Ryobi Powered Brush Hand Vacuum

Using the Ryobi Powered Brush Hand Vacuum, model PCL700B, has been a mixed experience for me. As a part of Ryobi's 18V ONE+ System, the vacuum promises cordless convenience, which is always a plus for any handheld cleaning device. While it does have some excellent features, there are certain aspects where it falls short of expectations.

To start on a positive note, the vacuum's mini motorized beater bar is a standout feature. This little attachment makes cleaning upholstery, car seats, and stairs much easier. The beater bar's rotating bristles do a fantastic job of agitating fibers, effectively lifting pet hair and dirt that otherwise would be challenging to remove. I found it particularly useful on the carpeted stairs in my home and on the couch where my pets often lounge. The added LED lights are another thoughtful feature, providing better visibility in dimly lit areas such as underneath furniture or inside a vehicle.

Another benefit of this vacuum is its ease of maintenance. The brush roll can be easily removed for cleaning, and there's a scissor groove specifically designed for cutting away tangled hair. This is a godsend for pet owners like myself who are constantly battling with pet hair. Additionally, the push-button release to empty the dustbin is straightforward, making it convenient to use without creating a mess.

However, despite these positive aspects, the vacuum does have its downsides. The suction power, which is arguably the most critical feature of any vacuum, is underwhelming. Initially, the suction was decent, but it quickly diminished, especially when using the motorized brush attachment. I noticed that after just a few minutes of cleaning, the suction power dropped significantly, making it less effective at picking up debris. This decrease in suction seems to be related to the filter and dustbin design. The small HEPA filter clogs up rapidly, and once it's even slightly dirty, the suction power takes a nosedive.

Moreover, the filter itself is not the easiest to find. Ryobi seems to have some supply chain issues, and getting a replacement filter can be a time-consuming process. This is a significant drawback because a clean filter is essential for maintaining the vacuum's performance. If you plan to use this vacuum regularly, be prepared to spend some time and effort on filter maintenance.

The vacuum's build quality and maneuverability are generally good. It feels solid and well-constructed. The pivoting head allows for better handling, making it easier to reach tight spots. However, it is a bit long, which can make it challenging to use in very confined spaces, like between car seats.

One of the more frustrating aspects is the attachment mechanism for the motorized brush. The brush head is held in place by a friction fit rather than a locking mechanism. During use, especially with a push-and-pull motion, the head tends to come loose, which can be quite aggravating. This design flaw could have been easily avoided with a more secure attachment method.

Battery life is another area where the vacuum performs reasonably well. On a full charge, the runtime is over 40 minutes, which is sufficient for most small cleaning tasks. Since it's part of the Ryobi ONE+ system, it uses the same batteries as other Ryobi tools, which is a convenient feature for those who already own other tools in the system. I appreciate not having to worry about running out of battery power, as I can easily swap out batteries from my other Ryobi tools.

Storage is also somewhat of an issue. There is no wall-mount bracket or even a hole to hang the vacuum from, making it awkward to store. This might be a minor inconvenience, but it's worth mentioning for those who have limited storage space.

In summary, the Ryobi Powered Brush Hand Vacuum offers some great features like the motorized beater bar, LED lights, and ease of maintenance. However, it falls short in several critical areas, particularly suction power and filter design. The inconvenience of finding replacement filters and the poorly designed brush attachment mechanism further detract from its overall utility.

Would I recommend this vacuum? It depends. If you are already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ system and need a handheld vacuum primarily for light use, such as picking up pet hair or quick spot cleaning, this vacuum could be a convenient addition to your tool collection. However, if you require a vacuum with robust suction power for more demanding tasks or frequent use, I would suggest looking for alternatives that offer better performance and reliability.

Overall, the Ryobi Powered Brush Hand Vacuum is a decent tool with some notable strengths but also some significant weaknesses that potential buyers should consider before making a purchase.