Gtech AirRam Mk2 Product Review
Review by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
A lot of positive changes have been made to the AirRam to make the perfect one even better and more convenient still and they will be listed further in this piece.
As said four years ago, in 2012, Gtech launched the AirRam cordless vacuum cleaner. The no-tube design represented a completely new approach to vacuum cleaning. AirRam’s high performance, low power usage and long life has been very successful, propelling Gtech from ‘start-up in a cow shed’ to ‘serious floorcare brand’ in just four years.
Keeping the core principles of the original, the new AirRam Mk2’s dirt collection system has been completely redesigned. Dirt is compacted into a tubular bale with an active ejection system (an aluminium slider) for cleaner emptying even into small bins.
Performance on carpets and hard floors has always been good, but the new AirRam Mk2’s ability to clean uneven and deeply creviced flooring has been transformed with the addition of its, unique patented AirLOC system. AirLOC changes with each cleaning stroke; on the forward stroke the front face of AirRam Mk2 opens to collect larger debris. On the backward stroke, AirLOC seals to the floor to collect fine dust from deep crevices.
In international cleaning tests, the new AirRam Mk2 outperforms the UK’s best-selling, cordless vacuums across all surfaces; carpet, hard floor and crevices.
The new AirRam Mk2’s efficient use of power delivers 40-minutes high performance cleaning from each 4-hour charge.
Gtech CEO and founder, Nick Grey says: “With AirRam’s new approach to vacuum cleaner design it was inevitable we would learn a lot from seeing how the technology works in a wide variety of homes. We’ve watched and listened and made some really important changes to the product’s design.”
Gtech’s growth from £4m (2011) to approaching £90m this year has been recognised with prestigious business awards including a Queens Award for Excellence in Innovation, No. 2 rank in the Profit Track 1003 and No. 11 in last year’s Fast Track 1004 Sunday Times business league tables. Since 2012 Gtech have sold over a million cordless vacuum cleaners.
Gtech AirRam Mk2’s new features include:
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NEW patent-pending AirLOC technology - Gtech’s patented AirLOC system picks up larger debris from the surface of the floor and cleans into deep crevices. This combined with the short wide air path helps the AirRam Mk2 clean even more dirt from carpets, hard floors and from crevices.
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Lightweight – Thanks to its revolutionary design which does away with so many bulky parts, the AirRam Mk2 weighs just 3.5kg, that’s half the weight of many mains powered upright vacuums, making it easy to lift and carry up the stairs.
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Cleaner emptying - A new dirt collection system makes AirRam Mk2 easier to empty with even less mess. Dirt is collected into the head of the vacuum, moving it just 4cms before compressing it into the unique, snail-shell bin. This compression technology enables the AirRam Mk2 to pack away an impressive 2.4L of dust and debris into its 0.8L capacity bin. When full, eject this tubular bale of compressed debris straight into the bin with a slide of the dirt ejector arm.
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Long run time – AirRam Mk2’s power comes from a professional grade 22V lithium-ion battery. Its energy efficient design means you can clean your home twice on one charge, running for up to 40 minutes; a 1-hour short charge will deliver a burst of additional run time. A 4stage LED display indicates how much charge is left in the battery and is rechargeable whilst in situ, or when removed from the head of the vacuum cleaner.
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Easy to clean - Simply slide out the filter, tap it clean and replace. The brush bar has a release button to allow for complete removal and a cutting guide to make hair removal a cinch.
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Easy to operate - The on/off switch is now foot operated so no bending, and there is a telescopic handle which is activated by a simple button mechanism that locks and unlocks the handle at full height during operation, and half height for easy storage. Move effortlessly from carpet to hard-floors and back again, with no settings to change. AirRam Mk2 has an ultra-low profile, allowing you to reach under chairs and tables and its edge cleaning technology helps you get into those awkward corners and makes it great for cleaning the stairs. Its cordless technology means no more fighting with snagged cords or plug sockets.
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Headlights - New, full width LED searchlights mean there’s now no place for dirt to hide.
For complete cordless cleaning combine the AirRam Mk2’s 40-minute run time with the Gtech Multi Mk2 (review to follow), which has been enhanced with a 30% power increase, giving a 20-minute run time, and you have an hour of floor to ceiling cleaning for your home.
Where to Buy?
Buy exclusively from www.gtech.co.uk priced £199, or £299 when combined with the new Gtech Multi Mk2.
Gtech Promise
Gtech offers a two year guarantee to fix or replace the Gtech AirRam Mk 2 if anything breaks as a result of faulty manufacturing. If you aren’t happy with your AirRam Mk2, Gtech will either exchange it or give you a full refund within the first 30 days.
Rating: If it would compute I would give the Gtech AirRam Mk2 a ten out of five rating as I did with the eBike. Oh, what the heck, let's just do it.
10 out of 5. Oh, erm, did I mention as yet that I love it and its cleaning power? Well, I very much do. And yes, before anyone wonders, after four years and regular use, my AirRam Mk1 is still working great.
© 2016
