Review of the Thomas Aqua-Box vacuum cleaner: compact, but merciless to dust and allergens

Do you like the Thomas Aquabox vacuum cleaner, but do you doubt its reliability and maneuverability? Agree that unconditional trust in advertising can lead to the purchase of an expensive toy. But in practice, she will be unable to clean even a modest-sized room.

We will help you get as much information as possible about the model. The article discusses the features of its operation and provides technical specifications. The advantages and disadvantages of the vacuum cleaner are highlighted, the most useful and, conversely, unpleasant points that users point out in their reviews.

Expert rating:
92
/ 100
Advantages
  • Multi-stage air filtration
  • Electronic and mechanical adjustment of suction power
  • Compact dimensions, as for a unit with an aquafilter
  • Good maneuverability - rollers rotate 360°
  • Powerful engine
Flaws
  • No floor cleaning function
  • No turbo brush included
  • Glossy plastic body is susceptible to scratches

The article contains colorful photos that allow you to get to know the model better and get an idea of ​​the nuances of operation. As a supplement, a detailed overview of the capabilities of this vacuum cleaner is given in the video, which focuses on the intricacies of maintenance.

Features and characteristics of the model

The vacuum cleaner of the German brand Thomas Aqua-Box Compact is designed purely for dry cleaning.In addition, the manufacturer has provided additional functions such as collecting liquids and purifying indoor air.

Appearance of the vacuum cleaner
The vacuum cleaner is made in strict black, with bright orange inserts as accents. Overall, it looks stylish and would be appropriate in any interior.

Technical characteristics of this model:

  • cleaning - dry only;
  • water collection – yes;
  • dust collector type/volume – aquafilter/1.8 l;
  • power – 1600 W;
  • weight – 7 kg;
  • cord length – 6 m.

During cleaning activities, the compact Thomas Aqua-Box humidifies the air. What makes its owners incredibly happy is that they note that the room is easy to breathe and there are no foreign odors.

The main feature of this vacuum cleaner is the use of a water filter, but a more advanced one is a plastic box with a lid called Aqua-Box. The design allows you to keep all the collected debris inside, and the water poured to moisten the dust does not splash.

It also uses patented WET-JET technology. It allows you to neutralize the smallest inclusions contained in the air masses of the room being cleaned. All of them will be reliably absorbed by the aquabox and will not leave its confines until the owner cleans the tank.

Garbage container with aqua-box system
The aquabox is not only easy to clean, but also maximally neutralizes dirt, debris, dust and even pollen from flowering ragweed, daisies, jasmine and other allergens collected from the air and surfaces being treated.

In addition to the plastic container, into which you need to fill water before cleaning, the vacuum cleaner can be equipped with a bag. This possibility is provided by the manufacturer. Therefore, if you don’t want to bother with the box and water, then feel free to buy bags - they are standardized from the Thomas company.

This leads to another feature of the model – the absence of unnecessary components. This vacuum cleaner comes in a basic version with a minimum number of accessories.

Components of Thomas Aqua-Box Compact
The Thomas Aqua-Box Compact package includes the device itself, a hose with a telescopic handle, an aquabox for collecting dust, a main nozzle for cleaning, as well as a crevice and brush nozzle for furniture

Everything else that may be useful during operation can always be purchased. Moreover, most of the attachments are universal and suitable for various models.

For example, if there are 2 large carpets in the house, and even a fluffy cat, then you cannot do without a turbo brush. It is designed in such a way that it allows you to quickly clean the desired fluffy surface from hair and fur without getting tangled in it.

Washable filter HEPA13
Filter installed on the workplace. Each vacuum cleaner must be supplied with a HEPA13 filter, an additional microfilter that is installed at the outlet, and instructions from the manufacturer

The model has 4 power modes for dust/liquid suction. They change by pressing one button on the body of the vacuum cleaner, which is also responsible for turning it on/off.

Power modes on the body
The choice of mode depends on the number of times you press the power button. To turn off the unit, the button should be held down a little longer. The choice of the desired mode is indicated by light indicators located nearby.

You can adjust the suction strength not only electronically, but also mechanically. For this purpose, a damper is provided on the working rod, which can be moved during the cleaning process, thus reducing or increasing the suction power.

Next, we will consider the additional conveniences of using a compact Thomas with a water filter.

The features and characteristics of this vacuum cleaner are clearly demonstrated in the following video:

Advantages and disadvantages in owner reviews

Owners of the compact Thomas aqua-box vacuum cleaner are generally satisfied with their choice, as evidenced by their rave reviews.

The main benefits highlighted by users are as follows:

  • excellent suction power;
  • maximum amount of collected garbage and dust;
  • cleaner indoor air after cleaning;
  • modest body dimensions;
  • minimal equipment, which has a positive effect on the price tag;
  • ease of maintenance.

By the way, with the last plus, some owners container vacuum cleaners do not agree - after all, the container must be washed immediately after use. And if cleaning takes place over a large area, then the water will have to be changed more than once.It is this fact that sometimes causes difficulties.

