Tips on how to choose a vacuum cleaner for the house: an overview of types, features and specifications

Modern life is impossible to imagine without a vacuum cleaner - a reliable assistant in the daily struggle with dust and debris.

But the variety of types and technical characteristics of vacuum cleaner models, presented in online stores, can confuse even a professional.

What vacuum cleaners there are, how to choose the most suitable device and which models in 2021-2022 are worth paying close attention - tell us in our article.

Types of vacuum cleaners

Despite the huge number of vacuum cleaner models presented in online stores, in general all such devices can be divided into 2 large groups:

• Vacuum cleaners designed for dry cleaning;
• Devices that are able to conduct wet cleaning of the room.

Let's take a closer look at the features of the different types of vacuum cleaners.

For dry cleaning

Vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning have the functionality necessary to collect dust and debris from a variety of horizontal and vertical surfaces of the room.

In general - it is the same, familiar from childhood and familiar models of vacuum cleaners, made in a more modern design and equipped with a variety of additional functions.

Washing models

Washing vacuum cleaners are equipped with a water tank, which allows them to perform wet cleaning of the room.

It is worth noting that this group includes not only vacuum cleaners with wet cleaning function, but also models with the option to collect spilled liquid, helping to neatly, quickly and without the use of absorbent cloths to remove spilled juice, milk or other liquids.

Also, the washable models can include vacuum cleaners with steam treatment function, which allows you to thoroughly clean all kinds of surfaces, not only from dirt and dust, but also from viruses and bacteria.

How to choose a vacuum cleaner - the most basic

Choosing a vacuum cleaner, special attention should be paid to the following parameters:

• type of vacuum cleaner - for dry cleaning, washing or equipped with a steam generator;
• Type of device - classic, vertical, handheld or robot vacuum cleaner;
• The principle of operation - modern vacuum cleaners can work from the network or have a built-in battery, allowing you to do without wires;
• Suction power - it is worth noting that classic vacuum cleaners tend to have a higher suction power rating than upright models or robot vacuum cleaners;
• Dimensions and weight - it is worth evaluating not only the suction performance, but also how convenient it will be to use the device those family members who are engaged in cleaning more often;
• Canister capacity - if you purchase a vacuum cleaner for everyday cleaning, you should choose a device with a canister capacity of about 0.5 liters or with filter packs of small and medium size, and for a vacuum cleaner designed for general cleaning, the amount of dust canister should be much larger;
• filtration - the more filters integrated into the vacuum cleaner, the better and more efficient it will work;
• Attachments and equipment - the presence and sufficiency of the necessary nozzles, fixing or docking station for easy storage, compartment for accessories, etc;
• comfort of cleaning - this includes the length of autonomous operation of a wireless device, the length of the cord, the presence of an ergonomic handle, convenient and hygienic principle of emptying the dust canister, etc.

Types of dust canisters

The dust canister is a container in which the dust and debris collected by the vacuum cleaner is accumulated.

Accordingly, the dust canister must have some obligatory characteristics, including an optimal size, suitable for the task of cleaning, quality material that does not let dust particles out, and ease of emptying or replacing it.

There are several kinds of dust collectors: modern cyclonic containers, aquafilters and traditional dust bags, and each has its admirers and detractors.

Containers

Modern and eco-friendly dust collectors that do not need to be replaced and are ready to use at any time.

At the same time, cyclone containers reduce the loss of suction power even when full, are easy and hygienic enough to empty when full, and do not have a negative impact on the environment, which is also an advantage of this type of dust collector.

It is worth noting that cyclone dust collectors have great potential for development - even now, dust collectors capable of compressing dust for easier and more hygienic emptying are being produced.

Aquafilter

Another type of dust collector, technologically quite close to the cyclone container. Only in the case of the aquafilter, such a container is filled with the necessary amount of liquid.

Dust and debris, caught in a container with water, are softened and deposited at the bottom of the container, and the purified air passes further through the structure of the vacuum cleaner, which allows you to talk about even a certain humidification of the air in the room after using such a device.

Dust collection bags

These are the first, most familiar and well-proven dust collectors that are good hygienic and simple in design, while they securely hold dust and debris inside, do not increase the noise level of the vacuum cleaner and are very affordable accessories.

Additional features

Modern vacuum cleaners are equipped with a variety of additional features. Consider the most popular and useful options.

Turbo Brush .

