How to choose a vacuum cleaner that won't disappoint

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages that you are unlikely to be told about in the store.

Decide on the type of construction

It is worth starting the search for the best vacuum cleaner with the choice of design.

Standard

• Suitable for complete cleaning.
• Dust container capacity: on average 1 to 6 liters.
• Dignity: a huge selection of models with different functionality, high suction power.
• disadvantages: usually only powered by mains, takes up a lot of space.
• Prices: on average from 2,000 rubles.

This is a classic type of vacuum cleaner, also sometimes called horizontal or balloon vacuum cleaner. The housing with motor block and dust compartment connects to the suction tube and various attachments.

Standard vacuum cleaners have the highest suction power. It allows you to cope with carpets and other pile coverings.

Where to get it

• Vacuum cleaner VITEK VT-1894 G, 4 310 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner SAMSUNG VC20M251AWB, 5 490 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner Tefal Compact Power TW3731RA, 6 990 rubles →

Vertical

• Suitable for uncomplicated cleaning.
• Dust container capacity: on average from 0.35 to 2 liters.
• Dignity: take up little space, easy to use.
• disadvantages: Generally small suction power, dust collector and battery life.
• Prices: on average from 6,000 rubles.

These models represent a vertical monoblock, in which the center of gravity is usually shifted to the bottom - this is where the motor with the dust collector is located. The main brush can be detachable, which allows you to attach attachments for cleaning hard-to-reach places.

For smaller sizes of such vacuum cleaners you have to pay with power: almost always it is much less than that of classic models. However, if you do not have carpets or carpet, an upright vacuum cleaner may be enough for you.

Most upright vacuums have a rechargeable battery. But there are models that work only on the network.

The battery eliminates constantly cluttering wires. However, you should not count on significant autonomy: usually it is limited to 30-40 minutes, in rare cases - 60-70 minutes. In this case, recharging can take from 3 to 16 hours. Be sure to check these specifications prior to purchasing.

Where to get it

• Vacuum cleaner PHILIPS PowerPro Duo FC6168 / 01, 10 440 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner Dyson SV8 Absolute, 39,990 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner BOSCH BBH21621, 8 390 rubles →

Manual

• Suitable only for cleaning of local pollution.
• Dust container capacity: on average from 0.2 to 1 liter.
• Dignity: portability, battery operation, low price.
• disadvantages: minimum suction power, dust collector and autonomy.
• Prices: on average from 1,500 rubles.

These are compact and lightweight vacuum cleaners for cleaning small amounts of small debris from floors and furniture. Due to the minimum suction power, they are by no means suitable for the role of the main cleaning tool. Such a vacuum cleaner will not cope with cleaning carpets or wool adhering to upholstered furniture.

In addition, many models operate on battery power for no more than 20-30 minutes. Then they have to be charged.

Where to get it

• Handheld vacuum cleaner THOMAS Quick Stick Tempo, 12 990 rubles →
• Handheld vacuum cleaner BOSCH BHN20110, 3,990 rubles →
• Handheld vacuum cleaner VITEK VT-1811 B, 2 840 rubles →

Hybrid 2 in 1

• Suitable for uncomplicated cleaning.
• Dust container capacity: an average of 0.3 to 1.5 liters.
• Dignity: Versatility, small footprint, battery operated.
• disadvantages: rather high price, small suction power, dust collector and battery life.
• Prices: on average from 6,000 rubles.

A hybrid vacuum cleaner can be the optimal solution for quick cleaning. Initially, this class included models with a detachable hand block, which was usually located at the bottom. However, nowadays, vertical vacuum cleaners have become widespread, in which a motor with a dust collector is located at the top, in the area of the handle.

Such models can also be called hybrids, since after disconnecting the suction pipe and the main brush, they essentially become manual.

Prices for hybrids are very different, but more or less powerful solutions cost on average from 10,000 rubles.

The situation with autonomy and charging speed is about the same as that of conventional upright vacuum cleaners. The hybrids can run on battery power from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the model.

Recharging can take overnight, so don't expect to continue cleaning quickly. However, with some expensive models, a second battery is sometimes supplied, which can be installed instead of a discharged one.

Where to get it

• Hybrid vacuum cleaner KITFORT KT-523-2, 1 990 rubles →
• Hybrid vacuum cleaner Tinton, from 1 894 rubles →
• Hybrid vacuum cleaner ATWFS, from 1 853 rubles →

Robot vacuum cleaners

• Suitable for maintaining cleanliness in the house.
• Dust container capacity: on average from 0.05 to 1 liter.
• Dignity: minimal dimensions, battery operation, automatic cleaning.
• disadvantages: minimum suction power, small dust collector, not suitable for thick carpets, high price.
• Prices: on average from 10,000 rubles.

These are compact devices that move independently within the premises, removing dust and light dirt. Given their shape, they will not be able to cope with hard-to-reach areas, therefore robots do not pretend to be the main cleaning tool.

Even the most expensive models will not be able to bring perfect order to the house. They only postpone spring cleaning.

Almost all robotic vacuum cleaners automatically return to the docking station when there is a lack of charge. Accordingly, access to it should always be open, and obstacles on the way should be removed.

When buying a robot, find out in advance if it is possible to control it via a mobile application. With its help, you can limit the cleaning area and simply control the operation of the device remotely.

Where to get it

• Robot vacuum cleaner KITFORT KT-518, 10 490 rubles →
• Robot vacuum cleaner iRobot Roomba 616, 19 900 rubles →
• Robot vacuum cleaner Hoover RBC040 019, 12 990 rubles →

Select the main type of cleaning

Dry cleaning

The vast majority of vacuum cleaners are designed specifically for dry cleaning, that is, for simple suction. These can be models with any type of construction. All garbage in them is collected in special bags, containers or tanks.

Where to get it

• Vacuum cleaner Samsung SS80N8014KR SS80N8014, 26 990 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner VITEK VT-8110 SR, 6 690 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner Philips FC9174 / 02, 12 990 rubles →

Wet cleaning

Models with this function can be used for cleaning tiles, carpets, upholstery, as well as for washing windows and easily collecting spills.

In the case of standard vacuum cleaners, wet cleaning involves spraying and sucking in moisture. Therefore, these vacuum cleaners are the most efficient of all. However, there are also enough disadvantages. This is both cumbersome and heavy, and, of course, a high price. In addition, one cannot fail to note the need for thorough rinsing and drying of all parts after each use.

Upright vacuum cleaners and wet cleaning robots usually use special microfiber nozzles and water containers. Basically, it is simply wetting the floor after sucking in the dust.

Single models of robotic vacuum cleaners can spray water in front of them, and then wipe it with a sponge or microfiber.

Any household wet vacuum cleaner can also operate in dry mode.

It is generally accepted that washing vacuum cleaners cannot be used for laminate and parquet, however, in expensive models, special nozzles are provided for such coatings. They instantly absorb the remaining liquid and prevent the boards from deforming.

Where to get it

• Vacuum cleaner THOMAS DryBOX Amfibia, 24 990 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner Karcher Cozy'y BR 4.300, 74,990 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner ILIFE V7s Pro, 12 930 rubles →

Pay attention to the dust collector

Bag

The bag for collecting dust can be either reusable with a cloth base, or disposable paper. The latter is filled on average in 4–5 cleanings. After that, it must be replaced. The price of a set of 5 paper bags is from 250 to 1,000 rubles.

Many models with such a dust collector allow you to choose which bags to use. The set can be supplied with several paper and one fabric.

Where to get it

• Vacuum cleaner SAMSUNG VC18M2110SB, 6 190 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner BOSCH BSG61800RU, 5 250 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner BOSCH BSN2100RU, 4 360 rubles →

Cyclone filter

A cyclone filter is a removable container through which air flows in a spiral. Under the action of centrifugal force, the sucked-in dust is pressed against the walls and settles to the bottom of the container. Cleaning is as simple as possible: you just need to shake out the debris into a rinse container.

