Features of the Panasonic JetSpin Cyclone Vacuum
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 15.35'' x 16.0'' x 33.6''
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Cord length: 35 feet
- Powerful 12-amp dual motor system
- Cyclonic filter-free cup technology
- Automatic height adjustment for various types of carpet pile
- EZ Bare Floor Switch stops agitator for effective bare floor cleaning
- QuickDraw2 telescopic wand and stretch hose provides 12 feet of reach
- On-board tools: combo brush, crevice tool and pet air turbine brush; also comes with bonus floor brush
- HEPA Exhaust Filter (yearly replacement recommended)
- Belt Saver feature stops agitator if string or material gets caught
- Suggested retail price: $249.95
Getting Started
I had no idea that Panasonic made vacuum cleaners until I heard about the Panasonic JetSpin Cyclone Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner. When I decided to review this pet-friendly Panasonic vacuum, I must admit that I was not really looking forward to using it. That had nothing to do with this specific product, but everything to do with the fact that I hate to vacuum. Alas, as a pet owner, my house is full of hair, dirt and debris. Vacuuming is inevitable.
Upon opening the box, I found a slick, metallic red vacuum that was practically ready to use. Assembly was minimal, and mainly involved snapping the attachments in place. The instruction booklet was relatively easy to navigate and very simple to understand.
I decided to start using the vacuum right away, beginning with the area rugs. The power button was large and easy to reach. The vacuum seemed a bit on the heavy side and I worried that it would be difficult to maneuver. However, I was surprised to find that it moved quite smoothly and was rather easy to handle. One thing I really appreciated about this vacuum is the fact that the attachments and hose stayed in place.
The integrated dirt sensor light was designed to turn green when the vacuum stops picking up, and I found that my rugs appeared especially clean when the sensor indicated such. Because of the automatic height adjustment, the vacuum worked equally well on low and medium pile carpets, and was easy to handle on both as well. I did not have a high pile carpet to vacuum.
Vacuuming Bare Floors
Next, I moved on to the hardwood floors. I typically avoid vacuuming on bare floors because it seems like the vacuum just kicks up debris and scatters it. This was not the case with the Panasonic JetSpin Cyclone. A large foot switch on the base of the unit made it easy to switch to bare floor mode. The agitator was designed to stop rotating with the flip of this switch, preventing scattering of dirt and debris. The powerful suction of the unit enabled me to thoroughly vacuum my hardwoods for the first time ever. When using other vacuums on bare floors, I have been able to feel the debris kicking back on my feet and legs. This time there was nothing, and I was even wearing sandals and shorts.
Emptying the Dust Bin
The dust bin/dirt cup seemed to fill up quickly, but to me that meant to me that the vacuum was picking up a lot more than I expected. While I felt it would have been nice to have a larger dirt cup, it was not a big issue for me overall. Emptying the dirt cup was much easier than I expected. The release handle at the top lifts the entire dirt cup and pre-filter chamber. The bottom of the dirt bin opened easily and most of the debris fell right out into the trash. Some hair got stuck around in pre-filter, but shaking the bin released most of it. The bin and pre-filter chamber easily twisted apart for more detailed cleaning of the pre-filter. The entire dirt cup, pre-filter and chambers were designed to be completely washable. After cleaning, it was simple to twist and lock back together. Re-attaching the entire bin to the vacuum could not have been easier. It simply rested in position and locked into place when I pushed down the release handle. In fact, at first I thought it was not actually in place because it seemed too easy.
Using the Attachments
Image courtesy of Panasonic
When it came time to use the attachments, I was astonished to see how easy it was. The telescopic wand and attachment handle were actually designed as a part of the upright vacuum handle. So, with the push of one button and a "quick draw" action, the handle and telescopic wand popped right out. With the push of a different button, the handle alone could be pulled out to use with the attachments (without the long wand).
Using the telescopic wand with the bonus floor attachment was perfect for the stairs and hard-to-reach places on the bare floors. With the crevice tool, I was able to clean behind furniture and appliances. The brush tool worked well on other surfaces, and the length of the wand made it east to clean the ceiling corners and above the windows.
Using the attachment handle without the wand was convenient. The pet air turbine brush worked extremely well. Its mini agitator really lifted the embedded pet hair from upholstery and mats.
One of my favorite things about using the attachments was the fact that it turned the vacuum into a canister-style unit that I could pull behind me. Also, the accordion-type hose reached much further that I expected, so I did not have to move the vacuum around a lot. Finally, replacing the hose, wand, handle and attachments was a cinch. It took me less than a minute to put it all back, and everything easily snapped back in place.
Overall Assessment:
The Panasonic JetSpin Cyclone Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is effective and easy to use. At a suggested retail price of $249.95, I believe this vacuum is a good value. I would recommend this pet-friendly vacuum to anyone in need of an effective and moderately priced vacuum cleaner. I especially recommend it for those who hate to vacuum!