Turbo brush - this is a special nozzle with a rotating roller and stiff bristles, which got its name for the similarity of the blades used in it with the blades of an airplane turbine.

Turbo brushes can be:

• mechanical, which rotate under the influence of the flow of air entering the vacuum cleaner tube: the greater the suction power - the faster such a brush rotates and the better the quality of cleaning will be;
• electric - turbo brushes, equipped with their own motor, which remove all kinds of dirt from the floor and carpets much more effectively than mechanical brushes.

Filters

The vacuum cleaner's filtration system usually consists of 3 groups of filters:

• The first group is the dust collectors, which retain the dust and debris trapped in them, minimizing the chance of them entering the air of the room.
• The second group of filters retains the finest dust, so they are placed in front of the outlet, through which the purified air is discharged outside;
• The third group is the filters that protect the vacuum cleaner's engine from fine dust particles.

The most effective filters are HEPA filters, which reliably retain even the smallest dust particles and do not allow them to enter the air or the vacuum cleaner's motor.

Aqua filters are also excellent, as they additionally refresh and humidify the air, making it suitable even for allergic household members.

Varieties and types of vacuum cleaners

Presented in modern online stores vacuum cleaners can be divided into several types.

Classic vacuum cleaners

Familiar and familiar household appliances, representing a body with maneuverable wheels and a suction tube, connected to the body with a long corrugated hose.

Vertical

Modern and functional appliances in which all the main units - the handle, motor and brush - are placed on a single rail, allowing manufacturers to get rid of the housing, which reduces the maneuverability of the vacuum cleaner.

These vacuum cleaners do not have the highest suction power, but they are very mobile and convenient for regular use.

Handheld

Compact and lightweight devices that are very often combined with upright models, creating a versatile vacuum cleaner "2-in-1".

The main advantage of handheld vacuum cleaners is their excellent mobility - with such a device you can easily vacuum the lid of the cabinet or high shelves, clean the car interior and upholstered furniture.

Robot vacuum cleaners

The "youngest" vacuum cleaners, which are rapidly gaining popularity, thanks to the complete autonomy of work and the absence of the need for constant monitoring by the owner.

The user only needs to set a program, turn the device on and, after a certain period of time, get a clean room with no extra effort.

Robotic vacuum cleaners are good for daily surface cleaning, picking up accidentally scattered debris, and maintaining order in the apartment.

Such devices do not eliminate the need for general cleaning, but they can significantly increase the period of time between its carrying out.

What else should we pay attention to?

What other interesting options are found in modern vacuum cleaners? Let's consider the most useful of them.

Power adjustment on the handle

This is a handy option that allows you to increase or decrease the suction power directly during the cleaning process, based on the current situation.

This feature allows you to spot-clean tougher messes and continue to clean as normal.

Nozzles

The basic package of any vacuum cleaner includes the device itself and 1-2 nozzles: usually a universal brush half-cleaner, designed to clean a variety of flooring, and crevice nozzle to suck up debris from narrow crevices and along the baseboards.

But there are many other useful and unique nozzles, among which it is worth highlighting:

• All kinds of turbo brushes, both mechanical and having its own electric motor;
• electric brush for cleaning pets hair or for cleaning long-length carpeting;
• A round brush head with long bristles that can be used to pick up dust from appliances, books, lampshades or grills without fear of damaging them;
• The mop head for hard floors, like laminate or parquet, is smaller and has longer bristles that do not leave microscratches on the floor;
• The corner nozzle, ideal for cleaning corners between walls and furniture;
• nozzles for wet cleaning: rubberized sponges, cloth inserts or rollers.

Also when examining the nozzles, it is worth paying attention to the presence of the option of self-cleaning brushes, which is rarely found in budget models, but can greatly simplify their cleaning from coiled hair and pet hair.

Cord Length

The length of the cord determines the radius of the vacuum cleaner, so it is worth giving preference to devices with the longest cable to maintain the maximum possible maneuverability during cleaning.

On average, the cord length of vacuum cleaners varies from 5 to 10 meters, which is enough to clean even a large-sized room.

You should also pay attention to the auto winding function of the cable, which will not waste time winding the cord for a long time and will provide safer storage.

