeg Mini Pro are excellent quality (Image credit: Future)

The action of the lever is smooth and satisfying, but it's very nice having the choice of the two customizable buttons if you don't want to spend time measuring out a shot yourself. The single and double shot presets are easy to customize; just press and hold either button to configure it.

The pressure gauge gave a good idea of whether the my coffee was likely to be under- or over-extracted, helping me avoid wasting milk on a poor quality espresso. Although the Mini Pro can achieve 15 bars of pressure, it's optimized for 9-10 bars, which is generally considered ideal for brewing espresso.

During my tests, the machine brewed consistently excellent shots using both the manual lever and the presets. The only disappointing shot I had came when the water tank was starting to run low, but not low enough to generate a refill alert. The Mini Pro brewed a shot, but the gauge showed that it hadn't generated enough pressure, and the resulting coffee tasted dry and under-extracted. It was very useful to have an early warning that it was a bad shot before I added milk, so I could refill the tank and try again.

I was also surprised just how quiet the Smeg Mini Pro was in use, with the pump reaching only 33dB while pulling a shot – similar to the murmuring of a quiet library.

Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine with water tank removed

You'll receive an alert when the 1-liter water tank needs refilling (Image credit: Future)

The steam wand is excellent, and is the thing I'll miss most now that I've finished testing the Smeg Mini Pro. Its dial allows you to increase the pressure smoothly so you don't end up with milk sprayed onto your kitchen counters (something that sometimes happens with my Gaggia Classic). The large capacity of the water tank means you can also keep steaming for much longer than you can with the little Gaggia, giving you plenty of time to achieve your preferred milk texture and temperature. The dial is large and tactile, with a super smooth motion as you adjust the intensity of the steam.

Smeg hasn't skimped with the accessories either. The 2.3in / 58mm diameter tamper is nicely weighted, and even the dishwasher-safe milk pitcher is excellent. with a shape that makes it easy to achieve a good whirlpool.

Overall, making coffee with the Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Machine is a real pleasure. I'd just expect a little more customization from a product costing almost as much as a commercial model.

  • Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine?

Buy it if

You love Smeg's style

This is a gorgeous espresso machine, and the design accounts for a lot of its high asking price.

You value choice

It's up to you whether you use the two preset buttons or the Smeg Mini Pro's lever to pull a shot, and you can use whichever you're in the mood for.

Don't buy it if

Value is key

This is a very expensive espresso machine, even by Smeg's premium standards. If your budget is more modest, take a look at the excellent Breville Bambino Plus – a compact model that's a fraction if the price and earned four and a half stars in our review.

Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine: also consider

Not sure about the Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Machine? Here are two other options to consider

Smeg BCC13

This fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine is in the same family as the Mini Pro, and gives excellent results if you want a decent cup of coffee with minimal hassle. Unlike the BCC12, this model also has an auto milk frother - no manual steaming necessary.

Read our full Smeg BCC13 review

Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+

This is a step closer to being a commercial-grade espresso machine, and offers some features you don't get with the Smeg Mini Pro, such as a heat exchange boiler so you can brew and steam simultaneously.

Read our full Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ review

How I tested the Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine

I used the Smeg Mini Pro Espresso Machine instead of my usual Gaggia Classic for four weeks, typically using it two or three times a day. I usually brewed standard 60ml double-shot espressos at 92C.

I used fresh coffee beans from Clifton Coffee Roasters, ground using a Dualit burr grinder, and filtered tap water. I tested the steam wand using chilled whole dairy milk and oat milk.

For more details, take a look at how we test, review, and rate at TechRadar.

First reviewed January 2025

Miele Blizzard CX1 vacuum review
11:00 pm | January 4, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Comments: Off

Miele Blizzard CX1: two-minute review

Product note

The Miele Blizzard CX1 range is available in multiple territories, but in various different configurations. These have the same base model, but different tools and accessories. For this review, I tested the Blizzard CX1 Flex.

The Miele Blizzard CX1 is a bagless cylinder vacuum that plugs in via a power cable for endless vacuuming time. It offers four suction levels and four vacuuming accessories in addition to the main floorhead.

Miele is a German brand with a reputation for quality across many appliance categories. And since it's been making vacuums for around 100 years, it knows a thing or two about designing the best vacuum cleaners. Miele offers two distinct ranges of bagless plug-in cylinder vacuums, the Miele Blizzard CX1 range and the Miele Boost CX1 range.

There are a few different CX1 options which use the same base model but have different tools and accessories. For this review, I tested the CX1 Flex.

On the whole, its size, coupled with features like its large dust canister make it well suited to larger homes. And while performance was good, it's not the best I've tried on carpet and it isn't suited to homes with pets either. But it's quiet and easy to use, plus the super long flexible crevice nozzle allows you to clean those awkward, tight spaces between your large appliances and the wall.

All component pieces for Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum, laid out on the floor

(Image credit: Future)

Miele Blizzard CX1 review: price & availability

  • Various options in Blizzard CX1 range, depending on territory
  • Price: $479-$999 / £429-£499 / AU$849

The Miele Blizzard CX1 range is available in multiple territories, but exactly which models you can get depends on where you live.

For this review, I tested the Miele Blizzard CX1 Flex, which is only available in the UK, and costs £429. It can be bought directly from Miele, or via large electrical retailers such as Currys or Hughes. In the UK there are four Miele Blizzard CX1 vacuums ranging from £429 to £499 and at the time of writing some of them were available at a discounted price, so it's worth shopping around, especially around the time of seasonal sales.

In the US there are three Miele Blizzard CX1 models, which have the same main vacuum as the one I tested, but different accessories and floorheads. They range in price from $479 to $999.

In Australia there's one model available, it's the Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Powerline and it'll set you back AU$849. Take a look at the Miele website in your country, for more details on the models available.

No matter which model you go for, the Blizzard CX1 is in the premium price bracket, and while that's not unexpected for this brand, I think it's a little overpriced given the overall performance.

  • Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Miele Blizzard CX1 specs

Miele Blizzard CX1 review: design

  • Big and bulky for a cylinder vacuum
  • Not all tools stored on board
  • Good size dust canister

When I first removed the Miele Blizzard CX1 Flex from its box I was surprised at how chunky it felt. And maybe that is in part because I've just reviewed the super compact Miele Boost CX1, nevertheless it's worth checking out the dimensions if you're short on storage space.

The cylinder itself measures 51.5 x 31 x 29cm/ 20.3 x 12.2 x 11.4 inches (h x w x d) when stood upright on its end. The advantage of a larger vacuum is usually a larger dust canister and the Miele Blizzard CX1 has an ample 2 liter bagless canister. Though I would argue that its 7.5 meter/ 24.6ft power cord is on the short side.

Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum broken apart into its component pieces

(Image credit: Future)

This particular model comes with an upholstery nozzle and crevice tool, both of which are stored on board the vacuum, at the back. There's also a dusting brush, which frustratingly isn't stored on the vacuum. And lastly, there's an extra long and bendy crevice nozzle that's ideal for reaching down the sides of large appliances such as a fridge or dryer.

The crevice nozzle is what makes this the Flex model, the standard UK Miele Blizzard CX1 is exactly the same but without the flexible crevice nozzle. Other models in the range include different floorhead types such as parquet floorhead for very delicate hard floors, or a motorized floorhead for optimized pet hair pickup.

Image 1 of 2

Close up of floorhead on Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2

Close up of the underside of the floorhead on Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

The floorhead included with this model is called an EcoTeQ floorhead and Miele describes it as being designed for energy efficient vacuuming with maximum cleaning. For the best performance cleaning carpet and collecting pet hair, you'll need to fork out for the top-of-the-range Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog model which comes with the motorized floorhead.

The controls are very simple, there are just two buttons and a dial on the body of the vacuum. The power button and the cord rewind button can both be foot operated to avoid the need to bend down. But when you want to switch between the four suction levels you will have to bend down to adjust the dial.

The only other control is the foot pedal located on the floorhead. The position of this switch dictates the position of the brushes on the underside of the floorhead, and you have to adjust it depending on whether you're vacuuming carpet or hard floors.

Close up of controls on Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Between the floorhead and the handle is a telescopic wand, which is an adjustable height tube. That means you can adjust it to suit your height, or, if you're trying to reach under furniture, you can extend it to lengthen the reach.

The dust canister lifts straight up and out of the vacuum simply by grabbing its handle and pulling upwards. Then it's easily emptied by pressing the bright yellow release button which flips open the bottom of the dust canister, allowing all the dirt and debris to fall directly into your bin.

Inside the bin section of Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum, showing tool storage

(Image credit: Future)

Once the dust canister has been removed and emptied, there are two filters inside it that can be cleaned periodically. The filter frame slides out from inside the canister and the pre-filter can be found at the back of the canister. Both should be cleaned when obviously dirty by removing dust and rinsing.

The main fine dust filter can be removed and cleaned manually in water. But it also has a handy self clean function called ComfortClean. When it reaches a specified degree of soiling, the vacuum will switch off for around 20 seconds and carry out this cleaning process. Or, you can start the ComfortClean process simply by pressing the ComfortClean button.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Miele Blizzard CX1 review: performance

  • Quiet in use
  • Not effective at hair pick up on carpet
  • Excellent edge cleaning

In general I found the suction to be effective on all hard floors and was particularly impressed when I tested the pickup at the sides of the floorhead. I did this by sprinkling flour along baseboards and no matter which side of the floorhead I vacuumed with, the results were flawless and no flour was left lingering at the edges of the room.

Due to there being no brushes at the front of the floorhead, it does feel like it clatters along on my uneven, rustic slate tiled floors as opposed to gliding smoothly. And if I had very expensive or delicate hard floors, this might concern me more. On my wood floors, which are flat and not uneven, it glides more smoothly.

Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum cleaning flour from a wooden floor

(Image credit: Future)

To test the performance on very fine particles I dusted flour onto my hard floors and vacuumed it back up again. For the most part it collected the flour in one sweep. On wood floors it collected all the flour that had settled into the grooves between the boards but I could see that some flour was still embedded into the wood grain and this took a couple of sweeps to remove.

Depending on the direction I vacuumed towards the flour it did sometimes push a small pile of flour out in front of the floorhead. It was swiftly and easily sucked up by approaching it from a different angle, but I'd prefer this didn't happen in the first place.

Miele Blizzard CX1 vacuuming carpet

(Image credit: Future)

Overall pickup on carpet was good, but it wasn't faultless. I've got both a wool carpet and a synthetic carpet. On the synthetic carpet the suction felt really strong and I had to turn it down in order to actually be able to vacuum the room. It left the floors looking very clean.

On the less fluffy wool carpet, suction was fairly decent and having just reviewed the Miele Boost CX1, I do think the Blizzard CX1 offers better suction on carpet. But it still didn't feel like it was giving the carpet a thorough clean; I'd much prefer a motorized floorhead.

Picking up hair was effortless on hard floors, but on carpet, the hair got dragged around and clumped up before eventually being sucked into the vacuum after several passes. If you've got pets and carpet, you'll find models better suited to your needs in TechRadar's guide to the best vacuums for pet hair.

Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum on a step while tester cleans the stairs below

(Image credit: Future)

The body of the vacuum could just about balance on a step when vacuuming stairs, but it hangs over the edge of the step. So in all honesty it's a bit too big, and I didn't feel confident that it wouldn't topple. I found it best to move it up with me one step at a time and position my body in front of it, so it could only tilt into me and not fall.

By attaching the main floorhead directly to the handle, I found vacuuming stairs to be pretty quick and easy. When needed I could grab the crevice tool from its position onboard the vacuum to easily get into corners and edges.

I like the long crevice nozzle that gave me the opportunity to vacuum some areas that I can't normally get to with most vacuums. Awkward thin gaps like down the sides of my washing machine were finally within reach. Admittedly, I couldn't easily see how well it was doing, but I could hear debris being sucked up the pipe so it's safe to assume these areas were left cleaner than they started.

Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum cleaning a sofa

(Image credit: Future)

The upholstery tool is a bit basic in my opinion and it's also very small. And I found it frustrating that unless I remembered to push it very firmly into place, it would end up falling off mid-use. Having said all that, it works fine for sprucing up sofas and chairs.

Cleaning baseboards with Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

The dusting brush is good and effective. I like that by twisting it, the angle of the brush adjusts, so you can set it up perfectly for the job at hand. It made short work of dusting a huge shelving unit in my living room.

Overall, in my small home with its cottage proportions, this cylinder vacuum was quite simply too bulky. In tight spaces it can feel like the vacuum itself is always in the way. It was much more at home and user-friendly in larger, more open spaces.

Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum being used to clean a car interior

(Image credit: Future)

In the car I was able to use the main floorhead to clean the boot, but had to switch to the upholstery tool for most other jobs including the seats, mats, and carpet. The issue is that it's a very basic and small upholstery tool, so this took a bit of time.

The crevice nozzle was able to reach down most of the awkward gaps. For the really hard-to-reach spots, I got out the long bendy nozzle and it managed to reach some areas down the sides of the seats that have long been neglected. The dusting brush was useful for the dashboard and other hard surfaces.

Even on maximum suction, this is a quiet vacuum. On carpet it averaged 70-75dB and it was slightly louder on hard floors at 75-80dB. The noise level decreases as you decrease the suction, so even though it's not particularly loud, you can still make it quieter.

Person removing the bin on the Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

In practice, emptying the dirt was straightforward, though when the base of the canister flipped open, it often didn't open up as wide as it could, and in these instances some dust and debris would settle on it and need a quick shake to remove.

  • Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Miele Blizzard CX1?

Buy it if...

You live in a larger home

The two liter dust canister and longer power cord make the Miele Blizzard CX1 range more appropriate for larger homes than the Miele Boost CX1 range.

You want a vacuum that doesn't need charging

It might seem obvious, but a plug in vacuum offers you endless vacuuming time and removes the worry of running out of power, which is a common problem with cordless vacuums.

You want a straightforward vacuum

With just four power levels to choose from, this is a straightforward vacuum that's easy to operate and maintain, it won't befuddle you with unnecessary settings and controls.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget

If money is tight and you want a Miele canister vacuum, take a look at the cheaper Miele Boost CX1 range, the vacuums are smaller but much cheaper and still come with the Miele pedigree.View Deal

You've got pets

Due to the style of floorhead, this vacuum isn't designed for homes with pets. For effective and efficient pet hair pick up you'll need a vacuum with a motorised floorhead.

You lack storage space

This isn't the most compact canister vacuum you can buy from Miele, so if storage space is tight take a look at the Miele Boost CX1 range instead.

How I tested the Miele Blizzard CX1

In my career testing and reviewing home appliances I've tried out well in excess of a hundred vacuums. This gives me a pretty good understanding of what makes a good vacuum and what features and design details will quickly become annoying.

I set up this vacuum in my own home and used it for my regular cleaning tasks. Not only that, but I cleaned my car with it, and set up some tests to see how well it performed very specific tasks such as cleaning right up to the edges of a room.

I also checked the noise level, maneuverability and comfort in use. Furthermore I checked that any maintenance wouldn't be too complicated or overwhelming, and that emptying out the dirt would be easy and mess-free.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners.

  • First reviewed November 2024
Aarke Coffee System review: a polished drip coffee maker
3:00 pm | January 2, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Aarke Coffee System: two-minute review

If you’re in the market for a statement coffee machine, few options catch the eye quite like the Aarke Coffee System. With an unmissable chrome finish, it cuts a dash on any countertop, and the luxe design cues don’t stop with the stainless steel construction: from the knurled control knob to the weight of the grinder itself, there’s a lot about the setup that feels premium.

Comprised of a bean grinder and drip coffee maker, which can be bought and used independently, the two parts make most sense when connected together by wire. The cable itself is slightly unsightly, but automation is the pay-off: set the control knob to A and the grinder will churn out the right amount of coffee based on how much water is in the tank.

It’s a clever trick that reflects the streamlined approach of the whole system. Just a single button manages the maker, its hot plate and the descaling mode. You’ll find more controls on the grinder, including a collar that clicks as you twist to set the grind size, as well as a satisfyingly sturdy on/off switch.

What you don’t get is a great degree of manual influence over the brew. While you can fine-tune the quantity, strength and grind size, you can’t change the temperature – either for the brew or the hot plate. You might expect that option for the money, but the Aarke automatically regulates temperatures instead. That’s because this system is more about making slick and efficient brews in style.

Image of the Aarke Coffee System – a stainless steel coffee bean grinder and drip coffee maker – positioned on a kitchen counter

(Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

In that sense it excels. Fill the tank and a light inside automatically illuminates so that you can see the water level. Hit the button and it heats up quickly, with the water head evenly wetting the coffee bed for maximum extraction. The result every time is an enjoyable pot of coffee with plenty of depth and flavor.

For such an expensive system, we encountered more niggles than we’d expect. The grinder jammed up twice, even with regular brushing. The supplied catch cup doesn’t sit perfectly against the grinder, which can lead to overshoot. And the carafe doesn’t keep coffee especially hot once it’s off the plate.

So the Aarke Coffee System is an interesting proposition. It’s beautifully built, simple to operate and has some clever automated features. Yet it’s not quite automated enough for uninitiated users to master without a demonstration, nor is it faultless. But if you want an exquisite solution for reliably good coffee and you’re happy to pay for it, there’s nothing quite like what Aarke is offering.

Aarke Coffee System: price and availability

  • Coffee System costs $758 / £620
  • Coffee Maker costs $379 / £300 (standalone)
  • Coffee Grinder costs $379 / £300 (standalone)

Bean-to-cup coffee rarely comes cheap – and the Aarke Coffee System is no exception. Priced at $758 / £620 (about AU$1,200) for the Coffee Maker and Coffee Grinder combo, it’s a pretty serious investment – especially for a drip filter system which has limited controls.

That makes the Aarke Coffee System more expensive than any other machine in our list of the best drip coffee makers, including the De'Longhi TrueBrew CAM1025MB – a US-only bean-to-cup machine with a more sophisticated digital interface.

It’s worth noting that the constituent parts of the Aarke system can also be bought individually. The Coffee Maker costs $379 / £300 (about AU$450), while the Coffee Grinder is priced at $379 / £320 (about AU$600). That means you don’t save anything by buying the Coffee System versus purchasing each element separately – so you could start out with one and add the other later.

You can also pick up an optional Thermal Jug, which is vacuum-insulated and designed to keep your brew warmer for longer than the carafe included with the Coffee Maker. It’s yours for $99 / £80 (about AU$160).

  • Price score: 4/5

Image of the Aarke Coffee System – a stainless steel coffee bean grinder and drip coffee maker – positioned on a kitchen counter

(Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

Aarke Coffee System: specs

Aarke Coffee System: design

  • Separate grinder and coffee maker
  • Polished stainless steel finish
  • Streamlined, tactile controls

With its chromed stainless steel finish, the Aarke Coffee System is an unmissable presence on any counter. There’s an industrial quality to the design, from the bolted-on nameplate to the way that the filter basket locks into place. It’s a beautiful bit of kitchen kit, even if its polished surfaces leave nowhere for fingerprints or spilt coffee to hide.

The system is comprised of Aarke’s Coffee Grinder and Coffee Maker. These can be bought and used separately, but they work best when paired together. Connecting them by a coiled cable unlocks the system’s party trick: fill the brewer’s tank, set the quantity to automatic and the grinder will churn out coffee to match the volume of water.

It’s a clever trick that works well in practise, but the cable feels like an unsightly piece of clutter in what is otherwise a streamlined setup. You can wind away some of the wire underneath, but with a pair of power cables also trailing away from the two machines, these leads do feel like a distraction. For a design-first coffee maker with a serious price tag, we think Aarke could have done more to neaten up the wiring.

Image of the Aarke Coffee System – a stainless steel coffee bean grinder and drip coffee maker – positioned on a kitchen counter

Load beans into the hopper, and ground coffee into the chute (at the top right) (Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

Because the grinder and brewer stand separately, the Aarke Coffee System isn’t the most compact bean-to-cup option on the market. If you want the two to sit side-by-side, you’ll need to clear a fair amount of counter space. That said, the overall footprint isn’t unmanageable.

Both units are weighty in the right way. At 9.5lb/4.3kg, the grinder in particular has a heft that feels nicely premium. So do its tactile controls. A knurled knob on the side sets the grind quantity, with an additional dial built-in to fine-tune the strength. The collar twists with a satisfying click to set the grind size, while a satisfyingly sturdy lever starts and stops the grinding.

One unmarked button is all you’ll find on the brewer itself, to control the brewing, hot plate and descaling mode. You can also hold it for three seconds to bloom the coffee before the main brew. This setup reflects the minimalist approach of the whole system. You don’t get the kind of manual control offered by drip makers like the De’Longhi TrueBrew CAM1025MB, with no option to change the water temperature.

Image of the Aarke Coffee System – a stainless steel coffee bean grinder and drip coffee maker – positioned on a kitchen counter

The large, bright touchscreen makes it easy to fine-tune your perfect coffee (Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

Because everything’s pared back and unlabelled, there is a little bit of a learning curve across the grinder and brewer. That said, once you’ve got the hang of it, this is a very easy machine to use.

There are several neat features which show the thought that’s gone into the setup: a grind size guide on the bean basket lid; a light inside the tank which illuminates when you add water; a valve beneath the filter basket, which stops coffee from dripping onto the hot plate when the carafe is removed. The hot plate also detects when the carafe isn’t in place, turning off to save energy.

There are some oversights, though. Chief among them is the included catch cup, which doesn’t sit flush against the grinder. As a result, ground coffee will often overshoot and spill around the base. The carafe also doesn’t feel as premium as the rest of the machine and doesn’t offer much insulation when taken off the hot plate.

These imperfections detract from what is otherwise a beautiful coffee maker. In that respect, the Aarke Coffee System falls just a little bit short for the money, but the aesthetics and interface do a lot to make up for it – especially if you want something slick, without too much complexity.

  • Design score: 4/5

Aarke Coffee System: performance

  • Relatively straightforward to use
  • Brews quickly and consistently
  • Grinder spout can block up easily

As a premium bean-to-cup setup that brews consistently tasty coffee without much fuss, the Aarke Coffee System performs well. With the grind quantity set to automatic, there are four human inputs: beans in the grinder, water in the tank and a filter paper in the basket – plus freshly ground coffee transferred from the catch cup to the filter.

Once you know the process, the Aarke Coffee System is fundamentally straightforward and – crucially – makes good coffee. With capacity for up to 10 cups’ worth in a single brew, you can easily churn out batches for yourself and guests. It’s pretty quick, too, taking just a few minutes to fill the carafe.

Image of the Aarke Coffee System – a stainless steel coffee bean grinder and drip coffee maker – positioned on a kitchen counter

The milk dispenser is easy to attach, and unlike most fully automatic espresso machines, the KF8 keeps the container covered at all times. (Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

The showerhead covers pretty much the whole of the filter basket and does a decent job of wetting the coffee bed. According to Aarke, water temperature and flow rate are optimized based on the quantity in the tank. This automated approach means you don’t get any modes for different coffee styles. The system is simply designed to brew consistently good filter coffee.

In our experience, that’s what it does. With a range of different beans, the Aarke Coffee System delivered good extraction and nicely balanced flavors, without any bitterness. Using the bloom mode pre-soaks the grounds to reduce sourness, although whether you’ll notice a difference depends on both your palate and the beans you’re using.

Image of the Aarke Coffee System – a stainless steel coffee bean grinder and drip coffee maker – positioned on a kitchen counter

Each member of your household can have their own profile for their custom drinks (Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

We also found the hot plate temperature pretty much spot on. We never tasted any bitterness from burnt coffee at the bottom, which is down to how the hot plate operates: it isn’t designed to keep your brew warm indefinitely. Instead, the system gradually reduces power to the plate over 40 minutes. This is better for taste but because the time setting can’t be overridden, it’s not ideal if you want a pot of coffee to keep going back to throughout the morning.

