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With its graceful looping lines and unusual diamond-shaped head, Rowenta’s RH8559U1 Delta Force 18V Cordless Stick vacuum presents an intriguing question to the vacuum shopper: can atypical design choices pay off in terms of practical effectiveness? Read on to find out!
Power
The Delta Force clocks in on the high end of the power spectrum for cordless vacuums at 18 volts. That would be a strong selling point in and of itself, but Rowenta has also made full use of design to maximize that power’s effect.
Performance
That design is most apparent in two aspects. One is the Rowenta’s “cyclonic” technology – the 18 volts of suction are directed in a spiraling direction that pulls dust and debris with the most possible efficiency. Second is the vacuum’s patented head, with its unusual shape that’s great for corners and multiple channels to maximize suction around all edges of the head.
A motorized brushroll contributes to solid performance on rugs and carpets, especially for a cordless vacuum, and special soft wheels make sure hardwood floors and tile won’t get scratched.
Ease of Use
This vacuum is very easy to use and maneuver because of an extra large ergonomic handle with a soft-gripped loop. On the handle is a convenient switch for turning the motorized brushroll on and off to move from bare floors to carpet.
Also, the Delta Force’s head swivels 180 degrees to make best possible use of its diamond shape to nimbly squeeze through crowded furniture situations.
Battery Life and Charging Time
The Delta Force very conveniently plugs directly into the wall to charge – there’s no charging station to worry about taking up extra space, and it’s free standing so you don’t have to worry about the annoyance of it flopping over and bending to pick it up. If you’ve ever had to deal with that, you’ll definitely know what I’m talking about.
Where this vacuum really shines, however, is its runtime: an outstanding 40 minutes. That’s much more than enough time to do even a house. Its NiCad battery does unfortunately take up to sixteen hours to charge, but that’s hardly a nuisance given the runtime, and the battery is Energy Star-certified.
Weight
The Delta Force weighs in at 7.5 pounds, which may sound a little heavy, but keep in mind that it is way lighter than most corded vacuums, and it’s not actually that much heavier than some handhelds. Furthermore, its ergonomic loop handle – especially with its soft grip – will keep you from feeling that weight as much.
Filter
Rowenta has designed this vacuum with a three layer system, including a microhole grid and a foam filter on top to clean out the smallest dust.
Dust Bin
Another perk of the Delta Force is a very large, transparent, 32 ounce dust bin. This is a smart design choice on Rowenta’s part, otherwise you’d be stuck emptying a smaller bin multiple times during the vacuums very long runtime.
Included Accessories
Rowenta unfortunately does not include any accessories (aside from an extra filter). Optional attachments are not available, either, though that is fairly characteristic of cordless stick vacuums.
Reliability
While Rowenta is known for quality construction – and this vacuum definitely is a good example of that – attention to using the Delta Force’s NiCad battery correctly is of prime importance for its reliability. As long as the battery is discharged and charged properly, the Delta Force can reliably keep up that long runtime for years. If not, however, you’d have to take the vacuum to a Rowenta representative to get the battery changed.
Warranty
This vacuum comes with a one-year warranty – it’s not the best warranty available for vacuums, but the Delta Force is a very reliable and well constructed.
Price
While the Delta Force may seem a little pricey, given its quality and uniquely effective performance, you’re getting a bargain at half the price of more well-known, “high-tech” vacuums.
Pros
- strong power for a cordless stick vacuum
- unique head with suction channels and diamond shape for corners and crowded areas
- incomparable forty minute runtime
- motorized brushroll for carpet and soft wheels for bare floors
- very large dust bin
Cons
- small head isn’t as efficient for larger areas
- NiCad battery requires a long charging time
- lack of accessories
Conclusion
The Delta Force is certainly an unusual vacuum, yes, but like other high-end vacuums that unusual shape contains a wealth of modern and innovative design features. This vacuum isn’t made for large, open stretches of carpet, but rather is optimal for a home that has a lot of furniture and corners for the Delta Force to dance around and between. Its long runtime is also ideal for cleaning large homes all at once.