Hoover Linx Signature – a cordless which still has it going

Hoover is a household name. The company manufactures all kinds of cleaning devices, from uprights, carpet cleaners and robots to sticks. Today, we look at one of Hoover’s most popular cordless stick, the Linx Signature. This cleaning device combines simplicity with power, as we will see in this review. But it’s the sleek design that attracts your eyes when you first see the Hoover Linx Signature. The vacuum is one of the most beautifully crafted vacuums on the market and comes with matching capabilities. Read on to find out what this cordless stick has to offer, and what it’s biggest minuses.

Hoover Linx Signature video review

Here’s my video assessment for this vacuum cleaner:

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Hoover Linx Signature specifications

Suction/Cleaning Power

The Linx Signature is pretty powerful, considering it’s a cordless vacuum. Although the manufacturer doesn’t give values for suction, independent tests indicate it achieves an airflow of 31 CFM. That’s quite some cleaning power and means the vacuum will lift off dirt and debris with ease.

The vacuum also uses a unique suction technology the manufacturer has dubbed WindTunnel. It creates suction channels and improves the cleaning head’s ability to remove embedded dirt. Additionally, the Linx Signature features a wide suction port that enables it to pick up both large and small debris. Coupled with the broad 11″ cleaning head, this enhances the capabilities of the vacuum.

Linx’s brushroll on both sides

Input Power

It’s operated by a 5-cell, 18V battery that produces 110 watts. The battery takes 3 hours to charge, which is fast enough. Once full, the battery operates the vacuum for 18 minutes on the maximum mode (with brush roll active). When on the suction only mode, the runtime increases to almost 40 minutes. The battery is removable. That means you can obtain an extra one and extend the runtime for convenience.

Battery specs

Dust Capacity

The Hoover Linx Signature BH50020 comes with a 0.132-gallon (about 17 oz) dust cup. That’s about 0.5 liters, and the average capacity for these vacuum types. One feature that should impress you about this device’s dirt collection is the mechanism to remove or empty the bin. At the press of a conveniently placed release button, the dust compartment detaches from the main unit. It opens in a similar way, and downwards, when you want to discard the contents.

The vacuum doesn’t offer a full-bin indicator that some models come with. However, the dust cup is made from a transparent material. This lets you view the inside of the bin. Thus you do not need any indicator to alert you when it fills up with dirt. The transparent design also lets you view the performance of the vacuum as you go about cleaning different surfaces.

Filtration Efficiency

It uses cyclonic filtration and a standard foam filter. Although the company indicates the filtration system removes allergens from the exhaust air, it doesn’t do so as efficiently as HEPA. This can be an issue for allergy suffers. The vacuum’s body sealing is also average, and may not offer total protection from allergens.

The foam filter is the washable type. To ensure the vacuum doesn’t lose suction, it’s advisable that you clean this filter frequently. The manufacturer recommends washing it in warm water and without using any detergent. As with every foam filter, you may have to wait for at least 24 hours before re-installing the Linx Signature filter after washing.

Weight & Dimensions

The vacuum weighs 9.9 lbs, which is lighter than some other models, but heavier than Dysons. It’s also compact enough. When fully assembled it measures 11 × 9.1 × 43.3 inches. With these values for weight and dimensions, you can expect the device to be easy to use as well as store. Speaking of storage, you can choose to collapse the unit into a size you can tuck away in a shelf or closes. Or you can choose to leave it standing upright to make it a grab-and-go cleaning device.

Warranty

It comes with a manufacturers warranty of 2 years. The warranty is limited and covers parts and labor.

Hoover address/phone details

Accessories

This Hoover vacuum doesn’t come with tools or accessories. Apart from the parts of the main unit, you get the battery and the charging base. My box didn’t even have the users manual, but you can easily find it onliny.

Hoover Linx Signature box contents

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Price

The baby is around $130. Occasionally you can find a great deal here. You can also choose to buy it directly from the producer’s site.

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Special Features

The Hoover Linx Signature is a simple cleaning device. Although beautifully designed, it doesn’t come with many fancy features but only the useful ones. This simplicity is one of the attributes of the vacuum, and which you will likely find appealing. The features include:

Upright standing

Unlike most cordless sticks, the Linx can stand on its own. A simple mechanism blocks the nozzle to sustain the rest of its body in upright position.

A Powered Multi-floor Brush

It uses a single cleaning head that cleans different floors. Given the powerful suction of the vacuum, you can expect the cleaning ability across different floors to be decent enough. The vacuum adjusts automatically from one floor to another, allowing you seamless cleaning activities. Not to forget the large suction port that suctions up large debris without difficulty. Being motorized, the cleaning head of the Hoover Linx Signature is capable of dislodging even the stuck dirt. There’s a button on the handle to switch the brush on and off. This is what you use when cleaning multiple floors.

WindTunnel Technology

This feature is only unique to the vacuum. It refers to the use of suction channels to improve the ability of the vacuum to pick up dirt. In addition to the other features, the WindTunnel technology explains the excellent cleaning power of the Linx Signature model. The vacuum cleans superbly, even when the dirt is embedded such when vacuuming carpeted floors and area rugs. It’s one of the reasons why it performs excellently on various surfaces and for different types of debris.

Powerful Fade-Free Battery

In addition to the excellent cleaning power, the Linx Signature comes with a fade-free battery. This means the device maintains its cleaning power throughput your vacuuming activities. You don’t get the annoying loss of suction when the battery is about to die. The battery offers average cleaning runtime, but you can extend that by purchasing a spare one.

