Vacuum cleaner buying guide
Explore vacuum cleaners and accessories
The vacuum cleaner is an essential appliance for any home. It’s the quickest and easiest way to pick up dirt, remove pet hair and suck up dust – keeping your house fresh and clean. But with so many models such as cordless, upright and bagless vacuums, how do you know which one will suit your home and lifestyle? To help you out, we’ve broken down the options and the features you need to consider, to find the best one for you.
How to choose the best vacuum cleaner
Vacuum cleaner features to consider..
When choosing a vacuum, consider these factors:
- Storage space: Consider storage space for your vacuum cleaner. Pick a compact machine for a space-savvy option.
- Cleaning areas: Consider the crevices at your home and choose suitable attachments.
- Weight: A lighter vacuum cleaner will be easier to handle and manoeuvre.
- Bagged or bagless: Choose between bagged for an allergy-friendly emptying or bagless for a quicker cleaning session.
- Bin capacity: Choose the bin or bag capacity based on your cleaning needs. A larger bin will need less emptying.
- Filters: For allergy-friendly cleaning, choose vacuums with HEPA filter.
- Cable length: Ensure the cable length matches the room size and power points.
- Battery life & charging times: For cordless vacuums, make sure the battery life is enough to avoid frequent charging.
These features will vary with each type of vacuum, so it’s good to get an idea of what each one can offer.
Types of vacuum cleaners
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Cordless vacuums
A popular choice due to their compact size and lightweight construction. Meaning they’re easy to manoeuvre and can reach those awkward spots.
Things you should know:- They have an average charge time of 4 hours, for up to 60 minutes battery life.
- Many models have a spare battery included.
- HEPA filters are available for allergy sufferers.
- Most models have pet attachments for stubborn fur.
- They're suitable for all floor types.
Corded vacuums
For a more robust cleaner, corded vacuums are known to have stronger suction power. They even run for longer compared to cordless models as they don't rely on the battery charge.
Things you should know:- They are less portable since you always need to be plugged in.
- HEPA filters are available for allergy sufferers.
- Most corded models too have pet attachments for stubborn fur.
- They're suitable for all floor types.
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Upright vacuums
Ideal for larger homes due to their bigger capacities and effectiveness on various floor surfaces. Their upright design means less bending over for you, and additional attachments allow you to clean from your sofa to your mattress, and everywhere in between. Just remember to check the cable length is suitable for your needs.
Cylinder vacuums
Think small, round and light – so they’re easy to store and whizz around your home. Their long, flexible hose and multiple attachments mean there’s no out-of-reach spots. The cable neatly wraps itself inside, and they're suitable for most surfaces including carpet, hard floors or upholstery.
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Handheld vacuums
Perfect for a quick clean, tricky spots and pet hair. Charge times can vary from 2-6 hours, but with an average run time of 15 mins, they can get a lot done. The powerful motor and varied attachments mean they are perfect for those odd jobs at home.
Robot vacuums
These cleaning buddies are perfect for smaller homes. Lightweight, easy to store and you can set up a cleaning routine without even being there – some even return to their dock to start recharging. With their smart sensors, you won’t need to worry about them bumping into things, and their different settings mean they're great for both carpets and hard floors.
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Other vacuum cleaning essentials
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Bagged or bagless vacuums?
Choosing a bagless vacuum will certainly help save some pennies on dust bags. But if you suffer with allergies, then bagged vacuums might be a better match.
HEPA filter vacuum cleaners
Suffering from dust allergies or asthma? Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters can trap and remove the smallest particles that help reduce allergic reactions. These are considered the best vacuum cleaners for allergies.
Best vacuums for pet hair
Look for a model with a pet tool attachment. The sturdy bristles and powerful brushes, loosen, lift and remove unwanted hair left by your furry friends.
Vacuum cleaner accessories
Don’t forget your dust bags and new filters (replace yearly for peak performance). Looking to maximise the use of your vacuum cleaner? Don't forget key attachments to be able to use your vacuum cleaner for stairs, crevices, and even upholstery.
More floorcare essentials
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Carpet cleaners
Treat your carpet to a deep clean. With carpet cleaners, easily lift stubborn stains, remove the build-up of dirt and give your carpet that new, just laid, bouncy feel.
Steam cleaners
Great for cleaning stubborn stains on laminate, wood and hard floors. Steam cleaners clean and sanitise surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals and detergents.
Window vacuums
Compact, cordless and lightweight vacs. Perfect for removing condensation and stains from windows, tiles or showers with a streak-free finish.
Best rated vacuum cleaners
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Great Vacumn cleaner
Have had previous Shark so knew the quality. This model was lighter and just as powerful as my old model. Easier for me to use all around the house as...
Chrisrose
Essex, 14/10/2025
Accessories great
Bought this 3 weeks ago, very happy with Hoovering lightweight, easy explained instructions. Selection of accessories. Capsule empties with quick rele...
Bill 20
West sussex, 23/10/2025
Perfect little vacuum
Purchased for use at my elderly mother’s bungalow. Perfect workhorse. I already have the larger red Henry for my garage. Cannot fault these for suctio...
Keith
Essex, 26/10/2025
FAQs
What is a good suction power for a vacuum?
A good suction power for a vacuum cleaner is considered to be anywhere from 100 to 200 air watts. For a traditional vacuum cleaner, it often ranges from 100 to 200 Air watts. Meanwhile, you can expect a cordless stick vacuum cleaner to have a suction power of 80 to 150 Air watts.
What is the best vacuum cleaner for an older person?
Cordless, lightweight models by brands such as Dyson, Shark or Hoover and robotic vacuum cleaners by Eufy are some of the best vacuum cleaners for elderly people. Some of the handheld stick vacuum cleaners are self-propelled making it an ideal option for people with arthritis.
What does a HEPA vacuum do?
A vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter is equipped to catch 99.97% of allergens such as dust, mite, and pollen etc. making them an ideal vacuum cleaner for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
Which vacuum cleaner is better, with bag or without bag?
A bagged vacuum cleaner can be a more effective machine for people with allergies as it contains the finer allergens into the bag. Meanwhile, a bagless vacuum cleaner would be a better option for you if you're looking for a lighter option for that require less hassle.
Can a wet-dry vacuum replace mopping?
Yes, a wet and dry vacuum is enabled for cleaning up spills, mopping and drying at the same time efficiently reducing the need to mop separately.
What is the best carpet cleaning machine for home use?
It all depends on your carpet cleaning needs. There is a wide variety of carpet cleaning machines with specific features to choose from. Explore options such as Vax SpotWash and Bissell SpotClean models for spot cleaning or Shark CarpetXpert and Vax Smartwash models for quick drying.
