Guide to Cordless Vacuums

What Are Cordless Vacuums?

Cordless Vacuums

Cordless vacuum cleaners free you from messy cables and the difficulty of being tethered to a power outlet. These devices make cleaning much more manageable and dynamic with their cordless design. They are lightweight cleaners that run on rechargeable batteries and have impressive run times. 

The lack of cords means you can move around freely with these vacuums and carry them anywhere indoors. You can use them to easily clean awkward spaces, crevices, and various other surfaces, like marble floors, carpets, cars, laminated floors, fabrics, etc. 

Features offered on cordless vacuums change depending on the model you purchase, but in general, they are powerful machines that come with various attachments. Cordless vacuums use batteries to power their motors. The run time of such vacuums depends on how powerful the motor is and how big the battery is. 

Types of Cordless Vacuums

Types of Cordless Vacuums

Various cordless vacuums are available on the market, most of which fall under four categories. You can choose between four types depending on how you intend to use your vacuum. These are stick vacuum cleaners, cylinder vacuum cleaners, upright vacuum cleaners, and handheld vacuum cleaners.

Stick Vacuum Cleaners

Stick vacuum cleaners are the most common type of cordless vacuum. They are convenient and perfect to use as a secondary vacuum to clean bare floors, low pile carpets, and other surfaces. Like all other cordless vacuums, they are lightweight, portable, and easy to maneuver. 

You can use such vacuums to clean different messes since they come with multiple attachments, including motorized brushes, crevice tools, and more. Furthermore, they are effortless to store, making them a popular choice for many. 

Cylinder Vacuum Cleaners

Cylinder vacuum cleaners have two parts; the main body and the suction head. These vacuum cleaners are lightweight, which makes pulling the body with you as you clean much easier. They come in both corded and cordless varieties, which are equally as powerful. 

These vacuums can help you clean stairs and reach into places your corded vacuums would not be able to, such as under and around furniture. Cylinder vacuums also come with various tools, making them highly versatile cleaning devices. 

Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Upright vacuum cleaners are one of the most versatile cordless cleaners because they are designed to clean various surfaces easily. They can be used in large areas and are excellent at picking up small and medium-sized debris. 

Upright vacuums generally have a bulky shape, which allows them to have a bigger dirt compartment, which is perfect if you have to clean up big messes. 

Furthermore, these are the best vacuums for cleaning pet hair, debris, and dust because they have powerful motors that eliminate the need to go over an area repeatedly. They also come in a corded and cordless variety with little difference in performance between the two.

Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Handheld vacuums are the smallest type of cordless vacuums and are perfect for cleaning up small messes around the home. They have a small form factor; therefore, they are lightweight and portable. Their design and size make them perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach places such as deep crevices, small compartments, etc. 

Most handheld vacuums are cordless, making them even more versatile as you can use them to clean various surfaces, including floors, cars, and more. Due to their cordless nature, they use batteries to power the motor. However, their size makes them the least powerful cordless vacuum type.

Features To Look For

Features To Look For

When purchasing a cordless vacuum, you must keep an eye out for a few key features and consider what you will be using your cleaner for to end up with a perfect device. 

Battery Life

Cordless vacuums depend on their battery to power the motor and generate suction. Therefore, you must consider the type of battery, the charging time, and the run time that the vacuum has.

The runtime of a cordless vacuum depends on the battery type and the setting you are using the vacuum on. Most cordless vacuums use Lithium-ion batteries, which charge the fastest and have the longest battery time. Therefore, ensure that your vacuum has this specific kind of battery.

Furthermore, the run time of cordless vacuums is also essential because it determines how long you can use the vacuum before it runs out of charge. The run time varies between 10 minutes to more than an hour. Still, it can change depending on the vacuum setting you use and its motor. 

The run time will be shorter if the vacuum uses a powerful motor. 

Additionally, if you use your vacuum on the max setting, the motor will work overtime and deplete the battery faster. Therefore, choose a vacuum that perfectly balances the motor’s power and battery life. 

It is also essential to consider your usage. Suppose you intend to use the vacuum for more extended periods. In that case, you will benefit from purchasing a vacuum with swappable batteries. You can simply swap out one battery when it runs out of charge and recharge it while you use the other.

Capacity

Cordless vacuums are lightweight and portable, which is why they usually have small dust capacities. Therefore, you will need to empty the tank more frequently. On average, these vacuums can hold 0.6 liters. However, you can find models that have larger tanks, but they will cost more and be slightly bulkier. 

Additionally, you should also consider your usage. Choosing a vacuum with a smaller tank will not be an issue if you plan to use the vacuum for small tasks. Therefore, you do not need to spend extra to get one with a larger dust capacity. However, if you are cleaning large messes, you should opt for a vacuum with a larger dust capacity. 

