Dyson’s New Stick Vacuum: Sleek Design, Minor Flaws, and Why I Still Reach for It

Dyson’s newest stick vacuum, the PencilVac Fluffycones, has arrived with a fresh, streamlined design that promises to eliminate some of the familiar frustrations of cordless stick vacuums. While it doesn’t replace a full-sized cleaner for whole-home use, its lightweight profile and maneuverability make it a compelling option for quick cleans on hard floors.

The PencilVac Fluffycones represents a radical departure from Dyson’s muscly cordless stick vacuums like the V12 Detect Slim. It weighs about the same as a hand vacuum, offering a similar grab-and-go cleaning focus, though it’s designed specifically for hard floors and doesn’t work on rugs or carpets. This limitation means it’s best suited as a complement to a robot vacuum rather than a standalone solution for whole-home cleaning.

Testing the PencilVac against the V12 Detect Slim over a month in a modest-size apartment revealed that while it may not be as thorough as plug-in counterparts, its light weight and maneuverability make up the difference in theory—and in practice for quick cleans. The broom-like handle and glide of the cleaning head make it exceptionally easy to use for tackling crumbs in tight corners and under furniture.

One of the most notable features of the PencilVac Fluffycones is its redesigned cleaner head, which incorporates fluffy, cone-shaped rollers that glide across floors as if they’re flying. This design contributes to its ability to access tight gaps and under low furniture, aided by the fact that Dyson removed its traditional cyclone technology to achieve a slimmer profile.

The vacuum connects to the MyDyson companion app, marking it as the first cordless vacuum in Dyson’s lineup to offer this connectivity. Through the app, users gain access to additional settings and alerts on their phone, adding a layer of smart home integration to the cleaning experience.

Despite its advantages, the PencilVac Fluffycones has limitations that potential buyers should consider. Reviews note that its suction power is not as strong as Dyson’s other stick vacuums, particularly when dealing with larger clumps of dirt. It needs to be charged on its stand, and while it’s exceptionally easy to use for quick cleans, it’s not intended for deep cleaning carpets or handling heavy debris.

Pricing for the PencilVac Fluffycones varies by retailer, with listings showing it available for $450 on Amazon and $600 at Walmart. This places it at a premium price point, especially considering its specialized use case for hard floors only.

For users who already own a robot vacuum and need a lightweight tool for spot cleaning hard floors, the PencilVac Fluffycones offers a compelling blend of maneuverability, ease of use, and smart features. However, those seeking a versatile vacuum capable of handling multiple floor types or heavy-duty cleaning tasks may find its limitations too restrictive for the price.

As Dyson continues to expand its vacuum ecosystem with models tailored to specific cleaning needs, the PencilVac Fluffycones fills a niche for users prioritizing lightweight design and hard-floor agility over all-surface versatility. Its success will depend on whether consumers value its streamlined form factor and quick-clean convenience enough to justify the investment and accept its functional boundaries.