Vacuum cleaner buying guide: how to choose the best vacuum cleaner

There’s a lot to consider when purchasing a new vacuum cleaner. How often will you use it? Where will it be used? What will you be vacuuming? Corded or cordless? The list goes on. But don’t be overwhelmed, in this buying guide we’ll step you through the key considerations necessary when purchasing your next vacuum cleaner.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Types of vacuum cleaners

There are three primary types of vacuum cleaners, cylinder, upright and cordless/handheld vacuums. Each type has its benefits and each is suited to different cleaning needs.

Cylinder vacuums

Cylinder vacuums are a good all-rounder, perfect if you have a large space to clean or a variety of floor types. They can also be used for above-floor tasks, like upholstery cleaning or reaching cobwebs in tricky spaces. Some more benefits include:

• Multi-function: suitable for a variety of surfaces and cleaning tasks.
• Variants: straight suction for hard floors and above-floor cleaning, or powered turbo head for deep carpet cleaning.
• Features: available in both bagged and bagless models, with options for HEPA and multi-cyclonic filters.

Upright vacuums

Upright vacuum cleaners are ideal for deep carpet cleaning and high-traffic areas. Benefits of upright vacuum cleaners include:

• Traditional design: best for carpet cleaning due to their beating, sweeping, and suction action.
• Modern enhancements: some models now offer above-floor cleaning capabilities and advanced filtration options.

Cordless stick and handheld vacuums

These handheld vacuums are great for smaller spaces as they are lightweight, easy to store and often battery powered. Benefits include:

• Convenience: ideal for quick clean-ups, versatile and suited to a variety of tasks, especially cleaning in tight spaces or hard-to-reach places. They can even double as a car vacuum cleaner.
• Rechargeable batteries: lithium-ion batteries are common, providing consistent power and the option for extended use with removable batteries.

Dirt collection systems

Vacuum cleaners utilise two main types of dirt collection systems: bagged or bagless. This is especially important for anyone with allergies or who doesn’t like exposure to dust. 

Bagged collection vacuum cleaners

Bags act as filters, and their effectiveness varies with design and material. 

Pros:

• Easy to replace.
• Minimal dust exposure during disposal.
• Ideal for allergy sufferers, especially when combined with HEPA filters.

Cons:

• Ongoing cost for replacement bags.
• Inconvenience if you run out of bags.

Bagless collection vacuum cleaners

This system employs a reusable container (often clear plastic) to collect dirt. 

Pros:

• No need to purchase replacement bags.
• Immediate visibility of dirt level.

Cons:

• Potential dust exposure during emptying.
• Requires regular cleaning of the container and filters.

Cordless versus corded vacuums

Corded or cordless? As with anything, there are pros and cons to consider for both types. Cordless vacuums have grown in popularity in recent years but there are still good reasons to purchase a corded model. Rechargeable battery technology has improved considerably, leading to longer run time and increased power for cordless vacuums.

Corded vacuum cleaners

Pros:

• Generally (but not always) have stronger suction.
• Can be best for homes with lots of carpet, pets and kids.
• No need to worry about battery life.
• In most cases these vacuums don’t need to be emptied as often.

Cons:

• Usually, corded vacuums are heavier and therefore more awkward to manoeuvre.
• You’ll need to change where it’s plugged into as you move around. 

Cordless vacuum cleaners

Pros:

• Lithium batteries last longer and provide consistent suction power. Go for one with a high-voltage lithium battery.
• Lightweight, easier to manoeuvre.
• Some cordless vacuums convert into a handheld vacuum, giving you two vacuums for the price of one.
• Some batteries can be used with other tools, for example, the Ryobi ONE+ series.

Cons:

• Battery life is limited.
• Some cordless vacuum cleaners can lose suction power as the battery starts to deplete.
• Usually, these vacuums have a smaller capacity to hold dirt and dust.
• You may need to clean the filters on these units more frequently.

