Numatic Henry Hoover Review – A Beloved, Reliable Cleaning Companion

Last Updated on 16/09/2024 by Jonno

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Numatic Henry, affectionately known as “Henry the Hoover,” has been a household name since its introduction. Much like his sister Hetty and brothers James, George and Charles, Henry is a reliable and capable vacuum cleaner that has won the hearts of users worldwide.

In this review, we will explore all the features, strengths, and weaknesses of Henry, the iconic vacuum cleaner. We’ll also go through some of the other options available from Numatic and when one of these may be more suitable for you instead. abc

Numatic Henry Review Summary – Pros and Cons

In a hurry? Check out our summary of the full review below.

Pros

• Henry is built with durability in mind, ensuring a long-lasting companion for your cleaning needs. Numatic’s commitment to quality is evident in Henry’s sturdy construction, making him a valuable investment that will withstand the test of time.
• Henry’s excellent performance on solid flooring, such as vinyl and wood, as well as his efficiency in car cleaning, makes him a versatile choice. Whether you need to clean hard surfaces in your home or keep your car spotless, Henry rises to the occasion.
• His quiet operation, thanks to the single-speed motor, provides powerful suction without creating excessive noise. You can clean your home without disturbing others or worrying about noise levels.

Cons

• Similar to Hetty, Henry may struggle a bit on thick-piled carpets, due to the nozzle design. For those with deep carpets, the Henry Xtra with the rotating AiroBrush attachment is a better fit. However, it’s essential to consider your flooring types before deciding on the best Numatic vacuum for your needs.

Our verdict

Our rating – 5 stars

Henry’s a classic – he’s been in British homes for over 40 years and he’s showing no sign of going anywhere anytime soon. He’s the original and best, and you won’t go far wrong with a Henry.

Check out some of our reviews of other Numatic vacuums!

James

Hetty

Specifications

Let’s delve into the specifications of the consumer-grade Henry HVR160 model: This doesn’t refer to the Henry Quick, the larger HVR-200 model or the smaller Henry Reach model.

Capacity	6 litres
Suction	2300mm H20
Cleaning Range	26.8m
Weight (machine and attachments)	7.5kg
Dimensions	340mm x 365mm x 360mm
Motor power	620W
Power	230V AC 50/60Hz

Henry’s generous 6-litre capacity allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent bag changes. The powerful suction of 2300 mm H2O ensures that no dirt or debris remains behind.

The impressive 26.8-meter cleaning range allows you to cover a large area without constantly unplugging the vacuum. With Henry’s wide reach, you can easily clean multiple rooms from a single power outlet.

The 7.5kg weight, including attachments, strikes a balance between manoeuvrability and stability. Henry is easy to move around your home while providing the necessary stability during use.

Tools and Attachments

Just like his siblings Hetty and James, Henry comes with an array of useful tools and attachments, making cleaning a breeze. These include:

Henry comes with the following:

Mattress Nozzle and Upholstery Attachment

Ideal for cleaning bedding, mattresses, sofas, and delicate upholstery, ensuring your soft furnishings remain spotless. Henry’s mattress nozzle efficiently removes dust and allergens, promoting a healthier living environment.

Crevice Nozzle

Perfect for reaching tight spaces where debris has accumulated, making it great for DIY projects, car cleaning, and tidying up after pets. Henry’s crevice nozzle allows you to maintain every nook and cranny of your home with ease.

Dusting Brush

Useful for accessing hard-to-reach areas that other tools might miss. Henry’s dusting brush is ideal for cleaning shelves, blinds, and other surfaces that require gentle but thorough cleaning.

Combination floor nozzle

Combination floor nozzle: The classic floorhead that allows seamless switching between hard floors and carpets with Henry’s powerful suction. Whether you have hardwood floors or carpets, Henry’s combination floor nozzle provides consistent cleaning performance.

Are Henry’s attachments good quality?

As with all Numatic products, Henry’s attachments are made of durable plastic that withstands regular use without breaking easily. The consistent quality ensures that Henry will remain a reliable cleaning companion for years to come. You can confidently tackle various cleaning tasks without worrying about the durability of the attachments.

