Philips PowerPro Compact FC9331/09: compact bagless vacuum with HEPA 13 filter

The Philips PowerPro Compact FC9331/09 from the Series 3000 is a bagless cylinder vacuum for carpet and hard floors. Instead of a bag, PowerCyclone 5 technology separates dust from the air by cyclone, and the dirt collects in a 1.5-litre container. Maximum power is 900 W, or 750 W measured to IEC, and Philips gives an annual energy consumption of 25 kWh.

It comes with the TriActive nozzle for everyday cleaning, a hard floor nozzle for delicate surfaces and a crevice tool. The metal telescopic tube clicks in via an ActiveLock coupling. Exhaust air passes through a washable HEPA 13 filter, which the maker says also holds back fine particles. You empty the container one-handed over the bin.

With nine metres of reach you can cover a lot of a flat without switching sockets often. It measures 275 × 410 × 250 mm and weighs 4.7 kg, so it is easy to store and carry.

Worth knowing: bagless vacuums release some dust when emptied, so if you have allergies, empty it outdoors. The 1.5-litre container fills quickly with pet hair or large areas. At 76 dB it is not particularly quiet. The filters need regular rinsing and drying; Philips lists FC8010/02 as the replacement filter.