Guide to Picking the Right Vacuum Cleaner for Your Needs

When a home is always clean and organized, it becomes more inviting and cozier for the people living in it. However, if all of you at home are quite busy with your own schedules, such as school and work, it is sometimes difficult to find time to clean the house. But when you own a good vacuum cleaner at home, it can help speed your way to a clean home. There is still work involved on your part in using a vacuum cleaner, but it can make the chore quicker and easier. 

Vacuum cleaners come in various types, and they can be used in different ways. For instance, homes have a variety of flooring types that are needed to be cleaned. Therefore, when choosing a vacuum cleaner, it is also something you need to consider. But that’s not all, because there are also many things to consider in order to pick the right vacuum cleaner, such as the type, brand, and what it will be mostly used for, to name a few. 

If you are looking for a good vacuum cleaner to keep your space clean and dust-free but can’t decide what to get, we are here to help you. In this post, we are giving you a guide to picking the right vacuum cleaner for your needs.

Different Types of Vacuum Cleaners

Different Types of Vacuum Cleaners

When looking for a new vacuum cleaner, there are many things to consider, and one of those is the type or style. Vacuum cleaners come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, functionalities, and prices. Therefore, it is important to know what you need as it will prevent you from investing in a vacuum cleaner that does not achieve your goal. 

To help you in picking the right vacuum cleaner for your needs, below are the various types of vacuum cleaners that you should learn about:

Bagged vs. Bagless

a vintage bagged vacuum cleaner

When choosing a vacuum cleaner, one of the questions that you need to answer is whether you’d like a bagged or bagless one. Whether you have a bagged vacuum or a bagless vacuum, your house will still be cleaned either way. But there are a few small differences that may make or break your decision to buy one or the other.

  • Bagged: A bagged vacuum cleaner is great if any of your family members are sensitive to allergens or have asthma. When the bag is emptied, dust exposure is minimized. Also, most bags are guaranteed to trap all but 0.03% of the dust and pollen on carpets. The only downside of bagged vacuums is that you have to replace them on a regular basis. But they are mostly available at many supermarkets. [1] 
  • Bagless: This type of vacuum cleaner is great for environmentally-minded people and those who prefer to not have to deal with replacing bags. These vacuum cleaners mostly have a see-through canister that gives users perfect access to seeing how full the vacuum is. It is helpful as you can see whether you need to empty it out or not yet. [1]

Corded vs. Cordless

person using a cordless vacuum cleaner

Aside from choosing between bagged or bagless vacuums, another choice you have to make is whether to get a corded or a cordless vacuum. 

  • Corded: This type of vacuum cleaner plugs into the power source. They generally have reliable suction power. Also, you don’t have to worry about battery life when using a corded vacuum. You can be sure that it will never run out of power midway through cleaning your home. Also, corded vacuums often have a bigger capacity, which can prevent you from making multiple trips to the trash to empty the container. The only downside of a corded vacuum is its flexibility, as they are mostly heavy and bulky, which limits your transportation options.[2]
  • Cordless: This type of vacuum cleaner relies on batteries for its power. This means that when a battery starts to drain and deplete, the vacuum will also have lower suction strength. But those that use lithium batter can give consistent suction power. Compared to corded options, cordless vacuums are exceptionally lighter. Its cordless design also enables the user to transport it anywhere. It can be used to clean various areas, such as your car, stairs, furniture, and deep crevices. The downsides of cordless vacuums are their limited battery life and smaller dust and filter capacity. [2]

Upright Vacuum Cleaners

woman using an upright vacuum cleaner

When visualizing vacuum cleaners, most people would probably imagine an upright vacuum.[3] It is the earliest, most commonly seen, and most popular vacuum cleaner. [4] They also provide the most powerful clean-up for your house and offer the comforting benefit of mostly easy-to-understand functions and accessories, as most people have used this type of vacuum at least once in their lifetime. [5]

Upright vacuum cleaners have strong suction power and are best for cleaning big rooms. They can be either bagged or bagless, but the majority of modern uprights have a bagless design. When being used, this type of vacuum is pushed in front of you, which reduces the need to bend down. Many upright vacuums also have a motorized brush roll for improved carpet cleaning. However, upright vacuum cleaners also come with disadvantages, such as being expensive, heavy, bulky, and challenging to use on stairs unless it comes with a long hose and a mini turbo tool. [6]  

