what is the best vacuum cleaner?

The vacuum cleaner sector is a relatively new market, but already trendy. Capable of vacuuming while cleaning the floor, it combines two devices in one thanks to one or two water tanks and a roller-format brush. The segment is dominated by players such as Dreame, Tineco and Roborock. The Dreame H14 is the best high-end model and is naturally part of our comparison of the best vacuum cleaners.

But other companies are trying to make a breakthrough on the front, like Hoover with its first iteration called HW500, which today we are going to compare with the Cyclowash P12 Wet & Dry Combo from EZIClean, a French brand however little known in France. The two models will be compared on key criteria such as ergonomics, washing power, noise level and maintenance.

Ergonomics : EZIClean rate le coche

We cannot say that we are facing two featherweights. The Hoover HW500 and EZIClean Cyclowash P12 weigh 5.4 and 4 kg respectively. The first is imposing, in particular because of its double brush system. It will take some effort to lift it. However, the weight is well distributed. It is handy and slides very easily on the ground. Maneuverability that we owe to the reverse motorization system of the rollers, which rotate in a different direction. Although massive, it can bend 180° to access difficult areas. We regret, however, that the 750 ml clean water tank is difficult to access, due to an opening that is far too small. It will take several tries before you stop putting it everywhere.

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As for his rival of the day, the first impression is really excellent. The product is pleasant to look at and does not take up much space thanks to a very narrow design: the model is long without being imposing and has the luxury of being lighter. On the other hand, we quickly become disillusioned upon first contact. The materials are clearly not of high quality (all plastic construction). We will therefore question the sustainability of the whole. Another negative point is that the French brand has chosen a handle instead of a handle to handle the vacuum cleaner. This is a bad idea, since all the weight is felt in the wrist. However, there are some functions that can be accessed at your fingertips, such as a MODE button that can adjust the suction power. It makes up for the possibility of also being inclined at 180°, and its more easily accessible water tank.

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The most important criterion is maneuverability, and it is clear that the Hoover is much more pleasant to use on a daily basis, despite its greater weight. Hoover HW500 1-0 EZIClean Cyclowash P12

Vacuuming and washing: almost faultless for the Hoover HW500

The Hoover HW500 has several washing modes, including a default one called Smart… which doesn’t turn out to be very intelligent. Indeed, it is supposed to analyze, thanks to its sensors, the degree of dirt on the floor and thus adapt its washing power automatically, but it is clear that this function left us unmoved. We never felt an increase in power, despite very different levels of dirt. Obviously, after numerous passes, the floor remained dirty, and the results obtained were very mediocre. You will therefore have to make do with the two other modes, namely Parquet, which, as its name suggests, is intended for use on a parquet floor, as well as Max mode, which turns the vacuum cleaner at full power. Both of these features have proven to be effective, and Parquet mode is what we prefer and use by default. It is capable of tackling tough stains, even on tiles, thanks to better humidification of the rollers.

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Our observations are less kind towards the EZIClean Cyclowash. Indeed, its intelligent mode is also ineffective. The cause: a diffusion of water that is far too light to erase the stains encrusted on the floor. Also note that the brand does not provide detergent with the purchase of the vacuum cleaner, so it must be purchased separately. But unlike its rival which does perfectly well with its other washing modes, this one remains very superficial in its Powerful mode, supposed to offer greater efficiency. The stains on the floor are always half erased on the tiles. In the upright vacuum cleaner configuration, it makes up for it somewhat with its motorized brush and in the Suction and Powerful modes in terms of waste collection, but will again show its limits during a handheld vacuum cleaner configuration with the last three brushes. We clearly feel a lack of punch to effectively vacuum up a wide range of dust.

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The Hoover HW500 clearly doesn’t steal its point. Hoover HW500 2-0 EZIClean Cyclowash P12

Noise: a close match

Let’s say it straight away, the two vacuum cleaners are not the quietest on the market. We measured the noise caused by the Hoover HW500 between 78 and 85 dB. As for the EZIClean, it turns out to be quieter, with an average measured at 68 dB in Intelligent mode and 77 dB with the Powerful function activated. Hoover HW500 2-1 EZIClean Cyclowash P12

Battery life: less than 30 minutes of use for both devices

Hoover claims its HW500 has a battery life of 30 minutes. A figure that we have obviously verified and which confirms that the American brand has not inflated this data. In fact, the vacuum cleaner lasted 29 minutes in Smart mode, before having to call for its charging station. Autonomy naturally decreases with the Parquet and Max features, with a respective duration measured at 26 and 22 minutes.

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The EZIClean only lasts 25 minutes, and it is very difficult to reach the end having cleaned our entire home. Especially since to recharge the device, it is obligatory to replace the handle on the wet washing brush, which integrates the electrical connectors so that the current can pass. It’s impractical, and we miss the good old removable batteries. Without being a monster of endurance, the American vacuum cleaner wins this round. Hoover HW500 3-1 EZIClean Cyclowash P12

Maintenance: flawless for the EZIClean Cyclowash P12

After each cleaning, maintenance of the Hoover HW500 is ensured. To start the self-maintenance process, simply press the button provided for this purpose. Sterilized water is sent to the two brushes, themselves rotating, for approximately one minute. The dirty water tank is easily detached and emptied using a button to open the base of the accessory. On the other hand, solid waste is trapped at the top of the bin, and you will then have to go there by hand to dislodge it.

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The washing procedure on the EZIClean Cyclowash P12 takes approximately five minutes. It’s long, but terribly effective, since the results are much better than its rival. The brush is then dried automatically by a blower system, to avoid bad odors and the formation of mold. Plus, the dirty water and clean water tanks detach easily, and all that’s left to do is throw away the waste. A brush is provided in the package to remove any remaining dirt.

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The EZIClean Cyclowash P12 Wet & Dry Combo has a more sophisticated and above all efficient automatic washing system. Hoover HW500 3-2 EZIClean Cyclowash P12

Repairability: EZIClean more responsible

Unlike robot vacuum cleaners, the repairability index is not mandatory on vacuum cleaners. It is therefore not surprising that brands do not communicate on the subject. This is also the case with Hoover, which nowhere indicates the repairability index of its product. But the locked design of the HW500 and the inability to access its integrated battery lead us to believe that going to after-sales service will be the only solution in the event of a breakdown or breakage.

EZIClean is a much better performer in the field, with a posted repairability score of 8.6/10, which is very high in the sector. Users can find many spare parts, such as water tanks, brushes, rollers and filters, on the manufacturer’s official website. EZIClean wins this round hands down. Hoover HW500 3-3 EZIClean Cyclowash P12

Value for money: Hoover slightly above

It is difficult to judge the quality/price ratio given that the prices are very dependent from one merchant to another, and the prices are very volatile. But it is worth noting that the EZIClean Cyclowash P12 is a little more difficult to find online at a reasonable price. Indeed, its rival of the day is around €280, while the French device, in addition to its limited availability, sells for €340, while the cleaning efficiency leaves something to be desired. Hoover HW500 4-3 EZIClean Cyclowash P12

Verdict: difficult to recommend the French

Certainly, EZIClean has made great efforts to make its product easily repairable thanks to an optimized design and the supply of numerous spare parts. In addition, its maintenance is very easy and above all effective, since users do not have to do much more than press the button to start the process. But it suffers from poor or even poor washing on floors, preventing stubborn stains from being removed.

Its rival of the day, apart from the fact that it is less expensive, does the opposite, by not offering any solution for home repair, but by being effective on what matters most for this type of product: an excellent washing. For these reasons, we naturally advise you to opt for the Hoover HW500.

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