Hoover Vortex Pro 5231
86 reviews
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Best vac system ever – After 60 + years of using and buying vacuum cleaners of various brands this is by and faraway the best vac we have ever purchased . Would have no hesitation to recommend this to anyone. Show details
Bad Product Do Not Purchase – One of the Worst products I’ve ever purchased, but the fact that the sales person from Godfrey’s told me it was one of the best products, has annoyed me further. I did call them and complain and was told I wasn’t cleaning it correctly, should have returned it and complained further, but life is busy. This product is faulty and it does not do what… Read more
it’s intended and advertised for. I have also spoken with Hoover and I didn’t ask for refund etc, but they didn’t even apologise for a bad experience, wow I’m shocked a little and definitely will be continuing to tell many many potential customers not to purchase the product nor from Godfrey’s. Rarely do I complain the opposite actually, but this even years later as I donate the product still makes me so annoyed and just shocked at the absolute lack of quality and service.
Great for quick jobs – Good stick vacuum but the battery doesn't last long... just cost me over $100 for a new battery.... Had to buy another vacuum to vacuum the entire house... but a great vacuum for quick jobs Show details
Reviews with attachments
DON'T BUY. LASTS TILL END WARRANTY. JUNK – This has had a very light life on wooden floors and one rug... very light indeed. .... but under 2 years for a $700 machine. It's too hard to use anyway. All these fiddly bits must be completely exploded every time it needs cleaning twice a week. My wife wouldn't use it as it was so difficult to get it all to clip back together. Usual problem… Read more
with these... Says it's charged but only runs a second before cutting out... over zealous protection programs no doubt.
I can see here on the net hundreds of people with exactly the same problem, with the same stupid answers from Godfrey (useless salesmen) and Hoover (living on past glories). I'm not stupid and I can see there is a glitch here... probably over-engineered in the PCB. Like I would take it to Godfreys!! $50 for them to send it on, only for repair place to say... "load up the parts cannon... let's blast it with a new PCB and new battery, 'cos we don't really know what it is..." $350 thanks.... ready for another bombout in 2 years. I used to repair Hoover back in the 80s in their heyday, now they're just garbage. save your money. Into the bin... Won't be buying Hoover ever again, or going to Godfreys.... I plead temporary insanity.
Photo attached of machine just before it goes into bin... what a waste.
I bought the Milwaukee 18v vacuum for my biz and am using that.
A great vacuum if used correctly – I use the Vortex Pro on smooth vinyl flooring and short carpet. It definitely works harder on carpet, I only use it on the low power setting as the powerhead moves the dirt and low power seems to collect it easily. The battery lasts forever on low too. High power doesn't last long at all. This is a good vacuum if its used as intended, as a… Read more · 1
complementary vacuum, not the main vacuum. The problem most people complain about is the lack of suction. This is mostly "user error" the first collection bin (diverter chamber) should be emptied when the contents fill up to the line marked on the clear plastic container. If the fluff gets higher than the line (which doesn't take much) the hose from the power head starts to block therefore reducing the suction or stopping the suction totally. Cleaning is a bit of a process, I wash the plastics in water, this removes all the dust and fluff. Pulling it apart is easy especially after you've done it a few times. That is my only gripe...the first bin fills too quickly and emptying the dustbuster bin (the main bin) and cleaning it is a pain. If used correctly there aren't any problems, this vacuum becomes a useful asset to keep your home free of dust and grime.
- +2
Poorly designed with no power – First time purchasing a Hoover. I was advised this product rivals Dyson products however, I was extremely disappointed. The suction has no power and the pipes (tubes) are too narrow to suck up reasonable amounts of dust. I've had to constantly unclog and clear the vacuum frequently to be able to use it. I do not recommend people spending +$500 for a product like this. I've emailed Hoover for assistance however, I haven't received a response yet. Show details
In-depth reviews
Perfect for what I bought it for – Great vacuum for getting dogs hairs off carpet & tiles inbetween main vacuum withoyher vacuum cleaner. Hoover provided all the specs & cleaning instructions. There should be no negat8ve feedback that the batt only lasts 7 mins. Likely closer to the 9 min hoover stated on full power. If you follow the cleaning instructions there should be ample… Read more · 1
suction. I've never had a suction problem even when dust chamber is full. Foll1o all the instructions including emptying he tube to the power head.
The accessories are brilliant especially when you live in spider cottage with a hairy dog.
I do inbetweens with full power in 2 bursts. For downstairs. One for upstairs. If I can do that with a hairy dogs that sheds constantly then others shouldn't have a problem.
Caveat Emptor - The responsibility is for Hoover to provide the info & for consumers to read it.
The responsibility for knowing that the product is fit for the purpose he consumer wants ot for & that it will meet their expectations is the consumers.
Hoover did their part.
I do however agree that the bendy hose splits and have had to replace one. Cost very little. So I got an extra one cos one day this product will go out of line like they all do. Less than $20.
Worst purchase ever – I purchased a Hoover Vortex Pro 5231 from Godfrey’s Caulfield store, the salesman assured me that it was one of the best units from one of the best vacuum manufacturers. It was more than I had intended to spend but I thought you seldom buy a vacuum cleaner so may as well invest in a good one. Unfortunately this Hoover Model proved me very wrong,… Read more
within 8 months the rubber tube in the head split (causing loss of suction).
I returned it to store and was eventually given a brand new unit (same model), however within a few months the same problem reoccurred furthermore it would intermittently start stop, then lose all power and finally it started to develop a burning electrical smell when on charge. I went “on line” to see if other Customers have had similar experiences, indeed the majority of Customers complained about the Model, mostly rating it a very low 1 out of 5 with some of the same faults I had experienced. Obviously this Model is poorly designed, poorly manufactured and or both – it’s a lemon.
A bit better than the no name brands – I have recently purchaced the hoover vortex pro stick vac from godfreys at marion in s.a. Having owned a number of stick vacs of a long period of time i do know the good from terrible. I have upgraded from a black and decker ora stick vac which i purchased 3 yrs ago for rrp $229. This was a perfectly acceptable vac performance wise although was… Read more · 1
built on the cheap. I have only replaced it due to the brush roller drive connection being of poor construction and worn out. My home is a three bedroom house with tiles throughout the living areas and thick carpet in the bedrooms. I also have two cats to vac up after aswell. All up it takes about ten to 15 mins. The hoover performs well with just enough charge to do the whole house on half speed and full speed for the carpets. As a comparison to the black and decker it is very difficult to find much difference other than the full speed setting on the hoover being quite a bit more powerful. Is the hoover at $600 nearly three times better given the price tag ? Definately not but is still a decent stick vac in the big brand market considering the dysons of the world can cost up to $1200 and are not even worth half that. Buy it or not ? A bigger battery would be an exellent upgrade on this product. If you have a home any bigger than 120m2 of living and bedroom space it's probably not going to cut the mustard as your main vac. If you have a townhouse or unit it would probably be perfectly good as your main vac. I personally think that the price tag is still a bit high given that vac tech is hardly rocket science but comparing the name brands and pricing it is about a middle of the road type value. As far as godfreys goes as a retailer i have usually used them as my go to vac retailer and never had a bad experience with the sales staff and i have had commercial backpack vacs repaired by them in s.a. with no issues and reasonable pricing. Some of the reviews on this site are saying this product is terrible and all i can put it down to is the odd dud battery which should be replaced under warranty or people trying to use the vac at full speed all of the time and expecting to get to much out of the run time. I understand the complaints and hoover/godfreys if you are reading this it would be very cheap and easy to put bigger batteries into these types of products to satisfy consumer demands. When manufacturers make good products people rave about them. When they are sub par and people aren't satisfied they will trash your name. I would give this product a rating of 5-5 for performance as a stick vac 3-5 for battery life run time 4-5 for construction quality 3-5 for value for money ( would have been a five with a bigger longer lasting battery ) I hope this helps people when choosing a new stick vac.
