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Our experts provide the best robot, cylinder, cordless, vertical and handheld vacuum cleaners for your home
The expanding world of vacuum cleaners can be a minefield. With rods and cylinders, handheld devices and columns, not to mention the rise of robot models, the range of vacuum cleaners available on the market now seems endless.
However, finding a product that suits all your cleaning needs—whether you are dealing with carpets, hard floors, stairs, pet hair, or all of them—should not be stressful.
Our mission is to eliminate all your hard work. Over 100 models have been tried, tested and reviewed to find the best vacuum cleaner money can buy.
To this end, we considered the performance of the vacuum cleaner on a range of different floor surfaces, as well as its ease of use, design and description. This handy guide will help you find the vacuum cleaner that suits your space.
With its large selection of cleaning tools and the ability to detect the floor surface being cleaned, it performs well on all floor types and scores the highest for vacuuming on a range of floor surfaces.
A miracle on the carpet, this vacuum cleaner is specially designed for pet owners; in our tests, it swept the hair at once. The boost mode provides you with extra power and can be easily manipulated with a beautiful bumper system to protect furniture and walls.
This stick vacuum cleaner performed well in tests and has a unique display that can calculate battery life. When you move between the hard floor and the carpet, it can also subtly adjust the suction power.
This robot vacuum cleaner is a great choice for houses with thick carpets. It runs quickly and is equipped with a large dust collector, so a large amount of work can be done on a single charge without having to empty it frequently.
This sturdy Dyson meets all our requirements and impresses people on all floor types. It has two power modes, an easy-to-empty dust bin, a washable filter and a variety of tools, including a mini power tool for removing dirt on the ground.
It may be difficult to know which type of vacuum cleaner is best for your needs, so we detailed the advantages and disadvantages of each category:
Upright vacuum cleaners are often the best choice for larger carpeted homes. This is because their floor brush heads usually have a turbine brush, which makes them particularly effective in removing hair and residue from carpets. Wide floor suction heads also mean that they can cover a larger area faster and more efficiently than other vacuum cleaners.
These models are more stable and easier to handle than cylinders because you push them forward instead of dragging them behind you. There is no need to bend when standing upright, which is a good choice for people with back problems.
This design is awkward to use on stairs, and the volume is too large to extend under the furniture; after long-term use, the weight of some products will also cause loss. However, they are usually stored neatly and can usually be used to secure tools to the body, so you can hold them in your hands while cleaning.
This produces excellent results in dust removal on carpets, laminates and floors. Thanks to the built-in sensor, it can adjust its power and height to suit the floor type and pile length. It is also very suitable for pet owners. It effectively removes hair at one time and is equipped with a series of useful tools, including carpet freshener and mattress cleaning accessories.
If you can't choose between an upright vacuum cleaner and a cylinder vacuum cleaner, this upright vacuum cleaner is the perfect choice. The convenient lifting function transforms it from an upright vacuum cleaner to a more portable vacuum cleaner with certain functions of an air cylinder. This means it has excellent coverage under the furniture and is easy to clean overhead. It also performed well in our tests and improved across the board.
This powerful vacuum cleaner is perfect for all floor types. Although it sometimes struggles to pick up dust along the front edge, it is excellent at maneuvering around furniture, and the adjustable brush height for different carpet depths is also useful.
Cylinder vacuum cleaners are generally lighter and more portable than upright vacuum cleaners because the main body is located on the floor behind you for you to pull while vacuuming. They can be bagged or bagless, depending on your preference, and are usually equipped with a variety of tools. Because of their lightweight and convenient design, they have been around for many years; they are perfect for those struggling in a heavier vacuum.
They also tend to be more suitable for contacting under and around furniture, and use long and flexible hoses to make cleaning stairs easier. However, be careful when pulling it at home, as it may hit walls and furniture. Compared to other types of vacuum cleaners, certain designs can also be a bit cumbersome and difficult to store, especially those with long hoses.
