Tips on how to choose a vacuum cleaner for your home: an overview of types, features and specifications

Modern life is unimaginable without a vacuum cleaner - a reliable assistant in the daily fight against dust and debris.

But the variety of types and technical characteristics of vacuum cleaner models presented in online stores can confuse even a professional.

What vacuum cleaners are, how to choose the most suitable device and which models in 2024-2025 you should pay close attention to - we will tell in our article.

Types of vacuum cleaners

Despite the huge number of models of vacuum cleaners presented in online stores, in general, all such devices can be divided into 2 large groups:

• vacuum cleaners designed for dry cleaning;
• devices that can carry out wet cleaning of the room.

Let us consider in more detail the features of various types of vacuum cleaners.

For dry cleaning

Vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning have the functionality necessary to collect dust and debris from a variety of horizontal and vertical surfaces of the room.

In general, these are the same models of vacuum cleaners familiar from childhood and familiar, made in a more modern design and equipped with a variety of additional functions.

Washing models

Washing vacuum cleaners are equipped with a water tank, which allows them to carry out wet cleaning of the premises.

It is worth noting that this group includes not only vacuum cleaners with a wet cleaning function, but also models with the option to collect spilled liquids, which help to clean spilled juice, milk or other liquids neatly, quickly and without the use of absorbent fabrics.

Also, washing models include vacuum cleaners with a steam treatment function, which allow you to thoroughly clean all kinds of surfaces not only from dirt and dust, but also from viruses and bacteria.

How to choose a vacuum cleaner - the most basic

When choosing a vacuum cleaner, special attention should be paid to the following parameters:

• type of vacuum cleaner - for dry cleaning, washing or equipped with a steam generator;
• device type - classic, vertical, manual or robot vacuum cleaner;
• principle of operation - modern vacuum cleaners can work from the mains or have a built-in battery that allows you to do without wires;
• suction power - it is worth noting that classic vacuum cleaners tend to demonstrate higher suction power than upright models or robot vacuum cleaners;
• dimensions and weight - it is worth evaluating not only the suction characteristics, but also how convenient it will be to use the device for those family members who are more likely to clean;
• dust container volume - if a vacuum cleaner is purchased for frequent daily cleaning, then you should choose a device with a dust container volume of about 0.5 l or with small and medium-sized filter bags, and a vacuum cleaner designed for general cleaning should have a much larger dust container volume;
• filtration - the more filters are integrated into the vacuum cleaner, the better and more efficient its work will be;
• nozzles and equipment - the presence and sufficiency of the necessary nozzles, fasteners or a docking station for easy storage, a compartment for accessories, etc.;
• cleaning comfort - this includes the battery life of the wireless device, the length of the power cord, the presence of an ergonomic handle, the convenient and hygienic principle of emptying the dust container, etc.

Types of dust collectors

The dust container is a container in which dust and debris collected by the vacuum cleaner accumulate.

Accordingly, the dust collector must have some mandatory characteristics, including the optimal size suitable for the tasks of cleaning, high-quality material that does not let microparticles of dust out, and the convenience of emptying or replacing it.

There are several types of dust collectors: modern cyclone containers, aqua filters and traditional dust bags, while each type has its fans and opponents.

Containers

Modern and environmentally friendly dust collectors that do not require replacement and are ready for use at any time.

At the same time, cyclone containers reduce the loss of suction power even with significant filling, they are easily and quite hygienically emptied when filled and do not have a negative impact on the environment, which is also an advantage of this type of dust collector.

At the same time, it is worth noting that cyclone dust collectors have a huge potential for development - containers are already being produced that can compress dust for easier and more hygienic emptying.

Aquafilter

Another type of dust collector, technologically quite close to the cyclone container. Only in the case of an aquafilter is such a container filled with the required amount of liquid.

Dust and debris that have entered the water container soften and settle at the bottom of the container, and the purified air passes further along the design of the vacuum cleaner, which makes it possible to even talk about some humidification of the air in the room after using such a device.

Dust bags

These are the very first, familiar and well-established dust collectors, which are distinguished by good hygiene and simple design, while they reliably keep dust and debris inside, do not increase the noise level of the vacuum cleaner and are very affordable accessories.

Additional functions

Modern vacuum cleaners are equipped with many additional features. Consider the most popular and useful options.

turbo brush

A turbo brush is a special nozzle with a spinning roller and hard bristles, which got its name from the similarity of the blades used in it to the blades of an aircraft turbine.

