Today, a huge number of models of vacuum cleaners are presented on the market: from compact wireless to heavy duty, from expensive robotic models to the most affordable. How to choose a model that is right for you and will please you for years with perfect cleanliness in the room? The answer to this question will depend on the area of the room in which the cleaning is carried out, as well as on how often you spend it and how much time you are ready to spend on it.
Compact cordless vacuum cleaners
These models are not very powerful and are powered by a battery. However, they have indisputable advantages: during cleaning, you will not get confused by the power cable, and even a child will cope with the process itself. In addition, you are not tied to outlets in the apartment and you can use vertical vacuum cleaners to clean a country house, car interior or garage. The main criteria that you should pay attention to are battery life, battery charging time and the capacity of the dust tank (in many low-cost models, it is minimal, and dust will have to be shaken out too often).
Battery life
Depends on battery capacity and power. In most wireless models, it usually does not exceed half an hour (which is more than enough for cleaning a medium-sized room), but in some cases there may be more. It should be remembered that the more capacious the battery used in the vacuum cleaner, the heavier the whole structure will be, and look for a reasonable compromise.
Charging time
It also directly depends on capacity: a model with a maximum battery life and will be charged more. In some cases (especially for cleaning in hard-to-reach places) it is worth taking a less powerful and lighter model, which charges faster and recharges it 2-3 times during the general cleaning, and at this time you can do dusting.
Tank capacity
For wireless models, a 0.5-liter capacity is already considered large, since the volume of the dust bag directly affects the compactness of the vacuum cleaner: the capacity is built into the bottom or the handle, which in this case will be difficult to get to the space under the cabinet or sofa.
Vacuum cleaning robots
These vacuum cleaners have a lot in common with ordinary wireless models. They are compact, light in weight and power and have no cable. But the robot vacuum cleaner will do all the work for you, and the most advanced models will also return to the docking station for recharging on their own. The use of such a robot is justified if the room is not too crowded with furniture (otherwise automation will be difficult to navigate), as well as if there are no large pets in the house who will surely enjoy playing with your electronic pet.
Earlier we published a rating of the best robotic vacuum cleaners.
Battery life
As a rule, it is significantly larger than that of wireless models controlled by man, and can be up to a couple of hours or even more.
Charging time
This parameter is not as relevant as for manual models. Even if the robot vacuum cleaner charges for a long time, in the end it will continue to work at a convenient time for him and without your participation.
Vacuum cleaners with additional cleaning functions
Obviously, the main task of any vacuum cleaner is to effectively clean the house of dust. However, there are contaminants that cannot be removed by suction, as well as microbes, against which conventional models are powerless. Those who pay much attention to cleanliness of housing should take a closer look at washing vacuums or vacuum cleaners with disinfecting properties.
Washing functions
In addition to dry, they are able to produce wet cleaning. It all depends on your preferences: to clean the dust, and then wipe the floor with a traditional mop with a rag, or purchase an expensive washing model.
UV filter
To protect against microbes, some models use ultraviolet lamps. Their radiation has bactericidal properties: the purchase of such a vacuum cleaner will be justified if at home there are small children or people with weakened immunity.
Carbon filter
Standard filters effectively remove ordinary dust, but are not always able to trap its microscopic particles. Therefore, in a number of models, air purified from large particles is additionally passed through an activated carbon filter having high absorbent properties. Having a charcoal filter is especially beneficial for people with allergies.
Household Vacuum Cleaners
Models of “ordinary” vacuum cleaners also differ in variety and wide variation in price and functionality. The main selection criteria are engine power and noise level.
Power
The standard power for most household models is about 500-600 watts. But there are more powerful products - for example, about 1500 watts. The power of the latter comes close to the models that are used for industrial cleaning. The choice of such a vacuum cleaner will be justified if you live in a large private house.
Noise level
Measured in decibels. The smaller the number, the less noisy the model. For household models, a level of about 80 dB is considered “quiet”.
Dust bag
Vacuum cleaners come with or without a dust bag. In the first case, the vacuum cleaner is easier to maintain, dust particles do not fly around the apartment when cleaning the container, however you will have to buy disposable bags from time to time. If you are ready to spend a few extra minutes cleaning the vacuum cleaner and save a little, then you can stay on the model without a bag.
Additional functions
Additional features are designed to provide convenience or to improve the quality of cleaning. For example, the controls placed on the handle allow you to turn on the vacuum cleaner and adjust the power without leaning towards the body itself. It is worth paying attention to additional accessories - coming in the kit or purchased separately. This can be a brush to remove animal hair, a narrow nozzle for cleaning in the corners and under skirting boards, etc.
Vacuum cleaners for every taste are available from well-known manufacturers in Russia and abroad - Philips, Rowenta, as well as the German company Kaercher, famous primarily for its products for professional cleaning. Household models are slightly inferior in reliability, but are more compact and emit less noise.
Expert opinion
The main advice when choosing a vacuum cleaner: do not buy vacuum cleaners in markets and in little-known stores, because in the case of factory defects or gross fakes of very poor quality, you will practice proving theorems on the subject of quality, honesty and adequate cost, only the seller’s axioms will be excellent from yours!
