Ryobi Lithium High Performance Starter Kit with Stick Vacuum

If you’re already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem, the Ryobi Lithium High Performance Starter Kit with Stick Vacuum could be a logical addition to your arsenal. As someone who has been using various Ryobi tools for a while, I was particularly intrigued by this vacuum's promise of convenience and versatility. Here’s my in-depth take on this tool.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the vacuum feels robust, though it's a bit on the heavier side. Weighing in at around 5 pounds, the vacuum’s weight distribution is somewhat top-heavy, especially when using a larger battery like the 4Ah or 6Ah. This can make extended cleaning sessions a bit tiring on the arms. However, the vacuum stands upright on its own, which is a handy feature for quick pauses during cleaning.

The canister holds up to 0.8 liters of debris, which is decent for a stick vacuum. That said, the canister’s design has its drawbacks. Emptying it can be a bit of a hassle, often requiring manual intervention to remove all the debris, especially pet hair. The hinges and latches on the canister feel fragile, so extra caution is needed to avoid any breakage.

Performance

In terms of suction, the vacuum performs admirably on hard floors. Its suction power, rated at up to 75 IOW and 65 Air Watts, is sufficient for daily cleaning tasks. The vacuum transitions easily from stick to handheld mode, offering flexibility for different cleaning scenarios, such as tidying up the car or reaching tight corners.

However, when it comes to carpets, especially low-pile ones, the vacuum struggles a bit. It often requires multiple passes to pick up pet hair and larger debris. The powered brush head does a decent job but isn’t as effective as I would have liked, particularly for a tool marketed as a pet vacuum.

Battery Life

Battery life is another mixed bag. With the included 2Ah battery, you can expect around 10-15 minutes of high-power cleaning. The 4Ah and 6Ah batteries extend this to around 20-30 minutes, but they add to the vacuum's weight, making it less maneuverable. Fortunately, the ability to swap out batteries means you can continue cleaning without waiting for a recharge, a feature that integrated battery vacuums lack.

Usability and Features

One of the standout features is the LED light on the cleaning head, which illuminates dirt and debris, making it easier to spot and clean. However, this light only activates when the rotating brush is on, which is a bit of a design flaw. It would be more practical if the light operated independently of the brush.

The vacuum is relatively quiet, producing around 73 dB(A) of noise, which is lower than many other vacuums I've used. This makes it easier to carry on a conversation or listen to music while cleaning.

Maintenance

Maintenance is straightforward but not without its challenges. The filters are better than those in older models, and they do a good job of capturing fine dust and allergens. However, the canister's design, as mentioned earlier, can make emptying it a bit cumbersome. Additionally, the wall mount provided feels flimsy and doesn’t inspire confidence in its durability.

Comparison to Other Brands

Compared to high-end brands like Dyson, the Ryobi vacuum is more affordable but also less powerful. It’s a great budget-friendly option, especially if you’re already using Ryobi tools and batteries. However, it falls short in some areas, particularly in suction power and ease of use for pet hair and carpet cleaning.

Longevity and Warranty

One of the most appealing aspects of this vacuum is the warranty. Ryobi offers a 3-year limited warranty on the vacuum and batteries, which is significantly better than many other brands. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that any issues will be addressed within a reasonable timeframe.

Conclusion

Would I recommend the Ryobi Lithium High Performance Starter Kit with Stick Vacuum? It depends on your needs and existing tool ecosystem. If you’re already invested in Ryobi’s ONE+ system, this vacuum is a convenient and cost-effective addition. Its performance on hard floors is commendable, and the ability to swap batteries is a significant advantage.

However, if you’re looking for a vacuum specifically for pet hair and carpet cleaning, you might want to explore other options. The vacuum's weight and canister design are also areas that could use improvement.

In summary, the Ryobi Lithium High Performance Starter Kit with Stick Vacuum is a versatile and practical tool for those already in the Ryobi ecosystem, but it has its limitations. If you can live with its quirks and need a reliable vacuum for everyday cleaning, it’s worth considering. Otherwise, you might be better off looking at specialized vacuum brands for more robust performance.