This vacuum cleaner gets the highest score on the carpet floor, removes pet hair in one go, and boosts the mood for extra power. The connectable rotating brush head is adjustable, and the accessories can be neatly stuffed into the main body of the vacuum cleaner. There is also a useful power control on the handle of the cleaner, a large on/off switch and a bumper system to protect furniture and walls.
This vacuum cleaner is specially designed for pet owners and can easily sweep pet hair when using a rotating brush. It also got the highest score for picking up hard floors with the included floor suction head, but the picking up of dust on the carpet was disappointing. It can be easily manipulated around furniture and has a useful bumper system. The crevice tool and the upholstery tool are neatly inserted into the main body for storage.
James is Numatic's budget product, but it is an excellent vacuum cleaner that scored the highest scores on every floor type, especially on carpets. The combination of Numatic's standard filter and HEPA standard dust bag is effective, greatly reducing the odor of vacuum exhaust. It can suck up pet hair well, and its long hose provides a good cleaning range. It's bulky and a bit unstable on the stairs, but overall it's reliable.
For larger houses, please consider using this super-capacity cylinder. It scores well for vacuuming all surfaces, but it can be awkward and uncomfortable to use. It has a wide range, but removing its dust bag may be a breeze. Although it is for pets, rotating pet brushes are not as effective as we hoped. However, the dust bag filter used to remove pet odors received a big praise.
If your family has furry friends, then in our test, this bagless cylinder can remove pet hair in one go. It has a strong picking ability on all floor types, but struggles a bit at the edges and corners, and the stair tool can only reach up to six stairs. Flexible and easy to maneuver, its unique shape is correct in itself if tipped over-overall, it is a convenient all-rounder.
Cordless (also called stick) vacuum cleaners are becoming more and more popular due to their cordless design and more powerful technology, almost comparable to corded models. In fact, although they were originally designed for rapid spillage, they are now commonly used to clean entire households.
In essence, their design provides convenience, usually with a lightweight "stick-like" body and smaller tanks that can be emptied regularly. They also often come with accessories, such as crevice tools, upholstery tools, and in some cases even electric pet brushes for pet hair. They depend on battery life, so be prepared to charge when not in use.
They are easy to store (some can be mounted on the wall) and lighter than upright and cylinder vacuum cleaners, which generally makes them more comfortable to use.
Our award-winning Dyson provides excellent response in both its "boost" and automatic modes, and has a unique display that counts down battery life. In automatic mode, when you move between hard floors and carpets, it will subtly adjust the suction level to extend battery life.
Forget going over the same dirty carpet over and over again-this feather lamp Hoover has got the highest score in almost all of our vacuum tests, and can easily suck up small dust and cookie crumbs. Crumbs. The rotating brush on the floor head can also effectively remove the pet's hair, which is a wise choice for pet owners.
This achieved the highest score in almost all pickup tests. In the carpet mode, the rotating brush quickly sweeps all pet hair, and the small turbo brush is even the same as the hand-held brush. It is a bit bulky when used in this way, but its innovative wifi connection allows you to monitor its battery life and usage.
Miele's first cordless vacuum cleaner can be used in three different configurations: vertical, stick and handheld vacuum cleaners. It performed well in every challenge and scored full marks in almost every entry test of ours. We love the headlights on the head and how easy it is to empty the jar.
This vacuum cleaner received the highest score for its ability to vacuum on carpets and hard floors. Compared with upright and handheld vacuum cleaners, pet hair can be removed in a single sweep. Although before V11 Absolute, it felt lighter and easier to maneuver. It only lasts a little over eight minutes at maximum power, but runs longer at lower settings.
Although the robot vacuum cleaner will not replace your standard vacuum cleaner, it will greatly reduce the frequency with which you need to take out another vacuum cleaner, allowing you more time to be alone. These small machines use sensors to avoid hitting furniture and map their location around the room, ensuring that no area is overlooked.
