As the proud parent of a Golden Retriever and two long-haired cats, I can tell you that my life is a constant, swirling vortex of pet fur. It weaves itself into carpets, forms tumbleweeds on hardwood floors, and stubbornly clings to every piece of upholstery. For years, I waged a losing war with a series of underwhelming vacuum cleaners. They would either choke on the sheer volume of hair, spit it back out, or simply push the mess around. The frustration was immense; a clean home felt like an impossible dream, always just out of reach. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about hygiene, allergens, and the simple comfort of being able to sit on your own sofa without getting a new fur coat. I knew I needed a specialised tool—a machine built from the ground up to tackle the unique challenges that pets bring into a home. The search for a true “Pet Pro” vacuum wasn’t a luxury; it was a necessity.
- Multi-cyclonic technology for no loss of suction
- Steerable technology allows you to navigate smoothly around furniture and other obstacles with ease
What to Consider Before Buying an Upright Vacuum for a Pet-Filled Home
An Upright Vacuum is more than just a cleaning appliance; it’s a key solution for maintaining a clean, healthy, and happy home, especially when pets are part of the family. These machines are engineered for deep cleaning, combining powerful motors, motorised brush bars, and large capacities to pull deeply embedded dirt, dust, and, most importantly, pet hair from the very base of your carpets. The main benefits lie in their sheer, unrelenting power and efficiency over large floor areas. Unlike smaller, more portable options, a good upright vacuum provides a comprehensive, one-pass clean that revitalises carpets and leaves hard floors spotless, making it an indispensable tool for weekly deep cleans in busy households.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a constant battle with dirt, debris, and stubborn pet fur across mixed flooring types. If you have medium to large-sized rooms, a multi-story home, and carpets that seem to trap everything, an upright like the Vax Air Lift Steerable Pet Pro Vacuum Cleaner is designed for you. However, it might not be the most suitable choice for those living in very small apartments with limited storage space, or for individuals who have difficulty maneuvering heavier items. In such cases, a lightweight cordless stick vacuum might be a more practical alternative, though you will likely sacrifice the raw power and capacity that a corded upright provides.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Weight: Upright vacuums are larger than their stick or cylinder counterparts. Consider where you will store it. At 6.2 kg, the Vax Air Lift is substantial. While its steerable technology aids maneuverability during use, you still need to be comfortable lifting and carrying this weight, particularly if you need to take it up and down stairs frequently, even with a lift-away feature.
- Capacity & Performance: A larger bin capacity means less frequent emptying. The Vax’s 1.5-litre bin is generous and ideal for cleaning the whole house without interruption. Performance is dictated by suction power (measured in Watts) and technology. Multi-cyclonic systems, like the one used here, are designed to separate dirt from the air effectively, preventing filters from clogging and ensuring you don’t lose suction power as the bin fills.
- Attachments & Versatility: A vacuum is only as good as its tools. For pet owners, a dedicated turbo tool with a spinning brush is non-negotiable for tackling upholstery and stairs. The Vax Air Lift’s “Pet Pro” designation is earned through its included turbo tool, alongside other essentials like a crevice and upholstery tool. The “lift-away” feature is a game-changer for versatility, turning the upright into a portable canister for above-floor cleaning.
- Cord Length & Reach: While cordless vacuums offer freedom, corded models provide consistent, fade-free power. The trade-off is the cord itself. A long cord is crucial for cleaning large areas without constantly switching plug sockets. The Vax Air Lift’s cord is notably long, a feature frequently praised for its convenience in multi-story homes.
Ultimately, choosing the right upright vacuum is about balancing power, features, and usability to meet the specific demands of your home environment.
