What types of flooring will you be vacuuming? Lots of wall-to-wall carpeting? Mostly solid flooring? Or a combination of both? Do you have delicate flooring like hardwood? Consider the following:
- Upright vacuum cleaners are excellent for cleaning large areas of wall-to-wall carpeting. With the aid of attachments, they can also clean solid flooring, stairs, drapes, blinds, and ceilings, but generally canister vacuum cleaners handle these tasks much better.
- A powered brushroll that can easily be turned off if you need to transition from carpeting to hard floors.
- For delicate hardwood floors, get a vacuum with non-marring wheels and a good, non-powered brush head.
If allergies are an issue in your household you’ll want:
- A vacuum equipped with a good HEPA filter. They are usually standard equipment on the more expensive vacuums.
- A completely sealed system that keeps all the dust inside and eliminates emissions during vacuuming, like a Miele.
- Bagged vacuums, water filtration vacuums, and central vacuum systems reduce or eliminate dust when emptying.
What about pets?
- All pet owners know how difficult it can be to get dog and cat hair out of carpets and off furniture. Thebest vacuum for pet hair will have a powerful, motorized brush roll and excellent suction.
Do you have a multi-level home and/or stairs?
- You’ll want a long hose and a good, preferably powered, hand brush head for cleaning carpeted stair treads.
- Light weight – If you have a multi-level home and will be carrying the vacuum up and down stairs, get the lightest weight vacuum that you can manage easily.
Need to vacuum under beds and other low furnishings?
- It can be difficult to clean under low furniture with some uprights. If you’re going to be vacuuming under beds, coffee tables, and other low furnishings, select a canister vacuum or an upright with a low profile.
How about high ceilings and hard to reach areas?
- If you have vaulted ceilings, or other high places you need to reach, look for a vacuum with a longer hose and telescoping wand.
Other considerations:
- If you need to vacuum a large area without having to unplug the vacuum, or your electrical outlets are few and far between, look for a vacuum with the longest power cord you can find.
- Most vacuums come with an assortment of tools. Be sure to compare the variety, and quality, of the attachments and accessories that come with each vacuum. They are not all created equal.
- Dirt sensors are the latest rage. The theory is that when the vacuum senses less dirt being picked up, that the area is clean. However, our experience has been very poor with this feature. We don’t find that it adds anything to the performance of the vacuum, just to its cost.
- Bag vs. Bagless – We are big fans of bagless vacuums, however, if allergies and dealing with potential dust when emptying your vacuum are issues, you should consider purchasing a vacuum with a bag. Be sure to factor in the cost of replacement bags and filters as well.