In recent years, robot vacuum cleaners have made great progress. They are more high-tech than ever before, with greater dust collection capabilities and larger dust collectors. Most models are wifi compatible, which means you can set the vacuum cleaner to clean even if you are not at home. You can usually set restricted areas or block rooms you don’t want to clean.
This robot is very suitable for houses with thick carpets and can pick up all the big debris and particles as well as most of the dust. This model runs fast and has a large dust collector, so a lot of work can be done on a single charge, and you empty it less frequently.
This multifunctional sweeping robot can be controlled via the Neato app, Apple Watch, Amazon Echo or Google Home. In the test, D4 performed well in cleaning large particles, debris and pet hair. It can clean the entire room carefully and thoroughly, easily bypassing difficulties.
A good budget option, it is not compatible with wifi, but you can use the remote control to set a basic schedule, which also reduces the need to bend over to open it. The Eufy model can be cleaned quickly and efficiently, easily picking up pet hair and debris of various sizes.
Hand-held vacuum cleaners are ideal for cleaning fast spilling liquids and narrow and awkward spaces such as car interiors and stairs. Because they are cordless, they are easy to pick up, but they do depend on battery life and tend to have a smaller dust holding capacity than vertical and cylindrical vacuum cleaners, so it is important to check these specifications before buying.
As a general rule, if you don't want to empty it often, look for a battery life of at least 20 minutes (this will give you enough time to bypass the car) and a dust capacity of at least 0.3 liters. It’s also worth noting that many cordless upright vacuum cleaners can also be used as handheld devices, so you may already have one in your home.
But if you want to invest in a new handheld computer, as well as battery life and dust resistance, you should also consider weight. It may feel light at first, but it will feel heavy and boring after a while. The average weight should be around 1-1.5 kg.
The included tools may also vary. Some tools, such as crevice tools and pet tools, may be essential to your cleaning. Think about the purpose for which you will use this vacuum cleaner and whether there are any accessories that will help you.
This Dyson meets all our requirements, has two power modes, a variety of tools to choose from, including micro-power tools for removing dirt on the ground, washable filters, and can be easily emptied without causing any confusion Dust collection tube. It feels sturdy and suitable for all types of floors.
This handheld vacuum cleaner has excellent performance and affordable price. It has a variety of tools to choose from to help vacuum easily; there are extension hoses and pet tools for awkward spaces that can make your friend's fluffy hair disappear quickly. The running time is not enough to clean the entire car, and the handle may vibrate a little uncomfortably, but this is a reliable theft.
This is a small but powerful handheld vacuum cleaner with two batteries that doubles the available operating time. They can also be quickly charged in two and a half hours. Emptying the small dust collector is simple, and the lightweight vacuum cleaner can be easily moved in small spaces. It scored the highest score when picking up dirt from a hard floor.
This one is difficult to pick up pet hair, but other than that, it is lightweight, comfortable to hold and powerful, and performs well on all floor types. Although the capacity of the dust collector is small, the slim design is easy to store, and the tool storage space of the charging stand makes it an excellent choice for compact families.
Use this vacuum cleaner for all floor types to thoroughly clean your pet's hair, and is equipped with a reliable selection of tools, including crevice tools of the right length and extension tubes. Its removable battery makes charging inconspicuous, but this vacuum cleaner is heavy and the dust box is difficult to remove and reinstall.
Some of the best vacuum cleaners can sense the type of floor and adjust their power accordingly. This saves energy usage and means that the vacuum will automatically use the best power.
Battery life This is the basic specification to check whether you choose a cordless vacuum cleaner or a handheld vacuum cleaner. Some last less than 10 minutes when fully charged, which means you need to complete it in time or wait for it to charge. Look for at least 30 minutes of advertising battery life in a vacuum cleaner and at least 20 minutes in a handheld device.
Charging time If you want to use a cordless phone, please pay attention to the charging time. If you have been waiting for them to charge, they are not so convenient to use. Most vacuum cleaners take about four hours to fully charge, but if you are worried about what to do in an emergency, you can always invest in a vacuum cleaner or handheld device with an extra battery.
