HOUSEWORK is one of life’s have-to-dos rather than a love-to-do, so anything that makes the job a little more pleasant is sure to get my attention.
The new Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit promises to do just that, offering powerful cleaning without a cable — so of course I jumped at the chance to review it.
By buying the kit, you can save £150 compared to buying its elements individually, and you can save an extra £20 until March 17th with The Sun’s exclusive code.
I tested out the Ryobi One+ Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit[/caption]
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
For me, cordless vacuums are up there with washing machines and air fryers when it comes to “machines I’m so glad someone invented”.
As a pet parent, my floors take a battering: muddy paw prints, cat fur, constant dog hair (do they ever stop shedding?) food and bits of chewed-up “indestructible” toys.
Unlike some vacuum brands, Ryobi doesn’t put pet hair capabilities front and centre when describing the One+.
However, having tested Ryobi garden products including lawnmowers in the past, I was confident it would cope with my motley crew.
Pros:
- Easy to put together
- Doddle to operate
- Good suction
- HEPA filter
- Battery and charger included
- Converts to handheld without faff
- Good selection of tools
- Good-size dust bin
- Stands up on its own
- Up to 40 minutes run time on one charge
- Easy to manoeuvre
- Powerful headlights
Cons:
- A little heavy to use after a while
- Small brush head means longer to vacuum the room
- Look may be too industrial for some people
Rating: 8/10
How I tested the Ryobi One+ Cordless Stick Vacuum
I tested the Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit in my home.
I have two dogs and a cat, so it was put through its paces as far as pet hair is concerned, as well as having to deal with regular dust and household bits.
The tools that come with the cleaner were used on furniture and furnishings, as well as the floor.
At this time of year, my guys drag in a lot of mud from the garden, so the vacuum had to prove that it could cope with that, too.
I tested the cleaner on hard floor and carpet, converting it to a hand-held vacuum for the stairs.
Ryobi stick vacuum review: Quickfire Q&A
The stick vacuum is a breeze to put together, though Ryobi’s trademark industrial design might not be for everyone[/caption]
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
How much is the Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit? It is £199.99 for the cordless vacuum including the battery and charger — a £150 saving on buying the elements individually. You can save an extra £20 using our exclusive discount code, STICKVAC20.
Who’s it best for? Anybody who hates getting tangled in a corded vacuum.
What I loved: The freedom and the convenience.
What I didn’t like: The weight after you’ve been using it for a while (minor niggle).
Ryobi stick vacuum review: The Nitty Gritty
First impressions
Setup was a breeze, meaning that I was vacuuming in minutes[/caption]
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
I was impressed.
Freeing all parts of the vacuum from its packaging took mere minutes as nothing was taped, stuck or wired into the box.
Each section felt sturdy – not heavy, more well-made and solid. The hose is metal and even the plastic sections felt substantial.
The leaflet that comes with the cleaner identifies each part but it doesn’t give any written instructions as such — it’s all pictorial.
I thought it could have been clearer with a lot more detail; for example, I wanted to know how long the battery would last on a full charge, but I couldn’t find that information in there.
However, like almost everybody else I suspect, I’ve been using vacuum cleaners long enough to be able to operate one without an instruction manual.
Putting everything together took no time at all; each part logically fits into the next and there’s a satisfying click each time so you know you’re connecting it correctly.
The battery fits into the back of the motor and helps stabilise the cleaner, which, unlike many I’ve tried, stands up on its own.
There’s an on/off switch, a button for either eco or max mode and a button to engage the brush head. And that’s it — simple to operate and so sweet to use.
Does it deliver?
Having not used one for a while, I’d forgotten how dreamy cordless vacuums are to use[/caption]
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
It’s been a while since I’ve used a cordless vacuum and I’d forgotten how handy they are; it’s a dream not tying yourself up in knots with the cable.
After a few minutes of assembly, this baby was ready to go. I had charged the battery in advance so began straightaway with my kitchen floor.
Eco mode was fine for regular dust but didn’t seem to cope with bigger bits of dry mud, so I switched to Max for those and it tackled them admirably.
The brush head moves and changes direction smoothly — there’s a good swivel action — so it’s easy to vacuum around and under furniture.
There’s no need to use the brush roller on hard floors, but on carpet, you want to engage it for the best effect.
Pressing this seemed to give the cleaner added oomph, even on Eco mode. Increase to Max and you’re motoring.
I was a little wary of running down the battery too quickly but it didn’t happen – I didn’t keep going at full whack for very long, but did vary the power throughout cleaning three rooms as well as the stairs, hall and landing.
Ryobi claims a full charge lasts around 40 minutes on eco mode and I would vouch for that; I was amazed at how much I got done before the battery ran out.
Speaking of the battery, one of the best things about this vacuum is that the battery and charger are included in the box and you don’t need to buy them separately, which would otherwise bump up the cost.
As I’ve mentioned, one great thing about this cordless vacuum is it stands up on its own.
Most cordless vacuums I’ve encountered don’t, and it can be a pain having to try and balance them against walls or cupboards so that they don’t fall over.
The Ryobi initially seemed top-heavy and didn’t look like it was going to stand up, but once you attach the battery it seems to even out the weight a bit and it’s pretty stable.
“It may sound a bit over the top but I almost squealed with delight at how well it sucked up dog hair from the stairs.”[/caption]
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
I also loved how easy it was to convert the cleaner to handheld, as well as the power it has in handheld form.
It may sound a bit over the top but I almost squealed with delight at how well it sucked up dog hair from the stairs.
Admittedly I was using Max mode, but it made a tiresome job much easier and quicker.
Usually, I’m balancing a full-size corded vacuum against my legs while I struggle with the hose attachment, getting ever more overheated with every stair I clean.
My only tiny gripe is the weight when you’re using handheld — the vacuum seems to get heavier the longer you use it — but honestly, that’s nothing when compared to the convenience. And the whole process is much faster than it was before.
The kit includes a good selection of additional tools, too; the usual crevice tool, but also a mini brush head and a weird-looking micro crevice tool with 16 separate straws.
I found the mini brush head great for vacuuming the stairs, but of no use for removing dog hair from the sofa sadly.
This is not a Ryobi thing. I have yet to find a pet-hair attachment that works, and that goes for every big-name brand vacuum I have owned over the years.
How much is the Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit?
The One+’s headlights have plenty of power[/caption]
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
The vacuum kit costs £199.99 and while that’s not cheap, it does come with a battery and charger.
You can also buy the bare tool, without the battery, for £179.99, but then you would have to pay at least another £50 for a battery, while a charger would set you back at least £48.
There’s also the cost of accessories if purchased separately – the mini brush head is another £34.99 and the micro crevice took is £9.99.
Taking all that into account, the kit is great value for money, and you can save an extra £20 using our code, STICKVAC20.
Ryobi stick vacuum review: The Verdict
This is an impressive machine.
I had forgotten how convenient cordless cleaners are to use, and just how easy they make the whole process of vacuuming.
Previously any cordless model I’ve had has been a second vacuum, with my main cleaner being a traditional corded upright.
At first, I thought this would be the same – it didn’t seem to have quite the same power as my regular vacuum. However, because it is so convenient, I found myself using it more, rather than leaving the dreaded task until the weekend.
For that reason, I think the Ryobi would work as an only vacuum, especially if you’re pet-free.
Even in my three-pet household, the floors looked cleaner and the aged carpet looked more fluffed up.
I will be getting rid of my oldest corded vacuum while the other one will be relegated to second place, after the Ryobi.
- Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit,
£199.99£179.99 using code STICKVAC20 – buy here
