I Was Disappointed by Miele’s Last Vacuums, but the New IFA Lineup Changed My Mind

Miele's latest HX3 and HX3 Plus Aqua vacuums have impressed me, despite my prior disappointment with their previous models. After using the HX3 at Miele's Experience Center in Manhattan, I was thoroughly impressed by several improvements. While Miele is known for its high-quality appliances, their HX2 cordless vacuum received mixed reviews last year for poor performance on certain surfaces and an awkward design.

The new HX3 addresses these issues by rebalancing weight distribution, allowing users to adjust the motor and waste bin attachments to suit their preferred cleaning style. This feature also lets the user switch between various modes, such as a self-standing vacuum, stick vacuum, or handheld. Additional quality-of-life features include push-button controls, simplified dustbin emptying, advanced particle capture, automatic flooring-type detection, and the ability to stand upright.

Performance-wise, the HX3 shows notable improvements over its predecessor. During my test, it excelled in both carpet and hard flooring cleaning, easily removing pet hair with a single back-and-forth motion. The Boost mode provides extra suction, though it drains the battery quickly, providing only 10 seconds of enhanced performance.

The HX3 Plus Aqua builds upon the HX3's capabilities by adding a mopping attachment featuring dual spinning mop pads and a 300-milliliter water tank. The attachment is machine washable, adjustable water dispensation, and an optional 360-degree light. Both the HX3 and HX3 Plus Aqua share the same base specifications, allowing users to purchase additional attachments to customize their vacuum experience.

The base model starts at $849, with the top-tier Aqua Plus model, including all attachments, priced at $1,249. These models cater to various budgets and cleaning needs, and I look forward to testing them at CNET Lab for further evaluation.