Use Cases

Choosing Henry over other Numatic models depends on your specific needs. Opt for Henry if you desire a vacuum cleaner with excellent performance comparable to Hetty and James, without the need for additional features offered by higher-end models.

Henry’s versatile cleaning abilities make him suitable for various household sizes and floor types. Whether you have hard floors, carpets, or a combination of both, Henry adapts to your cleaning requirements.

Additionally, Henry’s quiet operation makes him an ideal choice for homes where noise sensitivity is a concern. You can clean without disturbing others or pets, creating a peaceful cleaning experience.

However, if you need a carpet cleaner, for example, Henry isn’t for you – you’re far better off looking for a Charles or a George.

Performance and quality

Henry’s performance is identical to that of his sister Hetty. The Numatic TwinFlo motor provides powerful suction, effectively lifting even the most stubborn dirt from both carpets and hard floors. The straightforward and robust construction of a Numatic vacuum, including Henry, ensures minimal chances of malfunction and contributes to their popularity in commercial environments.

The 620W motor power may seem modest compared to some high-end vacuum cleaners, but don’t let that deceive you. Henry’s design optimizes power efficiency, making him an energy-efficient cleaning solution without compromising performance.

Numatic’s commitment to quality is evident in Henry’s build, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable cleaning companion. From the durable motor to the sturdy housing, every component of Henry is engineered to withstand the rigors of regular cleaning.

Whether you have pets that shed or kids who create messes, Henry’s robust performance consistently delivers satisfying cleaning results. With Henry by your side, you can confidently keep your home spotless, promoting a healthier and more comfortable living space.

How does Henry do on carpets?

While Henry excels on hard floors, he may encounter some challenges on thick-piled carpets. The standard dust nozzle lacks rotating brushes, making it less suitable for deep carpets. For users with plush carpets, the Henry Xtra with the AiroBrush attachment is a recommended solution. You can also buy the AiroBrush from Numatic as an attachment for a standard Henry.

If you have mainly hard floors or short-piled carpets, Henry’s standard nozzle performs admirably, effectively picking up dirt and debris. However, for those with deep carpets, investing in the Henry Xtra with the AiroBrush attachment ensures superior carpet cleaning results.

How does Henry do on hard floors?

Henry shines when it comes to hard floor cleaning. With a simple switch to hard floor mode, Henry’s powerful suction effortlessly picks up dirt and debris. The wide cleaning path allows you to cover larger areas in a shorter amount of time.

To prevent snowploughing on hard floors, tilt the nozzle slightly backward to ensure optimal dirt pickup. With a bit of adjustment, Henry leaves your hard floors sparkling clean!

Car cleaning

Henry’s excellent performance extends to car cleaning as well. With a cleaning range of 26.8 metres, Henry often eliminates the need for extension cords, making cleaning far more convenient The provided crevice nozzle and brush attachment make him adept at tackling even the toughest dust and dirt in your car.

Whether you need to clean your car’s upholstery or reach tight spaces in the interior, Henry’s accessories provide the versatility required for a thorough car cleaning session. With Henry by your side, you can maintain a clean and hygienic car interior.

The only drawback is that Henry is corded, which may require some creativity if you need to clean your car parked far from a power outlet. However, if you’re looking for a cordless option, consider exploring other Numatic models like the Henry Cordless or the Henry Quick.

Ease of use

One aspect to consider is that Henry’s bulkiness might pose challenges for individuals with reduced mobility. While storage and hose management might be less convenient compared to cordless stick vacuums like the Henry Quick, Henry compensates with outstanding performance and build quality.

Henry’s sizable dust drum accommodates a significant amount of debris, reducing the frequency of bag changes during cleaning sessions. The easy-to-replace bags are hassle-free and ensure you can get straight back to cleaning if you ever do need to change a bag.

Despite his weight, Henry’s design includes a convenient carry handle that simplifies transportation around the house. The floor nozzle’s smooth glide reduces the effort required during cleaning, allowing you to navigate easily from room to room and from floor to floor.

