Vacuum cleaner first look video reviews AEG-Electrolux Ultrasilencer AUS 3965P

AEG-Electrolux claims that its new Ultrasilencer vacuum is 'the quietest vacuum cleaner ever'. When we took it for a quick spin we found that it is, indeed, very quiet, though it is also heavy.

Find out how more and see it in action in our video review.

We've now got full test results back from our lab for the Ultrasilencer AUS 3956P - you can find out how well it scored in our full Ultrasilencer review.

Ultrasilencer claims

Electrolux used to offer a similar vacuum, the Electrolux Silencer Green, which we tested in July 2009. It was the quietest we've ever tested, measuring just 71.1 decibels (the equivalent loudness to a telephone ringing nearby). However, this vac has now been discontinued, so can the AEG-Electrolux Ultrasilencer rightfully take its place?

AEG-Electrolux says the Ultrasilencer, at 68 decibels, is even quieter than its previous Silencer model. We'll be testing exactly how noisy it is when we send it to the Which? lab, although when our tester gave it an initial try, she thought it seemed very quiet.

AEG-Electrolux's Ultrasilencer is the 'world's quietest vacuum'

Silent vacuum cleaner?

This vacuum is incredibly quiet on the minimum setting, and even when on the maximum setting (which is the level we will test at in the Which? lab) our tester said she could be heard when talking at a normal level. She felt the vacuum was quiet enough that she could listen to the TV or music at the same time, without having to turn the volume up too loud.

The Ultrasilencer has a dual-function floor nozzle and a large button makes it easy to switch between carpet and hard-floor cleaning modes.

It also comes with a three-in-one nozzle which transforms from a dust brush to an upholstery brush and then to a crevice tool, useful for getting at hard-to-reach crumbs down the back of the sofa.

Ultrasilencer vacuuming

Our tester was surprised at how powerful the vacuum's suction felt given how quiet it was, and she also liked how easy the bags were to remove. It has a good parking feature, which helps it store away tidily, and an extendable telescopic tube hose, making it suitable for people of different heights and easy to store.

The Ultrasilencer comes with a HEPA filter, designed to trap the tiniest particles of dirt and allergens. This is easy to get at and remove, but we can't give our verdict on its effectiveness until we've tested it in our lab.

Despite feeling quite heavy to lift, the Ultrasilencer was easy to manoeuvre while vacuuming. The vac's handle felt very sturdy, though it wasn't that comfortable due to a pointed ridge along its underside.

Buying an Ultrasilencer

There's two versions of the Ultrasilencer on sale in the UK - the pastel blue model, which costs £199.99, and the deep blue model, which comes with an ergonomic looped handle and additional nozzle for hard floors, costing £209.99.

Pros: Very quiet, bags are really easy to remove, packs away tidily.

Cons: Heavy, carrying handle isn't that comfortable.

Which? has tested more than 100 vacuum cleaners, including the latest models from AEG-Electrolux, Dyson and Hoover. Find out which are rated as Best Buys in our full vacuum cleaners review.