Dirty dust bin after cleaning
It is important to empty the used liquid from the box as soon as the room cleaning session has ended. If you leave the collected material for a day or more, the mixture of water and dust will begin to ferment, and the inner surface of the container will be difficult to wash

As for the disadvantages, they are also noted by the owners. Firstly, the already mentioned difficulty of maintenance. More precisely, it is not a difficulty, but a necessity - the vacuum cleaner cannot go to the base itself and clean the container. Owner participation required.

But servicing the aquabox does not take much time - there are no additional inserts, many filters or other accessories. Therefore, washing the tank takes a minimum of the owner’s personal time.

Secondly, in reviews you can find complaints that the wheels are unable to overcome even the height of the flat power cord that this model is equipped with. But this statement is not true. A refutation can be seen in the following video, where the capabilities of this vacuum cleaner are tested.

Pay attention to the section of the video starting from 3:04 to 3:08 - the video captures the moment the vacuum cleaner repeatedly and seamlessly overcomes its cord.

The third drawback is the lack of a turbo brush in the kit. Owners of fluffy cats and long-haired dogs especially criticize it.

The fourth disadvantage is that the main brush may not fit under all the furniture. If your sofa, chest of drawers or armchair is too low, then it will definitely become a real obstacle for the vacuum cleaner in the fight to clean your home. To win this battle, you can install another attachment, which will come to the rescue in such situations.

Cleaning parquet floors
This vacuum cleaner is equipped with a main brush that provides excellent cleaning on various types of surfaces.The length of its working bristles is adjustable - to clean hard floors, just set the switch to the minimum position. For a carpet, you also don’t need to make any effort - the technique can be easily done if you switch the regulator, releasing the bristles to their full length

Based on the reviews, the advantages of the vacuum cleaner in question significantly outweigh the disadvantages. What is not surprising is that the eminent manufacturer cares about its reputation and supplies the market with high-quality products.

By the way, most users are satisfied with the assembly, the quality of individual parts and components. Also pleasing is the presence of a soft bumper on the body, which prevents accidental damage during collisions.

Additional information about the model

It’s nice when equipment performs its functions for many years and does not cause any problems, isn’t it? For the same thing to happen with your vacuum cleaner, you need to operate it correctly and carry out maintenance in a timely manner.

Below are useful recommendations that will help extend the service life and keep your equipment in perfect condition for a long time.

Recommendations for use

The rules for operating a vacuum cleaner are not complicated - you just need to install the right attachment depending on the type of surface and its material, and select the right power. And also, before starting cleaning, insert the plug into the socket - Thomas with an aquabox is a volatile model that does not have a backup battery.

Collecting liquid with this vacuum cleaner has its own characteristics. The power of the vacuum cleaner allows you to easily implement an additional function - liquid suction. The model does this so quickly that not a drop remains on the floor.

To perform this action correctly, it is necessary to insert a plastic splash guard into the aquabox. Then close the container and place it on the workplace, closing the housing lid.

Protective insert against liquid spillage
Installation of plastic protection in the tank. This part should not be used when dry cleaning surfaces - debris and dirt will accumulate on it, which will add additional work during maintenance.

There is no need to worry that a lot of liquid will accumulate in the container when collecting dirt, spilled tea or a carton of milk and it will flood all the insides of the unit - as soon as the maximum volume is collected in the box, the vacuum cleaner will turn off itself.

Subtleties of vacuum cleaner care

To ensure appliances have a long life in your home, they require attention after every cleaning. Let's consider the main actions that it is advisable for the owner of a Thomas vacuum cleaner with a water-type dust collector to perform.

Caring for the dust collector. The plastic container contains water, which prevents collected debris and dust from escaping back into the room. Therefore, the water needs to be changed as it gets dirty, like everyone else. vacuum cleaners with aqua filter. If the apartment is small, then a liter of water will be enough to neutralize dust for the entire cleaning session.

For large rooms, as well as in the presence of fleecy carpets, the water will need to be changed more often. This is important, because if it is not replaced in a timely manner, the filter will quickly become dirty and will not be able to perform its function of fine air purification.

Cleaning the plastic container
Caring for a dust collector with a water filter is extremely simple - first you need to add another liter of water and shake vigorously several times. Then remove the top lid and pour out the contents of the plastic container. If any contamination remains, the procedure should be repeated.

Filter care. This vacuum cleaner is equipped with a 13th generation HEPA filter. This is a modern filter device capable of retaining almost 100% (99.99%) of impurities from the air passing through it.

Its main advantage is ease of maintenance. No, you don’t need to replace it with a new one if it gets dirty; just wash and dry it. This approach allows you to save money on the purchase of consumables.

Reusable filter maintenance
The filter is not picky - it can be washed under running tap water. It is important to do this regularly, checking the condition after each cleaning.

Rules for storing in different positions

The modest dimensions of this Thomas model with aquabox fully correspond to its name – compact.It is this circumstance that often becomes decisive when the owner of a cramped apartment chooses an assistant, because there is catastrophically little storage space.

