When choosing a vacuum cleaner, first of all pay attention to its power and functionality. But now making a choice has become even more difficult. In addition to the usual vacuum cleaners, the body of which is installed on the floor and moves behind the owner on special wheels while cleaning, many vertical models have appeared on sale. They are called so because they are stored and operated in a vertical position. Let's consider how, besides appearance, these models differ.
Upright vacuum cleaner vs regular vacuum cleaner
An ordinary vacuum cleaner is large and reliable; it removes dust efficiently and sometimes even washes the floor. The vertical one does the same, but it is smaller in size. When choosing a model, pay attention to the following parameters:
- Power
- Type (vertical or horizontal)
- Does it perform wet cleaning?
- Filter type
Both vacuum cleaners are equipped with a set of attachments. But the vertical one is more maneuverable and lighter.
Criterias of choice
If you are thinking about buying a manual vacuum cleaner for your home, before going to the store, be sure to find out what aspects you should pay attention to when choosing. It is very important to choose the model that best suits your needs, otherwise the whole event will turn out to be a disappointment.
So, when choosing a small vacuum cleaner, consider the following parameters: power, size, battery capacity, charging speed, noise level, filtration system, equipment and manufacturer’s warranties.
For quick daily dust cleaning, 10 W of power will be enough for you. But if there are pets, small children in the house, or there are a lot of carpets with thick and long pile, choose a more powerful vacuum cleaner. The same applies to the size of the unit (usually weight and power are interrelated). Light models are suitable for quickly removing dust; for more serious cleaning, choose a larger vacuum cleaner.
As for the battery and its charging speed, the larger the part, the longer the vacuum cleaner works, but also the longer it takes to charge. You'll have to choose what's more important to you: long-term operation or fast charging.
All handheld vacuum cleaners are quieter than regular ones, but even among them there is a difference in noise level. Some models operate almost silently. Such devices are suitable for families with children or elderly people who need daytime rest.
The filtration system you choose will determine how clean the air in your home will be. If you or your loved ones suffer from allergies, buy a vacuum cleaner with a water filter, as it cleans the air much better.
The configuration of hand-held vacuum cleaners can be quite simple (with one nozzle) or more complex (with several nozzles and brushes, as well as the option of detaching the hand-held module from the stick vacuum cleaner). The choice depends on the goals you set for the technology.
The longer the warranty period that applies to the vacuum cleaner, the higher the quality of the vacuum cleaner itself. Buy devices from well-known companies that have proven themselves to be reliable manufacturers. This way you will protect yourself from an early breakdown of the vacuum cleaner and the need to take it to a service salon.
Upright vacuum cleaner
The vertical vacuum cleaner has the following features:
- It consists of a pipe that acts as a handle, a dust collector located in the middle, and a brush attached to the bottom. The set includes a standard dust brush, a roller for collecting hair and animal fur, and a turbo brush
- Many models are equipped with batteries, so they do not depend on the network
- The device is stored vertically and takes up little space. It is easy to find a place for it in a corner or in a closet.
- Cleaning speed is faster than standard vacuum cleaners
You can find vertical models that perform wet cleaning. These can range from small floor cleaners to serious systems that dry-clean carpets.
Flaws:
- Usually noisier than standard
- Suction power is lower than standard models
- Cannot clean under low furniture
- The cord may not be long enough for comfortable operation.
- Battery-powered models cannot work for a long time; often the charge is not enough to complete a full cleaning
Advantages and disadvantages
A handheld vacuum cleaner for the home, like any other equipment, has its pros and cons. So, among the undeniable positive qualities of such vacuum cleaners, we can highlight those presented below.
- Small dimensions. The weight of hand-held vacuum cleaners does not exceed several kilograms (maximum 3–4). And its modest volumes make it possible to find a place for it even in a tiny studio apartment.
- Availability. This vacuum cleaner is always at hand. Cordless models are ready to use at any time; you just need to take the device, press one button and start cleaning.
- Ease of use. A handheld vacuum cleaner can be easily moved from place to place. You don’t have to drag a huge unit on a hose around the house and be afraid of catching furniture with it. In addition, special narrow nozzles will allow you to remove dirt in places where a regular vacuum cleaner cannot reach.
- Quiet operation. Compared to larger vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners make very little noise. You can safely use them in the evening and even at night, without fear of waking up your neighbors and household members.
