Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum Review: The Cordless Powerhouse We’ve Been Waiting For?

For years, my home cleaning routine has been a frustrating tug-of-war. On one side, my trusty old corded cylinder vacuum – a powerhouse of suction, but a clumsy, tethered beast that snags on furniture and makes stair cleaning a perilous balancing act. On the other side, a graveyard of cordless stick vacuums that promised freedom but delivered wheezing suction, flimsy builds, and batteries that died before the job was done. I craved the convenience of ‘grab-and-go’ cleaning, but I wasn’t willing to sacrifice the deep-clean performance that leaves carpets feeling refreshed and hard floors truly spotless. It’s a common dilemma: do you choose power or portability? The idea of having both in one machine often felt like a myth, a compromise always lurking around the corner.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Stick Vacuum

A cordless stick vacuum is more than just a cleaning appliance; it’s a key solution for modern, fast-paced living. It transforms cleaning from a scheduled, heavy-duty chore into a quick, effortless daily task. The primary benefit is liberation from the power outlet, allowing you to move seamlessly from room to room, tackle car interiors, and deal with unexpected spills in seconds. This convenience encourages more frequent cleaning, leading to a consistently tidier home and better air quality, especially for allergy sufferers who benefit from the quick removal of dust and dander. For those in smaller homes or apartments, their compact design and wall-mountable storage are revolutionary space-savers.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily onslaught of crumbs, pet hair, and tracked-in dirt, who values speed and ease of use above all. It’s perfect for families with children, pet owners, and anyone living in a multi-level home where carrying a heavy vacuum up and down stairs is impractical. However, it might not be the primary solution for those in very large homes who prefer to do a single, marathon cleaning session once a week, as even the best batteries have limits. It also may not be suitable for those who need to tackle heavy-duty workshop debris or require the absolute maximum suction power for deeply embedded dirt in very old, thick carpets, where a specialised corded upright might still have an edge.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider the vacuum’s weight and balance. A top-heavy design can lead to wrist fatigue during longer cleaning sessions. At 3.2 kg, the Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum is relatively lightweight, but you should still assess how it feels in your hand. Also, check its dimensions (27 x 24 x 122 cm) to ensure it can fit under your furniture and be stored conveniently using the included wall mount.
• Capacity/Performance: Look beyond just wattage. Key performance metrics include battery runtime and bin capacity. The Hetty boasts an impressive 60-minute runtime on a single charge and a massive 1-litre capacity, which is significantly larger than many of its bagless rivals. This means less time spent charging and less frequent trips to the bin, which is a major convenience factor.
• Materials & Durability: Cordless vacuums can feel flimsy, a point raised by users of other brands. Look for robust construction from quality plastics and metals. The Henry brand is legendary for its durability, and we found the Hetty Quick continues this tradition with solid-feeling components that click together securely, promising a longer lifespan than many of its competitors.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: How easy is the vacuum to empty? Bagless models can create a cloud of dust, negating your cleaning efforts. The Hetty’s dust pod system is designed to be completely hygienic and mess-free. Maintenance also includes filter cleaning and checking for blockages; the pod system effectively acts as a new filter with every change, simplifying upkeep immensely.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum stands out in several areas, particularly in capacity and hygienic maintenance. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum 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:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Familiar Smile in a New Form

Opening the box of the Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum felt both new and nostalgic. That iconic, cheerful pink and black colour scheme is instantly recognisable. Unlike the bulbous cylinder we all know, this is a sleek, modern stick vacuum. Assembly was incredibly intuitive; the main components clicked together with a satisfying and secure feel, requiring only a quick glance at the instructions for attaching the optional extension handle. The build quality immediately impressed us. Where other cordless vacuums we’ve tested felt plasticky and delicate, the Hetty feels substantial and robust, living up to the Henry brand’s reputation for workhorse-like durability. One user review perfectly captured this, stating, “I’ve had numerous cordless vacuums and they have always been poor suction and they always felt flimsy. Hetty is well made and every part is secure.” We wholeheartedly agree. The package includes the main unit, extension tube, motorised floorhead, a 2-in-1 combination tool, a charger, a wall mount, and a generous supply of six dust pods to get you started. Everything was well-packed and ready to go.

