Dibea is not a newcomer to the vacuum cleaners market. One of their firsts successful cordless attempts is the Dibea D18, yet another battery-powered stick that made it to the list of affordable cleaning devices. The Dibea F20 Max is an upgraded model from D18. With an array of features to enhance suction, versatility, and usability, the Dibea F20 Max is not only good for your pocket but also the cleaning needs of your home. In this review, I’ll show you how the Dibea F20 Max compares to the Dibea D18 and present both models in detail. Before delving into the features, here’s a compressed list of the various specifications first:
Contents
Dibea F20 Max vs. Dibea D18 – quick look
| Product | Dibea F20 Max | Dibea D18 |
| Dimensions | 46 × 10 × 8.5 inches | 40.9 x 9.4 x 8.3 inches |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs. | 4.85 lbs. |
| Cleaning path width | 9" | 8.5" |
| Battery voltage/mAh | 29.6 V / 2000 mAh | 22.2 V / 2200 mAh |
| Expected run-time | 8 minutes / 20 minutes / 55 minutes | 25 minutes / 45 minutes |
| Charging time | 2-3 hours | 4-5 hours |
| Floor compatibility | Hard floors, low and medium-pile carpet | Hard floors, low-pile carpet |
| Filter | Cotton | Foam |
| Bin capacity | 17 oz | 18.5 oz |
| Suction power | 7 kPa (Eco mode) / 13 kPa (Standard mode) / 25 kPa (Max mode) | 4 kPa (Standard mode) / 9 kPa (MAX mode) |
| Noise level | 68-78 dB | 70-75 dB |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Country of manufacture | China | China |
| Price | Price not available | Price not available |
Design
Here’s a video presentation of the F20 Max made by the producer:
Features
Suction/Cleaning Power
The F20 Max is powered by a 400W digital motor that produces a maximum suction of 25kPa. When using the standard motor speed setting, the vacuum achieves 13kPa of suction. The lowest setting is running at 7kPa. Several features enhance the vacuum’s cleaning power such as it’s powerful electric brushroll.
Motorized brushroll of the F20 Max
By comparison, the D18 has a 120W brushless motor that produces 9kPa on the maximum setting and 4kPa on the lower setting.
Input Power
Both vacuums use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. With a capacity of 2000 mAh, the battery of the F20 Max provides 29.6 V and powers the vacuum for 8 minutes in Max mode, 20 minutes in Standard mode and 55 minutes in Eco mode. The charging time is around 3 hours. As for the D18, it’s powered by a 2200 mAh battery, with a lower voltage of 22.2 V. The lower setting lasts as much as 45 minutes. Vacuuming on the higher power setting sees the runtime decrease to 25 minutes, which is still on the higher side, considering the area you can vacuum within that period. The battery of the D18 takes around 4 to 5 hours to attain full charge.
One good thing about both these models is that their batteries are detachable. Unfortunately, the D18 has the battery incorporated into the handle, which pretty much limits it’s charging.
The F20 Max, on the other hand, has a battery that is removable and thus, interchangeable. It means you can own more than one piece and extend the cleaning time to suit your needs.
Dust Capacity
The dirt bins of both vacuums are average in size. The F20 Max can accommodate 17 oz, while the D18 has a capacity of 18.5 oz. That’s enough space to vacuum an average home without having to stop for a trip to the trash can. Made from a clear plastic material, the bin allows you to monitor the level of dirt so you can discard it as soon as it reaches a critical level. The containers are designed to open downwards, a mechanism that prevents dust particles from flying around.
Emptying the bin before it fills up completely helps the vacuum to perform at its peak. Cleaning it every time you discard the contents readies the vacuum for another cleaning task.
Filtration Efficiency
Both vacuums use a cyclone system to deposit dirt into the dustbin. The exhaust filters are washable. They are made of cotton or foam. Although efficient, the filtration system level is below that of HEPA, and may not guarantee protection from allergens. This makes the vacuums unsafe for allergy sufferers. The post-motor filters are protected by a steel mesh that traps larger particles.
Weight and Dimensions
Weighing only 5.5 lbs, the Dibea F20 Max is lightweight enough to be exceptionally useful. Whether in the stick configuration or handheld version (at just 3 lbs.), the device’s low weight allows you to clean for long hours without feeling overly fatigued. It also means young members of your family or seniors can comfortably use the vacuum. When you have to clean different rooms, you will find the F20 Max portable enough. The stick version measures 46″ × 10″ × 8.5″. As for the D18, it weighs 4.85 lbs and measures 40.9″ x 9.4″ x 8.3″.
