I obtained my fingers on Dyson’s latest-announced cordless vacuum cleaner, the PencilVac, for a whirl round Dyson HQ.
Listed here are three the reason why it’s distinctive in Dyson’s portfolio, plus the whole lot we learn about its worth and launch date.
1. It’s the lightest vacuum cleaner I’ve tried
Dyson vacuums could be a ache within the arm. I cherished the present flagship mannequin, the Gen5detect, and gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars once I reviewed it. However at 3.5kg, it may be a little bit of a drag after a couple of minutes of use.
Not so the PencilVac. It’s extremely gentle within the hand. The truth is, it seems like utilizing a plastic mop. At a weight of 1.8kg, which is about the identical as a small laptop computer, it is going to be Dyson’s lightest cordless vacuum. And it’s slender as properly. The PencilVac’s wand – which incorporates an in-line dustbin – has a diameter of simply 38mm.
Dyson was in a position to make what should be the world’s slimmest and lightest full-size vacuum due to its modern and completely tiny 28mm digital Hyperdymium motor.
Emma Rowley / Foundry
However this quest for slimness has a possible draw back. The vacuum has a two-stage filtration course of to make sure it could actually retain its suction because the dustbin fills, and it compacts the mud and dust because it goes. This implies you received’t must empty it as usually as its restricted 0.08-litre bin would counsel. But it surely’ll nonetheless be a really common prevalence.
The dustbin additionally has a intelligent ejection mechanism to minimise the probability of the person needing to poke round within the bin with a chopstick to unclog it. Nonetheless, because the vacuum physique is so slender, it does really feel as if jams are inevitable, particularly when you have a variety of pet hair in your house. And, though Dyson recommends the PencilVac to be used as a kitchen vacuum cleaner, it wouldn’t be appropriate for vacuuming up a considerable amount of spilled rice, for instance.
2. It will probably clear in any course
A vacuum can entice you in a movement of sawing backwards and forwards, which may imply lifting it and plonking it down once more to get into small gaps. Not so the PencilVac, which may transfer and clear in any course. After I examined it, I discovered that it genuinely glided throughout the ground. It will probably additionally lie utterly flat to get underneath furnishings. Dyson’s earlier launch, the Omni-Glide, additionally had this performance, however it’s tough to pay money for now.
On the bottom of the cleansing head are 4 spinning casters, which permit it to slip sideways and twirl round desk legs. At the back and front of the cleansing head are 4 fluffy conical rollers (Fluffycones, in Dyson terminology), mounted on two curler bars which rotate in reverse instructions. These let it clear on each the again and ahead stroke. The conical form of the Fluffycones imply that lengthy hair is whisked away from the rollers, moderately than wrapping round it.
Dyson
However this design does imply that the PencilVac is essentially for onerous flooring solely, though it comes with high-quality equipment for cleansing upholstery and cabinets, blinds and skirting. Not solely will you get the hair screw instrument, which is sensible for giving sofas, chairs and mattresses a correct clear, however a extremely efficient, redesigned comfortable combi brush.
But it surely received’t be your one and solely vacuum, until your house is sort of totally rug- and carpet-free. And when you have pets, the casters will get gummed up with fur that you just’ll want to chop away; that’s one thing I found when testing the Omni-Glide, which featured related casters.
3. It’s Dyson’s first related vacuum
This isn’t as robust a promoting level, however the reality stays that the PencilVac might be Dyson’s first sensible vacuum, connecting to the wonderful MyDyson app. Whereas the LCD display screen on the PencilVac’s wand will present you the remaining battery life (in minutes) and the mode you’re in, you may head to the app for extra info on upkeep, filter life and troubleshooting.
Sensible options on units reminiscent of this are sometimes pointless add-ons, which implies customers will drop or overlook about them as soon as they’ve owned the product for some time. Both that or they comprise performance that’s been shunted away from on-device controls, which implies it’s a bit extra trouble to entry these settings.
On this case, it appears to be the latter – a measure Dyson has used to maintain the PencilVac as easy and slim as doable.
My ideas on the PencilVac
The PencilVac is a pleasure to make use of. It makes vacuuming a lot simpler, easy as that. In the event you procrastinate the place vacuuming is anxious as a result of dragging out a heavy vacuum and shifting furnishings round is a job in itself, the PencilVac will show you how to get round these issues – by swiftly getting round your furnishings.
For a quick-grab cordless for gentle vacuuming, it’s just about preferrred. However keep in mind that it’s largely restricted to onerous flooring, it’s not appropriate for vacuuming up large spills, and, regardless of its anti-hair wrap know-how, it’s going to battle with a variety of pet hair.
When might be PencilVac be available for purchase?
The PencilVac is already available for purchase in Japan. Will probably be accessible in different nations, together with the UK and the US, in 2026.
What’s going to the PencilVac price?
Dyson has not but introduced UK or US pricing for the PencilVac. In accordance with New Atlas, it’s priced at ¥84,920, which works out at roughly £425/$572. It is a dear purchase for what is going to quantity to a second vacuum for most individuals. However when you have a compact metropolis flat, it could possibly be the right cleaner for you.
To see how the PencilVac compares to Dyson’s different fashions, take a look at our round-up of the most effective Dyson cordless cleaners.