Most cordless vacuums are bagless, meaning you will have more contact with the dust and debris than if you purchased a bagged model. However, bagged models are expensive because you need to replace the bag often. 

Weight

Cordless vacuum cleaners are lightweight vacuums and weigh much less than their corded counterparts. On average, a cordless vacuum weighs around 3kgs. In contrast, the corded version weighs 6.5kgs, making the former much more portable and easy to handle. 

Therefore, before you purchase a cordless vacuum cleaner, you should consider the weight to ensure that it is not too heavy for you. Additionally, the balance of the cleaner matters a lot too, which is why you should test out the vacuum cleaner before you purchase it. Ensure it feels comfortable in your hand and does not tilt awkwardly to one side. Otherwise, there may be a danger of strain-related injuries to your wrist. 

The weight and balance of cordless vacuums also depend on where the motor is placed because it changes the center of gravity. Some companies set the motor near the handle, which makes maneuvering easier but reduces the suction power. The other configuration has the motor near the head, which improves the suction power. 

Easy To Use

You should look for many additional features in cordless vacuums because they make vacuuming much easier. LED lights on the floorhead of vacuums are convenient because they allow you to see into dark corners and ensure no dust is left behind.

A flexible cleaning tube is another feature that makes cordless vacuums much easier to use. It allows you to reach previously inaccessible places, such as under low furniture, on top shelves, etc. 

You should also aim to purchase a cordless vacuum with a power trigger. A power trigger requires you to hold it down while you clean. As soon as you let it go, the vacuum will stop working. Such buttons help save battery life. However, it can get a bit tiring and uncomfortable to hold down the power button if you are cleaning for long periods.

Therefore, you must consider your usage before picking a trigger or standard switch vacuum cleaner. 

Another feature that makes cordless vacuums easy to use is the self-standing feature. These vacuums do not have to be propped and stay put when leaning against a wall. 

Battery life indicators are another helpful feature that you should look for in cordless vacuums. These indicators display how much time you have left to use your vacuum before it runs out of charge. 

Convertible

Most cordless stick vacuums can be transformed into handheld vacuums by simply removing the stick and adding mini tools. With most cordless vacuums, you can remove the cleaning tube and attach tools to the main unit, making it a handheld version. 

This convertibility is extremely useful as it increases the number of tasks your vacuum is capable of. Purchasing such vacuums is more practical than buying a separate handheld vacuum since the latter is limited to small tasks. 

Therefore, you should aim to purchase a convertible cordless vacuum that can be used in various ways to maximize its potential. 

High Suction Power

The efficiency of a vacuum lies in its suction ability. That is why you should aim to purchase a vacuum with high suction power, as those can suck up small and large items efficiently. You should ideally purchase a vacuum with a suction power of over 10kPa because such vacuums can easily clean debris, dust, and hair.

You should also take note of the rotational speed, or rpm. The more revolutions, the stronger the cordless vacuum is. However, it is also important to consider what tasks you will use your vacuum for. Cleaners with high suction power are excellent and efficient at cleaning. Still, the more powerful a device is, the more expensive it is.

Therefore, if your usage will be limited to the occasional tidy-up, you should not aim to purchase the most powerful device, as it would be expensive and bulkier. 

HEPA Filter

Filters are an essential part of vacuums because when the air is sucked in, the filtration system separates the dirt and dust from the air. There are many different kinds of filters, but the best is the HEPA filters, which are the ones you should aim for. HEPA filters installed inside vacuums absorb all the dust, allergens, and hair efficiently so that none can leak back into the air. 

Therefore, HEPA filter vacuums are the best vacuums for pet hair and allergens. However, proper maintenance of the filters is required to ensure they perform optimally. It is recommended that they be replaced every 4 to 6 months to ensure that the vacuum filtration system always performs at its optimal. 

Noise Level

When purchasing a cordless vacuum, pay attention to the decibel level of the vacuum to avoid ending up with an extremely loud device. You should aim to buy a vacuum with a decibel rating of 65 dB to 75dB. Such vacuums will have a noise level equivalent to a hairdryer and will be much more tolerable, especially if you use them indoors. 

Point and Shoot Dustbin

Cleaning out the vacuum’s dustbin can be a hassle and may get messy if you make one wrong move, which is why you should aim to purchase a vacuum with a point-and-shoot dustbin. These dustbins are extremely easy to clean as with one press, the dustbin empties itself and does not require you to replace bags or clean them out manually. 

Adjustable Height

Cordless vacuums come in various heights, but you should choose one with adjustable height capabilities. Such vacuums are handy when more than one family member is responsible for cleaning because they can adjust the vacuum and use it without having to strain themself.

Furthermore, vacuums with adjustable heights allow you to reach the ceiling and hard-to-reach corners. You can extend the vacuum to reach those places without needing to strain yourself or climb onto furniture, which may lead to an injury. 

