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Samsung Bespoke Jet review
7:40 am | April 20, 2022

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Comments: Off

Editor's Note

• Original review date: April 2022
• Newer Samsung Bespoke Jet AI model now available
• Launch price: from $1,035 / £629 / AU$1,299
• Official price now: $699.99 / £449 / AU$1,099

Updated: February 2024. Despite Samsung releasing the Bespoke Jet AI in 2023, the original Bespoke Jet is still one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners you can get, especially since prices have dropped since launch. While the UK and Australia have multiple variations of the Bespoke Jet available to purchase, which include a variety of attachments and an extra battery as well, the US now has just the one model that comes with a single battery and not a lot of different attachments – which explains the massive price drop. Samsung regularly discounts the Bespoke Jet models now, and you can save about $200 / £150 / AU$300, making it excellent value. The rest of this review remains as previously published.

Samsung Bespoke Jet: two-minute review

Using the Samsung Bespoke Jet is one of the best experiences we’ve had when testing a vacuum cleaner of any kind. It’s capable of putting the Dyson V15 Detect to shame in terms of its functionality and power, and does a better job on piled carpets than a corded Miele (some of the more powerful traditional vacuums on the market today).

The Bespoke Jet will not just suck up dirt, debris and hair, it will also mop hard floors, even washing up ingrained stains as you can spray water on them to loosen the dirt first. After it’s all done, you just need to press a button to empty the dust canister and all the dirt collected gets sucked out in a second or two.

Samsung has definitely thought through the entire design and functionality of the Bespoke Jet, with one small exception. The large Jet Dual floor cleaning head (which we suspect most people will be using above all else) doesn’t move too well in angles, i.e the swivel isn’t great.

That’s compounded a little by the fact that it’s a touch top-heavy, but this issue isn’t unique to Samsung – as with most cordless vacuum cleaners with detachable battery packs, the weight distribution is uneven and trying to turn the vacuum cleaner can cause a little wrist/arm fatigue despite the Bespoke being lighter than previous Jet models. 

Having said that, the mopping and the soft roller cleaning heads don’t have the same issue, so it’s possible that this might be a one-off and a small defect on our review sample.

If we really had to complain about something else (we’re definitely in nitpicking territory now), that would be the extra space required by the accessory cradle. To be fair, though, that cradle is a necessity as it provides space not only for the plethora of tools that ship with the machine, it also adds an extra charging dock for the second battery that ships with two of the Bespoke Jet models. And it also comes with its own power cable, so you’re going to need two spare power points for the vacuum cleaner.

And that’s all we could find to complain about. The Bespoke Jet has excellent suction as a vacuum cleaner and does a pretty decent job as a mop too. It can also 'sweep', which is a functionality we never thought was a necessity until it was (more on this later). Long story short: it’s plenty powerful, particularly at its two high power modes, is self-cleaning and versatile... and also very competitively priced, making this one of the best vacuum cleaners yet.

Like Dyson, LG and Miele cordless vacuum cleaners, the Bespoke Jet also has different configurations (in select markets) – three to be precise – with the only difference between them being the number of batteries and the number of cleaning tools that ship with each.

Hand holding the Samsung Bespoke Jet over a rug

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Samsung Bespoke Jet price and availability

  • Announced February 2022
  • Launch price from $1,035 / £629 / AU$1,299
  • Available in different configurations in select markets

To confuse availability across its markets, Samsung has decided it will offer different models of the Bespoke Jet in different countries… with different names.

For example, the US only gets one model – the priciest option at $1,035 – that comes with all the cleaning heads and accessories, the Clean Station and, importantly, two battery packs. The UK, on the other hand, gets two models (at least for now) – the Jet Complete and Jet Complete Extra – costing £629 and £899 respectively. The difference here is the cheaper option comes with a single battery pack, while the latter ships with two packs and the Power Mop cleaning head to boot.

Australia hits the jackpot with three models called the Jet Pro Extra, Jet Complete Extra and Jet Elite Extra. Interestingly, all three come with two battery packs, with the only difference being the accessories shipping with the three models. The first two configurations cost AU$1,299 while the Elite Extra is AU$1,399.

It’s hard to compare the price of the Bespoke Jet with anything else on the market as most other popular brands – Dyson, Shark, Bissell, Miele – don't come with auto-empty stations for the cordless stick vacuums. The only one that's comparable is the LG CordZero A9 Handstick with All-In-One Tower that costs $999 / AU$1,599 (unavailable in the UK). It vacuums, mops and self-cleans too, plus offers two battery packs as well. Interestingly, the All-In-One Tower offers all the space you need to store the attachments and tools.

With just one model to compare the Bespoke Jet with, we think it's pretty competitively priced.

Samsung Bespoke Jet docked on cleaning station

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Samsung Bespoke Jet design

  • Free-standing Clean Station and charging dock
  • Accessory cradle
  • Telescopic tube

Just like the Bespoke Fridge range, the Bespoke Jet cordless vacuum cleaner comes in an array of earthy colors – white, navy blue and green – which should complement your home decor no matter what shades you’ve opted for.

And no matter which Bespoke Jet model is available in your country, you’ll get it with the headline feature – the all-in-one Clean Station. It doubles as the charging stand as well, with space for the main floor cleaning head attached to the telescopic tube. You just have to make sure the tube is retracted for it to fit. Yes, you read that right: the Bespoke Jet comes with a telescopic tube – a rare occurrence in the world of modern cordless uprights.

Samsung’s Clean Station is a little different from the auto-empty stations now available with plenty of newer robot vacuum cleaners. Instead of automatically sucking out the dirt from the dust canister as soon as the machine is docked, the Clean Station requires the user to press a button for the process to start and also stop it manually. It takes no more than 2-3 seconds for a full 0.5L canister to empty into a 2L bag that can easily be swapped out when full (you get three with the machine – one installed and two extra) by removing a panel on the stand.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's Cleaning Station start/stop button

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The panel fits so seamlessly around the Clean Station that it’s easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention to the user manual. Even better is just how easy it is to remove and put back – it takes absolutely no effort at all – and that goes for every part of the vacuum cleaner when you’re assembling it, including the telescopic tube (something you don’t usually get in a lot of handsticks), cleaning heads, the tiny bottle that’s the water tank or the battery. Everything about the handstick is just… so easy.

Under the removable panel is another one that swings outward to reveal the dust bag. A point to note about this inner door is that it will not click shut if no bag is attached, meaning you won’t be able to close the outer panel either. So when changing out the dust bag, be sure to replace it immediately.

If you’d like to avoid the recurring cost of the disposable bags, you can empty the dust canister the usual way. You can also take it apart completely to wash it out occasionally and clean/replace the filter, which is best practice if you want to extend the life of your vacuum cleaner.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's replaceable dust bag inside the Clean Station

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The Bespoke Jet is also lighter than some of the other popular cordless vacuum cleaners on the market today. For example, the Dyson V15 Detect weighs in at 3kg, while the Bespoke Jet tops the scales at 2.7kg. That said, the battery on the top of the handheld unit (which weighs 1.44kg) does make the weight distribution uneven and the machine can feel heavy, particularly when you’re trying to manoeuvre it in small angles.

And that is our only complaint with Samsung’s new vacuum cleaner – unless you take into account the extra space you’re going to need to either store all the various tools and accessories (there’s no space for them on the Cleaning Station itself) or the Accessory Cradle that ships with the Bespoke Jet.

The cradle is a thoughtful addition as it provides a charging slot for the second battery that ships with specific models, meaning you’re going to need to place the cradle near a second power point or use a multi-way plug as it comes with its own cable. Moving the cradle around is easy, though, as it’s got a carry handle.

Samsung Bespoke Jet Clean Station and Accessory Cradle standing side by side

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Depending on the Bespoke Jet model, you can get up to seven cleaning heads and tools. This includes two motorized cleaning heads for hard floors alone – the Jet Dual Brush that has a bristle roller and a soft roller for use on hard floors and carpets, and the Slim Action attachment that’s got just the soft roller and designed for wood floors.

Then there’s the Spray Spinning Sweeper that, as the name suggests, can be used to sweep and to mop. Samsung provides a pair of bristly pads that can be handy to loosen particles in dried-up kitchen spills or muddy shoe tracks. Note that there’s no suction when using the Sweeper, so all you’re doing is moving the dirt around, calling for a round of vacuuming and/or mopping after.

Alternatively, you can fill the little plastic bottle (aka the water tank) and spray some water onto the caked-in grime, then mop using the washable microfiber pads. Samsung also provides a pack of disposable, antimicrobial wet wipes that attach to the bristles of the stiff pads, but we found these to be quite wasteful as they dry up quickly and a pair isn’t enough to mop a full room, let alone the whole house.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's Spray Spinning Sweeper and its water tank

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Other than the three motorized cleaning heads, there’s a smaller soft roller called the Pet Tool (which is also motorized), as well as the usual suspects of the crevice tool, the combination tool and a flexible tool.

Take all seven into account and you’ll find the Accessory Cradle is the best storage option if you have the extra floor space. While the cradle itself fits only four tools (even the big motorized ones), a smaller attachment adds a few more spots.

All the controls you need are within easy reach of your thumb when holding the handstick and the digital display is clear and sharp. Other than the power button, there’s just the plus and minus buttons that cycle through the suction/power modes (there are four) and, when the water tank and Spray Spinner are attached, you use the plus button to spray water. Note that unlike the LG CordZero A9 Kompressor Aqua, the mopping head does not automatically suck water to the pads – you can pre-wet the microfibre pads and then spray as and when you need more moisture on the floor, or spray and use the dry pads to clean up the puddles.

As with the digital display on Dyson vacuums, the Bespoke Jet will show you what power mode you’re on and how much battery life is left for each. When docked, it becomes a battery charging indicator.

Samsung Bespoke Jet being used on a rug

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Samsung Bespoke Jet performance

  • Extremely powerful suction in Jet mode
  • Lacks dynamic suction
  • Good as a mop

Not only is the Samsung Bespoke Jet good-looking (well, when docked on the Clean Station, it’s sleek as), it’s quite powerful too. There are four suction modes – Min, Mid, Max and Jet – and we found ourselves mostly using the Mid level for regular cleaning runs. Carpets take a few passes to get clean in this mode, but we have to talk about the Jet mode. It’s got the most powerful suction we’ve seen on any vacuum cleaner we’ve tested or used, proven by our test of a very hairy carpet getting cleaned in a single pass.

We allowed a wall-to-wall carpet space to get really dirty over three weeks, adding hair from brushes as well and grinding them right into the fibers. A light-brown mid-pile carpet turned almost black by the time we were done with it and we kid not: a single pass and it was all gone! The Dyson V15 Detect in Boost mode was not able to keep up, requiring two to three passes to clean the same amount of equally dirty carpet.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's Dual Jet Brush cleaning head

(Image credit: TechRadar)

We also threw some talcum powder on the same carpet, a fluffy bath mat and on a tiled floor – on the Jet setting, it took a single pass for the fine white powder to disappear from the carpet, a couple of passes on the bath mat and a single pass on the tiles.

As impressive as that sounds, using the Bespoke Jet on its highest suction mode limits battery to just eight minutes (more on battery life later). Having said that, a single pass means you finish cleaning quicker and those eight minutes go a long way. We were able to clean a fully-carpeted bedroom and half a living room in that time in our test space, which is pretty good. And given we had two batteries to play with, Max and Jet modes quickly became our favorite options for vacuuming. To be fair though, the Mid setting, which is the default option as soon as you turn the handstick on, is pretty capable too, and would be perfect for the day-to-day cleaning runs.

The one thing Dyson has over Samsung in their respective flagship cordless vacuum cleaners is dynamic suction. The Dyson V15 Detect automatically increases suction when it detects a rug or carpet, or when it detects more dirt. The Bespoke Jet misses out on this feature – if it did boast dynamic suction, we think Samsung truly would have had the perfect vacuum cleaner.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's digital display

(Image credit: TechRadar)

We didn’t think a sweeper would be very useful until we needed to get rid of caked-in muddy boot prints. We tested the Bespoke Jet in Sydney when the city was deluged with unseasonal rain, so tracking mud through our test space seemed to be the norm each day. Vacuuming (even in Jet mode) did not take care of the dry mud, so a quick loosening of the dried grime with the bristly pads helped. It might seem a complicated process, but this needed to be followed up with a quick vacuum run and a mop to get the hard floors looking spotless. But given how quickly attachments slot in and out, the whole process really doesn’t take so long. Sweeping, though, isn’t something we see most people using a lot, but it’s handy to have.

As a mop, the Bespoke Jet was surprisingly impressive too. We allowed drops of sauce from different types of food to fall and dry on our test space’s kitchen floor over a few days. We didn’t even bother pre-wetting the microfiber pads; we just fitted the water tank to the Sweeper, sprayed some water on the bits of food and allowed the machine to do its thing. A few seconds later and all the spots were gone. 

