When it comes to vacuum cleaners, few names are as instantly recognisable as the Henry Vacuum. With its cheerful face and robust design, the Henry Hoover has become an iconic staple in both homes and businesses across the UK. But what exactly makes the Henry Vacuum so popular?
The History of the Henry Vacuum Cleaner
The Henry Vacuum Cleaner was introduced by Numatic in the 1980’s intended as a commercial vacuum cleaner for industrial sites. Its human-like face was added almost as a joke at a trade show, but it quickly became a distinctive and beloved feature as well as the name “Henry” giving him a friendly and British-feeling personality.
Since then, it has maintained its place as one of the most beloved vacuum cleaners worldwide. Known for its durability, strong suction power, and distinctive smiling face, the Henry has become synonymous with reliable cleaning for both homeowners and industrial cleaners alike.
What’s the difference between each of the Henry models?
Since the release of the original Numatic Henry vacuum, the Henry family has expanded over the years to include a variety of models, each tailored to different cleaning needs within both homes and businesses. Here’s a closer look at each:
Henry
The classic model, Henry, is where it all began. It features a powerful motor, large capacity, and simple design. The Henry Hoover is well-known for its high-performance filtration system and ability to handle both carpets and hard floors with ease.
Hetty
Hetty, short for Henrietta, is the pink counterpart to Henry and features the same powerful performance. She shares the same features as Henry but adds a touch of personality with her pink colour and friendly face.
Charles
Charles is a wet-and-dry vacuum model, perfect for DIY enthusiasts and businesses that need to handle both dry dust and wet spills. It’s equipped with a powerful motor and two-stage filtration system to handle both tasks efficiently. The Charles vacuum is the go-to choice for versatile cleaning.
George
George is the all-in-one cleaning solution, capable of vacuuming dry dust, cleaning up wet spills, and even deep-cleaning carpets and upholstery. It comes with additional accessories including an upholstery brush for shampooing carpets and scrubbing hard floors, making it the most versatile model in the range.
Harry and the Henry Pet
Designed specifically for pet owners, Harry and the Henry Pet vacuum cleaner come with an activated charcoal filter to minimise pet odours. It also includes a specialist EcoBrush Tool, which is ideal for picking up pet hair from carpets and upholstery.
James
James is the lightweight, economical option in the Henry family. It features a smaller capacity and a simpler design, but still maintains the performance and reliability that Numatic is known for. James is perfect for small spaces or lighter cleaning tasks such as vacuuming narrow gaps or the stairs.
Henry Xtra
Henry Xtra comes with all the benefits of the classic Henry model but with a little extra – a turbo brush and an additional hard floor brush as well as an extra 3 litres of dust capacity. These extras make it perfect for homes with pets or stubborn dirt that needs a bit more effort to clean.
So, Why is the Henry Vacuum so popular?
The Henry Vacuum range comes with several standout features that make it one of the most popular and loved vacuum cleaners to date:
- Powerful Motor: All Henry models come equipped with a high-performance motor, ensuring efficient and reliable cleaning.
- Long Cable and Hose: With a 10-metre cable and a long flexible hose, the Henry Vacuum makes it easy to clean larger areas without frequently switching power outlets.
- HEPA-Flo Filtration: This filtration system traps allergens and dust, making Henry suitable for allergy sufferers.
- Large Capacity: Most Henry models have a large dust capacity, reducing the need for frequent emptying.
- Energy Efficiency: Henry vacuums are designed to be energy-efficient, helping you save on electricity bills.
- Durable Design: Built to last, these vacuums are made from tough materials and are designed to withstand heavy-duty use and stand the test of time.
- Efficient cleaning: The Henry vacuum cleaner comes equipped for the job with multiple accessories such as a dusting brush, crevice tool and more!
- Character: Last but not least, the cheerful, cartoonish faces of Henry hoovers add a touch of personality that makes them more appealing.
Frequently asked questions about the Henry Vacuum
Is the Henry Vacuum a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner?
While not all Henry models are equipped with a HEPA filter, they do feature a high-efficiency filtration system known as HEPA-Flo, which effectively captures fine dust particles and allergens.
If you’re looking for a Numatic vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, the Henry Allergy vacuum cleaner features an advanced HEPA filtration to reduce exposure to allergens.
How do I make my Henry Vacuum smell nice?
Over time, some vacuum cleaners can start emitting unpleasant smells. The reasons differ, but it’s usually down to pieces of food (or other detritus) left in the bag for long periods of time, a blockage in the hose, or old filters in need of washing or replacing.
To keep your Henry smelling fresh, try these simple steps:
- Avoid vacuuming large pieces of food or anything that could block the hose of your vacuum cleaner
- Do not vacuum liquids if you have a dry vacuum cleaner
- Make sure to clean or replace vacuum bags regularly
- Regularly cleaning the filter and hose can also help maintain a pleasant smell.
- If you’re looking to add some extra freshness to your Numatic vacuum, using scented vacuum bags or adding a vacuum freshener to the bag after vacuuming can keep your vacuum smelling fresher for longer
Can I use the Henry Vacuum on wet surfaces?
Only certain models, like Charles and George, are designed for use on wet surfaces, they even come with extra tools to make the job easier. The classic Henry and other dry-only models should not be used on wet surfaces as this could damage the motor.
Can I use the Henry Vacuum without a vacuum bag?
It is not recommended to use the Henry vacuum cleaner without a bag, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the vacuum and potentially damage the motor. The bag also helps contain dust and debris, making it easier to empty and maintain. Regularly changing the bag will prolong the life span of your machine and it's more cost effective in the long run.
Is Henry the right vacuum for you?
If you are looking for a reliable, efficient, and durable vacuum cleaner, then the Henry vacuum cleaner might just be the perfect choice. With multiple models tailored to different cleaning needs, there's likely a Henry that suits your home or business. Whether you need a vacuum for pet hair, wet spills, or simply everyday dust, the Henry range has you covered.
Where to buy a Henry Vacuum Cleaner
At Direct Vacuums, we offer a wide selection of Numatic vacuum cleaners, including the popular Henry Hoover. Whether you’re looking for a brand-new model or a refurbished option, you can count on us for the best deals. In addition to our range of vacuums, we also provide a variety of Numatic spare parts, so you can keep your Henry vacuum running like new.
