Cordless stick vacuums have transitioned from niche complements to full-size vacuum cleaners to viable, stand-alone alternatives for many users. Our team recently evaluated the Dreame Z30, a stick vacuum positioned as an accessible option. Throughout our testing, we relied solely on the Dreame Z30, setting aside our corded vacuum for the duration.
What is Dreame Z30?
Upon unboxing the Dreame Z30, the extensive array of included accessories is immediately noticeable. These range from specialized nozzles for pet grooming and cleaning hard-to-reach areas to attachments designed for textile cleaning. Additionally, a practical stand is provided for the vacuum cleaner and select accessories, offering a convenient alternative to wall-mounted charging stations. One minor drawback is the charger’s cable length, which could benefit from being longer or utilizing a more universal connector for easier replacement.
The overall build quality is immediately apparent; each accessory conveys a sense of durability. While primarily constructed from plastic, the Z30 avoids feeling cheap or flimsy. Its design is aesthetically pleasing and should integrate well into most home environments.
What is it like to use?
Initially, we approached this test with some skepticism regarding the ability of a stick vacuum to fully replace a conventional model. We anticipated needing to revert to our standard vacuum cleaner before the test concluded. However, we were proven wrong. The suction capabilities of stick vacuums have significantly improved since our last evaluation. The Z30 effectively removed debris in a single pass in most scenarios. One particularly impressive feature is the automatic mode. The Z30 utilizes sensors to dynamically detect the concentration of dust and particles in the airflow, automatically adjusting the motor speed to optimize suction power. The motor quickly ramps up when necessary and reduces power when the demand decreases, leading to efficient operation.
Operating the machine in turbo mode provides a noticeable increase in power, but it significantly reduces battery life. In this mode, the battery lasts approximately five minutes before requiring a recharge. Conversely, the automatic mode delivers close to the advertised 90 minutes of runtime. This allows for thorough cleaning of substantial areas; we were able to clean our 75 m² test apartment three times on a single charge. A minor ergonomic issue is that the Z30, like most cordless stick vacuums, can feel somewhat heavy after approximately 20 minutes of continuous use.
How is the result then?
The Z30 effectively cleans along baseboards using the standard nozzle, though it doesn’t quite reach all the way into tight corners. The integrated nozzle illumination proved surprisingly beneficial, highlighting dust particles on the floor and simplifying the cleaning process by minimizing redundant passes. A notable feature of the Z30 is its resistance to hair entanglement in the nozzle brush. Throughout the test period, no hair became lodged in the brush. This is a significant advantage compared to other vacuum cleaners that require frequent maintenance to remove trapped hair. For households with long-haired individuals or pets, this is a valuable asset.
Conclusion
Is it time for everyone to discard their corded vacuum cleaners and embrace a cordless future? Not necessarily, but the Dreame Z30 presents a compelling option for individuals residing in medium-sized apartments as their primary vacuuming solution.
It delivers satisfactory performance, offers adequate battery life, and boasts a modern design. Furthermore, it achieves this at a more competitive price point than comparable models from established brands like Dyson. Our team will not be looking forward to reverting to a conventional vacuum cleaner now that testing is complete.
Dreame provided review units for this evaluation. The provision of review samples does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted impartially, with our readers and consumers as our priority.