Bags

Henry, like other Numatic cleaners, uses Hepa-Flo bags, which efficiently capture dust particles. Ensuring you use the right size bags for Henry guarantees optimal performance.

The 9-litre capacity of Henry’s bags offers ample room for collecting dust and debris, minimising the need for frequent bag replacements. The bags seal securely, preventing any dust from escaping and keeping the air in your home clean and allergen-free. These bags will also fit the Henry HVR200 model.

Cost

Henry offers excellent value for money, falling within a reasonable price range. When considering the quality and performance, Numatic vacuums, including Henry, stand out among their competitors.

Henry is one of the most durable vacuums out there on the market and you can be sure that an investment in a Henry is one that will ensure your home is kept as clean as possible for many years to come.

How Henry compares to other Numatic models

For homes on a budget – James

James offers comparable performance to Henry at a more affordable price, making him an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly cleaning solutions. If you’re looking for a reliable Numatic vacuum without any unnecessary frills, James is worth considering.

For homes with pets – Henry Pet

Henry Pet (also known as Harry), equipped with the powerful EcoBrush attachment, efficiently tackles pet hair and dander, making it an ideal choice for pet owners. The EcoBrush attachment’s rotating brushes lift pet hair from carpets and upholstery, ensuring a fur-free and clean living space.

For those who struggle with movement – Hetty/Henry Quick

Henry Quick: Henry Quick, like his sister Hetty Quick, offers ease of use for those with mobility challenges, making cleaning less strenuous. The lightweight design and cordless operation of Henry Quick make him an excellent choice for quick and efficient cleaning tasks.

For those who need more than a hoover – George

George is a multi-functional cleaner, offering both dry and wet cleaning capabilities, making him suitable for refreshing carpets and upholstery. With his wet cleaning feature, George can tackle spills and stains, making him an essential tool for maintaining a pristine home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Numatic Henry and Hetty?

Similar to Hetty, Henry boasts identical performance and internal components. The main distinctions are their colours and cosmetic features, with Hetty being pink, sporting eyelashes, while Henry is red.

While Henry and Hetty share similar specifications and functionalities, their appearances differ, allowing users to choose a vacuum that suits their personal preferences.

Are Hetty and Henry bags the same?

Yes, Henry and Hetty share the same Hepa-Flo bags, as well as the motor, filter, and other attachments. This interchangeability makes maintenance convenient and ensures that you can use the same bags for both Henry and Hetty models.

How do you stop a Henry from smelling?

Proper maintenance, including regular bag replacement, filter cleaning, and emptying the dust drum, helps prevent unpleasant odors from developing. Regularly replacing the bags and cleaning the filter prevents dust and debris buildup, preserving Henry’s performance and air quality.

Does Henry need a bag?

Absolutely, Henry, like all Numatic cleaners, requires a bag to collect dust and debris effectively. The bags are designed to prevent dust from escaping during cleaning, maintaining a hygienic and allergen-free environment.

Using the appropriate bags for Henry ensures optimal performance and prolongs the life of the motor and filter.

Can you empty and reuse Henry’s bags?

Henry’s bags are intended for single-use and not designed for reuse. After removal, they should be sealed and disposed of, as they tend to accumulate dust and might develop odors if reused.

While some companies produce reusable and washable bags for vacuum cleaners, it is generally recommended to use the original Numatic bags for optimal performance and hygiene.

So, should you buy a Henry?

Undoubtedly, Henry the Hoover continues to be an excellent choice for a vacuum cleaner. With a track record of reliability, powerful performance, and durability, Henry remains an iconic and beloved cleaning companion for countless households worldwide.

Whether you opt for Henry or his sister Hetty, they are both exceptional options to ensure your home remains spick and span. Henry’s versatility, efficiency, and long-lasting performance make him a popular choice

Final verdict on the Numatic Henry

Our rating – 5 stars

Henry’s a classic – he’s been in British homes for over 40 years and he’s showing no sign of going anywhere anytime soon. He’s the original and best, and you won’t go far wrong with a Henry.

If you want to see more reviews of the Numatic range, such as Henry, Henry Xtra, Henry Pet, Henry Wash and Henry Quick, check out some of our other content below!