The included accessory set is minimal but useful, centering on a combi/crevice-style tool for corners, cobwebs, and tighter spaces.
Reviews highlight a strong accessory bundle: an extra brushroll, cleaning tools/brushes (including hair-cutting features in one unboxing), and a starter cleaning solution.
The PencilVac is repeatedly described as slim, stylish, futuristic, and technically impressive in a way that feels more design-forward than a typical stick vacuum.
The connected features are present but limited, with reviews describing the app as mostly useful for maintenance prompts, setup, or updates rather than advanced automation.
One review found it workable on a flatweave area rug, but only as a limited exception rather than a true rug-cleaning strength.
The product is positioned primarily for sealed hard floors; one source suggests it can vacuum low-pile rugs, but wet cleaning on rugs/carpet is not recommended.
Setup is consistently described as fast and straightforward, with simple assembly and very little packaging complexity to sort through.
Setup is described as straightforward, with key parts (like the handle) snapping/clicking into place and minimal assembly friction.
One review noted that the vacuum automatically shuts off when caught on a rug edge, indicating some obstruction protection.
Battery design gets credit for being removable/swappable, but real-world runtime remains a frequent compromise and charging times vary across reviews.
No summary yet.
The dust bin is tiny by design, but multiple reviews said the compression system lets it hold more than expected; capacity still remains a recurring tradeoff.
Build impressions are split: one reviewer praised the overall build quality, while another criticized thin, flimsy-feeling plastic parts.
Build impressions are generally positive (e.g., aluminum components called out as lightweight/solid), but longer-term durability confidence is mixed based on some reported failures over time.
High-pile or general carpet cleaning is a recurring weakness, with reviewers saying it bogs down, stalls, or simply is not meant for carpet use.
Low-pile and flatweave performance is only modestly acceptable: several reviews say it can handle surface debris on mats or low pile, but not much more.
One review explicitly found mid-pile carpet pickup weak, with fine debris still visible after several passes.
Clogging is a meaningful downside in tougher scenarios, with reviews citing blockage errors or inlet struggles on flour, larger debris, or heavier messes.
At least one reviewer directly preferred a conventional Dyson alternative for whole-home cleaning and stronger suction.
In direct comparisons (notably vs. Shark HydroVac), reviewers often characterize Kenmore as the more advanced pick due to edge reach, tank size, and brushroll drying features.
Controls are simple and easy to understand, with basic buttons and a small display for mode and remaining runtime.
The display and alerts are considered helpful (battery %, tank full/empty, tangle, air-dry), but more than one reviewer says the screen is dim or hard to read.
Its grab-and-go format makes it easy to keep nearby for fast cordless spot cleaning instead of dragging out a larger machine.
Cordless operation is repeatedly described as a major convenience for whole-home cleaning, reducing outlet-hopping and saving time versus separate vacuuming and mopping steps.
One testing-focused review said crevice pickup underperformed relative to category expectations.
The dual front-and-rear dust illumination is one of the most praised features, repeatedly called useful for revealing debris that would otherwise be missed.
No summary yet.
Dried-on mess removal is reported as good—one reviewer shows it lifting a nasty dried spot “pretty good,” especially when using a higher mopping setting.
Once users adjust to the broom-like grip, ease of use is widely praised for quick daily cleaning and touch-ups.
Ease-of-use is a standout theme: automatic dispensing (no trigger), clear mode switching, and convenient docking/self-cleaning workflows reduce hands-on effort.
Edge cleaning is mixed but often good: several reviews praise baseboard and side-edge pickup, while others note the pointed front head cannot always sit flush to walls.
Edge cleaning is a consistent strength—multiple reviewers say it gets closer to walls/baseboards than at least one key competitor and cleans right up to the edge.
Emptying gets mixed feedback: some reviewers call it clean and hygienic, while others say the sliding system can feel messy or overcomplicated.
Emptying is generally straightforward, but reviewers still emphasize rinsing/cleaning the dirty tank to prevent buildup; at least one comparison suggests Kenmore’s tank is simpler to fully clean than a rival’s design.
App alerts can notify users about filter cleaning, but this feature is described as basic rather than especially advanced.
Where reviewers tested or cited it, filtration was a strength, with sealed capture claims and one fog test reported as a clear pass.
One source specifically calls out HEPA filtration and a separated dirty tank; users also mention a filter that needs periodic washing and thorough drying before reinstalling.
Dock-based air drying is frequently highlighted: the base blows air onto the brushroll for hours after cleaning, and one tester reported the mop head was dry by the next morning.
The Fluffycones floorhead stands out for its multidirectional movement and unusual geometry, but the same design also creates edge and carpet tradeoffs.
Fresh liquid pickup is repeatedly shown as strong, with reviewers calling wet spill cleanup easy and impressively effective in real-time tests.
A recurring complaint is that hair can form clumps and get ejected or left at the side of the head instead of being fully sucked in.
Hair pickup on hard floors is generally good for visible surface hair, but some reviews note limits with thicker bundles or leftover clumps.
The conical rollers are widely credited with resisting hair wrap, making tangling much less of an issue than on traditional brush bars.
Fine-dust pickup on hard floors is usually a strong point, though one lab-style review reported poor flour performance and blockages, so the praise is not universal.
Fine debris pickup on hard floors is portrayed positively, including strong performance on coffee grounds in at least one test.
Large-debris pickup is mixed: some reviewers were impressed by cereal or similar debris on hard floors, while others said bigger messes quickly exposed the tiny bin or caused blockages.
Large debris pickup on hard floors is described as excellent, with strong results on cereal, cabbage, and other chunky messes.
The front-and-rear floor lights were specifically praised for making hidden dust much easier to see during cleaning.