Suction Tube

Suction tubes can be:

• Monolithic - quite rare, but highly durable and reliable;
• Split, collapsible - saves space when storing the cleaner out of periods of use, but often inconveniences when you need to get the cleaner to work quickly;
• telescopic, with variable tube length that can be adjusted literally with one hand, based on the user's height or current cleaning needs.

Top 5 best vacuum cleaners by price/quality for 2021-2022

The best vacuum cleaners that optimally combine reasonable cost and excellent quality in 2021-2022 are the following models.

Philips FC9733 PowerPro Expert

Stylish and functional traditional vacuum cleaner features high suction power and can provide effective cleaning of any room.

The model is equipped with a cyclonic chamber that forms a powerful vortex flow, which allows you to achieve unparalleled cleanliness. And - a powerful anti-allergenic filter that retains not only dust but also pollen, dust mites and pet hair.

It comes with a rotating nozzle for thoroughly picking up trash in hard-to-reach areas, and the nozzle has a memory function that automatically returns to its original position when it's finished.

And the unique TriActive+ nozzle lifts the nap of the carpet for a thorough and gentle cleaning, while special air channels in the front of the nozzle collect coarse debris, and side brushes clean the floor along walls and furniture.

Pleasant to the owner and smooth thought-out dust canister, which can be easily emptied even with one hand.

Special attention should be paid to the compact storage compartment for accessories and nozzles, placed in the body of the device, and a soft brush embedded in the handle for more convenient use.

Features:

• type - corded, dry cleaning;
• dimensions - 50.5 x 29.2 x 29.2 cm;
• weight - 5.5 kg;
• dust-collector - 2 l, cyclone, it is not intended for collecting constructional dust;
• power - 2100 W;
• cord length - 7 m;
• telescopic tube;
• noise - 79 dB;
• nozzles - crevice, built-in brush, small nozzle, TriActive+, nozzle for hard floors;
• features - power control on the handle.

Advantages:

• Does a good job of cleaning any area;
• powerful.

Disadvantages:

• small built-in brush scratches furniture;
• Flimsy connections between the handle and the base.

Thomas DryBox Amfibia Family

Innovative and stylish vacuum cleaner is equipped with 2 modern systems of filtration and can conduct a gentle dry cleaning of parquet and laminate, as well as dry and wet cleaning of carpets, floors and furniture.

The DryBox container system is used as a dust collector, which thoroughly separates the dust into fractions. This keeps the suction power constant throughout the unit's operation, while making cleaning the bin easy, as coarse dust left in the central compartment simply and hygienically goes into the bucket, while more hazardous fine dust is trapped in the isolated side compartments, which can be flushed with water contactlessly as it fills up.

The powerful aqua filter dissolves the debris collected by the vacuum cleaner in the water, making it easy to clean up when you're done cleaning. And its unique dust suppression technology creates a powerful water wall, preventing dusty air from blowing back into the room.

The special cleaning nozzle simultaneously sprays water, washes the surface and thoroughly dries it to get a perfect clean of any surface.

Also worth noting is the convenient power setting, 4 cleaning modes and easy maintenance of the filters.

Features:

• type - wired, dry cleaning, wet cleaning, water collection, air washing;
• dimensions - 48.6x31.8x30.6 cm
• weight - 8.25 kg
• dust-collector - aquafilter;
• power - 1700 W;
• cord length - 8 m;
• cleaning radius - 11 m;
• Nozzles - floor-cleaner, parquet, for cleaning the floors, for wet cleaning of upholstered furniture, crevice, brush;
• Features - electronic adjustment of power, vertical parking, auto-cable, telescopic tube.

Advantages:

• quality;
• design.

Disadvantages:

• weak attachment to the main hose;
• Rinsing is required after each cleaning.

Bosch BWD41720

A modern and functional 3-in-1 wet-type vacuum cleaner that can clean carpets, pick up spilled liquids, and clean any surface well.

Powerful motor, large dust canister and good range performance make it easy to clean a large enough room.

And the many included attachments will ensure thorough cleaning even in hard-to-reach places.

The vacuum cleaner is equipped with a special parquet brush, which allows you to effectively and gently clean hard surfaces, removing dust from them and not damaging the floor covering.

It is worth noting that the unit has a storage compartment for small attachments, which minimizes the possibility of their loss or breakage.

A large 5-liter water tank completes the vacuum cleaner, which significantly prolongs the period of wet cleaning. At the same time the container is easy to detach and clean as needed.