As mentioned above, you get much more control over the grinder. We didn’t test all 50 of its grind settings, but we did find that it produces a consistent grind and quantity of coffee. Dialled in for espresso, French press or drip filter, it’s a quality flat burr grinder that would work well as a standalone option with a different brewer – albeit without the automatic hook-up.

Image of the Aarke Coffee System – a stainless steel coffee bean grinder and drip coffee maker – positioned on a kitchen counter

Espresso was consistently well extracted, with rich, golden crema (Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

On its default setting, we found the automatic mode resulted in coffee that was a little strong for our taste. That’s easily adjusted using the fine-tuning dial or by manually setting the grind quantity to one cup less for the same amount of water.

It is loud, but that’s the nature of the beast. More frustrating was the fact that it jammed up twice, due to ground coffee clogging up at the top of the spout. This happened after only a few uses. You’ll need to regularly and vigorously clean the spout with the included brush to avoid this, which is a slightly messy process and means the Aarke Coffee System requires more maintenance than something like the De'Longhi TrueBrew CAM1025MB.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Should I buy the Aarke Coffee System?

Buy it if

You want a stunning bean-to-cup setup
With a polished stainless steel build, streamlined controls and tactile knobs and buttons, the Aarke system is a seriously sophisticated way to enjoy drip coffee.

You want some automation
Connect the grinder and maker by wire and the system will automatically calculate the correct quantity of coffee for the amount of water in the tank.

You want a reliable brew
Once you’ve got your strength and quantities dialled in, the Aarke system produces tasty filter coffee every time – and keeps it at the right temperature.

Don't buy it if

You have a limited budget
Sophistication comes at a price and the Aarke system commands a pretty hefty premium, especially when compared to rival drip coffee makers with similar features.

You want total control
While you can adjust grind size, quantity and strength, the Aarke system doesn’t allow you to change the temperature of the water or hot plate.

You want a mess-free setup
The grinder spout requires regular cleaning with the bundled brush, while the shape of the catch up means coffee often ends up on the counter.

KitchenAid KF8: also consider

Not completely sold on the Aarke Coffee System? Here are a couple of alternatives to consider.

De'Longhi TrueBrew CAM1025MB

If you’d like a bean-to-cup machine which gives you more options for adjusting the brew, De’Longhi’s drip maker is worth a look. It’s not as stylish as the Aarke system and still doesn’t come cheap, but it is easy to use, with convenient automation and minimal maintenance required.

Read our in-depth De'Longhi TrueBrew CAM1025MB review

Moccamaster KBGV Select

If you don’t need to grind your own beans or already own a grinder, the Moccamaster is our favorite drip coffee maker overall. With just two buttons to push, it’s a seriously easy machine to operate. It brews tasty coffee quickly and consistently, plus its functional design is strikingly industrial.

Read our in-depth Moccamaster KBGV Select review

How I tested the Aarke Coffee System

Image of the Aarke Coffee System – a stainless steel coffee bean grinder and drip coffee maker – positioned on a kitchen counter

(Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)
  • Used every day for a month
  • Tested with different beans and grind settings
  • Cleaned out the grind spout several times

To test the Aarke Coffee System, I used it as my main coffee maker for a month. Every morning, I would grind a fresh batch of beans, tip them into the filter basket and brew several cups’ worth for me and my partner. I also brewed up the occasional afternoon boost – and because I tested it in December, the system was also put to use making coffee for guests over the festive season.

To fully understand the capabilities of the system, I tried a range of different grind sizes and strength settings. I used the grinder on its automatic mode, as well as manually adjusting the cup quantity to find a setting that suited my taste.

I also tested the system with a range of different beans over the course of the month, to put the grinder through its paces and understand how well the Aarke Coffee System extracts different flavor profiles.

While I haven’t reviewed too many coffee machines in my many years as a product tester, I know what makes a good coffee: I’ve been drinking the stuff for a long time – and I’ve made brews using everything from French presses to pod machines to portable hand pumps.

Find out more about how we test.

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: my new favorite budget-friendly air purifier
10:00 am | January 1, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i : two-minute review

Blueair offers similar air purifiers under different model names in the US and UK. In the US, this air purifier is known as the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max, but as I’m located in the south of England, I tested the UK model, Blueair Blue Max 3250i.

The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max is available to purchase at the Blueair website and Amazon for a list price of $169.99, but can occasionally be on offer for a discounted price. In the UK, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i is priced at £169 at multiple retailers including Very and Amazon, and also sees a price drop now and then.

The large Blueair air purifier sits on its side with the top removed on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

Despite being compact and impressively light for its capabilities, there’s a lot to love about the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. The two touch buttons make it simple to power on the air purifier and to cycle through auto mode, night mode, and fan speeds one to three. The simple design is composed of the white plastic top section that houses the working parts, and a simple yet efficient base that consists of a lightweight frame within the changeable particle and carbon filter, plus a machine-washable fabric pre-filter outer layer. The neatness of the seam isn’t perfect, but other than this it is a great way to capture dust before it reaches the single-use filter, and is available in a range of colors making it effortless to switch things up if desired.

The Blueair Blue Max 3250i does a great job for the price, rivaling some of the best air purifiers. For the most part, the fan speed remained on the lowest setting when the Blueair Blue Max 3250i was left in auto mode. This came as no surprise to me, but I’ve seen some customer reviews complaining that this air purifier doesn’t do anything. In fact, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i is purifying, and it’s capable of clearing more than just the PM2.5 it detects, such as VOCs when manually operated – it just doesn’t possess the capability to detect these things automatically. That's fine, in my professional opinion, considering the low price.

A close-up of the top of Blueair air purifier on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

During testing, it took just ten minutes for the contamination from spraying dry shampoo to be detected and cleared by the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. It continued to impress me over the days I tested it, being sensitive enough to detect the drop in air quality when I used hair products in the next room.

In terms of noise levels, I didn’t experience any issues with the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. I found that I could sleep or watch TV with it in the room without it being disruptive.

I’m a big fan of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, both for its innovative design, and its good performance for a low price, so I can envision it finding its way into our choice of the best air purifiers in the near future. So if you're in the market for a low-cost air purifier that won't shock you with extortionate costs for replacement parts, this is the one for you. If you'd like to learn more, read on for our full review to get all the facts.

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: price & availability

  • List price: $169.99 / £169
  • Available: in the US and UK under different product names

The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max is available to purchase from the Blueair US website for $169.99, and at the time of writing has a Black Friday deal slashing the price down to $119.99 at Amazon US. The comparable UK model, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, can’t be purchased from the Blueair website but is available at many major UK retailers, including Argos, Very, and Amazon. The list price is £169 for the Blue Max 3250i at Amazon, and a Black Friday deal has knocked the price down to an even more impressive £113.

I was pleasantly surprised that the Blueair Blue Max 3250i performed so well and had such a considered design considering its price tag, making it fantastic value for money. Replacement components won’t break the bank either, with replacement Particle and Carbon filters costing just $29.99 / £35 – this is particularly impressive as Blueair states that these filters can last between six to nine months.

  • Value for money score: 5/5

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: specs

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: design and features

  • No display
  • Simple to use
  • Machine-washable pre-filter

I became a fan of the design aspects of the Blue range when I reviewed the impressive Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. The standout design feature is the attractive machine-washable fabric pre-filter covering most of the purifier’s outer. This design proves innovative, as directly behind the pre-filter cover sits the particle and carbon filter (this can be upgraded to Smokeblock or Allergenblock filters if desired), which surrounds a simple plastic frame. This makes the base of the purifier super lightweight for its size, weighing in at 7.5 lbs / 3.4 kg. The Blueair Blue Max 3250i can purify an area of 219 sq ft / 48 sq meters yet still remains fairly compact, measuring 18.9 X 10.6 X 10.6 in / 481 x 269 x 269 mm. I’m very pleased with the reduced amount of materials used on the body of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, but my concern with this construction is that the exposed filter could be prone to damage.

The sleeve of the large Blueair air purifier is rolled down to reveal the HEPA filter underneath.

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve never seen a design quite like this, as most air purifiers have plastic casing to protect the inner filters whereas the body of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is simply some structural plastic sitting within the particle and carbon filter, covered in the washable pre-filter. This goes to explain its very light weight of 2.5 lb / 3.4kg but could make it vulnerable to damage.

Despite its minor flaws, it’s a nice touch that Blueair made the pre-filter part of the overall aesthetic, which has meant less material and wasted plastic, which we’re always happy to see at TechRadar. It’s also an advantage that they are machine washable and extras can be purchased in a range of colors, just in case you don’t want to wait for one to dry, or want to switch things up occasionally.

Not only is it delightfully light, it’s dinky in size, too. Measuring just 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches / ‎172 x 172 x 289mm. This cylindrical 360-degree design enables the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max to be placed in a variety of spaces, as there’s plenty of opportunity for it to pull air in.

The large Blueair air purifier sits with its back turned toward the camera on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

As was the case with the Mini Max, the seam of the fabric pre-filter could be neater as it is a little puckered and bulges in places, but this is less noticeable on the Blueair Blue Max 3250i as the overlapping seam doesn’t stand out as much over the larger area.

The controls on the top of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i are simple, there are just two touch-operated buttons, a power button, and a fan button that cycles between auto mode, sleep mode, and fan speeds of one to three when pressed. There’s no LED display to view the air quality data; however, there’s a light on the front of the unit that changes color to indicate the air quality score, ranging from Excellent to Very Polluted, and a light below each fan mode to indicate which is currently being used.

Real-time quality levels are easy to view on the Blueair app, but there’s no detailed data to review, simply a colored graph showing the air quality rating over time. I found I was able to use a pinching motion to zoom in and out of the graph, which allowed me to view more detail of the air quality changes over smaller increments of time.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: performance

  • Quiet operation
  • Clears PM2.5 contaminations quickly
  • Detects and reacts to PM2.5 that originates in other rooms

Getting the Blueair Blue Max 3250i set up was quick and simple. The user manual was easy to follow, containing first-time setup instructions including how to connect it to my home Wi-Fi, which proved to be a breeze. It also included instructions on how to remove and wash the fabric pre-filter, which I appreciated. Upon installing the Blueair app, I was given the option to use it without creating an account, but I chose to so I could enter my location and view the outdoor air quality data too.

Connecting the Blueair Blue Max 3250i to the app was blissfully straightforward, taking less than three minutes after switching the air purifier on to view my indoor air quality. As I was using the Blueair Blue Max 3250i in my living room, I selected “Living room” as the product name, but there was an option to add a custom name should I have been using it in an office or nursery, for example.

The HEPA filter from inside the Blueair air purifier sits facing forward on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

It’s worth noting that although it’s claimed the Blueair Blue Max 3250i’s electrostatic and mechanical filtration captures airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, it will not detect anything smaller than PM2.5. PM2.5 is particulate matter over 2.5 microns in size, including dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. Other far more expensive air purifiers, such as the Molekule Air Pro, can monitor and react to VOCs along with PM2.5. These volatile organic compounds can come from paint, furniture, carpets, and cleaning products, and are often the main offenders behind lower air quality, so having an air purifier capable of detecting these contaminants would be advantageous.

However, just because an air purifier doesn’t detect these contaminants doesn’t mean it isn’t tackling them, but it won't be aware of them so won’t initiate higher fan speeds in their presence. Considering the low price of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i though, it’s not surprising that it doesn’t have this capability, but this is something to bear in mind if you want a purifier that you can leave to its own devices to tackle all the common contaminants.

