Gtech Pro 2
Gtech pro 2: £179.99, Gtech
- Bagged or bagless? Bagged
- Capacity: 1.5l
- Charging time: 4 hours
- Running time per charge: 40 mins
- Weight: 2.8kg
- Dimensions: 116cm x 34cm x 25.2cm
The pro 2 is instantly recognisable as a Gtech appliance thanks to its distinctive neon green and black design which we reckon looks good in any home. It’s tall and slim, so can be squeezed into a pokey understairs cupboard far more easily than a traditional vacuum. It doesn’t stand up on its own though so you’ll need to lean it against a wall.
We found obvious improvements on the previous pro model too. The aluminium extension tube now has a joint in the middle for more cleaning options and the power floor head is much larger than on the earlier version so you can whip through the dreaded chore in less time. The vacuum also comes with a crevice tool and brushed nozzle, which were all easy to fit though we did find them a little stiff to remove.
The pro 2 isn’t the lightest cordless model around but unless you have particular wrist or shoulder problems, you won’t struggle with it. At 2.8kg in its upright state, we found it easy to manoeuvre even on our carpeted stairs or when reaching under furniture. It was certainly considerably lighter than dragging a corded machine around. We also really liked the bright four-stage LED indicator which clearly displays the battery life and was useful when we wanted to vacuum certain areas before the charge ran out.
FeaturesUnlike many cordless vacuums, the Gtech pro 2 uses bags, and the ongoing cost of these could put some people off this model. However, four are included in the box and each has a decent 1.5l capacity, lasting around a month when regularly vacuuming in a house with (long-haired!) children.
We found the bags surprisingly easy to fit too. A full, sealed bag simply pulls straight off allowing a new one to be pushed on to replace it in seconds. Best of all, the thick bags are fused together at the top and sides to keep dirt safely inside so there’s no dust cloud to deal with when emptying the vacuum – a real bonus for allergy sufferers. We especially loved the fact this means the pro 2 has no messy filters to wash or change either. Each bag acts as a new filter so every time you use a new one, it’s renewed to keep the vacuum in tip-top condition.
The bright LED lights across the main head were our favourite feature overall though. They really made a difference when cleaning by illuminating dirt and dust that we’d otherwise easily miss under our sofas and beds.
PerformanceThe pro 2 couldn’t be easier to use straight from the box. A full charge takes four hours and the vacuum has two power settings, which are adjusted by sliding the button on the top. On the eco setting, the vacuum ran for around 40 minutes and did a great job of picking up all but the biggest debris, while the maximum setting powered through everything in sight but only lasted for 20 minutes. We found the eco setting more than enough for most cleaning jobs and the bigger floor head really did cut down on cleaning time so we could manage the whole house before the battery died. The model stays powerful until the very last second too and doesn’t lose suction as the battery fades, unlike some other cordless vacuums.
The most noticeable improvement from the original pro is this model’s ability to deal with larger debris. Its air-locking technology means the machine picks up bigger clumps of dirt (hello, dried-up pasta) as it’s pushed forward while lifting finer dust and embedded hair as it’s pulled backwards. We found longer hair did tend to catch on the original model but the powered brush bar on the pro 2 is much better at resisting the build-up. Some hair did still tangle on it, but we used the nifty tool provided to easily cut it away when needed. We especially liked the scented cartridge which would make a real difference in a house with pets.
Overall, the machine worked equally well on both hard floors and carpet and was especially invaluable for vacuuming stairs when a cable would get in the way. You do have to keep your finger on the trigger while cleaning which can be a little tiring if you’re doing a full house blitz but it didn’t bother us. It’s also on the noisy side, so you probably won’t do much cleaning when the kids are in bed. Otherwise, we found the pro 2 a gamechanger for keeping the house tidy, even when we didn’t feel like doing a top-to-toe vacuum.
The verdict: Gtech pro 2We think the pro 2 could easily replace a standard corded machine in all but the biggest houses. Even then, its decent battery life, super suction and versatility make it a useful addition for a quick whip around the kitchen after dinner or for keeping a car pristine. Buying replacement bags is a minor annoyance but is worth it to keep dust away and avoid the hassle of cleaning filters. At this price, we reckon it’s a fantastic buy.