Charger can juice up additional batteries, one at a time

Maximum Recline Handle

The handle reclines a long way downwards which allows you to guide the cleaning head into low lying areas such as underneath furniture. For a stick vacuum, this feature is pretty useful. Another feature that allows the Linx Signature to clean hard-to-reach areas is the low lying base. It goes under sofas and beds with ease, and you have no trouble cleaning every nook and cranny. If you have a lot of furniture in your home, this vacuum would make a nice choice. The only downside is that it doesn’t convert into a handheld as one would expect. But then, that has allowed the manufacturer to clear the handle of unnecessary mass to enhance usability.

Edge Cleaning Bristles

Edges are among the areas that many find challenging to vacuum. This device comes with edge cleaning bristles that remove the dirt and debris from hard-to-reach areas with ease. You will clean challenging spots such as baseboards better for a home that’s thoroughly cleaned even without the need to use different accessories.

Decently Quiet Operation

The vacuum is not a noisy cleaning machine. Tests show it produces operates at noise levels that are less than 76 dB. This is below what many vacuums of similar capabilities emit. If you’re the kind of user who cannot tolerate noisy devices, this sound level is the kind you can put up with. You will go about your vacuuming tasks and still enjoy a peaceful home.

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Usability

Hoover Linx Signature box

Right from when you take it out of the box, the Hoover Linx Signature offers no challenges to operate. It’s easy to assemble, with only a few pieces to put together. Being a stick vacuum, it only features the cleaning head, the body and the handle. One of the striking features of this vacuum is the way it’s designed. The base is the heavier part and the upper stick a thin one. This makes the whole unit quite easy to use. Add to it the fact that it doesn’t weigh much, and you have a cleaning device that most members of your family can use.

Besides the design and the reduced weight, the Linx Signature features an ergonomic handle and a convenient on/off switch for the brush roll. In an instant, you can power the cleaning head when vacuuming carpets and off for bare surfaces. Once you’ve finished your cleaning activities, you can store the vacuum easily in a standing position due to its heavy base.

The Linx Signature is easy to maintain. The filter is the reusable type, and you only need to ensure you wash it regularly. That enables you to maintain the vacuum’s suction at all times, in addition to saving you filter replacement costs. The dustbin is similarly washable besides being easy to empty. To ensure you don’t come into contact with the dirt inside the dust bin, it opens downwards to enable you hands-free emptying.

Maintenance tips

When it comes to cleaning activities, this vacuum helps you to get things done quickly. It offers a wide cleaning path of 11 inches. If you have large surfaces to clean, it means less time to do so. The cleaning head adjusts to the surface, which allows you to transition from one floor to another effortlessly and without interruptions.

The Hoover Linx Signature offers impressive cleaning abilities and excellent usability, but it also has its drawbacks. For a clearer picture of the upsides and downsides of this Hoover stick vacuum, here is a summary of the pros and cons.

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Pros

• Decent suction that enables the vacuum to clean different floors including low-pike carpets or area rugs
• A multi-floor cleaning head that cleans both bare and carpeted areas effectively and safely
• WindTunnel technology that sets the vacuum apart from the others for its ability to pick up dirt
• The fade-free battery which offers consistent cleaning power throughout tasks
• The bin is easy to empty and the filter the reusable type
• The handle reclines far down to allow for the cleaning of low lying areas and the base is low-profile enough to go under furniture with ease
• There’s a battery gauge to indicate the remaining battery charge which means no surprise loss of power during cleaning activities
• The vacuum’s price is pocket-friendly

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Cons

• The vacuum doesn’t come with headlights in the cleaning head and vacuuming dark places can be a challenge
• The filter is not HEPA level which can be a problem for allergy sufferers
• You can’t transform it into a handheld like the Dyson or the recent Tineco
• Batteries last less than other premium cordless sticks

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Hoover Linx Signature vs Hoover Linx Corded

The Linx Signature is an upgrade of the earlier model, the Linx SH20030, but does it offer better features and higher cleaning capabilities?

The two models are identical in many fronts, differing only slightly. Both feature similar suction technologies, filtration systems, and designs. Apart from the color difference, the Linx Signature comes with a battery instead of the power cord. It also features better wheels that make maneuvering it around surfaces easier and quieter. The newer model is also a little lighter and taller by an inch or so. Its cleaning path is also broader when compared to the original Hoover Linx.

In terms of cleaning power, both models offer no major differences. However, the Hoover Linx Signature offers better usability. It comes with a wider cleaning head, better wheels, and enhanced edge cleaning. It also offers improved usability in the form of fingertip controls. Overall, we can say the Linx Signature comes with slightly better features.

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Final Comments

Hoover Brand and Linx logo

If you’re looking for an affordable cordless vacuum, you may want to consider the Hoover Linx Signature. It offers all the qualities one would want in a cordless stick and will clean your home impressively. From the cleaning to the usability features, you will find the device suitable for the average cleaning needs. The Hoover vacuum removes dirt from carpets effectively and safely cleans sensitive floors such as hardwood, laminate, and others.

Being a cordless device, the Linx Signature gives you the freedom to clean every part of your home. It can be an excellent choice for both apartments and large homes (as long as you have multiple batteries). Also, it’s great if you’re looking for an easy-to-use stick vacuum to supplement a corded upright or canister. Plus, the Hoover Linx Signature comes from a respected manufacturer, which should give you peace of mind if you opt to purchase one.