Electrolux has always been one of my favorite brands. Behind this name lays a long tradition in appliance craftsmanship. A decade ago, owning an Electrolux was a big deal. Things have since evolved, and its market share decreased a lot with the introduction of mediocre models such as the cordless Ergorapido or the Precision Brushroll Clean lines. The UltraFlex canister is however different. Known to catch many people’s attention due to its aggressive nature and fierce looks, this machine boasts a flashy sleek body with a gray and black color scheme which is complemented with a sharp dark red. The performance of this vacuum cleaner is clearly shown in the solid, robust feel and its intuitive engineering. It is ideal for both bare floors as well as low-to-high pile carpets. Moreover, it has an effective cleaning performance on pet hair as well as general dirt. The plethora of specific features on the machine justifies its price tag.
It’s worth mentioning that UltraFlex is not a new line. Electrolux introduced several UltraFlex models since 2014. These units gained popularity due to their versatility and maneuverability. Today I will be analyzing the EL4335A model, which is the main UltraFlex unit sold in US at the moment. Having considered the allergy sufferers, this bagless canister vacuum is now equipped with both a washable and a HEPA filter, which are included in the sealed system. Although some minor issues (such as the size of the dust bin, or the width of the nozzle) may be considered annoying by a few of you, this unit had too many positive features for me to leave it aside. With customer interest at hand, here’s what I’ll discuss below:
- what are its best and its worst features
- how it compares with other middle-class bagless canisters such as Panasonic Jet Force or Dyson Cinetic
- where to find a good deal
Looks
Specifications
| Suction power | The Electrolux UltraFlex is equipped with an adjustable suction power which allows an easy reduction to preferred levels for safe cleaning of delicate fabrics, such as plush carpets. There is an adjustable suction knob at the back of the canister. If you turn it left, the suction power decreases, if you turn it right, the suction will increase. The presence of a one of a kind cyclonic system ensures a consistent suction. At the vacuum's highest power, the turbo cyclone will spin at 100 miles/hour while the twin inlet channels allow for maximized airflow and consistent suction throughout the vacuum's life. This explicitly makes it effective in extracting pet hair that may be found in deep carpets. I would estimate the suction power at about 250AWs. The motorized brushroll can be turned on or off, depending on the type of surface you want to vacuum. |
| Input power | With an input power of 12 amps (at 120 V), this canister is nothing out of the ordinary. |
| Dust capacity | It has a bin capacity of 0.4 gallons. This ensures you can vacuum up to 1500-2000 sq ft. before reaching the max point. At this point, you need to dispose the debris. The bin is easy to empty , as the cup has a bottom which can be opened seamlessly, limiting the escape of dust back into the air. However, the process still requires a bit of skill, which you'll acquire in time. |
| Filtration system efficiency | It has a HEPA certified filter, which is eliminating 99.97% of particles of 0.3 microns and up. Along with the HEPA filter, the unit also features 2 washable foam filters, a thin orange one near the HEPA filter and a larger grey one in front of the air intake. It has a completely sealed system, which ensures that all the air sucked in is passed through the unit's filters before it is exhausted back into the environment. The result is a better air quality, translating into a healthier home. For the best performance, it is recommended that you replace the HEPA once every 12 months, depending on the frequency of use. A replacement costs around $30. You also need to rinse the foam filters every once in a while. |
| Weight and Dimensions | This sleek, attractive vacuum is relatively lightweight as compared to other canisters. It measures 13 x 11.5 x 20 inches, and weights 11.6 lbs. Some complain that the machine is heavy to handle, others say it is light weight. IMO it has the perfect weight/dimensions ratio. |
| Warranty | The canister is UL certified and holds a respectable 5-year long warranty, which is a significantly long period. This warranty does not include however standard replacement parts which need to be changed under normal use (i.e. disposable bags or filters). |
| Accessories | As if it wasn't enough, this canister vacuum also boasts a good selection of accessories. The tools attached ensure you can effectively vacuum all types of areas around your home. Besides the powered nozzle, the package contains:
|
| Special features | Features a self-cleaning brushroll which engages by pressing a foot pedal for around 15 seconds. If you want to vacuum long hair, this operation has to be done repeatedly. The telescopic wand can be adjusted in height, so taller people can get to use this product as well as shorter persons. The controls are ergonomically placed at the tips of your fingers. It can be easily stored in several parking positions. Although the suction is adjustable, unfortunately, the EL4335A doesn't comes with a LED display to show the suction power level, a feature which can be found e.g. in UltraFlex models sold in Australia. |
| Usability | Low sound - Produces under 70 db, which is absolutely great for a powerful canister. As you might expect, lower suction also diminishes the sound. Large wheels- the rear wheels are soft and don't leave any marks Low center of gravity - provides a smooth swivel steering experience, so you can access hooks and crevices as easy as flipping a coin. BrushView Window - the transparent plastic case allows you to see what's going on with the brushroll. Large cleaning radius - comes with over 30 ft. of cleaning radius, thanks to an 8 ft. long hose and a 21 ft. long power cord. |
| Price | This model fits the medium consumer class. Occasionally, you can find it on discount here. |
For a quick start tour and the product’s energy guide, check out the producer’s page.