This vacuum cleaner can be stored in two positions – horizontal and vertical. Moreover, its body takes up very little space. And to hold the telescopic tube with the cleaning attachment in these two positions, there are two fastening options.

Vacuum cleaner storage options
The horizontal parking area is 32 cm deep and 46 cm long. With vertical storage, the unit occupies 46 cm in height and 29 cm in length

It is important to remember that the vacuum cleaner must be stored with the box empty and washed. During cleaning, it can only be parked horizontally. While there is a container with water inside the housing, you cannot place the vacuum cleaner in a vertical position.

There is another storage option - in a box, unassembled. But this solution is suitable for extremely patient and calm owners. And it will take many times more time - after all, before each cleaning you need to get all the parts of the vacuum cleaner and assemble it. And after cleaning, wash everything, dry it and pack it again.

Comparison with competitors

The Thomas compact vacuum cleaner with a water-type dust collector has its competitors, which differ in functionality, equipment and dimensions. We invite you to get to know them better - below are three vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter that can compete with the model in question.

Competitor #1 – Zelmer ZVC762ZK

The Zelmer ZVC762ZK vacuum cleaner is in high demand among customers due to its excellent reputation, build quality and reasonable price. It is capable of cleaning various types of surfaces in the house - from tile floors to mirrors.

This vacuum cleaner allows you to quickly and conveniently perform both dry cleaning of the floor surface and wet cleaning, which makes it a universal solution.

Technical specifications of Zelmer ZVC762ZK:

  • cleaning – dry and wet;
  • water collection – yes;
  • dust collector type/volume – aquafilter/1.7 l;
  • power – 1500 W;
  • weight – 8.5 kg;
  • cord length – 5.6 m.

This competitor has an excellent package, which provides a number of attachments for all occasions, as well as a place to store brushes.

Zelmer ZVC762ZK beats Thomas with better equipment and a slightly lower price. However, it loses in technology - to switch the power, there is a regular switch on the case.

In addition to the model we presented, the Zelmer company produces a line vacuum cleaners with aqua filter, the technical characteristics and ranking of which can be found in our recommended article.

Competitor #2 – Bissell 1991J

The owners of the Bissell 1991J vacuum cleaner are extremely satisfied with their purchase - the model is capable of performing wet cleaning in addition to dry cleaning. And the filter reliably holds small suspended particles contained in the air inside the dust collector.

Bissell 1991J Technical Specifications:

  • cleaning – dry and wet;
  • water collection – yes;
  • dust collector type/volume – aqua filter/1.4 l;
  • power – 1600 W;
  • weight – 9.7 kg;
  • cord length – 5 m.

Compared to the compact and maneuverable Thomas Aqua-Box, this competitor looks clumsy and heavy. Its telescopic tube and cord are shorter, and the price tag is higher. True, in terms of functionality and equipment, the Bissell 1991J equipment is the leader. And the quality of cleaning is also excellent.

Popular vacuum cleaners from Bissell are described in detail in the article, the contents of which we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.

Competitor #3 – Thomas Perfect Air Feel Fresh

The Perfect Air Feel Fresh vacuum cleaner is one of the representatives of the German brand Thomas, which is in the same price range as the Aqua-Box Compact model. In addition to its bright design, this competitor stands out for its special function - the ability to scent the air during the cleaning process.

Thomas Perfect Air Feel Fresh Technical Specifications:

  • cleaning - dry;
  • water collection – yes;
  • dust collector type/volume – aqua filter/1.9 l;
  • power – 1700 W;
  • weight – 7 kg;
  • cord length – 8 m.

Lightweight, maneuverable, with an excellent range – this vacuum cleaner is a worthy competitor. Its power is slightly higher, the volume of the aqua filter is also larger, as well as the length of the power cord. The downside is the price tag, which differs by 1-2 thousand upwards.

If price is not an issue and the apartment is not the smallest, then this model can be an excellent option.

To make a truly informed choice, we recommend the following article, in which we have presented and compared best vacuum cleaners from Thomasequipped with a water filter.

Conclusions and best offers on the market

Having examined the features of the compact Thomas Aqua-Box, and having become acquainted with its pros and cons, it becomes clear that this vacuum cleaner will be an ideal assistant for owners of small apartments. It is mobile, convenient, easy to maintain.

Its equipment, although modest, allows you to carry out full cleaning of any surface without any problems. If furry animals live in the house or the owner requires additional wet cleaning, then it is better to give preference to a more equipped competitor, for example, Zelmer ZVC762ZK.

Would you like to talk about how you chose a washing vacuum cleaner for wet and dry cleaning in your own home/apartment? Do you have information that can help site visitors choose the best model? Please write comments in the block below, ask questions and post pictures on the topic of the article.

Visitor comments
  1. Svetlana

    Thank you for your article! Because we could not prove to my mother (in all seriousness) that this vacuum cleaner can be stored in an upright position!

  2. Guzal

    Thank you for the detailed article! I would like to clarify that this Aquabox compact vacuum cleaner has a body design that only comes in black or is there also a transparent one?

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