Which One To Choose Cordless vs. Corded Vacuum Cleaners 

Which One To Choose Cordless vs. Corded Vacuum Cleaners 

Cordless vacuums make vacuuming much easier as they can suck up dust and allergens from various surfaces. However, only a few cordless vacuums measure up to their corded counterparts in terms of suction power, filtration, and dust capacity. 

Still, they have some advantages, such as their mobility, portability, and overall versatility, making them a much more suitable option for everyday cleanups. Therefore, if you are confused about which kind of vacuum to use, evaluate your usage and check out the pros and cons of each variant. 

Cordless Vacuums Corded Vacuums
Wire and cord-free. No more messy cables No need to worry about battery life.
They are portable and easy to move from one place to another They are much more powerful than cordless vacuums
They have removable and replaceable batteries for easy charging They have a larger dust capacity
You can clean without having to touch the dust, making it a simple and hygienic process.  Perfect for cleaning large areas. 

After you have compared the pros of both types, choose a cordless vacuum if you want your vacuum to be versatile, portable, and easy to use. However, if you want a guaranteed power supply and want to do thorough deep cleaning with your vacuum, choose a corded vacuum. 

Brands

When purchasing a cordless vacuum, you must pay close attention to the brand of the vacuum. Popular brands such as Dyson, Shark, and Hoover are preferred over others because they use high-quality materials in their devices. Furthermore, their vacuums are durable and utilize the latest technology. 

Dyson

Dyson cordless vacuums have outstanding suction power, which is why they are the preferred brand for such devices. Their vacuums have excellent battery life, and their battery recharge much faster than those from other brands. Furthermore, they are also convertible and can be used as handheld vacuums.  

Dyson devices are thoughtfully designed and come with various accessories that allow you to use the vacuum for various purposes, such as cleaning upholstery, deep crevices, etc. Some popular Dyson cordless vacuums include the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Vacuum, the Dyson Outside Absolute Vacuum Cleaner, and the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. 

Shark

Shark cordless vacuums are the best on the market in terms of battery. They have long battery life and can run for a considerable time on various modes. Their vacuums are also extremely easy and comfortable to use. You can easily use them on the trickiest surface, like stairs. 

Shark’s cordless vacuums also come with various accessories that can be easily clipped into place. Furthermore, they are also easy to store as you can fold them in half. Some popular shark cordless vacuums are the Shark Anti Hair Wrap IZ320UKT and the Shark WandVac.

Hoover

Hoover cordless vacuums are lightweight and powerful at the same time. Most models of this brand can efficiently suck up all kinds of dirt and debris of various sizes. Furthermore, they come with multiple accessories that allow you to easily clean pet hair, deep crevices, and hard-to-clean surfaces. 

Some of the most popular models from this brand include the Hoover H-FREE 800 HF822OF Cordless Vacuum Cleaner and the Hoover H-FREE 500 Pet HF522UPT Cordless Vacuum Cleaner.

Pros and Cons of Cordless Vacuums 

Pros and Cons of Cordless Vacuums 

Pros Cons
They are wire-free and do not have any messy cables. They have short battery lives and can not be used to clean big houses in one go.
They are extremely portable and can be moved from one place to another. They need to be recharged often if they do not come with swappable batteries.
They come with multiple brushes and accessories to clean sofas, floors, ceilings, and hard-to-reach crevices. They are not as powerful as corded vacuums, especially if you opt for a low volume and lightweight model. 

FAQs

1. Should the cordless vacuum be on charge all the time?

Yes. You should only fully charge the machine before using it for the first time and after you have used it to clean it. However, the battery is designed to be permanently left on charge so that it is fully charged whenever you use it next.

2. How long do cordless vacuums last?

Cordless vacuums have limited battery life and, on average, can only last 15 to 40 minutes before they run out of charge. Once the battery is dead, you must plug it in for 2 to 16 hours to recharge it fully.

3. Do cordless vacuums lose suction over time?

Yes. Since the battery is responsible for powering the motor that creates the suction power, degradation of the battery means that the vacuum will lose its suction power. Therefore, over time the motor may not operate as well as it once did. 

4. Can cordless vacuums be used to clean carpets?

Yes. They can be used on carpets for light spruce-ups or to suck up pet hair but cannot deep clean them.

Conclusion

Cordless vacuums are excellent lightweight cleaners for everyday cleanups. They are lightweight, portable, and easy to use, which makes them the perfect device to clean your home daily without the hassle of cables. Most cordless vacuums also come with accessories that allow them to clean various surfaces, such as sofas, ceilings, and deep crevices.

However, choosing a cordless vacuum can be challenging. Therefore, you must check out the power, battery life, ease of use, convertibility, and weight before you make your purchase. That way, you will end up with a vacuum that will fit your needs the best.

If you live in a small home and are looking for a good vacuum cleaner, you may read our Guide to Vacuums for Small Spaces for the best recommendations.