While the Vax Air Lift Steerable Pet Pro 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...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Purple Powerhouse
Pulling the Vax Air Lift Steerable Pet Pro Vacuum Cleaner from its box, the first thing that struck us was its purposeful design and the signature black and purple colour scheme. It feels solid and well-constructed, with satisfying clicks as the main components lock into place. Assembly was intuitive and took less than five minutes, requiring no tools. At 6.2 kilograms, it has a reassuring heft; this is not a flimsy, lightweight machine. It feels like a serious piece of cleaning equipment built to withstand rigorous use. The plastics are thick and durable, and the large, clear 1.5-litre dust bin immediately signals its capacity for handling big jobs. Compared to some of the more futuristic-looking models on the market, the Vax has a classic, robust aesthetic that prioritises function over form. It stands tall and ready for action, and the initial impression is one of power and reliability before you’ve even plugged it in. We were eager to see if its performance lived up to the promise of its sturdy build, and you can check the latest price and user feedback to see what others thought upon unboxing.
What We Like
- Incredibly powerful suction that deeply cleans carpets and hard floors
- Versatile ‘Air Lift’ feature transforms it into a portable canister vacuum
- Excellent Turbo Tool specifically designed for pet hair on upholstery
- Generous 1.5-litre capacity and a very long power cord for extended reach
Drawbacks
- Can feel heavy and cumbersome for some users (6.2 kg)
- The hose is relatively short when used in lift-away mode
Deep Dive: Putting the Vax Pet Pro to the Ultimate Real-World Test
A vacuum’s true worth is only revealed when it’s faced with the daily chaos of a busy, pet-filled home. We didn’t just test the Vax Air Lift Steerable Pet Pro Vacuum Cleaner on a pristine showroom floor; we unleashed it on our own home for several weeks. It faced off against embedded Golden Retriever fur, tracked-in dirt, kitchen spills, and the daunting challenge of a three-story house with winding stairs. Here’s our detailed breakdown of how it performed.
Unrelenting Suction: The Multi-Cyclonic Powerhouse
The core of any great vacuum is its suction, and this is where the Vax truly excels. Vax claims its multi-cyclonic technology provides “no loss of suction,” and our testing overwhelmingly supports this. The 850-watt motor generates a formidable pull that you can feel the moment you switch it on. On our deep-pile living room rug, which notoriously traps pet hair, the difference was immediate and visible. The motorised brush bar agitated the fibres aggressively, allowing the powerful airflow to lift dirt we didn’t even know was there. We could see the 1.5L bin fill with an alarming amount of fine dust and fur after just one pass over an area we thought was relatively clean. This level of power is what separates a “pet” vacuum from a standard one. As one user aptly put it, this is “literally the hoover of the century,” and we can see why. It’s so effective that another user noted it’s “probs a bit strong for old grannies,” which speaks volumes about its raw power. Transitioning to hardwood floors is seamless thanks to a simple slide lever on the floorhead, which stops the brush bar from spinning to prevent scattering debris and protecting delicate surfaces. This dual-functionality makes it a true all-rounder for homes with mixed flooring, delivering an uncompromisingly deep clean regardless of the surface. This raw power is a feature that really sets it apart in its price category.
The ‘Air Lift’ Advantage: Conquering Stairs and High Places
This is the Vax’s standout feature and, for us, its biggest selling point. With the press of a button, the main cylinder and motor unit detaches from the upright frame, transforming it into a portable, carryable canister vacuum. This completely changes the game for cleaning stairs, cars, and other awkward spaces. No longer did we have to precariously balance a heavy, cumbersome upright on a narrow step. We could simply carry the lightweight canister in one hand and use the hose and attachments with the other. This made cleaning our winding staircase, a previously dreaded chore, significantly faster and safer. We also took it out to the car, where it made short work of cleaning the footwells and fabric seats. However, our experience mirrored that of some users who found the execution wasn’t perfect. One reviewer noted it’s “tricky to hold the cylinder with one hand and use the hose with the other and it has a short hose.” We agree. While the canister itself is light, the hose could certainly be longer, which sometimes meant we had to juggle the position of the canister while reaching into corners. It takes a little getting used to, but as another user exclaimed, “oh boy once I figured it out! I was really wowed.” The sheer convenience of this portability far outweighs the minor ergonomic quirks, making the Vax Air Lift Steerable Pet Pro Vacuum Cleaner incredibly versatile.
