When people mention LG, the first thing that comes to mind is their home appliances such as LED TVs, washing machines, air conditioning, etc.
But they also manufacture cordless vacuums, and we’ll be focusing on the LG CordZero A9 in this review.
It has a similar framework as a Dyson cord-free vacuum but with some helpful features not seen in a Dyson.
One of which is this storage stand, where it can store tools and charge two batteries simultaneously.
It’s something high on my priority list since I’m opposed to drilling holes.
I’ve spent many hours testing this stick vacuum to find out how good it is at cleaning, ergonomics, and more.
Underrated Premium Cordless Stick Vacuum Option
- Ergonomics - 95%95%
- Surface Cleaning - 99.88%100%
- Deep Cleaning - 94.75%95%
- Quality - 95%95%
- Design - 95%95%
- Value - 95%95%
Summary
The CordZero A9 is LG’s first foray into the cordless vacuum industry, and it’s a pretty good product. One feature I like is the self-standing dock with storage pods for its handheld tools, plus it can charge two batteries simultaneously. Cleaning performance is excellent despite the below-average airflow (compared to a Dyson), thanks to the design dynamics of the floor tools. But there are also some cons you should be aware of, like its filtration that isn’t fully sealed.
Pros
- Excellent cleaning performance on both surface and embedded dirt
- A self-standing dock can store up to four attachments and charge two batteries simultaneously.
- Good ergonomics in its stick vacuum configuration
- Did well during the hair wrap tests on hard floors, carpets, and upholstery
- Handle controls are highly ergonomic
- Two detachable batteries
Cons
- Leaked during the fog test
- A bit too top-heavy in handheld mode
- Loud (close to 80 decibels)
Related: LG A9 CordZero vs. Dyson V12 Detect
Introduction to the LG CordZero A9
LG is famous for its consumer appliances like refrigerators and air conditioning.
I’ve used some of their products, and it’s a good quality brand.
Finally, they’ve forayed into this space with the CordZero lineup. I’ll focus on the CordZero A9 stick vacuum, one of LG’s higher-end options for vacuuming hard floors and carpets.
There are two A9 sub-variants, the Ultimate and Kompressor.
The Ultimate variant has a smaller capacity battery with a claimed run time of 80-minutes (combined), while the Kompressor uses a larger battery, pushing it to 120 minutes.
Another differentiator is that the Kompressor has this lever that compresses dirt, dust, and pet hair, nearly doubling the Ultimate’s capacity.
The attachment set will also vary depending on the model.
Choosing one will depend on your floor type, so explore these options carefully before purchasing.
Returning to my review, we’ll review the features and see how it stacks up with the best cordless vacuums.
Two batteries
Out of the box, users will get two detachable 2300 mAh lithium-ion batteries.
I like that these batteries are removable, making them easier to switch without unfastening anything.
The 2300-milliamp capacity is on the lower end and is a primary reason why it doesn’t run as long as a Dyson V15 (3600 mAh).
But the good news is you can charge these batteries simultaneously as it has an extra storage dock for the second pack.
It’s to the Tineco A11 and Pure One S12 dock, but LG’s version is self-standing.
Self-Standing Dock
My favorite feature of this vacuum is the dock.
It’s the first I’ve tested with a self-standing ability.
I know that Dyson has their Floor Dok, but it’s an expensive add-on, and it doesn’t have the pod for the extra battery.
LG’s version has that feature plus slots for three extra tools.
The A9 variant (I have) has four tools, so one of them is left hanging, which is my only gripe.
For folks like me who are opposed to drilling holes and don’t want to spend extra $$$ on a stand, give the LG CordZero A9 a long look.
Five stage filtration
LG says the A9 has a 5-Step Filtration System to keep 99.99% of dust particles from seeping through the exhaust.
But the fog tests reveal that the CordZero A9 doesn’t have a fully sealed system.
It leaked at the bottom, sides, and eventually around the filter area.
For its premium-level cost, this is somewhat disappointing for me as I was expecting more.
Aside from the cyclones and metal dust filter, the A9 has a washable primary filter and a post-motor filter.
Here’s a close look at the primary filter.
And post-motor HEPA filter.
Adjustable wand
This feature is something I don’t often see in stick vacuums. And the CordZero implemented it out of necessity (I think) to fit in the self-standing dock.
It does have its practical uses, like cleaning low ceiling vents or stairs.
Smart inverter motor
LG utilizes its smart inverter motor that offers these benefits:
- Powerful cleaning
- Longer durability
- No carbon dust
- Smart energy saving
- Compact and lightweight
We’ll talk about power later on in this review, so scroll down further to see.
In a nutshell, inverter motors are what manufacturers like LG are introducing, promising more efficient performance and longer service life.
Watch this video for more information.
LG backs their talk with a 10-year warranty on the motor.
Handle controls
Unlike Dyson stick vacuums that utilize a trigger, the CordZero A9 has handle buttons easily accessible.
This feature, combined with the handle placement, makes the A9 ergonomically pleasing to use its stick vacuum configuration.
