Hoover’s BH50010 LiNX offers quite a range of features and excellent quality for a cordless stick vacuum. Is it worth the extra expense of choosing this vacuum over cheaper uprights, though? Read on to find out.
Power
The LiNX is definitely one of the more powerful cordless vacuums available, coming in at 18 volts. That’s only a little under much more expensive Dyson vacuums, so you’re getting high-end vacuuming strength at a bargain when you go with Hoover.
Performance
This vacuum does well on both ends of the surface spectrum because it has enough power for carpet and also has features appropriate to bare floors.
A motorized brushroll makes sure you get really deep into carpets’ pile, and Hoover has also designed this vacuum with their WindTunnel Technology to get the full use out of the LiNX’s power, so even pet hair isn’t too much of a challenge. To prevent scratches on hardwood or tile, the vacuum glides on specially designed soft wheels that are made to prevent any marring of the floor.
Ease of Use
The LiNX is a nice height with its stick design for comfortably vacuuming your floors, and a switch that is conveniently placed on the handle turns the brushroll on and off when you transfer to a new surface. Also, it stands upright for ease of storage when you’re done cleaning. No bending over with this vacuum!
It’s not all about the handle, though: the LiNX’s vacuum head can recline to an extreme angle, making it able to clean surprisingly far under furniture like tables and even beds. On top of that, special edge-cleaning bristles make getting right up against walls a breeze – there won’t be anymore harsh banging into things while trying to get at the edges of your rooms.
Battery Life and Charging Time
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better battery package than the one that comes with the LiNX. A lithium-ion battery – which is really the best possible option for batteries – provides power that won’t fade all the way until the charge runs out. No loss of suction with this vacuum! The run time of the LiNX does fall a bit behind its competitors at 10-15 minutes. Fortunately it runs at full power until the battery dies, then can be charged fully in about four hours.
Battery life gauges on both the vacuum itself and its Energy-Star rated charger make it easy to manage your cleaning. It’s surprising how helpful a little feature like that can be for a user that is chronically short on time – and it’s also surprising how most vacuums have neither or perhaps one of the gauges. The LiNX, however, has both!
Weight
At 7.25 pounds, the LiNX is closer to the heavier end of the spectrum for cordless stick vacuums, but still well below most corded vacs.
Filter
This vacuum comes with a foam filter – it’s convenient, affordable, and easy to replace. This is not a HEPA filter, however. If allergies are a big concern for you, consider the Hoover Presto or a Dyson instead.
Dust Bin
The LiNX has quite a large dust container, which is both transparent to let you know when it needs emptying, and very easy to empty cleanly with a bottom release – the dust just falls right out!
Included Accessories
As with many stick vacuums, there are no included attachments with the LiNX. This vacuum is intended for cleaning flooring only, so it does not have upholstery or crevice tools.
Optional Accessories
No optional attachments are available for purchase, which again is typical for a cordless upright. Replacement batteries, belts, filters, and other parts are available if maintenance is required.
Reliability
There are only isolated cases of this vacuum failing. I would consider it to be one of the most reliable cordless stick vacuums.
Warranty
With two year limited warranties for not only the vacuum itself, but also its battery and charger, Hoover offers a better warranty than most cordless stick vacuums.
Price
It’s true that, like with its weight, the LiNX is closer to one end of a price spectrum – the expensive end. That said, just like with its weight, there are many vacuums that are much more expensive, and the features the LiNX has are the same or better than most of those pricier options.
Pros
– extreme-recline handle for getting under furniture
– specially shaped vacuum head for fitting through awkward spaces
– enough power to work well on carpet and even pet hair
– wide 11 inch brushroll cleans the room quickly
– lithium-ion battery
– battery gauge
Cons
– awkward for use on stairs
– runtime a little short at 10-15 minutes
– basic foam filter
Conclusion
Hoover’s LiNX offers a good balance point between price, features, and quality design. It’s not the absolute top of the line, but it’s closer to that end of the spectrum with its many useful features and reliable design. Along with its fantastic combination of warranties, it’s well worth the bump up in cost if you want the quality and positive experience that comes with the LiNX.
