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The AirRAM 3 Dual Edge-Clean Cordless Vacuum is the latest offering from the British company Gtech.
This new model builds upon the success of its predecessors, introducing several new features aimed at enhancing cleaning performance and user convenience.
Gtech is a relatively small company with just a few hundred employees compared to popular brands such as Dyson, Hoover, and Shark/Ninja. Those who value UK products design, manufacture, and test their products in the UK. Meanwhile, Brexit-supporting James Dyson moved manufacturing to Malaysia back in 2022 and the headquarters to Singapore in 2021/2022.
From my experience, I have noticed an increasing number of people recommend both Gtech and Shark over Dyson in recent years, so I was eager to try out the new flagship Gtech AirRAM 3.
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Gtech AirRAM 3 Specification
Specification | Gtech AirRAM 3 |
Warranty | 2 Years |
Cordless | Yes |
Vacuum Type | Upright Vacuum |
Suitable For | Carpets, Hard Floors, Homes with Pets |
Model | AR50 |
Bagged or Bagless | Bagless |
Filter Type | Auto-clean & Washable |
Battery Voltage | 20V |
Battery Type | Rechargeable Lithium-ion |
Battery Capacity | 3000mAh / 60Wh |
Power | 140W |
Run Time | 30 minutes |
Charging Time | 3 hours |
Bin Capacity | 0.8L |
Weight | 3.8 kg |
Product Dimensions | (H) 112cm x (W) 30cm x (D) 25cm |
Features
Powerful Performance
The Gtech AirRAM 3 features groundbreaking AirLOC and dirt collection technology, enabling it to effortlessly capture large debris like cotton buds and cocktail sticks that typically clog other vacuums, while also tackling embedded hair and fine dust with ease.
Hassle-Free Filter Maintenance
Say goodbye to the hassle of vacuum maintenance. The AirRAM 3 is equipped with a powered self-cleaning filter that actively prevents dirt buildup, ensuring consistent performance throughout the vacuum’s lifetime.
Anti-Hair Wrap Technology
The AirRAM 3 boasts an advanced helical brush bar with Anti-Hair Wrap innovation, which directs hair directly into the bin instead of tangling on the brush, keeping your vacuum free of annoying buildup.
Unrivalled Corner Cleaning
Thanks to its unique edge-brush technology, the AirRAM 3 excels at cleaning hard-to-reach corners and tight spaces, eliminating the need to crouch or bend down to get those stubborn spots.
Effortless Self-Propulsion
The innovative Forward Inertia drive makes the AirRAM 3 virtually self-propelling, allowing it to glide effortlessly across your floors with minimal effort, taking the strain out of vacuuming.
Long-Lasting Power
Powered by a robust 20V lithium-ion battery, the AirRAM 3 provides up to 30 minutes of continuous full-power cleaning. With a fast recharge time of under three hours, it’s always ready when you need it—no eco mode required.
Spacious, Easy-Empty Bin
The 700ml bin is designed for hassle-free emptying. Once it’s full, simply use the ejector arm to quickly dispose of the collected debris—no mess, no fuss.
Convenient Charging Base
Keep your AirRAM 3 fully charged and ready to go by storing it on its dedicated charging base, ensuring it’s always powered up for your next cleaning session.
Illuminating LED Headlights
A full-width LED light strip brightens your cleaning path, revealing hidden dust and dirt that might otherwise go unnoticed, ensuring no spot is left behind.
Sleek and Stylish Design
Featuring a modern aesthetic with a telescopic handle offering eight adjustable levels for enhanced manoeuvrability, along with luxurious leather grip handles, the AirRAM 3 is as stylish as it is functional—perfect to leave on display.
Durable Aluminium Reinforcement
Built to last for 20 years, the AirRAM 3’s upgraded floor head is reinforced with high-quality aluminium components, providing the durability needed to handle the wear and tear of everyday cleaning, even in homes with pets.
Unboxing / Design
Gtech has taken a unique design approach to its vacuum cleaners. Most brands that manufacture cordless vacuum cleaners have the main motor at the top of the vacuum where you hold it. You then typically have the option to use it as a handheld without the extension pole or as a full-sized vacuum. The vast majority of these vacuums have a variety of attachments for things like crevice tools or smaller motorised heads for upholstery cleaning.
An extreme example is the Dyson V11 Total Clean, which has 8 different heads and tools.