We saw similar mopping prowess from the LG CordZero A9 Kompressor Aqua model in the Turbo mode – this vacuums and mops at the same time but adds some vibrations to the mopping process for caked-in grime. The Samsung has no such vibrations and can still manage to do a good job. It must be noted that mopping using a handstick (any brand) isn’t the same as your own elbow grease, which is perhaps the only option when your hard floors are particularly grimy.

Samsung Bespoke Jet being used as a handheld unit with Combination Tool

(Image credit: TechRadar)

It should be mentioned that with the rounded edges of the Spray Spinning Sweeper, you’re not going to be able to mop into corners, but the attachments swivels really well.

Like any other handstick, the Bespoke Jet quickly converts into a handheld unit that lets you dust shelves, and get into nooks and crannies with the crevice tool or the flexible tool.

Whatever the Bespoke Jet does, it does so relatively quietly. Where the Dyson V15 Detect registered 77dB on its Auto mode (81dB in its Boost mode), the Samsung topped out at 71dB in the Mid power level, 75dB in Max and 78dB in Jet.

We’ve also got to talk about how powerful the suction in the Cleaning Station is. As we mentioned before, it takes just a couple of seconds to empty a full canister, and this is even more impressive considering long lengths of hair that can be seen tangled around the central cylinder get pulled out. 

Speaking of long hair, you will need to be a little careful when using the Sweeper – if you haven’t done a good vacuum run before a mop, hair on the floor easily gets tangled around its roller wheel and cleaning that out is near impossible. This could affect its movement later in the life of the machine.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's battery charging indicator displayed

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Samsung Bespoke Jet battery life

  • Swappable battery pack
  • Up to 120 minutes battery life; more in wet mode
  • Fade-free power

60 minutes seems to be the standard for most of the cordless handsticks that have been released in the last two or three years, and that’s the case here as well. Each battery pack that comes with the Bespoke Jet offers you a maximum of 60 minutes while vacuuming, and about 1 hour 20 minutes when mopping. Note that the max of 60 minutes is while using the non-motorized tools like the combination or crevice tools. 

Depending on the suction mode, though, you’re looking at a maximum of 42 minutes when using a motorized cleaning head. 42 minutes, of course, is on the Min power setting, which drops to 24 for Mid, 14 at Max and a mere 8 minutes at the Jet setting.

The good thing is you really don’t need to pay attention to how long you’re using the vacuum for as the time remaining is displayed clearly on the screen. And having a second battery pack you can swap out, there really is nothing to worry about.

When a battery pack is done, the machine just switches off, like a Dyson, without fading out the power. From there, it takes about 3.5 hours to top up from zero to full.

Should I buy the Samsung Bespoke Jet vacuum cleaner?

Samsung Bespoke Jet being used on Max mode

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if...

Also consider

  • First reviewed on April 2022
Samsung Bespoke Jet review
7:40 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Comments: Off

Editor's Note

• Original review date: April 2022
• Newer Samsung Bespoke Jet AI model now available
• Launch price: from $1,035 / £629 / AU$1,299
• Official price now: $699.99 / £449 / AU$1,099

Updated: February 2024. Despite Samsung releasing the Bespoke Jet AI in 2023, the original Bespoke Jet is still one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners you can get, especially since prices have dropped since launch. While the UK and Australia have multiple variations of the Bespoke Jet available to purchase, which include a variety of attachments and an extra battery as well, the US now has just the one model that comes with a single battery and not a lot of different attachments – which explains the massive price drop. Samsung regularly discounts the Bespoke Jet models now, and you can save about $200 / £150 / AU$300, making it excellent value. The rest of this review remains as previously published.

Samsung Bespoke Jet: two-minute review

Using the Samsung Bespoke Jet is one of the best experiences we’ve had when testing a vacuum cleaner of any kind. It’s capable of putting the Dyson V15 Detect to shame in terms of its functionality and power, and does a better job on piled carpets than a corded Miele (some of the more powerful traditional vacuums on the market today).

The Bespoke Jet will not just suck up dirt, debris and hair, it will also mop hard floors, even washing up ingrained stains as you can spray water on them to loosen the dirt first. After it’s all done, you just need to press a button to empty the dust canister and all the dirt collected gets sucked out in a second or two.

Samsung has definitely thought through the entire design and functionality of the Bespoke Jet, with one small exception. The large Jet Dual floor cleaning head (which we suspect most people will be using above all else) doesn’t move too well in angles, i.e the swivel isn’t great.

That’s compounded a little by the fact that it’s a touch top-heavy, but this issue isn’t unique to Samsung – as with most cordless vacuum cleaners with detachable battery packs, the weight distribution is uneven and trying to turn the vacuum cleaner can cause a little wrist/arm fatigue despite the Bespoke being lighter than previous Jet models. 

Having said that, the mopping and the soft roller cleaning heads don’t have the same issue, so it’s possible that this might be a one-off and a small defect on our review sample.

If we really had to complain about something else (we’re definitely in nitpicking territory now), that would be the extra space required by the accessory cradle. To be fair, though, that cradle is a necessity as it provides space not only for the plethora of tools that ship with the machine, it also adds an extra charging dock for the second battery that ships with two of the Bespoke Jet models. And it also comes with its own power cable, so you’re going to need two spare power points for the vacuum cleaner.

And that’s all we could find to complain about. The Bespoke Jet has excellent suction as a vacuum cleaner and does a pretty decent job as a mop too. It can also 'sweep', which is a functionality we never thought was a necessity until it was (more on this later). Long story short: it’s plenty powerful, particularly at its two high power modes, is self-cleaning and versatile... and also very competitively priced, making this one of the best vacuum cleaners yet.

Like Dyson, LG and Miele cordless vacuum cleaners, the Bespoke Jet also has different configurations (in select markets) – three to be precise – with the only difference between them being the number of batteries and the number of cleaning tools that ship with each.

Hand holding the Samsung Bespoke Jet over a rug

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Samsung Bespoke Jet price and availability

  • Announced February 2022
  • Launch price from $1,035 / £629 / AU$1,299
  • Available in different configurations in select markets

To confuse availability across its markets, Samsung has decided it will offer different models of the Bespoke Jet in different countries… with different names.

For example, the US only gets one model – the priciest option at $1,035 – that comes with all the cleaning heads and accessories, the Clean Station and, importantly, two battery packs. The UK, on the other hand, gets two models (at least for now) – the Jet Complete and Jet Complete Extra – costing £629 and £899 respectively. The difference here is the cheaper option comes with a single battery pack, while the latter ships with two packs and the Power Mop cleaning head to boot.

Australia hits the jackpot with three models called the Jet Pro Extra, Jet Complete Extra and Jet Elite Extra. Interestingly, all three come with two battery packs, with the only difference being the accessories shipping with the three models. The first two configurations cost AU$1,299 while the Elite Extra is AU$1,399.

It’s hard to compare the price of the Bespoke Jet with anything else on the market as most other popular brands – Dyson, Shark, Bissell, Miele – don't come with auto-empty stations for the cordless stick vacuums. The only one that's comparable is the LG CordZero A9 Handstick with All-In-One Tower that costs $999 / AU$1,599 (unavailable in the UK). It vacuums, mops and self-cleans too, plus offers two battery packs as well. Interestingly, the All-In-One Tower offers all the space you need to store the attachments and tools.

With just one model to compare the Bespoke Jet with, we think it's pretty competitively priced.

Samsung Bespoke Jet docked on cleaning station

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Samsung Bespoke Jet design

  • Free-standing Clean Station and charging dock
  • Accessory cradle
  • Telescopic tube

Just like the Bespoke Fridge range, the Bespoke Jet cordless vacuum cleaner comes in an array of earthy colors – white, navy blue and green – which should complement your home decor no matter what shades you’ve opted for.

And no matter which Bespoke Jet model is available in your country, you’ll get it with the headline feature – the all-in-one Clean Station. It doubles as the charging stand as well, with space for the main floor cleaning head attached to the telescopic tube. You just have to make sure the tube is retracted for it to fit. Yes, you read that right: the Bespoke Jet comes with a telescopic tube – a rare occurrence in the world of modern cordless uprights.

Samsung’s Clean Station is a little different from the auto-empty stations now available with plenty of newer robot vacuum cleaners. Instead of automatically sucking out the dirt from the dust canister as soon as the machine is docked, the Clean Station requires the user to press a button for the process to start and also stop it manually. It takes no more than 2-3 seconds for a full 0.5L canister to empty into a 2L bag that can easily be swapped out when full (you get three with the machine – one installed and two extra) by removing a panel on the stand.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's Cleaning Station start/stop button

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The panel fits so seamlessly around the Clean Station that it’s easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention to the user manual. Even better is just how easy it is to remove and put back – it takes absolutely no effort at all – and that goes for every part of the vacuum cleaner when you’re assembling it, including the telescopic tube (something you don’t usually get in a lot of handsticks), cleaning heads, the tiny bottle that’s the water tank or the battery. Everything about the handstick is just… so easy.

Under the removable panel is another one that swings outward to reveal the dust bag. A point to note about this inner door is that it will not click shut if no bag is attached, meaning you won’t be able to close the outer panel either. So when changing out the dust bag, be sure to replace it immediately.

If you’d like to avoid the recurring cost of the disposable bags, you can empty the dust canister the usual way. You can also take it apart completely to wash it out occasionally and clean/replace the filter, which is best practice if you want to extend the life of your vacuum cleaner.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's replaceable dust bag inside the Clean Station

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The Bespoke Jet is also lighter than some of the other popular cordless vacuum cleaners on the market today. For example, the Dyson V15 Detect weighs in at 3kg, while the Bespoke Jet tops the scales at 2.7kg. That said, the battery on the top of the handheld unit (which weighs 1.44kg) does make the weight distribution uneven and the machine can feel heavy, particularly when you’re trying to manoeuvre it in small angles.

And that is our only complaint with Samsung’s new vacuum cleaner – unless you take into account the extra space you’re going to need to either store all the various tools and accessories (there’s no space for them on the Cleaning Station itself) or the Accessory Cradle that ships with the Bespoke Jet.

The cradle is a thoughtful addition as it provides a charging slot for the second battery that ships with specific models, meaning you’re going to need to place the cradle near a second power point or use a multi-way plug as it comes with its own cable. Moving the cradle around is easy, though, as it’s got a carry handle.

Samsung Bespoke Jet Clean Station and Accessory Cradle standing side by side

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Depending on the Bespoke Jet model, you can get up to seven cleaning heads and tools. This includes two motorized cleaning heads for hard floors alone – the Jet Dual Brush that has a bristle roller and a soft roller for use on hard floors and carpets, and the Slim Action attachment that’s got just the soft roller and designed for wood floors.

Then there’s the Spray Spinning Sweeper that, as the name suggests, can be used to sweep and to mop. Samsung provides a pair of bristly pads that can be handy to loosen particles in dried-up kitchen spills or muddy shoe tracks. Note that there’s no suction when using the Sweeper, so all you’re doing is moving the dirt around, calling for a round of vacuuming and/or mopping after.

Alternatively, you can fill the little plastic bottle (aka the water tank) and spray some water onto the caked-in grime, then mop using the washable microfiber pads. Samsung also provides a pack of disposable, antimicrobial wet wipes that attach to the bristles of the stiff pads, but we found these to be quite wasteful as they dry up quickly and a pair isn’t enough to mop a full room, let alone the whole house.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's Spray Spinning Sweeper and its water tank

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Other than the three motorized cleaning heads, there’s a smaller soft roller called the Pet Tool (which is also motorized), as well as the usual suspects of the crevice tool, the combination tool and a flexible tool.

Take all seven into account and you’ll find the Accessory Cradle is the best storage option if you have the extra floor space. While the cradle itself fits only four tools (even the big motorized ones), a smaller attachment adds a few more spots.

All the controls you need are within easy reach of your thumb when holding the handstick and the digital display is clear and sharp. Other than the power button, there’s just the plus and minus buttons that cycle through the suction/power modes (there are four) and, when the water tank and Spray Spinner are attached, you use the plus button to spray water. Note that unlike the LG CordZero A9 Kompressor Aqua, the mopping head does not automatically suck water to the pads – you can pre-wet the microfibre pads and then spray as and when you need more moisture on the floor, or spray and use the dry pads to clean up the puddles.

As with the digital display on Dyson vacuums, the Bespoke Jet will show you what power mode you’re on and how much battery life is left for each. When docked, it becomes a battery charging indicator.

Samsung Bespoke Jet being used on a rug

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Samsung Bespoke Jet performance

  • Extremely powerful suction in Jet mode
  • Lacks dynamic suction
  • Good as a mop

Not only is the Samsung Bespoke Jet good-looking (well, when docked on the Clean Station, it’s sleek as), it’s quite powerful too. There are four suction modes – Min, Mid, Max and Jet – and we found ourselves mostly using the Mid level for regular cleaning runs. Carpets take a few passes to get clean in this mode, but we have to talk about the Jet mode. It’s got the most powerful suction we’ve seen on any vacuum cleaner we’ve tested or used, proven by our test of a very hairy carpet getting cleaned in a single pass.

