Ultenic U20 cordless vacuum cleaner review: The smart, pet-friendly stick vacuum

Irish Examiner

2 days ago

Cordless stick vacuums are so versatile for busy households, offering unmatched convenience, flexibility, and ease of use. Lightweight and powerful, they tackle everyday messes with speed, especially in homes with pets, children, or both.
Design and build
The Ultenic U20 features several unique design elements that help it stand out from the crowd of generic stick vacuums. Weighing just 1.7kg, it's impressively lightweight for such a powerful machine, and its compact frame (44 x 29 x 19.5 cm) makes storage simple.
One of my favourite features is its self-standing design, which means you don't have to use the included wall mount all the time. Simply park it upright when you're done or between room transitions.
In terms of styling, it features a modern finish with a blend of grey, gold, and lilac accents, giving it a sleek, high-tech appearance. It also features a touch display with a user-friendly interface that allows for easy control of power levels, monitoring of battery status, and viewing of error alerts at a glance.
Features
The U20 delivers premium features usually reserved for higher-end models, including what Ultenic calls GreenEye Technology, which automatically adjusts suction power based on floor type and dirt level, saving energy while maximising performance. However, you can also toggle between different power modes via the touch display.
Ultenic claims that its 7-layer filtration system captures 99.99% of allergens and dust, making it ideal for both allergy sufferers and pet owners. With a 1.5-litre dustbin, it also reduces the frequency of emptying, which is a plus for larger households or those with furry companions. The dustbin detaches from the U20 easily, making it simple to empty. However, I do wish there were a marking or guide to help line it up more easily when reattaching it.
Other practical features include a detachable, long-lasting battery that offers up to 60 minutes of runtime, ultra-quiet operation at 60dB (ideal for pets or babies), and a flexible wand that allows you to reach under sofas and beds without stooping. Of course, the runtime is noticeably shorter when using it on carpet, and it also tends to get louder in the process.
The anti-tangle brush is another nice-to-have feature, effectively preventing hair from wrapping around it. It's also a plus that the main brush head can be fully disassembled, making it easy to remove any debris or hair that may get caught.
Performance
At its heart is a powerful 600W motor, delivering an impressive 55KPa of suction, one of the highest in its class. This level of power is more than capable of lifting embedded dirt, fine dust, and pet hair from carpets, tiles, and hardwood floors alike.
I don't have carpets in my house, but I use a rug that gathers pet hairs like a magnet. The U20 performed admirably, though not surprisingly, it didn't match the effectiveness of a significantly more expensive alternative.
Transitions between floor types are seamless, thanks to GreenEye's adaptive technology, while the digital display ensures you're always in control.
Real-world uses
Ultenic U20 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with the optional mattress brush. Pictures: Ultenic.
In everyday scenarios, the Ultenic U20 excels. Whether it's clumps of pet hair, scattered cat litter, or crumbs under the kitchen table, the U20 handles it all with ease. Its flexibility makes cleaning under beds and sofas a breeze, and the anti-tangle brush truly lives up to its name. As a pet owner, the U20 feels purpose-built, offering quiet but powerful cleaning with minimal fuss.
Cleaning large areas on a single charge is entirely feasible, and with the added bonus of fast recharging, you're never left waiting long between sessions.
The main brush head handles most cleaning tasks, while the crevice tool and the super convenient built-in upholstery tool take care of the rest, making the U20 a versatile all-rounder.
The power button is well-placed for easy access. Press once to start vacuuming and again to stop. When powering off, the U20 briefly boosts suction for a couple of seconds to help clear any remaining debris from the passageway.
The extra power and lightweight design are great, but I found the main brush head to be awkward to use on my stairs.
Verdict
The Ultenic U20 is a lightweight, powerful and intelligently designed cordless vacuum that excels in real homes, especially those with pets. Quiet, effective and easy to use, it delivers high-end performance at an excellent price point.
€220 amazon.co.uk