Upon unboxing the Gtech AirRAM 3, the first thing you’ll notice is its sleek and modern design. The vacuum boasts a slim profile that makes it easy to store and manoeuvre around furniture. The build quality feels robust, with the floor head reinforced with aluminium parts, suggesting durability that could withstand years of use.
The Gtech AirRAM 3 is very different; this is much simpler. The motor and dustbin are both located in the cleaning head, and you have a telescopic handle. That’s it, just 2 main components.
This will inevitably put off some buyers as the functions of this vacuum cleaner are limited to vacuuming your floor, but I personally like this simplicity. I rarely use the various accessories that come with a vacuum. I have ADHD, and I constantly lose accessories. On the occasions when I need a handheld device or upholstery cleaner, I tend to use a dedicated device.
All the main components are located in the head of the unit, which gives the vacuum a very low centre of gravity, which makes moving it around easier. This is further improved thanks to a self-propulsion design.
The vacuum’s weight of 3.8 kg is relatively light for an upright model, contributing to its ease of use.
I would also assume having the motor located in the head will avoid suction loss and improve overall cleaning performance.
Initially, I thought that having the dustbin in the head would make it impractically small, but with a capacity of 700ml, it is larger than most Dyson vacuums and about the same size as most other options from Shark, Hoover and other brands.
Then, on the base of the vacuum, you have two small sweeping brushes on the corner of the head, which gives the AirRAM 3 the dual-edge cleaning function they advertise. Similar to most brands nowadays, they also claim the brush bar features an anti-hair wrap technology which helps remove hair from the brush and into the bin.
The AirRAM 3 has full, wide LED headlights, which can help expose any dust and dirt.
Finally, the AirRAM 3 uses a removable 20V battery. This means you should be able to easily replace the battery or have a spare battery from longer cleaning sessions. At the time of writing, I can’t find the exact UB002 model, but the UB001 2.5Ah 20V, which is a universal battery for Gtech power tools, is available for around £45
With this vacuum having the bulk of its weight in the base, the Gtech AirRAM 3 can stand upright with ease and the charger is a simple floor charger that the vacuums sits on top of.
Cleaning Performance
The Gtech AirRAM 3 truly shines in its vacuuming performance. The vacuum utilises Gtech’s patented AirLOC technology, which allows it to effectively collect both large debris and fine dust. This system enables the AirRAM 3 to pick up items like cotton wool buds and cocktail sticks that might clog other vacuums, as well as deeply embedded hair and fine dust particles.
The Dual Edge-Cleaning Technology is a new feature that sets the AirRAM 3 apart from its predecessors and many competitors. This design incorporates edge brushes that can reach into corners and along skirting boards, areas that are often challenging for traditional vacuums. The ability to clean these hard-to-reach spaces without resorting to separate attachments or getting down on hands and knees is a significant advantage.
The AirRAM 3’s performance on different floor types is excellent. I have hard floors in my kitchen, bathroom, and toilet, and carpet throughout the rest of the house. It transitions smoothly from carpets to hard floors, maintaining strong suction on both surfaces. The vacuum’s effectiveness on carpets is particularly noteworthy, with the brush bar working to agitate and lift dirt from deep within carpet fibres.
Pet owners will appreciate the Anti Hair Wrap feature on the soft bristled helical brush bar. I don’t have a pet myself, but I have a partner with long hair, and she sheds constantly, and this always clogs up our reboot vacuums. I have only used the AirRAM 3 for a few weeks, but so far, there is almost no build-up of hair.
The vacuum’s performance in real-world testing aligns with Gtech’s claims. It effectively picks up a variety of debris, from fine dust to larger particles, on both hard floors and carpets. The edge cleaning capability is particularly impressive, with the vacuum able to clean right up to skirting boards and into corners with ease.
It is worth noting that the AirRAM 3 only has one speed. There is no turbo or eco mode. I don’t regard this as a negative because the single mode has excellent suction, and the run-time is based on this mode, whereas other brands will claim 30-minute run time, but this is when in eco mode.
Of course, the lack of attachments means that some cleaning is not possible or difficult with the AirRAM 3. It is not very practical to clean my stairs, nor can you use it as a hand vacuum for upholstery or cars.
That being said, if your main priority is vacuuming floors, then the AirRAM 3 is hard to beat for a cordless vacuum.
Ease of Use
The Gtech AirRAM 3 excels in user-friendliness. Its cordless design eliminates the hassle of managing a power cord, allowing for unrestricted movement around your home. The vacuum’s weight of 3.8 kg, while not the lightest on the market, is manageable for most users.