We allowed a wall-to-wall carpet space to get really dirty over three weeks, adding hair from brushes as well and grinding them right into the fibers. A light-brown mid-pile carpet turned almost black by the time we were done with it and we kid not: a single pass and it was all gone! The Dyson V15 Detect in Boost mode was not able to keep up, requiring two to three passes to clean the same amount of equally dirty carpet.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's Dual Jet Brush cleaning head

(Image credit: TechRadar)

We also threw some talcum powder on the same carpet, a fluffy bath mat and on a tiled floor – on the Jet setting, it took a single pass for the fine white powder to disappear from the carpet, a couple of passes on the bath mat and a single pass on the tiles.

As impressive as that sounds, using the Bespoke Jet on its highest suction mode limits battery to just eight minutes (more on battery life later). Having said that, a single pass means you finish cleaning quicker and those eight minutes go a long way. We were able to clean a fully-carpeted bedroom and half a living room in that time in our test space, which is pretty good. And given we had two batteries to play with, Max and Jet modes quickly became our favorite options for vacuuming. To be fair though, the Mid setting, which is the default option as soon as you turn the handstick on, is pretty capable too, and would be perfect for the day-to-day cleaning runs.

The one thing Dyson has over Samsung in their respective flagship cordless vacuum cleaners is dynamic suction. The Dyson V15 Detect automatically increases suction when it detects a rug or carpet, or when it detects more dirt. The Bespoke Jet misses out on this feature – if it did boast dynamic suction, we think Samsung truly would have had the perfect vacuum cleaner.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's digital display

(Image credit: TechRadar)

We didn’t think a sweeper would be very useful until we needed to get rid of caked-in muddy boot prints. We tested the Bespoke Jet in Sydney when the city was deluged with unseasonal rain, so tracking mud through our test space seemed to be the norm each day. Vacuuming (even in Jet mode) did not take care of the dry mud, so a quick loosening of the dried grime with the bristly pads helped. It might seem a complicated process, but this needed to be followed up with a quick vacuum run and a mop to get the hard floors looking spotless. But given how quickly attachments slot in and out, the whole process really doesn’t take so long. Sweeping, though, isn’t something we see most people using a lot, but it’s handy to have.

As a mop, the Bespoke Jet was surprisingly impressive too. We allowed drops of sauce from different types of food to fall and dry on our test space’s kitchen floor over a few days. We didn’t even bother pre-wetting the microfiber pads; we just fitted the water tank to the Sweeper, sprayed some water on the bits of food and allowed the machine to do its thing. A few seconds later and all the spots were gone. 

We saw similar mopping prowess from the LG CordZero A9 Kompressor Aqua model in the Turbo mode – this vacuums and mops at the same time but adds some vibrations to the mopping process for caked-in grime. The Samsung has no such vibrations and can still manage to do a good job. It must be noted that mopping using a handstick (any brand) isn’t the same as your own elbow grease, which is perhaps the only option when your hard floors are particularly grimy.

Samsung Bespoke Jet being used as a handheld unit with Combination Tool

(Image credit: TechRadar)

It should be mentioned that with the rounded edges of the Spray Spinning Sweeper, you’re not going to be able to mop into corners, but the attachments swivels really well.

Like any other handstick, the Bespoke Jet quickly converts into a handheld unit that lets you dust shelves, and get into nooks and crannies with the crevice tool or the flexible tool.

Whatever the Bespoke Jet does, it does so relatively quietly. Where the Dyson V15 Detect registered 77dB on its Auto mode (81dB in its Boost mode), the Samsung topped out at 71dB in the Mid power level, 75dB in Max and 78dB in Jet.

We’ve also got to talk about how powerful the suction in the Cleaning Station is. As we mentioned before, it takes just a couple of seconds to empty a full canister, and this is even more impressive considering long lengths of hair that can be seen tangled around the central cylinder get pulled out. 

Speaking of long hair, you will need to be a little careful when using the Sweeper – if you haven’t done a good vacuum run before a mop, hair on the floor easily gets tangled around its roller wheel and cleaning that out is near impossible. This could affect its movement later in the life of the machine.

Samsung Bespoke Jet's battery charging indicator displayed

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Samsung Bespoke Jet battery life

  • Swappable battery pack
  • Up to 120 minutes battery life; more in wet mode
  • Fade-free power

60 minutes seems to be the standard for most of the cordless handsticks that have been released in the last two or three years, and that’s the case here as well. Each battery pack that comes with the Bespoke Jet offers you a maximum of 60 minutes while vacuuming, and about 1 hour 20 minutes when mopping. Note that the max of 60 minutes is while using the non-motorized tools like the combination or crevice tools. 

Depending on the suction mode, though, you’re looking at a maximum of 42 minutes when using a motorized cleaning head. 42 minutes, of course, is on the Min power setting, which drops to 24 for Mid, 14 at Max and a mere 8 minutes at the Jet setting.

The good thing is you really don’t need to pay attention to how long you’re using the vacuum for as the time remaining is displayed clearly on the screen. And having a second battery pack you can swap out, there really is nothing to worry about.

When a battery pack is done, the machine just switches off, like a Dyson, without fading out the power. From there, it takes about 3.5 hours to top up from zero to full.

Should I buy the Samsung Bespoke Jet vacuum cleaner?

Samsung Bespoke Jet being used on Max mode

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if...

Also consider

  • First reviewed on April 2022
KitchenAid 13 cup / 3.1L Food Processor review
12:30 pm | March 28, 2022

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

KitchenAid KFP1318 / KFP1319: two-minute review

Product info

This model has slightly different names and product codes in different territories:

US: KitchenAid 13 Cup Food Processor KFP1318 / KFP1319
UK: KitchenAid 1.7 L Food Processor 5KFP1318 / 5KFP1319
AU: KitchenAid 13 Cup Food Processor KFP1319

The products with 319 in their codes have an extra dicing accessory and storage lid. For this review, we tested both of the UK models. There may be minor differences between different countries' models.

When it comes to countertop kitchen appliances, KitchenAid is a firm and trusted favorite, so it should come as no surprise that the KitchenAid 13 Cup / 3.1L food processor has left an impression on us.

This KitchenAid 13 Cup / 3.1L food processor is available in two different configurations – the standard 13 Cup / 3.1L food processor (KFP1318), and an identical version but with an extra dicing accessory and storage lid (KFP1319). In the US and the UK,  you can buy both versions, whilst only the dicer iteration is available in Australia. The current price of the KFP1318 is $169.99 / £237.15, and the KFP1319 is $239.99 / £239 / AU$369.

With both models, you’ll get an adjustable slicing disc, a reversible shredding disc, a multipurpose stainless steel chopping blade, and a dough blade. These all slot into a plastic storage caddy that fits inside the main bowl, providing a neat and easy storage solution. The size of this food processor is in line with similar models, it’s not exactly compact but it doesn’t take up a ton of space either.

A close up of the 13 cup work bowl of the KitchenAid 13 cup food processor, the black handle is on the right hand side. It is photographed against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

Removing and replacing the work bowl is delightfully easy, the one-click system means you can simply push it down to fix the bowl in place, which is more convenient than the conventional twist closures. Unlike most food processors, the main lid is hinged, but is also removable. In the case of the KFP1319, this can be replaced with the included refrigerator lid, to store food without tipping it into a separate container.

The 13 cup / 3.1L food processor offers two speeds and a pulse button, and the lid contains three removable pushers for inserting different-sized foods. As an added bonus, everything is top-rack dishwasher safe so cleaning is a doddle. The parts are easy to hand wash, too. However, it proved tricky to remove the dried pastry mixture from the little indents and crevices in the fitment ring of the chopping blade. We found that ingredients with smaller particles, like the almond dust, and ingredients from the pastry mixture liked to migrate inside the fitment ring of the chopping blade. This didn’t cause any issues, but we had to pay particular attention to this area when we hand-washed the chopping blade between tests.

A close up of the button controls on the front of a white KitchenAid 13 cup food processor.

(Image credit: Future)

On test, it coped well with most foods, slicing, shredding, and dicing with ease. The sharp stainless-steel blade and the dough blade work well, but there are limitations to the quantity of foods like dough and beef that can be processed, despite it being one of KitchenAid’s largest food processors. With this in mind, perhaps it’s best suited to smaller households or people who don’t want to process big batches of food if these are ingredients that are used often.

Overall, we were happy with the performance of the KitchenAid 13 Cup / 3.1L food processor. It breezed its way through most of what we threw in it, is not as loud as some other food processors we’ve tested, and has a well-considered and convenient design. It gets a thumbs-up from us.

KitchenAid KFP1318 / KFP1319 review: price & availability

  • KFP1318 list price: $169.99 / £237.15
  • KFP1319 list price: $239.99 / £239 / AU$369
  • Model available varies by region

The KitchenAid 13 cup / 3.1L Food Processor models available will vary depending on your location.  Both models are available to purchase directly from KitchenAid in the US, and they can both be purchased in the UK too, but only KFP1318 can be bought from KitchenAid directly. Only KFP1319 is available in Australia. There are no optional accessories available to buy separately.

A white KitchenAid Classic 13 cup / 3.1l sitting on a stone effect surface and against a pink background, with the storage caddy containing a reversible slicing disc on the right side, and the reversible grating  on the left.disc

(Image credit: Future)

The current price of the KFP1318 is $169.99 / £237.15, and the KFP1319 is $239.99 / £239 / AU$369. Some of the KitchenAid products are on sale currently, and it's worth keeping an eye out for KitchenAid promo codes to help take the price down.

Small appliances like this often attract discounts during major shopping events like the Amazon Prime Day deals and Black Friday sales, so if you aren't looking to invest this much in a processor right now, it's worth coming back during those events to see what deals are available.

  • Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

KitchenAid KFP1318 / KFP1319 specifications

KitchenAid KFP1318 / KFP1319 review: design & features

  • Two speeds and pulse
  • Easy to assemble
  • All attachments can be stored inside main bowl

The KitchenAid 13 cup / 3.1L Food Processor itself is no bigger or smaller than other similar capacity models, measuring 8.75 x 8.75 x 18 inch  / 222 x 222 x 464mm. What makes it feel smaller and more compact is the clever storage solution that we mentioned earlier. All of the accessories slot into the caddy which goes inside the main bowl, except in the case of the KFP1319 as the refrigerator lid will need to be stored separately.

The main hinged lid has three different size removable food pushers, ideal for lots of different foods. The lid removes easily from the bowl and can be replaced with the refrigerator lid to allow you to store food without decanting it into a different container if you have the KFP1319.

Image shows the black plastic storage caddy from the KitchenAid 13 cup food processor. It has the adjustable slicing disc on the top, and the reversible grating disc on the grey stone-effect surface on the right. It is photographed against a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

As we’ve already noted, the accessories include a stainless steel blade and dough blade. The slicing disc is adjusted via a knob on the lid, making it very safe and simple to adjust, and there are six thickness options to choose from. The reversible shredding disc offers thick as well as thin shredding. And the dicing accessory cleverly cubes all manner of foods to about 0.4 inches / 1cm dice. Setup is simple and apart from the dicing accessory, we rarely had to consult the manual to work out how to put it together. All removable parts are dishwasher-safe on the top rack.

The round base looks nice on the counter and it’s not too imposing. The KFP1318 is available in White, Contour Silver, Empire Red, Black and Matte Black in the US, but is only available in White in the UK. For the KFP1319 the same range of colors are available in the US. The same colors are available in Australia too, but instead of the White option there is Almond Cream.

 A few design features are immediately noticeable, including a hinged lid that clips shut with a latch. Additionally, the bowl sits directly onto the base thanks to the one-click system, no awkward twisting motion to get it into position like you’ll see on many other food processors. Our only complaint is that the handle can only be positioned to the right, making it less comfortable for left-handed cooks, and less accessible for some, as they may be unable to use it due to this limitation.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

KitchenAid KFP1318 / KFP1319 review: performance

  • Not too loud
  • Excellent chopping, slicing and dicing
  • Can only process smaller batches of meat and dough

We used the large side of the shredding disc for carrot and cheese and it sped through both, producing even shreds fast. A small disc of carrot was left un-shredded and a piece of cheese which amounted to about 13% of the total, but otherwise we were happy with the results. 

The slicing disc is really easy to use and we like that the adjustment knob is on the lid, making it super easy to adjust the size of the slices. It sliced through half a cucumber in seconds, producing pleasingly even slices.

A close up photo of neatly sliced cucumber inside the KitchenAid 13 cup food processor work bowl.

(Image credit: Future / Cesci Angell)

To try out the dough blade, we made a bread dough, but the instruction manual advises against processing quantities of dough larger than 13.5 oz / 384g, which isn’t even enough for a standard size loaf. We adjusted our recipe down to the right quantity but the dough blade was quite slow to combine the ingredients into a dough and required an extra splash of water to help it come together. The food processor wobbled a little when mixing the dough, but it wasn’t unstable.

The stainless-steel blade aced almost every task we gave it, finely and evenly chopping onion and breadcrumbs as well as mixing a smooth cake batter. Hazelnuts were very finely chopped but with a little powder. Almonds on the other hand were chopped unevenly, with large and small pieces and a fair amount of powder.

