When Dyson announced in 2018 that they had decided to stop developing vacuum cleaners, there were many who were skeptical. But the idea of being able to take care of the floors without having to worry about outlets, range and tangled cords quickly turned most people around. But even though the new technology is impressive, there are still some situations where we do not recommend that you completely get rid of your vacuum cleaner with a cord. In this buying guide, we will review these situations and explain other important criteria you should consider before making your final decision.
Vacuum cleaner with cord or without
The cordless or rechargeable vacuum cleaners have many advantages. They are lighter, easier to maneuver and versatile. Of course, they also have their weaknesses and no vacuum cleaner seller of course wants to discuss them in such detail. If you can not decide whether your next vacuum cleaner should have a cord or not, then you need to read this paragraph.
Range – If your living space is small and mainly consists of only floors, then a cordless vacuum cleaner with medium range may be all you need. However, it will be a completely different matter if you have a large house, many four-legged friends who shed fur and / or many carpets with medium or long hair. In such cases, you need a model with a powerful engine, a battery that lasts a long time (or a long cord) and many good accessories. There are excellent options with or without cord, but you will find a larger selection among those with cord. In addition, there is no cordless model that offers unlimited cleaning time.
Price – in short, you get more suction power per krona if there is a cord. High-quality cordless vacuum cleaners today are powerful enough to handle all kinds of dirt themselves, but you can find an equally good model with cord for a third of the price. There are many budget models as well, but they are better suited for light cleaning tasks and limited soiling. With one, you may need to deep clean sometimes with a traditional vacuum cleaner. As several high-class manufacturers enter the market, durability may be better, but at the moment, models with a cord are the most reliable alternative.
Hygiene – for vacuum cleaners with a cord, you can usually choose between models with or without a bag. And the containers are so large that even if you choose the latter, you rarely need to touch the dusty parts. Cordless models are predominantly without a bag. Usually their containers are tiny and difficult to empty properly. People who suffer from asthma or allergies are better off with a self-closing bag in a vacuum cleaner with a cord (we have some recommendations here ). On the other hand, vacuum cleaners without bags are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The biggest downside is that a little dust slips out every time you empty the container, but some designers minimize this.
Weight and design – having to pull out that big, awkward container every time you find some rubbish can feel like a gruesome task. A cordless vacuum cleaner is lighter and most people prefer to vacuum a little quickly and purposefully when the need arises, instead of having to take care of the whole house during the weekend. However, holding on to some cordless models can be tiring when vacuuming large areas, as the engine is usually located higher up. If you have chronic pain in your arms or wrists, a 3-kilo shaft vacuum cleaner can also aggravate them.
Noise level – the currently available cordless vacuum cleaners tend to produce 70 to 80 dB at full power and are used for only a few minutes at a time. Therefore, we do not believe that the sound level plays a decisive role in your decision. But if you really prefer a quiet vacuum cleaner, there are more options among those with a cord (which even goes below 60 dB).
Versatility – Traditional vacuum cleaners with containers usually have a large range of accessories, such as a second (parquet) brush for sensitive floors. With a cordless model, the available options of accessories are usually fewer. On the other hand, almost all cordless models can be used as a hand-held vacuum cleaner and some can be used in three different ways, which provides endless cleaning possibilities. Cordless models (especially shaft vacuum cleaners) are also better suited for removing spider webs high up, cleaning stairs, cars and other tasks that do not belong to the ordinary.
Storage – cordless models are usually smaller than cordless vacuum cleaners. Many have a charging station that can either be attached to the wall or stand on the floor, depending on what you prefer. Some look so good that you are happy to have them in front (and make your guests jealous). The traditional upright vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaners with containers are not that fancy; you usually want to put them away in a closet or in a storage space.
Extra costs – batteries are usually the most expensive part. When the supplied battery becomes bad, it is expensive to replace it and some manufacturers do not have spare parts available for that long. On the other hand, most cordless models are currently bagless and have washable filters. This way, you can use the vacuum cleaner for quite a long time without having to make any additional purchases.
Different types of cordless vacuum cleaners
If you are reading this section, you probably still want a cordless model, either as your main assistant in the household or as a complement to the traditional vacuum cleaner. Fortunately, there are several different types of these appliances that cover all kinds of cleaning needs.
Shaft vacuum cleaner – This has become the most popular design and is characterized by a narrow tube with motor, container and filter placed high up, close to the handle and controls. Such models provide excellent maneuverability and range. But since most of the weight is on your hand, they can be tiring when it comes to taking care of larger areas. Shaft vacuum cleaners are often called 2-in-1 cordless vacuum cleaners. Most can be turned into a handheld vacuum cleaner by removing the tube and attaching one of the included accessories / nozzles.
Upright vacuum cleaners – These are more bulky than shaft vacuum cleaners, but the weight is usually placed closer to the floor. This makes them more comfortable to handle when vacuuming large rooms and carpets. In addition, the vacuum cleaners can stand up vertically on their own, which is convenient if you need to move a chair or pick up objects from the floor. The limitations of an upright vacuum cleaner appear when you want to clean cramped spaces such as corners, floors under beds, ceilings or draperies, as they are more difficult to lift. Fortunately, many of these can also be converted into a handheld vacuum cleaner. Such models usually have a detachable middle part.
