Monday, April 27, 2009

Hoover LiNX Stick Vacuum Review

As requested by one of my readers, today is the day I am reviewing my new Hoover LiNX stick vacuum. First of all, I need to say that I have purchased and used many vacuums over the years. Since I have four kids and various pets, good, sturdy vacuums are a must. I don't have time to mess around, I need to get my cleaning done quickly and sufficiently. With that being said, I have to say I really like my Hoover LiNX. It is much more powerful and sturdy than the Shark Cordless stick I had a few years ago. That thing didn't even last a year before I was disenchanted with it. The great thing about my Hoover is that it is great on both the carpet and my wood and ceramic tile. The switch button is right on the handle and it is effortless to flip it from hardwood to carpet. Another thing I like about it is that the dust cup is very easy to empty, and the filter can also be rinsed off and used over and over. The vacuum is lightweight and easy to carry up and down stairs. My mother-in-law just purchased the latest version of the Shark cordless stick vacuum, and my sixteen year old daughter even made the comment that the Shark worked fine on my mother-in-law's vinyl floor, but it couldn't handle the carpet in the family room at all. The Hoover works VERY well on my frieze carpet.

There are a couple of things about the Hoover LiNX cordless stick vacuum that bug me. The first thing is the price. Most stores carry them for about $179.00. I was "lucky" and caught mine at WalMart on a day that it was $178.00 (big deal, but a buck is a buck!). Another thing that bugs me a little is I think the charge in the lithium ion battery should last a little longer. It would be nice if I had a second battery charged up and ready to go when the first one runs out. I suppose I should look around and see if there are additional batteries that can be purchased (at at huge price, I am sure) on the Hoover parts website. One other thing that is sort of a pain is if I try to vacuum my steps. The vacuum is so nice and lightweight that it seemed like doing the steps wouldn't be a problem, but being a stick, there no way to shorten or change the handle at all, so the task can be awkward--but I do it anyway!

So, there you have it. Pros: Lightweight, easy switch from bare floors to carpet, powerful, easy emptying the dust cup, durable. Cons: Cost, relatively short battery charge, awkward when vacuuming steps.

If your budget can support this little cutie, I would say, "Go out and get one!"

8 comments:

Vera Godley said...

Thanks for your great comments. I bought one of the Linx today and was just wondering if I did the right thing. I'm having problems managing my regular full size canister vac. and was looking for a stick. I thought about the Electrolux EL1012A that runs around $129, but can't find one local. So I found the Linx on sale at Best Buy for $154 today. :) Whatch think. Should I keep it? (Check me at www.chatwithvera.blogspot.com)

Hippopop said...

Hey Vera, if you don't have any heavy duty vacuuming to do, go ahead and keep it. I ran into a little trouble with hair getting wound around the roller brush, so mine melted a little bit. I like it for quick pick-ups though.

Vera Godley said...

I am enjoying my Hoover Linx platinum and it does a fine job. When it is time to get into heavy duty, I may just hire someone in to do it. But this is working great for now.

Unknown said...

I love my Hoover Linx. I agree that it's awkward on stairs, and does a crummy job because of that, not because of power. It's terrific on my tile and hardwood, and great for some small area rugs, or a quick tidying up of sock lint stuff that accumulates on the bedroom carpet. The best part about it, IMHO, is that it does edges really well. Like you, I've been through a bunch of stick vacs - the pretty red Electrolux, the Shark, which has no power at all, and the Hoover Flair, which overheated regularly, even when Hoover sent a brand-new replacement. The Linx is a pleasure to use, and I'm ordering one for my second home.

The shortcomings - short battery life, etc. in no way outweigh the positive benefits of this stick vac. And if anyone thinks they do, I'd sure like to know which stick vac is better - I've tried all the higher end ones and hated them.

Anonymous said...

Hi, to users of Linx, if you have a Bed Bath & Beyond, and use a 20 percent off coupon, you know the rest. The lowest price ever. 20 percent off is 20 percent off. Return policy is also a factor. The best offer ever.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the review, it saved me from the shark! I had the electrolux and the company messed me around badly even though it was only a month old. electrolux customer service twice told me it wasn't their problem I should try a different department. can you believe it! I regrettably have a new electrolux stick vac that was never anything more than junk. I'm convinced now, I'm shopping for the Linx.

Anonymous said...

I love my lynx. I have 2 dogs and a cat and it cleans really well. the problem is that Hoover has the Worst customer service that I have
ever experienced. Parts very hard to get.

Anonymous said...

Kathy said- I just bought my new LINX at Target. They were on clearance, and I had to drive 25 miles out of my way to get it, but I am very excited to finally have one. I bought it for $130. Hurry before they are gone! They might be coming down in price at other locations also? I will let you know how I like it.