There’s a universal truth for anyone who takes pride in their home: the fight against dust, dirt, and especially pet hair is relentless. In our household, with two dogs and a cat who seem to shed as a competitive sport, a clean floor can feel like a fleeting victory. For years, we cycled through vacuums that promised the world but delivered mediocrity. They were either too heavy to lug up the stairs, lost suction after a few uses, or simply spat pet hair back out. The frustration is real. A home that looks clean on the surface but harbours hidden dust in corners and pet fur woven into the carpet fibres isn’t truly clean. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a healthier, more comfortable living space for your family. Finding a machine that is powerful, lightweight, and versatile enough to handle this daily onslaught is not a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity.
- 4L Extra Large Dust Bin Capacity: Reduces the need for frequent emptying, allowing for uninterrupted cleaning and the one-button release makes emptying quick and hygienic.
- LED-Illuminated Floor Brush: The transparent floor brush is equipped with a powerful LED light, illuminating dark corners, under furniture, and along skirting boards for a more thorough clean.
What to Consider Before Buying an Upright Vacuum
An upright vacuum is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for maintaining a clean and hygienic home environment. Unlike smaller stick or handheld models, a good upright is designed for deep cleaning performance, especially on carpeted surfaces where dirt and allergens can become deeply embedded. They typically offer more powerful motors, larger dust capacities, and wider cleaning paths, making them ideal for tackling larger homes efficiently. The primary benefit is their ability to agitate carpet fibres with a powered brush roll, pulling up grit and hair that other vacuum types might miss. They are the workhorses of the vacuum world, built for serious, whole-home cleaning tasks.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a busy, lived-in home. This includes families with children, pet owners dealing with constant shedding, and individuals with allergies who need powerful filtration to capture dust and dander. If you have large areas of carpet or a mix of flooring types, an upright is often the most effective choice. Conversely, it might not be the best fit for those living in very small apartments with exclusively hard flooring and limited storage space; a compact stick vacuum might suffice. For those who need ultimate portability for cleaning cars or boats, a dedicated handheld or a model with a “lift-away” canister feature might be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider the vacuum’s weight and physical footprint. The Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner weighs just 5.6 kilograms, which is remarkably light for a full-sized upright. This makes it easier to carry between floors and manoeuvre around furniture, reducing physical strain during cleaning sessions. Also, check its dimensions (34L x 30W x 110H cm) to ensure you have a suitable cupboard or corner for storage.
- Capacity/Performance: Dust bin capacity is a major factor in convenience. A larger bin means fewer trips to the rubbish. This model boasts a massive 4-litre capacity, significantly reducing the frequency of emptying. Performance is also tied to suction technology; its Multi-Cyclonic system is designed to prevent filter clogging and maintain consistent, powerful suction from start to finish.
- Materials & Durability: Most modern vacuums are constructed from durable ABS plastics to keep them lightweight and affordable. Look for a solid feel, tight seams, and robust clips and buttons. While not as hefty as older, metal-bodied vacuums, a well-designed plastic body can provide years of reliable service and is less prone to denting and scratching.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Think about the daily practicalities. A long power cord, like the 9-metre one on this model, provides a massive cleaning radius without constantly switching plug sockets. Look for washable filters, like its HEPA filter, to save on long-term costs. An easy, one-button bin emptying system is also a must-have for hygienic disposal of dirt and dust.
Ultimately, choosing the right upright vacuum is about matching its features to the specific demands of your home. It’s an investment in a cleaner, healthier living space.
While the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- HIGH PERFORMANCE, PORTABLE CORDED UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANER - Multi-cyclonic performance with lightweight design to easily clean around the home
- 【600W/60Kpa Powerful Suction】This corded vacuum cleaner features a 600W motor, delivering strong suction power up to 60Kpa. It effectively removes dust, dirt, and debris from various surfaces,...