- No connection to outlets. A cordless hand-held vacuum cleaner for the home is indispensable when you need to clean rooms where there are no outlets (for example, a closet), in a car, or when the power has been turned off and guests are about to arrive.
Along with many advantages, manual vacuum cleaners also have disadvantages.
Long charging period. Completely discharged batteries are charged from 3 to 18 hours. The entire time the device is on the docking station, you are unable to use it. However, this minus is debatable: if the vacuum cleaner is always on charge, you will not encounter such a problem.
Short cleaning. Small vacuum cleaners are designed for quick cleaning. They are not suitable for caring for large houses with many rooms. Due to prolonged operation, the device may overheat and fail.
Cooling process. After cleaning, the handheld vacuum cleaner needs time to cool down. Only after this will he be ready to get to work again.
Regular vacuum cleaner
A standard horizontal vacuum cleaner has the following features:
- The housing contains a dust collector, and there may be a container for clean and waste water.
- Typically, horizontal vacuum cleaners have cords that are long enough to clean several rooms.
- Many models are equipped with a wet cleaning unit. Usually the dust is collected first and then the floors are washed.
Flaws:
- Much larger in size and weight, although moving them around the floor is not difficult due to the presence of wheels
- Less maneuverable
- Difficult to clean on stairs
Storage
Models with a dust collector located at the top make it easy to vacuum the corners of the ceiling. Due to the shifted center of gravity, they cannot stand on a flat surface. Therefore, wall mounting is provided for such vacuum cleaners.
If the dust container is located at the bottom, then the device can be stored without support, in a vertical position. The brush is designed in such a way that it serves as a support for the entire structure.
What type of vacuum cleaner is best to use at home?
The vacuum cleaner collects dust and debris into the dust container. It could be:
- A cloth or paper bag with a snap closure. An unpretentious and reliable option that copes well with collecting large dust and debris. The smallest particles are thrown into the air and fall on the floor. But it is not visible to the naked eye, so the room looks clean after cleaning. It is difficult to clean the bags; dust will enter the respiratory tract. If you often change the bags using disposable ones, cleaning will be completely environmentally friendly. But its cost will increase;
- Cyclone dust collectors (containers) made of plastic collect dust that needs to be thrown away after cleaning. Not only large but also small particles get here. They are easy to clean; the plastic container washes well under the tap. The method is highly environmentally friendly. But if the air intake becomes clogged, the vortex inside the dust collector will subside. To resume it, you will have to restart the device again;
- A container with an aquafilter requires that it be filled with water with detergent and an antifoam additive before each cleaning. Air with dust passes through the water, while the dust gets wet and settles to the bottom. After each cleaning, the aquafilter is washed and dried. If installed undried, bacteria or fungus may develop in it. The disadvantage of this option is that water-repellent objects, animal hair, oily hair and small pieces of plastic do not get into the water filter. A vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter must be moved very carefully so that the liquid from it does not splash or leak.
Important Additional Features
In order for the device to work for a long time and efficiently, it is necessary to properly care for it: regularly clean the filters and brushes, remove debris from the dust container as often as possible and wash it (in accordance with the instructions).
In order to choose a suitable vacuum cleaner model, you need to pay attention to additional points:
- Motor power. The higher it is, the better cleaning you can do. Very often the final cost of the device depends on this parameter.
- Method of fastening and storage. Think in advance where you will store the vacuum cleaner. You can choose a model that will stand on the floor or be attached to the wall.
- Device weight. On average it is 2.5 - 4 kg. Before purchasing, hold the vacuum cleaner in your hands and evaluate how comfortable its weight is for you.
- Availability of speed limits. To clean different surfaces and remove different types of contaminants, it is necessary to change the power of the vacuum cleaner, so this function will be a definite plus. At minimum speed you can clean walls and curtains from dust, at maximum speed you can clean carpets and rubber entrance mats.
- Dust container capacity. A container that is too large will make the vacuum cleaner bulky and heavy. The small container requires regular cleaning. In this case, it is better to choose the golden mean - a dust collector with a volume of about 0.5 liters.
- Availability of additional attachments. Most often, the kit includes a brush for removing animal hair and a mini nozzle for cleaning crevices.
