Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Jobsite Hand Vacuum Kit

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Jobsite Hand Vacuum (PBLHV701K) brings a fresh take on jobsite and home cleaning with its versatile design and solid performance. As someone who spends plenty of time in both settings, I was eager to see if this vacuum could keep up with the demands of diverse clean-up tasks. Here’s my experience.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about this hand vacuum was its lightweight and portable design. Weighing in at just 2.9 lbs, it's easy to carry around, whether you’re cleaning up a jobsite or doing a quick sweep at home. The sleek design also makes it easy to maneuver into tight spots, which is a real asset when cleaning up dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas.

The vacuum is designed to function in three modes: handheld, stick vac, and stationary. This 3-in-1 capability significantly enhances its versatility, allowing it to adapt to different cleaning tasks with ease. The stick vac mode is particularly useful for floors, while the handheld mode excels in more confined spaces like vehicles and workbenches. The stationary mode, combined with the flexible hose, allows you to set the vacuum in one place and use the hose to clean a larger area.

Performance and Suction Power

I was skeptical at first about the vacuum’s suction power, but it quickly proved its worth. Equipped with ONE+ HP Technology, this vacuum delivers impressive suction, capturing dust, small debris, and even larger particles with ease. The airflow reaches up to 34 CFM, and the sealed suction power is up to 84 IOW, which is more than adequate for most cleaning tasks I encountered.

One of the standout features is the HEPA filter, which does a commendable job of trapping fine dust and allergens, ensuring that the air being expelled is cleaner. This is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from allergies or are working in dusty environments.

Battery Life and Runtime

The vacuum runs on an 18V battery, and I found the runtime to be quite impressive. With the included 4Ah battery, I managed to get up to 45 minutes of cleaning on a single charge. This is more than sufficient for most tasks, whether it’s a quick jobsite sweep or a more thorough home cleaning session.

However, it's worth noting that using a smaller battery pack will significantly reduce the runtime. If you plan to use this vacuum for extended periods, investing in a high-capacity battery is advisable.

Ease of Use and Ergonomics

While the vacuum’s performance and versatility are commendable, there are some design choices that leave room for improvement. The power switch, for instance, is positioned for use with the index finger rather than the thumb. This makes the vacuum somewhat awkward to hold, as you’re left with only three fingers to grip it. Over time, this can lead to hand fatigue, especially during extended cleaning sessions.

Additionally, the exhaust air flow can be bothersome. When using the vacuum as a stick or handheld, the expelled air is directed back towards the user’s face and hands. This is not only uncomfortable but also counterproductive if you’re cleaning in a dusty environment.

Accessories and Attachments

The vacuum comes with four accessories that enhance its versatility. These include a crevice tool, a brush attachment, a floor nozzle, and a flexible hose. I found each of these attachments to be useful in different scenarios, making the vacuum adaptable to various tasks. The flexible hose, in particular, is a great addition for stationary cleaning, allowing you to reach tight spots with ease.

However, the hose and attachment sizes are unique to this vacuum and are not compatible with other Ryobi tools. This is a minor inconvenience if you’re looking to interchange attachments between different tools in the Ryobi ecosystem.

Noise Level and Maintenance

The noise level of the vacuum is relatively low, measuring as low as 68 dB(A). This makes it one of the quieter options available, which is a significant advantage if you’re working in environments where noise is a concern.

Maintenance is straightforward, with an easy-to-empty debris canister. The HEPA filter is also easy to remove and clean, ensuring that the vacuum maintains its suction power over time.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Jobsite Hand Vacuum offers a lot of versatility and power in a compact, lightweight package. Its 3-in-1 design makes it adaptable to a variety of cleaning tasks, from jobsite debris to household dirt. The impressive suction power and long battery life further enhance its appeal.

However, the power switch placement and exhaust air direction are notable drawbacks that may impact user comfort and overall experience. If you can overlook these design flaws, this vacuum is a solid choice for both jobsite and home use, especially if you’re already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ battery system.

In conclusion, I would recommend this tool for its versatility, powerful suction, and compatibility with the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem. It’s not without its flaws, but the strengths outweigh the weaknesses, making it a valuable addition to your cleaning arsenal.