Turbo brushes are:

• mechanical, which rotate under the influence of the air flow coming through the pipe of the vacuum cleaner: the greater the suction power, the faster such a brush rotates and the better the cleaning will be;
• electric - turbo brushes equipped with their own motor, which remove all kinds of dirt from the floor and carpets much more efficiently than mechanical brushes.

Filters

The filtration system of a vacuum cleaner, as a rule, consists of 3 groups of filters:

• The first group is dust collectors, which retain dust and debris that have fallen into them, minimizing the likelihood of their entry into the air of the room.
• the second group of filters retains the finest dust, so they are placed in front of the outlet through which the purified air is expelled;
• the third group is filters that protect the vacuum cleaner engine from small dust particles entering it.

The most effective filters are HEPA filters, which reliably retain even the smallest dust particles and prevent them from getting into the air or into the vacuum cleaner motor.

Also, excellent performance is demonstrated by aqua filters, which additionally refresh and moisturize the air, making it suitable even for allergic households.

Varieties and types of vacuum cleaners

Vacuum cleaners presented in modern online stores can be divided into several types.

Classic vacuum cleaners

Familiar and familiar household appliances, which are a housing with maneuverable wheels and a suction pipe connected to the housing with a long corrugated hose.

vertical

Modern and functional devices in which all the main blocks - a handle, an electric motor and a brush - are placed on one rail, which allowed manufacturers to get rid of the body, which reduces the maneuverability of the vacuum cleaner.

Such vacuum cleaners are not distinguished by the highest suction power, but at the same time they are very mobile and convenient for regular use.

Manual

Compact and lightweight devices that are very often combined with vertical models, creating a versatile 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner.

The main advantage of handheld vacuum cleaners is their excellent mobility - with the help of such a device, you can easily vacuum the cabinet cover or high shelves, clean the car interior and upholstered furniture.

Robot vacuum cleaners

The "youngest" vacuum cleaners, which are rapidly gaining popularity, due to the complete autonomy of work and the absence of the need for constant monitoring by the owner.

It is enough for the user to set the program, turn on the device and after a certain time, without making additional efforts, get a clean room.

Robotic vacuum cleaners are good for daily surface cleaning, picking up randomly scattered debris and maintaining order in the apartment.

Such devices do not exclude the need for general cleaning, but they can significantly increase the period of time between cleaning.

What else to pay attention to

What other interesting options are found in modern vacuum cleaners? Consider the most useful of them.

Power adjustment on the handle

A convenient option that allows you to increase or decrease the suction power directly during cleaning with one hand movement, based on the current situation.

This functionality will allow you to point to remove more severe pollution and continue cleaning in standard mode.

nozzles

The basic equipment of any vacuum cleaner includes the device itself and 1-2 nozzles: as a rule, a universal floor-carpet brush designed for cleaning various floor coverings, and a crevice nozzle for sucking debris from narrow crevices and along skirting boards.

But there are many other useful and unique attachments, among which it is worth highlighting:

• all kinds of turbo brushes, both mechanical and having their own electric motor;
• electric brush for cleaning pet hair or for cleaning long pile floor coverings;
• a round nozzle with long bristles, with which you can collect dust from household appliances, books, lampshades or grates without fear of damaging them;
• nozzle for hard floors - laminate or parquet, characterized by a smaller size and longer bristles that do not leave micro-scratches on the floor;
• corner nozzle, ideal for cleaning corners between walls and furniture;
• nozzles for wet cleaning: rubberized sponges, fabric inserts or rollers.

Also, when studying the nozzles, you should pay attention to the presence of the self-cleaning option for brushes, which is rarely found in budget models, but can greatly simplify their cleaning from wound hair and pet hair.

Cord length

The length of the cord determines the range of the vacuum cleaner, so it is worth giving preference to devices with the longest cable length in order to maintain the maximum possible maneuverability during cleaning.

On average, the cord length of vacuum cleaners varies from 5 to 10 m, which is quite enough to clean even a large room.

It is also worth paying attention to the automatic cable winding function, which will allow you not to waste time on long winding of the wire and ensure its safer storage.

Suction pipe

Suction pipes can be:

• monolithic - they are quite rare, but at the same time they are distinguished by high strength and reliability;
• composite, collapsible - they can significantly save space for storing the vacuum cleaner outside periods of use, but often cause inconvenience if necessary, quickly bring the vacuum cleaner into working condition;
• telescopic, with a variable length of the pipe, which can be adjusted literally with one hand, based on the user's height or current cleaning needs.