Warranty
Both vacuums are backed by a limited manufacturer’s guarantee of 12 months. While the warranty is below what I consider standard, it’s important to note that these vacuums have not had many users complain about failing or faulty parts. Besides the sturdy construction, the motors are the digital-type brushless and not prone to the effects of overheating.
Accessories
Dibea F20 Max box contents
The box that you receive when you buy a Dibea F20 Max vacuum contains the following parts and tools:
- The main vacuum body (motor and dust bin)
- The electric floor head with a fluffy brush roll and LED lights
- The aluminum tube which transforms the vacuum from a handheld into a stick
- A mini motorized brush
- A 2-in-one bristle brush
- A long crevice tool
- A wall mount with screws
- An adapter
- An extra filter
- The user manual and the warranty certificate
Dibea D18 box contents
As for the D18 version, you get the following:
- The main part that houses the motor and dustbin
- The full-sized floor head with LED headlights and a multi-purpose bristled brush roll for bare floors and carpets.
- The aluminum pipe which connects the motor with the nozzle
- A mini powered brush – features a spinning mini brush roll and is intended for tasks that involve vacuuming areas that are not too large. These include small-sized carpets and area rugs, couches, mattresses, and any upholstered surface
- A 2-in-one bristle brush – for the cleaning of walls, car interior, and similar surfaces.
- A long crevice tool – for the tight spots around the home such as corners, edges, and more.
- A wall bracket
- An adapter (with screws and stickers)
- User’s manual and warranty
Special Features
Both the F20 Max and the D18 owe their cleaning power and versatility to the array of features they come with. I find it unbelievable that the manufacturer could pack so much yet make the vacuums so affordable. Not many companies do that, and affordability often means trading some functionalities or cleaning abilities. Here are the most useful features:
Ability to Convert into a Handheld
You can use the Dibea D18 and the F20 Max as both a stick and a handheld vacuum. The design allows you enhanced cleaning options as well as improved comfort. On floors, the stick version is such a practical cleaning appliance, with a floor nozzle that houses a powered brush roll. The handheld version makes the device highly portable and lets you vacuum almost anywhere. You only need to attach the right tool that matches the surface you intend to clean. With the motor housed in the detachable part, the handheld version provides suction that’s as strong as that used to clean the floors.
Multi-Purpose LED Floor Nozzle
While some manufacturers provide different nozzles or brush rolls for carpeted and bare floors, Dibea offers a single brush roll that can be used on all types of flooring. The F20’s brush roll is soft, made from microfiber material, and suitable for delicate floors such as hardwood, as well as carpets and area rugs. The D18’s brush roll features bristles helically arranged which can clean bare floors, carpets or area rugs. The main cleaning head also features a row of bright LEDs. With a cleaning path properly lit, you can use these vacuums almost anywhere, including areas without enough light. You will easily spot places that require several passes.
Quiet Operation
At its highest cleaning setting, the F20 vacuum produces a noise level of 78 dB. One the lowest setting, it outputs around 68 dB. This is in the range of quiet vacuums and means you can use it at any time. If you have a toddler, a quiet vacuum is almost a necessity. You don’t want to disturb them in their sleep or annoy them with harsh sounds. Some pets also dislike noisy appliances. In all these situations, the Dibea F20 Max assures you of cleaning that’s less distracting. The same can be said about the D18, which operates between 70-75 dB.
Detachable Battery
Power indicators
Vacuums that come with built-in batteries limit you to a short runtime of the single piece. Not so with the F20 Max. With a battery that can be removed, the cleaning time that you can achieve with it is only limited by the number of batteries in your possession. If your home is large, I would advise that you purchase an extra one. Having two batteries would extend runtime to 110 minutes (lowest setting) or 16 minutes (highest setting).
Dibea D18 main body – the battery is not removable
Unfortunately, the D18 has the battery glued to the motor. The hole part is detachable, but you can’t replace the battery with a charged one, so this pretty much beats the purpose.
Swivel Steering
The two vacuums feature a swivel joint. The floor heads rotate 270 degrees while the extension wand goes down to allow you superb maneuvers. You will find steering the vacuums around obstacles such as furniture a breeze, and cleaning low-lying areas less of a challenge. The wheels that the vacuums glide on also serve to improve maneuverability with their smooth spin.