A close up photo of some onion that was chopped by the Kitchen Aid 13 cup processor.

(Image credit: Future / Cesci Angell)

Cubed beef was no match for this blade, it took just seconds to turn it into finely ground meat. But the instruction manual advises that only 0.5lb / 225g can be chopped in one go, which is half as much as we intended to chop and quite a small quantity given the food processor's overall capacity.

Finally, we tried out the dicing accessory and we were impressed with how fast it diced two potatoes. We had to chop the potatoes in half to fit in the feed chute, but the results were excellent nonetheless and it really does make short work of this labor-intensive task.

The KitchenAid KFP1319 food processor having just been used to grate cheese

(Image credit: TechRadar)

It was loudest when shredding with our noise meter maxing out at 84dB, which is the equivalent to the noise experienced when a truck is traveling at 40mph, but during the other tasks, it averaged around 75dB, which is similar to sound level when a toilet is flushed.  

  • Performance score: 4 out of 5

Should I buy the KitchenAid KFP1318 / KFP1319?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

KitchenAid KFP1318 / KFP1319 review: also consider

How we tested the KitchenAid KFP1318 / KFP1319

We spent time assembling the KitchenAid 13 cup / 3.1L Food Processor, reading the instruction manual and assessing the design and accessories.

To put the food processor through its paces we used the chopping blade and different speed settings to chop carrot, cucumber, onion, and almonds. We also used it to process bread to make breadcrumbs and combine flour, margarine, and water to make pastry.

We tested how easy it was to clean the processor parts by hand-washing, and using the dishwasher to establish how well the parts cleaned with either method.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed March 2022, re-tested June 2024
Tineco Floor One S5 review
1:30 pm | March 1, 2022

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Comments: Off

Tineco Floor One S5: two-minute review

The Tineco Floor One S5 is a cordless wet-dry vacuum with a floor-standing dock. It vacuums and mops in tandem, removing the need to vacuum before mopping, and potentially cutting your hard floor cleaning time in half.

It features Tineco's iLoop smart sensor technology, which detects both wet and dry dirt and adjusts suction, water flow and roller speed accordingly. A light ring will glow red when it finds a particularly dirty bit of floor, and slowly change to blue as it cleans it. It's all very satisfying. I was impressed at how efficiently it worked when vacuuming and mopping up dirt and cleaning fresh wet spills in my home. Understandably, it took a little more effort to dislodge caked-on dirt, but it cleared that eventually too, with the help of Max mode. It can't get into grouting cracks between tiles, however, and although it can tackle dust, it can't be used on area rugs or carpet, so if you have those you'll still need to supplement this with one of the best vacuum cleaners.

While it's quite heavy, the fact it propels itself forwards means it's still comfortable to use, and it's easy to maneuver, too, although it won't lie flat so you won't be able to get too far underneath furniture. There's an automatic self-clean program for hands-off cleaning of the brush roller, and an onboard voice assistant that'll prompt you to add water, empty the dirty water tank and even remind you to start the self-clean program. There's a companion app too, although it's far from essential.

The Tineco Floor One S5 would be great to have on standby if you have young kids who are prone to spilling food under the table, you simply need to refresh a muddy hallway, or as a quick fix on dusty floors that look desperately messy when the sun shines through. That's the short version; read on for my full Tineco Floor One S5 review.

Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop review: price & availability

  • List price: $499 / £399
  • Launch date: April 2022
  • Availability: US / UK

Tineco is a Chinese company that sells a range of carpet cleaners, wet-dry vacuums and smart vacuum cleaners. The Floor One S5 was added to its floorcare range in 2022 and is available to buy in the US and UK with a list price of $499 / £399.

The S5 isn’t a budget appliance, but considering it can perform the dual functions of vacuuming and mopping, it’s a time-saving two-in-one floor cleaner that’s worth the expense, especially for people who mop floors several times a week. The build quality is high, and Tineco provides things like spare brushrolls, a replacement filter, and cleaning solution, in the box.

There are cheaper options on the market, if you're on a budget. For example, the Shark HydroVac Cordless vacuum-mop has a list price of US$359.99 / £329.99.

While the S5 isn’t available in Australia, the Tineco Floor One S5 Pro is available. It’s virtually the same model but features additional animations on the screen as well as a suction-only mode.

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop specs

Tineco Floor One S5 review: design

  • Large charging dock holds all accessories
  • Auto mode detects dirt
  • Self-cleaning brush roller

The Tineco Floor One S5 is designed to be used on both wet and dry spills on hard flooring, and is roughly the size of a standard upright vacuum cleaner. With its graphite, white and navy finish, it's easy on the eye. The parts that look premium, and it feels like it has been built to last.

The wet-dry vacuum sits on a floor-standing charging dock for convenient grab-and-go cleaning. Bear in mind that the dock has quite a large footprint, so you’ll need to find floor space (near a power outlet) for it. When sat on its floor-standing charger, the handle is at a slight angle, so it’s not completely flush up against the wall. I appreciated that the dock includes spaces for a spare brush roller and filter, so they won't get lost.

The components of the Tineco Floor One S5

(Image credit: TechRadar)

On the vacuum are generously sized clean and dirty water tanks. Both are easy to remove, empty and fill. When the dirty water tank is full, the appliance switches off and the voice assistant prompts you to empty it. Likewise, when the clean water tank needs a refill, the voice assistant prompts you to do so, but it doesn’t automatically switch off.

On top of the main body of the cleaner, there’s a large, round screen that displays the battery percentage as well as the cleaning mode. There are two modes to choose from: an Auto mode, which uses iLoop Smart Sensor Technology to detect dirt and adjust suction accordingly, and a Max mode.

iLoop on the Tineco Floor One S5 Extreme vacuum cleaner goes from blue to red as it cleans

(Image credit: Future)

There are also a number of other symbols, which light up to alert you of issues such as when the dirty water tank needs emptying or the self-clean program needs running. A light ring around the edge of the screen changes color depending on the level of dirt detected: red when the cleaner detects a high level of dirt, becoming blue as the floor becomes cleaner.

The on/off switch is conveniently located on the handle, and next to it is a button to switch between Auto mode and Max mode. There's also a Suction mode, for when you don't want any cleaning solution sprayed out. This appliance comes with a companion app, which provides user advice and cleaning stats (more on this below).

The Tineco Floor One S5 being used to clean hard flooors

(Image credit: TechRadar)

A self-cleaning cycle can be activated by pressing a button on the top of the handle. During this cycle, clean water from the tank is used to rinse out the brush roller.

You can also change the brushroll in the floorhead, to extend cleaning times. Unclick the top cover from the floorhead and swap in a fresh roller while you rinse and leave the used one to dry. That means the machine is always ready to go.

Tineco is quite generous in terms of the extras provided in the box. My review model came with two extra brush rolls, a spare filter, a brush to clean the short section of pipe between the roller and dirty water tank, and some deodorizing and cleaning solution (this is the only solution recommended for use with this appliance).

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop review: performance

  • Maneuverable and self-propelling, but doesn't lie flat
  • Effectively cleans lots of mess types, but won't get into grouting
  • Voice prompts are useful

The Tineco Floor One S5 comes out of the box pretty much ready to go – there’s very little assembly required, other than clicking the handle into position and placing it on the dock. When the device is positioned on the docking station it delivers a voice prompt to let you know that ‘charging has commenced’, and you can see the battery levels rise.

The water tank is easy to fill and given that only one cap of cleaning fluid is required, the included bottle should last a while. The cleaner always starts in Auto mode, even if you were using Max mode last time.

The Tineco Floor One S5 Extreme vacuum cleaner at work on fine debris

(Image credit: Future)

This device is designed to remove wet spills, dirt, grime, grease and tough stains from most types of hard surfaces, although it's not suitable for rugs or carpets. I tested it out on sealed hardwood flooring, vinyl tiles, and ceramic tiles.

The Tineco Floor One S5 works by pushing forward to vacuum and pulling back to mop. Although it's quite heavy, when switched on it propels itself forward, requiring minimal effort. It’s also really maneuverable, turning tight corners with ease.

The floorhead does a great job of getting close up to baseboards and furniture. However, and because the handle won't go flat, you’re limited when it comes to cleaning under furniture, and the floorhead won't fit into small or awkward spaces, either. Wet-dry cleaners typically don't come with detail tools, but I think a crevice tool would be helpful here.

The controls are clear and useful. It's easy to see how much charge is left at any time, and the screen will also provide a prompt when the dirty water tank needs changing or the clean water tank has run out. There's also the option to use a voice prompt button for this, so you don't need to look at the screen.

The Tineco Floor One S5 being used to clean a hard floor

(Image credit: TechRadar)

On test, the Auto setting worked well, with suction audibly increasing when dirt was detected, and the changing colored lights providing a useful at-a-glance indicator of what was going on. Sometimes, the lights would turn red when going over parts of the floor that didn’t look dirty to the naked eye, prompting me to pay extra attention to these areas, which I wouldn’t have done with a regular mop. In general, I was impressed with how much dirt it pulled up from what I'd thought were relatively clean floors.

I found the Floor One S5 mopped evenly and didn't leave the floor too wet, leaving behind a mild, pleasant scent of cleaning solution.

When cleaning in both Auto mode and Max mode never went above 72db, which is the same level of noise made by a dishwasher mid-cycle, and is more than acceptable for a device like this.

Cleaning tests

To assess this cleaner's performance on different kinds of cleaning tasks, I ran series of tests.

I used it on my kitchen floor to clear up a milky cereal spillage and was amazed at how quickly and effortlessly it tackled the area. I removed most of the spillage using the suction-only mode, then switched to the Auto mode to completely clean the surface. In general, I found it a very convenient way of cleaning up liquid spills such as milk. It sucks up the liquid quickly and cleans the floor simultaneously, so it’s useful to have to hand if you’ve got small children.

I also tested it out on dried food splatters. Here, the mop needed a little more help and I found myself ramping up to Max mode and going over the area a few times to dislodge and clean effectively.

The Tineco Floor One S5 being used to clean a hard floor

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Certain consistencies of spillage also proved problematic. For example, it struggled to remove a blob of foundation from one of my bathroom tiles, and I had to go back and forth over the area several times to get it clean. It's also worth noting that on this tiled floor, while the surface was left clean and free of debris, the cleaner didn't get into grout lines, so these remained dry.

To test performance on dry messes, I sprinkled oats and crushed biscuit/flour on the floor. The vacuum picked up both with no problems, without leaving any residue behind. Overall, I found the performance on dry debris very effective – this cleaner clears hair and dust very effectively, even at the edge of the baseboards.

Maintenance

When cleaning on Max power, the dirty water tank required emptying after just six minutes of cleaning and the clean water tank needed a refill after only eight minutes. Both lasted longer in Auto mode, though, as it doesn’t use as much water.

Emptying the tank is a simple process but if you empty into your sink, you’ll then need to deal with all the larger debris that's mixed in with the grubby water. Emptying into the toilet makes things much simpler. (It's usual for wet-dry cleaners to mix wet and dry debris like this – Dyson WashG1 takes a different tack by separating solids from liquids for easier disposal and more straightforward maintenance.)

Removing the Tineco Floor One S5 Extreme's filter for cleaning

(Image credit: Future)

Once back on the charging dock, the Floor One S5 scans the dirt level on the brush roller and will prompt you to perform the automatic clean if needed. This takes roughly two minutes, during which time clean water will flush through the system and rinse the brush roller. It's a completely hands-off process, so you can walk away and do something else until it’s finished, at which point the dirty water tank will need emptying.

I also found it beneficial to remove the brush roll and leave it to dry separately when not in use. This can be fiddly – and rather grim if there’s a lot of mess – but a simple wash under warm water straight after use keeps things fresh.

Less frequently, you'll also need to clean the filter, and clear the tube between floorhead and water tank using the brush provided.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop review: app

  • Provides cleaning stats and helpful instructions
  • Only supports 2.4G Wi-Fi

This cleaner comes with a companion app: the Tineco Life app. This connects easily to the floor cleaner and it walks you through the setup process. While having an app for a floorcare appliance isn’t exactly necessary, it does contain a few useful features.

It allows you to change the language as well as volume of the voice prompts on the cleaner, you can also mute the voice altogether if you prefer. You can use it to check the cleaner's battery levels while it's charging, and tell you how long it is before charge is complete.

There are video tutorials on everything from how to fill and empty the water containers, to removing the brush roller and cleaning. Furthermore, you can tell the cleaner whether you’re using cleaning solution or cleaning with water only, this allows it to adjust settings if necessary, although this can be done without the app too.

There are other, arguably less useful features in the app, such as stats on the time spent cleaning and average daily use. It’s not necessarily an app you’ll use regularly, but it’s helpful to download it when first setting up the appliance, in our case it performed a firmware upgrade upon the initial setup.

Note: the companion only supports 2.4G Wi-Fi.

