Overview of the Karcher VC 3 vacuum cleaner: the ideal cleaner for smooth surfaces

Evgenia Kravchenko
Checked by a specialist: Evgenia Kravchenko
Author: Tatyana Zakharova
Last update: August 2024

One of the most successful models of cleaning equipment for home use is considered a Karcher VC 3 vacuum cleaner - compact, convenient, designed only for dry cleaning. For the third year now, the device has been featured on the household equipment market and occupies a high position in the ranking among brand-name analogues.

Expert rating:
91
/ 100
Advantages
  • Compact dimensions
  • Perfectly cleans a smooth floor
  • No noise at work
  • Solid metal telescopic tube included
  • Affordable cost
disadvantages
  • Small dust bag
  • It is difficult to maintain - due to small parts it takes a lot of time to disassemble the dust bag, rinse, dry and reassemble
  • Easy to scratch brush
  • The unsuccessful design of the floor / carpet brush - it tightly sticks, but it does not collect hair and wool
  • Problem litter box latch - often breaks

You will learn all about this popular model from our article. We will introduce the technical characteristics and functionality of the device. In order to more fully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a vacuum cleaner, we compared it with units that are close in terms of functionality and price.

Overview of features and capabilities

Despite the emergence of many robot models and wireless appliances, vacuum cleaners of traditional vertical design with a power cable remain the most popular. Karcher produces several popular series for domestic use, and VC is one of them.

Yellow Karcher Vacuum Cleaner
The design of the vacuum cleaner body is made in the traditional bright Karcher for Karcher, the other parts are black or dark gray

In addition to the VC 3 model, in the store you can find an improved modification of the VC 3 Premium, more powerful and efficient. They should not be confused, as there are differences in technical parameters. Externally, Premium is easy to recognize by the white color of the case.

Purpose and functions of Karcher VC 3

The model can not be called multifunctional, as it is designed for dry cleaning. This means that with a vacuum cleaner you can remove debris from the floor, remove dust from upholstered furniture and any hard surfaces, but you will have to use an ordinary mop or other device for wet cleaning.

Thanks to the three-stage filtration, the model does not pollute the air, that is, all the dust that gets into the pipe remains inside the vacuum cleaner and does not fly out, as is the case with some cheap models. The absence of an aquafilter does not prevent the vacuum cleaner from performing its function efficiently and collecting garbage accurately and to the maximum extent.

Vacuum cleaner Karcher at work
The manufacturer claims that the air after cleaning with the VC 3 modification becomes clean and safe, in addition to dust, viruses, bacteria, and the smallest allergens disappear from it

Principle of operation cyclone filter simple: the engine draws dust into a plastic container where it settles. The centrifugal force presses the debris against the walls and prevents it from coming back.

The model is not intended for industrial use - the dust container is too small and the capacity is insufficient for production needs. But for cleaning a 2-3-room apartment, the vacuum cleaner is ideal, especially for frequent use.

Design and equipment model

The new vacuum cleaner is packed in a box of durable cardboard, inside of which, besides the device itself, there are nozzles. Unpacking is usually done at home, but if you wish, you can turn it on in the store, for example, to check the noise level.

Vacuum cleaner packaging Karcher VC3
Information on the vacuum cleaner is placed on different sides of the package: high-quality photo of the device, instructions for use, technical specifications, photo review of nozzles

The design of the Karcher VC 3 brand vacuum cleaner is simple and thought out at the same time: the compact case is mounted on two large wheels, the dust container is on top, in a convenient place.

All assembled elements make up a structure that is easy to move and store. A transparent waste bin allows you to quickly find and remove items that accidentally get inside. The multicyclone filter can be easily disassembled and washed.

Before moving into the cyclone filter, dust and debris fall into the pipe and an elastic hose of 1.5 m. The length of the pipe is designed for the average height of a person, it is very convenient to manipulate it. The hose easily bends, does not break, freely rotates in any direction.

If desired, you can purchase other nozzles:

  • turbo brush for the floor;
  • turbo brush for furniture;
  • a short bristle nozzle for parquet;
  • flat and wide nozzle for mattresses.

Spare HEPA13 filters are also on sale at a price of 930-950 rubles. The power cord is wound automatically, if necessary, easily reaches a length of up to 6 m.

