Hoover HFX Pets Review: The Ultimate Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner?
When it comes to finding the perfect vacuum cleaner, pet owners and homeowners alike often seek a balance between power, versatility, and ease of use. The Hoover HFX Pets aims to deliver all three, combining the functionality of a cordless upright vacuum with added features tailored for pet hair removal. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details.
Key Features of the Hoover HFX Pets
Type
The Hoover HFX Pets is primarily a cordless upright vacuum cleaner, but it can also be converted into a handheld unit for added versatility.
Power
This vacuum cleaner offers an impressive suction power of 188AW on its maximum Turbo setting, making it a strong contender in its category.
Design
- Weight: At just 3.65kg, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Storage: The vacuum folds in half for compact storage, similar to models like the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT. It also includes an optional wall mount for convenient hanging.
- Anti-Twist Technology: The main floor head prevents hair from tangling around the roller, saving you the hassle of frequent cleaning.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Corner Genie Brush: An integrated tool for cleaning edges and hard-to-reach areas.
- Powerful Suction: Excellent performance on both carpets and hard floors.
- Pet-Friendly Accessories: Includes a mini motorized tool for tackling pet hair on furniture and stairs.
Cons
- Fiddly Handheld Conversion: Switching to handheld mode requires the use of a separate bin, making the process cumbersome.
- No Eco Mode: While not a dealbreaker, some users may miss having a low-power Eco option.
Design and Features
Clever Storage and Portability
The Hoover HFX Pets is designed for convenience. Its ability to fold in half saves vertical storage space, and the added handle makes it easy to carry. Whether you prefer floor storage or a wall-mounted setup, this vacuum has you covered.
Integrated Corner Genie Brush
One standout feature is the Corner Genie Brush, which allows you to clean edges and corners without needing to switch tools. This feature is ideal for quickly tidying up areas that traditional floor heads struggle to reach.
Handheld Mode: A Missed Opportunity
While the vacuum’s upright mode is brilliantly designed, the process of converting it to handheld mode is less than ideal. Unlike other cordless vacuums, such as the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT, the Hoover HFX Pets requires you to swap out the main bin for a separate handheld bin. This adds unnecessary complexity and may deter users who frequently switch between modes.
Performance
Suction Power
The Hoover HFX Pets delivers 95AW in standard mode and 188AW in Turbo mode, which is more than enough for most cleaning tasks. Whether you’re dealing with fine dust or larger debris, this vacuum gets the job done.
Real-World Cleaning Tests
- Carpet Cleaning: The vacuum picked up 91.45% of flour in standard mode, though some residue was left near the edges. Switching to the Corner Genie improved edge cleaning results.
- Hard Floors: It achieved a perfect 100% pickup rate when tested with rice, demonstrating its effectiveness on hard surfaces.
- Pet Hair Removal: Both cat and human hair were easily collected without tangling in the roller, thanks to the Anti-Twist technology.
Battery Life
- Standard Mode: 27 minutes and 37 seconds.
- Turbo Mode: 14 minutes and 28 seconds.
This battery life is competitive, especially considering the vacuum’s powerful suction.
Accessories
The Pets edition of the Hoover HFX includes several useful tools:
– Mini Motorized Pet Tool: Ideal for removing hair from furniture and pet beds.
– Extendable Crevice Tool: Perfect for reaching high corners or tight spaces.
– Dusting Brush: Gentle on delicate surfaces like blinds and bookshelves.
If you don’t need the pet-specific tools, you can opt for the standard Hoover HFX Home model, which is slightly cheaper.
Final Thoughts
The Hoover HFX Pets excels as a cordless upright vacuum cleaner. Its lightweight design, powerful suction, and innovative Corner Genie brush make it a joy to use in upright mode. However, the cumbersome process of converting it to handheld mode leaves room for improvement.
If you’re primarily looking for a cordless upright vacuum and don’t mind the occasional hassle of switching to handheld mode, the Hoover HFX Pets is a solid choice. Pet owners will particularly appreciate the included motorized pet tool.
For those who need a more seamless handheld-to-upright transition, consider alternatives like the Samsung Jet 85 Pet Cordless Vacuum or the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT.
Where to Buy
Ready to upgrade your cleaning game? You can purchase the Hoover HFX Pets on Amazon today!
FAQs
What’s the difference between the Hoover HFX Pets and Hoover HFX Home?
The Pets edition includes a mini motorized tool for pet hair removal, while the Home edition does not. The Pets version also comes in a different color scheme.
How often should I clean the filters?
For optimal performance, it’s recommended to wash the filters every 1-2 months, depending on usage.
The Hoover HFX Pets is a robust and innovative vacuum cleaner that caters to pet owners and upright vacuum enthusiasts alike. While it has its quirks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy addition to your home.