Gtech AirRam 2: A Surprisingly Powerful and Lightweight Contender in the Cordless Vacuum Market
When a delivery intended for next door accidentally landed on my doorstep, I was expecting a rather substantial box. My neighbour, Ruth, had received my Gtech Air Ram 2 vacuum, and I anticipated a “massive” package. However, upon retrieving it, I was met with a surprisingly compact, neat, and lightweight brown box, measuring a mere thirteen by nineteen inches and six inches deep. Frankly, I initially doubted it contained a cordless vacuum at all. This initial surprise, however, quickly turned into genuine admiration as the Gtech Air Ram 2 proved itself to be a remarkably capable and impressive cleaning appliance, challenging my preconceived notions and even my experiences with established brands like Dyson and Shark.
First Impressions and Assembly: A Husband’s 48-Second Triumph
Unboxing the Gtech Air Ram 2 revealed a thoughtfully designed vacuum, with the main head pre-assembled. While it came partially charged for immediate use, I opted to give it a full four-hour charge. The unit’s simplicity was evident – no fiddly attachments, just a solid vacuum head and handles. My initial attempt at assembly, however, proved to be a comical failure. Blaming brain fog and the exhaustion of a long work week, I found myself struggling with the handles and components, terrified of breaking them due to the lack of numbering. Thankfully, my husband, with his usual knack for these things, had the entire vacuum assembled in a mere 48 seconds. It’s safe to say the assembly challenge wasn’t a Gtech failing, but rather a personal one!
Design and Performance: Astonishing Power on All Surfaces
The Gtech Air Ram 2’s performance on carpets is nothing short of amazing. The heavy-duty brush robustly tackles carpet fibres, leaving rooms feeling genuinely spotless. For those of us who delay the major spring clean, this vacuum is an absolute lifesaver, providing a deep clean that can extend the life of tired carpets for another month.
But its prowess doesn’t stop at carpets. As soon as you transition to wooden floors, you can feel a distinct, almost suction-like pull from the appliance, as it effortlessly devours everything in its path. I absolutely love this aspect.
Navigating stairs presented a slight learning curve. After a couple of attempts, my husband discovered that collapsing the handle made light work of the task. While I adore the large head for general floor cleaning, I would personally prefer a smaller, more agile device for stairs. Nevertheless, the Air Ram 2 manages the job beautifully.
A standout feature is the integrated light on the head, which is fantastic for navigating around beds and chairs. The lightweight design allows the head to pivot and manoeuvre around corners with ease.
Emptying the bin is also incredibly straightforward. A simple lever mechanism, easily accessed by removing the handle, allows for effortless clearing of collected dirt and dust. Considering we vacuum most days, the amount of debris, largely from our dog and the shoes we remove in the hallway, was substantial, as evidenced in the accompanying image.
The brush itself comes with a clever comb tool featuring a built-in razor, designed to efficiently cut away long hair, leaving the brush spotless and ready for its next task. The sheer simplicity and ingenuity of these design elements are astounding.
The easily removable battery charges fully in approximately four hours, providing a solid 30 minutes of powerful vacuuming. Crucially, the suction and power remain consistently strong throughout this entire period.
It might sound peculiar, but I genuinely appreciated the chunky, foot-operated on/off button located on the head. There are no complicated settings – just full speed ahead with astonishing power for a cordless unit. As I began vacuuming on the wooden floors, I could both feel and hear the dirt being powerfully drawn up. I initially wondered if its performance on hard surfaces meant it might disappoint on carpet, failing to pick up everything.
I was wrong. Very wrong. In my opinion, the Gtech Air Ram 2 truly excels on carpets, instantly revitalising tired-looking floor coverings. The more you examine this brilliant device, the more its exceptional qualities become apparent.
Value for Money: A Smart Investment
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Gtech Air Ram 2 represents excellent value for money, especially when compared to the prices of other cordless vacuums on the market. The model I tested was available for £179, a significant reduction from its usual RRP of £229.99 during the spring sales.
Upon further exploration of the Gtech website, I discovered a compelling bundle offer. This package includes the Air Ram 2 vacuum alongside a lightweight handheld device, presenting a truly smart and economical choice at £269.99 (down from £399.99 when not on offer).
I also noted a standalone handheld device, weighing just 1kg, which would be ideal for my disabled mother. Furthermore, the range of Gtech garden tools appears incredible and offers exceptional value. If they perform as well as the Air Ram 2 vacuum, my weekend gardening tasks are set to become considerably easier.
Comparison to Competitors: A Focused Approach
The Gtech Air Ram 2 cordless vacuum positions itself in the mid-to-low price bracket, competing with models such as the Shark PowerPro cordless and the Hoover HF3 Cordless. A key design difference of the Air Ram 2, compared to many of its stick-style rivals, is the placement of the motor and dust bin within the floor head. This configuration contributes significantly to its lightweight feel.
This innovative design enhances manoeuvrability around the house, enabling efficient cleaning of both carpets and hard floors, with a commendable cordless run time of up to 40 minutes. However, it’s important to note that, unlike many competitors, the Air Ram 2 does not convert into a handheld vacuum. Therefore, it is best suited for straightforward floor cleaning rather than tasks involving stairs or upholstery.
Online Reputation: Consistently High Praise
Customer reviews for the Gtech Air Ram 2 Cordless Vacuum are overwhelmingly positive across various UK retailers. On Argos, it boasts an impressive average rating of approximately 4.7 out of 5 stars, with the vast majority of buyers recommending the product.
Across multiple online platforms, including Amazon, average customer scores generally range between roughly 4.3 and 4.8 stars, depending on the specific seller. Reviewers frequently highlight its lightweight design, intuitive controls, and strong everyday cleaning performance. While some users have pointed out its lack of versatility compared to stick vacuums that convert into handheld cleaners, the overall sentiment remains exceptionally high.
Frequently Asked Questions: Gtech vs. Shark and Manufacturing
Which is better: Gtech or Shark?
Both Gtech and Shark are renowned for producing popular cordless vacuums, but they cater to slightly different user needs. Gtech models, such as the Air Ram 2 Cordless Vacuum, prioritise simplicity and ease of use, featuring a lightweight upright design that is excellent for quick floor cleaning sessions. Shark vacuums, on the other hand, tend to offer greater versatility, often converting into handheld cleaners and including a wider array of attachments. If your primary requirement is a straightforward vacuum for floors, Gtech is an excellent choice. If you require more flexibility for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and car interiors, Shark might be the more suitable option.
Where are Gtech vacuums made?
Gtech is a British company, founded in the United Kingdom. Its products are designed and engineered in Britain. However, in line with many appliance manufacturers, the actual manufacturing process, including the production of components and final assembly, takes place overseas in dedicated factories.