Power and performance

Keep in mind the following factors when selecting your next vacuum cleaner: 

Key performance factors

• Agitation: this refers to a vacuum cleaner’s ability to loosen dirt and debris from surfaces, especially carpets.
• Suction: the force that draws air and dirt into the vacuum.
• Airflow: the volume of air moving through the vacuum, crucial for transporting debris into the collection system.
• Manipulative effort: the ease with which the vacuum can be manoeuvred during use.

Motor power ratings

Corded vacuum cleaners are commonly rated by the power of their motors, which is measured in ‘Watts’. A higher wattage typically suggests greater suction power. However, other design features can enhance performance, allowing models with lower wattage to outperform those with higher wattage. 

Air watts

Some corded and cordless vacuum models are rated in ‘Air Watts’, a measure of the airflow efficiency, independent of motor wattage. This metric provides a clearer indication of the vacuum's cleaning power by considering the airflow at the hose's end. 

Filtration systems

Effective filtration is crucial for maintaining air quality and vacuum performance. Common types include:

• Vacuum bag: captures large particles.
• Gauze filters: prevent large debris from entering the motor.
• Foam filters: positioned pre-motor to block larger particles.
• HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters: trap minute allergens (must trap 99.97 per cent of particles as small as 0.3 microns), making them essential for those with allergies and respiratory issues.
• Cyclonic filtration: uses centrifugal force to separate dirt from the air, reducing filter clogging, maintaining suction power longer and reduces the need for frequent filter cleaning.
• Two-stage cyclonic: separates larger dirt in the first stage and finer dust in the second.
• Two-stage multi-cyclonic: uses multiple high-speed cyclones to efficiently remove microscopic particles, maintaining consistent suction.

Pre-motor and post-motor filters

• Pre-motor filters: protect the motor from large debris, enhancing its lifespan.
• Post-motor filters: improve the quality of exhausted air, sometimes incorporating HEPA filters for superior air purification. 

Tips for pet owners

Owning a pet often leads to more time spent vacuuming. All that pet hair has to go somewhere! Fear not, there are vacuum cleaners on the market that have been designed to deal specifically with pet hair. Here are some attributes to keep in mind when selecting a vacuum to deal with picking up pet hair.

• Powerful suction: large, straight tubes tend to have stronger suction power.
• Vacuum with a rolling brush to remove stubborn pet hair from carpet, rugs and furniture.
• Look for a vacuum that uses HEPA filters, especially if anyone in your household suffers from allergies.

What about robot vacuums/automatic vacuum cleaners?

These time-saving devices grow in popularity and quality with each passing year. Owners of these devices often find themselves vacuuming more frequently due to how convenient they are to use. On the flipside, some models can be a bit more costly and may not clean as thoroughly as a regular vacuum.

Many models can also connect to smart home devices, making them even more convenient to use. For example, the Arlec Grid Connect Smart Robotic Vacuum can link to the Arlec Grid Connect smart home automation system, which allows you to automate a variety of connected devices in your home and control them from a single smartphone app.

Vacuum cleaner maintenance and troubleshooting

Run into trouble with your vacuum cleaner? Try these simple troubleshooting tips and keep your vacuum in tip-top shape with our maintenance advice.

Common issues

• Suction loss: often caused by blocked filters or bags. Check and replace filters or empty the collection bin.
• Incorrect assembly: ensure all parts are properly connected and installed.
• Thermal cut out: some vacuums have a thermal cut-out switch, which activates if the motor overheats. Allow the vacuum to cool and check for blockages or dirty filters.

Tips for maintaining vacuum efficiency

• Regular cleaning: empty bins and replace bags frequently. Clean or replace filters as needed.
• Avoiding damage: use the vacuum as intended and avoid picking up abrasive materials, which can damage the motor.
• Routine checks: regularly inspect for blockages and ensure all parts are properly maintained. 

Time to choose the best vacuum cleaner for you

By understanding these factors and following these maintenance tips, you can choose and maintain a vacuum cleaner that best suits your cleaning needs and environment. Check out our full range of vacuum, carpet and steam cleaners.