GTech HyLite: World’s Smallest Vacuum (£30 Discount Code)

Gtech launched its latest product recently – the GTech HyLite vacuum cleaner

Claimed to be the “smallest, lightest and most environmentally friendly vacuum cleaner in the world”

What is it that makes it so special? In this review, we’ll take a deeper look and find out whether the GTech HyLite can live up to the hype.

What We’ll Cover…

• Key features overview
• Top features details
• The highlights
• Pros & Cons
• Are the claims correct?
• What about the downsides?
• Is it the right vacuum for you?

Before we start, here is an exclusive GTech Hylite discount code to use 

You must apply the code CM543 at checkout

OK, let’s get started…

GTech has launched this product for the “home of the future”, and designed it specifically for people who need an easy cleaning solution without taking too much of their free time.

And the fact that it weighs only 1.5kg (3.3 pounds) certainly supports the claim of it being the lightest feature rich vacuum cleaner around.

Let’s start by looking at the key features at a glance:

Now we’ve looked at the key features at a glance let’s take a more in depth look at the top features of this new vacuum cleaner.

1. Compact Design

Weighing in at only 1.5kg, it’s no surprise that G Tech are so full of praise for their product.

Note: The HyLite weighs just 1kg in hand-held mode and 1.5kg with the handle attached.

The device features a compact design that allows it to remain lightweight without losing any of its performance.

All of its main parts are fitted in the vacuum head which is then attached to the telescopic handle.

This means you can use just the vacuum head without any need for the handle.

If you look back at the GTech AirRam, one of their first cordless electric vacuum cleaners, that also collected dirt in the head unit. Interesting that they are going back to that approach now.

Because the dust is collected right next to the floor, less power is required to suck it up through long tubes.

This means less chance of dust pluming into the air, less mess and fewer blockages to resolve.

Easy to move in hand-held mode

You can even hold it in one hand if you like…This means it’s ultra portable and easy to move around with.

You can get it into lots of tight and awkward places and if you have trouble vacuuming the stairs, you can now sit down and do it.

I’m sure there are plenty of users out there who will be thankful for such a lightweight, hand-held machine.

Thanks to this innovative and modular design, controlling it around your home will be like child’s play…

But good luck trying to get the kids to use it…

Although it does have a slightly toy like appearance to it so you might be able to disguise it as one. It’s not to the same level as other vacuums, though, like the Dyson Animal V8.

2. Eco Battery

The GTech HyLite comes with a 14.4V Lithium-ion battery which is fitted into the main unit.

According to GTech, the battery’s runtime is around 20 minutes on a single charge and takes around two hours to fully charge – a pretty fast charge compared to other brands.

An added bonus is that it can be charged both on and off the main vacuum unit – no more removing and refitting the battery.

Additionally, they estimate the battery to last up to five years and say that it can be easily replaced.

Does it actually last that long…?

Initial tests do suggest that it lasts as long as claimed, but without using it for many months it’s hard to know if the battery will degrade over time.

Usually lithium-ion batteries are pretty good so I wouldn’t be too concerned about it.

What about the power vs other machines?

If you compare that to other vacuums in their range, such as the GTech Power Floor and GTech Pro, the battery is less powerful. They each have 22 Volts.

That being said, if you’re going for a compact vacuum you probably don’t require such a large power output machine or as much suction power.

3. Triple Layered Bags

Contrary to recent trends, the GTech HyLite features a disposable rip resistant dust bag instead of a dirt container. This allows it to be even more lightweight as it doesn’t require additional filters.

Although all of their initial vacuums were bagless, their last vacuum (the GTech Pro) was also bagged. It seems a trend at the moment to move towards bagged machines.

Shark are also doing more bagged vacuum cleaners, which are marketed as more hygienic and better for those with allergies.

Dust bag collection…

Expert Tip

The bags also act as a filter, so replacing the bag means that you're also cleaning the filters at the same time. Winner!

The dust bags have a capacity of 0.3 litres, although thanks to the vacuum’s airflow compressing the dust inside the bag, it can actually hold 3 times more dirt.

This is an excellent way to save time as you won’t have to wash the filter and wait for it to dry.

Furthermore, the bag being so close to the main suction unit means that the dirt only has to travel a short distance, which ultimately helps enhance the cleaning performance of the vacuum.

