On trial: Miele’s Guard L1 Comfort XL Vacuum Cleaner

Olivia Adams,-Senior Editor

Perfectly timed to start spring with a superior clean, let us introduce Miele’s new mega vacuum model

If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the market for a new vacuum. How exciting! (No, really, it is). As vacuum cleaning is a regular, repeated chore, spending money on a decent model makes sense. Plus, now the daffodils are out – clearly signalling the start of spring-cleaning season – it’s officially time to spruce up your home.

I’ve spent the past few weeks testing the Guard hero model, the latest vacuum cleaner range from premium German appliance manufacturer Miele. With features such as technology that automatically adjusts suction power based on floor type, and the most hygienic filter on the market – trapping fine dust and allergens – this home appliance promised next-level commitment to the clean. How did it fare? Read on for my review.

Miele Guard L1 Comfort XL Vacuum Cleaner is stylish, smart and quiet

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Miele Guard L1 Comfort XL Vacuum Cleaner, Titanium Pearl

£499.00

What makes Miele’s Guard L1 Comfort XL Vacuum Cleaner special?

The 2-in-1 nozzle comes to mind first; I love how easy it is to detach the floorhead and use the integrated dusting brush accessory. It’s incredibly powerful, looks smart and the automatic floor detection is so impressive. Oh, and the maximum-hygiene HEPA AirClean filter achieves a filtration rate of 99.99 per cent, trapping fine dust and allergens. My wooden floor, carpet and air were cleaner than they had ever been before.

How many years should a Miele vacuum last?

Each model is rigorously tested to the equivalent of 20 years’ usage, demonstrating Miele’s commitment to long-term quality and reliability. Plus, when you buy from John Lewis, you receive a two-year guarantee at no extra cost.

Is the Miele Guard S1, Guard M1 or Guard L1 better?

Each model suits different lifestyles, but all of them incorporate advanced filtration systems, making the range an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

The Guard S1 is ideal for smaller spaces and those seeking a lightweight, compact option that doesn’t compromise on cleaning power. This model is available in two variants (one with an additional Hard Floor Twister Brush), weighs 5.7kg, has a 3.5L dustbag capacity and 10m operating radius.

The Guard M1 is medium-sized and ideal for most households. There are four variants of the model to choose from (including one designed for parquet and hard flooring and another with an upgraded Active AirClean filter to help remove pet odours). All models weigh 7.3kg, have a 4.5L dustbag capacity and 11m operating radius.

The Guard L1, available in six variants, each designed to focus on specific needs, is for those looking for the ultimate in cleaning technology. All models weigh 6.5kg (making them lighter than the M1 models), have a 3.5L dustbag capacity and 12m operating radius.

The hero model, Miele Guard L1 Comfort XL is designed for maximum convenience, and includes two new features, both of which are market firsts for bagged vacuums: An LCD screen and WiFi connectivity (more on the app later).

How do you empty Miele vacuum bags?

When it comes to the Miele Guard range, the holder and the bag parts lock in place securely (you’ll hear a click). As a result, dust and dirt are trapped even more effectively, meaning they don't escape when changing bags.

Even better, when you use the Miele app in conjunction with the new Comfort XL model, not only can you see the fill level of the vacuum cleaner bag and the condition of the exhaust filter, but you’ll also be notified when either needs replacing. Clever.

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Miele Guard L1 Comfort XL Vacuum Cleaner, Titanium Pearl

£499.00

What makes Miele’s Guard L1 Comfort XL Vacuum Cleaner special?

How many years should a Miele vacuum last?

Is the Miele Guard S1, Guard M1 or Guard L1 right for me?

Each model suits different lifestyles, but all of them incorporate advanced filtration systems (with a 99.999% filtration rate), making the range an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

How do you empty Miele vacuum bags?

Is the Miele Guard L1 Comfort XL Vacuum Cleaner worth it?

Within its sleek titanium-pearl aesthetic, the Miele Guard L1 Comfort XL Vacuum Cleaner contains everything I respect in a vacuum: maximum suction power, air hygiene filtration, smart technology, energy efficiency and noise restriction.

Cordless vacuums are on trend, but I have loved saying goodbye to battery charging – I’m a big fan of the seemingly endless 8.5m cable length and easy cable rewind. Plus, the luxe fabric bumper offers ultimate protection for my furniture as the vacuum moves around smoothly on its DynamicDrive castor wheels.

There’s so much to love about this vacuum that now I wonder how I ever lived without it.

★★★★★