Miele Duoflex HX1 review

Whereas Dyson vacuum cleaners are justly well-known, there’s one other model that makes equally efficient high-end vacuums. Miele’s ground cleaners could not have the identical prompt title recognition, however they’re among the many finest we’ve examined, with clear, trendy designs and quiet color schemes that would show enticing, particularly to individuals who must hold their vacuum on show.

On this overview, we’re taking a look at Miele’s new cordless mannequin, the Duoflex HX1. It’s a extra budget-friendly mannequin than the model’s flagship cordless, the Miele Triflex, so there are a number of compromises to be made the place options are involved, however its construct and efficiency are top-notch.

Design and Construct

• Two energy settings
• Most 55-minute battery life
• Fundamental battery life indicator

There are a variety of various Duoflex HX1 editions: the CarCare, the Complete Care and the Cat & Canine. The worth and attachments fluctuate relying on which you purchase.

We’re testing the HX1 Cat & Canine, which comes with a specialist attachment for eradicating pet hair from upholstery and automotive seats.

Within the field, you’ll get the vacuum cleaner physique, which may also be used as a handheld, a metallic wand and cleansing attachments. These embody the principle MultiFloor electrobrush (the principle, motorised cleansing head), which is able to detect and robotically regulate to ground kind, a dusting brush, upholstery nozzle, crevice nozzle and the electro compact brush (the motorised pet hair attachment).

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

The wand is gunmetal gray and the cleansing attachments all have a matt black end. Every thing is properly designed and all elements click on collectively and separate fantastically.

The vacuum physique additionally has a matt end, with a textured sample under the grip. The clear, easy-open dustbin has a 0.3-litre capability. In comparison with rivals, this actually is tiny. As an example, Dyson’s flagship mannequin the Gen5detect, has a bin that’s over twice the dimensions at 0.77 litres.

This implies you’ll must empty it usually. On the very least, that’s straightforward to do, with a quick-release button on the bottom of the bin. Nonetheless, like all smaller bins, for those who vacuum up numerous pet fur, you’ll most likely must take away the hairballs manually.

The vacuum’s controls are easy. There are two buttons on high of the vacuum’s grip, properly in attain of your thumb. One is the ability key and the opposite switches from low to excessive vacuuming energy. More often than not, I discovered that low energy was sufficient to get the job achieved.

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

There’s no display screen on the HX1, which was a characteristic I missed whereas testing it. Though a digital show would possibly appear to be a little bit of pointless tech on a vacuum, battery life countdown timers are genuinely helpful on cordless vacuums.

As an alternative, the HX1 has a 3 gentle battery indicator, so that you’ll know in case your battery is full, has two-thirds, or one-third of its life left. Extra element can be good however on the plus aspect, the HX1 has a most operating time of 55 minutes – though that’s on the low setting, and not using a motorised brush head hooked up.

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Nonetheless, based on Miele, when utilizing a motorised attachment, you’ll solely get 12 minutes of vacuuming time on the excessive setting. More often than not, you’ll probably get round half an hour of vacuuming from the battery nevertheless it’s exhausting to be actual.

What’s a disgrace is that the HX1’s lithium-ion battery can’t be swapped out, which implies there’s no possibility to purchase a spare and double the operating time. This implies you have to control the not-very-precise battery indicator as it might probably drop in only a few minutes for a 3rd full to empty.

The vacuum additionally comes with a dock that you just mount to the wall with assistance from two included screws, though you possibly can cost the vacuum with out utilizing it, simply by plugging it in.

Efficiency and Options

• 3.1kg weight
• Pet hair device efficient
• Highly effective vacuuming

The HX1 weighs 3.1kg, which is lighter than the Gen5detect’s 3.5kg however not practically as gentle on the Halo Capsule X’s 2.6kg. (The Capsule X additionally has an enormous, 2-litre bin and a number of other different excellent options.)

It feels gentle when vacuuming on the ground, however I did discover it heavy on the wrist in handheld mode when utilizing it overhead to wash blinds.

The principle motorised cleansing head (the Multifloor electrobrush) is sweet on each carpets and exhausting flooring – with a few caveats. If you wish to give carpets a deep clear, you’ll want to make use of the excessive setting, which is able to solely offer you 12 minutes of vacuuming time earlier than it’s essential recharge.

Its efficiency on exhausting flooring is superb however I discovered that it might probably scatter bigger particles, so for those who’re selecting up cat litter, you’ll must go over the world a few occasions.

I additionally discovered that lengthy hair tends to wrap across the brush roll and must be pulled away by hand. This, nonetheless, isn’t an excessive amount of hassle as the comb roll pops out for straightforward cleansing.

Among the many remainder of the cleansing instruments, there’s accent for each job, though we did miss the jointed device that top-flight Dyson and Samsung vacuums have, which helps you to create a 90° angle for cleansing excessive cabinets and hard-to-reach spots.

The motorised pet hair removing device is certainly one of my favorite issues about this vacuum. It’s very efficient in eradicating mud and pet hair from upholstery and may also be used to hoover your mattress. This device does deliver up the value of the Canine & Cat mannequin, however you probably have pets, I believe it’s price it.

In order for you the Duoflex however aren’t offered on the necessity for the motorised pet hair device, the Duoflex HX1 or HX1 Further are cheaper choices. You’ll be able to see all of the fashions at Miele.

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Emma Rowley / Foundry

Worth and Availability

At this stage, the Duoflex will not be accessible within the US. In order for you a cordless Miele, take a look at our overview of the Miele Triflex, the model’s flagship cordless mannequin, which you should buy within the US and the UK.

Within the UK, you may get the Duoflex from John Lewis, Currys, Marks Electrical or direct from Miele, for £449. This places the vacuum firmly within the mid-range worth bracket. It’s not as costly as top-tier Dyson fashions, such because the flagship Gen5detect (£750+) or the V15 Detect, each of which surpass it when it comes to specs and options.

The issue is that it’s pricier than similarly-featured fashions, similar to the wonderful Halo Capsule X (£399.99) or the budget-friendly Shark Detect Professional (£229). Ultimately, it’s not that the Duoflex isn’t a very good vacuum, it’s simply that within the present, crowded market, there are many various choices and it’s exhausting to discover a compelling cause to spend a bit extra to purchase it.

Do you have to purchase Miele’s Duoflex HX1 Cat & Canine?

The Duoflex HX1 Cat & Canine is a strong, well-made vacuum – and that’s what you’re paying for if you purchase. However it’s nonetheless costly and also you’ll must compromise in terms of the dimensions of the dustbin, the battery life and the not-very-specific battery indicator. Ultimately, this may work finest as a second vacuum or fast runaround to be stored within the kitchen.

If this isn’t the proper vacuum for you, take a look at our high suggestions in our round-up of the very best vacuum cleaners we’ve examined.