The main head swivels well but proved a little too big for stairs with turns that narrow at one side. For this we switched to the upholstery brush, which worked into the corners. Like cleaning on carpeted floors, some effort is required as there is no rotating brush bar to agitate dirt from the carpet. However, as its exceptional reach meant we didn’t have to drag the cleaner half way up stairs and start again, we were happy to put in the elbow grease.

As with all models that have a static main cleaning head, pet hairs posed a challenge for Henry. Using the main head our 30cm test patch of mixed Labrador and collie hair rubbed into the carpet took around 16 seconds to clean completely. The usefully long 2.3m hose is robust, stretchy and very flexible and attaches to three stainless steel tubes that simply push together. These are a friction fit so there are no clips to break, but avoid pushing too firmly or they will be difficult to part. The main cleaner is robust ABS plastic with clips for the plug and a single tool stand, and a manual cable winder on top. It rolls freely on two large wheels at the rear and two trolley-type wheels at the front making it highly manoeuvrable.