See the triple layered bag in action:

Here are the highlights…

We’ve seen the best features of the HyLite, but how do they translate into actual performance? Let’s take a closer look and see if the claims are true.

Smallest Vacuum

GTech are not exaggerating when it comes to this – the whole device could basically fit in a kitchen drawer!

The telescopic handle can easily be extended and retracted for your needs, and when you’re done you can detach it and put it away.

Alternatively, you can also leave it assembled as it is self-standing and won’t fall over.

Lightest Vacuum

At only 1.5kg (3.3 pounds), it’s definitely the lightest vacuum out there. Compared to other similar models, it’s noticeable that the HyLite is half the weight and still performs well.

Here are some other top rated vacuum cleaners and their weights:

• Gtech HyLite – 3lbs
• Dyson V10 Absolute – 5.9lbs
• Miele Compact C1 – 6lbs
• VonHaus 2 in 1 – 4.5lbs
• Gtech AirRam MK2 – 7lbs

Having a lightweight vacuum is great for elderly people or those who have problems lifting normal vacuums up the stairs.

The fact that you can use it without the handle also means you can sit down on each step and vacuum the stairs one step at a time.

Environmentally Friendly Vacuum

To truly understand the benefits for the environment, we need to look at the power consumption of the device and the waste it produces, in this case, the bags.

Power Consumption

The HyLite uses a small amount of power, only 90 watts, but uses it very efficiently – the performance and suction power aren’t compromised in any way.

Most other vacuums, including others from GTech, use over 200 Watts.

In fact, when comparing the suction power to other similar models, it can be noticed that only 6 vacuums outperform it. However, that’s only by a small margin of 1-9%, and that’s by using more than double the power.

As a comparison, let’s take a recent and very popular model, the Dyson V8 Animal. The Gtech HyLite uses only 90 watts, while the Dyson V8 Animal uses more than 400.

“HyLite is miles ahead on efficiency in terms of the amount of dirt it can pick up for every watt of power it uses. The world’s most compact vacuum cleaner is also the most efficient.” – Chris Vagges from Gtech

You can see the Gtech HyLite’s power consumption compared to a dozen more models here.

Bag Capacity

The bag capacity has a direct influence on the carbon footprint of the vacuum cleaner – the more bags you replace, the more waste you produce.

Before launching HyLite, GTech used simulation test and ran user trials to determine how many bags an average household would need per year.

To make this research more accurate, they compared the results to data from previous GTech vacuum users and surveyed GTech customers to establish an average amount of time spent cleaning.

The results…7 bags per year

Coupled with the fact that GTech sells their replacement bags in a pack of 15, or 2 year’s worth of bags, the carbon footprint is further reduced as there’s no need for additional packages and deliveries.

You can get replacement GTech HyLite back here. They cost £12.99 for 15 and delivery is free.

Is it Suitable for You..?

The GTech HyLite was designed with minimal maintenance in mind – there aren’t any filters that need cleaning and no tubes that can get stuck. Additionally, its low and smart power usage means it’s perfect for people trying to reduce their carbon footprint.

The compact and modular design allows it to be dismantled and kept in a drawer, which is great news if you lack the storage space.

Still, due to the 20 minute run time, if you live in a bigger house you might be better off with other cordless vacuums. It’s also not recommended for households with pets, but GTech has another model designed specifically for pet hair. Check out our review of the Gtech K9.

In addition, a more robust cleaner like the Shark Duo-Clean vacuum is more suitable if you have a larger home, kids and pets to contend with.

What about the downsides..?

Of course there will also be some negatives when looking at any product. The biggest one in this case is that there are no attachments.

Because of the design, you’re kind of stuck with just using the head unit. This means it will be harder to get into corners of rooms or using it for the car.

The bottom line…

This cordless electric vacuum cleaner is most suitable for modern living in small apartments or as a secondary machine for quick cleanups around the home, conservatory or kitchen area which get messy very often.

It’s really impressive how GTech have managed to include all that power into such a small and lightweight vacuum.

Even though it doesn’t come with any additional tools, the versatility of the telescopic handle allows this vacuum to be used for a wide range of tasks, such as cleaning your stairs and upholstery.

The HyLite is definitely one of the most exciting new vacuums and is sure to have an impact on the whole vacuum industry.

It remains to be seen how this new design and technology will advance, but we are looking forward to GTech and other brands improving on this vacuum.