Tineco Floor One S5 vacuum and mop review: battery

  • Up to 35 minute runtime
  • Battery level displayed clearly on screen
  • 4-5 hour charging time

The battery percentage is shown clearly on the screen during use as well as while it’s charging. If you’re not near the cleaner, you can also check the battery level in the app, which will give you additional information about how much time is remaining before it’s fully charged. I found this to be quite accurate.

The Tineco Floor One S5 on charge

(Image credit: TechRadar)

During use in Max mode, the battery lasted 27 minutes, which is just shy of the 28 minutes stated by Tineco. It’ll last longer in Auto mode, but exactly how long will vary because auto mode adjusts the power depending on the dirt level detected.

Once the battery reaches 10 percent the number flashes to alert you that it’s low. A full recharge took just under four hours, which is faster than the four to five hours suggested by Tineco.

Should I buy the Tineco Floor One S5?

Buy it if...

You have a lot of hard floors
This cleaner will take care of vacuuming and mopping all your hard floors, in one go.

You’ve got children
It makes short work of cleaning up spills and washes the floor at the same time, which takes the stress out of accidents like dropped cereal bowls or drinks.

You want a smarter wet-dry cleaner
There are plenty of wet-dry cleaners on the market, but the automatic suction adjustment and voice prompts help this one stand out from the pack.

Don't buy it if...

You're short on space
This cleaner's dock is pretty bulky, so you’ll need to find somewhere to store it, and it'll need to be near a plug outlet too.

You have a lot of carpet
This cleaner isn't suitable for use on carpet or rugs, so is probably only worth it if you have lot of hard flooring in your house.

You’ve got delicate or uneven floors
While it’s gentle on floors, I wouldn’t recommend this cleaner for very delicate floors – if anything got embedded in the brush roller it could cause damage. And given that it can’t clean into grout lines, it won’t be suitable for uneven floors like rough slate or stone.

Re-review with updated tests: May 2024

First reviewed: February 2022

Shark Style iQ hair dryer review
2:00 pm | December 10, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Hair Care Home Small Appliances | Tags: | Comments: Off

• Original review date: December 2021
• Replaced by Shark's new 3-in-1 SpeedStyle in the US, but widely available
• Launch price: £229.99 / $229.99
• Official price now: £199.99 / $179.99

Updated: February 2024. The Shark Style iQ / HyperAir hair dryer is still widely available and is actually a little more affordable than it used to be, bucking the trend many manufacturers have followed in line with inflation. It's got a sister product now, too, the Shark 3-in-1 SpeedStyle, which we're presently in the process of reviewing. In the US, the SpeedStyle seems to have fully replaced the HyperAir on Shark's website, but it's available from third-party retailers like Walmart and Amazon, still. In the UK, it's retailing as usual. The rest of this review remains as previously published.

One-minute review

Shark is a brand well known for making some of the best vacuum cleaners around. Often mentioned as a rival to floor-cleaning stalwart Dyson, it’s no surprise that the brand has followed its competitor into the hair-care market. 

The Shark Style iQ, which is known as the Shark HyperAir in the US, is the brand’s first hair dryer, but while Dyson opted to design its hair dryer from the ground up, Shark’s model follows the traditional design with which we’re all familiar. However, the Style iQ comes with smarts such as the ability to automatically adjust the air flow and temperature, based on the attachment you’ve connected, to suit the type of style you’re trying to create.  

The Shark Style iQ hair dryer features three temperature settings, three speed levels, and a cool-shot function. The 1600W hair-care appliance ships with two attachments. The first is a concentrator nozzle with an adjustable opening, suitable for a gentle all-over quick-dry; or, when narrowed, it can be used to create a smooth, sleek style. The second is a diffuser, whose extendable prongs ensure the roots, as well as the ends of curly hair, can be dried evenly, reducing the risk of heat damage. 

At £229.99 / $229.99, the Shark Style iQ is more expensive than many hair dryers on the market, but it still manages to undercut the Dyson supersonic. It’s ideal for those who want to create an array of hairstyles without worrying about which settings they should be using. It will also suit those with curly hair who wish to limit heat damage.  

The back view of the Shark Style iQ hair dryer

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Shark style iQ hair dryer price and availability

  •  List price: £229.99 / $229.99 

The Shark Style iQ, or the Shark HyperAir iQ in the US, will set you back £229.99 / $229.99. It’s available directly through Shark, as well as from retailers including John Lewis in the UK. 

In the UK, the Shark Style iQ comes bundled with a concentrator nozzle and a diffuser, while in the US the diffuser is replaced by a styling brush attachment. An additional bundle in the US also includes the diffuser, a tool for creating soft waves, plus hair clips and a non-slip mat for $249.95. 

There are also Shark promo codes around, so see if the latest arrivals apply to this.

The Shark Style iQ hair dryer with its attachements

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Design

  • Three temperature and speed settings
  • Ships with two attachments
  • Compact and lightweight

The Shark Style iQ looks as you’d expect a hair dryer to, although the barrel is slightly shorter than on some models we’ve tested, such as the Panasonic EH-NA67. It’s a compact hair-care appliance, measuring 25 x 7.5 x 12cm  /  9.8 x 3 x 4.7 inches (h x w x d) and weighing 500g / 1.1lb. 

The UK model comes in a stylish black and rose gold finish, while in the US the hair dryer has a muted gold tone. As mentioned, in the UK the hair dryer comes bundled with a concentrator nozzle and a diffuser, while in the US the package comprises a styling brush attachment in place of the diffuser. 

The hair dryer offers 1600W of power with three temperature settings and three options for the speed of air flow, which are controlled using the buttons on the back of the barrel. The power button is located on the back of the handle, while on the front of the handle is a cool-shot button that delivers a blast of cold air to set your style. 

Those who don’t have a mirror conveniently located next to a power outlet will still be able to dry their hair easily, thanks to the Style iQ’s 2.5m / 8.2ft power cord.

The front of the Shark Style iQ hair dryer's barrel

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Performance

  • Fast drying times
  • Automatically adjusting heat and speed settings
  • Fiddly to clean

The Shark Style iQ certainly lives up to its claims of being super-quick to dry hair. On the fastest setting, it took 3 minutes and 56 seconds to get our damp, below-shoulder-length fine hair to completely dry. When used on the lowest temperature settings, this increased only to 5 minutes and 8 seconds, making it among the faster hair dryers we’ve tested. 

On all settings, hair was left looking shiny and smooth, with very few fly-away strands. Overall, the Shark Style iQ was comfortable to hold in both the left and right hand (we switched hands, depending upon the side of the head being styled).

We were impressed that when the concentrator nozzle or diffuser were attached to the hair dryer, the temperature and speed settings were adjusted automatically to the optimum level to use that tool. We also found the sliders on the attachments – used to extend the prongs on the diffuser and widen or narrow the concentrator nozzle – moved smoothly. 

In terms of noise, the Shark Style iQ registered 76dB on our decibel meter on the fastest settings. This puts it middle-of-the-range when it comes to noisy hair-care appliances, and is equivalent to the sound emitted by a vacuum cleaner. Since the hair dryer is likely to be on for only a few minutes at a time, it's acceptable.

However, we were disappointed that the hair dryer lacks a removable filter, which makes it fiddly to keep free of both dust and lint. 

The attachements that ship with the Shark Style iQ hair dryer

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Should I buy the Shark Style iQ hair dryer?

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First reviewed: November 2021

Shark Vertex Pro / Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum review
1:00 pm | September 23, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Shark IZ662H / IZ300UK: two-minute review

Product info

This model has different names and product codes in different territories:

US: Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins IZ662H
UK: Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum IZ300UK / IZ300UKT
AU: Shark Cordless Apex Pro X2 Pet Stick Vacuum IZ320

For this review, I tested the UK version. There may be minor differences between different countries' models. See Specs section for more details. 

Shark Vertex Pro (known as the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless in the UK, and Shark Cordless Apex Pro X2 Pet Stick Vacuum in Australia) is a powerful cordless stick vacuum cleaner. I tested it out to see how it compares to the rest of today's best cordless vacuum cleaners, and the best vacuums in general. 

The Shark IZ662H / IZ300UK's cleaner head has two brush rollers that spin at the same time. One roller is hard, with flexible silicon fins (known as PowerFins) to dig deep into carpets to dislodge dirt. The second roller is a soft, fluffy unit to tackle fine dust. Both benefit from Shark's handy anti-tangle feature, which stops human and pet hair from becoming wrapped around the brush roller; instead, it’s whipped straight into the dust canister. On test, I was impressed with how effective this design feature is.

There are a couple of features designed specifically to help you clean dark and difficult corners. The cleaner head features six LEDs that light a path and make it easy to clean in dark corners or beneath furniture. This model also has Shark's popular bendable wand, which enables the cleaner to reach under low-clearance furniture, while also making the unit more compact for easy storage. It can also be used as a handheld, although it's fairly heavy, so I don't think it's ideal for this. 

There are three levels of suction, and I found this vacuum powerful and effective on both hard floor and carpets – although the heaviness means it can be a little sticky to use on deep pile carpet. Note, too, there's no auto-adjust suction, as you'll find on Shark's newest vacuums. 

In a nod to rival, the Dyson V15 Detect, the cordless cleaner also has an LED display that can show the remaining battery level, as well the suction mode selected, and whether the hard floor or carpet setting has been activated. 

Price-wise, it sits it TechRadar's mid-range price band. If you want a powerful cleaner, or have lots of nooks and crannies around your home, the flexibility this model would make it a good choice. You can see how it compares to other products from this brand in our best Shark vacuum cleaner guide.

The Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner with PowerFins & Flexology  in stick vacuum mode resting against a grey wall

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Before I start the review properly, a note on naming conventions. You may have noticed, this product has different names. In the US, it's the Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins (IZ662H). In the UK, it's the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum (IZ300UK), and there's also the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Pet Vacuum (IZ300UKT), which is the same base model with added Pet Tool. Be especially careful here because there's another product with the same name, but a different product code. In Australia, you're looking for the Shark Cordless Apex Pro X2 Pet Stick Vacuum (IZ320). I tested the UK version, and I'll flag any differences in specs throughout my review.

Shark IZ662H / IZ300UK review: price & availability

  •  List price: $449.99 / £399.99 / AU$899.99
  • Launch date: 2021

In the US, the Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins is $449.99 at MSRP. The UK's version – the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum – is £349.99, or if you opt for the version with the extra Pet Tool, £379.99. That puts it in TechRadar's mid-range price bracket, and it's excellent value for that price. 

Shoppers in Australia can pick up the Shark Cordless Apex Pro X2 Pet Stick Vacuum for AU$899.99. Based on rough exchange rates, that's a fair bit more expensive than the US and UK versions, but that's partly because the AU version comes with a lot more tools and accessories, as well as an extra battery. However, at time of update, it was out of stock at Shark. 

Vacuum cleaners (and home appliances in general) often attract discounts during major shopping events, so it's worth keeping an eye out for an Amazon Prime Day deal or Black Friday deal if it suits when you want to buy. You might also get lucky and snag a Shark promo code.

Shark IZ662H / IZ300UK vacuum cleaner review: design

  • 0.7L / 1-quart dust canister
  • Converts into a handheld cleaner, and tools vary by territory
  • Flexible stick and anti hair wrap floorhead

The Shark IZ662H / IZ300UK vacuum cleaner is one of the heavier cordless vacuums we've tested, weighing in at 8.82lbs / 4.58kg. The US version has a 1qt dust cup, while the UK and AU models are marginally smaller at 0.7L.

The design is fairly standard for a cordless vacuum cleaner, with the motor, filter and dust canister at the top. This is attached to the wand, with the floorhead at the bottom. On the main unit you'll find a 2.5 inch LCD screen that displays the remaining runtime, along with the power button, suction level control, and the carpet or hard floor selector. The swappable battery sits in this section, too, with three LEDs that indicate the remaining power.

There are three different suction modes, including a carpet setting that sees the brush roller rotate faster to help suck up ground-in dirt from carpet pile, and a slower setting that ensures hard floors aren't damaged when vacuuming. Note that this model doesn't come with Shark's Clean Sense IQ technology, where the vacuum can sense how dirty the floor is and adjust its suction automatically in response. (For a models that can do this, head to TechRadar's Shark Detect Pro Cordless review.) 

The Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner with PowerFins & Flexology  being used in flexible mode

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Rather than the wand being a single section, it has a flexible extension tube in the center. When you press the catch on the back of the wand, it can bend by up to 180 degrees, enabling the vacuum to be easily maneuvered under furniture or made more compact for storage.  

The main floorhead features a hard brush roller with flexible silicon 'PowerFins', as well as a soft, fluffy roller; both rotate when the vacuum is switched on to improve pickup. Six LEDs at the front of the head light a path, and Shark's Anti Hair Wrap technology stops hair from becoming tangled around the brush roller, and instead removes it from the roller and directs it into the dust cup as you clean. 

The Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner with PowerFins & Flexology  being used in handheld mode to clean stairs

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Detaching the wand and floor-cleaning head turns the cordless stick vacuum into a handheld cleaner, to which you can connect any of the included tools. These vary by territory. In the US, the standard model just comes with a Crevice Tool. In the UK, it's that plus a Multi Surface Tool, and if you opt for the Pet version, there's also a Pet Tool. In Australia, there's a wide selection of tools included.

