Hoover HFX cordless vacuum review: the stylish new Hoover that ‘packs a cleaning punch’

If there's one word synonymous with vacuuming, it's the trusty Hoover. With a legacy of being the most popular vacuum in the UK during the 20th century, the brand has continued to create powerful vacuums that balance quality, efficiency and style. And they've done it again with the new Hoover HFX Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with CORNER GENIE™. As well as sporting an attractive all-in-line design, it features the new CORNER GENIE nozzle to get corners and hard-to-reach areas.

But how does the new Hoover HFX really perform? I put it to the test.

Hoover HFX cordless vacuum overview

Testing the Hoover HFX Cordless Vacuum

Assembly

First things first, assembly couldn't be easier. Arriving in fully-recyclable packaging but with so many attachments and the vacuum folded in two(!) it looked like it would be complicated, but the instructions were very easy to understand. As a renter, I can't mount it to the wall, but I've found it stands sturdy on its own even with an accidental knock. And that handy folding feature makes it nice and compact for storage, a helpful extra I'd only really seen previously in Shark models.

I also loved that it came with a bag to house all the attachments. With previous cordless vacuums, these pieces have got muddled and lost in cupboards, but this simple yet effective extra has kept everything neatly together.

Plus, for any current cordless Hoover owners; you'll find the same charger plug works which means extra chargers, always a win in my book!

Performance and first impressions

I had two main first impressions of the vacuum. First, it's attractive, sleek design. With the all-in-line design it looks really stylish, is incredibly slimline and feels perfectly balanced. I have previously owned the Hoover HF9 Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with Anti-Hair Wrap, and while it performed well, I did find it was weightier at the handle which made it a bit harder to manoeuvre when using as a handheld. With the Hoover HFX, that's not the case and it's ergonomically very comfortable to use.

The second stand out was its powerful suction which made me very aware of how much my previous vacuum wasn't doing. Dark threads that had got stuck in my beige carpets shifted with ease and it was seriously satisfying watching the dust and dirt quickly gather and whirl in the dustbin. The LED headlights effectively lit up dark corners and under furniture, and the clear LED display and buttons made it easy to switch floor type and check battery levels. Manoeuvring the vacuum was easy, though I found it a bit trickier to wheel on carpets without the right angle.

What I found took a bit of practice was emptying the dustbin. The vacuum has a 'sliding handle' function to open the no-touch bin while previous vacuums I've tested have had a button for this feature. As such, in trying to work it, I managed to miss the bin on my first attempt resulting in a bit of a dusty mess. However, practice makes perfect and now I've got it down. To save your own floor, I'd recommend testing out how to empty the bin before loading it up with debris.

It's also worth bearing in mind that this vacuum only has a 1.12L dustbin, and while this was perfectly fine for my two-bed flat, it may be considered a little on the small side for some.

Something else I noticed is that the inner filter had hair wrapped around it. While this isn't such an issue now, I can imagine it'll require maintenance/ de-hairing to make sure it performs at its best.

Testing the CORNER GENIE

The CORNER GENIE is a new innovation for Hoover, designed to allow "effortless manoeuvring and reaches hard-to-reach places", so I was definitely keen to test this out. Already built into the design with a quick-release pedal, it doesn't require swapping out attachments so is quick and easy to whip into action. Operated just like a regular vacuum, I was able to glide the nozzle along the edge of carpets and between obstacles through which the regular vacuum head wouldn't reach. Overall, I was pretty impressed with the results and, again, highlighted exactly what my existing vacuum wasn't doing!

That being said, I found it easier to manoeuvre on hard floors vs carpets, as the friction made it a little stiff to move - something I reckon I can perfect over time. I also found that the vacuum body doesn't 'hard-click' into place when reassembling with the regular vacuum head. Rather it's a softer sound and feeling which leaves me a little unsure if I've connected it properly - though so far I always have.

Final verdict: Is the Hoover HFX Cordless Vacuum worth it?

I was incredibly impressed by the performance of the Hoover HFX, and pleasantly surprised by its ability to pack a cleaning 'punch', despite its compact and linear design. That being said, it was the attractive, stylish look that sold me in the first place! Ticking both of my boxes for performance and aesthetic, the CORNER GENIE was a good addition too - not just a gimmick - though it is admittedly easier to use on hard floors vs carpets. However, the results speak for themselves. If you're after a new cordless vacuum, and one that performs well before being tucked away neatly at the end of the day, I'd definitely recommend it. Though, if you're part of a household with long hair, expect a little maintenance down the line.

Rating: 4.5/5

How I tested the Hoover HFX cordless vacuum

I tested the Hoover HFX over the course of a month, using it on carpets and hard floors, including tiles, in my sizable two-bed flat. What I was looking for in the vacuum was its suction power, ease of use and manoeuvrability and how effective its USP - the CORNER GENIE and linear design - was. I was able to test all elements with the exception of some of the attachments which will be tested in time.

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.