VAX has a solid reputation for creating innovative home cleaning solutions, and their HomePro Pet-Design model is no exception. After testing it for three weeks in my home, I wanted to see if this vacuum could hold its own against other top cordless models on the market. Priced at £319 (though often discounted), the HomePro Pet-Design offers several features designed to cater to pet owners, but does it justify the higher price tag compared to other models in the same category?
Performance and Usability
The VAX HomePro Pet-Design cordless vacuum delivers a solid cleaning performance with strong suction power and good maneuverability. Although it doesn’t have dedicated settings for hard floors and carpets, I found it performed reasonably well on both. It struggled slightly with larger debris, such as cereal, during my tests, but was otherwise efficient in picking up dust and smaller particles.
One of the standout features of this model is its suitability for pet owners. It comes with pet-specific tools, including a motorized pet tool and a pet hair remover. Additionally, the vacuum incorporates hair wrap resistance technology, which kept the cleaner head free from tangled pet hair—a common issue with many other vacuums. With a run time of up to 45 minutes, the HomePro Pet-Design provides ample cleaning time for most homes.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The vacuum is notably loud during operation, which may be a turn-off for those sensitive to noise. This has been a common issue pointed out by other reviewers as well. Furthermore, I found the dustbin tricky to empty, as it often spilled debris outside of the bin, which could be frustrating, especially for those with allergies or pets.
Design and Assembly
Unboxing the VAX HomePro Pet-Design was a straightforward experience, and I appreciated the packaging, which was minimal and easy to recycle. The vacuum’s slim, modern design with teal accents immediately caught my attention, giving it a sleek, futuristic look. Assembly was simple—just attach the vacuum pole to the main unit and connect it to the floorhead. The removable battery and charging case, with an LED display indicating the charge level, were also convenient touches.
Once set up, I was ready to test it in my flat, which has a mix of short-pile carpets and vinyl flooring. Although there’s only one head for both carpet and hard floor surfaces, I found the vacuum performed admirably on both, particularly in turbo mode, which boosted its suction power. It handled the kitchen’s frequent messes easily, picking up crumbs and small debris in a single pass.
Testing and Performance
To evaluate its effectiveness, I tested the vacuum on various surfaces with flour and cereal. On hard floors, it picked up debris with ease, and while it struggled with larger cereal pieces like Shreddies, it efficiently collected smaller oats. The vacuum’s ability to clean carpets was equally commendable, leaving my floors looking streak-free after each pass.
The noise, however, is one of the HomePro Pet-Design’s most noticeable drawbacks. Measuring 79.9 dB on my decibel meter, it’s relatively loud compared to other powerful vacuums. While it’s reassuring that the vacuum is working hard, the noise could be irritating, especially if you have sensitive ears or need to vacuum for extended periods.
Another perk is its maneuverability. The vacuum can easily fit under furniture thanks to the Flexi-Clean pole, which made cleaning around my flat much more convenient. I also tested the stair tool, which performed well, although its small head means it takes a bit longer to clean each step—ideal for narrow staircases or hard-to-reach areas.
Pet-Specific Features and Accessories
As a pet owner, I was particularly keen on testing the included pet-specific tools. The motorized pet hair tool worked seamlessly, and I was impressed with how easily it removed embedded hair from my carpets. The pet hair remover, however, felt a bit awkward to use and didn’t glide over the carpet as smoothly as the motorized tool.
Design Issues and Storage
While I enjoyed the overall design of the vacuum, I did find it a bit top-heavy. The main vacuum unit feels heavier than the slim pole, and I had to be careful not to leave the vacuum standing on its own, as it would easily topple over. To avoid this, I had to either use the wall mount for storage or detach the pole from the vacuum when keeping it on the floor.
Verdict
Overall, the VAX HomePro Pet-Design cordless vacuum offers great performance for pet owners and those needing a versatile cleaner for both carpets and hard floors. Its impressive suction power, pet-specific tools, and hair wrap resistance technology make it a worthwhile option for many homes. However, the noise level and the awkward dustbin design may be deal-breakers for some. If you’re willing to overlook these flaws, the VAX HomePro Pet-Design could be a valuable addition to your cleaning arsenal, especially if you have pets or need a vacuum that can handle multiple floor types.
Related topics:
What Are the 6 Best Dyson Vacuums for Stairs?