Living in a smaller apartment with a cat that sheds constantly used to feel like a never-ending battle against dust and fur. Sweeping with a broom just sent the hair flying, creating a bigger mess. I needed a simple, lightweight solution to tackle daily dirt on my hardwood floors without hauling out a heavy, cumbersome vacuum. Not solving this meant resigning myself to dusty floors and floating fur, which was simply not an option.
A stick vacuum is designed to solve the problem of quick, convenient cleaning. If you’re tired of lugging a heavy, full-sized vacuum cleaner out for small messes, or if a broom and dustpan just aren’t cutting it on your hard floors, then this category of cleaner is for you. They are the perfect tool for daily maintenance, grabbing crumbs after a meal, or de-furring the floor before guests arrive.
The ideal customer for a stick vacuum is someone living in a smaller space like an apartment, dorm, or condo with predominantly hard flooring. They are also excellent secondary vacuums for larger homes, perfect for the kitchen or mudroom. However, if your home is covered in thick, high-pile carpeting, a stick vacuum is not for you. They typically lack the powerful motorized brush roll and suction required for deep cleaning carpets. In that case, you should invest in a more robust upright or canister vacuum. Before you buy, consider factors like corded versus cordless for power consistency, overall weight for maneuverability, filtration system for air quality, and versatility for cleaning above-floor surfaces.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY-TO-USE VACUUM CLEANER: The Dirt Devil Simpli Stik Plus Vacuum takes the chore out of cleaning – easily tackling...
- HAND VAC MODE: The Simpli 3-in-1 stick vacuum cleaner transforms easily into a hand vacuum to quickly clean up dust, dirt and crumbs on...
Getting Acquainted with the Dirt Devil Simpli Stik Plus
The Dirt Devil Simpli Stik Plus 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner is a lightweight, corded stick vacuum that promises to simplify your cleaning routine. It arrives in a compact box, and “assembly” is as simple as clicking a few pieces together. The core promise is its 3-in-1 functionality, allowing it to function as a traditional stick vacuum for floors, a handheld vac for furniture and spills, and a utility vac with its crevice tool for tight spots. This product is specifically designed for people who need an affordable, no-frills cleaner for hard surfaces and quick pickups. It is not for someone looking for a powerhouse machine to deep clean an entire house full of plush carpet.
Pros:
* Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver
* Versatile 3-in-1 design
* Surprisingly effective on hard floors and for pet hair
* Very budget-friendly
* Compact for easy storage
Cons:
* Lacks suction for most carpets
* Plastic components feel fragile, particularly the dirt cup latch
* The power cord is relatively short
* Small dust cup requires frequent emptying
- Powerful, convenient, and easy to use.2033.0 watts.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Thorough deep carpet cleaning, and powerful pet hair pickup on all surfaces.Specific uses:Stairs,Furnitures,Hard...
- 3 in 1 design with onboard crevice tool allows you to customize your vacuum for your needs. At only 4 pounds, you can take the Eureka...
A Deep Dive into Features and Long-Term Performance
After years of using this little red machine, I’ve gotten to know its strengths and weaknesses intimately. It has become my go-to tool for daily upkeep, and while it’s not perfect, its performance in specific areas has made it an indispensable part of my cleaning arsenal.
Versatility That Truly Simplifies Cleaning
The “3-in-1” in its name is not just a marketing gimmick; it’s the defining feature of this versatile cleaning tool. In its primary form, it’s a stick vacuum. The floor nozzle is simple, without a spinning brush roll, which is actually a benefit on delicate hardwood or vinyl plank flooring as it prevents scratching. It glides easily and does a fantastic job of sucking up dust, cat litter, and pet hair.
When you need to clean furniture, stairs, or your car, the main motor and dust cup unit detaches with a simple click, transforming it into a powerful hand vacuum. It’s much more potent than many battery-operated dust busters I’ve used. For getting into tight spaces like between couch cushions, along baseboards, or cleaning window sills, you can attach the crevice tool directly onto the hand vac. This multi-functionality means I don’t need three separate cleaning devices cluttering my small storage closet.
A Featherlight Champion
Weighing in at under four pounds, the word “lightweight” is an understatement. My old vacuum was a monster that felt like a workout just to push around. This lightweight vacuum cleaner, by contrast, feels like an extension of my arm. I can carry it up and down stairs with one hand, and maneuvering it around chair legs and under tables is effortless. This is a huge benefit for anyone, but especially for older individuals or those with mobility issues. Its slim profile also means it can be stored easily in a narrow closet or even hung on a hook on the back of a door.
The Hard Floor Hero
This is where the Simpli Stik truly shines. On surfaces like tile, laminate, hardwood, and vinyl, its performance is exceptional for its price point. As mentioned, a broom tends to just push fine dust and pet hair around, kicking it into the air to settle later. This stick vacuum uses direct suction to pull debris straight from the floor into the canister. It completely solved my issue with floating cat hair. It’s also great on low-pile area rugs or doormats, picking up surface-level dirt with ease. However, I must be clear: if you have medium to high-pile carpets, this is not the vacuum for you. It lacks a beater bar and the deep-suction power needed to pull dirt from thick carpet fibers.
Bagless Convenience and Filter Maintenance
The bagless design is a huge money-saver. The dirt cup is small, holding about 0.35 liters, which means if you have pets, you’ll likely be emptying it after every use. Thankfully, it’s easy to detach and empty into the trash. The real star here is the reusable, rinsable filter. After a few uses, you’ll notice the suction power decrease slightly. That’s your cue to clean the filter. I just tap the loose dust out, then rinse it under warm water until it runs clear. The most important step is to let it air dry completely for at least 24 hours before putting it back in. Using a damp filter can damage the motor and lead to a musty smell. While convenient, some users have reported difficulty finding replacement filters down the line, so it’s best to take good care of the one it comes with.
The Durability Question Mark
After years of faithful service, my first Simpli Stik Plus met its end in a way that many other users have experienced: the small plastic latch that holds the dirt cup assembly to the handle broke. It’s undeniably the weakest point in the vacuum’s design. While the motor was still running strong, this small plastic failure rendered it difficult to use. Given its incredibly low price, I wasn’t entirely surprised, and I felt I had gotten my money’s worth. I immediately bought another one to replace it because its performance on my hard floors was just too good to give up. Just be aware that you need to be gentle with that specific clip when emptying the canister.
What Other Users Are Saying
I wasn’t alone in my experiences, as a quick search online confirmed. The vast majority of users praise this vacuum for exactly what it’s good at: being a lightweight, affordable, and effective cleaner for hard floors and pet hair. Many, like me, call it the perfect solution for apartment living. However, the same criticisms frequently appear, with many pointing out the fragile plastic clip on the dustbin and its complete inadequacy for cleaning carpets.
My Final Verdict on This Little Workhorse
The daily challenge of keeping small spaces with hard floors and pets clean is a real one. Dust and hair accumulate quickly, and using the wrong tools can feel like a waste of time. The Dirt Devil Simpli Stik Plus 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent solution to this specific problem. For its price, its performance on hard surfaces is outstanding, and its 3-in-1 versatility and lightweight design make it incredibly convenient. While it has its flaws, namely its plastic construction and inability to handle carpets, its strengths far outweigh them for the right user. If you need an affordable, dedicated hard floor cleaner, this is it. Click here to check out the latest price and see if it’s the right fit for your home.
Last update on 2025-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API