I tried the Gtech AirRAM Platinum to see if it really makes vacuuming easier – here's why I think it's one of the best yet

If you're in the market for a new vacuum, the Gtech AirRAM Platinum really is as good as everyone says it is and dare I say, nothing less than a force to be reckoned with. Maybe it's just me, but despite Gtech's popularity and long-time reliability as a brand, I don't see their products raved about as much as the likes of Shark or Dyson, for example. Well, I think it's time we shift Gtech higher on the pedestal because the AirRAM Platinum is easily one of the best vacuum cleaners out there.

The Gtech AirRAM Platinum's patented AirLOC technology is unlike anything on the market right now, making for a shockingly impressive clean of all types of flooring. It's an interesting feeling, but once you get the hang of it, it's almost borderline fun to feel it kicking into action while you're vacuuming. I was blown away by how much hair, dust, and debris it picked up on my seemingly clean floors.

Not to mention, the vacuum also features Anti Hair Wrap technology for unrivalled hair pick up (a must if you're cleaning up after a furry friend), brilliant runtime, and the most satisfying bin emptying system I've personally had the pleasure of using. These, including a handful of other positives I'll elaborate on below, are what have convinced me that the AirRAM Platinum is worthy of a spot in the line-up of best cordless vacuums.

Gtech AirRAM Platinum Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum review

Specifications

• Max. run time: up to 1 hour
• Bin volume: 0.8L
• Weight: 3.3kg
• Dimensions: H112 x D25.9 x W29.8cm
• Modes: normal
• RRP: £349.99

Unboxing, assembly, and first impressions

To preface, I specifically got the Gtech System Platinum Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum Bundle, which includes both the AirRAM Platinum cordless vacuum and the Multi Platinum handheld vacuum. Since we've already reviewed the Multi Platinum and dubbed it the best handheld vacuum in our guide overall, I'll only be covering the AirRAM Platinum in this review.

As soon as you open the box, every part is bagged in plastic and held in place during transit with all-cardboard scaffolding for your peace of mind. Unbagging everything and laying it altogether was extremely satisfying and from handling the parts alone straight out the box, you can tell they're high quality.

As I mentioned, I got the bundle with both vacuums from Gtech's Platinum range, so my unboxing photos show extra parts that are reserved for the Multi handheld vacuum only. With that disclaimer aside, here's what I got in the box that concerns just the AirRAM: the chassis (floorhead), charger, battery, handle, brush bar (which is inserted into the floorhead), bin, scented cartridges, a spare filter, and a hair removal tool.

Everything is easy enough to slot together by following the simple instructions in the manual. Since this vacuum is just a plug-and-play style model, you won't have to faff around with switching between additional floorheads or hand tools. Once it's set up, it's set up pretty much for good.

It doesn't come with a stand or wall mount, but this isn't really a deal breaker at all anyway because the vacuum stands upright by itself and sports a compact and slimline design. So, while you may have historically worked tirelessly to hide a vacuum cleaner, I don't think the Gtech AirRAM Platinum is hard on the eyes at all. In fact, I think it's quite pretty. Plus, its battery is removable which makes for super easy, discreet charging (and means you're not tied down to keeping your vacuum stored near a plug socket).

What's it like to use?

Floors

Vacuuming with the Gtech AirRAM Platinum was a dare I say, enjoyable and really smooth experience. The controls of are easy and very convenient. Simply put your left foot down onto the side of the vacuum and pull the handle down to unlock it, then step on the power button which is located on the floorhead. No need to hold down on a toggle. To turn it off, just step on the power button again and lock the handle in place.

On the first try, I was impressed by the overall feel and finish of the vacuum and it did a fantastic job at cleaning the tile and carpeted flooring in my parent's house. During vacuuming, Gtech's patented AirLOC technology was in full effect the entire time. The brand describe this technology as such: it collects large debris as you push forwards and then forms a seal on the backstroke, effortlessly tackling embedded hair and fine dust to make sure nothing gets left behind.

On my seemingly clean floors which had just been vacuumed a couple of days prior, it picked up so much. I've got 3 dogs (though only one of them sheds) and the pet hair pick up was shocking and the most effective I've seen. The handle conveniently bends nearly flat for getting underneath furniture and its LED headlights were also effective at spotting hidden fine dust and debris to ensure you cover all bases. They're bright and do the job well.

While Gtech's AirLOC technology is certainly what can be attributed for the appliance's excellent suction and noticeably more effective vacuuming experience than anything else I've tried, I will admit it does take some time to get used to.

With most vacuums, bringing it back towards you takes no effort, but the seal formed on the AirRAM means you have to exert some effort to drag it back. As a result, I sometimes found it a bit hard to manoeuvre around tighter corners and small spaces, but it was generally a smooth experience overall and I had the assurance it was doing a thorough job at picking up deep-rooted debris.

It glided nicely on my tiled flooring, which is likely thanks to Gtech's innovative 'Forward Inertia Drive' feature which helps the vacuum propel itself forwards. On carpet, I have to admit it wasn't as smooth of a glide forward as I hoped, but I did notice the vacuum's suction increase and form a tighter seal on the backstroke – resulting in some satisfying vacuum lines.

