After looking at hundreds of vacuums, ranging in price, model and functionality, we narrowed it down to five of our favourite choices. We’ve included options for the best robot vacuum, the best cordless model, the best for pet hair and more. Read on to check out our guide to the best vacuums.
Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum
The best cordless vacuum
The Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum gives you the freedom you need when cleaning around your house, or indeed your car. The battery can go up to 120 minutes with a single charge when used in ECO mode. The vacuum can handle all floor types with its DuoClean technology, so you won’t have to worry about changing fittings when moving from high pile carpet to hardwood floors. It comes with multiple tools to help keep your home clean, including a pet tool, crevice tool, and an anti-allergen brush. Flexology in the stick vacuum setting allows your vacuum to reach underneath furniture, and a smaller fitting can be used to take your vacuum out and clean your vehicle.
Why we love it:
- Quality battery goes 120 minutes on a single charge when you use ECO mode
- Multiple attachments to help you clean every nook and cranny of your home
- LED headlights so you can easily see what you’re doing
Hoover Breeze Evo Bagless Vacuum
The best budget vacuum
The Hoover Breeze Evo is by the most economical option on this list. The vacuum may have a relatively low price point, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on features, accessories and functionality. This vacuum has a large capacity 3L bin, rather than disposable bags that collect the dirt, for simple and hygienic emptying of your hoover. More than this, the Hoover Breeze Evo’s 4.5m stretch hose means you can vacuum a standard 13-step staircase all in one go, without any vacuum-balancing. An adjustable brush bar and an attachable mini TurboBrush for pet hair, make this budget vacuum an excellent cleaning companion for all surfaces and when trying to clean those hard-to-reach corners of your living space. If what you need is a basic vacuum with a few extra bells and whistles, you really can’t beat this value-priced appliance.
Why we love it:
- Simple and effective on a budget
- 3L capacity bin for hygienic and easy emptying
- Washable foam filter for a quick, easy cleanup
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner
The best vacuum for pet hair
Shark makes some of the best designed and most well-equipped vacuums you can buy. The suction on this upright model is impressive, whilst Shark’s DuoClean floor head makes changing floor surfaces a walk in the park. This technology allows you to move from the shaggiest high-pile carpet to the smoothest hardwood floor with the greatest ease and with its brilliant design, you have great manoeuvrability when doing so.
Anti-Hair Wrap technology actively removes hair from the brush-roll, making the vacuum all the more effective and efficient at ridding your floors of pet hair and other debris.
Why we love it:
- Convenient attachments for hard to reach places
- Can be transformed into a portable handheld vacuum
- Model design gets under and around corners and furniture with ease
Research and buying tips
How does a vacuum work?
In a nutshell, a typical vacuum cleaner uses a brush mechanism to loosen dirt and debris from the carpet. Then, an internal fan and motor create suction to suck dirt and air into the machine. The machine then holds the dirt in a sealed container and releases the air through a filter.
How often should you vacuum?
It depends on factors like your lifestyle, flooring, and your individual preferences. Most experts recommend vacuuming carpets at least twice a week, and you should vacuum high traffic areas more often.
How long do vacuums last?
Most quality upright vacuums can last between least 5 and 10 years with proper care and maintenance. Robot vacuums tend to have shorter life spans. Digital Trends’ testing indicates most robot vacuums last around two years (or longer if you replace the battery and brushes as directed).
Are robot vacuums worth it?
Yes. Robot vacuums help to maintain regular floor cleaning, and the price range is steadily declining. You can get a quality vacuum with features like room mapping, smart home compatibility, and powerful suction. This allows you to clean your home easily and effortlessly.
How is vacuum suction measured?
Many vacuum manufacturers use air watts to measure suction power, which takes airflow and water lift into account and measures how many watts are used to carry a unit of air through the vacuum’s head. Some manufacturers also use Pa (Pascal pressure units) to describe suction power.
How do you dispose of a vacuum cleaner?
Contact your local waste management centre or electronics recycling centre and drop off your old vacuum cleaner. If the vacuum still functions, consider donating it to a charitable organisation.
Does vacuuming kill fleas?
Vacuuming can help reduce flea numbers because it can remove larvae and food sources. Vacuuming may not completely eliminate a flea infestation, however.
How many watts does a vacuum use?
Between 500 and 3,000, with the average vacuum using around 1,400 watts.
Other things to consider
Before you pick your vacuum, you have to have a good understanding of what you’re going to use it for. Does your house have a lot of carpeting or rugs? Do you have a lot of stairs? Do you have pets? Do you live in an apartment with all hardwood floors? How much time can you devote to cleaning every week? Once you know the type of vacuum cleaner you need, you can start narrowing your list down by price, or by specific features.
It should also be noted that the manufacturers of all of these vacuums have multiple models. If you like one of the vacuums on this list but find that it’s too expensive, or missing a certain feature, check the manufacturer’s website and see what else they have to offer. There’s a good chance that you’ll find something that suits your needs.