A close-up of the top of Blueair air purifier on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

According to the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, the air quality in my living room was considered excellent, so it remained at a low fan speed when I put it into auto mode. To test how sensitive the sensors were to contaminants, and how quickly they reacted to them, I sprayed some dry shampoo roughly three meters away. Within two minutes the Blueair Blue Max 3250i detected the dry shampoo, raising the contamination reading to 56 on the graph within the app over about thirty seconds, which it classed as very polluted. Within three minutes of spraying the dry shampoo, the reading had lowered to 25, classed as good; within six minutes, it returned to excellent.

It was at this moment that my fluffy cats chose to pay a visit, and interestingly, the air quality reduced slightly again, raising the score, so it appeared to detect their fur or dander in the air. Within a minute of them leaving, the score gradually dropped further than before, so it appear that the Blueair Blue Max 3250i’s particle sensors were doing a good job.

I continued to be impressed by how sensitive this air purifier was to changes in air quality over a week of testing. I would be surprised to hear the fan speed ramping up, before realizing I’d used my dry shampoo in the next room. I’ve not encountered a cheap air purifier that possessed this level of sensitivity before.

The inside of the top section of Blueair air purifier on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

When it came to viewing the testing data on the air quality graph on the Blueair app, I found that it wasn’t very easy to view data over multiple days. Whenever I viewed the graph, the data was in real time and I would need to scroll along for some while. I could change from hourly readings to readings across a day or month, but when I scrolled back to a previous day and switched to hourly view to see more detail, it returned to the current day and time. This meant that I could only see this level of detail by scrolling all the way back to my chosen day when in hourly view, which wasn't ideal. The air quality graph didn’t give the full picture of how contaminated the air had become after I sprayed the dry shampoo. It communicated the highest score as being 22, despite reaching 56 in reality. This lack of detail isn’t unheard of, though, as I found that the Molekule Air Mini+ also failed to relay all readings if they were cleared quickly.

I found the Blueair Blue Max 3250i to be easy to sleep next to when in sleep mode, and I found that I couldn’t hear it over the TV when operating on fan level 2. Some other air purifiers can prove deafening at higher fan speeds, but this was not the case with the Blueair Blue Max 3250i.

Overall, though, I was very impressed with how sensitive the Blueair Blue Max 3250i was, how quickly it responded to contaminants, and how swiftly it dealt with them. The level and quality of features are great for the price, and this is only the second non-VOC detecting air purifier that I’ve found myself growing a fondness for, with the other being the Blueair Blue Mini Max.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i?

Buy it if...

You want good results on a budget
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m highly impressed with this air purifier. It’s repeatedly proven itself sensitive, responsive, and fast-acting, making it a great performer for the cost.

You need something lightweight
The Blueair Blue Max 3250i isn’t just light for its size; it’s lightweight in general. With barely any body material in its base, it is very easy to pick up and move, making it a good choice for anyone wanting to use it in multiple rooms.

You want something simple
With only two onboard buttons to operate the air purifier and a simple-to-use app, the settings of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i are easy to get a handle on.

Don't buy it if...

You want detailed air quality readings
With a low-cost piece of tech, there’s always going to be an element of compromise. In this case, the contamination detected is limited to PM2.5, and the app doesn’t give any detail on indoor air quality aside from an overall score.

You want something to fight off the nasties on its own accord
As this air purifier can’t detect VOCs, it won’t automatically react to strong odors or finer particles, so settings will need to be altered manually if a higher level of purifying is required.

You want something robust
Despite the advantages of such a lightweight air purifier, there’s no denying that the base design could be at risk of damage should anything make contact with it.

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA
We rated this little air purifier a commendable four-and-a-half stars thanks to its performance and smart features. It is cheaper than the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, but there were delays in response time, and it doesn’t offer washable pre-filters. For more information, why not check out our full Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier review.

Molekule Air Pro
I know, I know, the cost difference here is vast, however, if you happen to be looking for an option with medical-grade materials, FDA medical device clearance, and fantastic VOC detection, then this is hands down the product to go for. If you'd like to find out more about this air purifier's skill set, take a look at our full Molekule Air Pro review.

How I tested the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i

  • I used the Blueair Blue Max 3250i for a week and a half
  • I tested how much of an impact it had on the surrounding air quality
  • I tested how easy it was to operate and live with

I checked how easy was to get the Blueair Blue Max 3250i set up, how easy it was to operate, and how portable it was.

I tested it in different rooms in my home, and observed how quiet it was at night time and whether it disturbed my sleep.

I assessed its design and structure, paying close attention to quality and any sustainable elements.

I reviewed the impact it had on the air quality in my environment, and how well it handled cooking smells.

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: my new favorite budget-friendly air purifier
10:00 am |
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i : two-minute review

Blueair offers similar air purifiers under different model names in the US and UK. In the US, this air purifier is known as the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max, but as I’m located in the south of England, I tested the UK model, Blueair Blue Max 3250i.

The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max is available to purchase at the Blueair website and Amazon for a list price of $169.99, but can occasionally be on offer for a discounted price. In the UK, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i is priced at £169 at multiple retailers including Very and Amazon, and also sees a price drop now and then.

The large Blueair air purifier sits on its side with the top removed on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

Despite being compact and impressively light for its capabilities, there’s a lot to love about the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. The two touch buttons make it simple to power on the air purifier and to cycle through auto mode, night mode, and fan speeds one to three.

The straightforward design is composed of the white plastic top section that houses the working parts, and a simple yet efficient base that consists of a lightweight frame within the changeable particle and carbon filter, plus a machine-washable fabric pre-filter outer layer. The neatness of the seam isn’t perfect, but other than this it is a great way to capture dust before it reaches the single-use filter, and is available in a range of colors making it effortless to switch things up if desired.

The Blueair Blue Max 3250i does a great job for the price, rivaling some of the best air purifiers. For the most part, the fan speed remained on the lowest setting when the Blueair Blue Max 3250i was left in auto mode.

This came as no surprise to me, but I’ve seen some customer reviews complaining that this air purifier doesn’t do anything. In fact, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i is purifying, and it’s capable of clearing more than just the PM2.5 it detects, such as VOCs when manually operated – it just doesn’t possess the capability to detect these things automatically. That's fine, in my professional opinion, considering the low price.

A close-up of the top of Blueair air purifier on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

During testing, it took just 10 minutes for the contamination from spraying dry shampoo to be detected and cleared by the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. It continued to impress me over the days I tested it, being sensitive enough to detect the drop in air quality when I used hair products in the next room.

In terms of noise levels, I didn’t experience any issues with the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. I found that I could sleep or watch TV with it in the room without it being disruptive.

I’m a big fan of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, both for its innovative design, and its good performance for a low price, so I can envision it finding its way into our choice of the best air purifiers in the near future. So if you're in the market for a low-cost air purifier that won't shock you with extortionate costs for replacement parts, this is the one for you. If you'd like to learn more, read on for our full review to get all the facts.

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: price & availability

  • List price: $169.99 / £169
  • Available: in the US and UK under different product names

The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max is available to purchase from the Blueair US website for $169.99, and at the time of writing has a Black Friday deal slashing the price down to $119.99 at Amazon US. The comparable UK model, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, can’t be purchased from the Blueair website but is available at many major UK retailers, including Argos, Very, and Amazon. The list price is £169 for the Blue Max 3250i at Amazon, and a Black Friday deal has knocked the price down to an even more impressive £113.

I was pleasantly surprised that the Blueair Blue Max 3250i performed so well and had such a considered design considering its price tag, making it fantastic value for money. Replacement components won’t break the bank either, with replacement Particle and Carbon filters costing just $29.99 / £35 – this is particularly impressive as Blueair states that these filters can last between six to nine months.

  • Value for money score: 5/5

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: specs

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: design and features

  • No display
  • Simple to use
  • Machine-washable pre-filter

I became a fan of the design aspects of the Blue range when I reviewed the impressive Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. The standout design feature is the attractive machine-washable fabric pre-filter covering most of the purifier’s outer. This design proves innovative, as directly behind the pre-filter cover sits the particle and carbon filter (this can be upgraded to Smokeblock or Allergenblock filters if desired), which surrounds a simple plastic frame. This makes the base of the purifier super lightweight for its size, weighing in at 7.5 lbs / 3.4 kg. The Blueair Blue Max 3250i can purify an area of 219 sq ft / 48 sq meters yet still remains fairly compact, measuring 18.9 X 10.6 X 10.6 in / 481 x 269 x 269 mm. I’m very pleased with the reduced amount of materials used on the body of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, but my concern with this construction is that the exposed filter could be prone to damage.

The sleeve of the large Blueair air purifier is rolled down to reveal the HEPA filter underneath.

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve never seen a design quite like this, as most air purifiers have plastic casing to protect the inner filters whereas the body of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is simply some structural plastic sitting within the particle and carbon filter, covered in the washable pre-filter. This goes to explain its very light weight of 2.5 lb / 3.4kg but could make it vulnerable to damage.

Despite its minor flaws, it’s a nice touch that Blueair made the pre-filter part of the overall aesthetic, which has meant less material and wasted plastic, which we’re always happy to see at TechRadar. It’s also an advantage that they are machine washable and extras can be purchased in a range of colors, just in case you don’t want to wait for one to dry, or want to switch things up occasionally.

Not only is it delightfully light, it’s dinky in size, too. Measuring just 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches / ‎172 x 172 x 289mm. This cylindrical 360-degree design enables the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max to be placed in a variety of spaces, as there’s plenty of opportunity for it to pull air in.

The large Blueair air purifier sits with its back turned toward the camera on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

As was the case with the Mini Max, the seam of the fabric pre-filter could be neater as it is a little puckered and bulges in places, but this is less noticeable on the Blueair Blue Max 3250i as the overlapping seam doesn’t stand out as much over the larger area.

The controls on the top of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i are simple, there are just two touch-operated buttons, a power button, and a fan button that cycles between auto mode, sleep mode, and fan speeds of one to three when pressed. There’s no LED display to view the air quality data; however, there’s a light on the front of the unit that changes color to indicate the air quality score, ranging from Excellent to Very Polluted, and a light below each fan mode to indicate which is currently being used.

Real-time quality levels are easy to view on the Blueair app, but there’s no detailed data to review, simply a colored graph showing the air quality rating over time. I found I was able to use a pinching motion to zoom in and out of the graph, which allowed me to view more detail of the air quality changes over smaller increments of time.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: performance

  • Quiet operation
  • Clears PM2.5 contaminations quickly
  • Detects and reacts to PM2.5 that originates in other rooms

Getting the Blueair Blue Max 3250i set up was quick and simple. The user manual was easy to follow, containing first-time setup instructions including how to connect it to my home Wi-Fi, which proved to be a breeze. It also included instructions on how to remove and wash the fabric pre-filter, which I appreciated. Upon installing the Blueair app, I was given the option to use it without creating an account, but I chose to so I could enter my location and view the outdoor air quality data too.

Connecting the Blueair Blue Max 3250i to the app was blissfully straightforward, taking less than three minutes after switching the air purifier on to view my indoor air quality. As I was using the Blueair Blue Max 3250i in my living room, I selected “Living room” as the product name, but there was an option to add a custom name should I have been using it in an office or nursery, for example.

The HEPA filter from inside the Blueair air purifier sits facing forward on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

It’s worth noting that although it’s claimed the Blueair Blue Max 3250i’s electrostatic and mechanical filtration captures airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, it will not detect anything smaller than PM2.5. PM2.5 is particulate matter over 2.5 microns in size, including dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. Other far more expensive air purifiers, such as the Molekule Air Pro, can monitor and react to VOCs along with PM2.5. These volatile organic compounds can come from paint, furniture, carpets, and cleaning products, and are often the main offenders behind lower air quality, so having an air purifier capable of detecting these contaminants would be advantageous.

However, just because an air purifier doesn’t detect these contaminants doesn’t mean it isn’t tackling them, but it won't be aware of them so won’t initiate higher fan speeds in their presence. Considering the low price of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i though, it’s not surprising that it doesn’t have this capability, but this is something to bear in mind if you want a purifier that you can leave to its own devices to tackle all the common contaminants.