Shark IZ662H / IZ300UK vacuum cleaner specs

Shark IZ662H / IZ300UK review: performance

  • Powerful and effective suction, but can flick about larger debris
  • Smooth to use on hard floors; could get stuck a bit on carpet
  • Flexible wand great for getting under furniture
  • Noisy in use

The Shark Shark Vertex Pro / Anti Hair Wrap Cordless is certainly a powerful cordless vacuum. During testing, it sucked up fine dust and larger debris on both carpet and hard floor with ease on all power settings. However, when it came to hard floors, I found the wheels on the back of the cleaner head flicked some of the oats around the floor, rather than collecting them. This meant I had to make several passes to ensure the mess was cleared. 

The vacuum cleaner glided easily across hard floors, although there was some resistance on carpet since it's a heavy cordless cleaner. The flexible wand proved useful for reaching under furniture, as did the six LED headlights on the floor-cleaning head – they made it easier to see the area I was vacuuming. 

The Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner with PowerFins & Flexology being used with the stick in angled mode

(Image credit: TechRadar)

I was impressed with the Anti Hair Wrap technology, which ensures hair doesn’t become tangled around the brush roll. When vacuuming up a clump of hair I'd removed from a hair brush, it was whisked straight into the canister without becoming stuck.

I also found the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner was easy to empty. Just disconnect the wand and use the button on the left-hand side of the canister to activate the mechanism that ejects the debris into the bin in one swift move. Some newer Shark vacuums come with an auto-empty base option, but that's currently not available with this model. 

The Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner with PowerFins & Flexology  being used in handheld mode to clean up high

(Image credit: TechRadar)

What I wasn't so enamored by was the noise – it's one of the loudest vacuums I've tested, with my decibel meter registering 88db when using the vacuum on its most powerful setting on carpet. This is the same level of noise as when using a blender. The vacuum cleaner also proved cumbersome to use in handheld mode, as a result of its weight. It made my arms ache when I cleaned up high, so I wouldn’t recommend using it in this way for very long periods. 

If you need something primarily for use as a handheld, head to our Shark WandVac System review – the suction is lower, but this model is far easier to wield.

Shark IZ662H / IZ300UK review: battery life

  • Ranges from 11 to 60 minutes, depending on the power setting 
  • Battery takes up to four hours to fully recharge
  • Swappable battery reduces interruptions to cleaning

Shark claims the battery lasts up to 60 minutes between charges. As always, this is on the lowest powerful power setting, and you can expect it to drop considerably in higher suction modes – in my tests, when used on the most powerful setting, the cleaner managed only 11 minutes of vacuuming before the battery required recharging.

The battery took four hours to fully recharge. Handily, the unit is swappable, for minimal interruptions to your cleaning session. Some versions come with two batteries included, but if yours doesn't, they can be purchased separately. 

Should you buy the Shark IZ662H / IZ300UK vacuum cleaner?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

First reviewed: September 2021

GHD Flight review
1:00 pm | August 31, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Hair Care Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

• Original review date: September 2021
• Replaced by the slightly upgraded GHD Flight+
• Launch price: $99 / £59 / AU$99
• Official price now: $119 / £99 / AU$160

Updated: February 2024. The GHD Flight has now been replaced with the GHD Flight+, which as of writing we've yet to get our hands on. It's more expensive than its predecessor; significantly so in the UK and Australia, but does now exclusively come as part of a gift set which includes a pretty chic protective travel case, so that's a benefit if you like keeping your kit in a good state. Its specs are slightly better compared to those listed in our original review; the Flight+ is now 49% lighter (vs. 50% previously) and 25% smaller than the GHD Air, but offers 78% of the power (vs. 70% previously). The rest of the review remains unchanged.

One-minute review

GHD is most well known for its hair straighteners. The company has spent the past two decades offering ceramic-plated flat irons, taking over from steam-powered straighteners as the must-have tool for hair styling. 

However, more than nine years ago, GHD also dipped its toe in the world of hair dryers, and now offers three different models, the smallest and most compact of which is the GHD Flight. Designed to be packed in your suitcase, the GHD Flight is 50% lighter than the GHD Air, but offers 70% of the power, at 1400W, allowing you to dry your hair in a relatively short frame of time. 

The GHD Flight comes with a folding handle, which ensures the hair dryer takes up as little space in your suitcase as possible. It operates on both 120V and 240V electrical supplies, so it really can be used anywhere in the world.

It has two temperature settings, along with a slower, cool-shot option for setting styles, and the hair dryer will automatically switch off if held too close to the hair when blow-drying to prevent overheating, too. In the box you’ll find a concentrator nozzle and a carry pouch.

At $99 / £59 / AU$99, the GHD Flight is the most affordable hair dryer GHD offers, and is ideal for those on a budget. It also makes a great additional hair dryer for those who travel, easily slipping into a bag or suitcase, safe in the knowledge that it won’t send luggage over a weight limit. However, those looking for a hair dryer with a plethora of attachments to create a wide array of hair styles might be better looking elsewhere.

The GHD Flight being held in a hand

(Image credit: TechRadar)

GHD Flight price and availability

  •  List price: $99 / £59 / AU$99

The GHD Flight is the brand’s entry-level hair dryer and is priced at $99 / £59 / AU$99. It’s available from GHD or Amazon worldwide. 

GHD also offers a mid-range hair dryer, the GHD Air, which will set you back $199 / £99 / AU$220, while it’s top-of-the-range model, the GHD Helios, costs $249 / £159 / AU$295.

The GHD Flight folded up ready for travel

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Design

  • Foldable design
  • Two temperature settings
  • Comes with one attachment

The GHD Flight is the most compact hair dryer we’ve tested to date, measuring 9.6 x 5.2 x 2.7 inches / 24.4 x 13.3 x 6.8cm (h x w x d). It’s folding handle means its dimensions come down further still to 7.9 x 4.1 x 2.7 inches / 20 x 10.5 x 6.8cm. It’s lightweight, too, coming in at just 0.9lb / 422g.

The hair dryer features a stylish matt black design, with a gold slider that lets you select one of the two temperature settings, or the cool-shot function for setting your hair after styling – a look that apes the GHD Air, although the gold band around the barrel of the Air hair dryer has been dropped in favor of a glossy black accent. 

As already mentioned, the 1400W hair dryer is dual voltage, so it can be used anywhere in the world. Simply use a coin to turn to the dial to select the correct voltage (either 120V or 240V) for the country in which you’re using it. The hair dryer has a 6ft / 1.8m cable and comes with a concentrator nozzle and a soft carry pouch in the box.

The hanging loop is also a nice touch, and is usually a feature on hair dryers used in salons. 

The GHD Flight hair dryer being held in a hand

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Performance

  • Fast drying times
  • Balanced in use
  • Automatically switches off when too close to hair

Even though the GHD Flight offers less power than some of the brand's other hair dryers, it certainly isn’t sluggish when it comes to drying times. On the lowest temperature setting, it took 5 minutes and 52 seconds to take below-shoulder-length fine hair from damp to completely dry. Using the hottest settings shaved 1 minute and 51 seconds off this time. On both settings, locks were left smooth – although they lacked the shine we’ve achieved with other hair dryers, plus there were more fly-away strands than usual.

We put this down to the lack of technology that uses negative ions to speed up evaporation and reduce flyaway strands. 

The GHD Flight felt balanced in the hand when blow-drying hair, and was comfortable to hold, both in the left and right hands (we switched hands, depending upon the side of the head being styled). The hair dryer was easy to fold into its more compact form, while the hinge felt durable and offered a reassuring click as the handle was moved. 

Also notable is the fact that the GHD Flight will automatically switch off if held too close to the hair, to stop the hair dryer from overheating. However, we were disappointed to find that the filter isn’t removable, which can make cleaning the hair dryer more difficult. 

For noise, the GHD Flight registered 77.8db on our decibel meter on its fastest setting. This puts it middle-of-the-range when it comes to noisy hair-care appliances, and is equivalent to the level of noise made by a vacuum cleaner. However, since it is likely to be on for only a few minutes at a time, it’s unlikely to bother too much.

The GHD Flight resting on the glass top of a dressing table

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Should I buy the GHD Flight?

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First reviewed: August 2021

• Original review date: October 2022
• Still Laifen's flagship, but the new Swift SE provides a more affordable alternative
• Launch price: $199.99 / £175.11 / AU$297.83
• Official price now: The same

Updated: February 2024. The Laifen Swift remains to be a great Dyson Supersonic alternative, though it's far from the only one at this point. Still, it's a fraction of the price, and nearly as affordable as some of the most high-performing standard hair dryers in this list. Since our original review, Laifen has released a more affordable sister product, the Laifen Swift SE ($149.99 / £128.01 / AU$228.02), which is marginally less powerful and more cheaply made, but comes in some adorable pastel hues.

• Original review date: October 2022
• Still Laifen's flagship, but the new Swift SE provides a more affordable alternative
• Launch price: $199.99 / £175.11 / AU$297.83
• Official price now: The same

Updated: February 2024. The Laifen Swift remains to be a great Dyson Supersonic alternative, though it's far from the only one at this point. Still, it's a fraction of the price, and nearly as affordable as some of the most high-performing standard hair dryers in this list. Since our original review, Laifen has released a more affordable sister product, the Laifen Swift SE ($149.99 / £128.01 / AU$228.02), which is marginally less powerful and more cheaply made, but comes in some adorable pastel hues.

Dyson Supersonic review
4:08 pm | July 28, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Hair Care Home Small Appliances | Tags: | Comments: Off

Dyson Supersonic: two-minute review

The Dyson Supersonic was this brand's first foray into haircare, and quickly cemented a reputation for being perhaps the best hair dryer on the market. The four years of development and £50 million (around $68 / AU$92 million) on research paid off.

Thanks to Dyson's engineering skill, the Supersonic delivers powerful airflow in a relatively lightweight form factor. The design is sleek and streamlined compared to your traditional chunky hair dryer, and because most of the weight is in the handle, it's comfortable to hold and easy to wield. It dries hair quickly, and is just as effective for styling – mainly thanks to a selection of very well-designed attachments. 

These attachments are magnetic, so snap easily on and off the barrel of the hair dryer. A special shout-out should go to the Flyaway attachment, which tames flyaways using the same hair-bending effect that powers the Dyson AirWrap. It works remarkably well, and there's nothing else like it on the market. 

In 2024, Dyson launched an upgraded version of the Supersonic. The design is very similar to the original, but there are a number of fancy new features – you can get the full low-down on that one in our Dyson Supersonic Nural review

There’s no denying the Dyson Supersonic is eye-wateringly expensive, which may limit its appeal for some, but we were impressed at how quickly we were able to create a shiny, sleek style from wet, and the effectiveness of the flyaway attachment. The faults we can find with it are so minor that we think it's worth the investment if you can stretch to the price tag. 

Dyson Supersonic hair dryer with fly away attachment being held above a dressing table

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Dyson Supersonic review: price & availability

  • List price: $399 / £299 / AU$549
  • Launched 2026
  • Available globally

 The Dyson Supersonic is priced at $399 / £299 / AU$549 and is available from Dyson as well as online retailers including Amazon. 

This is the most expensive hair dryer we’ve tested and come in at almost twice the price of the GHD Air - the top-of-the-range hair dryer from the Salon brand that occupies second place in our best hair dryers round-up and is priced at $199 / £109 / AU$235. 

Dyson also offers a hair straightener, called the Dyson Corale, which is priced at $499 / £399 / AU$699, and as we've already mentioned, the AirWrap hair styler, which will set you back $549 /£449 / AU$799. 

In all cases, it's a smart move to see what Dyson promo codes are applicable so you can save more.

The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and its attachements in the box

Dyson Supersonic review: design

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Unusual design
  • Comes with three speed and three heat settings

Hair dryers haven’t really changed in decades; the last significant design change happened all the way back in the 60s when the bulky motor was moved into the main casing.

This was an improvement on what we had before, but it resulted in a bulky device with most of its weight in the top rear of the device. This isn’t exactly ideal for something you hold above your head; we’ve experienced more than one thump to the head thanks to a weary arm.

Dyson has a history of throwing out the rulebook when it comes to designing products – ditching the bag in its vacuums; replacing blades with vents in its fans – so it’s no surprise its Supersonic doesn’t look like a traditional hair dryer. 

By using a much smaller and more efficient V9 digital motor – the company’s smallest in fact – Dyson has been able to move the motor from the head of the dryer into its handle. This redistributes the weight, and makes the entire thing much more compact - it measures 9.6 x 3.1 x 3.8 inches  / 24.5 x 7.8 x 9.7 cm (h x w d)

Close up of the back of the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer

Instead of a lengthy barrel and a clunky system of rotors, filters and vents, Dyson has shrunk the V9 motor in the Supersonic down to slightly smaller than a quarter or a 10p coin, and placed it at the bottom of the handle with a rubber mount. This sleek, thin handle extends to a circular ring, with two buttons on the shaft – the power, and cold shot buttons – and two on the rear of the ring; one that controls its three air speeds, another for selecting one of its three temperature settings. 

