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Dyson PencilVac specifications and in-depth review

Dyson PencilVac

Manufacturer: Dyson

The Dyson PencilVac is a cordless stick vacuum cleaner designed around a notably slim and lightweight build, tipping the scales at just 1800 g with a profile that measures 380 mm across. It operates without bags and features both a HEPA filter and an allergy filter, making it a straightforward option for households that prioritize filtration. The unit includes three cleaning modes, a swivel nozzle for maneuvering around furniture, and a brushroll shut-off function that adds flexibility when moving between floor types.

On the power side, the PencilVac delivers 55 air watts of suction and runs for up to 30 minutes on a full charge, with a charge time of 4 hours. The removable, rechargeable battery comes paired with an on-board battery level indicator so users can monitor remaining charge at a glance. The dustbin holds 0.08 litres of debris, and the vacuum carries a 2-year warranty. It does not include on-board tool storage, and its electrostatic filtration system is absent from this configuration.

Pros
  • Includes both a HEPA filter and an allergy filter, providing two layers of filtration during cleaning
  • The removable battery adds convenience, allowing it to be swapped or charged separately from the vacuum body
  • A battery level indicator lets users monitor remaining charge without interrupting their cleaning session
  • The swivel nozzle and brushroll shut-off together offer practical control across different floor surfaces
  • At 1800 g, the vacuum is light enough to carry between rooms or use at different angles without significant strain
  • Three cleaning modes provide some flexibility depending on the surface or intensity needed
Cons
  • The dustbin capacity of 0.08 litres is very small, requiring frequent emptying during longer cleaning sessions
  • A charge time of 4 hours is lengthy relative to the 30-minute runtime it delivers
  • No on-board tool storage means any attachments must be kept and transported separately
  • The vacuum is not designed for pet hair, limiting its usefulness in households with shedding animals
  • The absence of an electrostatic filtration system may reduce its effectiveness at capturing fine airborne particles
Who is this for?

This vacuum is well suited to users living in smaller spaces such as apartments or single-floor homes, where its 30-minute runtime is generally sufficient to cover the area in one charge. The combination of a HEPA filter and an allergy filter makes it a practical choice for allergy sufferers who need reliable particle capture during routine cleaning. Its lightweight 1800 g build and swivel nozzle also make it a good fit for users who prioritize ease of movement and low physical effort when vacuuming hard floors or low-pile surfaces.

Who is this NOT for?

Users with larger homes or multiple rooms to clean in a single session may find the 30-minute runtime and 4-hour charge time a limiting combination, as the vacuum cannot quickly recover between uses. The 0.08-litre dustbin is too small for heavy-duty or extended cleaning tasks, making it a poor match for users who need to vacuum large areas without stopping to empty the bin repeatedly. Additionally, households with pets will find this vacuum unsuitable, as it is not designed to handle pet hair, and the lack of on-board tool storage further reduces its practicality for users who rely on multiple attachments during cleaning sessions.

General info:

type Stick
cord type Cordless
bag type Bagless
has HEPA filter ✓
has an allergy filter ✓
audible noise 82 dB
volume 167504 cm³
thickness 380 mm
weight 1800 g
height 1160 mm
width 380 mm
is designed for pet hair ✕
warranty period 2 years

The Dyson PencilVac is a cordless, bagless stick vacuum that measures 1160 mm in height and 380 mm in both width and thickness, with a total volume of 167504 cm³ and a weight of 1800 g. It includes both a HEPA filter and an allergy filter, offering a two-stage approach to capturing fine particles during use. The unit operates at an audible noise level of 82 dB and is not designed specifically for pet hair. A 2-year warranty is included, providing standard coverage after purchase.

Design:

dustbin capacity 0.08 l
brush width 380 mm
Has on-board tool storage ✕

The PencilVac features a dustbin capacity of 0.08 litres and a brush width of 380 mm, covering a reasonably wide cleaning path in a single pass. The vacuum does not include on-board tool storage, meaning any additional attachments would need to be kept separately when not in use.

Cleaning power:

Has brushroll shut-off ✓
cleaning modes 3
Has an electrostatic filtration system ✕
Has a swivel nozzle ✓

The PencilVac offers 3 cleaning modes, giving users some flexibility depending on the surface or task at hand. It includes a brushroll shut-off function, which allows the brush to be disabled when needed, and a swivel nozzle that makes it easier to steer around furniture and tight spaces. The vacuum does not feature an electrostatic filtration system.

Power:

air watts 55W
runtime 30 min
has a rechargeable battery ✓
has a battery level indicator ✓
charge time 4 hours
has a removable battery ✓

The PencilVac runs on a rechargeable, removable battery that delivers 55 air watts of suction power and supports up to 30 minutes of runtime per charge. Recharging takes 4 hours, and an on-board battery level indicator lets users keep track of remaining power during use.

Final Verdict

The Dyson PencilVac is a lightweight, cordless stick vacuum that delivers a focused set of features suited to straightforward, everyday cleaning in compact living environments. Its dual filtration setup — combining a HEPA filter with an allergy filter — stands out as a meaningful strength for users sensitive to airborne particles, and the removable battery with on-board level indication adds a layer of practical convenience that many in this category lack. That said, the limited dustbin capacity and the balance between runtime and recharge time mean it works best as a quick-clean tool rather than a whole-home solution. For users with modest cleaning needs and a focus on low-effort, lightweight handling, the PencilVac presents a well-defined and honest proposition.

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