Keeping our homes spick and span can be an uphill struggle. So, any help we can get from tech has to be a win. And having a great vacuum cleaner to tackle sofas, floors and more is essential.
Once upon a time, vacuum cleaners were noisy, heavy things that seemed to put more dust into the air than they dumped into their bags. But in recent years vacuum cleaners have had a bit of a revolution – from lightweight, handheld powerhouses to cleaners that automatically adapt suction to suit the surface. The only problem now is making a decision on which vacuum cleaner you should buy!
So, we'll take you through the key things to consider and then introduce you to a vacuum cleaner that shines in a particular area – from lightweight vacs to cordless models with top battery life.
What to think about when buying a vacuum cleaner
First things first, consider the size of your living space. If you’re living in a cosy flat, a compact vacuum might be just what you need. For those in sprawling mansions (lucky you!) you might need a more powerful vac with loads of battery life. Smart home owners with a lot of floor to cover, might go for a robot vacuum cleaner – which you can set up and then leave to take care of the hard work.
Don’t forget to think about the type of flooring you have – carpets, hardwood, tiles or a mix? Different surfaces and hard-to-reach spaces might need different cleaning tools and attachments. If you’ve got pets, look for anti-tangle brushes. And for allergy sufferers, HEPA filters can be a huge plus.
How to choose the best vacuum for you
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s figure out your vac match. Whether you want to tackle piles of pet hair or need something lightweight to tackle the car, you’ll find just what you’re after.
The best upright vacuum cleaner
Upright vacuum cleaners are becoming a popular option when compared to more traditional cylinder vacs. Upright vacs tend to be bagless, cordless, easily transform into handheld cleaners and have more powerful rollers for better cleaning. They’re also a cinch to store away – either on a hook or in a charging port.
Great pick: Hoover Anti-Twist Home
The Hoover Anti-Twist Home is a great example of a top upright vac. It combines the convenience of cordless with the power of an upright. It’ll take on a wide range of surfaces and nooks with its 3-in-1 power as an upright, handheld and tools that can take reach the highest spots too. Its Anti-twist Brushbar automatically switches between hard floors and soft carpets easily.
The best cordless vacuum cleaner with longest battery life
If battery life is your priority, it’s likely that you have a big space to clean. Cordless vacs used to just be limited to short runs and small spaces, but a new generation of wire-free wonders can take on whole houses in a single charge.
Great pick: Shark Anti Hair Wrap with PowerFins
With a 60-minute run time, you might be picturing a heavyweight vacuum cleaner. But the Shark Anti Hair Wrap with PowerFins cordless weighs under 5 kg. It can go from hard to soft floors at the touch of a button and it’ll take on pet hairs too – no scissors required! You can even adapt it into a handheld vac to take on the stairs and sofas too.
The best rechargeable vacuum cleaner
If you’re after an even longer clean, a vac with multiple batteries gives you even more runtime without having to pause.
Great pick: Bosch Unlimited 7
Hate the idea of running out of battery mid-clean? Bosch Unlimited 7 can go for a whopping 80 minutes! That’s because it has two batteries. After the first 40 minutes, you can switch batteries and keep on going. One battery can clean up to 100 square metres of pretty much any surface. At 3 kg, it’s very lightweight. And that’s cut to a featherweight 1.4 kg in handheld mode.
The best lightweight vacuum cleaner
If you’ve got lots of tricky areas to clean (or rooms full of furniture) lighter is the way to go. From behind sofas to the top of lofts, the less you have to lug around the better.
Great pick: Samsung Jet 90 Pro Max
Clean surfaces shouldn’t have to be a workout. The Samsung Jet 90 Pro Max packs impressive suction power into a 2.8 kg power vac. It has all the tools you need to tackle the whole house, capturing 99.99% of microdust particles, dust and allergens. And after some serious dust removal, its dustbin can be removed and washed under the tap too.
The best budget vacuum cleaner
You don’t need a premium-priced vacuum cleaner for great results. Game changing features are available on even more budget-minded models, so spotless cleaning doesn't have to break the bank.
Great pick: Beko Smart PowerClean Pro
The Beko Smart PowerClean Pro wallet-friendly price tag doesn't compromise on performance. It auto adjusts to different floor types. Its 60-minute run time will let you get your place looking spic and span on one charge too.
FAQs
How often should you vacuum?
Ideally, you should vacuum at least once a week. Not only will this keep the place looking great and feeling fresh, but it’ll also keep dust mites and other nasties under control too. But if you have a furry friend, allergies or a lot of foot traffic, consider vacuuming more often.
What is the best brand of vacuum cleaner to buy?
Short answer is that there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this, as different brands shine in different areas. But big brands, like the ones on this list, have won well-deserved reputations for delivering top-notch cleaning experiences. You won’t go wrong with any cleaner we’ve mentioned, so it all boils down to what features are really going to benefit you.
For some more advice on picking out your next vac, steam cleaner or carpet washer, check out our Floorcare buying guide for more expert advice.