Features:

• type - wired, dry cleaning, wet cleaning, water collection;
• dimensions - 35x36x49 cm
• weight - 10.4 kg
• dust-collector, water-collector - aquafilter, 5 l, removable;
• power - 1700 W;
• cord length - 6 m;
• cleaning radius - 9 m;
• nozzles - numerous accessories for washing and cleaning of coverings, carpets and upholstered furniture;
• Features - foot switch, storage compartment for nozzles, auto winding cable, telescopic tube.

Advantages:

• quality filters;
• practical and functional.

Disadvantages:

• No control on the handle;
• time-consuming assembly.

Samsung SC8836

Powerful bagless, high suction power dual-chamber vacuum cleaner designed for dry house cleaning, equipped with a cyclonic container that ensures exceptional cleanliness of all coatings after each use.

High suction power and a special airflow system keep the suction level at its maximum throughout use.

The silent and efficient brush thoroughly cleans all surfaces without damaging or scratching even the most delicate flooring.

The removable dust canister is easy and simple to clean as you fill it, by simply flipping the canister over the container of debris.

The device is equipped with a dust canister fill indicator, which allows you to assess at a glance the need to clean the container from dust, and a convenient power regulator.

It is worth noting the modern HEPA 13 filter, thanks to which dust particles and allergens are reliably kept inside the container and do not return to the air of the room.

Features:

• type - wired, dry cleaning;
• dimensions - 28.2х26.5х49.2 cm
• weight - 6 kg
• dust-collector - 2 l;
• power consumption / suction - 2200 / 430 W;
• cord length - 7 m;
• cleaning radius - 10 m;
• noise - 80 dB;
• nozzles - 2-step main, brush 3-in-1;
• Features - power control, rubberized wheels, auto-cord winding, swiveling hose.

Advantages:

• powerful, pulls well;
• perfect design.

Disadvantages:

• heats up quickly and shuts off;
• heavy.

LG VK89682HU

A distinctive feature of this sleek and visually lightweight vacuum cleaner model is the built-in automatic dust compression system. This makes the cleaning of the dust bag even easier, easier and as hygienic as possible.

Modern cyclone filter, high suction power and a special dust filtration system used by the manufacturer "Turbo Cyclone" provide an excellent quality of cleaning and ensure that all dust is safely kept inside the dust box in a special container, and the built-in fine filter will collect and retain even the smallest particles of dirt.

The model is equipped with a telescopic tube, which makes it easy to adjust the device to the height of each user, and an excellent set of nozzles will please even the most demanding owner.

Features:

• type - wired, dry cleaning, dust-pressing system;
• dimensions - 32.5х61.2х33.1 cm;
• weight - 6 kg;
• dust-collector - 1.2 l;
• power consumption / suction - 1800 / 380 W;
• cord length - 6.3 m;
• cleaning radius - 9.3 m;
• noise - 77 dB;
• nozzles - combined floor / scrubber, brush 2-in-1, crevice, turbo;
• Special features - control of power on the handle, telescopic tube.

Advantages:

• decent suction power;
• turbo brush.

Disadvantages:

• the paint of the body quickly peels off;
• unfortunate hooks for filters.

Selecting a vacuum cleaner: a brief checklist

Thus, when choosing a vacuum cleaner, it is worth evaluating the following parameters of the home helper:

• manufacturer and price segment - it is worth remembering that a good vacuum cleaner can not cost too cheap, and an unknown manufacturer is unlikely to be responsible in case of a serious breakdown of the device;
• The type and type of device - working from the network or battery, detergent or intended for dry cleaning, traditional or vertical, manual or robot vacuum cleaner;
• cleaning parameters - how long the cordless vacuum cleaner works on a single charge, the range of a corded device;
• filtration - the more filters - the better the quality of cleaning, the cleaner the air and the longer the life of the vacuum cleaner;
• type of dust-collector - cyclone, bag or aqua filter;
• The volume of the dust canister - the more it is, the longer the runtime of the cleaner can be, but, however, and to clean the container from the collected dust will be more difficult;
• ease of operation - the presence and adequacy of display, ergonomic handles, maneuverability brushes;
• Nozzles, accessories - the selected model must have all the appropriate nozzles and sufficient completeness, and it is more convenient if the device will have a storage compartment for the nozzles.

Useful Videos

We offer you a short video, which will tell you how to choose a vacuum cleaner and what to pay attention to when buying: