Gtech AirRam 3 cordless upright vacuum cleaner review

Gtech AirRam 3: two-minute review

Based on the concept of the old fashioned push-and-pull carpet sweeper – you know, like the one your grandma used to have – the Gtech AirRam 3 adopts the same upright design principles of its predecessors but adds a lot more suction power and a revolutionary pair of spinning side brushes that collect every last speck of dust along skirting boards and in the tightest of corners. To my knowledge, there's nothing else like this on the market. While it won't be for everyone, to me it's pretty much the best cordless vacuum around.

I've always been a fan of Gtech's AirRam concept, and for several reasons. First and foremost, all the weight is at ground level and this low center of gravity makes it easy to use for much longer periods than your average stick vac, which has all the weight in the handle area. Secondly, it stands up on its own on a charging plinth, so it's a breeze to just grab and use when the need arises. And thirdly, it has one of the best bin-emptying systems in the business.

It's a pared-back option. There's only one suction mode, although that setting proved very effective, performing well on both hard floors and carpet, and acing all the cleaning tasks I put to it. There's no option to add detail cleaning tools, and you can't turn it into a handheld, either. That doesn't bother me, but might be a downside for someone looking for a vacuum with more versatility. The Gtech AirRam 3 is designed to do one thing – clean your floor – and do it well. 

If you're fed up with grappling with an ungainly stick vac, are perhaps not quite as strong and spritely as you used to be, or have had enough of picking clumps of hair out of a stick vac bin, this svelte and very aesthetically pleasing upright vacuum may revolutionize your carpet and hard floor sweeping days and put a big smile on your face. Read on for my full Gtech AirRam 3 review.

(Image credit: Future)

Gtech AirRam 3 review: price & availability

• List price: $449.99 / £399.99 
• Launched: July 2024 
• Available: US and UK

If you're shopping in the UK, you can buy the AirRam 3 direct from Gtech, priced at £399.99. It's also now becoming available at third-party retailers like Amazon, Argos and Lakeland. Gtech products aren't widely available in the US but this model is on sale at Amazon, priced $449.99.

At that price, the AirRam 3 sits at the top of TechRadar's mid-range price bracket, moving towards premium. There are plenty of cheap vacuums around for less, and it's pricier than your average Shark or lower-specced Tineco. However, the Gtech AirRAM 3’s build quality and use of high-end materials justify its price to some degree. And although it doesn’t come with any tool attachments, the practicality and convenience of having an upright vac that can be grabbed and used at a moment's notice should not be underestimated.

Shopping events like the Black Friday sales can often be a good time to shop for deals on vacuum cleaners, as well as other home appliances. 

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Gtech AirRam 3 specs

Gtech AirRam 3 review: design

• Height-adjustable handle
• Practical upright design with weight low to the ground
• Spinning edge brushes

It's always a pleasure when you come across a product that trounces much of the opposition by dint of some simple but clever tech and a smorgasbord of sensational design flourishes. That's the Gtech AirRam 3 in a nutshell.

I'm personally a fan of Gtech products in general and have been impressed by all the UK company's previous AirRams, as well as its nifty ProLite handheld vac. Clearly modeled to some degree on the old fashioned mechanical push-and-pull floor sweeper that, believe it or not, some manufacturers still produce, the new Gtech AirRam 3 is a one-of-a-kind cordless vacuum cleaner that stands alone amidst a sea of stick vacs. And yet, when it comes to the nitty gritty of sweeping a floor – whether it's hard or carpeted – it's more than a match for the majority of the competition. 

Most of this vacuum's weight is concentrated close to the ground (Image credit: Future)

One of the very best things about this vac is that its motor housing, battery and bagless dustbin are all located at floor level. Since pretty much all stick vacs, bar the Miele Triflex HX2 Pro, have all their operational bits stacked around the handle, adding a whopping amount of weight and awkward discomfort, it's a wonderful thing to be able to perform the unenviable task of vacuuming without one's arm falling off after 10 minutes on the pile. Moreover, because this model's tangle-free brush bar is set close to the floor, its rotating action actually helps pull the unit in a forward direction.

The AirRam 3's push handle is stupendously comfy and, in a nod to the automotive industry, stitched in faux leather, just like a steering wheel. A similar faux leather-covered carrying handle can be found several inches below. The main shaft, too, is well thought out and perfect for all heights of user, because it can be extended from an eminently storable 85cm right up to 113cm. 

The first part of the extension takes the handle to 104cm, but then it can be extended by just under a centimeter at a time until  it reaches its fullest height. If you were looking to get your kids doing some household chores, this is the model for you. 

The handle extends from 85cm up to 113cm (Image credit: Future)

Admittedly, one of the not so great things about previous AirRam incarnations was their relative inability to steer around tight corners. While the new model can't beat the Dyson V15 Detect for dragonfly-like maneuverability, it's loads better than before and no worse than the majority of stick vacs I've reviewed. 

