For as long as I can remember, I've used a cordless . Dyson, Shark, Hoover, VAX, I've tried them all. However, with four pets and cream , I started to realise that they weren't picking up as well as I would have liked.
I then started to have a conversation with family and friends, who recommended a corded vacuum for the household . Corded vacuums offer consistent power, no battery concerns, and often stronger suction than cordless models, making them suitable for homes with pets.
That's when I came across , a sleek and compact corded vacuum with high suction power. After seeing many great reviews about Miele online, I was super excited to try it out, and I wasn't disappointed.
It has a premium LCD display that you use to operate the machine, app integration, and DynamicDrive rollers for quiet manoeuvring. What I first loved about switching to this corded vacuum was that it did not require charging time, meaning I could get to work straightaway.
The Guard L1 Comfort XL is super energy efficient with four power settings, which you can flick between, or simply enjoy cleaning on automatic mode. I used the standard head that came with it, but there is also a Parquet Twister XL, which is ideal for large, hard floors.
To begin with, I was super impressed with how quiet the vacuum was, you literally couldn't hear it. Immediately the vacuum began to suck up pet hair and dust despite me having already cleaned with a cordless appliance.
The compact body glided around behind me, and I didn't find the cords getting tangled or that I had to move them.
I left it on the automatic mode, which uses intelligent power adjustment to suit the surface in question, whether carpet, rugs or even blinds. The ergonomic handle was super comfortable to use, along with the buttons on the handle.
My whole house took just 15 minutes to vacuum, and the bag was super easy to remove and empty.
I was a little worried about having a bag in the vacuum as I'm used to a cordless one, but I liked that it was all contained and didn't spill out. I also suffer badly with allergies, but thanks to the HEPA AirClean filter, these have been reduced massively.
The appliance also comes with a clever cleaning accessory, the space-saving 2-in-1 upholestrey and crevice nozzle.
I absolutely loved how easy it was to switch between these two, especially when vacuuming soft furnishings.
It was slightly trickier to vacuum the stairs as I have no plug nearby, meaning I had to change outlets frequently. However, this wasn't too much of a hassle, and the results mean I would much rather spend a bit more time finding outlets than use a cordless.
Once finished, simply press the retract button on top of the vacuum, and the wire will pull back into the machine.
This was an absolute luxury because for years prior to using cordless, you'd have to spend ages wrapping the cord around the appliance.
Overall, this vacuum is one of the best I've ever used, from its sleek and compact design to its power and manoeuvrability.
It is currently retailing for and John Lewis. Whilst this is a significant initial investment, Miele vacuums are built to last and are much cheaper than some competitor counterparts.
However, Miele also offers a variety of cheaper vacuums, including the and is light, compact, and easy to move around. If you prefer a bagless appliance, the , and it's currently on offer for £259.
Argos is also selling Bosch's Series 2 Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for just £75. It's compact, ergonomic and has a hygienic filter system.