Simac EVT100 Review

Overall Rating

Steam and Wet Vac.

Badly designed controls, some poor quality components

I had this cleaner delivered last week, and although I like to have a product some months before reviewing it, I wanted to be considerate enough to fellow consumers and post my brief experience with product. Especially as no one else has yet written anything on this steam vacuum cleaner.
Just to point out that I purchased my appliance in Spain from Redcoon, and that here it's called the Delonghi XAT 4094 E . This designation is given for Spain and I'm assuming Greece, because of the poorly illustrated (with Italian paragraphs thrown in) Spanish and Greek instruction manual. Because of this I have posted this review where it will be of more help to people.

Now, as soon as I unpacked it, I picked up the handle to get a feel for the component of the appliance that I would be working with for many hours a year. I have to say that my first impression was one of disappointment, the buttons that control the vacuum ON/OFF and speed functions felt cheap and flimsy, these buttons are also faulty and it took me a few attempts at getting the functions to work, it must have faulty connections because it works first time, sometimes. Also, I must mention that by pulling the trigger for the steam release gives the impression that the plastic handle was going to break apart in 2 pieces, an extra screw is needed to secure it properly-BAD DESIGN.

I will be using the Dyson DC11 as a comparison for this vacuum because it is the only other cleaner I have in my home, and IMHO sets a certain standard as far as vacuums are concerned. Besides, there are quite a few reviews available on the Dyson to get a good idea on how it performs.

Having said that, the Triplo-Simac/Delonghi is about a quarter size bigger than the Dyson, and quite a bit heavier. I did find however, that it was easier to manoeuvre around. The wheels are plastic, but give good grip and rolls well on all flat surfaces.

I don't have any previous experience with steam cleaners, and apart from the fact that my unit has (another) faulty steam ON switch (on the main unit) it provided a strong (for domestic use), continuous 'flow' of steam with no splattering of water.
I did find that it was missing a crucial accessory for steaming and vacuuming smaller areas. I couldn't put my finger on what attachment was needed until I was looking for a replacement for this machine (yes, it's going back and I don't want a replacement), the Polti Lecoaspira provide an accessory called the 120 Accessory + steam lance + coloured brush, this a necessary tool and although 3 small brushes with a lance are supplied, you can't use the steam together with the vacuum.

Removing the waste/water filter waste bin is a little tricky at first, but the plastic catches loosen after a few operations, making it easier to remove and put back in. It can not be compared to the well designed Dyson bin, but then it is a water filtered type so a few more components are expected. I can see however, some people having trouble getting used to it (especially at first). I have to mention the fact that emptying the bin is a disgusting job, my home has cats and a dog so I pick up a lot of animal hair. The design of the bin, with an extra plastic component that goes insides does not make emptying the bin an easy nor pleasant job, I had to reach in with paper towelling and scoop out the gunk, then rinse out with water. I can't see this operation being done anywhere but outside with the garden hose. Now, I've had wet vacuums in the past and honestly, I can not remember being so disgusted when emptying the waste before.

I found that the vacuum provided continuous suction, it seems powerful enough but then in comparison I think that the Dyson is better. The vacuum has 2 speeds, but I really didn't feel much of a difference with the speeds, unless this switch (on the handle) was completely non-functional. I must also mention that I had trouble picking up some dirt, but this was down to the 'main' floor accessory included.

Quite a few accessories are included with this cleaner, they all seem useful but I can't get over the fact that an accessory to use the steam and vacuum in small areas isn't included.

This vacuum gave me the impression that it was designed and built by 2 groups of people; one did the important parts like the boiler and the vacuum's filter system, they got it right. But then the second group messed it all up by badly designing the 'simple'parts, i.e. buttons, plastics and accessories.

I did miss the cord rewind feature on this vacuum, it's just something you take for granted when you have it and it's a nuisance when you don't. It doesn't have an on-board tools feature either. Be aware (if you have read this far) that this appliance will take up a bit of room: the hose can not be easily rolled up, there is a 6 metre cord and with the main unit being already fairly big you will need a large cupboard or space to store it, and don't forget the accessories.

I finally decided to purchase this cleaner because it was recommended by Which. I must have got a bit of a lemon because mine has too many faults for me to recommend it. And maybe it was only my unit that is missing the all important tool, but the fact that the handle and it's switches are badly designed and put together makes me wonder (if it's the same model) about their review process.

I do hope this review will help people decide on their purchase, if not for anything else but for the consumer to ask about the above mentioned faults to your retailer and obtain specific guarantees.