Stick Vacuum Cleaners

woman with a stick vacuum cleaner

Stick vacuum cleaners feature a tall and thin body. It is pushed the same way as uprights so that the user does not need to bend down when cleaning. [6] It can also be corded or cordless. However, stick vacuum cleaners are not very powerful, but there are perfect for small and narrow spaces. Since they feature a stick-like design, they are slender and simple to store. [3]

Most stick vacuum cleaners also have various settings for cleaning bare floors where the brush roll is turned off. Many stick vacuum cleaners can also convert into a handheld vacuum, and it includes lesser attachments. Also, instead of using bags, a stick vacuum has dirt cups instead, which are smaller. [4] The downside of using stick vacuum cleaners is that it provides less suction than an upright vacuum, and it is not as effective on carpets. [6] 

Canister Vacuum Cleaner

a canister vacuum cleaner

A canister vacuum cleaner features a long wand attached to a cylinder-like device by a retractable suction hose. It is powered by a motor and includes a receptacle that collects dust. It is able to clean various surfaces, such as bare hard floors, carpeted areas, and wooden floors, as well as stairs, walls, tiles, corners, ceilings, curtains, upholstery, and more. Canister vacuums also come with many attachments. [4]

Since a canister vacuum has a separate canister attached to the want, its engine is also usually bigger. It is perfect for those looking for a vacuum cleaner that offers amazing suction and airflow. It is also great if you want a vacuum cleaner with lots of attachments. [3]

However, you also have to note that canister vacuums are bulkier, making them challenging to store. It is also not that quick to use as you need to assemble it before using it. Also, you have to take the canister with you as you vacuum your space. It is also not a great vacuum cleaner for those who are prone to back pain, as they will have to bend down to lift the canister and switch the vacuum on and off. [3]

Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

woman cleaning using a handheld vacuum

A handheld vacuum cleaner is small, portable, and light, which is perfect for on-the-go cleaning. It also comes in various designs, and some have a cord while others are cordless. There are also handheld vacuum cleaners that contain a rotating brush. This type of vacuum cleaner is also sometimes used with an upright model. It is utilized for cleaning tight areas that are too small or too difficult to reach, such as corners, stairs, tables, and car interiors. 

This type of vacuum cleaner is also great for cleaning crumbs and spills, getting rid of fine dirt like hair from upholstery, as well as cleaning up after children and pets. Compared to other models, handheld vacuum cleaners are also cheaper. But it is not comparable to a full-size vacuum as it does not function for general floor cleaning. [4]

While a handheld vacuum cleaner is good for cleaning cars, nooks, and crannies, it is not advisable to be used for general cleaning as it would take too long to finish. It also has less power compared to a canister or full-sized vacuum. [3]

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

a robot vacuum cleaning the floor

A robotic vacuum cleaner or robot vacuum is like having a pet at home that cleans up your mess without having to train it. It is among the newer types of vacuum cleaners, and it has become popular over the years. It’s because a robot vacuum is very convenient to use, as it does the work for you even if you are not at home or when you are doing other chores. [3]

The best thing about a robot vacuum is that it allows its owner to relax while it cleans. It can also find its way around the room and navigate between tight spots. There are also models that are controlled via smartphones. Robot vacuums are also small in size, taking up only a small storage area. 

The downside with robot vacuums is that they can handle only messes, which means you might still need to vacuum manually every so often. It also only has a small dirt bin capacity, and it does not work great on shaggy rugs or carpets. [3]

Central Vacuum System

a central vacuum cleaner

A central vacuum system is a type of vacuum cleaner perfect for big houses. It is a great choice if you are tired of plugging and unplugging vacuums when cleaning each room in your home. This type of vacuum includes a tubing system that is hidden inside the walls around the house. Those tubes are connected to a motorized suction unit often stored in basements or garages. It can also connect to wall ports throughout the house. 