Handheld vacuum cleaners – since the above two types can be converted into one, you might be wondering why in the world anyone would want to buy a handheld vacuum cleaner. But the truth is that these lightweight cordless vacuum cleaners are cheaper and easier to carry. If you prefer a vacuum cleaner with a cord to take care of the floors and carpets, but sometimes want help vacuuming a car or furniture, then a hand-held vacuum cleaner is an excellent choice. In addition, shaft or upright vacuum cleaners can feel heavy and awkward in their other designs and a well-balanced handheld vacuum cleaner will be gentler on your wrists.
Cylinder vacuum cleaners – these are becoming increasingly rare, but you can still find some containers with a traditional look, just without the cord. They are a barrel on wheels with a separate handle that is connected via a hose. Such a model is well suited for floors and carpets but is not as versatile for other tasks.
Other types – if none of the options above feel right for your situation, there are quite a few innovations available. An example is a designer who combines a cordless vacuum cleaner and a mop or models that can be configured for cleaning in more than two different ways.
Understanding the specifications
The technology behind cordless vacuum cleaners has evolved a lot. But how do you distinguish between a mediocre carpet cleaner and an unstoppable machine with great suction power? In this paragraph, we cover everything from necessary features to cool innovations that you may want to know before you decide on your next purchase.
Borsthuvud
Most corded vacuum cleaners have a nozzle with a brush that should be a universal solution for all types of floors. In reality, it works quite poorly. Some struggle to get larger dirt particles out of hard floors and instead just spread them out. Others are inefficient on carpets and do not manage to raise the fibers enough to access the heavier dirt that is hidden further down. In addition, a motorized brush can scratch sensitive floors such as parquet. To clean sensitive surfaces, you should look for a model where you can turn off the rotating brush, or better yet, which has a separate brush for hard floors.
But the best cordless vacuum cleaners have carefully designed brushes that actually do surprisingly well on different floor coverings. You should also consider how maneuverable the brush is and whether it is easy to navigate between walls and furniture.
Some brushes have LED lights, which makes it easier to see dirt in dark corners. Another wonderful extra feature is a self-cleaning brush head. Most brushes are removable to manually save them from tangled hair with scissors. The self-cleaners have small knife blades that do the job for you.
Batteries
The best battery-powered vacuum cleaners at the moment can last up to 90 minutes on a single charge. But with the figure given in the specifications, one usually means the lowest possible effect. At maximum power, you will get out between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the model. Getting a model with a longer battery life seems logical, but a direct comparison can be misleading. Several tests have clearly demonstrated that the best models are still more efficient even at the lowest power than the cheap copies are at the highest power.
But what if you need a vacuum cleaner that can go in turbo mode a little further to take care of the consequences of many pets and carpets? In such cases, you should look for a model that has a replaceable battery instead of a built-in one. There is a misconception that batteries that are screwed in place cannot be replaced. This is not true, it just takes longer and requires tools. However, click-in batteries allow you to continue vacuuming immediately. Some models are sold with an extra battery, but you can often also buy it separately. Be aware that an extra battery is a pretty big investment. For smaller households and those with mostly free floor space, it is in many cases an unnecessary cost.
In addition, you should check the charging time and what options are available. Most models need to be charged in the charging station and the process takes 4 to 5 hours. We prefer those who let one charge the battery separately and those who have a quick charger.
Finally, the type of battery also matters. Lithium-ion batteries can charge faster and last longer than nickel-metal hybrids. Recently, models with lithium polymer batteries have also appeared. The advantages of these are a lower weight and better safety, but lithium polymer is more expensive to manufacture.
Power modes
Cheaper models may have only one mode, while more expensive models have two or three, allowing you to control and extend battery life. The best cordless vacuum cleaners currently have an automatic position that adjusts the suction power depending on the type of floor covering.
You should also look closely at the controls. Some models have a type of button that you have to continuously hold down (yes, we’re looking at you Dyson). This can be tiring for the arm and fingers, especially if you have sensitive joints or suffer from chronic pain. We prefer models where you can turn the desired position on and off.
Finally, some models have a display that shows which mode has been selected and the remaining battery life. If a session of cordless cleaning gives you anxiety about whether you should have time to finish, then it is worth the extra cost. Simpler models usually have battery indicators that are less informative but still practical.
Container capacity and maintenance
At the moment, cordless vacuum cleaners without a bag have a container capacity between 0.3 and 0.9 liters. The container itself is often larger, but there is usually a mark that shows the maximum capacity (overfilling the container can damage the filter and / or reduce the performance of the vacuum cleaner).
