Monday 11 January 2016

Review/Experience Vax Air Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Slightly swaying away from techie things, I felt I'd like to write a review on this product "Vax Air Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner", it's something we decided to buy for our house around 1 year ago. Previously I'd owned a Dyson animal DC14, which was a great unit, it managed to clean up the cat air (two long-haired cats) and usual family mess for around 5 years, which I was happy with.


However, it's brush cleaners and plastic casing finally got cracked badly and the decision was made to purchase a new one. Unfortunately the newer Dyson units are very expensive, and I dislike the 'ball' idea they've had for these, so looked around, and found the Vax Air Pet Upright:
Which looked similar, it uses cyclone bagless technology, was designed for people with pets so generally has good suction and ability to grab the hair up.
They're also not cheap, but slightly less than the Dyson. Around £200 was the going price I think.

Initial thoughts, it looked ok, seemed to have the functions and did a decent first start at hoovering up, so was ok.
However, several limitations appeared almost immediately.
It has a very short flexi-hose. As you can see on the picture above, the flexi hose is moulded at the top of it, and clips into the front brushes, so for your flexi hose you unclip there. And you only have the length to the first plastic ring as hose that's any use. Realistically thats one arm length at full stretch. Not very long at all, try to clean the back of a sofa with the unit on the floor, it's almost impossible without dragging the whole unit up.
Suction, it's not that great, whilst it feels powerful, when you actually try to suck up pet hair from a carpet/sofa, etc, with an attachment on the hose the pressure release valve goes off and it stops suction, so you have to only half use the suction otherwise the pressure relief stops the thing from sucking.
Weight, it's not too bad on this, you can carry it with one hand reasonably, but I'm not going to hoist it up and above my head in a hurry.
Power cable length feels a bit shorter than the Dyson too, but that's not a major pain.
Waste/Dust container isn't huge, but sufficient, just remember to empty it often on a large house run.

Now onto the REALLY big problem, the front rotating brushes. These are ran by a separate motor (good idea) and belt driven (good idea), however they are really poor at getting clogged up. And not by something like a childs toy, wire or string. It gets heavily clogged up by HAIR, cat and human! So after quite a short vacuum run you have to then unplug it, upturn it and grab a pair of scissors and start to cut the tangled hair out of it. This is a continued pain I find. On the old Dyson I could leave that and do it maybe once a year (I probably should have done it more often!) but it certainly didn't impede it's work. On the Vax this slows down the rotor, causes it to smell badly (I think hair gets into the bearings or spindles and at the speed it spins causes it to burn slightly and give the bad smell of burning hair).
I spent quite some time over the weekend taking this part apart on the unit, to find out how it works and fits together. I found several parts that I wasn't impressed with. Firstly the bar:

It isn't very clear on this picture, but on the left hand side you have a toothed gear that attaches to the belt, it's pretty sturdy and good teeth on it so this is a good build. On the right however is where it worried me. This piece simply pushes into the base of the device and is held against the right hand side of the base by friction. So it's not actually supported on both sides, only the side with the belt and motor. This is probably what caused it to dislodge at some point with us and cause the whole unit to vibrate terribly.
Secondly, inside the ends of these there are small bearings for the rotation. These bearings are very small, but also aren't sealed, they appear to be open and able to get things jammed into them, like hair, dust, particles, etc. So again not very impressive considering this will be a part constantly in the path of dirt and particles that can get into bearings and not give them a good time.

So all in all, Vax, I think this is a very poor offering, it doesn't hold up to the tough PET name, giving you the impression it can deal with tough pet hair, etc. And so unfortunately I think this may not last very long and get replaced sooner.


Addendum:
A few months after purchase I wanted to solve the short hose problem and get some better attachments as the one that comes with it was very poor indeed (single tube type). So I went via the official vax shop, compatibility checker and chose an accessory pack called "Vax Pro Cleaning Kit" which was £39.99 and had lots of handy adapters in there, which would help with stairs, etc. I also ordered a "Vax Stretch Hose" which is listed as a replacement but also an extension, which I thought would be ideal, add that on and better adapters and all would be well. However after they turned up several problems again were spotted. Several of the adapters didn't actually FIT the hose! Some were way too small and by forcing them on it would work, but this felt like a wrong design. Others went on fine and worked. The extra hose, this doesn't act as an extension but a replacement (same short size) of the original so this also was useless and couldn't even be modified to fit (I tried all sorts to modify the hose and fittings, plastic shaving, resizing, etc, nothing would make it fit right and work) so I gave up with that also.

All in all, not an impressive offering.

