This section explains how we calculate the claims we make in our advertising. Where we can, we test our products in accordance with IEC guidelines using standard IEC62885-2 - these are official international standards for comparing vacuum cleaners. If there are no suitable test standards, we use real homes and record real-life data. Data sample size varies - we test in at least 10 different households and up to 50 if it is practical to do so. Finally, if neither of the above is suitable, we will set up laboratory testing to try and replicate real-life usage.
Why do Gtech believe the HyLite is the smallest, most compact high performance vacuum cleaner in the world?
While it’s not practical to check every vacuum cleaner on sale in every store in every country, we do believe this to be true based on our research. We’ve searched the internet for ‘compact’, ‘small’ and ‘light’ vacuums - the HyLite was more compact and lighter than any we could find. We monitor new launches and work with international retailers, so we’re always aware of the latest products on the market.
We also checked all the vacuum cleaners sold in key UK channels - Argos, John Lewis and Currys. There aren’t any lighter, smaller or more compact vacuums than the Gtech HyLite and they all (apart from our own AirRam models) incorporate long tubes.
Our engineers are all highly skilled and experienced - they regularly visit trade fairs and factories to keep up to date with the state of the art in the vacuum cleaner industry. With over 80 years of vacuum cleaner development under their belt, our product design team work hard to ensure everything we manufacture is built for modern homes and lifestyles.
Can you prove that 'the HyLite's shorter airpath reduces blocking?
We have considered all the main, ‘state of the art’ vacuum cleaner construction methods currently used in our industry. Surprisingly, very few manufacturers attempt to make vacuum cleaners compact or shorten the airpath.
Many of our competitors’ manuals/ product guides instruct users to check the tubes (particularly the bends) for blockages if performance reduces. As the HyLite doesn’t have long tubes or any bends, we can be confident that this problem will not be present with the HyLite.
What do Gtech consider to be a ‘high performance vacuum cleaner?
There are internationally agreed methods (IEC standards) of measuring vacuum cleaner performance on carpets, hard floors and hard floors with deep crevices. We consider products with a cleaning width of at least 250mm (10 inches), which achieve an average score of at least 60% across the 3 tests, to be ‘high performance. You can see performance results of the HyLite and competitor vacuums here
What makes the HyLite battery ‘professional grade?
It’s important to us that we use the best possible components in our products. That’s why we’ve gone for Samsung Lithium-ion batteries - they’re reliable and robust, two of the most important elements for professional users.
How do Gtech test the HyLite's runtime?
We test all our floorcare products in accordance with IEC standards (international guidelines that all floorcare manufacturers have to follow). The HyLite achieved an average runtime of 20 minutes 27 seconds when tested on 50% hard laminated floor and 50% 10mm pile carpet which is what we believe best represents a real home. You can see the performance results of the Hylite here
The HyLite’s runtime will be a bit longer when the bag starts to fill up and when you use it in handheld mode. This is because there’s less air resistance and strain across the vacuum’s fan, so less power is needed. The runtime may be slightly shorter if you’re only cleaning carpet, especially if it has a thick pile.
What do Gtech mean by ‘low profile?
The HyLite is specially designed to clean underneath furniture and in areas that some other, bigger vacuum cleaners can’t reach. At just 70mm high, and with a reclining, telescopic handle, you can easily reach under most sofas and beds with the HyLite.