One of the appliances that cannot be missing in the home is undoubtedly the vacuum cleaner. Only using a vacuum cleaner is it possible to remove all traces of dust, crumbs, and dirt varying from floors and other surfaces.
On the market, there are many types of vacuum cleaners, and choosing the right model is not easy, so we thought to help you by drawing up a ranking of the best vacuum cleaners.
Buyer Guide to Choose the Best Vacuum Cleaners
We have seen what are the best vacuum cleaners currently on the market, now let’s see what are the elements to consider before purchasing. First of all, it is essential to evaluate the structure of the vacuum cleaner as a whole, paying particular attention to the brushes and accessories included in the package.
It is also essential to check the type of Tank and the filtration system used by the appliance, as they determine its performance, together with consumption and power.
Two elements often underestimated during the purchase, but very important, are the weight of the vacuum cleaner and its noise. Finally, do not forget to take into account any extra functions, the materials with which it is made and, of course, the value for money.
In the case of towed vacuum cleaners, it is necessary to check that the tank/motor is not too heavy and bulky because otherwise, it would be difficult to drag. Also, the tube and the power supply wire should be very long to reach every point of the room without moving too many times.
As for vertical vacuum cleaners and electric brooms, it is good to check the power, which is often less than that of towed vacuum cleaners, and the battery autonomy, in the case of cordless brooms.
The vacuum bins are very spacious and powerful, but also bulky and impractical. Therefore they are recommended only for cleaning very large and very dirty environments.
Finally, if you decide to opt for a robot vacuum cleaner, make sure it is equipped with anti-shock and anti-overturn sensors, thick brushes to capture any type of dirt and programming function, to let it clean even when you are not at home.
Brushes and Accessories
Another factor that should be decisive in the choice of the vacuum cleaner is the brush, or rather the brushes supplied. Some models, usually the cheapest ones, have a single universal brush, suitable for all types of floors.
Others, however, are equipped with different brushes, including one for hard floors, such as tiles, marble, and ceramic, one for delicate surfaces, such as parquet, and one for rugs and carpets.
Sometimes other useful accessories can also be included in the package, such as the lance nozzle, to clean cracks and tight spaces, the mini turbo brush, to suck on fabrics and upholstery, and extension tubes, to eliminate dust on shelves and furniture in high, but also cobwebs on the ceiling.
Which one to choose? If you don’t have delicate floors or carpets, you can opt for a universal brush vacuum cleaner. If, on the other hand, you have to use the appliance on parquet, rugs, carpets, sofas, and furniture, it is better to choose one with more accessories.
Tank
Significant is the capacity of the Tank. Only with a vacuum cleaner with a huge tank, it is possible to clean the whole house in a single session without having to stop to empty it. In general, for a medium or large home, the Tank should have a capacity of at least 2 liters.
In addition to the capacity, the type of Tank must also be taken into account. There are three possible types:
- Tank with Bag, the most traditional and until recently also the most common. Collects dust and dirt in a paper bag, also equipped with a filter on the top, which must be thrown away and replaced once full. Usually, the bags have a capacity of 3-4 liters, greater than other types of tanks. The only disadvantage is having to purchase spare bags periodically;
- Cyclonic Tank, the most modern and currently most widespread. Its operation is straightforward: the suction airflow is conveyed to the Tank, where it forms a small cyclone (or in the case of Dyson vacuum cleaners plus cyclones), capable of separating the air from dust and other debris, which are collected and sealed in the Tank. The main advantage of this type of Tank is the economic savings deriving from not having to buy spare bags. Also, bagless vacuum cleaners usually require less power than bag cleaners and therefore consume less. Unfortunately, cyclonic tanks are almost always not very large (from 1 to 3 liters) and therefore must be emptied often;
- Water Tank, the least common. Collects dust and dirt in a tank full of water, which must be emptied into the toilet after each use. Also, in this case, the economic savings are considerable, because there is no need to buy bags. Still, compared to cyclonic tanks, these are more uncomfortable because they must be cleaned and left to dry after each use, to avoid the formation of mold and bad smells.
Filtration
Another element to evaluate is the filtration system, especially important if you have an allergy to dust or pollen. Not all filters are equally effective, and some put part of the collected dust back into the air.
The simple filters, widespread in older and cheaper vacuum cleaners, are made up of a very dense plastic net, which collects the largest debris, and a second layer made of a material similar to paper, which filters the fine dust.
Sometimes there is also a third layer, in foam, which prevents dust from entering the engine, damaging it. In the case of bag vacuum cleaners, the filter is usually incorporated into the latter.
The HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) is more modern and practical. They are made of fiberglass and have a pleated structure. They can capture 99.97% of the particles and microorganisms.
Usually, they should not be replaced but only washed periodically. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are the best choice for allergy sufferers, but they are more expensive than those with traditional filters.
Consumption and Performance
As regards consumption, vacuum cleaners, like all household appliances, must be provided with an energy label, indicating the energy class to which they belong. If you want an appliance that has little effect on your bill, choose it of class A or at least B.
The performances are also indicated with different efficiency classes, ranging from G (very poor performance) to A (high performance). A class A vacuum cleaner can perfectly vacuum dust from all surfaces, even on fabrics and crevices.
Noise
Vacuum cleaners are generally noisy household appliances, although some of the latest generations have a fairly silent motor. Noise is expressed in dB and is indicated on the energy label.
To be silent, the vacuum cleaner should not exceed 80 dB. The ideal is to choose a model that remains below 70 dB, especially if you want to use it in a condominium during the evening hours.
Weight
Especially if you intend to use the vacuum cleaner daily, make sure it is light and easy to maneuver. The trailed models are usually heavier than the electric brooms. They are therefore more suitable for those who want to use them only occasionally, for example, on weekends for extensive cleaning.
For daily use, better to opt for a cordless electric broom, much more practical. In any case, to be comfortable, the vacuum cleaner should not weigh more than 5-6 kg.
Materials
Most vacuum cleaners are made of plastic. Make sure, however, that it is impact-resistant and lightweight at the same time. More critical are the finishes, such as the hooks of the filters, the tube and the brush, the buttons for starting, and adjusting the power, which must be robust and firm to last over time.