When you want to vacuum a room, all you have to do is to connect a long hose to the wall ports and turn it on. After that, you can start vacuuming as normal. The debris that you will vacuum will go down the hose, through the tubes, and into the debris collection container. [3]

What’s great about central vacuum systems is that they are more powerful compared to normal vacuum cleaners. It is also convenient to use as you don’t have to bring anything around with you. And since the debris container is located outside of living areas in the house, it offers healthier indoor air quality and quiet performance. 

The downside of central vacuum systems is that they are very expensive. It also requires you to carry and use a pretty long hose. A central vacuum system is also less energy sufficient, difficult to use on stars, and not very effective on carpets. [3]

The Major Manufacturers of Vacuum Cleaners

a black and blue vacuum cleaner

After learning about the various types of vacuum cleaners, another thing that is often considered when picking a vacuum cleaner is the brand. There are many vacuum manufacturers on the market today, and each of them offers various design types, features, and specs that may be limited to their models. There are brands that are focused on specific products, such as robot vacuums or vacuums for commercial use. 

We really can’t answer which is the best vacuum cleaner brand, but learning about each of the brands is one way to further understand what kinds of design and specifications are currently being offered. Therefore, to help you choose the best vacuum cleaner for your needs, below are some of the top manufacturers of vacuum cleaners:

Dyson

Dyson is a British brand, and it is a popular manufacturer of vacuums, along with other home appliances like hair dryers and fans. The brand was actually created by James Dyson after he got frustrated with how fast his vacuum would lose suction. [9] The vacuums that Dyson produces are often colorful and stylish-looking. They all have a patented root or digital cyclone motor design, which relies on the centrifugal force for its suction power. This technology sets the vacuums of Dyson apart from what the other brands offer. 

The vacuums offered by Dyson use a bagless design and usually come with many accessories. Most of them are also cordless stick or handheld models. But there are also upright and canister models, among others. Its products are mostly made of plastic, making them lightweight. [7]

Dyson vacuums are usually far from being the cheapest in their class, but they are made to be the best, especially in terms of performance.  However, when it comes to the actual price, Dyson is not very affordable for everyone. In fact, even certified refurbished models of their vacuums still come with a nice price tag. But the thing is that what you pay is what you get. [8]

Shark

Shark is another very popular vacuum cleaner brand. It is an American company founded by Mark Rosenzweig, and it is part of the SharkNinja family. Aside from vacuums, it also manufactures other small appliances for home use, such as coffee makers, blenders, and air fryers. [9] The vacuums that Shark offers come in various models and designs at a wide array of price points. 

Some of the vacuum cleaners offered by Shark feature self-cleaning brush rolls that detangle hair that can get stuck as you clean around the house. If you want to try out various types of vacuum cleaners, you can check out a lot of Shark vacuums as they offer different types that will fit how much budget you have. [7]

iRobot

When it comes to robot vacuums, iRobot is probably the most popular brand, particularly its Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner. The brand aims to utilize invention, discovery, and technological exploration to make life easier for people, and that is what its products are doing. The iRobot Roomba vacuums come with many advanced features, such as the ability to avoid cords, shoes, and other obstacles, smart home connectivity, and self-emptying technology. 

Aside from iRobot Roomba, the brand also creates Braava mopping robots, air purifiers, and handheld vacuums. [9] If you are eyeing getting a robot vacuum for y our home soon, iRobot is one of the major brands that you can look into.

Bissell

Bissell is an American brand known for offering budget-friendly vacuums for the home. This brand has a variety of vacuum types, so you can find one that is best suited for your needs. They also offer some of the most lightweight vacuum cleaners on the market, making them portable and easy to use. Many of the vacuum cleaners offered by Bissell have a bagless design. However, what most people notice is that their products usually don’t have a HEPA filter that traps allergens and lacks power adjustment features. [7]

This brand is responsible for inventing the first carpet sweeper. But at the present time, it manufactures upright vacuums, canister vacuums, cordless vacuums, and handheld vacuums. It is also dedicated to supporting pets through its Bissell Pet Foundation. It offers a lot of vacuum cleaners that are made specifically for pet owners to easily clean up pet hair and messes. [9]

Hoover

Hoover is also a very popular vacuum cleaner brand, and it has been around for just about as long as vacuums have existed. It started in the early 20th century when Henry Hoover acquired the patent from James Spangler, who made the first portable electric vacuum. Today, Hoover is part of the Whirlpool family. The vacuums offered by Hoover are manufactured by TTI Floor Care North America, which is the same family that manufactures other popular vacuum brands like Dirt Devil and Oreck. 

