Contico_CVC.html

Tried and tested: Contico Manufacturing's new CVC tub vac

One of the innovations on Contico's new tub-vac had me fooled into thinking Managing Director Vernon Holmes and the team were having a laugh with me when they sent me the new CVC to trial, knowing I'm not the tallest person around... The pole was so short that the only way I could use the machine effectively was to vacuum while kneeling down!

A second check of the box showed it was truly empty and as my previous vacuum cleaner - not a Contico - had broken two weeks prior to the delivery of the CVC and as I'd got building work going on at home, I was desperate to get vacuuming. As a result, I was down on my knees cleaning the dining room carpet while mentally composing a quip to email to Vernon about the trick he'd played on me, when my daughter's friend arrived. It must have looked as if Snow White had moved in and got one of the Seven Dwarves cleaning the house...

Once the friend had stopped laughing, he showed me how the telescopic element worked and things got easier from then on, (yes Vernon, I know it's just a case of pressing the button while adjusting the pole in or out, but I am blonde).

As an avid fan of the CVC's predecessor the Mighty Midget, (famous for vacuuming the knobs off my car radio and almost managing to suck up a dead squirrel my cat had left under my bed!) I was worried that the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' rule had been broken with the upgrade, but I'm pleased to say that the updated version didn't dissappoint. The suction is just as strong; the machine is able to swallow larger pieces of debris than one would expect of a unit this compact and lightweight, and the lead appears to be even longer than that supplied with the Mighty Midget - allowing me to vacuum the entire house, (including ceilings and curtain tops - great for removing the beginnings of cobwebs) with just one socket swap. The machine is easy to pull around, it's the perfect shape for wedging on the stairs with the knees while vacuuming the staircase and the bag is simple to change too.

What I really loved about the CVC though was the telescopic hose and the way the spare tools sit visibly secured in a holder on the outside of the tub. With three of us at home vacuuming various parts of the house as and when, it's a delight to find that my preferred tool is there with me at all times and I don't need to search for it in someone's bedroom or the office - or indeed the missing piece of hose as was often the case.

Ten out of 10!

Technical specifications:

Dry capacity: 12 litres

Airflow: 2.94m3/min

Motor: 1000W - 50/60 cycles

Voltage: Single phase, 220 - 240V, 13 amp

Cable: 10 metres

Dust bag: Disposable paper

Filtration: 3-stage to BS5415

Safety: Double insulated and thermal cut-out

Size: 430mm high x 380mm diameter

Weight: 6.7kgs