Are you looking for a new vacuum cleaner? We can all agree that this isn’t the easiest task. Going through stores and online shops can be quite overwhelming because there are many different models to choose from.
How to choose one? Should you opt for a stick vac, or an upright, handheld or canister? What are the most important features and accessories? These are just a few of the many questions you probably have if you’re buying your first vacuum.
Luckily, there’s something you can do to make the search a bit easier. Since every vac has its pros and cons, you should carefully consider them before opting for any particular model. Also, you should think about your needs and the type of floors you have.
If you’re a newbie, you should read the article below to find out more about this and several other useful shopping tips.
Stick, handheld, upright, or?
What kind of a vacuum cleaner would you like? As you probably know, there are several different types for you to choose from.
These do the basic job of vacuuming, but some are more convenient and practical than others. For example, a stick is easier to store away than a canister vac. However, a canister can usually fit much more dirt and dust in its bag than a stick.
It might sound a bit confusing and overwhelming, but finding the right type is actually rather simple. Here’s a glance at what each type offers so that you can pick what works the best for you.
Canister – these are the old-school vacuums we all used to have. However, modern models aren’t as bulky and loud as the ones we know from before. In other words, these have large dust bags that can fit plenty of dirt and usually come with quite a few accessories. Still, they take quite a lot of storage space.
Stick – a stick vacuum is the best option for those who struggle with storage space. In most cases, these are cordless and bagless. For this reason, they are best-fitting for small houses and apartments since they have limited runtime.
Uprights – this might be the most popular type of vacuum cleaner. Uprights are versatile and usually come with several accessories allowing you to clean both carpets and bare floors. Some are also suitable for upholstery and stairs since they can be converted into handhelds.
Handheld – these are small and compact, allowing you to spot-clean when you don’t want to use your full-sized vac. They cannot be used as standard, large vacuums because they have small bin capacity. Some are corded, but many are also cordless and battery-operated.
Robots – a robot vacuum is a worthy investment if you don’t have as much time to clean a few times a week. It’s a smart unit, so it’s also a bit pricier than other models. However, it cleans and maintains your floors with minimal assistance on your part.
Carpets or Bare Floors
At this point, you should know which type would work the best for your needs. What you should next is think about the floors you have in your home.
Do you have bare floors, carpets, or a combination of both? The reason why this is important is that some vacs do better on bare floors than carpets and vice versa. However, some do great on both.
Those meant for bare floors usually don’t have a beater brush because it could damage the delicate surface. Plus, a beater brush would probably scatter different particles around because bare floors are sleek.
However, you should opt for the one with such a brush if you have carpets. A beater brush helps pick up different pieces and debris from carpets and area rugs.
Keep in mind that some carpets are special and should be treated as such. High-pile ones require a powerful vac that can reach deep into the fibers.
If you have wool carpets, you should invest in a vacuum for wool carpets. These are pretty much another category because not every vac can work with such material and texture.
If you have combined floors, you should look for a vac that has height adjustment settings. Some are automatic, while others you have to adjust manually. Nonetheless, the feature is critical as it helps the vac transition from one surface to another.
Other Considerations
Are you prone to allergies? If so, you should pay special attention to the kind of filter you choose. Nowadays, vacuums have different filters that are more or less efficient against tiny particles and fine dust. In most cases, HEPA is a good choice if you have pets or you’re allergy-prone.
Keep in mind that some models have bags while others have dust bins. Those with a dust bin are more eco-friendly and cost-effective, but might not be the best for allergy-prone people.
On another note, if you opt for a bagged vac, you’ll have to keep replacing the bags which is an additional expense you should account for.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you want a corded vac. These are convenient in terms of unlimited runtime, but you’ll have to re-plug them a few times during the cleaning process. A corded model, however, has limited runtime.
Don’t forget to look into the accessories that come with the model of your choice. Some are packed with different tools you may or may not need, so make sure to check that beforehand.
A crevice tool and dusting brush are probably the most useful tools. Still, things like a pet tool and car interior kit might also be helpful to some people.
Consider the Warranty
In most cases, people forget to consider the warranty deal when buying a vacuum for the first time. Still, the matter is quite important, and you should pay special attention to it.
Luckily, most brands back their models up for at least a year or longer. However, read the fine print because warranty deals often don’t cover for much more than faulty materials and error in manufacturing.
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