- Lightweight & Compact Design: Designed for effortless maneuverability, this upright vacuum cleaner makes cleaning stairs and navigating tight or large spaces a breeze. Its compact, upright build...
Unboxing the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX: First Impressions and Core Features
From the moment we unboxed the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner, we were struck by its thoughtful design. Assembly was refreshingly simple, with the main components clicking together securely in under five minutes without needing to consult the manual. The grey and red colour scheme is modern and energetic, and despite its lightweight plastic construction, the unit feels solid and well-balanced in the hand. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to grip, and the main controls are intuitively placed.
What immediately stands out is the sheer size of the 4-litre dust bin; it’s visibly larger than many of its competitors, promising longer cleaning sessions with fewer interruptions. Picking it up confirmed the “lightweight” claim—at 5.6kg, it’s a world away from the cumbersome, heavy uprights of the past. We also noted the bright LED headlight on the floor brush, a premium feature that we’ve found invaluable for spotting hidden dust under sofas and in dark corners. It feels like Morphy Richards has carefully considered the pain points of traditional vacuuming and engineered practical solutions, delivering a machine that looks ready for serious work right out of the box.
The Good Stuff
- Exceptional 4-litre dust bin capacity minimizes emptying frequency.
- Incredibly lightweight at 5.6kg for easy portability and handling.
- Excellent total reach with a 9-metre cord and 1.8-metre hose.
- Versatile performance with five adjustable floor height settings.
- Includes a highly effective Pet Turbo Tool for upholstery and stairs.
Potential Drawbacks
- Being a corded model, it lacks the go-anywhere freedom of a cordless vacuum.
- The 700W motor, while efficient, may not match the raw suction of higher-wattage premium models.
Putting the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX to the Test: A Performance Breakdown
A vacuum’s true worth is revealed not on the spec sheet, but on the floors of a real, lived-in home. We put the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner through a series of rigorous tests across every conceivable surface in our home, from deep-pile carpets laden with pet hair to dusty hardwood floors under furniture. Our goal was to push it to its limits and see if its performance lived up to its promising features. Over several weeks, we evaluated its suction power, handling, tool effectiveness, and overall convenience to bring you this comprehensive breakdown.
Suction Power and Multi-Floor Mastery
The heart of any vacuum is its ability to suck up dirt, and this is where we started our testing. The 700W motor, combined with the Multi-Cyclonic filtration system, delivered surprisingly robust and, more importantly, consistent suction. On our main living room rug—a notorious trap for dog hair and crumbs—the results were immediately visible. We started on the highest pile setting, and the powered brush roll dug deep into the fibres, pulling up an alarming amount of embedded fur and dust that our previous vacuum had missed. The visible vortex of debris swirling in the large, clear bin was both horrifying and deeply satisfying.
Transitioning between floor types is seamless thanks to the 5-level height adjustment dial on the floorhead. A simple twist with your foot lowers the brush for low-pile carpets and hard floors or raises it for plush rugs. On hardwood and laminate, we lowered it to the minimum setting. The brush effectively swept fine dust and larger debris, like spilled cereal, directly into the suction channel without scattering it around. This is a common failure point for many powerful vacuums, but the MRXUPRIGHTFLEX handled it with ease. The integrated LED headlight was not a gimmick; it was genuinely useful, illuminating the dark expanses under our beds and couches, revealing dust bunnies we hadn’t known existed. The consistent power, even as the bin started to fill, confirmed that the multi-cyclonic technology was doing its job, preventing the filter from clogging and suction from dropping off. For anyone with a mix of flooring, this adaptability is a feature that truly sets it apart.
Manoeuvrability, Reach, and Handling
Power is useless if the machine is a chore to operate. At just 5.6kg, carrying the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner up and down stairs was a breeze. This is a significant quality-of-life improvement over older, heavier models that often feel like a workout just to move from room to room. The steering is responsive, allowing it to pivot around chair legs and table corners with relative ease. It doesn’t have the “on a dime” turning circle of a ball-based vacuum, but it’s far from cumbersome.