TOP 5 best vacuum cleaners by price/quality for 2024-2025

The following models became the best vacuum cleaners that optimally combine reasonable cost and excellent quality in 2024-2025.

Philips FC9733 PowerPro Expert

Stylish and functional, the traditional vacuum cleaner has strong suction power and can effectively clean any room.

The model is equipped with a cyclone chamber, which forms a powerful vortex flow, which allows you to achieve unsurpassed cleanliness. And - a powerful anti-allergic filter that retains not only dust, but also pollen, dust mites and pet hair.

The device is equipped with a rotating nozzle for thorough collection of debris in hard-to-reach places, while the nozzle is equipped with a memory function, thanks to which, at the end of work, it automatically returns to its original position.

And the unique TriActive+ nozzle lifts the carpet pile for a thorough and gentle cleaning, while special air channels in the front of the nozzle collect large debris, and side brushes clean the floor along walls and furniture.

The owner will also be pleased with the sleek, well-thought-out dust collector, which is easily emptied even with one hand.

Special attention deserves a compact compartment for storing accessories and nozzles, located in the body of the device, and a soft brush built into the handle for more convenient use.

Characteristics:

• type - wired, dry cleaning;
• dimensions - 50.5x29.2x29.2 cm;
• weight - 5.5 kg;
• dust collector - 2 l, cyclone, not intended for collecting building dust;
• power - 2100 W;
• cord length - 7 m;
• tube - telescopic;
• noise - 79 dB;
• nozzles - crevice, built-in brush, small nozzle, TriActive+, nozzle for hard floors;
• features — power control on the handle.

Advantages:

• copes well with cleaning in any area;
• powerful.

Flaws:

• small built-in brush scratches furniture;
• flimsy connections between handle and base.

Thomas DryBox Amfibia Family

The innovative and stylish washing vacuum cleaner is equipped with 2 modern filtration systems and can carry out gentle dry cleaning of parquet and laminate, as well as dry and wet cleaning of carpets, floors and furniture.

As a dust collector, the device uses the DryBox container system, which carefully separates the dust into fractions. This allows you to maintain a constant suction power throughout the entire period of operation of the device, and at the same time simplifies the process of cleaning the container, since coarse dust remaining in the central compartment simply and hygienically falls into the bucket, while more dangerous fine dust is retained in the isolated side compartments, which can be non-contact rinse with water as it fills.

A powerful aquafilter dissolves the debris collected by the vacuum cleaner in water, which makes it easy to clean the device after cleaning. And the unique dust suppression technology creates a powerful water wall that prevents dusty air from returning back into the room.

A special wash nozzle simultaneously sprays water, washes the surface and dries it thoroughly for a perfect cleanliness of any coating.

Also worth noting is the convenient power setting, 4 cleaning modes and easy filter maintenance.

Characteristics:

• type - wired, dry cleaning, wet cleaning, water collection, air washing;
• dimensions - 48.6x31.8x30.6 cm;
• weight - 8.25 kg;
• dust collector - water filter;
• power - 1700 W;
• cord length - 8 m;
• cleaning radius - 11 m;
• nozzles - floor-carpet, parquet, for washing floors, for wet cleaning of upholstered furniture, crevice, brush;
• features - electronic power control, vertical parking, automatic cable rewind, telescopic tube.

Advantages:

• quality;
• design.

Flaws:

• weak attachment to the main hose;
• rinsing is required after each cleaning.

Bosch BWD41720

A modern and functional 3-in-1 washing vacuum cleaner that can wash carpets, collect spilled liquids and carry out high-quality cleaning of any surfaces.

A powerful motor, a large dust collector and a good range make it easy to clean up a fairly large room.

And the many nozzles included in the package will ensure thorough cleaning even in hard-to-reach places.

The vacuum cleaner is equipped with a special parquet brush, which allows you to efficiently and carefully clean hard surfaces, removing dust from them and without damaging the floor covering.

It is worth noting that the case of the device has a compartment for storing small nozzles, which minimizes the possibility of their loss or breakage.

The vacuum cleaner is equipped with a large 5-liter water container, which significantly extends the period of wet cleaning. At the same time, the container can be easily detached and cleaned as needed.

