The included accessory set is minimal but useful, centering on a combi/crevice-style tool for corners, cobwebs, and tighter spaces.
Most reviewers highlight a generous box for the price: docking base, at least one spare roller, spare filter(s) (often HEPA), a cleaning brush/tool, and a bottle of cleaning fluid/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.
Multiple reviews call the D100 sleek/modern and compact-looking. The styling is generally viewed as functional and “nice looking,” rather than premium-luxury.
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.
Smart mode uses sensors to adjust power/water based on detected dirt; reviewers see it ramp up on heavier messes. There’s no recurring mention of an app, but the automation itself is appreciated for day-to-day cleaning.
A recurring downside is blowback/scatter on very light debris (e.g., cat hair or some cereal) before pickup, especially at the start of a pass. Most reviewers still consider it manageable with technique/mode choice.
One review found it workable on a flatweave area rug, but only as a limited exception rather than a true rug-cleaning strength.
On carpets/rugs the consensus is “limited”: it’s mainly for sealed hard floors, but a few reviewers say it can handle low-pile rugs or doormats in dry mode with modest results.
Setup is consistently described as fast and straightforward, with simple assembly and very little packaging complexity to sort through.
Setup is repeatedly described as quick and tool-free: attach the handle, assemble the two-piece base, plug in, and charge. Several note the battery often arrives partially charged.
One review noted that the vacuum automatically shuts off when caught on a rug edge, indicating some obstruction protection.
At least one tester reports the unit detecting a clog and warning the user to check the roller/pipe, preventing continued operation until addressed.
One reviewer notes it won’t run unless the head is lowered into the cleaning position, which helps prevent accidental spinning while upright.
Battery design gets credit for being removable/swappable, but real-world runtime remains a frequent compromise and charging times vary across reviews.
Battery life is reported as “enough” for kitchens/entryways and smaller homes, but not long. Reported Smart runtimes range roughly from the low‑20 minutes to ~35 minutes; Turbo/Power mode is often ~16–18 minutes. Charging is widely criticized as slow in some tests (~6+ hours), though at least one reviewer reports closer to ~4 hours.
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 quality is generally described as solid for the price, with praise for the stable lay-flat mechanism and waterproof/washable chassis/motor design (IPX-style). Minor negatives include occasional leakage reports and a small learning curve with docking alignment.
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.
Normal household messes don’t appear to clog it often, but thick mixtures (like flour plus liquid) can clog the tube and require rinsing/cleanout. The included cleaning tool and washable design help recovery.
At least one reviewer directly preferred a conventional Dyson alternative for whole-home cleaning and stronger suction.
In comparisons, the D100 is framed as a value leader rather than the absolute “best regardless of price.” Reviewers often contrast it with premium brands, noting it offers many flagship-style features for less money.
Controls are simple and easy to understand, with basic buttons and a small display for mode and remaining runtime.
Controls are typically simple (power + mode) with a clear display and voice prompts. Users like having water-output and volume controls, but at least one tester couldn’t fully mute voice prompts and others mention a small learning curve for self-cleaning workflows.
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 a consistent quality-of-life win—no dragging a cord while mopping. The push-in dock/parking style also supports quick grab-and-go use.
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.
Dried coffee/ketchup style tests suggest it can lift set-in stains, but may require repeated passes—performance is better on fresh spills than on fully dried, sticky stains.
Once users adjust to the broom-like grip, ease of use is widely praised for quick daily cleaning and touch-ups.
Day-to-day use is mostly praised (roll off the dock, press power, clean). Pain points include a tight, suction-y tank lid for some users (especially with hand strength/arthritis) and occasional learning curve around docking/self-cleaning steps.
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 major strength: multiple reviewers call it edge-to-edge/dual-edge and show it cleaning close to baseboards. One measured the real gap at ~5–6 mm from the wall (still better than many, but not as tight as some marketing claims).
Emptying gets mixed feedback: some reviewers call it clean and hygienic, while others say the sliding system can feel messy or overcomplicated.
Emptying is usually straightforward and some reviews highlight solid/liquid separation that makes disposal cleaner (dump solids first, then pour liquid). The main mess risk comes from soggy mixed debris when doing wet + dry together.
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.
HEPA/air filtration is referenced in multiple reviews, with filters catching noticeable pet hair and fine debris. Users emphasize keeping the filter clean/dry for best performance.
Multiple reviewers note it leaves only light moisture and floors dry quickly after a pass; water-output adjustment helps balance cleaning strength versus dry time.
The Fluffycones floorhead stands out for its multidirectional movement and unusual geometry, but the same design also creates edge and carpet tradeoffs.
Fresh spills (water, coffee, milk) are often shown being removed in one or two passes in demos/tests, with the unit automatically increasing effort in Smart mode on wetter areas.
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.
Pet hair pickup on hard floors is frequently praised (dog/cat homes). Hair is often visible in the tank/filter after a pass, suggesting strong real-world performance.
The conical rollers are widely credited with resisting hair wrap, making tangling much less of an issue than on traditional brush bars.
Anti-tangle design and scrapers/comb features generally keep long hair from wrapping tightly. Stress tests show hair may stick temporarily, but it’s usually easy to remove and often ends up trapped in the tank filter instead.
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 like dust and small particles is generally collected well, but one reviewer warns that very large amounts of powder (e.g., flour) mixed with liquid can form paste and cause issues.
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.
It handles larger debris and mixed messes (cereal, sauce, even spaghetti in one demo) better than many expect. However, very light pieces can scatter, and at least one reviewer saw eggshell not picked up in a specific mode/test.
