Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Stick Vacuum

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Stick Vacuum (PBLSV716B) has been a recent addition to my cleaning arsenal, and it certainly brings a mix of strengths and areas for improvement. As a long-time user of Ryobi's line of tools, I was excited to see how this vacuum stacks up against other household vacuums I've used.

First and foremost, the cordless design is a significant advantage. It provides the freedom to move around without the hassle of cords getting tangled or needing to switch outlets. This is particularly useful for quick clean-ups or for reaching those tricky spots that a corded vacuum might struggle with. The stick vacuum is powered by Ryobi's 18V ONE+ battery system, which means it’s compatible with the batteries I already have for my other Ryobi tools. This interchangeability is a big plus, saving both money and storage space.

The suction power of the vacuum is commendable, especially considering its compact size. The brushless motor delivers up to 75 IOW of suction power, which is more than adequate for most household cleaning tasks. I found it particularly effective on hard floors, where it easily picked up dust and small debris. The LED lights on the roller bar are a thoughtful addition, illuminating dirt and debris that might otherwise go unnoticed, particularly in dimly lit areas.

The vacuum's design allows for easy conversion from a stick vacuum to a handheld unit. This versatility is useful for cleaning furniture, car interiors, or other small spaces. The included crevice tool and dust brush add to its functionality, making it a versatile tool for various cleaning scenarios. However, I did notice that the vacuum struggles a bit with pet hair, especially on carpets. It requires multiple passes to pick up all the hair, which can be a bit frustrating.

One of the standout features is the cyclonic filtration system, which does an excellent job of trapping allergens and keeping the air clean. This is especially beneficial for households with allergy sufferers. The dust cup is easy to empty, although I did find the hinges and latches to be somewhat fragile. Extra caution is needed to avoid breaking them, which could be a potential point of failure over time.

The vacuum is relatively quiet, with a sound level of 73 dB(A). This makes it less disruptive than some other vacuums I've used, allowing for a more pleasant cleaning experience. However, the battery life leaves something to be desired. On the high-speed setting, the vacuum lasts around 15-20 minutes, which might not be enough for larger cleaning tasks. Using a heavier-duty battery can extend the runtime, but it also adds to the weight, making the vacuum more cumbersome to use for extended periods.

Speaking of weight, the vacuum is on the heavier side, especially when equipped with a larger battery. This can lead to arm fatigue if used for long periods. The self-standing design is a convenient feature, allowing the vacuum to be stored easily without needing to lean it against a wall. However, the wall attachment provided feels flimsy and doesn't inspire confidence in its durability.

The build quality of the vacuum is generally solid, but there are some areas that could use improvement. The canister capacity is 0.21 gallons, which is adequate for small to medium cleaning tasks but requires frequent emptying for larger jobs. The process of emptying the canister is straightforward, but it can be a bit messy, and sometimes debris needs to be manually removed, which is not ideal.

Despite these drawbacks, there are several aspects of the vacuum that I appreciate. The roller bar is removable, making it easy to clean and remove any tangled hair. The vacuum's maneuverability is good, and it rolls smoothly across different surfaces. The inclusion of a 3-year limited warranty is also a reassuring factor, providing peace of mind in case of any issues.

In conclusion, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Stick Vacuum is a solid addition to the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem, offering good suction power, versatility, and convenience. However, it does have some shortcomings, particularly in terms of battery life, weight, and canister design. If you are already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ system and need a versatile, cordless vacuum for light to medium cleaning tasks, this vacuum is a good option. However, if you have pets or require a vacuum for more intensive cleaning, you might want to consider other options that offer better performance in those areas.

Overall, I would recommend this vacuum for those who value convenience and are looking for a versatile tool that integrates well with their existing Ryobi ONE+ tools. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done for most household cleaning tasks.