Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
Buying vacuum cleaners
There are several different types of vacuum cleaners and lots of options and extras to consider. Our vacuum cleaner buying guide will take you through the differences between the main types of cleaner available...
Upright or cylinder?
Perhaps the most important question to ask when buying a vacuum cleaner is whether an upright or cylinder model is right for your needs. Upright vacuum cleaners are generally the most popular, as they are usually easier to use and ideal for large carpeted areas.
Upright vacuums:
- Often easier to store
- Ideal for cleaning large areas
Cylinder vacuums:
- Tend to be lighter
- Ideal for cleaning stairs
Steam Cleaners
- These are useful if you have to do lots of heavy-duty cleaning.
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Other features to look for
Once you have decided whether a cylinder or upright vacuum cleaner is the right machine for you, there are a variety of other features worth considering. Most apply to both forms of vacuum cleaner.
How clean is the cleaner?
Filtration is a particularly important point for allergy sufferers or asthmatics. Filtration determines how many dust particles will escape into the air from the vacuum exhaust. There are three types of vacuum cleaner filtration:
- "Standard" vacuum filtration is the found on less expensive vacuum cleaners and is the least efficient way of removing particles. You can, however, find standard filtration with multiple filter levels, which improves the overall performance.
- HEPA/S-Class filtration is more suitable for allergy sufferers. This type filters out particles and allergens, making for cleaner emissions.
- Generally, the above two forms of filter require replacing. However you can also get vacuums with lifetime HEPA/S-Class or standard filters.
Get your motor running...
The last important thing to check on your new vacuum cleaner is the power. Generally the higher the power, the cleaner the carpet!
Other useful extras...
Check to see if your vacuum cleaner has any of the following.
- Auto cord rewind. Usually found on cylinder cleaners. Great for storage and convenience
- Full indicator. A useful warning for when your machine is getting full
- Capacity. Worth checking your cleaner's dust capacity. Usually between 4 and 6 litres. The higher the capacity, the less time you spend changing the bag or emptying the drum.
- Tools. Telescopic extension tubes and stair cleaning hoses are particularly useful.
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Other types of vacuum cleaner
Though the majority of vacuum cleaners bought are either cylinder or upright, there are a few other types to mention:
- Wet and dry cleaners. These are used to clean liquids and solids.
- Handheld. Ideal for the kitchen or car, these little cleaners can reach into small spaces and pick up crumbs and dirt.
- Polishers. Good for wooden floors, these both vacuum and polish.
- Steam cleaners. These are useful if you have to do lots of heavy-duty cleaning