I review a lot of tech products but, with the exception of the iRobot Roomba, I’ve never reviewed a vacuum cleaner before. But when Electrolux offered to loan me its Ergorapido Lithium Ion Brushroll Clean Xtra (available on Amazon for under $120), I had to try it because I was curious about both its suction and its claim of a long lasting battery. True, I spend most of my time testing out phones, computers and other personal tech products but I’m also inclined to make messes, so I’m a sucker for anything that claims to suck up dirt.
It was for that reason that I’ve bought a number of vacuum cleaners over the years including expensive ones from Dyson and other brands as well as several battery operated units but the Electrolux Ergorapido is the one I use most often for spills, to vacuum my office carpet and to pick up the kibble dog food my dog Yuri kindly leaves on the floor along with the messes that my wife and I make on the kitchen floor. The reasons are simple. First, it doesn’t require a cord. I just grab it and use it without having to find a place to plug it in. And the Lithium battery lasts through multiple cleaning jobs so it’s no big deal if I forget to charge it each time I use it. I also like that it has an LED light on the front and a little button you push to have it automatically clean and unclog the rollers. That eliminates what I hate most about vacuum cleaners that often clog and are too often a pain to clean out. The filter is also relatively easy to clean.
Another cool factor is the handheld unit that can be removed from the vacuum stick and used in the car, the stairs and other places where hand vacuuming is best.
Of course, this vacuum is not as powerful as the ones in my garage that I never use or the one that my cleaning lady brings with her to use on her weekly visits. But there are plenty of times between her visits when I need to clean up a mess or just tidy up my office and this handy vacuum gets the job done.