Not having a trigger also allows you to relax the arm and wrist while using this, so there’s less arm fatigue.
Dustbin design and capacity
I have the A9 Ultimate without the dirt compacting feature, which reduces the volume to 13.5 ounces (or 0.399 liters), which isn’t spacious by any means.
It has a release lever that opens a trap door underneath, but it doesn’t have any mechanism to push dirt downwards.
But it shouldn’t be an issue with daily messes like dust and hair as it falls as the trap door opens.
Two brush rolls
Consumers will get these nozzles out of the box: a soft roller and a standard brush roll.
The soft roller (left) is an excellent tool for vacuuming hard surfaces, while the standard brush roll works great on carpet.
Both have the exact steering mechanism, which I like since it turns sharply and has a good steering feel.
Tools and attachments out of the box
Consumers will get a lot from the CordZero A9.
- LG CordZero A9
- Soft roller
- Standard brush roll
- Crevice tool
- Combination tool
- Power punch nozzle
- Two batteries
- Stand dock
How much power does the LG CordZero A9 have?
Vacuum brands don’t have a universal stat of disclosing power figures. Some like Dyson use air watts, while others only tell the motor’s wattage.
So I use several tools to check power: an anemometer, water lift gauge, and Y-gauge.
An anemometer checks the air turbulence passing through a selected area. In vacuum cleaners, two critical areas are the primary cleaning nozzle and extension tube.
Here are the results at the cleaning nozzle
- Default: 24.53 CFM
- Max: 36.32 CFM
And the extension tube
- Default: 31 CFM
- Max: 52 CFM
The A9’s airflow results are a bit underwhelming, especially at the nozzle where it failed to crack 40 CFM.
It’s at par with the Shark Vertex cordless and Moosoo K17. But it’s a notch below the likes of Dyson, Tineco, Lupe, and Dreame.
Fortunately, the lower than expected airflow results didn’t hinder its cleaning performance (next section).
I’ve been adding to the tests I’ve been doing recently for stick vacuums, including suction tests.
A water lift gauge measures suction from a sealed opening.
The Y-gauge is a tool that flatlines any error variable by providing a rock-solid platform for suction experiments.
It’s a tool primarily used for central vacuums and applicable to stick vacuums like the LG CordZero.
- Suction (direct to water lift gauge): 50″
- Y-Gauge (unsealed): 22″
- Y-Gauge (sealed): 70″
Please that these numbers are from the max setting.
The unsealed suction represents the working suction for a vacuum and the most accurate gauge of how much suction it has.
In contrast, the sealed suction denote the potential suction.
For the LG CordZero, it was hard to get an accurate reading for suction and sealed experiments since it triggers the blockage error.
To put these results in perspective, the LG CordZero is above average with the unsealed tests – better than the V11 Torque Drive (20″), V10 Absolute (18″), and V8 Absolute (15″).
Cleaning performance
Next, we’ll look at how well the LG CordZero A9 cleans, and it was impressive.
- Overall: 98.6%
- Hard floor: 99.7%
- Sand on hard floor: 100%
- Carpet (surface): 99.95%
- Deep cleaning: 94.75%
Considering the lower-than-expected airflow numbers, these results were impressive, especially with surface debris.
The A9 excelled in every surface debris pick-up test, picking up 100% in eight of the twelve experiments.
It wasn’t a surprise on hard floors since it has a soft roller attachment. But the carpet results were even more impressive since this vacuum has middle-of-the-pack airflow.
The excellent cleaning dynamics of the standard floor nozzle is a primary reason why.
Hard floor results
- Quaker oats: 100%
- Coffee grounds: 99%
- Quinoa: 99.8%
- Pet litter: 100%
This is one of the best stick vacuums I’ve tested on hard floors, not only because it picked up a high percentage but it has good steering feedback.
What I mean is, as you twist your wrist, the nozzle turns sharply, almost like a Dyson.
It isn’t as smooth, but it’s close.
Sand on hard floor test
The litmus test for any cordless stick vacuum is sand.
Most poorly designed variants won’t do well at picking up sand, so it’s a good barometer in determining if it’s good or not.
And the A9 Ultimate did well, picking up a perfect 100% in two tests.
My eye test confirmed these results as I didn’t see any residue after a few forward and backward passes.
Hair wrap
I only do five and seven-inch hair wrap tests for most stick vacuums since it’ll struggle with the latter.
But with the A9, I had to go further and try it on longer nine and eleven-inch strands.
- 5-inch: 98%
- 7-inch: 81%
- 9-inch: 86%
- 11-inch: 86%
The results were uneven but still excellent at over 80% with nine and eleven-inch experiments.
One factor for the unevenness is the amount of hair wrapping on the axle.
Another potential issue is large quantities of hair (over 1 gram) will stick on the filter, so you’ll have to remove it by hand.
Edge cleaning
LG’s soft roller did an excellent job cleaning the edges efficiently, needing only a few passes to clean this mess.
There’s not much to say here, since the before and after photos tell everything.
Carpet cleaning results
One surprise for me doing these tests is the high percentages on carpets, especially surface debris.