Electrolux UltraFlex vs Panasonic Jet Force vs Dyson Cinetic
My assessment wouldn’t be complete without a good comparison with other successful bagless canisters on the market:
| Electrolux UltraFlex | Panasonic Jet Force | Dyson Cinetic | |
 |  |  | |
| Suction power | 250 AW | 200 AW | 230AW |
| Weight | 11.6 lbs | 14.2 lbs | 15.7 lbs |
| Dust capacity | 0.4 gallons | 0.4 gallons | 0.53 gallons |
| Nozzle width | 11.5" | 14" | 12" |
| Power cord length | 21' | 24' | 21' |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year | 5 years |
| VGM | 91/100 | 93/100 | 94/100 |
| Price | Price not available | Price not available | around $600 |
Strong features
- Made by Electrolux, a trusted home appliance brand
- Versatile – works perfectly on thick carpets as well as hardwood floors
- Pretty easy to assemble using the provided manual
- It has a sleek aesthetic and robust feel for attractiveness
- Easy to maneuver due to its smooth swivel steering
- Comes with a cyclonic suction powerful enough to get rid of pet hair and other hard-to-vacuum debris
- Adjustable suction power – ideal for different types of surfaces
- Brushroll clean technology
- Rinsable HEPA filter
- Low noise
- Long 5-year warranty
Weak spots
- Quite short power cord
- Narrow cleaning path (11.5 inches)
- Small dirt bin
- Onbord stored tools may sometimes fall off
Conclusions and VGM
This marvelous bagless canister vacuum is incredibly powerful, compact and lightweight, uses the cyclonic technology, and is highly maneuverable. Although it doesn’t have the filtration of a Miele, it can be considered by allergic or asthmatic people as a viable option. Nevertheless, the vacuum has a small bin, not too many accessories and a shorter power cord. I believe this is an ideal canister for people who look for a long term investment but don’t have the budget for high-end units. Here’s the VGM:
So, what do you think? Would you buy an Electrolux? How about the UltraFlex? Would love some comments on this subject.
Jason Roberts
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Fred Suza says
??? So where in heck is the Electrolux UltraFlex vs Panasonic Jet Force vs Dyson Cinetic review. I could find no comparison other than the foregoing caption referring to a comparison.
Jason Roberts says
Check out the table in the corresponding section.
KG says
Jason, too many vacuum choices on the market. It is very confusing. Don’t want to break the bank but not that picky either. Want something that is light weight, durable and good suction. Don’t think we should pay to replace filters since this may be a thing of the past. What do you recommend?
Jason Roberts says
If you don’t want to handle filters any more, the only option is to get a Dyson Cinetic. Both the Big Ball upright and canister are great units, well worth the money.
Kathleen says
HI Jason, I enjoyed your article. I have a twelve year old Electrolux canister which was the top of the line in its day. I am thinking about replacing it with a new Electrolux. I have a good sized house with three pets and wood floors. Price is not an issue. What is all the hub bub with going bagless? What would you recommend in my situation? Thanks very much!
Jason Roberts says
Well, if you’re used with Electrolux, the UltraFlex will suit you just fine. Check out my round on bagged vs bagless to find out more about the benefits and the drawbacks of owning a bagless unit.
Sharon Martin says
I bought the Electrolux Ultra Flex several months ago for a house full of a variety of surfaces (hardwood, tile, area oriental carpets, and wall to wall carpet). We have 3 dogs that are small but relentless shedders. Hands down, this is the best vacuum I have ever owned. I have owned Meile, Panasonic and Kenmore canisters over the years and use a very hated Dyson at my work.
Not only do my carpets look clean, they actually feel clean. I love that the canister is small since I empty and wash it out every time I vacuum. Between the dog hair and the little tiny pieces of dirt completely filling the canister, I know I am getting way more dirt then my Meile ever thought about getting up. After all, I needed to replace the expensive Meile bag maybe every 4 months. I am fairly sure that the contents of my Electrolux canister twice a week would fill the Meile bag in maybe 3 weeks. Not only that, but I don’t get that awful wet dog smell out of my vacuum like you do with bagged canisters. There is no smell at all!
My only negative feedback would be on the hard surface floor tool. I like more of a brush that I can run along my baseboards as I am vacuuming the wood floors. Meile does have a wonderful floor tool with great maneuverability. I also like to be able to turn off my canister vacuum at the handle. The Electrolux has to be turned off at the canister. Minor concerns compared to the incredible performance of this vacuum.