45 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. An air purifier ought to have the capacity to viably clear all the thick strong particles exhibit in smoke.
    air purifier smoke

    ReplyDelete
  3. The maximum amp "draw," (the number of amps the vacuum cleaner uses when running) allowed for any appliance that plugs into a standard household outlet is 12.thehousegoods

    ReplyDelete
  4. Some of the problems with these cleansing agents is they can get stuck. review of green gobbler

    ReplyDelete
  5. I too always learn something new from your post. Click for more details at petcareio.com


    ReplyDelete
  6. Not a single second went without leaving me in utter surprise.
    best vacuum for berber carpet

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. Click here

    ReplyDelete
  8. Furthermore, it is thus that the majority of the particulars you see concerning cleaning capacity relate either straightforwardly or in a roundabout way to the engine. Robot vacuum

    ReplyDelete
  9. We suggest getting the robot vacuum cleaner from a robot claim to fame shop. After the entirety of it's a robot! Bobsweep

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging 8 best cheap vacuum cleaner

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is my first time i visit here. I discovered such a large number of fascinating stuff in your web journal particularly its discourse. From the huge amounts of remarks on your articles, I figure I am by all account not the only one having all the delight here! keep doing awesome chevron wood flooring

    ReplyDelete
  12. In the event that considering a noteworthy overhaul in the vacuum cleaner classification you would need to think about focal vacuum cleaners. pethair plus

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anyway a few models are not incredible for high covers. Be that as it may, it is as yet a machine that is wealthy in highlights and can help with an assortment of cleaning needs in the house.
    Bobsweep robotic vacuum review

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your post is very helpful to get some effective tips to reduce weight properly. You have shared various nice photos of the same. I would like to thank you for sharing these tips. Surely I will try this at home. Keep updating more simple tips like this.  The Top Cleaner

    ReplyDelete
  15. Covered floors and also wood floors can be cleaned well by utilization of an upright vacuum cleaner, especially if the machine has diverse stature settings. bobsweep pethair reviews

    ReplyDelete
  16. "It was really insightful.
    Thanks for the info.
    Wanna have more contents from you.
    Cheers
    BTW if anyone interested more have a look Click Here For Visit My Site thanks"

    ReplyDelete
  17. Self-assertive and amazing in equal measures, a must read.
    best vacuum for high pile carpet

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is a great post I have ever read on Cowhide rug. Surely it is an awesome part of home decoration. It not only enhances the beauty of the room but also makes comfortable feeling in the mind of the home owner. I like the way you presented the topic. Thanks for sharing.

    Domestic cleaning Bondi | regular cleaning in bondi

    ReplyDelete
  19. It was really insightful.
    Thanks for the info.
    Wanna have more contents from you.
    Cheers
    BTW if anyone interested more have a look Read More thanks

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is something that you just read and read. You just can’t get tired of it.
    thewisepick

    ReplyDelete
  21. First You got a great blog .I will be interested in more similar topics. i see you got really very useful topics, i will be always checking your blog thanks. Mattie Keyes

    ReplyDelete
  22. Amazingly accommodating post. This is my first time i visit here. I found such an extensive number of captivating stuff in your blog especially its trade. Genuinely its unprecedented article. Keep it up. Indigenous Architecture Victoria

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is cool post and i enjoy to read this post. your blog is fantastic and you have good staff in your blog. nice sharing keep it up. gas pressure washer reivews

    ReplyDelete
  24. We have sell some products of different custom boxes.it is very useful and very low price please visits this site thanks and please share this post with your friends. Utrecht Verplettert

    ReplyDelete
  25. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. at Narch.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  26. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work... campbell hausfeld 1500 psi power washer

    ReplyDelete
  27. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. Pressure Washer Store Near Me

    ReplyDelete
  28. Upright vacuum cleaners often are equipped with extensions to the hose and wand, but most cannot easily deal with closets and cannot work well on stairwells. see full review

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is a great high resolution screen which you have shared for the users. Making a website is not an easy task but managing a good website is really a hard work. As far as this website is concerned, I am very happy. best carpet shampooer pets

    ReplyDelete
  30. You've completed in excellent work. t suggest to my frtends ind personilly wtll certitnly dtgtt. t'm conftdent they'll be gitned from thts webstte. https://www.bestcarpetshampooerreview.com/best-carpet-cleaners-for-pets/

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks for the blog loaded with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Best low cost air purifier with cost below 10,000

    ReplyDelete
  32. Despite all the controversy, there is no need to abandon the search for the ideal ionic air purifier. Why throw the baby out with the water? The ideal approach lies in keeping tabs with advancements in the various technologies, in encouraging manufacturers to be more open in their communications and in enhancing user understanding. best air purifier under 20000

    ReplyDelete
  33. This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform! urban cat kitty tower

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also small sandblaster

    ReplyDelete
  35. All the contents you mentioned in post is too good and can be very useful. I will keep it in mind, thanks for sharing the information keep updating, looking forward for more posts.Thanks view more

    ReplyDelete
  36. I appreciate everything you have added to my knowledge base.Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer.Thanks. What are the symptoms of thyroid problems in dogs?

    ReplyDelete
  37. this is really nice to read..informative post is very good to read..thanks a lot! dog harness to stop pulling

    ReplyDelete
  38. You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views...hope more people will read this article!!! What size pet carrier do I need for my cat?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Natural floor covering cleaning is picking up prevalence the same number of individuals look for more secure, progressively characteristic options in contrast to substance items.
    Rug Cleaning NYC

    ReplyDelete
  40. This is highly informatics, crisp and clear. I think that everything has been described in systematic manner so that reader could get maximum information and learn many things. best kitten food brands

    ReplyDelete
  41. So as to comprehend this we first need to comprehend the fundamentals of how a vacuum cleaner functions.
    asthma

    ReplyDelete
  42. Always so interesting to visit your site.What a great info, thank you for sharing. this will help me so much in my learning helpusfish.com

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.