Finally, I get to review this great vacuum cleaner model sold in thousands by Hoover. One of my best friends owns this baby, and after he made the “introductions”, I came to a single conclusion: it definitely does the job. But let’s take things one at a time. If you’re still reading this, than you’re most likely consider buying a Hoover Linx Cordless Stick. After just 2 minutes of your time, you’ll find out from this review why:
- It’s one of my recommended vacuum cleaners in 2014
- It’s worth it
- It suits you
And as it happens, I do believe that you can’t wait to check my VGM score for this vac, as well as what people who already bought it say about using it. So, in order to please you, I’ve taken some time to write here the latest gossip around this model, its factory specs, its special features, the most positive and the most negative reviews I could get my hands on, and last but no least, my personal experience and final decision.
The producer and the model
A few days ago, I wrote a small cover story over the history and the future of the Hoover company, which I’m pretty sure you’ve already read. Hoover’s Linx Cordless Stick is part of the latest generation of light vacuum cleaners meant to reconnect with the public and to regain some of the market share lost over the last 2 decades by Hoover. With this vac, Hoover counts on 2 major advantages that make the Linx such a versatile and usable appliance: its light weight and the absence of the power cord. These are further more taken to extreme in their latest Air™ line. Many people find that plugging and unplugging while cleaning somehow diminishes their focus on the job itself. Cordless vacuums are also very fashionable, together with robotic ones. These aspects boosted the attention received by such models. Starting with 2006, a lot of cordless models emerged from various manufacturers: Dyson, Eureka, Miele, Sharp and others. The Hoover Linx Cordless Stick appeared back in 2008, however, it remains one of the best sold vacuums from Hoover. Now, down to product specifications taken from Hoover’s website:
The sheet of features
Suction power | Uses the WindTunnel Technology with one air channel. For a cordless vacuum cleaner, it has a decent suction power, gathering most of the particles with just 1 swipe. |
Input power | Lithium Ion batteries with 18 volts. The rechargeable time is approximately 3h, and they last 15-20 mins, a little to low if you ask me. And it comes with just one battery (you can get and extra one for $80). It's nice you can check the battery level by looking at the Battery Fuel Gauge, though. TIP: make sure you remove the battery out of the Energy Star charger once it is completely charged. |
Dust capacity | 0.23 gallons, fairly common for cordless vacuums. However, Hoover recommends you ditch the debris and dust after each cleaning session. |
Filtration system efficiency | Uses the disputed Cyclonic technology (Dyson has a patent over it) and washable filters. There's also a filter inside the dust cup you need to wash after each use, and to leave it outside for 24h to dry. It filters most of the dust particles, but still doesn't come close to HEPA filtration, so it's definitely not the best choice for people with allergies. |
Weight and Dimensions | 10.4 x 8 x 24.8 inches at 7.3 pounds - definitely a light weight cordless vac. Has a nice nozzle width of 11 inches, which is great IMO because it covers more space. |
Warranty | 2 year limited warranty from the producer, pretty decent. Just the battery and the recharger. |
Accessories | Not many accessories, you'll have to buy those separately. Just the battery charger and the owner's manual. |
Special features | Cordless - I think we've got that covered. Edge Cleaning Bristles - these work nice and suck anything around the edges. Powered Brushroll - you can turn it on or off, depending on the surface you want to vacuum. Bottom Release Dirt Cup - is not that easy as you may think, you still have to reach inside the cup and drag the hair out with your hands. |
Usability | It's cordless and it's light weight, so it's easy to use. Can be used on both bare floors and carpets due to the separately powered brush-roll. Its low profile helps you to reach under most furniture pieces. Produces a medium noise of 75 db. |
Price | Around on Amazon, a reasonable price for its performance. Check out its current discounted price |
It’s been 6 years since the Linx was released. Here are the good things stated by people who bought it
- …just like a powerful common upright, only it’s cordless. I love it! …15 mins is enough for me to clean 3 rooms. And what is amazing is that you get full power, until the battery is dead. No performance drop what so ever. Exactly what I needed…
- … has gently bristles that I can use with no worries on my hardwood floor.
- … best vacuum I’ve used. Work on every type of surface: rugs, carpets or bare floors. And it is very easy to maneuver. A+ from me
- The maintenance is a breeze. I get rid of the dirt and wash the filters in under a minute. Works great, sounds great and I consider myself fortunate to own it.
- Finally, a cordless vacuum cleaner that really sucks (in the good way). My previous vac was a total disaster compared to this. Now, I can clean up fast and thorough.
- Take my advice and buy it, you won’t be sorry. I use it everywhere, in the bathroom, living room, kitchen. I even bough my parents one, I think it’s very easy to use and from what I’ve heard, they love it too.
- Best cordless vacuum cleaner out there. You only need to charge the battery, and not the entire vac. You can keep it in your limber box, works great with a second vacuum that you can use to handle the heavy work.
And here are the bad things reported by unhappy users
- … the battery last too little for me to vacuum all the house.
- You have to buy a second battery to keep things going.