Positive reviews
Good vacuum cleaner – Ggyovhgjguguhihihgygjgygy7ggcugcguc hvygu bb h h g h h h h hb h h h b v vb b b b b b b bb uv hv ug g g b b b b b b b b b vv v vv v v v v vv v g g g g v v
Great vacuum – Everyone seems to be whinging about this vac maybe its overpriced for what it is? I got mine free out of a dumpster and found the hose was blocked that goes from the foot to the dust chamber Unblocked it and used scissors to clean the roller foot now works amazing Picks up everything and also a heap of dust, no need for a plug in vac anymore! and now i love vacuuming 85sqm house with carpet and no pets Show details · 1
Not great if you have a furry dog – I was looking at this or the Wertheim Evolution or Dyson Animal. I picked this as it is self propelled and I did not have to hold the power button like on the Dyson and it was cheaper than the Wertheim and Dyson. However I hate how the canister empties. I have a furry dog that his hair makes a mess and the way you take the canister off to… Read more
clean it is very messy compared to my other Hoover stick (which the canister is like the Dyson)
I would not recommend this if you have animals.
I am now looking for a new stick and not sure which one to get. I like the stick as I can keep it out to vacuum up his hair, which is everyday.
Negative reviews
Pretty average – This vacuum ok for quick whizz around and does have good suction BUT I have to clean rollers every vacuum( daily) long cat hair wraps around roller.Using hand vac most debris goes into second chamber requiring dismantling of this unit to clean every time its used.This vacuum comes apart for cleaning and needs to as this has to be done… Read more
constantly.Battery had to be replaced after 12mth at cost of over $100 and filters are recommended to be replaced every 6mths at around $20.I live in a two bed small unit and I cant vacuum bedroom having done living area as battery dies.My living area is hard floor with a biggish rug and a mat.Full power lasts about 6-7 mins.Low power I rarely use as find low power does not suck animal hair into chamber but rather wraps round brush.I use my upright dyson now 20 years old when I need to do thorough hole unit clean.I would not purchase vortex pro given the chance.
Find out how Hoover Vortex Pro 5231 compares to other Stick & Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
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Hoover vortex pro battery poor performance – Bought item as back up and small kitchen vacuuming. Always plugged in and fully charged but 2 years on, with not much actual use, battery only charges to about 40% and lasts about 5 minutes. Replacement battery over $100 so $600 purchase costing extra $50 a year to maintain. Most Godfrey extras are far overpriced Show details
USELESS. HEAVY. Waste of money – There is almost no suction, and, no, it isn't blocked.As a result it is just an annoying expensive piece of gear in the cupboard and is not used at all, too frustrating. I always do my research but hubby went and bought this as a surprise with no research. BIG MISTAKE! Also the waste bin on the main part of the machine is almost impossible to… Read more
twist on and off to empty. I have strong wrists and it is hard for me. I know people who would find this impossible. Buy something else.
Recent reviews
Not the sharpest Pro tool in the shed – It seems finding a rechargeable stick vacuum cleaner with good suction is still the holy grail. My Hoover Vortex Pro 5231BP is giving up. I've had mine for about 3 years. You can really only use it on Turbo setting. The lower standard setting has as much suction as someone in an Iron Lung. Still it did a reasonable job on tile and timber floors.… Read more
Carpets were a bit like pushing it down Struggle Street. I've found it important to make sure all bin & filters are emptied & cleaned. Otherwise this can have a big impact on suction & the motor switches off. It looks like the battery is stuffed as it turns off Turbo to Standard setting after about 10 seconds. Similar to other comments. You would expect at a $600 price point this would be a good machine. It's not. So low score for value for money. It's out of warranty so it's off to the vacuum cleaner graveyard.