Where to get it

• Vacuum cleaner iRobot Roomba 616, 19 900 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner SAMSUNG VC20M257AWR, 6 190 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner GINZZU VS417, 100W, 4 860 rubles →

Aquafilter

Here air is driven through a reservoir with water, which is the filter element. All dirt and dust settles in the liquid, and the already humidified air goes back into the room through an additional filter.

Only standard horizontal vacuum cleaners are equipped with aquafilters.

Some models have several types of dust collectors. They can complement each other or be used interchangeably.

Where to get it

• Vacuum cleaner Hoover HYP1610 019, 9 190 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner Tefal Clean & Steam VP7545RH, 19,990 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner VITEK VT-1886 B, 8 390 rubles →

Check the suction power

It is this indicator that characterizes the strength with which the vacuum cleaner will draw in dust and your curtains. If the apartment has a lot of carpets or other fabric coverings, then the vacuum cleaner must be appropriate.

All cordless vacuum cleaners can be classified as low-power. Hand-held models and robots are the worst suckers. Their power usually starts from 10 W and reaches 50 W.

Upright and hybrid vacuum cleaners have a slightly wider range: from 20 to 150 watts. In rare cases - 200 W, but such models cost from 40,000 rubles.

A power of 100–150 W will be enough to maintain cleanliness in an apartment with bare floors.

Even the most affordable standard vacuum cleaners have average suction power of 250-280 watts. If there are animals and carpets in the apartment, then it is better to consider models from 350 watts. These will allow you to get rid of not only dust and debris, but also of your pet's hair.

On the body of the device, not the suction power may be indicated, but the power consumption, which is always several times higher. This is a marketing ploy, don't be fooled.

Some standard vacuum cleaners have a maximum power of 750 watts. Such devices will perfectly cope with long carpet pile.

It is also important to note that as the dust container fills up, the suction power will decrease. This applies to all vacuum cleaners except models with aquafilters. For them, the degree of contamination of the water in the tank does not affect the suction power in any way. This is an undeniable plus.

Check out the filters used

Most modern vacuum cleaners use two filters. The first, pre-engine, is made of foam rubber, felt or similar material that can pass air. With the help of such a filter, dust is retained that has not settled in the dust container.

There is also an outlet fine filter that retains the finest dust particles when returning air to the room. It can be of three types.

1. HEPA filters

These are the most common output filters, which are complex fiber systems. The higher the filter class, the better the cleaning.

The main classes of HEPA filters and the percentage of particles retained:

• HEPA H10 - up to 85%;
• HEPA H11 - up to 95%;
• HEPA H12 - up to 99.5%;
• HEPA H13 - up to 99.95%;
• HEPA H14 - up to 99.995%;
• HEPA H15 - up to 99, 9995%;
• HEPA H16 - up to 99, 99995%.

It is recommended to consider vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters of class H13 and above. These are able to trap even tobacco smoke and pollen, which will be especially important for allergy sufferers.

Where to get it

• Vacuum cleaner Bosch BGL72294 Ergomaxx'x, 23,990 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner Bosch ProPower BGL42530, 6 990 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner Bosch BGS5ZOORU, 28 990 rubles →

S-class filters

The air is cleaned not only through physical barriers, like in HEPA filters, but also due to electrostatics. S-class filters are believed to be better at capturing odors, but overall they can be compared to HEPA H12 in terms of cleaning efficiency.

Where to get it

• Vacuum cleaner MIELE SBAD0 Classic C1, 10 990 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner MIELE SGDA0 Complete, 18 899 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner MIELE SGEA0 Complete C3, 25 899 rubles →

Microfilters

Such filters are used in relatively inexpensive vacuum cleaners. They can have a foam backing or compressed microfibers. They are usually inferior in the degree of purification to the same class H12, and they need to be changed much more often.