Moreover, the shaft can be lowered to the floor to reach under any furniture that's more than 10cm above the ground. (Those looking for ultimate comfort in getting under furniture though, should consider a Shark – many of the best Shark vacuums have a wand that can bend forwards to 90-degrees, so you can reach the back of the sofa with the floorhead while standing basically upright.)

The Gtech AirRam 3 doesn't have any suction power controls or fancy dirt-detecting sensors (as per like the likes of the Dyson V15 Detect or Samsung Bespoke Jet AI). Instead, you get one full-blown level of suction, which is just the right level of power so as not to cause the floorhead to feel too resistant when used on deeper carpet. I like this simplicity, but others may prefer to have a little more control. It can be useful, sometimes, to have the option to go for a lower-powered mode that won't sap battery for light cleaning, or a boost mode to dislodge ground-in dirt.

Rotating brushes help tackle the edges of rooms (Image credit: Future)

Before looking at the business end of this model, I should add that you don't get any detail tools whatsoever with this vac and no means to fit any. Again, that's something I consider a bonus because I personally hardly ever use hand tools and, besides, I've never been a fan of products that come with a whole bunch of bolt-on accessories that I know I'll lose or never use. 

If you want to do any detail cleaning, like shelves and down the side of the sofa, most of today's best vacuum cleaners come with some kind tools included, or at least compatible to buy, so you have plenty of other options. Alternatively, you could tackle those tasks with a handheld vacuum, like the Shark Classic Handheld Pet Vacuum (called the UltraCyclone Pet Pro Cordless in the US). 

The foot-operated on-off switch (above left wheel) and black battery in the centre (Image credit: Future)

Let’s look at the base of the unit, which contains the brush head, motor, bagless dustbin, battery housing and foot-operated on/off switch. Gtech doesn't advertise any power stats on its website but take it from me that the AirRAM 3's motor is plenty powerful enough for all household cleaning scenarios. And since there are no fancy cyclonic systems between the suction intake and the 0.8-litre bagless dustbin, all dust and debris is sucked directly into the bin, bypassing any elongated routes and extra filters.

The dust bin sits in the top of the floorhead (Image credit: Future)

I admit that 0.8 liters doesn't sound like a lot of bin space but, on the plus side, the AirRam 3's suction force does an amazing job of compressing all dust, hair and debris into a tight bundle. Which leads me to one of the best things about the entire AirRam range – their simple but effective bin-emptying systems. 

Many stick vacs occasionally require some finger work to extricate trapped clumps of hair from the bin, but the AirRam 3's dust container is equipped with a sliding latch that automatically opens the end of the unit. To empty, simply grab the leatherette handle on the dust container and pull it off the unit, then slide the latch from one side to the other and everything is ejected in one go. The filter system, too, is a stroke of genius because it is kept clean with regular blasts of air. And anyone who has ever owned a normal bagless stick vac will know how often their filters need to be cleaned and rinsed.

A slider on the dustbin sweeps all the debris out in one swift motion (Image credit: Future)

Heading beneath the floor head you'll find a 23cm bristle brush bar with Anti Hair-wrap comb for tangle-free use. This brush does a sterling job of sweeping hard floors and digging down into even the deepest of pile without bogging down. For those darker recesses of the home, this model is equipped with a row of very bright LED headlights.

Headlights help illuminate dirt in dingy areas (Image credit: Future)

That's not all – Gtech's R&D department has almost certainly looked at robot vacs and particularly their spinning side brushes that normally do a great job of collecting dust along skirting boards and in corners. As a consequence, this vac comes with two spinning side brushes – one on either side of the front corners – and they work wonders at removing every last speck from the edges and corners of a room. Why no-one thought of adding spinning side brushes before is frankly dumbfounding but you can be sure other manufacturers will gradually follow suit. 

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Gtech AirRam 3 review: performance

• Excellent cleaning performance
• Lightweight to use
• Extremely practical

I've been extremely impressed by this vacuum cleaner's performance on both hard floors and carpet. But then that's been the case with pretty much every iteration in Gtech's AirRam range.

Before I get down to the results of the AirRam 3's sweeping performance, I must reiterate some of the main reasons why many users might prefer this type of model over a conventional stick vac. Because it stands up on its own, there's no need to hunt around for somewhere to rest it while you move pieces of furniture around. In a race from storage area to vacuuming a space, I guarantee that this model would win hands-down. 

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Before the flour / biscuit crumb test on carpet (Image credit: Future)

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After the flour / biscuit crumb test on carpet (Image credit: Future)

There's no wrestling with suction tubes and ungainly motor housings; instead, you just grab it using the handle or wheel it to its place of work. And the fact the weight is concentrated at floor level makes a huge difference to how easy it is to push about.

Granted, while the nature of the spinning floor head helps draw the AirRam 3 across hard floors under its own power (Gtech calls it 'Forward Inertia Drive'), it does add some resistance to reverse passes when used on medium to deep pile carpet. But not to the extent that it requires any more energy than your standard stick vac.

Using TechRadar's usual method of assessment, I performed a series of separate tests using flour, crushed digestive biscuits and raw porridge oats. I also added my own cornflake test because, well, some vacs simply don't like them.

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The flour / biscuit crumb test on hard floors (Image credit: Future)

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During the flour / crumbs test on hard floor (Image credit: Future)

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The oat test on hard floors (Image credit: Future)

Tests one and two involved flour/crumbs and oats on both hard floor and carpet and I'm pleased to say there was absolutely no snow ploughing of ingredients on either flooring – the AirRam 3 dutifully collected everything in a couple of passes, including flour caught between the floorboard's cracks. However, as expected, the spinning side brushes did scatter some pieces to the left and right and this added a little bit of extra work. 

Nevertheless, I don't consider this a strike against it because, in my skirting board test, the side brushes collected up every last crumb (albeit after a couple of sweeps), and they really proved themselves when cleaning the edge of my inherited beige hall carpet, which was looking grubby with dust and pet hair before the AirRam 3 came to the rescue.

The AirRam 3 sucked up this notoriously hard-to-vacuum cereal with ease (Image credit: Future)

I then brought the average stick vacs' arch nemesis into the hard floor arena – Crunchy Nut cornflakes (a kind of frosted breakfast cereal, for those not in the know) – and this proved quite amusing because, as I was fiddling with my camera, I accidentally nudged the vac forward a few inches and everything simply disappeared. This flummoxed me because there's a soft rubber flap at the very front of the suction area and I was pretty sure it would cause the vac to snowplough such large, obstreperous ingredients. Of all the vacuum cleaners I've tested, I can't ever remember having had such a successful cornflake test on hard flooring. So I'm giving Gtech a free tag line – ‘Gtech AirRam 3: the best Crunchy Nut sucker in the business!'.

The side brushes seem clearly inspired by robot vacuums (Image credit: Future)

Although this vac's sound levels average out at an acceptable 71.3dB at ear level, the higher frequency of its motor makes it sound very shrill. However, I did get used to the noise fairly quickly.

Final thoughts? Aside from some flinging of detritus by the spinning side brushes, I am struggling to find anything truly negative to say about this vac. It collects pet hair like a maestro, doesn't snag on the edges of rugs or bog down in deep pile carpet, and I love the bin-emptying method and filter system that requires no maintenance. I also don't mind the fact that this vac doesn't feature any hand tools because I'm lucky enough to own a Dyson Gen5 Detect and Halo Capsule X. However, I can see how the lack of hand tools may sway some prospective owners towards a standard stick vac.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Gtech AirRam 3 review: battery

• Maximum runtime of 30 minutes
• Charging takes 3 hours
• Batteries can be swapped

Unlike its predecessors, which required removing their batteries for recharging, this model comes with a slim, unobtrusive docking strip that charges the battery on the unit. It works splendidly well. 

Depending on the power setting, most cordless stick vacs have an operating time of between 15 and 60 minutes. This one carries on cleaning for a shade under 30 minutes which equates to a very decent amount of floorspace. Half an hour is actually about average for a vacuum's 'middle' setting, but competitor models have the benefit of a lower-suction mode that lasts longer. 

The battery, which can be removed, takes about three hours to fully charge. When available, expect to pay around £70 for an extra battery.

• Battery life score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Gtech AirRam 3?

Buy it if…

You want a vac that doesn't make your arm ache
The AirRam 3's low center of gravity makes it less fatiguing to use than most top-heavy stick vacuums, and the cleaning motion helps propel the floorhead forwards, too.

You want deep cleaning of carpets and rugs
This vac performs superbly well, even on deep pile carpet, even with its one-speed option. 

You want genuine to-the-edge cleaning
Spinning side brushes, borrowed from robovacs, ensure proper, thorough edge cleaning. This is the only cordless manual vacuum we've seen to employ this feature.

Don't buy it if…

You need to vacuum shelves and sofas
You get no detail tools with this model, nor is there any you could add if you wanted to, plus it can't convert into a handheld vacuum. So if you need something for getting into furniture or cleaning the car, look elsewhere. 

You want maximum maneuverability
While its steering is flexible, it's still no match for a Dyson's 360-degree pivoting floorheads. And while it can get pretty low to the ground, it can't compete with Shark's forward-bending vacuum wands for cleaning beneath furniture, either.

You only need something for light cleaning
Because there's only one suction mode, if you have hard floors and aren't dealing with ingrained dirt, the lack of a lower-power, battery-extending mode might be a disadvantage. 

How I tested the Gtech AirRam 3

As per usual, I first examined the design of the Gtech AirRam 3, highlighting any USPs and also any concerns. I then noted down the experience of using it – how heavy it felt, how easy it was to use and how practical it was for day-to-day cleaning. I then put it through its paces on different flooring – hardwood, medium pile rug and deep pile bedroom carpet – and made notes on its effectiveness at collecting crumbs, flakes, dust and hair. 

First reviewed: August 2024