The vacuum cleaners offered by Hoover are affordable and well-received. Also, since it is a long-standing name in the vacuum industry, there are many Hoover vacuum models available to be purchased online. They come in various types, such as upright, stick, canister, handheld, bagless, and bagged. [10]

Eureka

Eureka is a popular brand founded in Detroit, Michigan, back in 1909. It has a long reputation for offering high-quality and high-performing vacuum cleaners. It was started by Fred Wardell by selling vacuums made by other companies. But in 1922, it manufactured its own vacuum that featured a font-mounting bag. It became popular and sold more than one million units in just three years. It made Eureka one of the top manufacturers of vacuum cleaners in the United States. Currently, it offers different types of vacuum cleaners, such as upright, canister, stick, and robot vacuum cleaners. [9]

Miele

Miele is a reputable brand when it comes to various products, such as coffee makers, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners. Even though it is not the most popular vacuum brand in the United States, it produces quality products. Most of its products are canister vacuums that come in both bagged and bagless versions. But it also offers stick vacuums and smart robot vacuums. The vacuum cleaners offered by Miele have a reputation for being exceptionally durable, well-performing, and long-lasting. However, most of them are also expensive. [10]

Tineco

Tineco is not as popular as the ones we’ve mentioned before as it offers a much smaller suite of vacuums. However, the brand has positioned its product line to be a great competitor of the very ubiquitous Dyson brand. It offers sleek and innovative vacuum cleaners, and they mostly come with lots of attachments that will help you accomplish just about any task, whether big or small. The company also always offers a two-year warranty that gives people more confidence, no matter which vacuum cleaner they purchase. [10]

Eufy

Eufy is an electronics company that manufactures a wide range of smart home devices, including smart vacuums. The brand offers more budget-friendly vacuum cleaners compared to other robot vacuum brands. It offers very compact and autonomous robot vacuums that are perfect for small spaces that are occupied by busy professionals. Even though the vacuums it offers are small, they are high functioning. They mostly work best on hardwood and tile surfaces. [10]

Aside from robot vacuums, Eufy also offers an all-in-one stick vacuum, which is small enough to reach and clean the nooks and crannies of a car but also powerful enough to deep clean the rooms in your house. Eufy is a more affordable tech-savvy option if you are looking into purchasing a robot vacuum cleaner.

Dirt Devil

Dirt Devil offers a versatile product line, as it aims to provide users effective and powerful cleaning tools to clean faster and more efficiently. It offers upright, cordless, stick, handheld, and pet vacuums, that are more affordable than other brands.

 The brand started in 1905 when the P.A. Grier Company was founded by Phillip A. Geier. It was among the first vacuum cleaner brands in history. In fact, during World War II, the company worked to assist with military production. Later on, it merged with Royal Appliance Manufacturing. In 1984, the very first Dirt Devil hand vacuum was released, which increased the popularity of the brand among consumers. [9]

Vacuum Cleaners for Different Applications

Vacuum Cleaners for Different Applications

Now that you know the different types and brands of vacuum cleaners, how do you think you can choose which one is right for you? One of the things that you need to consider when choosing a vacuum cleaner is where you intend to use it. Will it be used mainly for home cleaning? Or do you want a vacuum that you can also use for other applications like for pets or cars? What vacuum cleaner should you get if you have a big space or a small space? What is the perfect vacuum for carpeted floors and hardwood floors? Continue reading below to learn the answers to these questions.