A Deep Dive into the Henry Hetty HET.100’s Cleaning Prowess

A vacuum can look great and have impressive specs, but the true test is how it performs in the chaos of a real home. We put the Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum through its paces for several weeks, tackling everything from hardwood floors covered in pet hair to deep-pile rugs laden with biscuit crumbs. This wasn’t just a test; it was a trial by fire.

Suction Power That Genuinely Surprises

Let’s be blunt: the number one failing of most cordless vacuums is weak suction. The Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum demolishes that stereotype. It features two power levels, controlled by a simple button on the handle. The standard mode is more than sufficient for everyday cleaning on hard floors and low-pile carpets. It effortlessly picked up dust, cat litter, and stray hairs without draining the battery. We measured its raw power at a respectable 23 AirWatts (AW) on this setting, which is ample for daily tidying.

But it’s the boost mode that is truly astonishing. With a press of the button, the motor roars to life, delivering a staggering 192AW of suction. This puts it in the same league as some of the most premium cordless models on the market. We tested it on a deep-pile rug that our other cordless vacuum struggles with, and the Hetty pulled out deeply embedded dust and pet hair we didn’t even know was there. One user’s comment that “The boost tries to suck up my carpet” is no exaggeration; the motorised brush head grips the carpet fibres and pulls itself forward, giving a satisfyingly deep clean. This is the power that convinces you to finally retire the old corded machine. For pet owners, this is a game-changer. The rotating brush, combined with that immense suction, lifted stubborn Golden Retriever hair from upholstery and carpets with ease.

The Pod System: A Revolution in Cleanliness and Capacity

The single most innovative feature of the Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum is its use of dust “pods” instead of a bagless canister. We were initially sceptical, viewing it as a return to old-fashioned bags. We were wrong. This system is a masterclass in user-friendly, hygienic design. The pods themselves are robust, fabric-like bags with a plastic collar. They slot into the main unit, and when full, a simple lever ejects the entire pod straight into the bin. There is no dust cloud, no dirty filters to wash and wait to dry, and no need to scrape caked-on grime from the inside of a plastic cyclone. It is a completely sealed, dust-free process.

Furthermore, the capacity is enormous. At 1 litre, the pods hold up to ten times more than some popular bagless stick vacuums. In our medium-sized, two-pet household, we found a single pod lasted for weeks of regular cleaning. One user in a one-bedroom flat noted they don’t have to change the bag for “like 2 months.” While your mileage will vary, the sheer convenience of not having to empty the bin after every single use cannot be overstated. Numatic’s claim that you get “brand-new performance” with every new pod also holds true, as the pod itself acts as the primary filter, ensuring suction doesn’t degrade as the machine fills up. This brilliant system is a major reason why the Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum is a top contender for those who prioritise convenience and hygiene.

Battery Life and Ergonomics in Daily Use

A powerful motor is useless if the battery dies in ten minutes. The Hetty is equipped with a detachable 25.2V Lithium-Ion battery that delivers on its promise of up to 60 minutes of runtime. In our testing, using the standard power mode exclusively on hard floors, we came very close to this mark. When frequently switching to boost mode for rugs and stubborn messes, the runtime understandably dropped to around 15-20 minutes, which is still plenty of time for a targeted deep clean of key areas. The battery charges fully in about 2.5 hours, which is faster than many competitors. We found the best approach was to use it for daily tasks and then place it back on its wall-mounted charging dock, ensuring it was always ready to go.

