LG CordZero A9 vs. Miele Triflex HX1

In this article, we’ll compare the Miele Triflex HX1 and the LG CordZero A9, two Dyson stick vacuum alternatives that offer the multi-functional versatility of a handheld and stick vacuum.

Which option is better? I’ve put these through a grueling series of tests to find out.

Quick Overview of the LG CordZero A9 and Miele Triflex HX1

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Introduction to the LG CordZero A9 and Miele Triflex HX1

Most of my comparison articles involve Dyson and another brand, but I’m doing something different here.

We’ll compare two of the best Dyson alternatives in the Miele Triflex HX1 and LG CordZero A9.

These brands are big, multi-billion dollar businesses specializing in consumer electronics.

Miele has been in the vacuum cleaner industry for decades, primarily manufacturing bagged vacuum cleaners.

LG is a household brand in consumer electronics, from TVs and mobile phones to washing machines.

These models are these brands’ respective firsts, and we’ll see which option is better.

Self-Standing, Three Vacuum Configurations: Miele Triflex HX1

Pros

• Self-standing convenience even without a dock
• The dustbin bin placement makes it easily accessible for emptying debris
• Wide cleaning path
• Decent airflow and surface debris pick-up on carpets
• Three different configuration options

Cons

• No soft roller attachment
• Poor ergonomics in its handheld setup
• Extremely noisy

The Triflex HX1 is Miele’s first cordless stick vacuum and bagless product with an interesting design.

Instead of following Dyson’s blueprint, it did something different, moving the dustbin closer to the middle.

Thus, prioritizing stick mode ergonomics more than anything else.

This design makes this product feel like an upright vacuum with most of its weight close to the base.

Unfortunately, the bulky frame in this configuration limits its reach underneath furniture.

Miele addresses this issue by allowing consumers to switch to a different configuration, moving the dustbin underneath the handle.

Moving it higher frees up space, but the bulky steering mechanism adds some inches above the nozzle, hampering access underneath furniture.

Cleaning performance is above average, at least for piles of dirt that fit in the low-profile opening of the nozzle.

It had excellent scores on hard floors (99.66% average), skewed by the Quaker Oats experiment (12%) since it snowplowed most of it.

Where this vacuum excels is vacuuming carpets, and the results tell the story (99.77% on surface and 93.9% on embedded sand).

The stiff bristles on the nozzle enable it to pick-up debris on this surface efficiently.

Nonetheless, its third configuration has a big flaw – poor ergonomics.

With the bulky motor and dustbin, plus the handle position, it’s uncomfortable to use cleaning vertical spaces.

Better Versatility: LG CordZero A9

Pros

• Better versatility with the two cleaning nozzles
• The lighter frame makes it more ergonomic, particularly in its handheld configuration
• Self-standing with the dock included
• The storage port can charge two batteries simultaneously
• The adjustable wand gives consumers the option to modify the height
• Two batteries double the run time (86 mins)

Cons

• Noisy
• Small dustbin capacity

LG’s first cordless stick vacuum didn’t disappoint. It’s not perfect, but it checks most of the boxes.

One feature I like is the storage dock that doubles as a charger and tool caddy.

Consumers can charge two batteries simultaneously to minimize downtime.

Another helpful feature is the two cleaning nozzles for vacuuming hard floors and carpets.

These attachments are similar to the Dyson V8 and (fortunately) as proficient at vacuuming dirt.

One significant advantage of the LG CordZero over the Miele Triflex is its handheld ergonomics since it uses a lighter frame.

With less weight, using vertical spaces is not as taxing.

Since it has a soft roller tool, it’s more proficient on hard surfaces.

Its vacuuming performance on hard floors is (actually) better than the Miele Triflex (99.95% vs. 99.77%), so it’s better in this aspect.

Similarities Between the LG CordZeo A9 and Miele Triflex HX1

Next, we’ll look at the similarities between these products.

1. Versatile Functionality

Miele may not look the part, but these cordless vacuums are versatile options with multiple configurations.

But how to switch from one mode to another is different.

For LG, it’s simpler: remove the extension nozzle and attach another tool to morph it into its handheld state.

There are more steps for the Miele Triflex. Consumers must detach the dustbin and extension tube to convert it from upright to handheld.

2. Detachable Battery

Another similarity is the detachable battery, enabling consumers to double the run time purchasing an extra.