Vacuum Cleaners for Hard Floors

woman vacuuming hardwood floor

Any type of vacuum can clean hard floors, as it is the simplest possible task for a vacuum cleaner. It’s because you don’t need to have anything special to be able to get dust, hair, crumbs, or anything else off your wood, laminate, or tile floors. But there are vacuums that do a little better than others when it comes to cleaning hardwood floors. If you are looking for a useful vacuum cleaner to clean hardwood floors or tile floors in your home, it is better to opt for a model that either let you switch off the spinning brush roll or one that features a special soft-fabric brush roll or no brush roll at all. [11]

Below are some vacuum cleaners for hard floors which might help you choose:

  • Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum: This vacuum cleaner is powerful and lightweight. It is only 14 lbs. but can clean above-floor areas such as furniture and stairs easily with its detachable pod. It also has a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum. It also has a brush roll shutoff, allowing users to switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning. It also comes with an upholstery tool and crevice tool.
  • Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Bagged Canister Vacuum: This is a bagged canister vacuum cleaner that is best for homes with hard floors and low pile carpeting. It features 6 suction power settings that are specific to the surface being cleaned. It can be easily maneuvered around, and its accessories are clipped onto it for easy access. It also has a 3-tiered filtration system using the Miele Filter Bag and AirClean Exhaust Filter. 
  • Dyson V8 Fluffy Cordless Vacuum: This is a lightweight and versatile vacuum cleaner for hard floors. It has a soft roller cleaner head that is gentle on hard floors but tough on dirt. It is made of soft woven nylon and anti-static carbon fiber for hard floors. It is also cordless, and it offers up to 40 minutes of fade-free power. 

Vacuum Cleaners for Carpeted Floors

vacuuming carpeted flooring

If you have carpeted floors at home, it is important to use a vacuum cleaner regularly to keep them clean. When choosing a vacuum cleaner for carpeted floors, it is best to find one that has an aggressive beater brush and bristle stiffness that the carpet can handle to be able to pull the dirt up from the carpet base so it can be suctioned away easily. For those who use synthetic carpets, high-traffic areas will definitely see more dirt. Therefore, a vacuum that features a strong bristle beater brush is needed. [12]

Below are some examples of vacuum cleaners for carpeted floors that might help you pick:

  • Eureka Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor: This vacuum cleaner claim to penetrate deep into the carpet to extract embedded dirt, dust, and debris. It has PowerSpeed that does all the work while still staying lightweight. It also has five-height settings, making it great not just for carpets but as well as for shag rugs and hard floors. It also comes with other tools, such as an upholstery tool and a crevice tool.
  • Hoover PowerDash Compact Carpet Cleaner: This vacuum cleaner has a lightweight and compact design for efficient cleaning and storage. It is powerful in cleaning high-traffic areas like carpets, small spaces, and as well as pet messes. It also features HeatForce for faster drying, which can be used to dry carpets fast. It comes with a Hoover Nozzle Cleanout Tool and a trial-size solution that can help in cleaning carpets.

Vacuum Cleaners for Garage Use

vacuum cleaners for garage use

The garage is one of the parts of the house that gets dirty all the time, as it is mostly where we keep our tools, cars, bicycles, boxes, and more. However, most people only clean the garage once or maybe twice a year. Therefore, most garages are very dirty and dusty, and a good vacuum is needed to clean them easier. 

There are many kinds of vacuum cleaners for garages, and they range from handheld battery-powered vacuums to more expensive and larger wet/dry vacuums that need more space to store them. But if you want a powerful vacuum cleaner that does not take up much space, you can also opt for a wall-mounted car vacuum for your garage. [13]

Below are a few examples of garage vacuums that might help you pick the right one for your needs:

  • Stanley SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum: This is a large capacity vacuum cleaner perfect for garage use. It has 4 peaks HP motor that offers powerful suction that is needed in almost any cleanup job in vehicles, workshops, garages, basements, houses, and more. It is also versatile as it can be used to clean both wet and dry messes and debris. It can also be used as a leaf blower with its blower port. It comes with a 6 feet hose, 10 feet power cord, and three extension wands.
  • Bissell MultiClean Wet/Dry Garage and Auto Vacuum Cleaner: This vacuum cleaner has a 6-gallon capacity and a powerful 11-amp motor for excellent wet and dry cleaning. It also includes a blowing function for clearing dirt and debris in the garage. It has 2-stage filtration to help extend the life of the filter and provide easier cleaning.
  • Prolux Professional Shop Wall-Mounted Garage Vac: This is a wall-mounted garage vacuum cleaner that comes with a wall mountable 30-foot crush-proof hose and tool bag to keep everything neat and organized. This vacuum produces 162 CFM, which does quick work out of even the most strenuous cleaning task. It also comes with various tools to finish any cleaning job in the garage fast.