Always liked Hoovers. Not this one! – Purchased December 2018 for $599. Battery lasts 18mths, $109 to replace each time. Have replaced twice already. ($817) Expensive investment for very mediocre product. Used just for kitchen tidy-up. Tiles and a couple of carpet floor mats. Not happy when battery needed replacing again. Instead purchased Anko stick from Kmart $79, charger. (No… Read more
battery!!) Does great job, as good as Vortex, very happy. Cheaper than battery replacement. $109 !! Outrageous price for a battery, and you don't find out until you need one. Expensive mistake.
Poor design. The tube that runs up through the handle constantly blocks. Blockage cleared with compressed air – This Vacuum is used on both Carpeted and Tiled surfaces Show details
My Battery keeps dying! – I use this vacuum bought in 2019 3 times a week on a slate floor and carpet it worked fine until June 2020 where the battery died so I took it back for repair, and all was going well until now where the battery is not holding it;s charge again I will be returning it to the shop today to see what the problem is surely the battery should last longer that this!
The worst vacuum cleaner I’ve ever had – This vacuum cleaner is the worst I’ve ever had. Plus the after sales service at Godfreys Ellenbrook where I purchased it was shocking after the battery was no good after only 6 months. Show details
Rubbish,rubbish,rubbish – The charging station had to be replaced,luck for me it was still under warranty. I have had to replace the filters and the battery. Now the rollers stop after a couple of minute. It is not blocked,as I have pulled it apart and cleaned it all. Just a dud vacuum.No more Hoovers for me. Show details
Hi, We are sorry to hear of the issues you are… Read more
Biggest waste of money ever – Bought this vacuum from Godfreys, was living in a small 2 bed apartment and was told this was the best vacuum for small places. Liked the idea of the dual small vacuum for quick small jobs and the larger for the house. Could not have been more wrong, the vacuumed runs out of power on the high setting when doing carpets way too fast, the hose… Read more
connecting the head tot he main body becomes brittle after 12 months and breaks and overall the suction is poor compared to other products. Wasted my $500 and would not even pay $100 now knowing just how bad these are, do not waste your money
Find out how Hoover Vortex Pro 5231 compares to other Stick & Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
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Waste of money – We have concrete floors and carpet. Product doesn't hold charge for one bedroom, will not stay on strong suction when engaged. Doesn't pick up a small piece of paper or even a dead fly. Worst $600 spent. Show details
Hi Lucy, We are sorry to hear of the issues you are… Read more
Very disappointed for the money I paid – I spend 500 dollars on this vacuum cleaner Used on wooden floors and carpet squares Holds its battery power for less then 7 min Useless at a car vacuum cleaner Not happy at all I thought I had done my research but wrong 1 out of ( stars Show details
Hi Irma, The runtime for this machine is up to 28 minutes… Read more
Disappointed with product – Flexible hose near the suction head split just out of warranty. Suction head clogs easily with fluff so constantly having to dismantle the head and clean it. Suction seems weak even after full clean of necessary bits. Would not recommend this vacuum cleaner given its price. Show details
Worst Ever – Worst $600 ever spent. I have 1 bedroom with carpet the rest hard floor and this vacuum is lucky to make it around the UNIT SIZED house. Usually have to empty at least 3 times. Worst vacuum ever and I will never ever buy another Hoover product because of this experience Show details
Absolute waste of money – I purchased this machine for a quick vac option, to run over the tiles each night just to pick up and crumbs, dirt and cat fur thats been left by my children and cat... A quick vac not the case, having to run over the mess several times before it picks it up. Always kept clean and fully charged Absolute joke, salesperson definitely sold it to… Read more
me i did pay alot less as it was ex display, thank god.