The power button, like the rewind button, is made of durable plastic. Both switches are located on the top surface so that you can press them with your foot if necessary, and not tilt each time.

Instrument Technical Parameters

Buyers should be aware that the VC 3 is one of the most energy efficient. It consumes only 700 watts per hour, that is, it belongs to class “A”.

Vacuum cleaner on the floor
According to the results of tests carried out by the manufacturer, the vacuum cleaner spends a total of 24.8 kWh per year, but provided that the cleaning will be carried out 50 times

The suction power is not indicated anywhere by Karcher, therefore, it can only be judged by reviews of active users. Most of the owners of vacuum cleaners believe that for a compact model, the suction force is significant, in this parameter VC 3 is not inferior to models with consumption. rated at 1,500 watts.

Characteristics:

  • dry cleaning
  • dust collector - cycle. filter 0.9 l
  • noise level - 76 dB
  • fine filter - yes
  • Cons. power - 700 W
  • weight - 4.4 kg
  • radius of action - 7.5 m

The removable dust collector made of transparent heat-resistant plastic is much more convenient to use than paper bags.

Devices with a dust container are much more economical, since the capacity serves as much as a vacuum cleaner. For comparison: bags for vacuum cleaners you have to change at least 1 time per year (paper - more often), and their cost - 300-1000 rubles.

Carpet cleaner
The weight of the model is comparable to the weight of vertical vacuum cleaners - less than 4.5 kg. A fragile woman and a small child will be able to cope with it. The device is easy to move even on a fleecy carpet

Noise level - average. There are also noisier and quieter models on the market. When the "cleaner" Karcher VC 3 is on, you can talk in a loud voice. During the operation of vacuum cleaners, the noise level of which reaches 80 dB, it is difficult to hear the interlocutor.

What did customers like?

The VC 3 model occupies the top lines of various TOPs and ratings due to the large number of positive reviews. Users note comfort when using the device at home, even cramped ones, with a lack of free space.

The vacuum cleaner does not have sharp corners, dangerous for children protruding parts. The plastic is smooth, wiping or washing it is a pleasure. The dust bin is very easy and quick to empty: you can act with one hand to spill debris.

Rinse the cyclone filter with water
Many people like the convenient collapsible design. The cyclone filtration system, which requires regular maintenance, is disassembled into several parts that are easy to clean.

Buyers tend to call the model quiet after using other, more noisy vacuum cleaners. The power of the device is quite suitable for home cleaning. But it is not suitable for heavily polluted rooms, it is better to purchase more powerful, productive equipment with a volumetric dust collector.

Benefits:

  • average power;
  • economical;
  • quiet;
  • easy to operate and maintain;
  • compact.

If you evaluate VC 3 on a 5-point scale, then users, a year or more, using a vacuum cleaner to clean apartments and houses, put an average of 4.5 points.

Negative consumer reviews

Among the negative reviews, there are many subjective ones - some do not like the color or shape, others are unhappy with the cost of the vacuum cleaner. After monitoring the market for cleaning equipment, we can say that Karcher fully justifies its low cost, in different stores - 6400-9400 rubles, depending on additional offers.

There are problems with wool cleaning - a standard brush does not pick up hairs well, so carpets, sofas, chairs have to be vacuumed for a very long time, several times.

Large garbage collection
If there are animals in the house or a large amount of dust accumulates quickly, it is recommended to purchase a turbo brush, which is not included

The model is not suitable for large premises - a 6-meter cord is not enough to go around furniture or reach the opposite corner. They also complain about the instability of the case. The vacuum cleaner moves quickly, but at cornering it can fall on its side, even large wheels do not help.

Disadvantages:

  • the dust box should be cleaned regularly;
  • the design is unstable during sudden movements;
  • difficult to clean under low furniture;
  • short power cord.

Most of the negative points noted by users are also characteristic of some models of other manufacturers.

Use and Care Tips

Dry vacuum cleaners do not need to be thoroughly rinsed after each use, as analogues with aquafilter. However, over time, the reservoir becomes clogged; small electrified particles fall into the gaps between the filter parts.

Karcher VC 3 disassembled
It is recommended to occasionally disassemble the cyclone system, wipe the parts with a damp cloth or rinse under running water. Replace the elements only after drying.

If cleaning is not done on time, the appliance simply stops working. It is better to wash the filter protecting the engine more often so that the main operating unit of the vacuum cleaner does not fail ahead of time.