One variance is that LG’s storage dock is designed to charge both, while Miele’s charge can only charge one at a time.

Fortunately, you can charge it detached from the vacuum.

Differences Between the LG CordZero A9 and Miele Triflex HX1

Here are the differences between the LG CordZero and Miele Triflex, starting with their framework.

1. Framework

The most notable difference between these products is the framework or design.

LG utilizes a more traditional framework patterned after Dyson, while Miele looks like an upright vacuum with the dustbin and motor close to the nozzle.

Please note that LG’s design permits consumers to move the dustbin towards the handle, but it’s not the optimal configuration for ergonomics.

2. Nozzles

The next difference is the nozzle design. LG has two nozzles – the soft roller and standard brush roll, similar to the Dyson V8, while the Miele Triflex only has the standard brush roll.

LG’s brush is chunkier than Miele’s thin roller, which is a factor during the hair wrap experiments (more later).

3. Tools

Both products will have varied attachments out of the box.

The LG CordZero comes with three – the combination upholstery and brush tool, mini-turbo brush, and crevice tool.

One advantage of the LG CordZero is its lighter frame, making it more usable in handheld mode.

Miele also comes with three attachments (see photo below).

1. Upholstery tool
2. Crevice tool
3. Round brush tool (pivoting head)

Ergonomic Comparison

The LG CordZero’s lighter frame, handle position, and push-button interface give it a considerable advantage over the Miele Triflex.

Given the size disparity, it’s a bigger plus in its handheld configuration.

Miele’s upright configuration is best for extended use because of its lower center of gravity.

Consumers can move the dustbin underneath the handle for better reach under furniture.

But the bulky steering component hinders it from going under low clearance furniture.

Interface Comparison

There’s a slight difference between the LG CordZero A9 and the Miele Triflex HX1 interface.

LG uses a push-button interface for the power and power settings.

Miele uses a slide switch for toggling between three power settings.

No advantage to a specific design since these remove the need to squeeze a trigger, which was an issue with Dyson products.

Run Time Comparison

Next, we’ll look at the run time of these stick vacuums. Check the table below for the test results.

The LG CordZero wins this category, lasting 10 minutes longer at the nozzle in the lowest setting, but the Miele Triflex HX1 was better in the higher setting.

What’s lacking with it is the middle setting, which is a compromise between range and power.

LG’s two batteries double its run time to over 80 minutes, giving it the advantage in this aspect.

Airflow Flow Comparison

Again, the Miele Triflex HX1 is the winner in this category in all the settings.

The difference is more significant at the nozzle, with up to 37% more in the lowest setting and 22% at the highest, which was necessary because of its brush roll design.

Miele’s brush roll isn’t as efficient at picking up debris as the LG CordZero, so its airflow advantage is negated.

Cleaning Comparison

Despite the airflow advantage, the LG CordZero did better in every cleaning experiment, getting higher averages on both surfaces.

Again, it has better cleaning dynamics as its brushes are more proficient with debris agitation on hard floors and carpets.

This design advantage is most notable in the carpet experiments where high airflow vacuums should have the advantage, but that wasn’t the case between these cordless vacuums.

Which Option is Better on Hard Floors?

The winner in this category is the LG CordZero because it has a soft roller attachment, which is more efficient on this surface.

While both options got 100% in the sand on hard floor experiments, the CordZero A9 was better with the other experiments, especially Quaker oats.

Here’s a before and after shot for the LG CordZero on sand.

And here are the before and after shots for the Miele Triflex HX1.

Miele’s low-profile nozzle struggles with large dirt piles like Quaker Oats, and the eye test concurs with the numbers.

I posted a photo earlier, but here’s another one (check the picture above) where it pushed a good chunk forward.

Hair Wrap [on Hard Floors]

Another advantage of the LG CordZero nozzle is its superior performance at vacuuming hair.

• 5-inch strands: 98%
• 7-inch strands: 81%
• 9-inch strands: 86%
• 11-inch strands: 86%

It got higher percentages, with an average of over 80%, even with longer nine and eleven-inch hair.

The 86% figure on eleven-inch hair is impressive, given that this stick vacuum isn’t considered a high airflow option.

The Miele Triflex isn’t as good and struggled even with nine-inch hair, picking up only 53% with strands wrapping tightly on the brush.

• 5-inch strands: 98%
• 7-inch strands: 84%
• 9-inch strands: 53%

One factor is the thin brush roll and not having an active anti-tangle system. So even with more airflow, it picked up less hair.