I experimented on low and mid pile carpet, and the percentages were higher on this surface than on hard floors (99.95% vs. 99.7%).
Low pile results
- Quaker oats: 99.8%
- Coffee grounds: 99.8%
- Pet litter: 100%
- Quinoa: 100%
Despite the low airflow, it picked up a very high percentage, even on coffee grounds, which is a struggle with many low airflow stick vacuums.
Mid pile results
- Quaker oats: 100%
- Coffee grounds: 100%
- Pet litter: 100%
- Quinoa: 100%
The A9 Ultimate picked up a higher percentage on mid-pile than on low-pile carpet.
Again, it’s a testament to the excellent design and agitation of the primary brush roll.
It wasn’t as reliant on airflow as the other brands I’ve tested, and this is confirmed in the deep cleaning test, which I’ll share below.
Deep cleaning
For this experiment, I rubbed 100 grams of fine sand on mid-pile carpet.
This stick vacuum had an above-average pick-up of 94.75%, which is at the level of a Dyson V7 MotorHead and DreameTect T30.
But it’s a notch below other premium stick vacuums like Lupe Pure and high-end Dyson stick vacuums.
Regardless, it’s still an excellent result considering the below-average airflow.
Hair wrap on carpet
I had to do a hair wrap test for the CordZero A9 on carpet because it did so well on hard floors.
And here are the results.
- 5-inch: 99%
- 7-inch: 100%
- 9-inch: 100%
- 11-inch: 99%
For something without any active anti-tangle system, these results are impressive.
This means the brush is thick enough to resist tangles and the bristles stiff enough to dislodge hair sticking on carpet fibers.
It’s an excellent option for folks looking to clean pet hair on carpet.
Again, the issue of hair sticking inside the dustbin lingers here.
How noisy is the LG CordZero A9?
I used a sound meter to check noise levels, and here are the results.
- Low: 72.0 dB
- Max: 79.4 dB
The 79.4-decibel reading is lower than LG’s claimed reading of 84 decibels.
It’s one of the noisier options compared to other cord-free stick vacuums.
How long will the LG CordZero A9 run?
The LG CordZero A9 has a claimed run time of 80 minutes from the two batteries.
I tested it by running it from a full charge to empty, and it exceeded that figure.
It ran for up to 43 minutes per battery or 86 minutes from both.
Run time in the max setting was better than expected at 15 minutes per battery, bringing the total to 30 minutes!
Please note that the A9 Kompressor has a larger battery and a longer claimed run time from both batteries at 120 minutes.
Availability of Parts
Despite LG’s popularity, don’t expect a Dyson level aftermarket parts availability with the CordZero A9.
Consumables like the filter and battery are available, but that’s about it.
You can purchase these components from LG’s website and maybe on Amazo, but that’s about it.
This vacuum isn’t popular enough for third-party brands to sell its components.
Product Specifications
| Model | LG CordZero A9 |
|---|---|
| Brush roll on/off | No |
| Battery | 2300 mAh Li-ion battery |
| Charging time | 3 to 4 hrs. |
| Battery life | up to 43 mins |
| Weight | 8.06 lbs |
| Width | 10.2" |
| Overall length | 44.1" |
| Battery indicator | Yes |
| Filter type | Washable pre-motor and HEPA filter |
| Dust capacity | 0.399 li |
| Airflow | Up to 52 CFM |
| Cordless | Yes |
| Bagless | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 yrs. |
| Price | Check Price |
LG vs Dyson Comparison
I’ve published a series of articles comparing LG and Dyson cordless vacuums. Check the links below for more information.
- LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V8
- LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V10
- LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V15 Detect
- LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V12 Detect
Where can I buy the LG CordZero A9?
This cord-free stick vacuum is available in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest price details.
Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above, but at no extra cost to you, so it’s a win-win for us!
Does the LG CordZero A9 offer good value?
Even with its premium-level cost, the CordZero A9 offers a lot of value.
The most significant value-add is the self-standing dock, which, in my opinion, is one of the better ones available.
Not only does it store the vacuum, plus three tools, it also charges two batteries simultaneously.
I don’t see a dock like this included with most other brands, other than Samsung, so that alone should make this an excellent value-for-money alternative.
The following reason is its premium-level performance.
It’s one of the best cleaning stick vacuums I’ve tested on surface dirt.
Cleaning embedded dirt is a notch below a Dyson (V11 Torque Drive, Outsize, and V15 Detect), but it’s pretty darn good for its airflow.
Nonetheless, the biggest issue with this vacuum is the lack of a sealed system that leaked during the fog test.
The Verdict: Excellent Value, Cleaning Performance, But Not So Good Filtration
There’s a lot to like with the LG CordZero A9. It cleans incredibly well. You don’t need to drill holes, and highly ergonomic.
It’s not as popular as a Dyson, but consider the A9 if you want something slightly cheaper than a V11 Torque Drive or Outsize without sacrificing too much with cleaning performance and run time.
That is, if you don’t mind the filtration issues I’ve uncovered with the fog test.