A close-up of the top of Blueair air purifier on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

According to the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, the air quality in my living room was considered excellent, so it remained at a low fan speed when I put it into auto mode. To test how sensitive the sensors were to contaminants, and how quickly they reacted to them, I sprayed some dry shampoo roughly three meters away. Within two minutes the Blueair Blue Max 3250i detected the dry shampoo, raising the contamination reading to 56 on the graph within the app over about thirty seconds, which it classed as very polluted. Within three minutes of spraying the dry shampoo, the reading had lowered to 25, classed as good; within six minutes, it returned to excellent.

It was at this moment that my fluffy cats chose to pay a visit, and interestingly, the air quality reduced slightly again, raising the score, so it appeared to detect their fur or dander in the air. Within a minute of them leaving, the score gradually dropped further than before, so it appear that the Blueair Blue Max 3250i’s particle sensors were doing a good job.

I continued to be impressed by how sensitive this air purifier was to changes in air quality over a week of testing. I would be surprised to hear the fan speed ramping up, before realizing I’d used my dry shampoo in the next room. I’ve not encountered a cheap air purifier that possessed this level of sensitivity before.

The inside of the top section of Blueair air purifier on a wood surface against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

When it came to viewing the testing data on the air quality graph on the Blueair app, I found that it wasn’t very easy to view data over multiple days. Whenever I viewed the graph, the data was in real time and I would need to scroll along for some while. I could change from hourly readings to readings across a day or month, but when I scrolled back to a previous day and switched to hourly view to see more detail, it returned to the current day and time. This meant that I could only see this level of detail by scrolling all the way back to my chosen day when in hourly view, which wasn't ideal. The air quality graph didn’t give the full picture of how contaminated the air had become after I sprayed the dry shampoo. It communicated the highest score as being 22, despite reaching 56 in reality. This lack of detail isn’t unheard of, though, as I found that the Molekule Air Mini+ also failed to relay all readings if they were cleared quickly.

I found the Blueair Blue Max 3250i to be easy to sleep next to when in sleep mode, and I found that I couldn’t hear it over the TV when operating on fan level 2. Some other air purifiers can prove deafening at higher fan speeds, but this was not the case with the Blueair Blue Max 3250i.

Overall, though, I was very impressed with how sensitive the Blueair Blue Max 3250i was, how quickly it responded to contaminants, and how swiftly it dealt with them. The level and quality of features are great for the price, and this is only the second non-VOC detecting air purifier that I’ve found myself growing a fondness for, with the other being the Blueair Blue Mini Max.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i?

Buy it if...

You want good results on a budget
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m highly impressed with this air purifier. It’s repeatedly proven itself sensitive, responsive, and fast-acting, making it a great performer for the cost.

You need something lightweight
The Blueair Blue Max 3250i isn’t just light for its size; it’s lightweight in general. With barely any body material in its base, it is very easy to pick up and move, making it a good choice for anyone wanting to use it in multiple rooms.

You want something simple
With only two onboard buttons to operate the air purifier and a simple-to-use app, the settings of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i are easy to get a handle on.

Don't buy it if...

You want detailed air quality readings
With a low-cost piece of tech, there’s always going to be an element of compromise. In this case, the contamination detected is limited to PM2.5, and the app doesn’t give any detail on indoor air quality aside from an overall score.

You want something to fight off the nasties on its own accord
As this air purifier can’t detect VOCs, it won’t automatically react to strong odors or finer particles, so settings will need to be altered manually if a higher level of purifying is required.

You want something robust
Despite the advantages of such a lightweight air purifier, there’s no denying that the base design could be at risk of damage should anything make contact with it.

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA
We rated this little air purifier a commendable four-and-a-half stars thanks to its performance and smart features. It is cheaper than the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, but there were delays in response time, and it doesn’t offer washable pre-filters. For more information, why not check out our full Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier review.

Molekule Air Pro
I know, I know, the cost difference here is vast, however, if you happen to be looking for an option with medical-grade materials, FDA medical device clearance, and fantastic VOC detection, then this is hands down the product to go for. If you'd like to find out more about this air purifier's skill set, take a look at our full Molekule Air Pro review.

How I tested the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i

  • I used the Blueair Blue Max 3250i for a week and a half
  • I tested how much of an impact it had on the surrounding air quality
  • I tested how easy it was to operate and live with

I checked how easy was to get the Blueair Blue Max 3250i set up, how easy it was to operate, and how portable it was.

I tested it in different rooms in my home, and observed how quiet it was at night time and whether it disturbed my sleep.

I assessed its design and structure, paying close attention to quality and any sustainable elements.

I reviewed the impact it had on the air quality in my environment, and how well it handled cooking smells.

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: I was ready to make this my new car vac until I made an unwelcome discovery
7:00 pm | December 31, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Comments: Off

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum: two-minute review

The Temola TS20BS is available to buy at Amazon for $49.99 / £45.99. This is a fairly average cost for a handheld vacuum from a lesser-known brand, and after testing it out I would say that you get what you pay for here.

I was very disappointed to discover that there doesn’t appear to be replacement stainless steel HEPA filters for this model, although I could see replacements for some of their other vacs. Although the stainless steel covering could potentially increase the longevity of the HEPA filter within, but there’s no telling how long it would last. There is, at least, a replacement filter provided with the purchase, but without further replacements, this could significantly decrease the lifetime of the Temola TS20BS.

The Temola TS20BS is lightweight enough to use easily, although in my case using it with my arm extended with nothing to lean on did cause some aching. It’s fairly compact, so it has been easy to store, especially when combined with the convenient drawstring storage bag that fits the accessories, too. The Temola TS20BS doesn’t come with a storage dock but was easy to charge with the included USB-C cable, although it is disappointingly short at just 30.5 inches / 780mm long.

I was happy with the material quality of all parts of the Temola TS20BS set, the dust brush, crevice nozzle, and floor brush didn’t look cheap, the storage bag looked durable, and the materials on the vac itself felt sturdy and looked good. To aid visibility when vacuuming in darker spaces, there’s an LED light situated just above the top of the 3.6 cup / 850ml dust cup. It wasn’t outstandingly bright, but it was good enough.

The Temola TS20BS handheld vacuum

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

As is the case with many handheld vacuums in this price bracket, I had to remove the front end of the vacuum to empty the dust cup. Detaching it was easy, but care needed to be taken when removing the filter from within, as a lot of debris collects around it. Getting the dust cup to clip back on was tricky on occasion. The level of noise emitted from the TS20BS is fairly standard for a vacuum cleaner, reading 76dB at 10,000PA power, and 80dB on the higher 15,000PA setting.

I found the Temola TS20BS to be a helpful tool for vacuuming my desk and sofa, but it really proved its worth when I put it through its paces against our TechRadar vacuum testing process. It did an adequate job of picking up the larger particles of oats and a mixture of flour and biscuit crumbs when on the lower power setting, but the higher setting was required to collect up the finer dust particles.

When testing the floor brush attachment I found it wasn’t helpful in that instance, mainly flicking debris around rather than helping to collect it up. When I used the dust brush on the end of the crevice nozzle, on the other hand, the results were fantastic. I found this smaller brush to improve performance in many different areas of my car, from dusting and vacuuming the leather to removing stubborn bits of leaf from carpeted areas.

For the most part, I’d recommend you purchase the TS20BS, as it did a good job for its price. Sadly, though, the lack of replacement filters makes me hesitant to encourage you to buy without doing further research, in case some may have become available in the meantime. If you’d like to take a look at some alternatives to help make up your mind, we’ve collated a selection of the best car vacuums, and best handheld vacuums to help you discover the most suitable option for your needs.

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: Price and availability

  • List price: $49.99 / £45.99
  • Available at Amazon

The Temola TS20BS is a handheld vacuum that comes with accessories and a storage bag for a list price of $49.99 / £45.99 at Amazon. You’re getting what you pay for with the Temola TS20BS, considering the quality, performance, and ease of use; although some slightly more expensive vacs performed better, I was happy enough with its performance.

The set comes with an additional washable filter, which I was pleased about, but after investigating I cannot find replacement filters for this model. While the stainless steel covering of the filter may potentially increase the longevity of the filters, providing they are cleaned regularly, there’s no saying quite how long they’ll last, giving the Temola TS20BS a disappointingly short lifespan if replacements do not come available to purchase soon.

  • Value score: 2.5 / 5

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: Specs

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: design and features

  • Materials look good quality
  • Short USB-C charging cable
  • Useful drawstring storage bag

Considering its price, I was pretty impressed with the material quality of the Temola TS20BS. The majority of the vacuum is black and off-white and has a gloss finish, aside from the buttons and dust cup securing latch, which are bright orange with a slightly textured finish. The dust cup that makes up the business end of the vacuum is made from shiny transparent black plastic, making it easy for me to see when the dust cup is reaching capacity while obscuring the contents enough to stop it from being an eyesore.

The Temola TS20BS is fairly lightweight, but it isn’t the lightest handheld vac I’ve tested. It weighs 2.1lb / 957g, so it was easy enough for me to use but caused a little bit of arm ache if I wasn’t able to lean a little on what I was vacuuming. It isn’t a bulky vac, at 15 x 4 x 5 inches / 350 x 150 x 150mm, making it easy to store away in the handy drawstring bag, which also holds the accessories as well.

The accessories included are a dust brush, crevice nozzle, and a floor brush. Most of these did a great job, although I found one of them wasn’t very helpful during testing. Another useful addition that resides on the Temola TS20BS itself is the integrated LED light that is positioned above the dust cup. It’s not the most powerful LED I’ve seen, but it did an okay job of helping me see a little better when vacuuming darker spaces.

A close-up of the floor brush attachment.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

The Temola TS20BS comes with what Temola states is a stainless steel HEPA filter in place, and an additional filter comes in the box. This is a nice touch, as although the filters can be washed, and made easier with the included cleaning brush, they would likely need to be changed within a few months.

The Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum doesn’t come with a charging dock, instead, it can be recharged using just a USB-C cable. While some users may prefer a dock for ease of access, I liked the flexibility of placement that came with charging via a cable, and I was still able to store the vacuum and accessories away neatly in the drawstring storage bag. The one downside here, however, is that the cable that comes with the Temola TS20BS is only 30.5 inches / 780mm long, proving a little annoying at times.

There isn’t a replacement battery available, so I was limited to the max run time, which wasn’t quite enough to give my car a full valet, although with it being winter as I write this and I both work and live near a lot of leafy trees, I can’t judge it too harshly for that. One aspect I appreciated is that the included USB-C charging cable can be used with a power bank, or with a cigarette lighter adapter, so I didn’t necessarily need to bring it into the house to charge.

The Temola TS20BS handheld vacuum inside the storage bag on a mustard color blanket and sofa.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

I was satisfied with the level of noise the Temola TS20BS emits, as it was quieter than a lower-powered car vac I’d tested and pretty standard for a vacuum cleaner. On the low 10,000mAh setting it reached a sound level of 76dB, and the higher setting reached 80dB, so the highest setting was no louder than a busy restaurant. I still needed to use some ANC earbuds when using it, but that’s due to an auditory issue; for the average person I don’t envision the noise levels would be uncomfortable.

On a few occasions, I found that the dust cup didn’t always connect to the handle properly the first couple of times I’d attached it. It clicked on and looked attached, but any bit of pressure on it caused it to fall off, I found I needed to pay particular attention to making sure the bottom of the dust cup had clicked over the extra plastic tag, which was a little fiddly, but simple once I’d gotten used to it. This is likely just a personal preference, but long pressing the power button did nothing when on the lower suction setting, this would only work after increasing it to the max suction level. This is only a minor niggle, but I like to keep loud noises to a minimum, so I wasn’t a fan that the increase of sound was unavoidable when I needed to turn it off, especially when using it to give my desk a quick hoover in the office.

