The Rowenta Extenso AC232001 stands out as a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner designed for simplicity and immediate efficiency. Designed to quickly tackle crumbs, dust, and minor everyday accidents, it stands out as the perfect handheld vacuum for tablecloths , combining an ultra-lightweight 800g size with an integrated telescopic nozzle for reaching difficult areas. Priced around €60, it is clearly aimed at the entry-level segment, focusing on practicality and reliability rather than sophistication. Another significant advantage is that Rowenta guarantees the availability of spare parts for 15 years, a rare argument in this category.
We tested it, from the kitchen to the living room to the dining table, to assess its maneuverability, its effectiveness on different types of crumbs and its true autonomy. Here's what it's really worth.
Table of Contents
Physical characteristics and ergonomics
The Rowenta Extenso AC232001 stands out for its design focused on functionality and maneuverability . Weighing just 800 grams, it offers a significant ergonomic advantage, reducing fatigue during quick cleaning sessions and making it easier for people with reduced mobility to use. Its compact dimensions of 175 mm wide and 110 mm high allow it to be easily handled and stored, even in tight spaces, making it a practical ally for apartments or vehicles.
In terms of design, the device adopts a white and purple color, which will not suit all tastes , but remains generally pleasant thanks to its simplicity and visual efficiency . The ergonomic handle offers optimal comfort in the grip. The dust container, with a capacity of 0.35 to 0.375 liters, is easy to empty, ensuring quick and trouble-free use. The integrated telescopic nozzle is a major asset, always accessible to reach difficult areas, while limiting the risk of losing the accessory.
Some parts may seem like "cheap" plastic, but given the price of the device, you can't ask for more noble materials , and that's not Rowenta's intention anyway. The manufacturer prioritizes lightness , maneuverability and affordability , making efficiency and practicality the central axes of its design, rather than premium aesthetics.
- Effective suction for small debris
- Easy to handle and light (800 g)
- Integrated telescopic tip, very practical
- Good battery life for short tasks
- Reasonable operating noise
- Ease of use and maintenance of the tank
- Filter cleaning is laborious, requires manual scrubbing
- 10 minutes of autonomy, considered sufficient but not extendable
- 15 hour charging time
- No wall mount
Autonomy of Rowenta Extenso 3.6V
In our tests, the Rowenta Extenso AC232001 proved true to its vocation for quick and targeted cleaning . Powered by a 3.6 V NiMH battery , it offers around 10 minutes of autonomy , enough time to work on the table, the sofa or the kitchen after a meal. We found that, for these specific tasks, the vacuum cleaner remains practical and handy, even when used for extended periods on several areas in a row.
The full charge time of 15 hours reflects the choice of a more conventional NiMH battery than modern Lithium-Ion models. In practice, this is not a problem: the device can remain plugged in between uses and is always ready to use for a quick clean. This compromise between entry-level cost and limited battery life seems sensible for a vacuum cleaner designed above all for convenience, lightness and punctual efficiency.
Suction efficiency and telescopic nozzle
In our tests, the Rowenta Extenso AC232001 surprised us with its suction efficiency , despite a modest nominal power of 3.6 V. On everyday debris like hair, crumbs and dust , the device proved efficient and responsive, offering a fast and satisfactory cleaning. To be honest, it was a "pleasant surprise" : real-life performance often exceeds expectations, even with a relatively low voltage.
A particularly interesting highlight for those who use a tablecloth on their table : the suction is not too powerful , which avoids lifting or damaging the fabric, while remaining perfectly suited to removing bread crumbs and other small debris . For this reason, we recommend this handheld vacuum cleaner to anyone who wants to protect their tablecloth while keeping a spotlessly clean table.
But it's not just the motor's power that makes the difference. The integrated telescopic nozzle proves to be a major functional asset. In our test, it made it possible to reach tight corners, under tables and between cushions , where a larger vacuum cleaner cannot reach. This feature more than compensates for the modest motor, transforming a potential weakness into a concrete practical advantage , significantly improving the user experience and giving a real sense of satisfaction in everyday life.