Characteristics:

• type - wired, dry cleaning, wet cleaning, water collection;
• dimensions - 35x36x49 cm;
• weight - 10.4 kg;
• dust collector, water container - aquafilter, 5 l, removable;
• power - 1700 W;
• cord length - 6 m;
• cleaning radius - 9 m;
• nozzles - numerous accessories for washing and cleaning coatings, carpets and upholstered furniture;
• features - foot switch on, storage compartment for nozzles, automatic cable rewind, telescopic tube.

Advantages:

• quality filters;
• practical and functional.

Flaws:

• no control on the handle;
• long build.

Samsung SC8836

Powerful, bagless, high-suction, dual-chamber vacuum cleaner designed for dry cleaning in the home, equipped with a cyclone container that ensures exceptional cleanliness of all coatings after each use.

High suction power and a special airflow movement system allows you to maintain the maximum level of suction throughout the entire period of use of the device.

The silent and efficient brush thoroughly cleans any surface without damaging or scratching even the most delicate floor covering.

The removable dust container is easy and simple to empty as it fills up, for which the tank simply needs to be turned over over the garbage container.

The device is equipped with a dust container full indicator, which allows you to assess the need to clean the container from dust at a glance, and a convenient power regulator.

It is worth noting the modern HEPA 13 filter, thanks to which dust particles and allergens are securely held inside the container and do not return to the air of the room.

Characteristics:

• type - wired, dry cleaning;
• dimensions - 28.2x26.5x49.2 cm;
• weight - 6 kg;
• dust collector - 2 l;
• power consumption / suction - 2200 / 430 W;
• cord length - 7 m;
• cleaning radius - 10 m;
• noise - 80 dB;
• nozzles - 2-stage main, 3-in-1 brush;
• features - power control, rubberized wheels, automatic cord winder, swivel hose.

Advantages:

• powerful, pulls well;
• great design.

Flaws:

• heats up and shuts off quickly
• heavy.

LG VK89682HU

A distinctive feature of this model of an elegant and visually light vacuum cleaner is the presence of a built-in automatic dust pressing system. Thanks to this, cleaning the dust container becomes even simpler, easier and as hygienic as possible.

A modern cyclone filter, high suction power and the special Turbocyclone dust filtration system used by the manufacturer provide excellent cleaning quality and ensure that all collected dust will be securely held inside the dust collector in a special container, and the built-in fine filter will collect and retain even the smallest dirt particles .

The model is equipped with a telescopic tube, which allows you to easily adjust the device to the height of each user, and an excellent set of nozzles will please even the most demanding owner.

Characteristics:

• type - wired, dry cleaning, dust pressing system;
• dimensions - 32.5x61.2x33.1 cm;
• weight - 6 kg;
• dust collector - 1.2 l;
• power consumption / suction - 1800 / 380 W;
• cord length - 6.3 m;
• cleaning radius - 9.3 m;
• noise - 77 dB;
• nozzles - combined floor / carpet, 2-in-1 brush, crevice, turbo;
• features - power control on the handle, telescopic tube.

Advantages:

• decent suction power;
• turbo brush.

Flaws:

• body paint peels off quickly;
• bad hooks for filters.

Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner: A Brief Checklist

Thus, when choosing a vacuum cleaner, it is worth evaluating the following parameters of a home assistant:

• manufacturer and price segment - it is worth remembering that a good vacuum cleaner cannot be too cheap, and an unknown manufacturer is unlikely to be responsible in the event of a serious breakdown of the device;
• type and type of device - mains-operated or battery-operated, washing or dry-cleaning, traditional or vertical, manual or robotic vacuum cleaner;
• cleaning parameters - the duration of the battery vacuum cleaner on a single charge, the range of the wired device;
• filtration - the more filters - the better the cleaning will be, the cleaner the air and the longer the period of operation of the vacuum cleaner;
• type of dust collector - cyclone, bag or aqua filter;
• the volume of the dust collector - the larger it is, the longer the vacuum cleaner can be, however, it will be somewhat more difficult to clean the container from the collected dust;
• ease of operation - the presence and sufficiency of indication, ergonomic handles, maneuverability of brushes;
• nozzles, equipment - the selected model should have all the suitable nozzles and sufficient equipment, while it is more convenient if the device has a compartment for storing nozzles.

Useful video

We bring to your attention a short video story, which will tell you how to choose a vacuum cleaner and what to look for when buying: