Today, there are a huge number of vacuum cleaner models on the market: from compact wireless to ultra-powerful, from expensive robotic models to the most affordable. How to choose the model that is right for you and will delight you for many 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 willing to spend on it.
Compact cordless vacuum cleaners
These models are not very powerful and are powered by a battery. However, they also have undeniable advantages: during cleaning, the power cable will not get tangled under your feet, and even a child can handle the process. In addition, you are not tied to sockets in the apartment and can use vertical vacuum cleaners for cleaning a country house, car interior or garage. The main criteria to pay attention to are battery life, battery charging time and dust reservoir capacity (in many inexpensive models it is minimal, and you will have to shake out the dust too often).
Battery life
Depends on battery capacity and power. Most wireless models usually do not exceed half an hour (which is more than enough for cleaning a medium-sized room), but in some cases it can be more. It should be remembered that the more capacious the battery is 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 the capacity: the model with the maximum battery life will charge 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 recharging it 2-3 times during general cleaning, while you can do dusting during this time.
Tank capacity
For wireless models, a 0.5-liter container is already considered large, since the volume of the dust collector directly affects the compactness of vacuum cleaners: the container is built into the lower part or a handle, which in this case will be difficult to get to the space under the cabinet or sofa.
Robot vacuum cleaners
These vacuum cleaners have a lot in common with conventional cordless models. They are compact, lightweight and powerful, and do not have a 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 on their own to recharge. The use of such a robot is justified if the room is not too crowded with furniture (otherwise it will be difficult for the automation to navigate), and also if there are no large pets in the house, which will surely enjoy playing with your electronic pet.
We have previously published a rating best robot vacuum cleaners.
Battery life
As a rule, it is significantly higher than that of wireless models controlled by a person, 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 takes a long time to charge, at the end it will continue to work at a convenient time and without your participation.
Vacuum cleaners with additional cleaning functions
Obviously, the main task of any vacuum cleaner is to effectively clean the house from dust. However, there are impurities that cannot be removed by suction, as well as microbes against which conventional models are powerless. Those who pay a lot of attention to the cleanliness of their homes should take a closer look at washing vacuum cleaners or vacuum cleaners with disinfectant properties.
Washing functions
In addition to dry cleaning, they are also capable of wet cleaning. It all depends on your preferences: clean the dust and then wipe the floor with a traditional mop and rag, or purchase an expensive washing model.
UV filter
Some models use ultraviolet lamps to protect against germs. Their radiation has bactericidal properties: buying such a vacuum cleaner will be justified if there are small children or people with weakened immunity at home.
Carbon filter
Standard filters effectively remove common dust, but are not always able to trap microscopic particles. Therefore, in a number of models, the air purified from large particles is additionally passed through a filter with activated carbon, which has high absorbing properties. The presence of a charcoal filter is especially beneficial for people with allergies.
Household vacuum cleaners
Models of "conventional" vacuum cleaners also differ in variety and wide range 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 also 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 lower this number, the less noisy the model. For household models, a "quiet" level of about 80 dB is considered.
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 scatter around the apartment when cleaning the container, but you will have to buy disposable bags from time to time. If you are willing to spend a few extra minutes cleaning the vacuum cleaner and save some money, then you can opt for a bagless model.
Additional functions
Additional functions are designed to provide convenience or improve the quality of cleaning. For example, the controls placed on the handle will allow you to turn on the vacuum cleaner and adjust the power without bending over to the body itself. It is worth paying attention to additional accessories - included in the kit or purchased separately. This can be a brush for removing animal hair, a narrow nozzle for cleaning in corners and under skirting boards, and more.
Vacuum cleaners for every taste are available from well-known manufacturers in Russia and abroad - Philips, Rowenta, as well as from the German company Kaercher, famous primarily for its products for professional cleaning. Household models are slightly inferior in reliability, however, they are more compact and emit less noise.
Expert opinion
The main advice when choosing a vacuum cleaner: you should not buy vacuum cleaners in the markets and in little-known stores, because in the case of a factory marriage or a gross fake of very low quality, you will practice proving theorems on the topic of quality, honesty and adequate cost, but the seller will have excellent axioms from yours!