Dyson PencilVac: Hands-On with Dyson's Slimmest, Most Powerful Cordless Vacuum Yet

Dyson has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of vacuum technology, creating an extensive catalog of vacuums tailored to diverse cleaning needs. Their lineup is vast, encompassing various series like the V-series, Detect, and Ball Animal, each designed with specific features and capabilities. Now, the Dyson cleaning universe is expanding once again with the introduction of the PencilVac. This new model stands out as Dyson's slimmest and, notably, its most powerful cordless vacuum to date, marking a significant evolution in their portable cleaning solutions.

Despite its remarkably slender profile, the Dyson PencilVac is packed with innovative features. Dyson has managed to integrate redesigned cleaner heads, introduce their fastest and smallest motor yet, and implement a brand-new filtration system. Adding a layer of modern connectivity, it's also the first cordless vacuum from Dyson that can connect to the MyDyson companion app, offering users access to additional settings, real-time alerts, and maintenance guidance directly on their smartphone. The PencilVac is currently available in Japan and is set to launch in Korea next. Enthusiasts in the US will need to wait until next year for its arrival, with pricing details yet to be announced.

Here's a deep dive into everything you need to know about the Dyson PencilVac, based on a hands-on preview.

Upgrades All Around: A Closer Look at the PencilVac's Innovations

Upon first inspection, the Dyson PencilVac bears a striking resemblance to the Dyson Omni-Glide. Both vacuums share a slim, lightweight, and cordless design, featuring brush bars on both sides of the cleaner head. This similarity is intentional; while the PencilVac isn't a direct successor or second generation of the Omni-Glide (which is no longer widely sold), it effectively takes its place in Dyson's lineup as the go-to slender, omnidirectional vacuum designed for hard floors and tight spaces.

The defining characteristic of the PencilVac is its extreme thinness. To truly appreciate its design, let's look at the measurements. The main handle section has a diameter of just 38 mm. The cleaner head is designed to flatten down to an impressive 95 mm. This ultra-slim profile is engineered specifically to allow the vacuum to effortlessly access tight gaps, navigate around furniture legs, and slide under low-clearance furniture where bulkier vacuums simply cannot reach. Achieving this level of thinness required a fundamental change in Dyson's core technology: they opted to eliminate the traditional cyclone technology found in many of their other cordless models.

In most Dyson cordless vacuums, the cyclones are positioned above the dustbin. This system utilizes centrifugal force to efficiently separate dust and debris from the airflow, directing the dirt into the bin while allowing clean air to pass through the motor and filters. This technology is a cornerstone of Dyson's bagless design, contributing to consistent suction power and effective capture of microscopic particles. The PencilVac, however, employs a novel approach: a new two-stage linear dust-separation system.

Sam Cole, a design manager at Dyson, explained the mechanics of this new system to WIRED: “This works by funneling the air and dust into a small-diameter tube, which maintains a high velocity as it travels over a fine stainless-steel mesh. This high-velocity airflow scrubs the mesh clean as it separates the dirt entering the bin, so only fine particles are let through and onto the pleated PTFE filter.” This linear separation allows for the slim profile by removing the need for the conical cyclone structure typically located at the top of the vacuum body.

An interesting innovation in the PencilVac's dustbin is its automatic compression feature. As dust is separated and enters the bin, it is automatically compressed. While the bin's stated volume is a mere 0.08 L, Dyson claims that this air-compressing technology allows it to hold up to five times that amount, effectively increasing its practical capacity for fine dust. The redesigned bin also features a new ejection system that simultaneously empties the dirt and wipes the inside of the bin clean, aiming to minimize user contact with dust. The bin is also easily removable for more thorough cleaning when necessary.

Ultimately, the key enabler for the PencilVac's exceptionally slim profile is its new motor. The vacuum is equipped with the new Hyperdymium 104k motor. This motor is based on the technology developed for Dyson's personal care products, specifically the Supersonic r hair dryer and the Airwrap. With a diameter of just 28 mm, it is now the smallest and fastest motor Dyson has ever produced.

The Hyperdymium 104k motor boasts a spin speed of up to 140,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), delivering a suction power of 55 air watts (AW). To put this in perspective, this motor spins slightly faster than the motor in the Dyson Gen 5 Detect, which is currently Dyson's top-of-the-line cordless vacuum and spins at 135,000 RPM. However, it's important to note that the Gen 5 Detect achieves significantly higher suction power at 262 AW. This difference highlights the PencilVac's design focus: prioritizing speed and compactness for maneuverability and fine dust pickup, rather than raw, high-AW suction power needed for deep carpet cleaning or large debris.