Edge Cleaning

Both options did well at cleaning the edges, picking up everything after several passes.

Here’s a before and after shot for the Miele Triflex HX1.

And the LG CordZero A9.

Even with this many coffee grounds, both got everything.

Which Option is Better on Carpets?

The LG CordZero got better averages on this surface, on surface debris (99.95% vs. 99.77%) and embedded sand (94.75% vs. 93.9%).

Even if the difference is minimal, given its lower airflow, it’s something to consider.

If you don’t mind the small dustbin capacity, I’d recommend this over the Miele for cleaning carpets.

Hair Wrap [on Carpets]

Again, the LG CordZero A9 wins this category, picking up longer hair strands on this surface.

• 5-inch strands: 99%
• 7-inch: 100%
• 9-inch: 100%
• 11-inch: 99%

It had better results on this surface than on hard floors, with barely anything wrapping, even after the 11-inch experiment.

The Miele Triflex HX1 struggled on this surface with its thin brush roll design.

• 5-inch strands: 100%
• 7-inch strands: 98%
• 9-inch strands: 37%

It was decent with five and seven-inch hair but didn’t get much nine-inch hair (only 37%), with most of it wrapping around the thin roller.

Another issue with this design is the need for scissors to dislodge since it wraps tightly.

Noise Comparison

One disadvantage of having more airflow is the higher noise levels, which is the case for the Miele Triflex HX1.

Even in the lowest setting, it exceeded 70 decibels and is much louder in the higher settings at over 80 decibels.

The LG CordZero is quieter – five decibels less in the lowest setting and didn’t breach the 80-decibel mark in the max setting.

Related LG Comparisons

• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V8 Absolute
• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V10 Absolute
  
• Dyson V12 Detect vs. LG CordZero A9

Maintenance

 As with all cordless stick vacuums, the Miele Triflex HX1 and LG CordZero A9 need maintenance.

I’ll enumerate the list of components that consumers need to check and clean, plus their respective intervals.

1. Brush roll: Clean it once a week by detaching and removing any hair and dust accumulation on the axles and roller.
2. Dustbin: Empty it after every cleaning cycle to prevent dust mites from breeding inside.
3. Filter: Clean it monthly to prevent dust from clogging the pores by placing it under running wonder. Avoid using any detergents, as these will degrade the filter element.
4. Battery: Don’t use the max setting for extended stretches, as doing so will overheat the battery and shorten its lifespan.

Product Specifications

Where Can I Purchase the LG CordZero A9 and Miele Triflex HX1?

These cordless vacuums are available in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• LG A9 CordZero on Amazon
• Miele Triflex HX1 on Amazon

Disclaimer: I’ll earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above, but at no extra cost, so it’s a win for us!

Which Option is Better?

Given its tiny price variance, I’d give the edge to the LG CordZero A9 because of its versatility and cleaning performance.

Its lightweight frame gives it better handheld ergonomics than the heavier Miele Triflex frame.

The clincher for me was the cleaning performance since it was more efficient.

4 Reasons to Choose the LG CordZero A9

1. More versatile: The CordZero A9 has surface-specific tools for vacuuming hard floors and carpets.
2. Better cleaning: Despite the lower airflow, it got higher percentages in the cleaning tests.
3. Light frame: Its lightweight frame makes it better for handheld use.
4. Storage dock: This vacuum comes with a dock that has storage provisions for the attachments and can charge two batteries simultaneously.

3 Reasons to Choose the Miele Triflex HX1

1. Larger dustbin: Miele’s has around 20% more dustbin capacity than the LG CordZero A9 (0.5 vs. 0.399 liters).
2. Self-standing: Consumers can store it vertically without a dock, saving space.
3. Upright feel: This vacuum feels more like an upright than a stick vacuum in its default configuration.

The Verdict: LG is the Better Option

After many hours testing these products, the LG CordZero came out on top.

Two reasons. The first reason is its lightweight frame making it more ergonomic to use above floors.

You can see the size difference in the photos I shared above.

The next reason is its better cleaning performance, despite not having as much airflow.

LG’s nozzles are better designed for picking up debris. It has a soft roller attachment for vacuuming hard floors, and its standard nozzle uses a chunkier brush roll that resists hair tangles better.

The result is a lighter, better-performing vacuum at nearly the same price as the Miele.