Miele Classic C1 review

Suction performance Miele Classic C1

The Miele Classic C1 is the cheapest vacuum cleaner from the Classic series. I am therefore very curious to what extent the suction power differs from the more expensive Classic C2 and the Classic C3. To compare, I test the suction power in kilopascals and the airflow in meters per second.

Suction power: higher than expected

The suction power of the Miele Classic C1 can be adjusted using a button on the top of the vacuum cleaner. You will also discover an air slot on the handle to reduce the suction power. When I put the vacuum cleaner on the highest mode, I measured a suction power of 20 kPa.

There is a very high suction power. In fact, compared to the more expensive Miele Classic C2 and Classic C3, this is the highest suction power I've measured.

AirFlow: in line with similar vacuum cleaners

In addition to the suction power, I also measured the airflow of the vacuum cleaner with an anemometer (in meters per second).

The airflow of the Miele Classic C1 is 2.5 meters per second. This is an excellent average compared to other vacuum cleaners.

Cleaning result Miele Classic C1

How well does the Miele Classic C1 clean? And how suitable is it for wooden floors or for carpet? I have tested the Miele Classic C1 on different floor types. I also looked at the filtration, in order to assess the state of the dust emissions.

Floor test: suitable for all floor types

The Miele Classic C1 comes with a multi-surface brush. With the push of a button you can convert the floor brush for carpet or sensitive wooden floors. This should make the vacuum cleaner suitable for both floor types.

The vacuum cleaner has no problem with hard wooden floors: the dirt is removed well. The multi-surface brush glides well over the parquet and I don't have to use any force. The floor tray is clean in 18 seconds.

I notice that it is a bit more difficult with short-pile carpet: I have to open the air slot on the handle to be able to push the multi-surface brush forward. The dirt is pushed forward a little more than with wooden floors. On low-pile carpet I need 14 seconds. I also notice some trouble on deep-pile carpet: the dirt is also pushed forward here. It takes me 25 seconds to clean the floor pan.

Pet hair: no motorized brushes

I did not discover any motorized brushes in the accessories. In my opinion, this is a requirement if you want to remove animal hair. You do get a small furniture brush with which you can vacuum hair from furniture. However, this is not enough if you have a dog or cat walking around your home.

Filtration: motor and exhaust filter

The vacuum cleaner is equipped with two filters: an exhaust filter and a motor filter. In the Miele Classic C1 I discover an AirClean HEPA filter. This filter has a filtration level of 99.95%. And this is of course a vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner bag.

A big difference between a vacuum cleaner with or without a bag is that there is a lower dust emission. This is because the vacuum cleaner bag also serves as a filter.

Usability Miele Classic C1

It's time to experience the vacuum cleaner now. Because, how well can you vacuum with the Miele Classic C1? This depends on various factors. I cover all of them below.

Noise level: makes a lot of noise

The Miele Classic C1 is a noise maker: it makes a lot of noise. In my noise measurement I measure a noise level of no less than 77.8 decibels.

If you think the noise level is an important factor, I recommend that you take a look at my research into the best quiet vacuum cleaner. You will discover vacuum cleaners with a noise level below 60 decibels. And yes, that is a big difference with the Miele Classic C1.

Weight: Not a lightweight choice

We are dealing here with a canister vacuum cleaner: a vacuum cleaner on wheels that you drag behind you. Although the weight of this type of vacuum cleaner is less important than, for example, a stick vacuum cleaner, I will check it for now. A low weight can be desirable if you want to use the vacuum cleaner for several floors or for storage.

The Miele Classic C1 weighs 5.8 kilograms. This almost corresponds to what the manufacturer promises: 5.54 kilograms. This is not very heavy for a canister vacuum cleaner. You can lift it easily.

Maintenance: empty and replace filters

The Miele Classic C1 is a vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner bag with a capacity of 4.5 liters. You can throw the vacuum cleaner bag in the trash when it is full, after which you simply hang a new one in it. The vacuum cleaner bag closes itself when you open the vacuum cleaner cover, so you come into contact with dust as little as possible.

The filters are not washable: you should replace them regularly. With the help of an indicator strip you can see exactly when you need to replace the exhaust filter. Replacing it is simple and requires no technical knowledge.

Working range: very short cord

The vacuum cleaner is equipped with a cord of only 5.5 meters. This means a small working range: from plug to floor brush I measure a total radius of action of 9 meters. With larger spaces you have to take into account that you will have to change the plug more often.

Look & Feel: Miele Classic C1

The Miele Classic C1 comes in a large square box, on which the vacuum cleaner is depicted. Although a white Miele vacuum cleaner is depicted on the box, I discover a red variant in the packaging.

Design: looks like a toy vacuum cleaner

The Miele Classic C1 looks like a vacuum cleaner should look like. It is a vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner bag. The vacuum cleaner is not huge and is made of plastic. At first glance it looks okay, but nothing special.

Accessories: must-haves only

I don't discover a lot of accessories in the packaging. View the complete content in the image below.

1. Miele Classic C1
2. Vacuum cleaner bag
3. Combi floor brush
4. Furniture brush
5. Dusting brush
6. Crevice cleaner
7. Accessories clip
8. Handle
9. Vacuum cleaner rod
10. Vacuum cleaner hose
11. Manual

As you can see, you don't get a lot of accessories with it. But, what you get with it are the must-have accessories for regular cleaning activities.

Build quality: Feels a bit cheap

As I mentioned earlier, the Miele Classic C1 is largely made of plastic. This is clearly noticeable: the vacuum cleaner feels a little cheap. The buttons on top of the vacuum cleaner could be operated with your foot, but I think this could eventually cause them to break.

Also, do not discover any rubber bumpers around the vacuum cleaner, which could prevent damage to the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner is equipped with small rubber castors at the bottom.