Home LivingAppliancesVacuum CleanersUltenic U16 Flex review: my favourite cordless vacuum cleaner got an upgradeWill the Ultenic U16 Flex live up to its predecessor? Let’s find outWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Ultenic)T3 VerdictTesting the Ultenic U16 Flex has been a largely positive experience, especially following the success of its predecessor. I was glad to see features like the 1-litre dust bin and the green LED floor brush retained, as well as a variety of new functions introduced. Its limited attachments were disappointing, but you’re still getting a huge amount for what you pay.Reasons to buy+Improved suction and battery life+Versatile flex technology+Incredible priceReasons to avoid-It (still) can’t stand up alone-Limited attachments for flex designWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Home LivingAppliancesVacuum CleanersUltenic U16 Flex review: my favourite cordless vacuum cleaner got an upgradeWill the Ultenic U16 Flex live up to its predecessor? Let’s find outWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Ultenic)T3 VerdictTesting the Ultenic U16 Flex has been a largely positive experience, especially following the success of its predecessor. I was glad to see features like the 1-litre dust bin and the green LED floor brush retained, as well as a variety of new functions introduced. Its limited attachments were disappointing, but you’re still getting a huge amount for what you pay.Reasons to buy+Improved suction and battery life+Versatile flex technology+Incredible priceReasons to avoid-It (still) can’t stand up alone-Limited attachments for flex designWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Will the Ultenic U16 Flex live up to its predecessor? Let’s find out
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Ultenic)T3 VerdictTesting the Ultenic U16 Flex has been a largely positive experience, especially following the success of its predecessor. I was glad to see features like the 1-litre dust bin and the green LED floor brush retained, as well as a variety of new functions introduced. Its limited attachments were disappointing, but you’re still getting a huge amount for what you pay.Reasons to buy+Improved suction and battery life+Versatile flex technology+Incredible priceReasons to avoid-It (still) can’t stand up alone-Limited attachments for flex design
(Image credit: Ultenic)
(Image credit: Ultenic)
T3 VerdictTesting the Ultenic U16 Flex has been a largely positive experience, especially following the success of its predecessor. I was glad to see features like the 1-litre dust bin and the green LED floor brush retained, as well as a variety of new functions introduced. Its limited attachments were disappointing, but you’re still getting a huge amount for what you pay.Reasons to buy+Improved suction and battery life+Versatile flex technology+Incredible priceReasons to avoid-It (still) can’t stand up alone-Limited attachments for flex design
T3 VerdictTesting the Ultenic U16 Flex has been a largely positive experience, especially following the success of its predecessor. I was glad to see features like the 1-litre dust bin and the green LED floor brush retained, as well as a variety of new functions introduced. Its limited attachments were disappointing, but you’re still getting a huge amount for what you pay.
T3 Verdict
Testing the Ultenic U16 Flex has been a largely positive experience, especially following the success of its predecessor. I was glad to see features like the 1-litre dust bin and the green LED floor brush retained, as well as a variety of new functions introduced. Its limited attachments were disappointing, but you’re still getting a huge amount for what you pay.
Reasons to buy+Improved suction and battery life+Versatile flex technology+Incredible priceReasons to avoid-It (still) can’t stand up alone-Limited attachments for flex design
Reasons to buy+Improved suction and battery life+Versatile flex technology+Incredible price
Improved suction and battery life
Versatile flex technology
Incredible price
Reasons to avoid-It (still) can’t stand up alone-Limited attachments for flex design
It (still) can’t stand up alone
Limited attachments for flex design
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
As a self-proclaimed vacuum cleaner fanatic, it’s safe to say that I’m becoming less and less impressed with each model I try out. Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a reflection on their quality. In fact, the vacuum cleaner industry has seen some remarkable innovations recently, and it’s exciting to witness the evolution of various features. However, when thebest vacuum cleanersare on your mind all day long, it’s easy to become unenamoured.
With this in mind, it also speaks volumes when a vacuum cleaner suctions its way into my review pile and truly stands out. That’s what happened when I reviewed theUltenic U12 Veslalast year, leading to its inclusion in theT3 Awards 2024back in June. It’s safe to say I was more than impressed, and have continued to use it ever since.
You can therefore imagine my delight when Ultenic announced the launch of its new cordless vacuum cleaner a few months later. Will the new U16 Flex live up to the game-changing U12 Vesla? Let’s find out.
Ultenic U16 Flex review: price and availability
The Ultenic U16 Flex has an RRP of £199.99/$159.99 and can be purchased fromUltenicorAmazon.
If you decide the U16 Flex is for you, I would recommend buying it fromAmazonas there are often discounts on Ultenic products throughout the year. There’s currently £30 off, so click on the link below to find out more.
UltenicU16 Flex:was £199.99now £169.99at AmazonGet your hands on the new Ultenic U16 Flex whilst it’s £30 off at Amazon. Make sure to apply the coupon before checking out to apply the saving.View Deal
UltenicU16 Flex:was £199.99now £169.99at AmazonGet your hands on the new Ultenic U16 Flex whilst it’s £30 off at Amazon. Make sure to apply the coupon before checking out to apply the saving.View Deal
UltenicU16 Flex:was £199.99now £169.99at AmazonGet your hands on the new Ultenic U16 Flex whilst it’s £30 off at Amazon. Make sure to apply the coupon before checking out to apply the saving.View Deal
UltenicU16 Flex:was £199.99now £169.99at AmazonGet your hands on the new Ultenic U16 Flex whilst it’s £30 off at Amazon. Make sure to apply the coupon before checking out to apply the saving.