- Don’t buy it if you have a pet. The hair gets stuck in the brush-roll and you have to remove it with your own hands…
- Needs better user’s manual. I didn’t even know when the battery is fully charged, I’ve found out that the charger blink slowly to let you know that from online videos.
- Died after 1 year of moderate use…
Linx’s VGM score and my thoughts on the product:
Now, my opinion over these bad reviews (the good ones I always love, but we’ve got to keep things short and we’ve got to cover all holes). 15 minutes for a battery might be a problem for people with bigger homes. For those of you how own a cozy crib, this vac is perfect, but if you need more time from a cordless one, try the latest Air model from Hoover, just released this year, the Hoover Air Cordless Series 3.0 (which is also in my 2014 top 5 vacuums). This baby comes with a second battery, and each of them lasts 25 mins. However, if you don’t want to through so much money on a cordless stick, than Linx is best for you. As I was saying in the beginning, it does the job, and it does it well.
Here is my final VGM score for the Hoover Linx Cordless Stick:
85 out of 100 is not bad, considering this appliance first saw the daylight in 2008. For what it delivers the price is a bit high, but for those of you who want flexibility it might be the perfect vac.
Do you own a Linx? Are you satisfied by it or on the contrary, have issues with it? Share your cleaning adventures here. Want to buy one? Check out Amazon for other good discounts.
Jason Roberts
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Tim says
I owned the original Linx which had a 6 year warranty. Lucky. I had to replace the motorized head several times. The switch from activating the brush roller is very thin 22 awg wire that shorts from moving the floor head during vacuuming. The accumulated stresses eventually affect this wire – largely because Hoover chose cheap quality stiff vinyl sheathing for this tiny wire instead of flexible rubber or silicone that handles temperature better. It is non-serviceable and requires an expensive head replacement – all because the Bean Counters wanted cheap vinyl electrical insulation. The 2 year warranty ( in effect after 2009) ensures this will happen likely after 2 years of occasional use. The contact pins and plastic for the floor roller head is also thin and a bit frail. Do not remove the head roller assembly often. The vac is very convenient and my daily vac. It stands upright when not in use – one of the best features! It is very noisy. The exit air is not clean. The reason for Dyson’s latest Hepa filter V6. The fine dust left every where I have cleaned is likely from the settled dust after cleaning with the Hoover Linx. The battery charges in 1.5 Hour – half the time of a Dyson. This is my daily Vac. The secret to removing hair and carpet snags on the Linx Roller bar is to use a very inexpensive plastic “letter opener” – the kind with a hook and built-in razor blade. Easy as pie, better than scissors. 2 batteries is a must for this model. I bought the handheld version just for getting the extra battery. Handheld version looks sexy but performs lousy. still sitting on the floor.
Jason Roberts says
Thank you Tim, for sharing your thoughts and experience!
Les says
I’ve owned the Hoover Linx Cordless Stick since Oct. 2013. I really like it. I have a 20lb. Maine Coon cat. It does a great job of vacuuming up his hair. It isn’t real bad cleaning hair out of the rollers. I use needle nose pliers and a weaver’s tool/pick. It is great for vacuuming carpeted stairs and getting up cat litter. The battery lasted a little over a year. Hoover replaced it. I purchased another battery. It is in the repair shop now under the 2-year warranty. It is making a loud noise, may be the motor. It was stilling vacuuming, but I had to wear ear plugs. I normally just vacuum the filter with another vacuum. Is that OK for cleaning the filter? It seems to keep the filter clean. I hope it doesn’t take long to repair it. I may buy a hoover corded cyclonic stick vacuum as a backup. Thank you for the reviews. I just found your website.
Jason Roberts says
Vacuuming the filter is a great idea! You can also gently hit the filter against the wall, to break the dirt. The loud noise is definitely from the motor, a bearing may be worn out.
CARMEN CARDONA says
I have the Linx Cordless for few years. It is very noisy since the beggining. I have 3 batteries since I have a big home.
The newest battery bought in 6/2015 is dead. the other two batteries that are 2-3 years old are charging ok.
What is the warranty on the battery and why is not charging (dead)?
Jason Roberts says
I’m afraid you will have to settle that with the seller of the battery. You might have purchased an “after market” battery (which is not produced by Hoover).
Jean Wilkins says
I am in love with my Lynx cordless. Light, easy and efficient. Way better than my regular big, heavy vacuum. First my sister bought one, then her friend, then me, then the friend’s daughter , then my; coworker and I bought 2 more for Christmas gifts.
We should get a reward!!!!
Nicolle Melanson.Powell says
I bought the Hoover Linx cordless 3 – 4 weeks ago and I am really impressed. Vacuuming is not such a big chore anymore. I have a large dog and a long-haired kitty and I need to vacuum 3 times a week in the main living areas. With the Linx it is quick and painless. I keep the vacuum in the hall closet (because it is that small and light) so it is easy to access quickly. I can do about 1500 square feet before the battery indicator begins to flash – that is two floors for me. The dust cup is small but very easy to empty. I’m delighted.