Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
A vacuum cleaner is an essential tool in both commercial and residential settings, serving as your go-to partner for fast, effortless, and efficient cleaning. When shopping for one, you'll encounter hundreds of options—from diverse models offered by top manufacturers, each rigorously tested for performance and durability. So, how do you choose the perfect fit for your home or workplace? We are here to help you make an optimal choice. Go through our comprehensive vacuum cleaner buying guide and ensure you put your money in the right place and equip your premises with the most compatible vacuum cleaner available in the market.
Let’s get started!What to Consider Before Buying a Vacuum Cleaner?
Before you decide which vacuum cleaner to buy, it’s vital that you lay out your expectations and requirements. There are several high-performance vacuum cleaners you can purchase, but the one that is most suitable for you will always depend on your unique cleaning requirements. For clarity on this front, here are a few key factors to consider before buying a vacuum cleaner –
Do You Have Different Flooring Types In Your Home?
Depending on the floor type, the right vacuum cleaner for your property will vary. For instance,
- Carpeted Areas: A barrel vacuum with a Powerhead is ideal for deep cleaning carpets, efficiently extracting embedded dirt and debris.
- Spot Cleaning & Upholstery: For quick clean-ups or spot cleaning on upholstery and car interiors, a handheld vac or a spot cleaner will offer the flexibility and convenience you require.
- Hard Floors: A barrel vacuum is a versatile option that performs well on various surfaces, making it an excellent choice for homes with hard floors.
- Tiled or Hardwood Floors: If you're concerned about scratching delicate surfaces, consider a stick vacuum with soft roller heads or a robot vacuum fitted with gentle brushes to ensure a safe and effective clean.
So, make sure to consider your property’s flooring type when choosing a vacuum cleaner.
How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
Setting a budget can help you narrow down your options. Decide the maximum price that you are willing to pay and look for models that offer those features within that price range. Investing in a high-quality model can actually work out more cost-effective in the long run.
Does Anyone at Your Premises Have Allergies or Asthma?
If anyone within your premises has asthma or any allergies, you must choose a vacuum cleaner with advanced filtration systems like the HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter). It is proven to trap 99.97% of particles while ensuring the dust particles are not released back into the air, thus improving your indoor air quality.
Also, HEPA Filters can efficiently trap pet hair and dander, making them a popular choice among pet owners.
Different Types of Vacuum Cleaners
Cordless Vacuums
Clean anywhere without being tied down to an outlet with a cordless vacuum cleaner.
Key features
- Portable and lightweight
- Cord-free
- Rechargeable battery
- Multi-surface cleaning
- Powerful suction
- Swivel steering for high manoeuvrability
Corded Vacuums
Corded vacuum cleaners are available in both Barrel and Upright styles that offer a powerful and consistent cleaning performance.
Key features
- Constant power supply, unlimited runtime
- Strong suction power
- Suitable for larger areas
- Multi-surface cleaning
- Bagged and bagless options
Upright Vacuums
Available in both corded and cordless versions, upright vacuum cleaners feature an all-in-one design with the motor, suction head, and handle integrated into one unit, making them easy to use and manoeuvre.
Key features
- Adjustable height
- Brush roll (rotating brush)
- Large dust canister/bag
- Versatile cleaning (detachable canisters and tools)
- Corded and cordless options
Commercial Vacuums
Commercial vacuums are specifically designed to clean high-traffic environments and expansive spaces, ensuring thorough and efficient cleaning every time. They are built with durability in mind and come in Backpack, Dry Canister and Wet & Dry canister versions.
Key features
- Rugged build design
- Long cords for a wide cleaning reach
- Multiple attachments (crevice tools, upholstery brushes)
- High dust capacity
- Specialised models available
Top Models
- Cleanstar Butler Pro - 1400W Dry Vacuum Cleaner (VBUT-PRO) - About Clean
- Pullman 10L Dry Commercial Vacuum Cleaner - About Clean
- Ghibli T1 Backpack (T1v3-CLR) - About Clean
- Pacvac Superpro 700 Commercial Dry Backpack Vacuum Cleaner with Upgraded Harness - About Clean
- Pullman CB15-SS Wet & Dry Canister - About Clean
Stick Vacuums
Stick vacuum cleaners are lightweight and compact devices that are perfect for all your quick cleaning needs, or even large areas with the higher end models. They are easy to carry, manoeuvre and store.
Key features
- Corded and cordless options
- Suitable for hard floors and carpets
- Easy to store
- Quiet operation
- Flexible cleaning
Robot Vacuums
Automate your cleaning schedule with high-end and innovative robot vacuum cleaners. There is no need for human intervention – just set them up, and they will move around your premises, cleaning as they go.
Key features
- Automated Cleaning
- Smart navigation and sensors for detecting obstacles
- Scheduling and app control
- Multiple cleaning modes ( auto, spot, edge)
- Rechargeable battery
- Direct detection
Pet Vacuums
Clean pet hair and dander from all surfaces, be it hard floors, carpets or upholstery with pet vacuums.
Key Features to Look For in a Vacuum Cleaner
Filtration System
Make sure to invest in a vacuum cleaner that is equipped with HEPA filters, as they will rid your premises of all fine particles and allergens, improving indoor air quality.
Corded V/S Cordless Models
For consistent power, choose a corded model, and for enhanced portability and cleaning flexibility, go for a cordless model that runs on battery power.
Noise Level
If noise is a concern at your home or workspace, go for a vacuum cleaner that is advertised for quiet operation. It allows you to clean your spaces without hampering their peace.
Attachments and Accessories
For enhanced multi-surface cleaning, you must always choose a vacuum cleaner equipped with diverse attachments and accessories. This can include anything ranging from crevice tools and upholstery brushes to pet hair nozzles.
Cleaning Performance
The cleaning performance will determine the cleaning potential of your vacuum cleaner. Sometimes, this will be achieved through higher suction power, whereas other times it will be achieved through specialised cleaning heads such as Powerheads. The more efficient your device is, the more effective it will be at picking up dirt, dust and debris.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagged vacuum cleaners allow you to seal the dirt bags, preventing dirt and dust from being released back into the atmosphere, and they have a large dirt capacity. There is no need to clean the dustbin, but you will need to buy replacement bags.
With bagless models, you won’t have to buy replacement bags, which means no ongoing cost or environmental impact. But when emptying the dustbin, there are chances of dust exposure, and cleaning can also be a hassle.
Are Budget Vacuum Cleaners Worth Your Investment?
To understand whether budget vacuum cleaners are worth your money or not, let’s have a look at some pros and cons of the same –
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget vacuum cleaners are an affordable choice, perfect for those with a limited budget. | As compared to premium models, budget vacuum cleaners will have less cleaning performance. |
| You get all essential functionalities without burning a hole in your pocket. | If you go for a cheaper option, durability might be a concern. |
| They are ideal for small spaces with basic cleaning needs. | Not many budget models are equipped with HEPA filters or advanced functionalities like adjustable height or multi-surface cleaning.In addition, they would have lower battery run time than premium cordless models. |
If you don’t have any budget constraints, premium vacuum cleaners are your best choice. Considering the functionalities they bring in, like advanced filters, cordless cleaning, high manoeuvrability, automated cleaning and more, they are worth every penny.
However, budget models can also be a good choice for those for whom affordability is a key concern and who need a cleaning device that can get the job done. But make sure to invest in a reputed brand of vacuum cleaners and maintain them well. Brands like Shark, Hoover, Bissel, Electrolux and Tineco are known for both their budget and premium options.
