IFA 2023 – The Hoover HFX promises to vacuum the house down to the smallest corners

Effective suction right into the corners. This is what a (large) majority of consumers surveyed by Hoover would have liked to improve its stick vacuum cleaners, and the promise of the HFX presented at IFA. For this new broom, the engineers of the American brand, acquired with Candy in 2018 by the Haier group, did not hesitate to start from scratch and ignore everything that had already existed on the market. The result is therefore a model in the original format. Exit the stick format popularized by Dyson and used for previous Hoover brooms such as the HF9. Admittedly, the engine block of the HFX also arrives close to the wrist during use, but its collector is almost level with the ground.

A collector closer to the ground and a special “corner” brush

This construction was obviously not chosen at random. By bringing the collector closer to the ground, the distance to be covered for the waste is reduced. According to Hoover, this would have the effect of increasing suction efficiency, not to be confused with suction power. To convince us of this, we were treated to a small demonstration opposing the HFX to the HF9, which, like it, accumulates 130 air watts according to the manufacturer. However, when it comes to sucking up a fairly heavy metal ball, only the first one succeeds.

The motorized brushes had obviously been removed for both models, however leaving room on the new one for another specificity called Corner Genius. It is a small suction head placed at the entrance of the collector. The distance between the latter and the ground is therefore further reduced when it is used.

As the name suggests, Corner Genius was designed specifically for vacuuming corners, but requires removing the motorized brush each time. Hoover has provided a pedal to facilitate the operation, and avoid having to bend down. Once on the ground, the suction head rests on small wheels that allow it to accompany back and forth movements. Here again, the demonstration was rather convincing if we close our eyes to the traces left behind – and which we hope are linked to a defect in the model used for the demonstration – but the device still seems to us to be restrictive to use. on a complete cleaning session.

A large collector… and another, smaller one, for vacuuming by hand

The construction of the HFX also allows it to offer a large collector, since it is ultimately almost as long as the suction tube of a classic broom, and its hinged bottom allows it to be emptied without getting your hands dirty. A seal also slides along the metal filter to get rid of small dirt that could get stuck there.

On the other hand, with a weight more distributed over the length, the new Hoover broom is not very practical for vacuuming at height, in its basic configuration at least. Various tips are provided, including a long tube precisely. These nozzles use a dedicated manifold that installs directly under the engine block, and can also include a long, flexible crevice tool or motorized mini upholstery brush. Different packs are available depending on your needs, with an additional wall base to store them with the broom. This should also allow it to be recharged; Hoover announces an autonomy of 30 min.

The new Hoover broom should be available from November, with recommended retail prices ranging from €599 to €749 depending on the packs. The HFX will be offered in Home and Pet packs, with one or two batteries.