It is not recommended to suck insects, liquids and solutions, explosive and inflammable substances. Do not vacuum animals and clothing worn on a person.

Comparison with competitors

In the price segment from 6500 to 9000 rubles many modelssimilar to Karcher VC 3. Some of them are more powerful and efficient, others are less reliable and inconvenient to use. For objectivity, we compare the characteristics of three more vacuum cleaners manufactured by LG, Samsung and Philips.

Model # 1 - LG VK76W02HY

Powerful and productive device with a volumetric tank for dust and the Ellipse Cyclone filtration system.

The main feature is the system "Compressor" - technology of automatic pressing of dust, due to which the capacity of the dust collector increases. Pressing system components are covered by a 10-year warranty.

Characteristics:

  • dry cleaning
  • dust collector - cycle. 1.5 liter filter
  • noise level - 78 dB
  • fine filter - yes
  • Cons. power - 2000 W
  • weight - 5.2 kg
  • radius of action - 5 m

Compared with Karcher VC 3, the model is more stable, powerful, with good suction power - 380 watts. The handle is equipped with an adjustment device for switching power. A sufficient range of nozzles in the kit.

But there are characteristics by which it loses - this is the noise level, dimensions and weight.

Model # 2 - Samsung SC8836

Samsung specialists monitor the developments of competitors and try to introduce their own technologies in a timely manner.

One of them - Super twin chamberproviding the maximum force of absorption for a long time. It is an advantage of the SC8836 vacuum cleaner. The suction power is 430 W, and the dust collector has a volume of 2 l, the largest compared to other models.

Characteristics:

  • dry cleaning
  • dust collector - cycle. filter 2 l
  • noise level - 79 dB
  • fine filter - yes
  • Cons. power - 2200 W
  • weight - 6 kg
  • radius of action - 10 m

A vacuum cleaner cannot be called economical, but not a single speck of dust in a house can be hidden from such a powerful unit. A large dust container comes in handy for general cleaning. If you clean the floors often, and the amount of dust is small, the tank will last several times.

The model is more productive and roomy than the competitor, respectively, noisier and heavier.

Model # 3 - Philips FC9350 PowerPro Compact

Efficient and quick room cleaning is provided by a powerful motor and cyclone filter design.

Company Development - Technology PowerCyclone 5, ensuring the separation of dust from air redirected to the outside. Nozzle Multiclean adheres to the floor surface denser than a standard brush.

Characteristics:

  • dry cleaning
  • dust collector - cycle. 1.5 liter filter
  • noise level - 82 dB
  • fine filter - yes
  • Cons. power - 1800 W
  • weight - 4.5 kg
  • radius of action - 7.5 m

This is a more powerful model than Karcher VC 3, but with the same range and approximately the same weight. Plus Philips - the capacity for dust is 1.5 liters, and minus - noise.

Conclusions and the best deals on the market

The VC 3 modification device is recognized as one of the best representatives of the Karcher brand for dry home cleaning. The optimal use of a vacuum cleaner is 1-2 times a week in a not very soiled 1-2-room apartment or studio. When operating in a large room, you will need to empty the dust box more often.

And which vacuum cleaner did you choose to clean your own country house / apartment? What features and specifications have become decisive and decisive? Please write comments in the block below, post a photo on the topic of the article, ask questions about interesting points.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Anatoly

    I chose a vacuum cleaner without bags for garbage collection, this was one of the main conditions, tired of buying them. This Karcher may not have such a large container for collection, but usually it is enough for cleaning. In extreme cases, you can interrupt, clean it and continue to vacuum. Anyway, the vacuum cleaner is not bad - comfortable, not very noisy. Of the minuses: I do not like the way he cleans carpets. He copes well with the floor, but with the carpet ... not to say that it’s really bad, but at 4. Plus, I sometimes get stuck with a button to retract the wire. I had heard complaints about the design of this vacuum cleaner, but for me it does not matter at all, the main thing is how it works.

  2. In this vacuum cleaner, I am most pleased with the nozzles, they are really convenient for different surfaces. The turbo brush for furniture is especially good, with which I clean sofas and carpets. It perfectly collects fine dust with villi and immediately draws in without raising it into the air. I used to constantly sneeze during the cleaning and even put on a gauze bandage, but now I can safely do without it.

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