Capacity Generally, the larger the capacity, the less frequently you need to empty it. Vacuum capacity is in liters, whether bagged or bagless. If you buy a vertical or cylinder in the market and don't want to go to the trash can often, please look for no less than two liters. For smaller cordless models, it is best to use at least half a liter. Finally, for handheld devices, 0.3 liters allows you to quickly spill a few times before you need to empty it.
Headlights Some vacuum cleaners are also equipped with headlights on the floor head, so you have a better visual effect under furniture and in dark spaces.
Smart technology connects your vacuum cleaner to your phone to monitor its usage, battery life and even surprising statistics, such as how many calories you burn during use.
Battery level indicator This is not entirely groundbreaking, but it can be a very useful feature for cordless devices. Dyson V11 is particularly impressive because it counts down your remaining battery time in minutes and seconds.
If you have long hair and plan to buy a vacuum cleaner, make sure it is a vacuum cleaner that can easily remove your hair. Long hair tends to be tangled in the brush on the head of the floor and needs to be cut off. However, some models now have a small slit on the rod, and you can pass it through with scissors. This is a very convenient function.
Pay attention to the weight of the vacuum; after prolonged use, pushing anything over 3 kg will feel heavy. If you are struggling with this, choose a cordless design, where the weight is concentrated on the head of the floor instead of around the handle, which makes it easier to support your arms.
Variable suction power is useful if you need more power to handle deep pile carpets. If you are aware of energy use, this is also great.
Retractable rope With this feature, you can rewind the rope into a vacuum with the push of a button-great if you are tired of winding the rope yourself to organize it.
Rotating brush If the floor head lacks a rotating brush, it may drag along the floor when you vacuum because there is nothing to lift it. This makes it more difficult to run on long pile carpets. Rotating brushes are also very suitable for collecting hair and residue on carpets.
Some vacuum cleaners contain bags to collect all dust and debris. Once it is full, it needs to be replaced. Many vacuum cleaners have an indicator that tells you when the bag is full. One advantage of this is that you can remove dust and dirt from the tank without touching it.
You may need to use a bagless model because some dirt may be trapped. Bagless models also tend to be dirtier because the dust will overflow when you empty them. Those with asthma may find that bags are a more sensible choice, but you need to keep some empty bags in the cabinet to avoid running out during the cleaning process.
From crevice tools to dusting brushes, today's vacuum cleaners are equipped with a large number of vacuum cleaner accessories designed to make ordinary household cleaning tasks easy.
If you find such a wide range of additional tools and accessories a bit mysterious, you are forgiven. The following is a description of each tool, so you know if you really need it:
Extension poles are designed to be used where other accessories simply cannot reach. Extension poles provide extra reach. You can remove cobwebs from high ceilings and inaccessible corners, remove food debris from behind appliances, and clean the corners and edges of stairs .
Dust removal brush The dust removal brush has long, soft bristles and is a wizard for removing dust from window sills, lampshades, blinds, skirting boards and other awkward surfaces. It is also ideal for more delicate cleaning tasks, such as dusting furniture, the top of books, or objects that are prone to scratches.
As the name suggests, the crevice tool is designed to enter tight gaps that are difficult to handle with other accessories. With its slender shape, it is very suitable for cleaning corners, floor edges, around radiators and even between sofa cushions.
The cushion tool is wide and has a small flat head. Many also have built-in fabric strips to help remove dust, dirt, and hair from fabric surfaces, including sofas, mattresses, cushions, and chairs.
All models are equipped with a standard floor-mounted pan/tilt, and there may be interchangeable options. For example, if you have deep pile carpets or pets, we recommend that you look for rotating brushes. Some also have rubber parts to help collect stubborn pet hair. Install this compact accessory on deeply cleaned upholstery, mattresses, thick carpets and small rugs.