Whether it is possible to wash the filter, how often to change it and whether it should be done at all depends on the specific model of the vacuum cleaner. All this should be indicated in the instruction manual.

Where to get it

• Vacuum cleaner MIDEA VCB33A3, 1 999 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner BOSCH BGL32500, 7 199 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner REDMOND RV-UR340, 7 999 rubles →

Check for the correct attachments

In addition to the standard brush for floors and carpets, modern vacuum cleaners can be equipped with attachments for cleaning upholstered furniture, clothes or vacuuming dust from crevices.

Expensive vacuum cleaners designed for cleaning laminate, cork or parquet flooring can be supplemented with nozzles with elastic bristles made from natural horsehair. They allow you to gently clean the most delicate natural surfaces.

Also, washing vacuum cleaners can be supplemented with nozzles for cleaning windows. They will not cope with dried dirt, but they will allow you to clean the glass from dust.

For owners of cats and dogs, the turbo brush may be the most useful attachment. She perfectly collects pet hair from upholstered furniture and carpets, if the pile of the latter is not longer than 1.5 cm.

The turbo brush can be mechanical or electrical.

The first moves due to the intake air, and the second has its own drive, which is connected to the vacuum cleaner with a separate wire.

It is not worth buying a mechanical turbo brush for a vacuum cleaner with a suction power of less than 350 W. There will be little benefit.

Where to get it

• Vacuum cleaner THOMAS Quick Stick Ambition with a turbo brush, 12 910 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner with three nozzles VITEK VT-8110 SR, 6 690 rubles →
• Vacuum cleaner with three nozzles Electrolux Ultra Silencer USDELUXE, 27 990 rubles →

Don't forget important details

• Control system … Check the usability of the controls and the presence of the necessary buttons on the handle or body in advance. For example, in the case of powerful vacuum cleaners, a suction force regulator may be useful. It comes in handy when cleaning delicate surfaces.
• Dust container capacity … If you are not ready to clean the vacuum cleaner after each cleaning, take models of the horizontal type with dust collectors of 3 liters or more.
• Radius of action … When purchasing a wired vacuum cleaner, estimate the approximate length of the cord in advance. It should be enough for cleaning one or more rooms without constant transitions from outlet to outlet.
• Battery life … Vertical, hand-held and robotic vacuum cleaners on a single charge can work from 20 minutes to several hours. The spread is very large, this should definitely be taken into account when buying.
• Noise level … With the importance of this parameter, attention should be paid to vacuum cleaners with bags. They are usually 10–20 dB quieter than container ones.
• Tube type … The tube can be split, one-piece, or telescopic. The latter is usually much more convenient and practical.
• Suction pipe parking … The pipe must be securely fixed on the body of the vacuum cleaner and not tilt under its own weight. You can check this in the store.
• Rubberized wheels and bumper … Rubber and silicone in the finishing of vacuum cleaners are used to protect furniture and floor coverings from accidental impacts.
• Automatic cord rewind … Almost all wired vacuum cleaners have this feature today, but just in case, check it out.

Buyer's checklist

• The most inexpensive and reliable solution would be a standard vacuum cleaner with a cyclone filter. It's quite powerful and easy to clean.
• An option for the most fastidious is a vacuum cleaner with disposable paper bags. They almost completely eliminate contact with dust.
• Upright vacuum cleaners and hybrids are only suitable for small apartments where there are no carpets or pets.
• If the house has carpets, the robot vacuum cannot completely replace a conventional vacuum cleaner. It only maintains cleanliness, delaying full cleaning.
• The golden mean for the price and quality of cleaning can be called a standard vacuum cleaner with an aquafilter. Such a device cleans not only the floor, but also the air.
• If you have pets, it's worth overpaying for the turbo model.
• For wet cleaning and cleaning carpets with thick pile, horizontal washing vacuum cleaners with a full-fledged water spray system are perfect.
• An ideal option for allergy sufferers, families with small children and simply obsessed with cleanliness will be a washing vacuum cleaner with an aquafilter.