  • Design and features score: 4 / 5

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: performance

  • Performed well for the price
  • Dust brush works well
  • An extension hose would've been helpful

As it weighs just 2.1lb / 957g, the Temola TS20BS was easier to wield than the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus, which is currently our top pick of the best handheld vacuum and best car vacuum. I found the handheld Shark vac made my arm ache a little when performing the same tests for a direct comparison.

The Temola TS20B did a good job when I used it to vacuum my sofa, but I really put it to the test when I used it in my beloved car. One thing I love about working for TechRadar is our mission to perform thorough testing on all products – I just wish that didn’t involve spreading flour, biscuit crumbs, and oats in my car. But, if nothing else, I’m dedicated to our mission. So, dear reader, despite how uncomfortable it made me: I did it, for every single handheld vac I tested, each time praying they were up to the job of cleaning it up. I’m relieved to say, in the case of the Temola TS20BS, I needn’t have worried.

The Temola TS20BS handheld vacuum

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

When following our testing procedure, the Temola TS20BS picked up most of the mixture of flour and biscuit on the lowest power setting, but smaller particles were left behind in the pile of my car mat. Turning up to the higher power setting made quick work of picking this up though, so I was able to get it all vacuumed up in a minute or so.

It was a similar story when it came to hoovering up the oats. The lowest setting picked up the large pieces without issue, but the smaller debris remained on the surface of the carpet and in the pile. Again, the higher setting cleared this up, but it required a little elbow grease and pressure.

The floor brush attachment of the Temola TS20BS didn’t do the best job of picking up the fine dust from my car mat. It kind of flicked debris around when using the lower suction, though it performed better on the higher setting. In the end, I found myself removing the floor brush attachment and giving the carpet a final going over on the higher setting just to collect the remaining dust. The dust brush, which is smaller and softer, did a vastly better job, even just on the lower 10,000PA power setting, and the performance improved further when I increased it to 15,000PA.

The dust brush attachment.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

The crevice tool performed as expected, reaching smaller areas, and, naturally, the pickup was best with the higher suction setting. One nice-to-have would have been a flexible extension hose like the one included with the Homekane Handheld Vac, as getting down the edges of my seats was a bit of a struggle with the limited reach. As with the earlier tests the performance improved by far after adding the dust brush tool to the mix as it aggravated the debris just enough to allow it to be picked up easily.

When it came to emptying the 3.6 cup / 850ml dust cup, I must say that I preferred the Shark configuration, which simply required me to push a button and pull down a flap on the underside of its dust cup, which felt quicker and less messy than needing to remove the dust cup and filter from the Temola TS20BS each time. I had to bang out the filter, as most of the debris was caught on its surface and the cavity at the bottom of the filter housing, and it was also tricky to put it back into place properly.

  • Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Should you buy the Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum?

Buy it if...

You want a simple-to-use vac
With easy-to-master controls and a fairly lightweight body, you'll be up and running with this Temola vac before you know it.

You want a vac that's easy to store away
Whether you plan on sticking it in a cupboard or in the trunk of your car, the drawstring storage bag makes it easy to keep all the parts neatly in one place.

Don't buy it if...

You don't want a vac with an expiry date
As there doesn't appear to be any replacement stainless steel HEPA filters compatible with this model at present, there is a risk that this handheld vacuum could only be usable for as long as the two included filters last.

You want a charging dock
The Temola TS20BS doesn't have a model with a storage dock, so if you're a dock fan this won't be for you. The storage bag provides a tidy storage solution, though.

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: also consider

Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
The top spot holder of our pick of the best handheld and car vacuums, this handheld Shark vac delivers great suction power, easy emptying, and some versatile tools. Take a look at our full review to hear how well it performed.

Shark WandVac System WS642 / WV361UK 4
This versatile vac requires more investment, but it's a great choice if you're looking for a lightweight and ergonomic vac that can be used in a stick or handheld configuration. It features on our list of the best handheld vacuums for its flexible use and light weight, but its battery life is a little on the short side. Here's our full review if you'd like to find out more.

How I tested the Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum

  • I tested the Temola TS20BS against two other handheld vacs
  • I assessed its ability to vacuum both large and fine debris
  • I made use of the included accessories

I took a close look at the design and materials used for the Temola TS20BS. I used it to vacuum my sofa and my desk and put it through its paces against the TechRadar vacuum testing process in my car. This involves testing a vacuum's ability to pick up fine and coarse particles, namely oats, and a mixture of flour and fine biscuit crumbs.

I assessed the fit of the accessories and used each of them to see how effective they were. I also looked at how easy and efficient the dust cup emptying process was.

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: I was ready to make this my new car vac until I made an unwelcome discovery
7:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Comments: Off

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum: two-minute review

The Temola TS20BS is available to buy at Amazon for $49.99 / £45.99. This is a fairly average cost for a handheld vacuum from a lesser-known brand, and after testing it out I would say that you get what you pay for here.

I was very disappointed to discover that there doesn’t appear to be replacement stainless steel HEPA filters for this model, although I could see replacements for some of their other vacs. Although the stainless steel covering could potentially increase the longevity of the HEPA filter within, but there’s no telling how long it would last. There is, at least, a replacement filter provided with the purchase, but without further replacements, this could significantly decrease the lifetime of the Temola TS20BS.

The Temola TS20BS is lightweight enough to use easily, although in my case using it with my arm extended with nothing to lean on did cause some aching. It’s fairly compact, so it has been easy to store, especially when combined with the convenient drawstring storage bag that fits the accessories, too. The Temola TS20BS doesn’t come with a storage dock but was easy to charge with the included USB-C cable, although it is disappointingly short at just 30.5 inches / 780mm long.

I was happy with the material quality of all parts of the Temola TS20BS set, the dust brush, crevice nozzle, and floor brush didn’t look cheap, the storage bag looked durable, and the materials on the vac itself felt sturdy and looked good. To aid visibility when vacuuming in darker spaces, there’s an LED light situated just above the top of the 3.6 cup / 850ml dust cup. It wasn’t outstandingly bright, but it was good enough.

The Temola TS20BS handheld vacuum

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

As is the case with many handheld vacuums in this price bracket, I had to remove the front end of the vacuum to empty the dust cup. Detaching it was easy, but care needed to be taken when removing the filter from within, as a lot of debris collects around it. Getting the dust cup to clip back on was tricky on occasion. The level of noise emitted from the TS20BS is fairly standard for a vacuum cleaner, reading 76dB at 10,000PA power, and 80dB on the higher 15,000PA setting.

I found the Temola TS20BS to be a helpful tool for vacuuming my desk and sofa, but it really proved its worth when I put it through its paces against our TechRadar vacuum testing process. It did an adequate job of picking up the larger particles of oats and a mixture of flour and biscuit crumbs when on the lower power setting, but the higher setting was required to collect up the finer dust particles.

When testing the floor brush attachment I found it wasn’t helpful in that instance, mainly flicking debris around rather than helping to collect it up. When I used the dust brush on the end of the crevice nozzle, on the other hand, the results were fantastic. I found this smaller brush to improve performance in many different areas of my car, from dusting and vacuuming the leather to removing stubborn bits of leaf from carpeted areas.

For the most part, I’d recommend you purchase the TS20BS, as it did a good job for its price. Sadly, though, the lack of replacement filters makes me hesitant to encourage you to buy without doing further research, in case some may have become available in the meantime. If you’d like to take a look at some alternatives to help make up your mind, we’ve collated a selection of the best car vacuums, and best handheld vacuums to help you discover the most suitable option for your needs.

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: Price and availability

  • List price: $49.99 / £45.99
  • Available at Amazon

The Temola TS20BS is a handheld vacuum that comes with accessories and a storage bag for a list price of $49.99 / £45.99 at Amazon. You’re getting what you pay for with the Temola TS20BS, considering the quality, performance, and ease of use; although some slightly more expensive vacs performed better, I was happy enough with its performance.

The set comes with an additional washable filter, which I was pleased about, but after investigating I cannot find replacement filters for this model. While the stainless steel covering of the filter may potentially increase the longevity of the filters, providing they are cleaned regularly, there’s no saying quite how long they’ll last, giving the Temola TS20BS a disappointingly short lifespan if replacements do not come available to purchase soon.

  • Value score: 2.5 / 5

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: Specs

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: design and features

  • Materials look good quality
  • Short USB-C charging cable
  • Useful drawstring storage bag

Considering its price, I was pretty impressed with the material quality of the Temola TS20BS. The majority of the vacuum is black and off-white and has a gloss finish, aside from the buttons and dust cup securing latch, which are bright orange with a slightly textured finish. The dust cup that makes up the business end of the vacuum is made from shiny transparent black plastic, making it easy for me to see when the dust cup is reaching capacity while obscuring the contents enough to stop it from being an eyesore.

The Temola TS20BS is fairly lightweight, but it isn’t the lightest handheld vac I’ve tested. It weighs 2.1lb / 957g, so it was easy enough for me to use but caused a little bit of arm ache if I wasn’t able to lean a little on what I was vacuuming. It isn’t a bulky vac, at 15 x 4 x 5 inches / 350 x 150 x 150mm, making it easy to store away in the handy drawstring bag, which also holds the accessories as well.

The accessories included are a dust brush, crevice nozzle, and a floor brush. Most of these did a great job, although I found one of them wasn’t very helpful during testing. Another useful addition that resides on the Temola TS20BS itself is the integrated LED light that is positioned above the dust cup. It’s not the most powerful LED I’ve seen, but it did an okay job of helping me see a little better when vacuuming darker spaces.

A close-up of the floor brush attachment.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

The Temola TS20BS comes with what Temola states is a stainless steel HEPA filter in place, and an additional filter comes in the box. This is a nice touch, as although the filters can be washed, and made easier with the included cleaning brush, they would likely need to be changed within a few months.

The Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum doesn’t come with a charging dock, instead, it can be recharged using just a USB-C cable. While some users may prefer a dock for ease of access, I liked the flexibility of placement that came with charging via a cable, and I was still able to store the vacuum and accessories away neatly in the drawstring storage bag. The one downside here, however, is that the cable that comes with the Temola TS20BS is only 30.5 inches / 780mm long, proving a little annoying at times.

There isn’t a replacement battery available, so I was limited to the max run time, which wasn’t quite enough to give my car a full valet, although with it being winter as I write this and I both work and live near a lot of leafy trees, I can’t judge it too harshly for that. One aspect I appreciated is that the included USB-C charging cable can be used with a power bank, or with a cigarette lighter adapter, so I didn’t necessarily need to bring it into the house to charge.

The Temola TS20BS handheld vacuum inside the storage bag on a mustard color blanket and sofa.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

I was satisfied with the level of noise the Temola TS20BS emits, as it was quieter than a lower-powered car vac I’d tested and pretty standard for a vacuum cleaner. On the low 10,000mAh setting it reached a sound level of 76dB, and the higher setting reached 80dB, so the highest setting was no louder than a busy restaurant. I still needed to use some ANC earbuds when using it, but that’s due to an auditory issue; for the average person I don’t envision the noise levels would be uncomfortable.

On a few occasions, I found that the dust cup didn’t always connect to the handle properly the first couple of times I’d attached it. It clicked on and looked attached, but any bit of pressure on it caused it to fall off, I found I needed to pay particular attention to making sure the bottom of the dust cup had clicked over the extra plastic tag, which was a little fiddly, but simple once I’d gotten used to it. This is likely just a personal preference, but long pressing the power button did nothing when on the lower suction setting, this would only work after increasing it to the max suction level. This is only a minor niggle, but I like to keep loud noises to a minimum, so I wasn’t a fan that the increase of sound was unavoidable when I needed to turn it off, especially when using it to give my desk a quick hoover in the office.

  • Design and features score: 4 / 5

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: performance

  • Performed well for the price
  • Dust brush works well
  • An extension hose would've been helpful

As it weighs just 2.1lb / 957g, the Temola TS20BS was easier to wield than the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus, which is currently our top pick of the best handheld vacuum and best car vacuum. I found the handheld Shark vac made my arm ache a little when performing the same tests for a direct comparison.