Designed for Pet Owners: The Turbo Tool Test
The “Pet Pro” name isn’t just marketing fluff. The included Turbo Tool is an essential weapon in the war against fur. This handheld attachment features its own air-driven, spinning brush bar designed specifically for upholstery, pet beds, and car interiors. We put it to the test on our fabric sofa, which is the favourite sleeping spot of our cats and is perpetually covered in a layer of fine, clinging hair. The Turbo Tool was remarkable. The aggressive bristles dislodged and lifted stubborn, woven-in hair that standard upholstery tools would simply glide over. It revitalised the fabric, leaving it looking cleaner and feeling fresher than it had in months. We used it on cat trees, dog beds, and even the carpeted stairs, and its performance was consistently impressive. The tool is compact enough to get into tight spots but powerful enough to handle large surface areas quickly. For any pet owner, this single attachment could be the reason to choose this vacuum. It directly addresses the most frustrating part of pet-related cleaning, confirming our findings that this machine is purpose-built for homes like ours. The effectiveness of the attachments is a huge part of what makes this vacuum a great value, and you can see its full feature set and attachments online.
Navigating the Home: Steerable Technology and Usability
In its full upright mode, the Vax’s “Steerable Technology” comes into play. The floorhead pivots and swivels on a ball-like joint, allowing you to navigate around furniture legs and tight corners with a simple twist of the wrist. This makes a noticeable difference in usability. Despite its 6.2 kg weight, it doesn’t feel like you’re pushing a rigid, heavy block. Instead, it glides and turns with surprising agility. This brings us to the weight debate we saw in user reviews, where some found it “lightweight” and others “heavy and cumbersome.” Our verdict? It’s a matter of perspective and trade-offs. It is not an ultra-lightweight vacuum. However, for a corded upright with this level of power and a 1.5L capacity, its weight is reasonable, and the steerable design makes it feel more maneuverable than its specs might suggest. Another major usability win is the power cord. It’s exceptionally long. One user with a three-story house reported that they could clean their entire home from a central plug socket. We found we could easily clean our entire ground floor without ever needing to unplug and relocate, saving significant time and hassle. This combination of agility and extensive reach makes cleaning large areas efficient and far less of a chore.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback confirms our hands-on experience, painting a picture of a powerful but sometimes polarizing machine. The praise is often effusive, with one happy customer calling it the “hoover of the century,” celebrating its incredible performance in a busy home with three kids, a puppy, and a cat. Many, like us, highlight the incredibly long cord as a game-changing feature for larger homes. The sentiment of it being “fab for price” and a product they would “100% recommend” is common among those who value its raw cleaning power above all else.
However, the criticisms are just as consistent. The weight is the most common point of contention. One detailed review stated the facts plainly: “it is heavy and cumbersome to use and to move about,” directly contrasting with others who found it lightweight. This highlights how subjective weight perception can be. The limitations of the lift-away mode, specifically the “short hose” and the difficulty of holding the canister while operating the hose, are also frequently mentioned. Perhaps the most significant concern raised by a user pertains to the guarantee. They pointed out that Vax’s policy excludes common wear-and-tear items like “Belts, filters, brush bars,” which could be a source of frustration should a fault occur. This is a critical point for potential buyers to consider when weighing the product’s overall value.
How Does the Vax Air Lift Compare to the Alternatives?
The upright vacuum market is fiercely competitive, with several excellent models vying for your attention. While the Vax Air Lift Steerable Pet Pro Vacuum Cleaner offers a fantastic blend of power and value, it’s important to see how it stacks up against some of the leading contenders.
1. Shark NZ801UK Corded Upright Vacuum 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 & hair.
The Shark NZ801UK is a direct and formidable competitor, often seen as a more premium alternative. Its headline features are the DuoClean floorhead, which combines two brush rolls to tackle both large debris and fine dust on all floor types, and the Anti Hair Wrap technology, designed to actively remove hair from the brush roll as you clean. Like the Vax, it features a “Powered Lift-Away” mode, which is arguably more advanced as it continues to deliver power to the main motorised floorhead even in portable mode. If your primary frustration is hair tangling in the brush bar and you have a slightly higher budget, the Shark NZ801UK is an exceptional choice that offers more advanced convenience features.
2. Shark AZ3900UKTBK PowerDetect Corded Upright Vacuum
- THE BEST OVERALL CLEANING OF ANY CORDED UPRIGHT VACUUM (*Based on average performance, across IEC 62885-2, Clauses 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, and 5.3, 5.5 in forward and backward starting directions. Comparison...
- DUOCLEAN DETECT: two brush-rolls and multiple sensors that react and adapt for optimal performance.
Stepping up even further in Shark’s lineup, the AZ3900UKTBK introduces smart technology to the cleaning process. Its PowerDetect feature automatically senses the floor type and adjusts suction power for optimal performance. It also boasts Anti Hair Wrap Plus and a larger 1.3L capacity than the NZ801UK. This model is for the tech-savvy user who wants the vacuum to do the thinking for them, ensuring the best possible clean on every surface without manual adjustments. While it comes at a higher price point, the added intelligence and refined features make it a compelling alternative for those seeking the latest innovations in upright vacuum technology.
3. dreame H12 Pro Wireless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
- [Powerful traction for effortless cleaning] The brush roller uses the power of the motor to create forward movement during operation and move the vacuum cleaner. Easy to push and maneuver, so you can...
- Customize your cleaning needs with an auto mode for basic cleaning, ultra-mode for deep cleaning, and a suction mode that vacuums liquids without mopping.
The dreame H12 Pro represents a completely different approach to cleaning and is an alternative for a specific type of user. This is a cordless, wet-dry vacuum designed almost exclusively for hard floors. It not only vacuums up debris but also mops the floor simultaneously, even cleaning itself afterwards. It cannot handle carpets in the way the Vax or Sharks can. However, if your home consists mainly of tile, laminate, or sealed wood, and your biggest challenges are kitchen spills and muddy paw prints rather than embedded carpet dirt, the dreame H12 Pro offers an all-in-one cleaning solution that provides a level of convenience and hygiene that traditional vacuums cannot match.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Vax Air Lift Steerable Pet Pro the Right Choice For You?
After weeks of intensive testing, we can confidently say that the Vax Air Lift Steerable Pet Pro Vacuum Cleaner is a powerhouse that delivers exceptional value, particularly for pet owners. Its raw suction power is undeniable, providing a deep, satisfying clean on both carpets and hard floors. The lift-away feature, despite minor ergonomic quirks, is a genuinely transformative tool that adds a layer of versatility rarely seen at this price point. It successfully tackles the most demanding cleaning jobs, from pet-hair-laden sofas to dusty staircases, with impressive results.
It’s not without its faults. The 6.2 kg weight will be a deal-breaker for some, and the short hose in portable mode is a valid frustration. However, these are trade-offs for its robust build, large capacity, and fade-free corded power. If you are looking for a no-nonsense, powerful, and incredibly versatile vacuum that can stand up to the relentless challenge of a pet-filled home without breaking the bank, this machine is an outstanding choice. For households that prioritize deep-cleaning power over feather-light convenience, the Vax Air Lift Steerable Pet Pro earns our strong recommendation. If you’re ready to win the war against pet hair and household dirt, we highly suggest you check the latest price and availability for the Vax Air Lift Steerable Pet Pro and see the difference for yourself.
Last update on 2025-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API