The rubber mount in the handle reduces the amount of vibration making it more comfortable to use for long periods. The downside to having the filter in the handle is that we often blocked it with our hand. In addition to making the dryer lighter and easier to hold, the Supersonic’s much smaller motor can propel 2.85 gallons / 13 liters of air per second, and spins around eight times faster than the motors used in standard hair dryers, which Dyson says makes it more efficient, and much less likely to overheat and burn out. 

Dyson Supersonic hair dryer with fly away attachment  next to it, on a dressing table

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The Supersonic also has a glass bead thermometer that monitors its temperature 20 times per second, and transmits the data back to a microprocessor to make sure the heat remains consistent.

All this means you won’t have to deal with that metallic burning smell that you sometimes get when you use other hair dryers for a long period of time. And you also won’t have to deal with the worrying smell of burning hair, as the microprocessor keeps the airflow temperature stable and under 302 degree F / 150 degree C no matter what.

Human hair is going to be damaged by brushing and heat no matter what, but past 302 degree F / 150 degree C the damage becomes irreversible and more noticeable, so by keeping airflow temperature in the optimal safe zone and instead upping the airflow pressure the Dyson Supersonic is able to prevent this.

The Dyson Supersonic also comes with a selection of attachments, including the flyaway attachment, a wide-tooth comb for coily hair, a diffuser for curly hair and a styling concentrator, although, unlike professional-style hair dryers, there’s no hanging loop on the Supersonic. 

Dyson Supersonic review: performance

  • Fast drying times
  • Flyaway attachment creates a sleek, smooth finish
  • Balanced in use

We were impressed with just how quickly the Dyson Supersonic dried our hair. On the lowest temperature settings and fastest speed, it took four minutes and 31 seconds to take below-shoulder-length fine hair from damp to completely dry. Using the hottest of the three settings shaved over a minute off this time (three minutes and 26 seconds) - making it the quickest hair dryer we’ve tested. On all settings, hair was left looking shiny and smooth.

We initially used the fly away attachment to dry our hair from damp, but we found that it increased the drying time to nine minutes. Instead, we were able to strike the right balance between time and a flyaway-free finish by sectioning off the crown of the hair. We used the Supersonic with a barrel brush on the remainder of the hair, while the flyaway attachment was used to blow dry the crown only, and resulted in a drying time of three minutes and 58 seconds - which we think is an acceptable compromise.  

The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer being  held upright

The attachments connect to the barrel of the hair dryer magnetically, which is a simple design change, but it makes fitting and removing them a much smoother process. They also have solid lips on their edges through which the hot air doesn’t blow, and as a result remain cool, which makes changing the attachment a more comfortable process.

The Dyson Supersonic should feel heavier than it does, due to its 1.5 lb / 659g weight, but this repositioning of parts means its weight is spread out more evenly than with traditional dryers. We found this significantly reduced arm ache during use. We were also able to hold the dryer closer to our hair, which made blow-drying the roots fair easier than with bulkier hair dryers.  

One of the most attractive claims of the Dyson Supersonic is that it’s quieter than other hair dryers thanks to the more efficient motor. It registered 74db on our decibel meter, which is around 8db quieter than the Remington Hydraluxe Pro EC9001, which is one of the noisiest hair dryers we’ve tested. That said, while it’s a level we can live with for a few minutes at a time, using it in the morning beside a sleeping partner was still not welcomed.

Should I buy the Dyson Supersonic?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

  • First reviewed: November 2019
Shark WandVac System review
5:04 pm | June 24, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Shark WandVac System: two-minute review

This model has slightly different names and product codes in different territories:

US: Shark WandVac System Lightweight Cordless Vacuum WS642
UK:
Lightweight 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum WV361UK
AU: Shark WandVac System WS632

We tested the UK version. Be aware there may be minor differences between different countries' models. It's also available as a handheld vacuum only – see Alternatives section for more on that.

The Shark WandVac System (called the Lightweight 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum in the UK) is a lightweight handheld vacuum that converts in to a very lightweight and maneuverable stick vacuum. It packs a punch when it comes to power, offering impressive suction. I found it performed better on carpet than hard floors, although it's good at both. Because it's so lightweight, it's great for tricky areas, and the included attachments make it nice and versatile, too. 

However, the small bin and short battery life mean it's really only for small cleanup jobs – if you want something to tackle your whole home, look elsewhere in our list of the best cordless vacuums. It’s best to think of the Shark WandVac as something you’d grab if you’ve just spilled flour all over the floor and needed to quickly clean it up.

If you don't need the floor head, then it is possible to buy this model as just a handheld. In the US it's the Shark WandVac Cordless Handheld Vacuum WV201, in the UK it's the Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum WV200UK, and in Australia it's the Shark Wandvac Handheld Vacuum WV203.

Shark WandVac System review: price & availability

  • List price: $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$499.99

The Shark Wandvac System is available in the US, UK and Australia, and at list price it'll set you back $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$499.99. That puts it into TechRadar's budget price bracket for cordless vacuums. It's decent value for money, and an especially good choice if you need something lightweight. 

If you're primarily wanting to use it as a handheld, you can save by opting for the version without the stick and floorhead – that one costs $129.99 / £129.99 / $249.99 – or check out TechRadar's guide to the best car vacuums for some alternatives. If you need that versatility, though, you'd arguably be better off opting for something like the Shark Detect Pro. It's currently only a little more expensive than the WandVac System, and offers much more power.

Seasonal events like the Black Friday sales are often a good time to shop for a new vacuum, and it's worth keeping an eye out for Shark promo codes to take the price down, too. 

Shark WandVac System specs

Shark WandVac System review: design

  • Very lightweight, and can be used as a handheld or a stick vacuum 
  • Anti-hair wrap cleaner head
  • Small, easy-empty dust bin

The Shark WandVac has been designed for those times when you need to clean up a mess and you need to do it fast, and it can be used as a handheld cleaner with various attachments, or in stick mode with the 11.2-inch / 28cm-wide floor head to clean larger areas.

It weighs under 1kg in handheld mode, and is easy to maneuver in stick mode – in this mode, according to Shark, the US model weighs 5.9lbs, while the UK model is 3kg – that makes the US model a little lighter, which may be down to the slightly different head design. 

Putting the vacuum together is simple, and you can add attachments by slotting them in until they click into place. If you're using the Shark WandVac as a stick vacuum, the anti-hair-wrap floor head has self-cleaning silicone 'Powerfins', rather than conventional bristles, which prevent pet or human hair from getting stuck. 

Shark WandVac cleaning flour from a kitchen floor

(Image credit: Future)

To convert the WandVac to a handheld vacuum, all you have to do is remove the wand and floor head and you’re good to go. If you're cleaning your car or other awkward spaces, a crevice tool is included, and with the UK version I tested, there's also a fluffy brush head that's ideal for cleaning blinds or delicate surfaces. In the US and AU, that's replaced by a Pet Multi Tool. 

The dust canister capacity on this Shark vacuum is just 0.25qts / 0.13 liters, which is more in line with what you'd expect on a handheld than a general cordless model (i.e. small). It means this vacuum is better suited to small spills rather than full-house  cleaning. 

Emptying the bin is simple – you just push down a lever with one hand and the dust cup cap opens at an angle to let the contents fall into your bin. It took me a few attempts to make sure the opening of the dust cup was right over my bin, but because the action is quite fast the dust cloud is minimal.

There are two ways to charge the Shark WandVac. The first is by simply plugging the handheld part of the vacuum into the charger. The second method is by using the charging dock, which comes as standard – this way you can simply finish cleaning and place the vacuum on the dock, and it’ll start charging.  

Shark WandVac System review: performance

  • Noticeably loud in use 
  • Good suction; performs better on carpets than hard floors
  • Lightweight and good to awkward jobs
  • Bin fills up quickly – not for cleaning a whole house

The first thing I noticed is just how loud this vacuum cleaner is. In its standard cleaning mode with the floor head on it hit 82 decibels – the average vacuum cleaner is around 75 decibels. And when you use the Boost mode the volume increases even more, so this is worth bearing in mind if you prefer a quieter model. 

I tested the WandVac on hard floors with a flour mixture that resembled fine dust and dirt, and the vacuum sucked up everything in its path with ease, although it did cause some small crumbs to scatter further away. On carpet, the cleaner also coped very well with the mixture, and I didn’t need to use the Boost mode. 

Shark WandVac

(Image credit: Future)

Next, I tested the Shark with larger debris on hard floors and found that the machine again did a good job, although it did take a few sweeps back and forth to scoop up all of the mess. I also noticed at this point that the dust cup filled up very quickly, which may have been impacting its ability to pick up.

Shark WandVac

(Image credit: Future)

I found the WandVac actually performed better on carpets – in standard mode it was able to pick up large pieces of debris, but it was even better in Boost mode, as you’d expect. I did notice that after cleaning up just one pile of larger debris (I used oats) the dust cup was pretty much full. This machine is designed primarily for cleaning up spills and other smaller cleaning jobs, so as long as you’re not expecting to be able to clean your whole home without a trip to the bin this shouldn’t be an issue.

I found the Shark WandVac was very light and easy to use with the crevice tool attached, and the suction was strong enough to provide a thorough clean, making it ideal for awkward jobs like cleaning your car or stairs. 

Shark WandVac System review: battery life

  • 16 minutes run time
  • Choice of charging options
  • Full charge takes approx 3.5 hours  

Shark claims the WandVac can run for 16 minutes as a handheld vacuum cleaner, which is definitely on the short side as vacuums go, but should be long enough if you just need to clean up a spill of crumbs or give your car a quick spruce-up. 

When you attach the floor head the cleaning time is reduced, which Shark does state, and I found that the battery only lasted 12.5 minutes, without using the Boost mode. For most people (myself included), that's not long enough to clean the entire home from top to bottom; however, that’s not what the WandVac is designed for. 

The battery takes around three and a half hours to fully charge – you can either plug the charger into the handheld section, or use the charging dock that comes with the machine as standard. LED lights on the WandVac’s handle tell you how much battery you have remaining: three lights are illuminated when the cleaner is fully charged, and I found in my tests that one light signaled roughly five minutes of cleaning time left. 

Should I buy the Shark WandVac System?

Buy it if… 

Don’t buy it if… 

How I tested the Shark WandVac System

I tested the Shark WandVac thoroughly, in each mode, on different floor types, and with all the supplied attachments. I ran the standard TechRadar tests to see how it performed across a variety of tasks, including cleaning up food debris and also finer dirt and dust. I also used the vacuum around the house as a general cleaner to see how it fared, and I was impressed with the amount of dust it picked up. Finally, I put the battery to the test to see if it lived up to the promised run time. 

First reviewed: June 2021

Dyson V15 Detect review
2:01 am | May 21, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Dyson V15 Detect: two-minute review

Product info

For this review, we tested a Dyson V15 Detect, and a Dyson V15 Detect Absolute. They are the same vacuum cleaner in different colorways.

The Dyson V15 Detect is a powerful, tech-packed cordless cleaner from perhaps most innovative vacuum brand in the world. The V15 (and the V15 Detect Absolute, which is the same vacuum in a different color) is able to sense the amount and size of particles it's sucking up, and adjust power in response. It'll even give you a real-time summary of this information, via the LCD screen on the main body of the vacuum. The other headline addition is a green laser on the hard floor floorhead, which illuminates dirt that might otherwise be missed. We're assuming that the new 'Detect' in the name is inspired by one or both of these additions.

Elsewhere, you'll find impressive suction power, even on the lowest 'Eco' setting. However, our favorite mode was Auto, which adjusts suction based on not only the floor type but also how dirty it is, to ensure a low-effort, efficient clean. In our tests, this vacuum sucked up everything we put in front of it, including handling tangled hair impressively well. 

Both the regular V15 Detect and the V15 Detect Absolute (which is the same vacuum in a different colorway) ship with two floorheads: a Digital Motorbar head (the one that can be used with Auto mode) and a Fluffy Optic floorhead (the one with the laser, designed specifically for hard floors). There's also a selection of extra tools for different cleaning tasks. The exact tools included depends where you live and which iteration of the V15 you buy, but if you live with long-haired people or pets, it's worth seeking out the Hair Screw tool, which was new to this model, and great at getting hair out of furniture. 

Runtimes are good – up to a full hour on one charge – although recharge is a little slow. If you need longer than that, you'll appreciate that the battery is removable, with additional batteries available to purchase separately. 

It's not quite perfect. It's a little heavy, and especially so in handheld mode. It's also frustrating that it switches on via a trigger, which needs to be continually depressed, rather than the one-push button found on other Dyson vacuums. The jury's also out on whether the features like the laser illumination and real-time dust reports are genuinely useful, once the initial novelty factor has worn off. 

As you might have guessed, it's also an expensive purchase. While the advanced features and meticulous engineering do help justify the price, there are plenty of cheaper options about with fewer bells and whistles, which will suffice for most people.

