Rowenta XForce Flex 8.60 vs. 9.60 – Which Rowenta hoover to choose?

Rowenta’s cordless stick vacuum cleaners are some of the most versatile on the market, especially those in the Flex range. As its name suggests, its main feature is the flexible tube, which makes it easier to clean areas such as the underside of sofas or tables. However, would you know how to choose the most suitable broom vacuum cleaner for you among all those in this range? To help you, we compare the Rowenta XForce Flex 8.60 and 9.60 vacuum cleaners. 

In addition to the flexible tube, present in both, both vacuum cleaners have a high-efficiency filtering system. In fact, both have the nickname Allergy, which indicates that they are capable of capturing more than 99% of microparticles so that allergic people do not have problems when using them. But what are their differences? Although both models are from Rowenta, we distinguish more changes than we thought a priori.

For example, the Rowenta XForce Flex 8.60 does not have a screen where you can check how much autonomy is left, something that the 9.60 does have. In addition, power is another difference that, although not very significant, can help you choose. In this case, the Rowenta XForce Flex 9.60 not only has more power, but it has one more level to adjust it. If you want a more detailed explanation of the most important differences between these two vacuum cleaners, don’t miss our review!

Rowenta XForce Flex 8.60 vs 9.60 – Comparison Table

In this table, you can see the most important specifications of the two Rowenta cordless stick vacuum cleaners. This way, it will be easier for you to decide which one best suits your needs:

The power is not exactly the same

We already told you that power is not the most pressing difference between the two Rowenta cordless vacuum cleaners, but it can be a push to help you decide if you have doubts. The Rowenta XForce Flex 8.60 reaches a maximum power of 185 watts, which rises to 200 watts in the case of the 9.60 model. As you can see, the difference is not much, but it is always good to think that you have a little more. Additionally, in both cases you have the Boost trigger, which you can press when you need extra energy.

On the other hand, it should also be noted that the XForce Flex 9.60 has 3 power levels, while the 8.60 stays at 2. The difference is that the 9.60 has an automatic mode, in addition to Eco and maximum power. Therefore, battery optimization is somewhat better.

Autonomy and charging time

In line with the previous point, let us tell you, first, that battery life does not have to be the same for each person. It depends, in large part, on the optimization capacity we have for it, as well as the amount of dirt there is or the type of surface we are vacuuming. However, if we look at the technical data to try to establish a more objective comparison, the Rowenta XForce Flex 9.60 has a slight advantage.

This vacuum cleaner can last up to 45 minutes of autonomy, although that is usually when we use it at low power and in handheld vacuum mode. In reality, its autonomy is, rather, 35 minutes as a broom vacuum cleaner. Of course, Auto mode allows us to better optimize battery life, and we can extend it even more. For its part, the maximum autonomy that the 8.60 vacuum cleaner has is, according to the brand, 35 minutes. Practice tells us that it is somewhat less, about 25 minutes in low power mode.

What both vacuum cleaners do share is the charging time, approximately 3 hours. Additionally, the battery is removable in both cases, so you can double it by purchasing an additional battery that is always charged.

Tank capacity, another difference

The volume of the tank is important to know if it will cover the entire space we are going to vacuum or if we will have to empty it in the middle of vacuuming. This depends on several external factors, such as the amount of dirt there is or the size of your home. However, the advantage goes to the Rowenta XForce Flex 8.60. Its tank has a capacity of 550 ml, compared to the 400 ml of the 9.60 tank. Although both are easy to empty, the tank of the 8.60 model gives you a larger space than its rival.

LED lights on the head and flexible tube

Let’s go, now, with two of the points that our two protagonists have in common. On the one hand, both have the Deep Power LED system integrated. Both heads have an LED light on the front that improves visibility of dirt in darker areas. Thus, for example, you can carry out a more effective cleaning on the underside of sofas or furniture, where the clarity is less.

On the other hand, both vacuum cleaners have a flexible tube that can be bent in its central part to form an angle of almost 90º. In this way, they reach these same areas that are difficult to access more easily, improving the effectiveness of the vacuuming. As an interesting fact, we will tell you that both vacuum cleaners have the Stop&Go position, with which the tube remains in a vertical position if you have to interrupt cleaning momentarily.

What brushes does each one have?

The main brush on both vacuum cleaners is multifunction; That is, it can be used on both hard floors and carpets. And, in addition to the main brush, both vacuum cleaners are equipped with a narrow nozzle for cleaning in cracks and crevices, as well as a special brush for upholstery. They also have two Easy Brush brushes, which are the typical round brushes ideal for cleaning the computer keyboard or the most delicate ornaments.

The screen, another differential point

We are increasingly accustomed to big brands selling vacuum cleaners with a screen included, to more quickly control how much autonomy is left, what power mode is selected or if there are important notices. In this case, only the Rowenta XForce Flex 9.60 has a digital screen located on the upper part of the body. The XForce Flex 8.60 lacks this component.

High efficiency filtration

According to Rowenta, the two vacuum cleaners that star in this review are “Allergy”, which is the nomenclature with which the brand defines vacuum cleaners with a high-efficiency filter. In both vacuum cleaners we see a filter that retains more than 99% of particles, including the finest ones, so that their use by people allergic to dust and dirt is not a problem. Plus, they have cyclonic technology, and that always helps filter. However, the Rowenta XForce Flex 9.60 has a small advantage, and that is that, on the screen, it shows the moment when it is necessary to change the filter.

What is the best Rowenta cordless and flexible stick vacuum cleaner?

Now that you know what the most important differences are between the two Rowenta vacuum cleaners, it’s time to decide which one you would choose. Both are equally flexible, have LED lighting on the front and share the same accessories, which is an important starting point that places them on a similar level. In fact, if we look at the price, we see that they are in the same range, which confirms this impression.

Therefore, it is time to look at their differences, no matter how small, to decide. And, from our point of view, the Rowenta Its power is higher, it has one more level of adjustment, and it has a very practical digital display. The only point against it is that its tank is smaller, but if the 400 ml are enough for you to clean your house, it is a more complete model.

That said, think about your individual situation, establish your needs well and, based on them, choose the vacuum cleaner that best meets them. For what it’s worth, both are Rowenta, which is a guarantee of quality in any case. And, as you have seen, they share most of the relevant functionalities. The choice only depends on you!