Noise level of the Rowenta Extenso
During testing, the Rowenta Extenso AC232001 produced a noise level of around 70 dB , which is average for handheld vacuum cleaners. When operating on a table or tablecloth, the noise remains constant and controlled , without any shrill peaks or unpleasant variations. Comparatively, some competing models like the Black+Decker NVC115BJL-QW register 65 dB, while the HLVC320B11-QW can reach 75 dB, making it more noticeable.
In practice, the sound generated by the Rowenta Extenso does not completely mask conversations in an adjacent room and remains compatible with a quiet home environment. The device's acoustic engineering demonstrates a thoughtful balance between suction power and sound comfort , allowing for effective cleaning without producing excessive noise. Even during prolonged use to vacuum crumbs and dust, the sound remains constant, contributing to a smooth and controlled cleaning experience.
Filtration system and maintenance
The Rowenta Extenso AC232001 uses a bagless filtration system , with a washable permanent filter 350ml dust container , designed to be easily emptied after each use. On paper, this system eliminates the need to purchase consumables and simplifies daily maintenance.
During testing, it appears that cleaning the filter requires a bit of fiddling : scrubbing is required to remove dust residue that accumulates in the filter mesh. This step, while necessary to maintain suction performance, requires more effort than the "easy to clean" marketing description suggests.
This point illustrates a trade-off in design: permanent filter technology offers a clear advantage in terms of cost and durability, but cleaning ergonomics could be improved to make maintenance faster and more intuitive. Despite this minor friction, the filter effectively fulfills its function of trapping dust and debris, ensuring that the vacuum maintains stable and efficient suction over time.
Durability and repairability
In a market often marked by planned obsolescence, the Rowenta Extenso AC232001 stands out for its durability . Rowenta guarantees that the device can be repaired at the right price for 15 years , thanks to a stock of affordable spare parts and a global network of more than 6,200 authorized repairers.
In an entry-level segment where appliances are often designed to be replaced, this policy gives the Extenso a rare added value : a small vacuum cleaner designed to last and be easily maintained. This promise of repairability transforms a one-time purchase into a long-term investment , offering peace of mind that is unusual for this type of product.
In summary, the Extenso is not only a practical and efficient vacuum cleaner: it is also reliable and durable , a rare and solid argument in its category.
Conclusion and recommendations
The Rowenta Extenso AC232001 perfectly fulfills its mission as a simple and effective handheld vacuum cleaner for small daily cleaning tasks. Lightweight, easy to handle, and equipped with a practical telescopic nozzle, it offers a smooth and targeted cleaning experience. The NiMH battery, while requiring a long charging time, remains sufficient for quick sessions, and the bagless filtration system, although requiring manual maintenance, does the job reliably.
Before I got the Rowenta, I used a mini ladybug-shaped vacuum cleaner that already cleaned my tablecloth perfectly. I often wondered, given its size, how it managed to vacuum up breadcrumbs, but it did its job effectively... until it broke down. That's when I chose the Rowenta Extenso to replace it, and I must say it does the job perfectly.
For personal use, I am fully satisfied with it, especially for protecting my tablecloths: its controlled suction removes crumbs and dust without risking damaging the fabric. If I didn't have tablecloths at home, I would have opted for a more powerful vacuum cleaner, but for my current needs, the Extenso meets all my expectations.
Its real strength lies in its durability and 15-year guaranteed repairability, a rare feature for an entry-level device, which transforms a one-time purchase into a long-term investment.
The only downside: I would have liked Rowenta to offer a wall mount to fix the vacuum cleaner to while recharging, in order to store it neatly and save space on the worktop.
In summary , the Extenso AC232001 is ideal for those looking for a practical, reliable and efficient handheld vacuum cleaner, especially for tables with tablecloths. The few compromises, such as charging time, filter cleaning or the lack of a wall mount, are more than compensated for by its simplicity, efficiency and longevity.