Freedom From Pesky Cords
Hassle-free cordless vacuum cleaners is what you should really consider.
Freedom From
Pesky Cords
Hassle-free cordless vacuum cleaners is what you should really consider.
Vacuuming can be such a chore. If the thought of having to lug around a big heavy machine turns you off, you might want to consider a cordless vacuum cleaner.
The freedom that comes from cutting the cord is awesome– you can reach higher, lower and further without a pesky cable holding you back. Cordless vacuum cleaners tend to be smaller and lighter, making it easier to whip them out for a quick clean. The best ones are light and easy to manoeuvre, sucks up dust and dirt just as well as an ordinary vacuum, and still have enough juice for a full-home clean.
We surveyed the market to give you a quick review of what is available in Malaysia. Below, we compare the attributes of cordless vacuum cleaners from three popular brands: Dyson, LG and Electrolux.
Power to go the distance
With cordless, power is a concern. After all, you wouldn’t want the machine to run out of juice before you’ve finished cleaning. Most cordless vacuum cleaners today are powered by a lithium-ion battery, or two, in the case of LG’s VS8400SCW and VS8401SCW which come with two swappable power packs to last twice as long — 2x 30 minutes in regular mode or 2x 20 minutes in power mode.
The Electrolux ZB5021 has the longest working time of 50 minutes, according to its specs, but this is on the lowest setting. On normal power, it can run for 26 minutes before needing a recharge, and 14 minutes for max suction power of 16W.
Source: LG
minutes of "fade-free" powerful suction
Dyson boasts of “fade-free” powerful suction of up to 20 minutes for V6 and V6 Fluffy, and 40 minutes for V8 Fluffy and V8 Absolute, or about 25 minutes when using the power-guzzling motorised head and 7 minutes of higher suction for more difficult tasks. V8 Absolute’s operational time will feel substantially longer too as the vacuum cleaner only powers up when you pull its trigger, it’s using up the battery only when you specifically need it to. Very nifty!
Dyson’s machines have the most powerful suction in the market – up 100AW for the V6 variants and 115AW for V8. One airwatt (AW) equals to 0.9983 watts (W). By comparison, the most powerful Electrolux only clocks up 16W. We could not find information on LG’s suction power but playing around with one, we find the suction power stronger than the Electrolux machines but weaker than Dyson’s.
Dyson also has the fastest charging time of 3.5 hours* versus Electrolux’s 4 hours and LG’s 4.5 hours.
*Disclaimer: Charge time is based on model variant.
| Brand | Model | Power | Suction Power | Working Time | Charging Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
ZB5021 |
21.6V | 16W | Booster(14min),
Normal (26min), Low (50min) |
4 Hours |
ZB3107 |
14V | 10W | High (15mins),
Low (30mins) |
||
ZB3114AK |
18.8V | 14W | High (16mins),
Low (45mins) |
||
 |
VS8400SCW |
18V | n/a | 60min in regular mode (2 x 30min)
40min in power mode (2 x 20min) |
4.5 Hours |
VS8401SCW |
|||||
 |
V6 Entry |
21.6V | Standard Mode: 28AW, Max Mode: 100AW | 20min, 16min with motorised cleaner head, 6min in Boost mode. | 3.5 Hours |
V8 |
21.6V | Standard Mode: 28AW, Max Mode: 115AW | 40min, 30min with motorised cleaner head, 7min in Boost mode. | 5 Hours |
| Brand & Model | Power / Suction Power | Working Time / Charging Time |
|---|---|---|
ZB5021 |
21.6V
/ 16W |
Booster (14min) Normal (26min) Low (50min)/4 Hours |
|
ZB3107 |
14V
/ 10W |
High (15min) Low (30min)/4 Hours |
|
ZB3114AK |
18.8V
/ 14W |
High (16mins) Low (45mins)/4 Hours |
VS8400SCW |
18V
/ n/a |
60min in regular mode (2 x 30min) 40min in power mode (2 x 20min)/4.5 Hours |
|
VS8401SCW |
18V
/ n/a |
60min in regular mode (2 x 30min) 40min in power mode (2 x 20min)/4.5 Hours |
V6 Entry |
21.6V
/ Standard Mode: 28AW |
20min, 16min with motorised cleaner head, 6min in Boost Mode.
/ 3.5 Hours |
|
V8 |
21.6V
/ Standard Mode: 28AW, Max Mode: 115AW |
40min, 30min with motorised cleaner head, 7min in Boost Mode.
/ 5 Hours |
Sound
Given its power, Dyson should be the noisiest of the lot, right? On the contrary, Dyson seems to emit the least noise. Technically, Dyson and LG both boosts of relatively low noise emission of only 70dB. The decibel range for a normal human conversational voice is around 60dB. LG machines sound louder for some reason. This is perhaps due to Dyson’s acoustic engineers who are constantly looking at how to dampen or reduce the noise emission on their machines.
Meanwhile, the Electroluxes are loud — 81dB for ZB5021, and 79dB for ZB3107, ZB3113 and ZB3114AK.
Source: Dyson
Weight and ease of use
On the surface, the weights of the cordless vacuum cleaners from the three brands do not seem to differ very much. Electrolux machines weigh between 2.5kg (ZB3107) to 2.8kg (ZB5021). The LGs weigh 2.8kg each. Dyson’s V8 Fluffy and V8 Absolute each weigh 2.55kg and the Dyson V6 Fluffy weigh only 2.34kg. However, with extended usage, every extra gram matters. As does the design.
We find Dyson’s design most ergonomically. With the centre of gravity located towards the grip, handling is easier and causes the least strain with extended use, especially when you do a lot of reaching upwards to the ceiling. Balance, then, becomes of utmost importance. We also like the look of a Dyson best as it looks more futuristic.
Source: Dyson
Technology
In terms of technology, Dyson leads the pack.
Dyson has been continually refining vacuum cyclone technology since inventing it more than 20 years ago. Dyson’s patented Root Cyclone™ technology captures more dirt than any other and very importantly, without the loss of suction. 15 cyclones, arranged across two tiers, work in parallel to increase airflow and capture fine dust and allergens such as pollen and dust mite faeces, and expels cleaner air. The technology is approved by both the British Allergy Foundation and Service Allergie Suisse.
What it will cost you
Technology comes at a price. Dyson, being the most advanced, is also the most expensive. The flagship V8 Absolute is retailed at RM4,500, the V8 Fluffy slightly cheaper at RM3,999 and the V6 at RM3,229. Electrolux machines are the cheapest, ranging from less than RM350 for the Dynamica ZS-320 to RM1,119 for the ZB5021. LG’s VS8400SCW and VS8401SC are around RM1,899 a pop. The VK94070NCAG, which looks just like a conventional vacuum cleaner (rather than a stick) but cordless, comes at RM3,799.
Dyson's Trade in Campaign
If Dyson tickles your fancy, you may want to take advantage of its trade-in campaign running from 10 Dec 2016 to 29 Jan 2017. Enjoy 15% off all Dyson technology (vacuum cleaners, bladeless fans and purifier fans). When you trade-in any vacuum cleaner, desk/floor standing fans or air purifiers. Terms and conditions apply.