Vertical vacuum cleaners are necessary for quick cleaning and keeping the room clean. They are valued for their lightness, mobility and ergonomics. There is no point in buying vertical washing vacuum cleaners, since this function in this case will be more of a disadvantage than an advantage. To carry out high-quality wet cleaning, it is recommended to pay attention to traditional models. Models with a dust bag lose their relevance over the years and when they are cleaned, a lot of dust remains. Most housewives prefer models with dust collection containers, as they have the optimal combination of price, convenience and quality.
Vacuum cleaner prices and cost of use
The cost of a vacuum cleaner depends on the type and additional functions and can range from 50 to 1 thousand dollars. But many models require additional investments during use.
- Reusable bags are not very environmentally friendly, but they can be used for a long time until they burst. The cost of a disposable bag is small, but you will have to spend about $1 a month on them.
- Fine filters in containers periodically become unusable and require replacement. You need to spend $20-200 to replace them. If you couldn’t find the right model, using the vacuum cleaner will be problematic.
- In the cost of cleaning with a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter, when using detergents, you will have to buy them and defoamers.
If a model costs more than $400, it should be equipped with additional washable filters that practically do not fail. The only expense here is the cost of electricity.
Rating of the best models
Dyson DC51 Multi Floors
This company has earned people's love thanks to the excellent technical characteristics and high-quality assembly of vacuum cleaners. The length of the wire is more than 8 meters, the weight of the device is 5.4 kg.
The advantages of this model: high motor power - 141 W, which means that you can easily clean carpets of dirt. The volume of the waste collection container is 0.8 liters, it is easily removed and washed. There are 3 types of brushes for cleaning different surfaces.
Disadvantages of this model: inability to clean hard-to-reach places (under the sofa). Large debris, such as torn paper, often gets stuck in the brush. Purified air comes out from under the wheels, which will be a significant disadvantage for people suffering from allergies.
BLACH+DECKER SVFV3250L
Pros of this model: Cordless vacuum cleaner with high power. Excellent suction power at an affordable price.
Disadvantages of this model: Short battery life - about 20 minutes, so cleaning must be done very quickly. Small container for collecting garbage. Lack of power regulator.
Bosch BBH 21621
This is a cordless vacuum cleaner with a cyclone filter. On the handle of the device there is an additional hand-held vacuum cleaner, which will be useful for cleaning the car interior.
Pros of this model: The weight of the device is only 3 kg. There are two operating modes: the first mode is good for cleaning smooth surfaces, the second mode is good for cleaning carpeted surfaces. There are 3 types of nozzles. Removable handheld vacuum cleaner.
Disadvantages of this model: High price. Small dust container volume - 300 ml. When cleaning carpets, battery life is reduced. It takes a long time to recharge.
Polaris PVCS 0418
Cordless upright vacuum cleaner, includes a removable handheld vacuum cleaner.
Pros of this model: Good motor power - 125 W. The handle can bend, thereby changing the angle of inclination for your convenience. Two operating speeds, illumination of the cleaning area. Dust collection container with a capacity of 0.5 liters. There is a battery charge indicator, the battery type is lithium-ion. The set includes 3 types of attachments, as well as a powerful brush with a built-in motor.
Disadvantages of this model: Threads and hair get wrapped around the brush, so it needs to be cleaned regularly.
Xiaomi Roidmi F8
Pros of this model: High-quality assembly and high power. Battery life is 40-60 minutes. Perfectly removes debris and purifies the air thanks to a 4-stage cleaning system. The kit includes an electric brush and additional attachments. There is a handheld vacuum cleaner.
Disadvantages of this model: High cost. Not the quietest device - the noise level is 83 dB.
Philips FC 6400
A cordless vacuum cleaner designed for both dry and wet cleaning.
Pros of this model: Powerful, lightweight and compact. The turbo brush does not get fur or hair wrapped around it. It is convenient to take out and clean the waste container. There is a function for collecting liquids from the surface.
Disadvantages of this model: It is difficult to cope with heavy debris, for example, spilled cereals. During dry cleaning, it can leave dirt along baseboards and in corners.
Bissell 17132
This model runs on electricity and allows for both dry and wet cleaning.
Pros of this model: Powerful, easy to disassemble and clean. The brush does an excellent job of collecting any debris, including hair and fur. Excellent for cleaning pile coverings, for which there is a special function. In this mode, the vacuum cleaner completely removes moisture from carpets. There is a function to collect spilled liquid and protect the motor from moisture.
Cons of this model: Relatively bulky. There is no power mode adjustment. Doesn't do a good enough job of picking up debris in corners and along walls. The cord must be wound by hand.
