TechRadar Verdict
The Miele DuoFlex HX1 vacuum cleaner is a sturdy, well-built cordless vacuum.
It’s a capable cleaner with good suction, but its somewhat weighty.
The small dustbin and short run times make it best suited to smaller homes.
Dusting brush (included with all models)(Image credit: Miele)
The DuoFlex HX1 is available in five different iterations.
On test it felt well-built, sturdy and robust, but heavy and cumbersome.
I also appreciated the clever self-cleaning filter.
However, these innovative features are let down by some issues with the basics.
I found this did a great job of removing hair from pet bedding and thoroughly cleaning upholstery.
Read on for my full Miele DuoFlex HX1 vacuum cleaner review.
It’s the same base model for all versions, but the accessories included differ.
There’s plenty of scope to choose the model that’s right for your home and lifestyle.
The Miele DuoFlex HX1 range launched in summer 2024 in the UK.
It will also be available in Australia, but we don’t have pricing information yet.
That being said, not everyone wants a bright and lurid vacuum.
And while the look is understated, the vacuum itself has a sturdy quality.
It feels well built, as do all the tools.
The ‘MultiFloor electrobrush’ is the HX1’s standard cleaning head.
Beyond those tools, the extras depend on the model you go for.
A second button below it enables you to switch between the two power levels.
By turning the ComfortClean cap, the fine dust filter is cleaned in place.
The dust bin is emptied easily via a flap that releases the dirt into the trash.
But the small 0.3 liter dirt capacity will definitely be off-putting for some households.
This vacuum feels weighty, and I’m not just talking about vacuuming overhead.
Furthermore, the handle felt pretty chunky in my small hands, verging on uncomfortable.
But I’m a 5ft 3in woman, so I got my 6ft 2in husband to try it out.
He found the handle size to be more appropriate to his hand size.
Though he felt there was less space under the handle and his fingers were a bit squashed.
Dusting brush (included with all models)(Image credit: Miele)
He also commented on the appearance of the vacuum which he liked, but I’m less keen on.
Maneuverability was good on all floors.
The main floorhead automatically detects carpet and increases the suction in response.
Upholstery nozzle (all models)(Image credit: Miele)
Edge cleaning along baseboards is fine on the lower power setting, but much better on the higher setting.
I’ve got both carpeted and wood stairs and the HX1 coped well with both.
And again, this impacts the amount of cleaning time you get before the battery dies.
Crevice nozzle (all models)(Image credit: Miele)
Similarly for larger homes, the frequent need to empty the bin will become very tedious.
Further to that, emptying out the dirt wasn’t always straightforward.
While the catch releases the base of the dust bin, the dirt doesn’t always fall out.
Electro Compact tool (Cat & Dog / TotalCare versions)(Image credit: Miele)
Often hair gets tangled around the pre-filter and sometimes debris gets stuck behind it.
Once again, this is very messy to do.
The noise level is pretty typical for a vacuum.
Universal brush (Extra / TotalCare versions)(Image credit: Miele)
When using the hand tools it’s around 70dB, rising to 80dB on the higher suction level.
The tools you get will depend on which version of the HX1 you opt for.
However, as a handheld vacuum in the car the HX1 felt bulky.
Flexible crevice nozzle XL (CarCare / TotalCare versions)(Image credit: Miele)
I also used it on some of my car dashboard, but it couldn’t reach into tighter spots.
The wideupholstery nozzle(all models) means it’s possible for you to cover large surfaces at speed.
I found it particularly helpful for getting into hard-to-reach spots in the car.
Flexible suction hose (CarCare / TotalCare versions)(Image credit: Miele)
TheElectro Compacthandheld brush is only included in the Cat & Dog version I tested, and the TotalCare version.
On test, I found it was good for thoroughly cleaning my carpeted stairs.
It works well on upholstery too and is designed for vacuuming up pet hair.
The Duoflex HX1 managed 11 minutes of vacuuming carpets on high power before the battery needed a full recharge.
However, the surprise came when vacuuming carpets on the lower power level.
Despite being on a lower suction, the battery lasted for a pretty pathetic 13 and a half minutes.
But it still only offers up to 55 minutes, which will be on the lower power level.
Should you buy the Miele DuoFlex HX1 vacuum cleaner?
So if a lightweight feel is high on your priority list, this isn’t the vacuum for you.
During that time, I tried all the various tools on a variety of surfaces.
In addition to simply vacuuming, I took notice of ease of use, maneuverability and comfort.
I reviewed my first vacuums over 15 years ago at the Good Housekeeping Institute in London.
Over the years I’ve reviewed well in excess of one hundred vacuums.
Read we test
First reviewed May 2024