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.
Noted innovations versus peers include push-in docking, a fully washable/waterproof motor/chassis, electrolyzed-water cleaning claims, a combined dual-compartment tank, and an adjustable/swiveling handle.
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 ultra-thin/flat form factor (often cited around 13.5 cm) is a standout design point and is frequently compared favorably to bulkier competitors.
Routine upkeep looks manageable, usually centering on filter care, rinsing, and occasional cleaning rather than constant maintenance.
The self-clean routine reduces hands-on scrubbing, but ownership still involves emptying/ rinsing tanks, cleaning filters, and occasionally clearing thicker debris. Reviewers mention mixed wet+dry sludge can be unpleasant to dump, and long drying beeps (in some units) add annoyance to the maintenance loop.
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 generally described as smooth and nimble, helped by the light weight and a flexible/swiveling handle. One reviewer notes the forward “thrust” can feel tiring over long sessions and that backward passes can smear more than some competitors.
Mopping results are consistently positive for everyday grime, muddy footprints, and mixed wet messes. Tough, dried-on spills can take multiple passes, but most reviewers still report a clean finish.
Measured noise was described as a typical high-pitched cordless-vacuum hum rather than an unusually quiet or loud standout.
Operating noise varies by mode—Turbo is described as noticeably louder. Several measure/describe the drying airflow as relatively quiet (low‑40 dB in one test), but repeated beeps during drying and voice prompts can be more annoying than the fan noise itself.
Odor prevention is repeatedly credited to the deodorizing rod plus heated drying; one reviewer left dirty water in the tank for ~24 hours and reported no bad smell. Heated drying is also cited as reducing mildew/mold risk.
At least one review praised the dock for giving the crevice tool a dedicated storage spot.
One review flagged extra-battery pricing as a notable ongoing cost if you need more runtime.
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.
Overall sentiment is strongly positive: most reviewers recommend it, especially for hard-floor homes wanting a one-pass vacuum+mop workflow and minimal roller-touching cleanup.
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.
Pet households specifically like the combination of strong hair pickup, anti-tangle brush design, and odor mitigation (deodorizer + heated drying). Several reviewers explicitly recommend it for homes with shedding pets.
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 the dominant theme: many call it the best value-for-money wet/dry vacuum in its segment, often citing prices around ~$289–$320 (or sales near ~$299) while offering features found on pricier competitors.
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.
Sanitizing claims come from electrolyzed-water/“sterilization” language and heated drying. Some reviewers run informal bacteria comparisons that look promising, but most acknowledge true disinfection levels aren’t lab-verified in these reviews.
The rinse + hot/warm-air dry routine is a headline feature and widely praised for reducing manual roller washing. Reported drying is often ~1 hour at ~60°C, leaving the roller mostly dry (sometimes not 100%). A major complaint is persistent beeping during the drying phase in at least one long-term test.
One review described the floorhead as creating a self-propelling feel that makes the vacuum easier to guide.
Several reviewers describe it as self-propelled or at least strongly assisted by brush traction, which reduces pushing effort. A minority find that same pull can feel a bit too forceful over long cleans.
App-based firmware support exists, but the cited benefits are modest and focused more on updates and maintenance reminders than major new functionality.
Reviewers like the adjustable water-output options and the ability to use cleaning solution; some highlight electrolyzed-water operation as a differentiator. A common request is easier filling, and there’s no consistent mention of automatic solution dosing.
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.
The push-in base makes parking easier than lift-on docks and reviewers like the compact footprint. Some note it’s happiest when docked against a wall and that occasional alignment/positioning habits help.
Some users report an even, streak-free finish and visibly shinier floors, while another notes that backward movement can smear more than with some competing wet/dry vacs (consistent with many floor washers being optimized for forward passes).
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.
Pickup power is repeatedly described as strong, especially for a budget wet/dry unit. Reviews show it handling liquids and common household debris well, though very light debris can sometimes get pushed ahead before being captured.
Heavy-duty cleaning is not its lane; one review explicitly says it is only for small, light cleans.
Review evidence consistently points to small apartments and smaller hard-floor homes as the most natural fit for this vacuum.
Its compact body, flexibility, and lay-flat reach make it easy to store and to use in tighter rooms (kitchens, entryways, around furniture legs).
Only a small number of reviews mention after-purchase support details; one cites a 2‑year warranty and a 30‑day return policy. Broader reliability feedback is limited beyond short-term use.
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.
Roller removal and routine access are often tool-free and quick. The main exception is the dirty-tank lid/fit, which can require a firm pull/wiggle and may be difficult for users with limited hand strength.
Its ability to lie flat or reach deep under furniture is a real advantage in everyday use.
Lay-flat/180° cleaning is one of the most praised features, letting the head reach under tables, chairs, and some low furniture. Extremely low clearances can still be limiting, but it’s more capable than many alternatives.
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.
Versatility is strong for hard-floor households thanks to Smart/Turbo/Dry (suction-only) modes and adjustable water output. Most reviewers caution it’s not meant to be a primary carpet cleaner, though low-pile rugs/mats can work in a pinch.
The D100’s water system is often described as a dual-compartment or “two-in-one” tank that keeps clean and dirty water separated. Capacity is cited anywhere from ~650 ml fresh/~700 ml dirty to about ~1 liter total. Tanks are generally easy to remove, but filling access and the tight lid/fit draw some complaints.
Low weight is a major selling point, with repeated references to roughly 4 lb / 1.8 kg handling.
Across reviews the D100 is repeatedly called lightweight and easy to lift/steer, with reported weights around ~4.1–4.3 kg.