Product test
Battle of the bagless vacuum cleaners – a review
by Simon Balissat
Vacuumed well, Miele Triflex HX1
29.4.2020
Translation: machine translated
For a long time, Miele watched what the competition was doing with cordless hoovers. Then, with its debut model, the Triflex HX1, it launched a versatile appliance on the market that pulls an incredible amount of hair out of carpets.
Three points spontaneously convinced me of this model:
- It doesn't look like a souped-up handheld hoover with an extended handle
- It doesn't look like a Dyson where the designers couldn't decide between a children's toy and a household appliance in terms of colour
- It looks like a rock-solid household appliance. As exciting as you would expect from a traditional German company.
The suction power can be seen and heard
I can't make this comparison, but the Triflex beats my old appliance hands down. It pulls dust out of joints and carpets that was previously safe from the 2400 watts of my Siemens corded vacuum cleaner. And above all, hair, hair, hair. I've never seen a better hair curler. Unfortunately, this also means that I have to remove it from the floor nozzle regularly. I know this from the Roomba, but not to this extent.
The brush roller has a guide groove that helps to cut hair and strands with scissors. The Triflex can then suck them up. The brush roller can be removed from the side for thorough cleaning. I am thoroughly impressed with the suction power. Especially because the appliance remains relatively quiet. The sonorous sound is still easy to listen to even at the highest setting.
The battery: Small, but replaceable
The supplied lithium-ion battery comes from Varta and is replaceable. That's how it should be. What's the point of a fixed battery on a hoover? It is simply stupid if such a crucial part cannot be changed without tools. If the Triflex runs out of power, you can plug in a replacement battery in two simple steps.
With 650 grams and 66 Wh, it is clear that the model installed in the Triflex is a compromise between weight and endurance. A closer look at the technical data reveals that the maximum runtime of 60 minutes on level one only applies to the "PowerUnit solo" - i.e. without the floor nozzle with electric brush. The main thing is to somehow crack the magic hour mark.
Variant 1: The upright vacuum cleaner [[image:34984965]]
With the Triflex, you can choose whether you want to install the PowerUnit and dust container at the top of the handle or just above the floor, Dyson-style. It can be converted in a few simple steps. This is easy as long as you pull the connections straight. If you tilt it a little, the parts seem to be welded together.
I'm a fan of the variant with the centre of gravity just above the ground. This makes the Triflex extremely manoeuvrable, you hardly have any weight in your hand and the device can be parked vertically at any time. This is not only practical if you want the Triflex to be ready to hand in the living area just in case. It also takes up little space in the cleaning cupboard. For me, it's perfect 90 per cent of the time.
Variant 2: Dyson style
For me, there is hardly any reason to switch to the Dyson design. You can poke around between chair legs and vacuum under the bed a little better, but there's not much difference. The Triflex can't be made really flat, the dust container is in the way. For me, the conversion is only worthwhile for vacuuming cobwebs from the ceiling or keeping things clean behind the sofa.
Variant 3: The powerful vacuum
The dust container: Small, but finely filtered
The transparent plastic container has space for 500 ml of dirt. This comes together quickly and gives me the opportunity to practise emptying and cleaning. To separate the dust container from the vacuum cleaner, just twist the lid. It can then be removed. This is practical, as it makes it easy to move the mess outside without having to lug the whole appliance around.
The fine dust filter is difficult to pull out, but should be carefully tapped at least once a month. When it is removed, it reveals the motor filter, which can also be unscrewed and removed. The motor filter does not require any special care, but is in the way if you want to reach the pre-filter to brush it off.
Where there is filtering, there is some work involved. The effort is justifiable and the idea of the removable dust container is good, but the crucial points are not easy to reach. I prefer to empty it sooner rather than later. The fuller it is, the more likely it is to get blocked.
The accessories: Why a wall bracket?
Conclusion: A strong debut
The Triflex HX1 is reduced to the essentials. It looks appealing without enticing with fancy colour combinations or superfluous displays. In return, it sucks up powerfully, is pleasantly quiet and versatile. I like the heavy quality, despite the plastic, everything apart from the standard accessories looks very high quality.
The connections engage cleanly, the three-stage slide switch does what it should and the battery is easy to replace. The runtime is not outstanding, but it is completely sufficient for my needs. For me, the vacuum cleaner scores points in everyday use mainly because it can be set up vertically and is always ready to hand. On the other hand, it has weaknesses when used horizontally. Even with the PowerUnit attached to the top, it cannot be flattened properly.
The detachable dust container is a good idea, but is prone to blockages. It fills up quickly, especially when vacuuming carpets. The Miele's speciality is long hair, which it devours en masse with its robust brush roller. It then requires some maintenance and is occasionally difficult to empty. Overall, Miele's cordless vacuum cleaner does a great job. If you don't mind the few shortcomings, I can recommend the Triflex HX1.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