UltenicU16 Flex:was £199.99now £169.99at AmazonGet your hands on the new Ultenic U16 Flex whilst it’s £30 off at Amazon. Make sure to apply the coupon before checking out to apply the saving.
Get your hands on the new Ultenic U16 Flex whilst it’s £30 off at Amazon. Make sure to apply the coupon before checking out to apply the saving.
View Deal
View Deal
View Deal
Ultenic U16 Flex review: unboxing and set up
I was also relieved that the main body was lightweight, especially as a number of recently released models have been on the heavier side.
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
Attachment wise, the Ultenic U16 Flex comes with a long crevice tool and floor brush, and of course, a telescopic tube. I have mixed feelings about this selection, but we’ll get onto that later.
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
It was easy to assemble the U16 Flex, and the battery, telescopic tube and floor brush all clicked in place seamlessly.
Ultenic U16 Flex review: design and features
A lot of the Ultenic U16 Flex’s design elements and features are upgraded from its predecessor, but there are a few brand new ones as well. Design wise, there’s a new dashboard-inspired digital display that shows the U16 Flex’s battery status, brush or air duct blockage issues and the selected cleaning mode. When the battery reaches below 20%, the charging indicator also flashes green to catch its user’s attention.
The U16 Flex has a 550W high power motor, and there are three different speed modes. The U12 Vesla has five modes, but I never find myself using all of them, so having the choice between Eco, Normal and Turbo on the U16 Flex makes a lot more sense. The U12 Vesla is limited to a 450W motor, so having those 100 extra watts is great.
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
The main design difference between the U12 Vesla and the U16 Flex is its impressive flex technology. We’re starting to see this more and more in vacuum cleaner launches, so it’s clearly a feature that consumers are finding useful. It basically allows you to bend the vacuum at its middle point, making it easier to clean under furniture or round corners.
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
Another feature I’m glad to see return is the green LED on the front of the floor brush. I absolutely loved this on the U12 Vesla, and it’s even more powerful on this model. It makes it so easy to discover dust and other debris that may not be visible to the naked eye, especially under furniture or in cupboards.
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
Surprisingly, the U16 Flex also has a 1-litre dust bucket. I was surprised at this because the U12 Vesla’s bucket was also 1-litre, and the U16 Flex’s looks a lot bigger. Either way, it’s a good capacity, and bagless dust buckets will always be a favourite of mine.
Ultenic U16 Flex review: performance
Much to my relief, vacuuming with the Ultenic U16 Flex was just as satisfying as my experience with the U12 Vesla. I certainly noticed an increased suction power, and it was able to vacuum well on a number of different surfaces, including a variety of carpets and rugs.
There’s also been a clear battery upgrade between the two models, and I was able to get about 25 minutes on Turbo mode and just under an hour on Eco mode. There’s obviously nothing revolutionary about these times, but for what you pay, it’s more than impressive.
The flex technology worked well without any issues, as did the green LED. A part of me was hoping that the U16 Flex would be self-standing, especially as that was the only gripe I had with the U12 Vesla. It was disappointing to see that it still wasn’t, but I did appreciate how the U16 Flex also came with a wall mount to keep it secure when stored away.
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
The main issue I had with the U16 Flex unfortunately boils down to its attachments. At first, I was a little disheartened to see that the U16 Flex comes with one less attachment than the U12 Vesla. I then realised that the main body has a built-in mini brush that eliminates the need for a separate piece, but after trying it out, it didn’t perform that well. It’s also fixed it place so it can’t be attached to the end of the telescopic tube for reaching higher areas during cleaning.
At the end of the day, the new model’s flex technology expands the amount of places you can clean, so I think its variation of attachments should reflect that. It’s good to see it come with a long crevice tool as well as the floor brush, but I couldn’t help myself wishing that the additionalmini motorised toolwas included in the price.
Ultenic U16 Flex review: verdict
Ultenic U16 Flex review: alternatives to consider
If you like the sound of the U16 Flex but you’re on a limited budget, I would recommend theUltenic U12 Vesla. It has a similar suction power and clever LED display to the U16 Flex, but has a cheaper price point due to being slightly older.
Another alternative to consider would be theTefal X-FORCE Flex 14.60. Now, I wasn’t a huge fan of its heavy weight and loud suction noise, but it boasts a similar flex feature to the Ultenic U16 Flex that proved to be really handy. It also features surface adjustment detection, which is a step above the Ultenic.
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Today’s best Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum, Ultenic U12 Vesla, Ultenic U12 Vesla Cordless Vacuum Cleaner and Ultenic U11 Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner deals$299.99$139ViewDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Ultenic U16 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum, Ultenic U12 Vesla, Ultenic U12 Vesla Cordless Vacuum Cleaner and Ultenic U11 Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner deals
$299.99$139ViewDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025
$299.99$139ViewDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025
$299.99$139View
$299.99$139View
$299.99$139
$139
Deal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025
Deal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025
Deal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025
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