There are many factors to consider when setting out to purchase a new vacuum cleaner. You will need to think about the size of your house, frequency of use, different floor surfaces, your budget and many more. One of the most important decisions you will need to make is choosing the right type of vacuum. With so many options, deciding on the best one is not an easy task. To help out, we’ve put together a quick breakdown of the five main types of vacuum cleaners. We’ll take a look at what they are, what they’re good at, some of their limitations and for who they are best suited.
Canister vacuums. Extremely versatile
Canister vacuums are the most common variety that you’re probably accustomed to. They have a large body which follows you around as you use the hose and various head attachments to pick up dirt and debris.
Canister vacuums are popular for a reason. They’re incredibly versatile, able to clean almost anywhere thoroughly. Different attachments allow you to complete every cleaning task efficiently. Use the general brush for carpet, the bare-floor attachment for hard flooring and the small-headed brush to reach behind furniture or give your car a dust-busting.
There are relatively little downsides to this type of vacuum. Obviously, dragging the tank around with you everywhere you go is mildly inconvenient. Especially if you have large rooms or multiple levels in your home. They may also be challenging to store, although modern models are now relatively sleek and compact.
Upright vacuums. Traditional and functional
Upright vacuums are the all-in-one unit that you ‘tilt’ and push to clean your floors. There are bagged and bagless options, as well as both cord and cordless variations.
Upright vacuums are great for deep cleaning your carpets. You can adjust the height of the brush and turn it off completely to clean hard floors efficiently. Newer models come packed with powerful batteries that let you harness the appliance’s full power without the cable holding you back.
While capable, they’re not quite as versatile as canister vacuums are. You can’t easily swap out attachments, they’re heavier to push around, and you can get those hard to reach places as you would with a hose-based vacuum. For thoroughly cleaning your basic floors, it’s hard to go past a sturdy upright vacuum.
Stick vacuums. A modern masterpiece.
Stick vacuums take the best of the canister and upright vacuum and combine it into one advanced package. They are lightweight, thin and maneuverable, making them suitable for almost every task.
The best cordless stick vacuums pack long battery life alongside incredible suction power, yet without the accompanying noise. They often come with multiple attachments and can easily be converted to an easy-to-use handheld vacuum for some quick touch-up action.
While they are incredibly nifty, most models will not come with the power or battery life you would need to make a stick vacuum your primary cleaning appliance - do your research!
Handheld vacuums. A great backup.
Handheld vacuums are small devices designed to do quick cleaning only. They are the most compact of all types as well as the most lightweight and portable. Most handheld vacuums these days are cordless, making them the best grab-and-go option.
“Handheld vacuums are the modern replacement for the dustpan and brush”
Use a handheld vacuum to quickly clean up a minor mess, such as crumbs on the table, inside your car or dust behind your furniture. Mostly, they are the modern replacement for the dustpan and brush - perfect for cleaning up after your kids and pets. The downside is that they offer little more than this. Certainly not enough power or versatility to be your home’s sole vacuum.
Robotic vacuums
Robot vacuum cleaners demonstrate the pinnacle of vacuum technology. They are entirely cordless, mostly autonomous and do a great job at keeping any home clean. The best models offer seamless execution, efficient and quiet cleaning, packed with powerful and adjustable suction modes. Newer robots are equipped with a mopping feature to automate another everyday household chore, so you don’t have to. Remotely controlling your robot using a mobile app and smart home integrations is another useful feature that not every brand offers. Programming a daily clean is (almost) set and forget!
“Robots are as affordable as ever and the time savings easily outweigh the cost”
You still need to maintain your robot vacuum, such as emptying their dust bag as well as cleaning and replacing their parts. Their suction power is also not up to the level of their larger manual counterparts. While they lack in some areas, every home can take advantage of a robot vacuum cleaner as an asset to their cleaning arsenal. They’re now as affordable as ever and the time savings easily outweigh the cost, making them a fantastic investment to keep your home clean.
Roborock is a global leader in the robot vacuum space, continually pushing innovation and the latest in smart-home cleaning automation. Our most recent model, the Roborock S6 Pure, is a vacuum and mopping powerhouse. The Roborock S6 Pure is exceptionally efficient, comes packed with features, and comes at a more affordable price than it’s award-winning predecessor. If you have any questions or need advice, contact us today.