Vacuum Cleaners for Pets

person cleaning pet hair from couch

One of the most challenging things that a vacuum cleaner face is removing pet hair. It’s because static electricity makes the hair of dogs and cats cling tightly to fabric, from carpets to upholstery. The static bond makes it seem like no amount of brushing with a lint roller passed with a vacuum is enough to remove all the traces of pet hair. If this is the same dilemma you have, no worries, as they are vacuum cleaners designed specifically for vacuuming pet hair.[14]

Vacuum cleaners for pet hair have useful features like rubber trim and raised “fingers” that aid in breaking static bonds and lifting fur from every surface in your home. Below are some of the recommendations we can give for pet hair vacuum cleaners that might help you choose:

  • BISSELL 2254 CleanView Pet Vacuum: This pet vacuum cleaner has a triple action brush roll and scatter-free technology that maximize pet hair pickup even when the hair is embedded. It has a 27-inch power cord that rewinds automatically for quick and easy storage. It also comes with a specialized pet tool, such as the pet hair corner tool and pet turbo eraser tool. Also, every purchase of this vacuum cleaner donates up to ten dollars to the Bissell pet foundation.
  • BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum: If you want a more portable vacuum for pet hair, this is a good choice. It can remove more embedded dirt and pet hair with a motorized brush tool and lithium-ion battery. Its dirt cup has a capacity of 0.7 liters. It also features triple-level filtration to help improve cleaning performance. 

Vacuum Cleaners for Small Spaces

woman using handheld vacuum on sofa

For people living in small spaces like apartments and small homes, owning an upright vacuum is not ideal. What you need to find is a reliable vacuum that can navigate around your house easily without neglecting the nooks and crannies. Therefore, if you live in a small space, the best types of vacuum cleaners that you should look for are stick vacuums, canister vacuums, robot vacuums, and handheld vacuums. All of these are easy to use in small spaces and do not require much space to store. [15]

Below are some recommendations on vacuum cleaners for small spaces that might help you choose:

  • Shark HV371 Rocket Pro DLX Corded Stick: This is a stick vacuum cleaner that is powerful and reliable on all surfaces. It is also great for small spaces as it can be easily converted into a handheld vacuum. It has an XL dust cup for extended cleaning without interruption. It is also ultra-lightweight, making it portable.
  • Eufy by Anker Boost IQ RoboVac: This is a super slim robot vacuum cleaner that has intense suction power while maintaining a quiet operation. It is also a smart device as it works over wi-fi through Alexa and Google Assistant. It is a great choice if you live in a small space and has a busy schedule but want to keep your home clean and dust-free at all times. 
  • Eureka 3670M Canister Vacuum Cleaner: This is a compact and lightweight canister vacuum cleaner that is best for small homes and apartments. It features a 10-amp motor that provides continuous, powerful suction for deep cleanings. It is a bagged vacuum cleaner and comes with two extension wands and some specialty attachments. 

Things to Consider When Buying a Vacuum Cleaner

Things to Consider When Buying a Vacuum Cleaner

couple testing a vacuum cleaner at the store

If you now have an idea of what type of vacuum cleaner to buy, your decision-making process does not end there. After choosing the type of vacuum cleaner, there are other important factors that you need to consider to be able to choose the best one that will cater to your needs. To further help you, here are the important things to consider when buying a vacuum cleaner:

  • Price and Budget

When choosing a vacuum cleaner to buy, one of the important things that you need to consider is your budget and the price of the vacuum cleaner you are eyeing to buy. Most people assume that an expensive vacuum cleaner is better than a cheaper one. However, keep in mind that vacuum cleaners are made to provide a specific purpose. Therefore, it is important to pick a vacuum cleaner that is right for your purpose before you look at the price range. Remember, vacuum cleaners are also long-term investments. Therefore, make sure that you choose a high-quality vacuum cleaner that will last you a long time instead of buying cheaper ones that can break easily. [16]