Unfortunately, it doesn't clean right to the edge and the vacuum doesn't come with any additional attachments such as a crevice tool, so this may be a gripe for some people. Since the bundle I got included the Gtech Multi Platinum handheld vacuum, I was able to offset this lack by reaching for this to clean any corners and edges with the crevice tool attachment. However, if you only pick up the standalone cordless vacuum cleaner, this is a big factor to consider.

One feature I did like in particular about the AirRAM Platinum is that it comes with scented cartridges that are inserted in the filter shroud, eliminating that unpleasant, stale smell that can sometimes emit during vacuuming. I do wish the strength of the scent was adjustable, as it was just shy of being too strong for me during longer cleaning stints, but it's a nice touch nonetheless, especially if you've got pets.

Battery

The AirRAM Platinum takes 3 hours to fully charge and according to Gtech, boasts an impressive runtime of up to 1 hour. On a full charge, I was able to vacuum my parent's entire house before the battery ran out; but of course, this may vary depending on your specific circumstance and the flooring types in your home. I've got tile in the kitchen, dining area, hallways, and carpet everywhere else and I have to say, it fared extremely well.

You can see how much battery you've got left from the 4-stage LED display on the right side of the floorhead. When it's time to charge, you can easily remove the battery and put it on charge separately from the vacuum itself. It charges to full from flat in 3 hours, but if you need a burst of power for a short stint cleaning stint, 1 hour is sufficient. Once it's charged, you can just slide and click it back into place.

Portability and storage

In terms of portability, the vacuum features a convenient carrying handle that makes carrying it from room to room really easy. The vacuum itself is quite lightweight already, so the carrying handle is a really nice touch and made me wish a majority of vacuums had a similar feature as they can sometimes be top or bottom-heavy.

For storage, the upper handle of the AirRAM Platinum can be lowered to suit your storage needs and be tucked into a small cupboard or corner.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning the Gtech AirRAM Platinum is as easy as it is effective thanks to its mess-free emptying system. The dustbin is located in the floorhead and easily lifts out with a little bit of force. Then, all you have to do is lift and release the latch marked with the purple arrow to pull it open.

With the lid open, hold it over a rubbish bin and simply push the silver towards the open end to empty it. Yes, no need to get your hands dirty. Once you've emptied all the contents, pull the silver lever back towards you, close the lid, and just click it back into place on the vacuum.

Washing the filter is easy, too, and Gtech recommend doing this at least once a month or more depending on how often you vacuum.

Remove the dustbin from the floorhead and open it just as you would if you were emptying it. Pull the filter out of its housing and tap out any surrounding dirt and debris. Twist and remove it from the inner shroud and wash the filter under the tap, letting it dry completely before reinserting it.

The AirRAM Platinum conveniently comes with a spare filter, so you've always got one in rotation whilst the other one is drying, and vice versa.

How does it compare to similar vacuums?

Currently, our top-rated cordless vacuum is the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT, which has earned 5-stars in our review and has been dubbed a 'winner on all counts' by our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Molly Cleary, who extensively tested it for months.

Shark's offering has a slightly higher RRP of £429.99 compared to the AirRAM Platinum's RRP of £349.99, but it does come with with a great range of hand tools to suit more jobs and also shares the perk of anti-odour capsules; however, Shark allows you to adjust the strength of the scent emitted by these, unlike Gtech. But, to be honest this is just a personal gripe of mine and isn't really a deal breaker, nor does it take away from the performance of the AirRAM Platinum.

From a plug and play perspective, I think the Gtech is a fantastic choice and does an amazing job of picking up deep rooted pet hair, dust, and debris that you didn't even know were there. However, if you fancy having a bit of versatility and additional tools, I would suggest either investing in the Gtech System Platinum Bundle that comes with the handheld vacuum (which is top notch, in my opinion) to tackle small corners and upholstery, or looking into vacuums that offer hand tools as standard right off the bat.

Alternatively, Gtech do sell a Speed Cleaning Kit that is compatible with the AirRAM which includes a skirt board duster and a speed-clean handle, which cleverly converts your vacuum into a handheld unit. I haven't personally tried it, but priced at only £20, it's an affordable quality of life upgrade potentially worth considering. Though, it would've been nice to have these already included as standard with the base model.

Should you buy the Gtech AirRAM Platinum?

All in all, the Gtech AirRAM Platinum is, in my opinion, absolutely worth the hype. The AirLOC technology is unlike anything I've ever experienced in a vacuum and once you get past the little learning curve of manoeuvring it on the backstroke, it's a dream to use and its suction power payoff is fantastic. I never thought I'd be one to fawn over vacuum lines in my carpet, but the AirRAM Platinum has since made me a little obsessed and almost gamified cleaning for me as a result.

With three dogs running around the house causing havoc and six people occupying my family home when we're a full house, the AirRAM Platinum does a great job at keeping up with the demand that comes with a busy household – with just one charge. It's easy enough to whip out for frequent vacuums throughout the week and sits pretty in the corner of our utility room.

While I wish it came with the attachments that Gtech sell separately already included as standard, this is a small gripe and I love turning to the aid of the Multi Platinum handheld counterpart for smaller cleaning jobs anyway. It's a solid investment that's certainly worthwhile, and I'd recommend it.