Best Stick & Cordless Vacuum Cleaners

Should I get a stick vacuum?

Stick vacuums are great for whipping out when you make a small mess, and depending on the person, can make vacuuming seem like less of a chore, but is it the right match for you and your household?

What should I look for when buying a cordless or stick vacuum?

Corded vs. cordless stick vacuums

Cordless stick vacuum cleaners need to charge after use. These vacuums offer convenience and the ability to use your vacuum anywhere you desire to.

Cordless vacuums are lighter than corded ones, so you can use them for cleaning anything from nooks and crannies to cars. They’re also easier to store, making them great for people with limited space.

Corded stick vacuums are electric-powered, which means that they include a cord that connects the vacuum to a power outlet. Corded vacuums are cheaper than cordless, but the dependence on a connection to a power outlet restricts mobility.

A main advantage of a corded model is that they tend to be more effective on heavy carpet than cordless vacuums.

Features

There are a variety of features that can make your vacuum easier to use and more effective at its job.

• 2-in-1: Some stick vacuum cleaners can convert to a handheld vacuum.
• Variable suction: This lets you adjust the suction, so that you can clean delicate things that need less suction, such as curtains and cushions.
• Boost: When activated, a boost function provides extra suction power so that you can clean particularly dusty and dirty spots.
• Smart technology: As seen on the Tineco Pure One S12 Platinum, smart technology on a vacuum can do anything from connect to your phone so you can keep track of your cleaning, to automatically adjust suction power when it detects dust.
• LED display: Common in smart vacuums, an LED display can let you see the battery level, suction power, how much dust has been collected, and can even tell you what’s gone wrong if your vacuum is malfunctioning.
• Wet and dry: Some models can also vacuum liquids and other wet material. However, they can usually only suck up a small amount, and the bin and filter generally need to be cleaned separately.
• Wall mountable charger: A wall-mounted base can make your vacuum easy to access while keeping it fully charged.

Filter type

There are 2 main types of filters found in vacuum cleaners:

Micro filters

These are washable or disposable filters that are found in many more basic vacuums. They release dust particles back into the air, so they’re generally not very well-suited to households with people that have asthma or allergies.

HEPA filter

Vacuuming stirs up the dust and debris, so if you find that vacuuming triggers any allergies or conditions like asthma, a HEPA filter can help provide some relief.

A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter traps fine particles, including dust and mould spores, so the exhaust air coming from your vacuum will be much cleaner. Premium vacuum cleaners will have a multi-layer filtration system to ensure that no allergens are left behind.

The Xiaomi Dreame V9 and the Wertheim Evolution Handstick W7301 both have HEPA filters.

Attachments

Stick vacuums usually come with a standard head that suits both carpeted and hard floors. Many will come with (or separately sell) extra attachments that make it easier to clean different surfaces. A soft head is ideal for hard floors, such as tiles and floorboards.

Some attachments also come with shorter (or no) sticks, so that you can easily clean upholstery and surfaces other than the floor. An angled head is another useful accessory for vacuuming dust on high shelves and furniture.

Pet vacuums

Some vacuum cleaners are marketed as ‘pet’ or ‘animal’ vacuums. These have powerful suction that gets deep into both low and high-pile carpets to pick up pet hairs from around your home and car.

If you have a long-haired furry friend, look for a rotating, motorised brush head that hair won’t get tangled around.

The Dyson V8 Animal is a pet vacuum that has whole-machine filtration, capturing allergens and expelling cleaner air.

Ease of use

Check how lightweight a vacuum is. If you can handle it in store, then try it out to see how easy it is to manoeuvre across both hard surfaces and carpet (if you expect to be using it on soft surfaces).

Some people use their vacuums to clean ceilings, fans, and upholstery, so if this is the case for you, try to find a model that’s not too tiring to use for these different surfaces.

Bin capacity

The larger the bin capacity, the less often you need to empty it. Consistently stopping to empty the bin can be bothersome, especially with a spacious apartment or house. Bin capacity usually ranges from 0.4L to 1.9L.

The longevity of a bin capacity will depend on the house size and how dirty the area is. A modest-sized room might seem as though it would require a large storage amount, but if the room has been left untouched for a while, a generous amount of bin storage will be required.

Running time

Running out of battery mid-clean is frustrating, so if you have a large home, choose one with a longer run time, such as Xiaomi vacuums, which boast up to 90 minutes of running time. Dyson stick vacuums usually provide a running time of 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the model.

It’s also quite common for vacuums to have shorter run times, usually up to 15 or 20 minutes. This may be more of an issue if you have a large space to vacuum, however you can also find models that let you swap out for a spare battery so you don’t need to stop mid-clean.

Are stick vacuums worth it?

Stick and cordless vacuum cleaners can cost anywhere from $29 to $1400 and more. A cheap stick vacuum may not come with all the bells and whistles, but that doesn’t mean it can’t do the job. This Kmart stick vacuum has received a plenty of positive reviews, and costs only $29.

When considering price, make sure you also factor in the warranty of a product. Short 1 or 2-year warranties may mean you’ll end up having to fork out for a whole new vacuum cleaner not that long after buying a new one should anything go wrong.

Investing in a stick vacuum can definitely be worthwhile if you want the ease of use and versatility of a cordless cleaner. Just make sure that you think about what you need to clean, and find a model that suits your preferences.