Dyson V15 Detect

(Image credit: TechRadar)

For this review, we tested a couple of V15 vacuums – one in Australia and the other in the UK – to see how they compare to the rest of the best cordless vacuums on the market. 

A bit of context so you know where this model sits in the wider Dyson range. The V15 Detect launched in 2021, at the same time as the (non-flagship) V12 Detect Slim. The previous flagship cordless vacuum was the V11 (read our Dyson V11 review for more on that one). The model to follow was the Gen5detect (see our Dyson Gen5detect review). That one features several upgrades to the V15, and at time of updating this review is the best Dyson vacuum available, based on specs.

There's also a sister model in the V15 range: the V15s Submarine, launched in 2023. This is similar the regular V15, but has a wet roller head to enable it to wash hard floors as well as just vacuuming. We've tested that separately, in our Dyson V15s Detect Submarine review.

That's the short version. Read on for our full Dyson V15 Detect / Dyson V15 Detect Absolute review, and to learn if it's the best vacuum cleaner for your needs. 

Dyson V15 Detect review: price & versions

  • List price: $749.99 / £649.99 / AU$1,449
  • Launched: 2021

As with most Dyson cordless vacuums, there are a few different versions of the V15 Detect, with an extra word added onto the end of the name. Generally, it's the same base model, but sometimes there are differences in the range of tools included. That can make examining the pricing a little difficult, but to give us an idea, we'll be looking at what's available to buy direct from Dyson at time of updating this review. There may be other versions and different pricing available at other retailers.

In the US there's the Dyson V15 Detect, with a list price of $749.99. There's also the Detect V15 Detect Absolute for the same price (reduced to $599.99 at time of update). They're the same vacuum in two different colorways, and in this case even the tools included are the same.

The UK just has the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute, at a list price of £649.99, reduced to £549.99 at time of update. It's the same in Australia – just the V15 Detect Absolute, this time with a list price of AU$1,449.

Regardless of which iteration you go for, it's going to fall into the premium price category. It's generally a bit cheaper than its successor, the Gen5Detect (from $949.99 / £769.99 / AU$1,549 at list price). If you're hoping to score a discount, Dyson promo codes are rare, but we do sometimes see Dyson deals, especially around events like the Black Friday sales.

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Dyson V15 Detect review: design

  • Upgraded motor compared to previous flagship model
  • LCD display shows info about dust collected and remaining run time
  • Wand can be removed to turn into a handheld

True to Dyson aesthetics, the V15 Detect is a beautiful machine to look at. Under the hood, the motor has been upgraded from its predecessor's (and was improved again for its successor), and generates 230 air watts of suction power. Other than that, it looks similar to the other modern V-range vacuums, comprising the motor, cyclone array and dust canister, in an in-line arrangement. We might have preferred a bigger dustbin on this model, but it's just the standard 0.2-gallon / 0.75L canister that's used in the Cyclone V10. 

Inherited from the V11 is the swappable battery pack. This can come in handy if you've got a large home and would prefer to get the vacuuming done in one go instead of recharging at the mains – that can take a few hours (more on that later).

Dyson V15 Detect – press pictures

The V15 Detect looks similar to other modern V-range Dyson vacuums (Image credit: Dyson)

That battery, though, makes the weight distribution of the V15 Detect quite uneven. It weighs in at 3kg, but feels top-heavy, and it's tiring to use for longer cleaning stints. Our testers found their arms getting tired after using it for about 30 minutes, and they needed to keep switching hands regularly if they wanted to clean for any longer than that.

While later models (and, actually, the V12 Detect Slim that launched alongside the V15) switch on and off via a single-press button, but the V15 still uses a trigger that you need to keep continuously depressed. That, combined with the uneven weight distribution, makes the V15 even more of a workout for your arms. We found it less of an issue with the smaller and lighter V7 and V8.

LCD screen on Dyson V15 Detect vacuum cleaner

The V15 can detect the size and amount of particles it's sucking up (Image credit: Dyson)

One headline upgrade on the V15 Detect and Detect Absolute is the addition of a tiny piezo sensor, housed within the vacuum's handheld unit, which can measure acoustic vibrations from microscopic particles as small as 10 microns. As dust and debris get sucked in, they reverberate off the sides of the vacuum, and the piezo sensor uses those changes in vibrations to measure not just the size of the particles, but also the number.

These are then graphically displayed on a one-inch circular digital screen. As you clean, you'll see the representation change in real time and, when it finally becomes static, you'll know there's nothing more for the vacuum to suck up.

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute

A countdown clock shows you how much cleaning time you have left (Image credit: TechRadar)

Displayed below the graph is a countdown clock representing the remaining runtime, and it also displays the power mode you've chosen. There are three power levels, which can be selected using a silver button on the circular panel. Eco is a lower-suction mode, Boost is a more powerful mode for ingrained dirt, and Auto mode will intelligently adjust suction based on the floor type and how dirty it is.

All versions ship with two floorheads: a Digital Motorbar head (previously called the High Torque head) and a Fluffy Optic head (previously called the Laser Slim Fluffy head, and currently referred to as the Illuminated Cleaner Head in the UK... possibly because they couldn't trademark the 'Fluffy' name there). 

The Digital Motorbar is a motorized head that features a couple of rows of 'teeth' that cut hair and fur into smaller pieces that get sucked up easily and thus prevent tangling around the bristles of the brush. Perhaps most exciting is the fact that this floorhead can monitor brush bar resistance to enable the vacuum to increase or decrease suction based on floor type, when used in Auto mode.

Graphic showing how Digital Motorbar floorhead deals with hair

The Digital Motorbar head is designed to cut up hair and channel it straight into the bin (Image credit: Dyson)

The Fluffy Optic head is designed specifically for hard floors, and it has had a redesign from the one shipped with previous V-series models. The whole head has been slimmed down (although the footprint remains the same), but the major difference is that there's now an in-built laser diode (class 1, so it's safe for humans and pets). Thanks to a custom-designed lens (which is only marginally bigger than a grain of sugar), the laser emits light at an angle that reflects off solid particles to highlight them green. The light is activated via a small switch on the top of the floorhead, and the fluffy part is also washable, so you can keep it at peak performance.

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute in handheld mode

The V15 easily transforms into a handheld (Image credit: TechRadar)

Like other Dyson cordless vacuums, you can convert the V15 Detect Absolute into a handheld cleaner by removing the main wand and attaching any of the other tools. Exactly which tools are included will vary depending on where you live and which iteration of the V15 you buy, but all are well-designed and useful.

Dyson V15 Detect

The Hair Screw Tool designed specifically to tackle hair (Image credit: Future)

If you want to be able to deal with hair (human or pet) in upholstery or furniture, look out for the Hair Screw Tool. This uses the principle of an Archimedes screw, with a tapered design that directs strands of hair or fur (no matter how short or long) towards the narrow end. This is where the suction hole is, allowing whole locks to get sucked up into the bin. Even the bristles have been placed at an angle, to ensure there's no tangling at all. This tool was new with the V15, but is compatible with older models and available to purchase separately.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Dyson V15 Detect review: performance

  • Powerful suction; great on carpet and hard floors
  • Laser highlights dust that's invisible to the eye
  • Auto mode is an excellent, low-effort feature

Even though there are three power modes, the V15 Detect is just fine at its lowest setting. To see how it coped with different types of debris, our testers sprinkled fine dust, biscuit crumbs and cereal (separately) on both carpet and hard floor. We found that even in Eco mode, it sucked everything up with just one slow pass. It also did a pretty good job on a hair-entwined carpet in Eco mode. 

During our testing, though, we found the Auto mode the best – it was like a set-and-forget option that handled hard floors and carpets alike. Additionally, when using the Digital Motorbar head, the suction changes reactively when surfaces change, increasing automatically when it senses a rug or carpet. 

This graphical representation of what you're cleaning also works really well. All particles are divided into four categories, depending on their size, and as you clean a specific surface, you’ll find the bars rising. When they become static, you know that the area has been cleaned to the best of the V15 Detect’s ability. We're not sure this feature is strictly essential, especially after the initial novelty had worn off, although we did find it a good way to see when a floor had been cleaned properly.

Dyson V15 Detect

The laser is great at illuminating dingy corners and edges (Image credit: Future)

The laser on the Slim Fluffy tool does exactly what it says on the tin, highlighting particles you normally wouldn’t see with your naked eye, either illuminating a bright green or creating visible shadows. One of our testers deliberately missed the edges of a room with hard floors, and then pushed the head towards these edges – with the green laser illuminated, they were shocked by just how much dust, which wasn’t previously visible, was on the floor.

Our other reviewer wasn't quite as sold on this feature, ultimately deciding it was a little superfluous. They found that dust tended to settle on the inside plastic of the tool, diminishing its ability to, well, shine a light. They had to repeatedly wipe down the inside of the Laser Slim Fluffy to get the best results, and after a while found themselves leaving it switched off, and relying on the display as an indicator of when there was nothing more for the V15 to suck up.

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute

Even after what you think is a good clean, the laser tells you otherwise (Image credit: TechRadar)

Our second tester also found the floorhead a little tricky to swivel around. Because the Digital Motorhead can swivel a lot more, they found themselves using that one on hard floors as well – especially since it’s the only cleaning head that works with Auto mode.

(It's worth noting that the newer Gen5detect has a brighter laser, which is more visible in well-lit rooms, and the same tester was far more impressed with the upgraded version.)

Converting the vacuum to handheld mode and back again is simple – just remove the telescopic tube, clip on your desired attachment and you’re ready to go. However, the click-in battery pack does make the barrel feel heavier than older models like the V7, V8 and V10. Both of our testers found that holding aloft the V15 for more than a minute or two was quite difficult. The Gen5detect simplifies the process further by hiding a tool inside the wand, but that model is even heavier.

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute

The V15 is a little heavy in handheld mode (Image credit: TechRadar)

We can't fault the V15 Detect's cleaning power in handheld mode, though. One tester used it to clean their car, and it sucked up all of the dirt and debris such as small stones and even a few leaves, along with human hair that had collected on the driver’s seat, with ease. 

Unlike today's best car vacuums, which are designed specifically for this task, converted floor vacs like this one are typically quite bulky when used in handheld mode. Our reviewer struggled to fully clean under the driver and passenger front seats, as well in the storage areas on the center console, which frequently attract dust and debris.

The exact tools that are included with the V15 Detect and Detect Absolute varies by country and version, but you'll typically get a Crevice tool and a Combination tool, which we found were good for edges and narrow spaces. 

Both of our review models came with a new-to-this-model Hair Screw tool. This works best as part of the handheld unit to remove pet and human hair off smaller surfaces like sofas, car seats or pet beds. It is possible to also use it on carpeted floors, but given it's small footprint, it's far more efficient to use the much larger Digtial Motorbar head for this task.

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute

The tools included with one of our review models – note, these vary depending on which iteration you buy (Image credit: TechRadar)

Either way, the Hair Screw Tool is a marvelous piece of engineering. When testing it, we removed a clump of hair from a brush and placed it on a sofa – the anti-tangle tool sucked it all up without a single strand getting caught anywhere. It all curled up and got sucked right into the canister. However, we did find this tool could be a little less effective at collecting dust and dander from upholstery, when compared to the Mini Motorized head included with previous models.

Emptying the V15 Detect’s bin is easy. Once the wand and any cleaning attachments are removed, the red lever on the canister pushes open the lid and all that dirt comes right out in a single move.

One final performance element to discuss is noisiness. We were impressed with how much quieter the V15 Detect is in low-power settings as compared to some of the older V-series models. However, bump the suction mode to Boost and it hits 81 decibels – as loud as a truck trundling down a highway at 65kph.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Dyson V15 Detect review: battery

  • Up to a full hour's cleaning on Eco mode; 18 minutes in Boost
  • Battery takes up to 5 hours to fully recharge
  • Swappable battery reduces interruptions to cleaning 

On the lowest-powered, Eco setting Dyson claims the battery will last up to 60 minutes. That's the same as the V11, although because the suction power has been improved over that model, you should be able to clean more efficiently with the newer V15. On test, the claims were accurate – one of our review models managed a respectable 59 minutes, and the other clocked up nearly 61 minutes. 

If you prefer the Auto mode, you'll get about 40 minutes of runtime per charge, which is enough for the general upkeep of a small two-bedroom house. However, because of the intelligent nature of this mode, runtimes will vary depending on the types of floors you have, and how dirty they are. Bump up to Boost and you'll only get about 18 minutes of power.

The Auto mode suited our testers best, but even the Eco setting has plenty of suction power to clean up a small mess. So the latter is your best bet to maximize on battery life. A countdown of how long you have left is handily available on the digital display.

If you want to be able to clean for longer than 60 minutes, then you’re going to need an additional battery pack. This would be handy in large family homes, because recharge times are long – our testers found a full recharge took between four and five hours.

  • Battery score: 4 out of 5

Should I buy the Dyson V15 Detect?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

First reviewed: May 2021

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