Attached to the PencilVac are four conical brush bars, collectively referred to as Fluffycones. This unique configuration features two brush bars on each side of the cleaner head. The front cone rotates in one direction, while the rear brush spins in the opposite direction. Crucially, these four bars are designed to jut out slightly at the sides. This allows the vacuum to clean effectively in all directions with every pass across the floor, enhancing its omnidirectional capabilities and ensuring thorough coverage, especially along edges and in corners.

Adding a touch of Dyson's signature 'Detect' technology, the PencilVac also shoots out green lasers from both the front and back of the cleaner head. These lasers illuminate microscopic dust particles on hard floors, making them easier to spot and ensuring you don't miss any hidden dirt. However, unlike Dyson's dedicated Detect line (such as the Gen 5 Detect or V12 Detect), the PencilVac does not include a piezo sensor. This means it cannot automatically adjust suction power based on the size and amount of particles it detects, a feature present in the Detect series.

Beyond dust and fine particles, this vacuum is also specifically designed to handle hair pickup. The nylon bristles on the Fluffycones are angled in such a way that hair strands are encouraged to migrate towards the side of the cleaner head. This design minimizes the chances of hair getting wrapped around or tangled in the brush bar, a common frustration with many vacuums. The goal is to reduce the need for users to manually pull tangled hair out or resort to cutting it off with scissors.

As mentioned earlier, the PencilVac introduces connectivity with the MyDyson app. This feature provides users with step-by-step guidance on how to properly care for and maintain their vacuum. It also offers access to additional settings and delivers real-time maintenance alerts directly to your phone, such as reminders to clean the filter or notifications about blockages. This integration brings a new level of smart functionality to Dyson's slim vacuum line.

Lightweight and Nimble: A Hands-On Impression

During an in-person media briefing at Dyson's SoHo store in New York City, I had the opportunity to see and test the PencilVac firsthand. The most immediate and striking impression was just how much difference the redesigned build makes in terms of handling and ergonomics. By relocating the dustbin and eliminating the top-heavy cyclone mechanism, the vacuum feels significantly less top-heavy and unwieldy compared to many traditional stick vacuums. This balance improvement is particularly noticeable and will undoubtedly enhance comfort during longer cleaning sessions.

Another ergonomic change is the absence of a trigger. Unlike many Dyson cordless models that require you to hold down a trigger for continuous power, the PencilVac uses a simple on/off button. This makes it much more comfortable to use for extended periods without finger fatigue. An integrated LCD screen on the handle clearly displays the current cleaning mode (likely Eco, Medium, and potentially Boost) and the remaining run time, providing essential information at a glance.

I tested the vacuum on a small spill consisting of Cheerios, cookie crumbs, and hair. The PencilVac handled the mess with impressive speed and efficiency, cleaning it up in only a few seconds. The simultaneous action of all four Fluffycone brush bars proved highly effective at gathering debris from multiple directions. The inclusion of green lasers on both the front and back of the cleaner head was a feature I particularly appreciated. With my own Dyson V12 Detect, which only has a laser on the front, I often find myself having to flip the vacuum around or adjust its angle to illuminate certain spots. Having lasers on both sides means you get consistent visibility regardless of the direction of movement, making it easier to spot hidden dust without extra effort.

Like all of Dyson's cordless vacuums, the PencilVac can be easily converted into a handheld vacuum for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or inside cars. Each unit comes with a rotating combination crevice tool, useful for reaching into tight spaces and corners, and a conical hair screw tool, which is excellent for cleaning hair from couches, mattresses, and pet beds. The slimmer and longer build of the main wand, even when used in handheld mode with attachments, makes it potentially better for reaching both higher spots (like cobwebs on ceilings) and lower spots (under furniture) compared to bulkier handheld units. Its lightweight nature also makes it easier to maneuver and use one-handed for quick cleanups.

A welcome addition to the PencilVac package is the inclusion of a floor dock instead of a wall mount. This is a significant convenience for many users who may not want to drill holes in their walls. The vacuum and its accompanying accessories attach conveniently to the dock magnetically, making storage and retrieval effortless. The entire setup looks neat and organized when docked, providing a much more user-friendly alternative to permanent wall installation.

