Keep your home spick and span with the best vacuum cleaners
When buying a vacuum cleaner, whether upright, barrel, bagless or hand-held, consider your budget and size of your home. Our guide outlines the different types and features so you can choose the best option for your needs.
Let’s Look at the Different Types
Upright:
- The suction pump is located below the unit, and the bag is attached to a broom-like handle.
- Generally, upright vacuums are very effective at cleaning deep-down dirt.
- Ergonomically easier to operate because the unit can be steered around by the handle.
- Difficult to use in narrow spaces or on stairs.
Barrel:
- Flexible hose connects to a wheeled canister unit containing the bag and motor.
- Barrel models are easier to get into tight spaces during cleaning.
- Most have multiple detachable heads for different tasks.
- Compact size for convenient storage.
Hand-held:
- Small, lightweight and generally battery-operated; can be used with one hand.
- Good for hard-to-reach places.
- Generally, a hand-held vacuum is not suitable for cleaning an entire house.
Does Size Matter?
The size of the area to be cleaned should determine the size of the vacuum cleaner you need. If you choose a model that is too small for your home, you will need to empty your vacuum bag more frequently.
Be mindful to factor in the type of floor surface in your house, too; rooms with thick, shaggy carpets will fill up the vacuum faster.
Lightweight models are also easier to use. Remember to consider storage space as well; ensure you have enough room to keep your vacuum neatly tucked away when not in use.
It's All In The Suction
The amount of electricity a vacuum cleaner uses is measured in watts. However, this doesn't always determine how well a vacuum works. It's how much of this power is converted into airflow that determines the vacuum's suction strength. Most models today boast enough suction power for household cleaning, while some feature adjustable settings that allow you to adjust the suction power for more delicate jobs such as cleaning curtains.
What Should I Know About Vacuum Bags?
Also known as dust collectors, these come in two varieties:
- Disposable vacuum bags can be thrown out when full and replaced with a new one.
- Reusable bags are environmentally friendly. Bagless vacuums use a container rather than a bag.
Power and Turbo Heads Explained
Powerheads and turbo brushes are handy tools for thick, stubborn carpets.
- A powerhead is a motorised brush that helps remove dust from carpets; the rotating brush creates additional friction and suction to loosen ingrained dirt.
- A turbo brush is similar but is powered by the vacuum's airflow, rather than a separate motor.
What Does HEPA Stand For?
It stands for ""high-efficiency particulate air filtration"" and is an international standard for filters that trap tiny particles, such as pollen. This type of filter can help if you have asthma or a dust allergy, but you have to clean or replace it regularly so it works properly.
Some Additional Features To Consider
There is a range of features that make vacuum cleaning easier:
- Adjustable head height: Allows you to clean different surfaces, such as carpet with different pile heights, floorboards and tiles.
- Telescopic wand: Adjust the wand to suit your height, so you don't have to bend your back as much.
- Retractable power chord: An extra-long, retractable cord so you can move between rooms without having to unplug and switch power points.
- 'Dustbag Full' indicator: Lets you know when the dust collector is full without having to open the vacuum.
- On-board attachments: For example, a crevice nozzle for narrow corners and around chair cushions, and an upholstery brush for curtains and soft furnishings.
- Reverse airflow: Handy for gathering dirt into one area, clearing the hose if it gets clogged, and inflating items like airbeds.
Simple Vacuum Cleaner Choices
- Types: Upright, barrel, hand-held, steam and wet/dry models.
- Size: The size of the area to be cleaned determines the vacuum's capacity.
- HEPA: Filters that trap tiny particles, such as pollen.
Optional Extras
- 'Dustbag Full' indicator: Eliminates the need for manual checking.
- Additional attachments: For narrow corners and soft furnishings.