It has sat in my garage for over a year
WASTE OF MONEY, DO NOT RECOMMEND
Hoover Vortex Pro – I wish I did not pay the $600+ price, terrible and difficult to clean, the battery does not last 20mins on high, cuts out after a few seconds. Is hard to move around, heavy, sucks up the corners of rugs. Do not buy unless you have loads of space, and don't mind all the bits and pieces you need to undo to clean. Show details
Hi Deb, We are sorry to hear of that you are not happy… Read more (+1 reply)
Really poorly designed machine – Absolutely useless with pet hair Anything bigger than a grain of rice requires multiple passes. Suction falls away quickly, because the hose to the lower canister gets blocked, (probably because there's not enough power to draw dust up 30cm.) When that happens, you need to remove multiple screws to dismantle the head, and a piece of wire to… Read more
unclog the hose. WTH?
Now I managed to break the thing trying to unclog the hose. Which means I can't even use the hand-held section any more, because the battery charger only fits when the whole machine is assembled.
For a $600 machine, it's a rip-off. This is the sort of poor design and poor performance you'd expect from a $50 no-name internet special. Instead of waiting for individual buyers to have to bring this piece of junk back to the store, Hoover should track down every buyer and send a refund, along with an apology.
Too late for me; my Hoover is in landfill, not 18 months old.
Disappointed – The vacuum works well at first but with a year I sent it back and got a new battery replaced under warranty. But the life of battery diminishes so fast. Not worth the money Godfreys charge. Now just out of warranty and the hose splits near the head where it constantly bends. Not good enough for a $600 machine to last only a couple of years.… Read more
Totally unacceptable. Edit. I went to Godfrey’s and was able to get the hose replaced for $10. So it’s working again but very noisy and the short time you have with the battery is terrible.
Disappointing Performance – Flexible hose split just out of warrantee period, now after only three years of very light use on timber floors the battery has packed up, this is a very poor performance and has equated to $200 per year for a unit that has regularly blocked up. Wont buy another one or comment on Godfreys after sales support. Show details
Garbage battery – The sales person from Godfreys tells me I should only use it on half power as the battery won’t work for more than 10 secs on full power. Looks like from all accounts on this site major issues with battery life. I ask her what the point of that is? It will seem to run all day on half power??? Don’t be fooled by the feedback. Yes, if you have it… Read more
under warranty you’ll be asked to take it back but an item of this expense should last longer than 10 secs after a year and a half or so. If you are reading this. Don’t buy! I was told, it’s ok, I can spend just over $100 for a replacement battery. Last Hoover product I buy. I hope many see this and it shy’s them away from this product. Complete waste of money on half power.
Hi, We are sorry to hear that you are not happy with your… Read more
HUGE disappointment – Well, what can I say other than the battery life on this stick vacuum cleaner is as good as useless. The vacuum itself and the design and the attachments COULD be the best on the plant, however the battery is the worst performing on the planet of any battery operated tool/household device I have ever owned. That is $600 down the drain. It just… Read more
sits there not being able to be used as I refuse to pay $109 again for a battery that won't even last a year. I have name brand battery operated drills that I have not used for 5 years and they work as the day I bought them. Not this Hoover Vortex Pro (Pro lol).
One star is an over rating, but there is no option to give a zero.
No good. Run time is useless. Battery has failed just out of warranty – Have had constant issues with this vacuum cleaner. Just out of warranty and the battery has failed. Godfrey refuses to replace it. Have been buying vacuums from Godfreys for a long time. Aftersales at Godfreys is horrible. Show details
Hi, We are sorry to hear of any issues you are… Read more
Don't buy this – Broke my own golden rule and bought this on impulse without doing the research. I agree with every negative comment in these pages. Vacuum worked fine for about 2wks the run time started falling away now only runs for about 2.5 minutes at a time but switches to low power after about 30seconds. Most expensive piece of junk I have ever bought not even heavy enough to use as an anchor. Show details
Hi Ian, We are sorry to hear of the issues you are… Read more (+2 replies)
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Hi Shannon, We are sorry to hear that you are not happy… Read more