The standout feature in this category, however, is its incredible reach. The combination of the 9-metre power cord and the 1.8-metre stretch hose gives you a total cleaning radius of nearly 11 metres. In our home, this meant we could plug it into a central hallway socket and clean the entire ground floor without having to stop and find a new outlet. This is a huge time-saver and removes a major point of frustration. The stretch hose proved invaluable for above-floor cleaning. We could easily reach ceiling corners to suck up cobwebs, clean the tops of bookshelves, and vacuum curtains without the main unit tipping over or feeling unstable. This extensive reach makes it a highly practical choice for larger homes and challenges the main selling point of cordless vacuums, offering unlimited runtime within a very generous range.
Tools, Attachments, and Pet Hair Supremacy
For pet owners, the standard floorhead is only half the battle. The real test comes when tackling pet beds, sofas, and stairs where fur becomes stubbornly woven into the fabric. This is where the included Pet Turbo Tool shines. We tested it on a dog bed that was more fur than fabric, and the results were spectacular. The air-driven turbine spins a small, stiff-bristled brush at high speed, aggressively agitating the upholstery and lifting away even the most embedded hairs. It transformed the bed in minutes. The tool was equally effective on our carpeted stairs, a notoriously difficult area to clean with a full-sized upright.
The other attachments are just as useful. The extra-long 7-inch crevice tool was perfect for getting deep down the sides of sofa cushions and along skirting boards where dust accumulates. The combination dusting brush and upholstery tool was our go-to for more delicate surfaces like lampshades, blinds, and the fabric headboard in our bedroom. Having these tools stored onboard would have been a bonus, but their effectiveness is undeniable. The comprehensive toolset elevates the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner from a simple floor cleaner to a complete home detailing system, making it an exceptional ally in the war against pet hair.
Capacity and Maintenance: Living with the Machine
One of the biggest frustrations with many modern vacuums, especially bagless ones, is a small dust capacity. Constantly stopping to empty a tiny bin is inefficient and messy. Morphy Richards has addressed this head-on with the colossal 4-litre dust bin. In our testing, we were able to vacuum the entire house twice before it even approached the ‘max’ line. For the average home, this could easily mean a week or more of cleaning between empties. This is a game-changing feature that significantly improves the user experience and workflow.
When it was finally time to empty it, the process was hygienic and straightforward. A single button press releases the canister from the vacuum body, and another button opens the bottom flap, allowing the contents to drop directly into the bin with minimal dust cloud. The HEPA filter is located at the top of the canister and is easily accessible for cleaning. We simply rinsed it under cold water, let it air dry completely for 24 hours, and popped it back in. This washable filter design not only ensures the vacuum maintains optimal performance but also saves money on buying replacements. The low-maintenance design and massive capacity make this a vacuum that works for you, not the other way around. You can explore its user-friendly maintenance features online to see just how simple it is.
What Other Users Are Saying
While our hands-on testing was overwhelmingly positive, we also looked at feedback from a wide range of users to get a broader perspective. The sentiment is generally very favourable, echoing many of our own findings. Many users express surprise and satisfaction with the vacuum’s powerful suction, often commenting that it pulls up an incredible amount of dirt from carpets they thought were already clean. The lightweight design is another frequently praised feature, with many noting how much easier it makes cleaning stairs and moving between rooms compared to their old, heavier machines.
The Pet Turbo Tool receives consistent accolades from pet owners, who call it a “game-changer” for removing stubborn fur from furniture and car interiors. On the critical side, a few users have mentioned that the motor is quite loud, which is a common trade-off for a vacuum with such strong suction. Another minor point of feedback is the lack of onboard tool storage, meaning the attachments have to be stored separately. However, the consensus is clear: the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner delivers exceptional performance and value for its price point.
How Does the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX Compare to the Competition?
No product exists in a vacuum (pun intended). To understand its place in the market, it’s essential to compare the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner to some of the leading alternatives. We’ve selected three popular models from Dyson and Shark to see how they stack up in terms of features, performance, and price.
1. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is a legendary powerhouse in the vacuum world, known for its sheer, uncompromising suction power. Compared to the Morphy Richards model, the Dyson often generates more raw airflow, which can be beneficial for the most demanding deep-cleaning tasks on thick carpets. Its signature Ball technology also provides a unique and highly agile steering experience. However, this power comes at a cost—the Dyson is typically heavier, louder, and carries a significantly higher price tag. Buyers who prioritize brand prestige and the absolute maximum suction power available might prefer the Dyson, while those looking for a lighter, more budget-friendly machine with comparable real-world effectiveness will find the Morphy Richards to be the better value proposition.
2. Shark NZ801UKT Corded Upright Vacuum Anti Hair Wrap DuoClean
- ANTI HAIR WRAP TECHNOLOGY: Removes hair from the brush-roll as you clean. Perfect for long, short & pet hair.
- FOR ALL FLOORS: DuoClean floorhead glides from carpets to hard floors, with 2 motorised brush-rolls in 1 floorhead. LED headlights illuminate hidden dust & pet hair.
Shark has built a reputation for innovation, and the NZ801UKT is packed with signature features. Its key advantages over the Morphy Richards are the DuoClean floorhead (a soft roller and a bristle brush combined) for seamless transitions between carpets and hard floors, Anti Hair Wrap technology that prevents hair from tangling on the brush roll, and the brilliant Powered Lift-Away mode. This allows the main canister to detach, turning it into a portable, powered vacuum for cleaning stairs and cars. The Shark is a feature-rich marvel of versatility. However, its dust capacity is significantly smaller at 0.83 litres compared to the Morphy Richards’ 4 litres. A user who values cutting-edge features and versatility above all else should consider the Shark, but for those who want to clean for longer without stopping to empty the bin, the Morphy Richards has a decisive advantage.
3. Dyson Ball Animal UP32 Vacuum Cleaner
- Engineered for homes with pets
- Powerful suction
The Dyson Ball Animal UP32 is another premium offering from Dyson, sharing much of the same DNA as the Animal 2. It boasts tremendous suction, advanced whole-machine filtration (making it excellent for allergy sufferers), and the manoeuvrable Ball technology. It’s designed to be a top-tier cleaning machine that tackles pet hair and ground-in dirt with ease. Much like its sibling, the UP32 is positioned at a premium price point. When compared to the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX, the choice comes down to budget and priorities. The Dyson offers a premium brand experience and potentially higher raw suction metrics, but the Morphy Richards competes strongly on practical features like its massive capacity, lighter weight, and excellent reach, all for a fraction of the cost. The MRXUPRIGHTFLEX represents a more pragmatic choice for users who want outstanding results without the premium investment.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX the Right Vacuum For You?
After weeks of intensive testing, we can confidently say that the Morphy Richards MRXUPRIGHTFLEX Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a truly exceptional machine that punches well above its weight. It masterfully balances powerful, consistent suction with a genuinely lightweight and user-friendly design. The combination of its massive 4-litre capacity, incredible 11-metre total reach, and highly effective Pet Turbo Tool makes it a formidable opponent for dust, dirt, and pet hair in any home environment. While it may not have the brand cachet of a Dyson or the niche features of a Shark, it focuses on getting the core fundamentals of vacuuming absolutely right.
We would wholeheartedly recommend this vacuum to anyone living in a small to large-sized home, particularly those with a mix of carpet and hard floors, and especially for households with pets. It offers the power, capacity, and convenience needed for serious, whole-home cleaning without the physical strain or high cost of many of its rivals. It represents outstanding value for money, delivering premium performance where it matters most. If you’re tired of fighting a losing battle against household messes and want a reliable, powerful, and easy-to-use ally, this is the vacuum for you. You can check the latest price and secure yours today and experience a new level of clean.
Last update on 2025-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API