The Temola TS20B did a good job when I used it to vacuum my sofa, but I really put it to the test when I used it in my beloved car. One thing I love about working for TechRadar is our mission to perform thorough testing on all products – I just wish that didn’t involve spreading flour, biscuit crumbs, and oats in my car. But, if nothing else, I’m dedicated to our mission. So, dear reader, despite how uncomfortable it made me: I did it, for every single handheld vac I tested, each time praying they were up to the job of cleaning it up. I’m relieved to say, in the case of the Temola TS20BS, I needn’t have worried.

The Temola TS20BS handheld vacuum

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

When following our testing procedure, the Temola TS20BS picked up most of the mixture of flour and biscuit on the lowest power setting, but smaller particles were left behind in the pile of my car mat. Turning up to the higher power setting made quick work of picking this up though, so I was able to get it all vacuumed up in a minute or so.

It was a similar story when it came to hoovering up the oats. The lowest setting picked up the large pieces without issue, but the smaller debris remained on the surface of the carpet and in the pile. Again, the higher setting cleared this up, but it required a little elbow grease and pressure.

The floor brush attachment of the Temola TS20BS didn’t do the best job of picking up the fine dust from my car mat. It kind of flicked debris around when using the lower suction, though it performed better on the higher setting. In the end, I found myself removing the floor brush attachment and giving the carpet a final going over on the higher setting just to collect the remaining dust. The dust brush, which is smaller and softer, did a vastly better job, even just on the lower 10,000PA power setting, and the performance improved further when I increased it to 15,000PA.

The dust brush attachment.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

The crevice tool performed as expected, reaching smaller areas, and, naturally, the pickup was best with the higher suction setting. One nice-to-have would have been a flexible extension hose like the one included with the Homekane Handheld Vac, as getting down the edges of my seats was a bit of a struggle with the limited reach. As with the earlier tests the performance improved by far after adding the dust brush tool to the mix as it aggravated the debris just enough to allow it to be picked up easily.

When it came to emptying the 3.6 cup / 850ml dust cup, I must say that I preferred the Shark configuration, which simply required me to push a button and pull down a flap on the underside of its dust cup, which felt quicker and less messy than needing to remove the dust cup and filter from the Temola TS20BS each time. I had to bang out the filter, as most of the debris was caught on its surface and the cavity at the bottom of the filter housing, and it was also tricky to put it back into place properly.

  • Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Should you buy the Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum?

Buy it if...

You want a simple-to-use vac
With easy-to-master controls and a fairly lightweight body, you'll be up and running with this Temola vac before you know it.

You want a vac that's easy to store away
Whether you plan on sticking it in a cupboard or in the trunk of your car, the drawstring storage bag makes it easy to keep all the parts neatly in one place.

Don't buy it if...

You don't want a vac with an expiry date
As there doesn't appear to be any replacement stainless steel HEPA filters compatible with this model at present, there is a risk that this handheld vacuum could only be usable for as long as the two included filters last.

You want a charging dock
The Temola TS20BS doesn't have a model with a storage dock, so if you're a dock fan this won't be for you. The storage bag provides a tidy storage solution, though.

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: also consider

Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
The top spot holder of our pick of the best handheld and car vacuums, this handheld Shark vac delivers great suction power, easy emptying, and some versatile tools. Take a look at our full review to hear how well it performed.

Shark WandVac System WS642 / WV361UK 4
This versatile vac requires more investment, but it's a great choice if you're looking for a lightweight and ergonomic vac that can be used in a stick or handheld configuration. It features on our list of the best handheld vacuums for its flexible use and light weight, but its battery life is a little on the short side. Here's our full review if you'd like to find out more.

How I tested the Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum

  • I tested the Temola TS20BS against two other handheld vacs
  • I assessed its ability to vacuum both large and fine debris
  • I made use of the included accessories

I took a close look at the design and materials used for the Temola TS20BS. I used it to vacuum my sofa and my desk and put it through its paces against the TechRadar vacuum testing process in my car. This involves testing a vacuum's ability to pick up fine and coarse particles, namely oats, and a mixture of flour and fine biscuit crumbs.

I assessed the fit of the accessories and used each of them to see how effective they were. I also looked at how easy and efficient the dust cup emptying process was.

Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer review
8:00 pm | December 24, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Hair Care Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer two-minute review

The $99/£80/€79 Dreame Gleam hair dryer offers a decent blend of thoughtful design, user-friendliness, and performance – especially for such a relatively cheap dryer. It’s lightweight and compact, making it comfortable to hold and easy to use. Its slim design also makes it a good travel companion, as it fits neatly into bags without taking up too much space. All of this make it a strong contender amongst the best hair dryers on the market.

Aesthetically, the Gleam has a cylindrical design, curved edges, and a soft matte finish. The main temperature and mode controls are found on the back of the handle and while this placement isn’t great for making adjustments mid-style, it's intuitive enough once you get the hang of it. By contrast, the power and speed slider, conveniently and comfortably placed within reach of your thumb, is great for quick changes between the Low and High speed settings.

In addition to these speeds, the Gleam has four heat modes – Cool, 57C Constant, Hot, and a Hot/Cold Cycle. Its 65m/s airflow delivers fast, efficient drying, even on the lower heat settings and the built-in ion technology, which releases 200 million negative ions, breaks down water molecules quickly, helping to reduce frizz and leave hair smooth and shiny.

One of my favorite features is the Cool mode, which provides a true blast of cold air. It’s fantastic for setting styles, reducing frizz, and adding extra shine. My waves and curls held their shape noticeably longer after a quick blast of cool air. By comparison, while the 57C Constant mode is great for offering gentle heat for damaged hair, I found it to be my least favorite mode. It adds a substantial amount to the drying time without drastically improving the quality and finish of your hair.

Dreame Gleam hair dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

The best results, in terms of speed vs finish was with the Hot/Cold Cycle on High speed. Using this mode, I was able to dry my long, thin hair in under five minutes, and the result was soft, glossy, and full of life. This shine and smooth finish was even better when paired with the magnetic concentrator nozzle. This nozzle is excellent for directing the airflow precisely where you need it, making it ideal for smoothing out sections of hair. It's quite narrow, which doesn't lend itself well to drying all of your hair with the nozzle, but if you're willing to put in the extra time, it's worth it. Sadly, the Gleam doesn’t include a diffuser and this is a shame for people with naturally curly hair.

In terms of noise, the Gleam operates quietly, with a sound level that’s comfortable for most situations. It’s easy to carry on a conversation while using it, even at higher speeds, making it less disruptive than other dryers I’ve tried. In my tests, the noise levels averaged 70dB and never exceeded 80dB, even on the High speed setting. This is quite a bit louder than Dreame's advertised 59dB, but is a minor gripe.

And speaking of gripes, the fan is positioned at the base of the handle, where it meets the 5.9ft (1.8m) cord. This design makes the barrel more compact and prevents hair from getting caught in the fan blades but I constantly kept blocking it with my hand and this soon become tedious.

Dreame Glory Hair Dryer review: price & availability

  • List price: $99/£80/€79
  • Available: US/UK/EU

The $99 / £80 / €79 Gleam hairdryer is Dreame's entry-level model, coming in at around half the price of its €159 Dreame Pocket, and €139 / A$299 Dreame Glory.

It's available in the US and Europe from the Dreame website, as well as Amazon, in a pastel pink color. You can also buy it from Amazon UK in grey. Across all regions, the dryer ships with a concentrator nozzle although it doesn't have a dedicated diffuser. You can use the diffuser that ships with the Dreame Glory, as it connects in the same way, but who realistically is going to own both dryers in order to make this swap?

The price and power of the Gleam puts the dryer in the lower mid-range bracket, putting it on par with the likes of the $95 BaBylissPRO, and $90 Hot Tools Pro Artist Tourmaline dryer. The BaByliss Pro ships with a similar concentrator nozzle to the Gleam, yet the Hot Tools dryer is sold with two nozzles and a diffuser for a similar price.

The lack of color options and accessories make it difficult to recommend the Dreame Gleam when other, cheaper dryers offer more value and choice. That said, its power and features coupled with its focus on hair health help elevate its appeal and at least justify its price.

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer specs

Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer review: design

  • Compact design
  • 4 heat modes and 2 airflow speeds
  • Concentrator attachment

If it wasn't for the pink color and soft-matte finish, it would be easy to mistake the Dreame Gleam for the Dreame Glory. The dryer’s body is cylindrical, with the same rounded edges. The two dryers are almost identical in size, shape and weight. Even down to the position of the fan at the base of the handle, and the matching power/speed and temperature controls on the side.

Dreame Gleam hair dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

On the rear of the Gleam dryer, where the fan is usually found, is a flat, smooth panel. Beneath this panel, on the handle, is a sliding power switch that lets you toggle between the two speed settings – Low and High. This switch is perfectly located in just the right spot so that your thumb can easily reach it without having to re-adjust your grip mid-style and this is a small but welcome feature. Below this switch is a circular button surrounded by an LED ring which lets you switch between the Gleam's four temperature modes:

  • Cold
  • 57°C Constant
  • Hot
  • Hot/Cold Cycle

As you'd expect, the Cold mode blows cold air, and the Hot mode blows hot air. The Hot/Cold Cycle Mode cycles between hot and cold air as you style your hair and the 57C Constant mode offers a consistent temperature designed to prevent heat damage.

I first used the Hot/Cold cycle feature on the BaByliss Air Wand and more recently on the Dreame Pocket and Dreame Glory. I initially thought I wouldn't this mode that much because it increases the styling time slightly, however it is now my go-to because it makes a noticeable difference to the finish and feel of my hair.

To switch between these modes, you press the circular button found on the rear of the handle and its LED ring will change color, depending on the mode selected. Cold mode is represented by a blue LED ring; Hot mode has a red ring; Hot/Cold cycle's LED ring alternates between red and blue; and the ring on the 57C Constant mode is yellow. It's impossible to see these colors mid-style, due to the position of the button on the rear of the handle and this makes it difficult to select different modes without looking. The more you use the dryer, the more you get used to what the different modes sound and feel like but it's not massively intuitive.

Dreame Gleam hair dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

At just 11.6oz / 330g, the Dreame Gleam is incredibly easy to lift and move around your head, and its dimensions – 3 × 3.2 inches (7.6 × 8.2 cm) for the barrel and a 10-inch (25.5 cm) handle – make it a compact and well balanced styler. The longer handle, which I initially thought might make the dryer top-heavy, is balanced and provides a confident grip while styling.

There is only one attachment for the Dreame Gleam – a smoothing concentrator nozzle that snaps onto the barrel using a satisfying magnetic mechanism. This mechanism is strong enough to keep the attachments in place during styling, but gives you the freedom to twist and turn the nozzle to different angles to reach different parts of your head and hair. The nozzle doesn't get too hot during styling either, which adds to this ease-of-use.

Dreame Gleam hair dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

Being positioned at the base of the handle, where it meets the 5.9ft / 1.8m cord, means its easy to block the fan with your hand. This is preferable to the fan being on the rear of the dryer and sucking your hair in, as is the case with some other dryers, but I don't love this positioning. The air outlet at the front of the Dreame Gleam is then wide enough to provide the powerful 70 m/s airflow.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer review: performance

  • 1600-watt motor
  • High-speed motor operates at 110,000RPM
  • 76dB average noise

From my first use of the Dreame Gleam, I noticed how quickly it dried my hair, even on the lower speed and temperature settings. It handled my long, fine hair in minutes without the usual frizz or tangles and I love that you don't have to rely on intense heat to do the job. Instead, its high-speed airflow and 200 million negative ions help to break down water droplets faster, leaving my hair smooth and shiny in a short period of time.

