How to choose a vertical vacuum cleaner: main types and functionality of devices

An upright vacuum cleaner is a modern and convenient replacement for bulky traditional vacuum cleaners, because in such a device the handle, electric motor and brush are placed on the same rail, which made it possible to get rid of a separate device body, thereby increasing the maneuverability and comfort of using the vacuum cleaner.

We will tell you in our article how to choose the most suitable upright vacuum cleaner, what parameters to pay close attention to and which models presented in online stores in 2024-2025 are worthy of becoming your assistants.

Types of upright vacuum cleaners

All vertical devices are divided into 2 large groups - vacuum cleaners powered by the mains, and wireless or battery devices.

Cordless (Cordless) Vacuum Cleaners

Cordless vacuum cleaners are equipped with batteries, thanks to which the device does not need to be connected to the network during cleaning. This not only makes such a vacuum cleaner very mobile and maneuverable, but also allows you to use it to clean even in those rooms where there is no access to electricity - in pantries, country houses, garages and even in the car.

However, cordless vacuum cleaners also have disadvantages.

Firstly, their battery life is limited by the charge of the battery, while larger batteries often have more weight, which reduces the comfort of using a vacuum cleaner.

Secondly, the use of a battery forces the manufacturer to minimize the functionality and capabilities of the device in order to provide the possibility of high-quality cleaning of the premises without the need for constant recharging.

Therefore, when choosing a cordless vacuum cleaner, you should pay attention to such parameters as:

• manufacturer recommended battery life of the device in different modes;
• the presence of an additional battery (or the possibility of purchasing it), which will double the duration of cleaning;
• the ability to operate the device with a partial charge or while simultaneously charging the battery;
• the presence of indicators of full and low charge;
• type of charging (from the network or using a charging base) and the convenience of recharging.

Mains-operated (cable) vacuum cleaners

Wired upright vacuum cleaners powered by the mains have no time limits for their active use.

Such devices are lighter in weight and often have significantly more power and functionality, not limited by the capacity of the battery.

Manufacturers equip such vacuum cleaners with a sufficiently long power cord that does not limit the range of the device, which increases the mobility of such a vacuum cleaner and improves its usability.

When choosing a wired model of an upright vacuum cleaner, you should pay attention to the length of the electric cable and the presence of the function of full or partial automatic cord winding, since manually winding such a long cord after each use is still not very convenient.

How to choose an upright vacuum cleaner?

After choosing the type of upright vacuum cleaner - wired or wireless - you should pay attention to the following parameters of the device.

Power

Power is one of the most important parameters that determines the suction efficiency of the device dust and debris. At the same time, attention should be paid to the suction power, and not to the power consumption.

The suction power of vertical models is usually lower than that of traditional vacuum cleaners - its value mainly ranges from 20-40 watts to 120-150 watts. However, often this power is quite enough for a thorough and high-quality cleaning of the apartment.

At the same time, it should be noted that for cleaning smooth floors - tiles, laminate, parquet - too high suction power is not required, minimum values ​​​​of 30-40 W are quite enough here, but the quality of cleaning long pile and carpet flooring largely depends on high power level, which should be at least 80-100 watts.

dust collectors

Almost all upright vacuum cleaners are equipped with a cyclone container, which, using centrifugal force, compresses dust and debris inside the tank, which makes it easy and quick to shake the dirt into a bucket after cleaning is completed.

The volume of cyclone dust collectors varies in a wide range: from 100-200 ml to 1-1.5 liters, while the most convenient and efficient containers are 0.4-0.6 liters.

Also, a number of models are equipped with a water filter that dissolves dust in water, thereby minimizing the possibility of its return to the indoor air.

Filters

The speed and quality of cleaning largely depend on how carefully the upright vacuum cleaner sucks up dust and keeps it inside the case. That's what filters are for.

There are 3 types of filters:

• first-cleaning filters or pre-filters that are designed to hold collected debris and dust - as a rule, in classic models such filters are bags or containers, and in cyclone models they are containers that hold particles of debris and dust that have entered the vacuum cleaner using centrifugal force or water filters that keep dust particles in water added to a special container;
• filters of the second group are designed to retain finer dust, so they are installed in front of the hole through which the purified air is discharged; such filters retain the smallest particles of dust that could pass through the prefilter;
• motor protection filters that prevent dust and dirt from entering the vacuum cleaner motor and thereby prolong the life of the device - these include budget microfiber filters that require frequent replacement, and a modern HEPA filter - durable and efficient, but much more expensive.

It is also worth paying attention to the versatility of the required filters and their availability for subsequent replacement.

Vacuum cleaner weight

Unlike a classic vacuum cleaner, which is a suction tube combined with a separate body with a long hose, in vertical models all units are integrated into one handle, which has a significant impact on the weight of the device.

