Vacuum Cleaners Buying Guide

Keeping your home clean and in top condition gets a lot easier with the right vacuum cleaner. These machines are an excellent investment because they generally last longer and are easy to operate. Some models come with superior build and features in terms of suction, dirt removal, air filtration, and controls. There are different models available which may be ideal for specific applications. 

For example, do you need a vacuum cleaner for carpeted, hardwood, or tiled floors? Do you need a high-performing machine or just your standard vacuum cleaner for occasional use? If you're shopping for a vacuum cleaner and aren't quite sure how to pick, this guide will help you discover what type of vacuum cleaner works best for your household needs and what features you should look at.   

Types of Vacuum Cleaners

Pros: An upright vacuum cleaner would serve well if you have to clean multi-surface floors.

Cons: This type of vacuum cleaner can be loud and hard to transport because they usually weigh heavier.
 

Pros: This type of vacuum cleaner is easy to operate and often more versatile than upright models. They offer high maneuverability and quieter cleaning.

Cons: The user has to bend over a lot using a canister vacuum. You may want to reconsider purchasing this type if you are prone to back pains. 
 

Robot Vacuum Cleaners

Robots are an essential household appliance when it comes to mid-size tile and hardwood surfaces as well as tight schedules. They are normally cordless, battery-operated, sensor-controlled, and can be activated to clean up your floors at a scheduled time. Some robotic models feature different cleaning modes to suit your cleaning needs.

Pros: Robot vacuum cleaners can save you a lot of time and effort. These are lightweight and can be stored easily if you live in a small space. Some advanced models are suitable for thick carpets as well as bare surfaces. 

Cons: Programming can be confusing to some and you can’t expect robotic vacuum cleaners to clean up as well as a full-scale model. 

Handheld Vacuum Cleaners

Handheld vacuum cleaners are excellent helpers when there is a need for a quick fix or smaller cleaning jobs. These are a popular mobile option for RV, car, or boat owners or people who live in small apartments. A handheld vacuum cleaner can be used to supplement a main vacuum cleaning machine. This model is recommended for cleaning small surface areas, upholstery, and hardwood. 
 

Pros: Handheld vacuum cleaners are cheaper, lightweight, and easy to store. 

Cons: Because of their size, handheld vacuum cleaners offer less power and capacity than full-size models.
 

Stick Vacuum Cleaners

Stick vacuum cleaners are perhaps the most lightweight and easiest to control among the different types. Perfect for everyday use, stick vacuums deliver the easy maneuverability of handheld vacuums and the cleaning power of an upright vacuum. Cordless and battery-operated options are best for more portability. Stick vacuums are suitable for almost all types of surfaces including hardwood, low-pile carpet, tile, marble, and upholstery. 
 

Pros: Stick vacuums won’t tire you out easily if you use them regularly. These models are more lightweight, easier to store, and cause less physical strain.

Cons: Stick vacuums are less powerful and sometimes noisier than upright vacuums.

Floor Space

The main consideration before you purchase a vacuum cleaner is how much floor space you have and how often you intend to use the machine. A bigger floor area that needs frequent vacuum cleaning would require a more durable and powerful machine. Main-powered vacuum cleaners that come with a motorized cleaning head, adjustable head height, telescopic wands, and brush accessories would do the job faster and more efficiently.

For smaller spaces, a battery-powered cordless stick vacuum might be suitable. You may want to look into an all-in-one unit that combines the features of a handheld and a stick vacuum cleaner to eliminate the need for a larger model. 

Weight 

Vacuum cleaner models and types have varying weights. Heavier machines would require more effort on your part when pushing or pulling while cleaning. If you have to carry the vacuum cleaner up or down the stairs, you may consider choosing a lighter and more portable model. The design of the cleaning head and the wheel would also contribute to the ease of using a vacuum cleaner. 

Suction Power

Suction power in vacuum cleaners determines the performance level of a machine. Indicated in air watts, it is measured by the amount of power the main motor can generate. A standard corded vacuum cleaner would feature a suction power of 100-200 air watts while full-sized vacuum cleaners would exceed 300 air watts on maximum power. Don’t immediately go for a machine with higher suction power, however. A powerful motor would be useless for thick carpets, for instance, if you don’t use a motorized pet hair brush roll for cleaning debris.
 

Dirt Bag/ Bin Capacity

A dirt bag or bin with a capacity of at least one liter should be suitable for most applications. A smaller bag would require you to empty more frequently. A larger bag would mean fewer interruptions in your cleaning but could cause unpleasant odors to build up. You may consider bagless units that come with relatively low maintenance. Reusable vacuum bags can be a bit messier but would cost you almost nothing at all.

Wet or Dry Vacuum

Dry vacuums are the most commonly found in most households. Vacuum cleaners are effective at cleaning off dry dirt. But there are large canister vacuums designed for moist surfaces and cleaning wet dirt or mopping up liquid directly. These feature water filters that allow them to clean up both wet and dry surfaces. 

Air Filtration System

You may check what kind of air filtration system a vacuum cleaner uses before you make a purchase. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) standards vary but overall, a HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of particles 0.3 micrometers in size would be best if you have people with asthma or allergies in the household. Standard foam filters are washable and reusable but HEPA filters would need to be replaced after some use. 

Noise Levels

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). On average, most machines have noise levels of 65-75 dB. It’s better to avoid buying a machine that goes above 80 dB. A noise level of 60dB would be quiet enough to be used even as other people are sleeping. 

Cleaning Reach

Cordless vacuum cleaners would give you a wider cleaning reach than corded ones, which would only allow you to reach as long as its cord. The downside about battery-powered vacuum cleaners though is the limited amount of stored energy. Look for available cordless units that feature run times of up to 60 minutes, which would allow you to clean larger areas at one go.