All vacuum cleaners include a filter to prevent the dust you sucked out from re-entering the atmosphere. Some even include multiple filters to increase retention. In order to continue working, these filters need to be cleaned or replaced regularly, although some are self-cleaning. It is important that you perform this kind of maintenance in time so that you can control the dust and keep the vacuum cleaner working at full efficiency. HEPA filters are also worthy of attention because they provide particularly high-quality air filtration and are more suitable for allergy sufferers.
This is a difficult question to answer because it will vary depending on the type of vacuum you are looking at. Although handheld devices are often the cheapest, robot vacuum cleaners will make you back down a lot.
In other words, you can find great models that cost slightly more than £100, such as the Hoover H-FREE 800 HF822OF cordless vacuum cleaner or the Numatic James Cylinder Vacuum. It is worth considering the features you want your vacuum cleaner to have, and then looking for a model that can meet as many requirements as possible.
Vacuum cleaners are great for daily cleaning, but if you want to perform deep cleaning, they may not be suitable. A steam cleaner can refresh your carpet, but if you want to remove stubborn stains such as wine stains, you can use a dedicated carpet cleaner.
They work by combining cleaning solutions and brush heads to penetrate deep into your carpet pile and remove dirt, usually making your carpet look almost new. Our GHI experts recommend a deep cleaning of the carpet once a year, or every six months if you have allergies or pets.
No maintenance is required, and the vacuum cleaner can only move around dust and dirt. It is one of the most diligent kits in the house, so don't forget to give it some regular TLC to keep it in top condition.
The most common cause of loss of suction is blockage. This makes the machine start slowly and quickly overheat. To keep this to a minimum, do not reuse the bag in the bag model, as this is usually part of the filtration system. If it is clogged with dust, it will reduce the efficiency of the machine. Always change the bag when the indicator light is on. For bagless machines, empty the tank after each use.
To unblock the vacuum cleaner, always turn it off and unplug it. In addition to combing through any blockages in the tube, untie the hose and check the entrance of the machine or the top of the bag for more debris.
GHI Tip: If the blockage is not removable, soak the tube in warm soapy water.
Many vacuum cleaners have at least one washable filter. Check the position of the vacuum filter, then remove and tap a hard surface to remove any dust clumps-do this outdoors to avoid being surrounded by dust clouds.
If it can be cleaned, run the filter under warm water and let it dry thoroughly (at least 24 hours) before returning it to the machine. The other filters in your machine may not be able to be cleaned, so be sure to check the instruction manual. If they are not washable, just tap them on the surface to remove any clumps, then put them back in your machine.
Make sure that the brush on the head is free of hairs and threads. If it gets stuck, cut off—do not pull—any thread that prevents it from rotating. Be careful to avoid cutting the bristles.
A smelly vacuum cleaner is usually caused by not emptying the machine regularly or possibly sucking in something. Find out which one of them, and then wipe the exterior with antibacterial wipes or warm soapy water and a cloth to maintain its smell and freshness.
For bagless vacuum cleaners, after emptying, wash the tank with soapy water and let it dry completely before assembling the machine together.
We test each vacuum cleaner on four different floor types: laminate floors, floors, and long-pile and low-pile carpets. First, we use our own created dust formula to evaluate general pickup. We set a certain number, and then after a fixed number of scans, we accurately weigh the amount collected by each vacuum.
We also found a lot of pet hair from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to understand the handling of each vacuum cleaner. Grind it into the carpet before vacuuming to create the worst case. We also test performance when picking up small residues (such as breadcrumbs), especially when testing as a handheld device.
Most importantly, we conducted a car interior cleaning test to check the absorption of each vacuum cleaner between the gaps. We also tried it on a set of stairs to monitor its difficulty of maneuvering.
For robot vacuum cleaners, we can see their ability to clean the entire room, how long it takes to count, and carefully observe how it enters crevices, cleans edges, and moves around furniture. We also tested the battery claims for handheld and stick models.
Evaluate the design, ease of use, and description of each model, and consider whether it has any innovative features.