Philips Performer Silent FC8784/09 review

The Philips Performer Silent FC8784/09 is a vacuum cleaner with a bag. It is labeled by Philips as the best choice for ‘families and pet owners', but is this really the case? I have extensively tested this striking red vacuum cleaner for various factors. Discover my findings in this extensive Philips Performer Silent FC8784/09 review. No time to go through the entire review?

Accessories: what do I discover in the packaging?

Let's start the review with the unboxing: which suction brushes do I discover in the packaging and what do I get with it? As I have already indicated above, this appears to be a versatile vacuum cleaner. I discover many different suction brushes: from a motorized brush for vacuuming pet hair to a parquet nozzle with soft bristles. In the photo below you will discover the complete contents of the packaging.

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View a description per part in the list below.

1. Philips FC8784/09: a canister vacuum cleaner, including a vacuum cleaner bag (this was a surprise!)
2. Small brush: suitable for vacuuming small surfaces
3. Crevice tool: useful for vacuuming in hard-to-reach places
4. Parquet brush: a suction brush with soft bristles that protect wooden floors
5. Mini turbo brush: a motorized brush that makes it easy to vacuum up pet hair
6. TriActive Pro brush: a multi-surface brush for hard and soft floors
7. Vacuum cleaner hose: flexible hose with integrated furniture dusting brush
8. Vacuum cleaner rod: a telescopically adjustable vacuum cleaner rod

Suction performance of the Philips Performer Silent FC8784/09

Now that we know which suction brushes we get with this vacuum cleaner, it is a lot clear what we can use the Philips FC8784/09 for. However, this of course says nothing about the suction performance. Because although a parquet brush does prevent scratches and streaks on your floor, the question is how well it absorbs on this floor type.

Using our test floors, we have thoroughly tested the vacuum cleaner on three main floor types: wooden floors (hard, delicate floor type), long-pile carpet and low-pile carpet. I also check how suitable this vacuum cleaner is for removing pet hair.

Suction performance: hardwood floors, carpet and pet hair

The Philips FC8784/09 has no problem with small and large dirt on wooden floors. The larger dirt is pushed slightly forward. In addition to the multi-surface brush, I also discover an extra parquet brush in the packaging, which protects wooden floors well.

In terms of carpet, this vacuum cleaner also scores well. I tested the suction performance with the multi-surface brush, which I switched to carpet. However, the vacuum cleaner has a little more trouble with large dirt on long-pile carpet: I have to lift the brush a bit.

The name ‘Philips Performer Cat & Dog' already suggests that it is very suitable for a home with pets. Inside the package I discover a motorized turbo brush for removing pet hair. I rarely see this with other canister vacuums.

• Hardwood floors: 8/10
• Carpet: 7/10
• Pet Hair: 10/10

Suction and Airflow of the Philips FC8784/09

Apart from the suction performance on various floor types, I also measured the suction power (in Kilopascals) and the Airflow (the airflow in meters per second). This data gives me more insight into the relationship with other vacuum cleaners on the market.

The vacuum cleaner has a suction power of 16.5 kPa; this has a medium to high suction power if I compare this with other vacuum cleaners on the market. Read more about the suction power of a vacuum cleaner here.

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The same applies to the average Airflow: with 43.2 m/s it scores above average.

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User-friendliness: maneuverability, noise level and weight

One of the most important research factors in my reviews is the user-friendliness of the vacuum cleaner. Because, how easily can I vacuum under a cupboard, for example? And does it make little noise, so that I disturb my neighbors and fellow residents as little as possible?

Maneuverability, handling and ergonomics

The vacuum cleaner is very manoeuvrable: thanks to the super large wheels – which have a rubber edge – the vacuum cleaner drives smoothly behind me. It can easily take sharp turns without falling over.

Thanks to the large buttons on top of the vacuum cleaner, I can operate the vacuum cleaner with my feet. This way I don't have to bend down to coil the cord or turn the vacuum cleaner on and off, for example. The Philips Performer Silent FC8784/09 is also equipped with a telescopic vacuum cleaner rod, so that everyone can adjust the vacuum cleaner to his or her height.

Weight, noise level and cord length

The vacuum cleaner weighs 5.4 kilograms: this makes it a lightweight vacuum cleaner, compared to other vacuum cleaners on wheels. The Philips FC8784/09 has a 9 meter long cord. The total action radius (the distance from the plug to the suction brush) comes down to 12 meters, which in my opinion is an excellent working range.

The noise level almost corresponds to what Philips promises: with 67.3 decibels at user height, it comes close to 66 decibels. With a noise level below 65 decibels, I speak of a quiet choice, but I have to say that I find this vacuum cleaner remarkably quiet for the time being.

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Maintenance of the Philips Performer Silent FC8784/09

The Philips Performer Silent FC8784/09 is a canister vacuum cleaner with bag. The vacuum cleaner bag has a capacity of no less than 4 liters: this is very large compared to other vacuum cleaners. You thus enjoy the advantage that you do not have to empty it as quickly. The vacuum cleaner must be equipped with S-Bag vacuum cleaner bags: universal vacuum cleaner bags that you can buy in large numbers almost everywhere.

© Vacuumtester

Under the hood I discover an anti-allergy filter. The filter is placed behind the dust bag: this filters the already filtered air again before it leaves the vacuum cleaner. Unfortunately, this filter is not washable: you can, however, easily replace it.

Conclusion Philips Performer Silent FC8784/09 review

The Philips Performer Silent FC8784/09 is a very powerful vacuum cleaner that makes little noise. This is a vacuum cleaner with a large dust bag of 4 liters: so you don't have to empty it so quickly. The vacuum cleaner scores very well on various floor types in terms of suction power. Thanks to the many included suction brushes, this Philips vacuum cleaner is very versatile.

Unfortunately, we do not discover a possibility to store the different suction brushes: on the other hand, this ensures that the vacuum cleaner remains nice and compact. What you also have to take into account is the price: with an average suggested retail price of €199.99, it is not a cheap choice.