In general, a larger container is better because you can empty it less often and be exposed to less dust. But design also matters. Many models have complex emptying mechanisms where you have to pull and turn and remove the filters every time you have reached that miserable 0.3 liter limit – what a dusty hell. The best variant is a container that opens at the bottom and can be emptied at the click of a button or switch. Another thing to consider is how well the container empties on the first try. If it has sockets, angles or nooks and crannies where dirt can get stuck, you need to spend more time on maintenance.
Filter and seal
Another slightly dirty task is to clean the filter. It is not possible to skip, as you risk the filter being blocked, poor performance or shorter service life of the machine. The good news is that most models have long-term (or even lifetime) filters that can be easily shaken out or rinsed in running water, which minimizes extra costs. Again, it may be dusty to remove the filter but it depends on the design.
Some models boast HEPA filters. These filters remove at least 99.95% of all airborne particles smaller than 0.3 microns in diameter. Still, the best filter in the world will not help you if not the rest of the vacuum cleaner than completely tight. As we described above, the washable filters and containers do not completely protect you from dust. If it is important for you to have excellent air quality, we recommend that you choose a vacuum cleaner that has been approved for asthma and / or allergy patients. You may also want a good air purifier .
Weight
Cordless vacuum cleaners are much lighter than the regular models and weigh an average of 2-3 kg. But it can also feel like too much if the vacuum cleaner is poorly balanced. In general, shaft vacuum cleaners that weigh more than 3 kg can feel tiring to hold after prolonged use. The upright vacuum cleaners are often heavier but still comfortable, as they have most of their weight close to the floor.
If you have to choose between two, otherwise equivalent models and have sensitive wrists, we recommend that you take it easier. You will feel motivated to pick it up more often. And it will be easier to convince your partner or your children that they should also do their part of the cleaning.
Engine power
This is a tricky question. Some manufacturers of cordless vacuum cleaners state watts in the specifications (to describe engine power) while others mention airwatt (airwatt) instead (to express suction power). This often makes a direct comparison impossible and to be straightforward, none of the measures still provide the whole truth.
The overall design efficiency (especially the brush nozzle) plays a bigger role when it comes to performance. A higher number may indicate a better suction, but this is not always the case.
Accessories
Before you buy something, you should carefully think about what kinds of surfaces you need to clean. Most manufacturers offer several variants of the same model and often the only difference is which accessories are included. Although you can order extra accessories separately, it is usually cheaper to get the right combination right from the start. Once you have cut the selection to a few finalists, the included accessories can help you choose the right one. In addition, the cordless vacuum cleaners are so versatile that you will probably use the different brushes and nozzles more than you did with your traditional vacuum cleaner.
Almost all vacuum cleaners include the following 3 accessories and in some models they can be attached together in an adjustable nozzle:
Nozzle for cracks – this is the accessory you need to clean corners, elements, between the sofa cushions and in other cramped places. The nozzle for cracks has a narrow, flat shape and an angled opening, which means that you reach places that are too narrow for the floor nozzle. We prefer pull-out nozzles because they provide better range.
Dust brush – perfect for cleaning window sills, bookshelves, lamps and blinds. This is a circular or elongated brush with long, soft straws. A dust brush works perfectly to catch dust without having to worry about scratching more sensitive surfaces. Some brushes can be angled to provide better range.
Furniture nozzle – this accessory is designed to clean fabric, mattresses, pillows, sofas and similar items. It has a small flat head that provides great suction power. It often also has a strip of fabric that catches lint for more thorough cleaning.
Some vacuum cleaner models have extra accessories:
Mini-turbo brush – this is a smaller and lighter version of a motorized turbo brush. A mini-turbo brush is perfect for deep cleaning carpeted stairs, upholstered furniture and the inside of the car. Thanks to the rotating bristles, it is more powerful than the furniture nozzle to get rid of embedded dirt and it can be extra good to have for pet owners.
A mattress accessory – similar to the nozzle for furniture, this accessory has an even narrower opening, which provides maximum suction power when cleaning a mattress. Even if it is not necessary, this accessory can be practical for those who suffer from allergies because it removes more dust and allergens than other tools.
A flexible pipe – looks like the traditional hose on a vacuum cleaner with a container but it is shorter. This means that you get a better cleaning range and it is easier to reach challenging areas. It also allows you to put down the vacuum cleaner unit itself during cleaning.
Nozzle for vacuuming under objects – another long and flexible nozzle that is narrower, which helps you reach under furniture, between car seats and so on.
Summary
A carefully selected cordless vacuum cleaner will change the way you look at floor cleaning. Fortunately, there are more models available than ever, for all budgets and cleaning needs.
If cost is not an issue then the Dyson V11 Absolute Extra is the most powerful vacuum cleaner currently on the market. Its fantastic cleaning ability, easy-to-open container and long-life battery form a perfect combination. In addition, the excellent accessory set is the best choice for a wide range of tasks, from cleaning delicate parquet floors to removing animal hair from carpets.
On the other hand, the competition between cordless vacuum cleaners has become tougher. All five models in this list offer impressive performance for their price and all five have unique benefits. Whichever one you choose, you will be amazed at how quick and easy it can be to clean.