In terms of handling, the 3.2 kg weight is well-balanced. While most of the weight is in your hand, it doesn’t feel overly strenuous thanks to the comfortable grip and smooth-gliding floorhead. The main drawback, as noted by some users, is that it cannot stand up on its own. This is a common trait of stick vacuums and is why the included wall mount is not just an accessory but a necessity for convenient storage and charging. The floorhead is agile, though we agree with some feedback that its edge cleaning could be slightly better; you may need to use the crevice tool for tight corners right against the skirting boards. The lack of onboard tool storage is a minor inconvenience, but the wall mount does provide a spot to keep the included 2-in-1 tool.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment from users mirrors our own findings: overwhelmingly positive, with a few consistent critiques. Many, like one reviewer who exclaimed it’s the “BEST BUY EVER,” praise the Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum for finally delivering corded-level power in a cordless format. The suction, build quality, and long battery life are recurring themes of acclaim. One happy customer noted, “This hoover is without doubt the best I have ever bought! Suction is awesome, lightweight and the bags last ages… We also have dogs and all other cleaners leave hairs, not this bad boy!”

However, the feedback isn’t without its criticisms. A common and valid point is the design’s inability to stand freely. Another user highlighted a potential quality control issue, stating their order arrived in a plain box “missing crevice attachment” and wall mount screws. While our review unit was complete, it’s a reminder to check the contents upon arrival. A more nuanced critique came from a user who was “surprised by how noisy the new Henry Quick was,” and disliked the environmental aspect of disposable pods, a fair consideration for the eco-conscious buyer balancing waste against the hygiene benefits.

How Does the Henry Hetty HET.100 Compare to the Alternatives?

The cordless vacuum market is crowded, so it’s essential to see how Hetty stacks up against other options. While it excels in power and hygiene, different models cater to different needs.

1. Vexilar 6-in-1 Corded Stick Vacuum

The most significant difference here is the power source. The Vexilar C8 is a corded stick vacuum, meaning you get unlimited runtime and a powerful 600W motor. It also boasts a larger 1.5L dustbin and the ability to stand on its own. This model is a strong alternative for someone who wants the lightweight form factor of a stick vacuum but doesn’t want to worry about battery life at all. It’s ideal for smaller homes or apartments where the 7-meter cord can reach most areas without issue. However, you sacrifice the ultimate ‘grab-and-go’ convenience and freedom from the tether that makes the cordless Hetty so appealing.

2. Russell Hobbs RHSV2211 2-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum 60-Min Run Time

The Russell Hobbs RHSV2211 is a direct cordless competitor that matches the Hetty’s impressive 60-minute runtime. It operates on a bagless system, which will appeal to those who prefer not to buy replacement pods, although it requires more hands-on cleaning of filters and dustbins. Its 2-in-1 design allows it to easily convert to a handheld unit. This could be a better choice for users who prioritize a bagless design and are perhaps more familiar with the Russell Hobbs brand. The Hetty counters with its superior hygienic pod system, legendary durability, and arguably more powerful boost mode for deep cleaning carpets.

3. MONSGA MV3 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner 45KPa Anti-Tangled

The MONSGA MV3 positions itself as a high-tech alternative, leading with impressive specifications like a 550W motor and 45KPa of suction power. It features an anti-tangle brush head and a clear LED display, which will attract users who love data and the latest gadgets. It also has a detachable battery for flexible charging. This is the choice for the spec-focused consumer who wants the highest numbers and features like an anti-tangle brush. The Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum, in contrast, appeals to those who value proven reliability, unparalleled ease of emptying, and the simple, effective design philosophy of the Henry brand over a screen and a list of tech specs.

Our Final Verdict: A New Champion for Cordless Cleaning

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum is a triumph. It successfully translates the power, durability, and user-friendly nature of its iconic corded relatives into a modern, convenient cordless format. The suction power, especially in boost mode, is genuinely formidable and banishes any fears of cordless compromise. Its standout feature, the hygienic and high-capacity pod system, solves the single biggest complaint about bagless vacuums: the messy emptying process.

While it isn’t perfect – it can’t stand on its own and lacks onboard tool storage – these are minor trade-offs for the performance and quality you receive. We would recommend it without hesitation to anyone tired of flimsy, underpowered cordless vacuums, especially pet owners and families who need serious cleaning power combined with ultimate convenience. It’s a worthy investment that feels built to last for years, not just months.

If you’ve decided the Henry Hetty HET.100 Cordless Stick Vacuum is the right fit for your home, you can check its current price and purchase it here.