The quickest results came from using the Hot mode, in which my hair went from wet to dry in four and a half minutes on High speed. The Hot/Cold Cycle on high speed added an extra minute to this, but my hair was noticeably softer and had more movement. This combination of warm and cool air also seemed to lock in the sleek finish for much longer. The slowest results came from using the Constant 57C setting. It took more than six minutes to dry my hair on this mode and there wasn't a huge improvement in the feel or look of my hair either. This will be a great addition for very fragile or damaged hair, but may feel a bit redundant for anyone else.

Dreame Gleam hair dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

The Cool mode is a standout feature, though. Unlike some dryers where the cool setting just feels like slightly less warm air, the Gleam delivers a genuine blast of cold air almost immediately. After curling my hair, I used the Cool mode to lock in the waves and not only did the curls hold their shape for hours longer, they were noticeably more shiny. This mode is also great for smoothing flyaways or finishing a blowout with a polished look.

The concentrator nozzle deserves a mention too. It’s great for targeting specific sections, like when I want to smooth the hair around my face. It's not the largest of nozzles so if you use it to style the whole of your head, you'll probably need to add another three or four minutes to the overall styling time. Adjusting or removing it is easy though. It's a shame that the Gleam doesn't offer a diffuser. It is possible to add the Glory's diffuser onto the barrel of the Gleam due to their identical size, but not everyone will have access to both stylers (and nor should they have to.)

Dreame Gleam hair dryer on reviewer's dressing table

(Image credit: Future)

Another thing I appreciated about the Gleam is how quiet it is. I could still chat with my family while drying my hair and even on High speed, the dryer never exceeded 80dB. This makes it marginally quieter than the Dreame Glory. It should be noted that Dreame claims the Gleam operates around 59dB but even on the slowest, lowest setting, my app registered an average of 70dB.

It's not a perfect dryer but for the price and the power, it's a worthwhile choice.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer?

Buy it if…

You want a powerful, affordable, lightweight dryer

The Dreame Gleam delivers high-speed airflow in a compact, 330g body.

You need quick drying with minimal damage

The Gleam's range of temperature controls protects hair while providing rapid, frizz-free drying.

You value sleek, modern design

The Gleam’s matte finish and magnetic attachments add style and convenience – especially at this relatively low price point.

Don’t buy it if….

You need a diffuser for curly hair

The Gleam only includes a concentrator nozzle, limiting options for people with natural curls.

You dislike rear fan placement

The fan at the base of the Dreame Gleam's handle can be accidentally covered during use.

You want a wider range of colors

The Dreame Gleam comes with limited color options which may not suit everyone's aesthetic.

How I tested the Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer

I used the Dreame Gleam as my daily hair dryer over the course of four weeks at home. I used it most mornings as a replacement for my go-to hair dryer – the Revlon One Step – to dry and style my long, thin hair.

To test the dryer, I experimented with the full range of speed and temperature combinations, and attachment. I paid close attention to the dryer’s features, how fast and effectively each of the modes worked, and how easy it was to use. I measured the decibel levels of the dryer on Low and High speeds throughout the testing period to achieve an average noise score.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed November 2024

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker review: drip coffee just got a whole lot smarter
6:00 pm | December 22, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker: 2-minute review

The Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is a super slick, modern drip coffee machine that gives filter brewing the smart treatment with automatic water temperature adjustment, dosage calculations, carefully timed blooming of coffee before brewing, and presets tailored for different roasts. There's even a cold brew mode, which produces deliciously smooth results without you having to wait overnight.

If that sounds like a little too much effort (or you live with someone who's less exacting about their brew), there's also an Auto Brew mode that lets you use the Aiden like an ordinary manual drip machine - just load in your preferred quantity of grounds, and it will run until the water tank is empty.

The timer is a smart addition, though you'll need to make sure you're prepared with your coffee mug as soon as it's finished because the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker doesn't have a hot plate and while the carafe is double-walled it loses heat quite rapidly. You can minimize this problem by pre-heating it before brewing, but that's not a viable option if you're using the timer.

Single basket inserted in Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker

The machine comes with two baskets - one for single brews (green) and one for batch brews (blue) (Image credit: Future)

The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker has a mobile app (available for iOS and Android) with some handy extra features, like customizable brewing profiles that you can share with other people, and the option to update the machine's firmware. You can link the coffee machine to your phone using a QR code by selecting 'Connectivity' from the settings menu, but it's entirely optional.

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker: price & availability

  • Launched at $365 / £365 (about AU$580).
  • Available with coffee grinder for $111 more

The Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker launched in July 2024 and is available direct from Fellow in the US, or from Amazon in the UK. It has a list price of $365 / £365 (about AU$580).

Unlike some drip coffee makers we've tested, such as the Cuisinart Grind & Brew, the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker doesn't have a grinder. If you don't already own one, Fellow offers the machine bundled with a conical burr grinder for $476 (about £380 / AU$760).

That's about the same price as the Moccamaster KBGV Select, which currently sits at number one in our guide to the best drip coffee makers, and costs $359 / £229 / AU$515. Both are premium machines, but with the KBGV Select you're paying for a super tough manual machine that should last a lifetime, while the Aiden's price tag comes from its smart brewing technology. Both justify their list prices - it's just a question of where your priorities lie.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker: design

  • Stylish, modern aesthetic
  • Simple control dial
  • Single and batch brewing baskets

The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is beautifully designed - a compact black cuboid with a small, bright display panel, a single control dial, and a matching matt black carafe. Every part of the machine feels robust and well-made, from the sturdy hinge on the frosted plastic water tank (with clearly marked measurements on the front) to the smooth movement of the control knob.

During brewing, the LCD display shows a countdown timer and the current stage of the brewing process (such as 'blooming' or 'pulsing'), which is particularly handy since the black carafe doesn't let you see how much coffee is inside.

The machine has a maximum capacity of 1.5 liters (about 53oz), and brews in increments of 120ml (a standard tasse à café). A typical coffee mug holds around 280ml, so you'll need to set it to two cups for your usual morning brew.

Single and double baskets for Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker

The machine can recognize which basket is inserted (Image credit: Future)

It's supplied with two baskets - one for servings up to three cups, and one for bigger batch brews. It comes with filter papers designed for the larger basket; during testing, I found that my standard flat-bottomed 1x4 filter papers fitted the small one just fine. The machine can detect which basket you have inserted and will instruct you to set the 'shower' head to the appropriate color-coded setting so water is pulsed evenly over the grounds.

The carafe is well crafted, with a drip-free spout and sturdy handle, but as mentioned above, there's no hot plate in the machine's base to keep it warm when brewing has finished.

The Aiden is a piece of cake to keep clean; the baskets and carafe are easy to wash with warm, soapy water, and you can keep the body of the machine looking like new with a damp cloth. There's also a descaling mode to keep the water lines clear, which works with regular coffee machine descaling liquid. It's recommended that you do this every three months.

Fellow advises grinding your coffee coarser if you find mess in the brewing chamber once you're done, but this was never an issue for me. I used a Dualit burr grinder on a relatively coarse setting suggested for drip machines.

  • Design score: 4/5

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker with water tank removed

The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker has a maximum capacity of 1.5 liters (Image credit: Future)

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker: performance

  • Automatic and guided brewing modes
  • Very quiet in operation
  • No hotplate, and carafe cools quickly

The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker gives you a choice: an Instant Brew mode that works like a standard manual drip coffee maker, and a Guided Brew option that lets you tinker with settings, suggests an appropriate dosage, and brews only the amount of coffee you've specified.

Guided Brew defies the preconception that drip coffee is inferior to espresso, tailoring the temperature of the water, how long the coffee is allowed to bloom, and how long is spent sending pulses of water through it afterward depending on the dosage and whether you've selected light, medium, or dark roast. You'll even be asked to enter your elevation relative to sea level during setup. It's not something I'd typically consider, but water boils at temperatures below 100°C/212°F at elevations above sea level, which can result in under-extracted coffee if you don't adjust for it.

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker on counter with carafe removed, cup of coffee and small plant

The carafe is beautifully designed, but tends to lose heat rapidly (Image credit: Future)

I particularly enjoyed the machine's cold brew setting. It's much quicker than brewing overnight in your fridge, taking 1.5-2 hours from start to finish depending on the quantity. The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker still uses hot water to bloom the coffee but then switches to cold for the remainder of the process, and the resulting coffee is incredibly smooth. Pop the carafe in the fridge for a while once it's done, and it's fantastic.

There's also a timer, which is something I always appreciate with a drip coffee machine. The lack of a hot plate means you'll need to be organized in the morning to grab your fresh brew before it cools, but it shouldn't disturb any light sleepers who want a lie-in. During my tests, it only reached a maximum of 59dB while pulsing water through the grounds. That's about the same as a dishwasher, and the sound only lasted a couple of seconds at a time. Cold brew mode doesn't pulse and is nearly silent.

Woman's hand turning dial on Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker

The machine is controlled using a single dial - turn it to scroll through menus, and press to select an option (Image credit: Future)

For me, the drawback of the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is how quickly the hot coffee cools down. Not only is there no hot plate, the carafe seems to lose heat quickly despite its double-walled design and Fellow's claim that it "keeps your coffee warm for hours in any room of the house". In my tests, a four-cup serving cooled down significantly within half an hour in my kitchen.

That's not a problem if you're only brewing a cup or two, but the machine has a maximum capacity of 1.5 liters, and it's a real shame if you brew a batch and it goes cold before you can get through it all. You could decant your coffee into an insulated bottle or carafe once it's done brewing to keep it nice and hot, but that's an extra step I'd rather avoid if possible.

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker carafe with lid removed

The carafe and baskets are easy to clean with warm, soapy water (Image credit: Future)

Not everyone likes keeping their drip coffee on a hot plate, and leaving your drink on one for too long will definitely affect the taste, but for me, one of the joys of a drip machine is being able to brew a carafe and come back for a second cup. And if I've set a timer to brew my coffee in the morning, I don't want to find a cold carafe if I hit snooze on my alarm and spend a few extra minutes in bed.

It's a shame because the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is otherwise superb. It does its job exceptionally well, but you should be aware that it won't keep your beautifully brewed drink hot for long.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker?

Buy it if

You want to optimize your drip coffee brewing

There aren't many drip machines as smart as the Aiden, and its highly configurable settings will appeal to filter aficionados who want to optimize flavor extraction from their beans.

You enjoy cold brew coffee

The Aiden Precision Coffee Maker produces the best cold brew I've tasted and does so in just two hours. It uses hot water to bloom the coffee before the cold infusion, and the result is super smooth.

Don't buy it if

You want to brew big batches

The lack of a hot plate means you'll need to enjoy your coffee as soon as possible, and although the carafe is double-walled, it doesn't retain heat very well. A separate insulated bottle or jug will be necessary if you want to keep it hot for longer.

You'll only use the Quick Brew mode

The digital Guided Brew mode is what makes the Aiden special. If it doesn't appeal, you're better off saving some cash and choosing a simpler drip coffee maker instead.

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker: also consider

If the Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker hasn't won you over, here are two other options to think about.

Moccamaster KBGV Select

Our top-rated drip coffee maker, the KBGV Select doesn't have the smarts of the Aiden but is extremely well-built and very well regarded among filter enthusiasts. It has a hot plate, too.

Read our full review

Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Machine

If you're looking for a simple drip coffee machine with a timer for your morning brew, Smeg has you covered - and in style, too. It doesn't have the largest carafe, but this little machine does its job very well, including keeping your coffee hot until you're ready for breakfast.

Read our full review

How I tested the Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker

I tested the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker using a variety of coffees from Clifton Coffee Roasters, comparing the results to those from a fully manual filter coffee machine and a V60 coffee dripper. The cold brew was compared to coffee steeped overnight in a fridge. Coffee was ground to the same coarseness using an electric burr grinder. The baskets and carafe were cleaned between uses, and I used filtered tap water for all beverages.

For more details, see how we test.

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