Digital High-Spin Motor
The two motors are brushless and spin at very high speeds. The D18’s is smaller (it consumes only 120 W), while the one installed on the F20 Max is more powerful (consumes 400 W). The brushless construction enhances the durability of the motor and, therefore, that of the overall device. It means the vacuum’s engine will be working for several years more and achieving great cleaning results. The high speed of the motor provides strong airflow and helps the vacuum to offer adequate suction to clean different surfaces.
Brushless motor design
Useful Tools and Attachments
The accessories that come with the vacuums are not only versatile but also useful. Various tools help to remove dirt from tight or hard-to-reach places. For secure storage, both vacuums come with a wall mount. The wall mount is also where you charge the vacuum from, as the adapter can be integrated inside it.
Usability
The F20 Max is pretty easy to put together, and so is the D18. It’s even easier to operate, as it doesn’t have many parts to control or accessories to attach. The vacuums are easy to move around. They are lightweight and come with a swivel joint to allow easy steering. The handheld versions are even easier to use, being lighter and comfortable in your hand. Their tube extension allows you to reach high places so you can clean surfaces that are high above the floor. Both the floor nozzle and the bin are made of a transparent material that allows you to monitor the working of the brush and the amount of dirt in the dirt container. LED lights on the floor head will enable you to see ahead when the lighting is poor.
Using the motorized mini brushroll
These vacuums don’t tire you out quickly. Their handle is not large, allowing you to wrap your hand around it. The vacuums also offer accessible controls for the power and cleaning modes, both conveniently located on the upper part near the handle. Maintaining these vacuums is both comfortable and less costly. Their filters are washable, and you can use them for months before replacing them. With an easy to detach brush roll, removing hair tangles presents no challenge. Overall, these vacuums are highly usable, accessible to most members of the family.
Pros and Cons of the Dibea F20 Max
The F20 Max offers many benefits, but also comes with a few drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of the vacuum for a quick read before making your final decision.
Pros
- The cleaning power is excellent, allowing the vacuum to be used on medium-pile carpets and area rugs as well as a wide range of hard floors.
- The battery is removable, and you can purchase an additional one to extend an already impressive runtime. Moreover, it charges quickly, in under 3 hours.
- The floorhead features a swivel joint that allows you to steer the vacuum around things
- The motor and dust bin part detaches easily to offer cleaning that’s more comfortable, less tiring, and versatile
- LED lights help you to spot dirt in the dark so you can clean poorly lit areas such as under furniture
- Low-noise operation
Cons
- Mildly expensive for a Chinese cordless
- The filtration is not HEPA and may allow allergens to re-enter the air in your home during cleaning activities
- The short one-year warranty
Pros and Cons of the Dibea D18
Dibea D18 brushroll – works great on hard floors and low-pile rugs
The D18 is cheaper than F20 Max, but also less powerful. Here are it’s strong and weak points:
Pros
- It’s one of the most affordable cordless vacuums on the market
- Decent bin capacity
- Long runtime
- Small weight
- Quiet, even in the high suction setting
- Comes with proper LED lights
Cons
- Lower suction power
- Mediocre warranty of only 12 months
- No HEPA filters
Dibea F20 Max vs. Shark ION F80 vs. Dyson V11 Torque Drive vs. Tineco Pure One S12+
Here’s a comparison of the F20 Max with the top cordless sticks from the other mainstream brands, the Shark ION F80 MultiFlex, the Dyson V11 Torque Drive and the Tineco Pure One S12+:
Final Thoughts
The Dibea F20 Max allows us to own a powerful cordless vacuum, but without spending a fortune. With features to increase usability, effectiveness, and versatility, the F20 Max is a cleaning device worth considering. It works great on low-pile carpets and area rugs. On hard floors, it removes dirt without causing damage, making it an excellent option if you have delicate flooring such as hardwood. One the other hand, if you are looking for something less powerful, the D18 might be what you need. It’s affordable and doesn’t trade useful features for that. Go with the F20 Max for a state-of-the-art tool ready to serve you under most circumstances, or with the cheaper D18 for light cleaning tasks such as quick pick-ups or daily maintenance.
Jason Roberts
Latest posts by Jason Roberts (see all)
- Dyson v8 vs Dyson v7: Which One Is Best? - January 7, 2021
- Roomba 890 vs 960: Which One Is Best? - January 7, 2021
- Roborock S5 vs S6 – Which One is Best? - January 7, 2021
Leave a Reply