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A sleek new vacuum that's been making a splash across the pond has finally landed in our labs. The bagless Gtech AirRam hopes to clean up with its new technology, which places the dust bin in the head of the upright vacuum. Gtech claims the cleaning performance of the $350 AirRam matches that of full-sized corded uprights on both carpets and bare floors. We'll take that challenge and report on the results of our tests later this summer.
In traditional vacuums, air and debris can travel a long way from the floor to the vacuum bag or bagless canister. But the powered head of the AirRam picks up dust and deposits it into a small, dual-chamber bin right inside the brush head. The company claims that the dust and debris is tightly compacted into "easy-to-dispose bales" allowing for a full vacuuming session. In our tests, we'll check to see if the bin fills up before the battery's claimed one-hour run time is up. (It takes four hours for a full charge; one hour gives you an extra 10 minutes.)
At a mere 7.7 pounds, the AirRam weighs slightly more than the heaviest of the stick vacuums that we're now testing and is lighter than the few 9-pound upright models in our vacuum Ratings. One reason it's light is that it lacks tools, though the company is planning another version, described as a combination handheld/canister, that will come with tools. The handle of the AirRam swivels for maneuverability and can be adjusted to a 28-degree profile to reach under furniture, something else we'll check in the labs.
Gtech is also making some green claims and includes a USB connection to your computer that lets you check how much power you're using compared with the typical vacuum. So far, the AirRam is sold exclusively at Brookstone's mall-based stores, and at the retailer's amazon.com web store. Starting in October it might be sold more broadly. The filters are washable and replacements cost $14.95 each. A new lithium-ion battery costs $80 after a claimed 10-year product life.
The Gtech AirRam will join many other upright vacuums in our Ratings including some familiar brands that made our list of top vacuum picks. Some uprights to consider include the bagged Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary Edition U6485-900, $230, and Miele S 7210 Twist, $475, and the bagless LG Kompressor LuV350P, $400. Among canisters that received our nod, consider the bagged Kenmore Progressive 21714 and the bagless LG Kompressor LcV900B, both $400.