Multiple reviews frame the PencilVac as a genuine engineering departure from typical stick vacuums and one of Dyson’s more distinctive ideas.
One review said children were eager to use it, largely because it is light and visually satisfying to clean with.
The slim, low-profile design helps it slide under furniture and work in tight, low-clearance areas.
The floorhead is repeatedly described as thin/low-profile, intended to help reach under cabinets and low-clearance areas.
Routine upkeep looks manageable, usually centering on filter care, rinsing, and occasional cleaning rather than constant maintenance.
Despite self-cleaning, routine maintenance is still necessary—empty/rinse the dirty tank, periodically clean the filter and ensure it dries, and occasionally detail-clean gunk buildup.
Maneuverability is the clearest consensus strength: reviewers repeatedly describe it as nimble, light, smooth-swiveling, and unusually easy to guide around furniture and tight spaces.
Handling is frequently praised: it “glides” easily, turns well once the big mess is handled, and feels easy to steer around corners.
Mopping performance is praised on common household messes (muddy paw prints, sticky sauces, mayo/green liquid), often needing a couple passes for the toughest spots but leaving floors looking very clean.
Measured noise was described as a typical high-pitched cordless-vacuum hum rather than an unusually quiet or loud standout.
Noise is generally framed as reasonable/quiet by at least one hands-on unboxing, while another source cites around ~70 dB, suggesting a moderate sound level for the category.
Odor control is tied to the air-dry + self-clean routine: reviewers specifically note that keeping the roller from staying wet helps reduce the “stink” that can develop in wet cleaners.
At least one review praised the dock for giving the crevice tool a dedicated storage spot.
At least one review notes thoughtful storage: the cleaning tool can click into a holder so it’s less likely to get misplaced, and the base is used as an organizing station.
One review flagged extra-battery pricing as a notable ongoing cost if you need more runtime.
Longevity is a question mark: some feedback notes breakdowns within months, while other hands-on reviewers focus on strong early performance without reporting failures.
Overall sentiment is positive when the PencilVac is judged as a lightweight hard-floor touch-up tool, but much more mixed when price, whole-home use, or broader capability are considered.
One review praised the packaging as compact, clearly labeled, and easy to unpack.
Pet use is mixed: one review criticized the lack of a mini motorized pet tool, while another found it picked up visible pet hair well on hard floors.
Value is one of the biggest sticking points: most reviewers call it expensive for a niche hard-floor cleaner, though a few felt the price made sense if you want this exact form factor.
Value is generally viewed as competitive in the mid-tier range—often cited around ~$270 on sale/coupon—with reviewers saying the feature set can justify costing more than lower-priced rivals.
One review criticized the app for pushing for permanent location access during setup.
Runtime is one of the most common compromises. Reviewers say it is usually enough for quick cleans or smaller spaces, but not generous for larger homes or whole-house runs.
Runtime is commonly referenced at around 35 minutes, framed as enough for many standard cleaning sessions but not necessarily for very large spaces on a single charge.
Self-cleaning is consistently presented as a real convenience feature; users describe a short docked cycle that flushes the roller and reduces manual brushroll cleanup.
One review described the floorhead as creating a self-propelling feel that makes the vacuum easier to guide.
App-based firmware support exists, but the cited benefits are modest and focused more on updates and maintenance reminders than major new functionality.
The solution system is described as automatic (no trigger), with multiple modes that change how much solution is applied during cleaning.
Its low weight and long reach make it useful for stairs and baseboards, especially for quick touch-up cleaning.
The magnetic/freestanding dock is usually seen as convenient and compact, though a few reviewers found the base flimsy or not especially space-saving versus a normal stick vac.
Reviews describe suction as sufficient for hard-floor touch-ups but clearly weaker than fuller-power stick vacuums and a poor fit for carpets or heavier messes.
Suction is portrayed as strong for a wet/dry floor cleaner, including a suction-only mode and at least one report of it pulling in debris from slightly off to the side.
Heavy-duty cleaning is not its lane; one review explicitly says it is only for small, light cleans.
It appears well-suited for routine household messes, but at least one source cautions it may not satisfy buyers who want maximum heavy-duty durability for daily-abuse use cases.
Review evidence consistently points to small apartments and smaller hard-floor homes as the most natural fit for this vacuum.
Reliability/support feedback is mixed: there are mentions of responsive service after a failure, but overall long-term confidence isn’t uniformly strong across sources.
One review specifically said the soft floorhead can get close to hard floors without risking scratches.
One review said the attachments clip in and out easily, suggesting quick tool changes once you know the system.
Tool/part changes are described as simple—brushroll and guards come off via tabs/buttons, and reassembly is portrayed as quick and intuitive.
Its ability to lie flat or reach deep under furniture is a real advantage in everyday use.
Above-floor cleaning is a mixed bag: the long wand is great for high cobwebs, baseboards, and awkward gaps, but several reviewers found close-range handheld-style jobs awkward.
Versatility is limited. Reviewers repeatedly frame it as a specialized hard-floor cleaner rather than a true whole-home or all-surface vacuum.
The ‘3-in-1’ concept comes through in use: vacuum + mop simultaneously, plus a self-clean routine; some also emphasize a suction-only mode for quicker jobs.
The two-tank setup (clean vs. dirty) is repeatedly discussed as practical and easy to remove; some comparisons suggest Kenmore’s tanks feel larger than Shark’s.
Low weight is a major selling point, with repeated references to roughly 4 lb / 1.8 kg handling.
Weight feedback varies: one reviewer calls it light at about 9.5 lb, while another source lists it closer to ~13 lb; most still frame it as manageable rather than ultra-featherweight.