To power on the vacuum, there is a step on the switch on the left side of the vacuum, so you can’t get much simpler than that.
One of the standout features in terms of usability is the Forward Inertia drive. This system propels the vacuum forward, making it almost effortless to push. This feature can significantly reduce the physical effort required for cleaning, which is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or when cleaning larger areas.
The telescopic handle with eight adjustment levels ensures that users of various heights can find a comfortable position. This adaptability, combined with the leather grip handles, contributes to a more ergonomic cleaning experience.
The 0.7L bin capacity means you won’t need to empty the vacuum too frequently. When it fills up, the ejector arm empties quickly and hygienically. Slide the arm to release the contents directly into a bin, minimising contact with dust and debris.
The AirRAM 3 is also quite low maintenance. The Auto-Cleaning Filter automatically removes dirt build-up to maintain cleaning performance throughout the vacuum’s lifespan. This feature eliminates the need for regular filter cleaning or replacement, saving time and effort in the long run.
Noise Level
While Gtech doesn’t provide specific decibel ratings for the AirRAM 3.
With just one speed level I would say this is slightly louder than average when compared to using other vacuums in either eco mode or turbo.
I don’t find the noise level to be too bad and you can’t really have high levels of suction without increased noise.
Battery Life
The Gtech AirRAM 3 is powered by a 20V lithium-ion battery, which provides up to 30 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge. This runtime is sufficient for most small to medium-sized homes, although larger properties might require a recharge mid-clean.
One of the advantages of the AirRAM 3 is that it maintains full power throughout its runtime. Unlike some cordless vacuums that reduce suction power to extend battery life, the AirRAM 3 operates at maximum power until the battery is depleted. This consistent performance ensures thorough cleaning from start to finish.
The charging time of less than 3 hours is relatively quick compared to some competitors. The convenience of the charging base means you can easily keep the vacuum topped up between uses, ensuring it’s always ready when you need it.
The battery is removable, and you should be able to buy replacements or a second battery.
Price and Alternative Options
The Gtech AirRAM 3 has an RRP of ÂŁ399.99 and is available directly from Gtech.
For buyers in the US, it is also available on Amazon.com for $449.99.
The older AirRAM 2 is available for ÂŁ229.99 and there is also the AirRAM Platinum which is available for ÂŁ349.99.
Alternative options from different brands at a similar price include:
- Samsung Jet 95 Pro (ÂŁ399): Offers a more versatile stick design with various attachments.
- Shark Detect Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (ÂŁ349): Features strong suction and anti-hair wrap technology.
- Tefal X-Force Flex (ÂŁ330): Provides flexibility for reaching under furniture.
- Tineco Pure ONE Station Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner (ÂŁ449): Includes a self-emptying base station.
- Hoover HFX Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner (ÂŁ450): Offers versatile cleaning with various attachments.
- Dyson V11 Advanced Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (ÂŁ330): Known for strong suction and multiple cleaning modes.
Verdict
Due to the design limiting its versatility, the Gtech AirRAM 3 isn’t the best option for everyone. At ÂŁ400, it is also at a premium price point, albeit much cheaper than many of the premium options from Dyson, so I think this may have a bit more niche appeal than some of the alternatives.
But it excels in vacuuming floors, which is the most important aspect of a vacuum cleaner.
I personally love the simplicity of this design, and the edge-cleaning brushes reduce the need for things like crevice tools.
Its strong suction, effective edge cleaning, and low maintenance requirements make it an outstanding option for those focused on floor cleaning. The Forward Inertia drive and ergonomic design enhance usability, while features like the LED headlights and Auto-Cleaning Filter demonstrate Gtech’s attention to user convenience.
Ultimately, the Gtech AirRAM 3 is an outstanding cordless vacuum. While it may not be the most versatile option available, it excels in its primary function of floor cleaning, offering a combination of power, convenience, and user-friendly design that many will find appealing.
Gtech AirRAM 3 Dual Edge-Clean Cordless Vacuum Review
Summary
The Gtech AirRAM 3 is an outstanding cordless vacuum. While it may not be the most versatile option available, it excels in its primary function of floor cleaning, offering a combination of power, convenience, and user-friendly design that many will find appealing.
Overall
90%-
Overall - 90%90%
Pros
- Powerful cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors
- Dual Edge-Cleaning Technology for effective corner cleaning
- Auto-cleaning filter reduces maintenance requirements
- Forward Inertia drive makes pushing effortless
Cons
- Lack of attachments for above-floor cleaning
- Premium price
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.