  • Motor Size and Power

The motor size of a vacuum cleaner is usually measured in amps. The higher the number, the more powerful the motor of the vacuum is. You can also look into the number of motors that a vacuum cleaner has. For example, an upright vacuum can have one motor that drives both the vacuum and the brush, but some have two motors for each of those parts. If you want a powerful vacuum cleaner, choose one that has a two-motor step-up. [17]

  • Bag or Tank Capacity

When it comes to vacuum cleaners, the quicker the bag or tank fills, the more frequently you need to change it or empty it. Also, as the bag or tank fills, the vacuum efficiency is also affected, and changing the bags or emptying the tank often is important for efficiency. [17] Therefore, if you do not want to change the bag or empty the tank often, pick a vacuum cleaner that offers a larger bag or tank capacity.

  • Air Flow

The airflow of the vacuum cleaner is measured in cubic feet (or centimeters) per minute. Choosing a vacuum cleaner that has more airflow is better as it is what carries the soil into the bag or container. [17]

  • Construction Material

The housing of vacuum cleaners can be made from various materials. These can range from anything from inexpensive brittle plastic to polished chrome. But remember that when choosing a vacuum cleaner, the total weight is more important, along with durability and ease of maintenance, than the appearance. [17]

  • Air Filtration

Vacuum cleaners that are cheaper often have a cloth bag that needs to be dumped, cleaned, and replaced as it becomes saturated with dust. But better vacuum cleaners mostly have two to four-stage filtration systems that come with throw-away paper filter bags down to 0.3 micros or less to reduce dust. [17]

Choosing a vacuum with good air filtration is better, such as those that feature High-Efficiency Particulate Air), as you can ensure that dust particles are not thrown back into the air after vacuuming. It can also help, especially if you or a family member suffers from allergies and asthma, as this type of filter also traps particles like pollen. [16]

  • Ergonomics

It is also important to consider how comfortable it is to use the vacuum cleaner. These include the weight of the machine, length of cord, maneuverability, wheels or rollers if an upright unit, and handle construction are all factors that affect the use of the unit. Choose a vacuum cleaner that is easy to use and move around. [17]

  • Added Features

We really can’t specifically tell what the best add-on for a vacuum cleaner is, as it depends on where you will use the unit. There are vacuum cleaners that come with many added features, such as a wet/dry function, a blower function, and various attachments that are handy for various parts of the house. Therefore, when you pick a vacuum cleaner, choose one that comes with the features you need. Choosing a vacuum with lots of features that will not be used can be just a waste of money. Only pick one that will be useful for you. 

Conclusion

Picking the right vacuum cleaner for your needs can be a daunting task as there are many important things to consider. But learning the different types, brands, and important factors in buying, like the ones we discussed here, can help you in narrowing down your options to be able to know which one you really need. Taking your time in choosing a vacuum cleaner is important as it is also quite expensive, and it is something that you will regularly use to maintain the cleanliness of your home. We hope that this post helped you learn more about how to choose the right vacuum cleaner for your needs.

References

[1] Doman, E. (2018, December 13). 5 different types of vacuum cleaners. Allergy & Air. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://learn.allergyandair.com/types-of-vacuum-cleaners/

[2] Abt Electronics Inc., E. (n.d.). Cordless vs. Corded Vacuum: Which one should you choose? – abt.com. Abt. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.abt.com/learn/cordless-vs-corded-vacuum

[3] Anthony, A. (2022, September 29). 8 types of vacuum cleaners (hard floors and carpets). Oh, So Spotless. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://ohsospotless.com/types-of-vacuum-cleaners/  

[4] Jameel, A. L. (n.d.). What are the different types of vacuum cleaners and which one to buy? Redsea. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://redsea.com/en/what-are-the-different-types-of-vacuum-cleaners-and-which-one-to-buy

[5] Allergy and Air, E. (2018, December 13). 5 different types of vacuum cleaners. Allergy & Air. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://learn.allergyandair.com/types-of-vacuum-cleaners/

[6] Hall, J. (2022, August 31). 8 different types of vacuum cleaner (explained!). Spotless Vacuum. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://spotlessvacuum.co.uk/blog/types/

[7] Jakab, E. (2022, May 30). The 7 best vacuum brands – fall 2022: Reviews. RTINGS.com. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.rtings.com/vacuum/reviews/best/brands

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