My primary concern, based on the specifications and typical performance of slim vacuums, is battery life. Dyson claims the PencilVac can run for up to 30 minutes in Eco mode. Eco mode minimizes suction power to maximize run time, meaning that using the Medium or Boost modes will result in significantly shorter battery life. For larger homes or more extensive cleaning tasks, 30 minutes might be insufficient. However, Dyson does offer the option to purchase an extra battery pack, which can be swapped out to effectively double the potential cleaning time. This provides a workaround for the limited single-battery run time, ensuring the vacuum is always ready if you have a charged spare.

Comparing the PencilVac to Other Dyson Models

Understanding where the PencilVac fits within Dyson's diverse lineup requires comparing it to some of its siblings, particularly those mentioned in the preview.

• vs. Dyson Omni-Glide: As noted, the PencilVac is the spiritual successor to the Omni-Glide. Both are designed for hard floors and feature omnidirectional cleaning heads. The PencilVac appears to be an upgrade in terms of motor technology (Hyperdymium 104k vs. the Omni-Glide's motor), filtration (new two-stage linear system vs. Omni-Glide's five-stage filtration), and smart features (app connectivity). The PencilVac's dustbin compression is also a new feature not found on the Omni-Glide. The core concept of a highly maneuverable, slim vacuum for quick cleanups on hard floors remains, but the PencilVac brings significant technological advancements.
• vs. Dyson Gen 5 Detect: The Gen 5 Detect represents the pinnacle of Dyson's cordless vacuum technology, focusing on maximum suction power (262 AW), advanced filtration (whole-machine HEPA), and intelligent features (piezo sensor for automatic suction adjustment, dust particle count display). The PencilVac, with 55 AW suction, is not designed to compete directly on raw power or deep cleaning capabilities, especially on carpets. Its strength lies in its extreme slimness, maneuverability, and speed for hard floor surface cleaning and tight spaces. The Gen 5 Detect is a versatile powerhouse for larger homes and all floor types, while the PencilVac is a specialized tool for specific environments and tasks.
• vs. Dyson V12 Detect Slim: The V12 Detect Slim is another model that emphasizes a lighter, more maneuverable design than the Gen 5 Detect, while still offering significant power (150 AW) and the laser/piezo sensor technology. The PencilVac is even slimmer and lighter than the V12 Detect Slim, particularly due to the redesigned motor and dustbin placement. The V12 still retains the traditional cyclone system and a dustbin located above the handle, contributing to a different weight distribution. The V12 offers a balance of power and maneuverability with intelligent detection, while the PencilVac pushes the limits of slimness and agility for hard floors and tight spots, sacrificing some power and the piezo sensor in the process.

Based on its dustbin capacity (even with compression) and claimed battery life, the Dyson PencilVac is clearly designed with smaller homes, apartments, or specific areas within larger homes in mind. It excels in spaces that primarily feature hard flooring and require frequent, quick cleanups or access to difficult-to-reach areas. It's not intended as a primary vacuum for large houses with extensive carpeting or for tackling massive messes.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future of Slim Cleaning

The Dyson PencilVac represents an exciting new direction for Dyson's cordless vacuum technology. By prioritizing extreme slimness and maneuverability through innovative engineering like the new linear dust separation system and the compact Hyperdymium 104k motor, Dyson has created a vacuum uniquely suited for navigating the challenges of modern living spaces, particularly those with limited room or intricate layouts.

The omnidirectional Fluffycone heads, dual lasers, and improved hair pickup capabilities enhance its effectiveness on hard floors, while the MyDyson app integration adds a layer of smart convenience. The shift to a floor dock is also a thoughtful ergonomic improvement.

While the smaller dustbin and limited battery life (without a spare) mean it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, it appears to be a highly effective tool for its intended purpose: quick, agile, and thorough cleaning of hard floors and tight spaces. For consumers with different cleaning needs, Dyson's broader range, including models like the Gen 5 Detect or other vacuums highlighted in guides, might be more suitable.

Nevertheless, the PencilVac signals Dyson's continued commitment to innovation and specialization in the home cleaning market. It's a fascinating glimpse into how vacuum technology can be miniaturized and redesigned for specific user needs and environments. One can only hope that this marks the beginning of a new era of ultra-dainty, yet powerful, vacuums from Dyson, moving away from the bulkier designs of the past while maintaining high performance standards.