Therefore, when choosing a suitable model, it is worth evaluating not only its weight and dimensions, but also taking into account the physical capabilities of the owner who will use the device more often than others.

So, for the elderly, fragile girls and teenagers, light and comfortable vacuum cleaners with a weight of up to 2 kg should be preferred, even if such devices are characterized by lower suction performance.

Classic models weigh up to 3.5-4 kg and are more suitable for use by adults who can carry such a device from place to place for a long time and even lift it up to clean dust from cabinets and shelves.

But the most powerful and functional models of upright vacuum cleaners already weigh more than 4 kg, which makes them quite heavy devices that require good physical strength and endurance from their owner, so such devices are usually used for general cleaning and are not very suitable for quickly pick up trash that has scattered around the kitchen or go through all the rooms for surface cleaning.

Noise level

It should be borne in mind that due to the cyclone technology and the powerful operation of the electric motor, upright vacuum cleaners cannot be classified as silent household appliances.

However, this parameter is not critical when choosing an upright vacuum cleaner, since the noise of any such device does not exceed the established sanitary and hygienic standards and usually varies from 60 dB in standard modes to 90 dB in turbo modes.

Focusing on the noise level makes sense only if all other significant characteristics of the models are approximately equal. In all other cases, it is worth remembering that the cleaning process does not take too much time and the household may well put up with some noise for the sake of the subsequent cleanliness of the room.

nozzles

Among the useful nozzles that can be included with the device or purchased separately, it is worth highlighting the crevice nozzle, the nozzle for upholstered furniture and the turbo brush, designed for cleaning various types of floor coverings.

It is worth considering that the turbo brush can be a traditional, battery-operated, or electric, which has its own electric motor and demonstrates high suction power, which is ideal for carpets, as well as for families with pets.

Vacuum cleaners can also be equipped with separate unique nozzles, for example, designed for washing glass surfaces or for thorough cleaning of pet hair.

It is worth paying attention to the presence of a rare option for self-cleaning brushes, which will greatly simplify the care of the device.

Safety

Despite the fact that the safety of such devices is determined by the current standards, it is worth once again making sure that the model you like has motor overheat protection, and for network devices it is equipped with protection against voltage surges.

Pros and cons of upright vacuum cleaners

The advantages of vertical models include:

• stylish design;
• Ease of use;
• mobility and maneuverability;
• lack of a separate unit with a motor and a dust collector;
• easy and simple cleaning of the cyclone filter;
• compact and convenient storage;
• availability of wireless (battery) models.

Among the disadvantages of such devices are:

• lower suction power;
• as a rule, a lot of weight in comparison with the tube of a traditional vacuum cleaner;
• rather expensive repair.

Additional features

Upright vacuum cleaners are often equipped with a variety of additional features and functionality, among which the following options deserve special attention.

power regulator

The suction force regulator allows you to control the intensity of the device, based on the specific situation and taking into account the type of flooring.

As a rule, the power setting is implemented in the form of a slider or a rotary (push-button) regulator located on the handle of the vacuum cleaner in close proximity to the user's hands.

Collection of liquids and washing functions

Modern upright vacuum cleaners have features that allow you to carry out wet cleaning with the intensity required by the owner.

It is worth noting that the washing functions of the vacuum cleaner do not exclude the need for regular general cleaning, however, they significantly increase the period of time between serious cleanings.

The washing functions of upright vacuum cleaners can be combined into 3 large groups.

Wet cleaning

A number of models of upright vacuum cleaners are equipped with an additional water tank, which allows for wet cleaning of the premises.

It is worth remembering that such a reservoir also increases the weight of the device, and this - in turn - may lead to a decrease in comfort from its use.

Collection of liquids

Vacuum cleaners with a liquid collection function are used for point suction from surfaces of accidentally spilled water, juice or other liquids.

At the same time, contaminated water enters a special reservoir, eliminating the need for owners to use absorbent rags and allowing them to keep their hands clean enough, which will be appreciated by families with small children or households with allergies.

Steam treatment

Vacuum cleaners with the possibility of steam treatment of the floor, walls, as well as mirrors, windows and other household surfaces deserve special attention.

Such devices are usually quite bulky, do not have high suction power and are not recommended for regular dry cleaning. However, with their help, the owner can carefully and environmentally carry out general cleaning of any coatings, not only from accumulated dust and dirt, but also from viruses, allergens and bacteria, which will positively affect the health and well-being of all households.

Hand vacuum cleaner

Many models of upright vacuum cleaners are classified as combined, which means that such devices have a removable hand-held vacuum cleaner that makes it easier to clean hard-to-reach places and small surfaces.

The handheld unit of the vacuum cleaner is lightweight and compact in size.. This allows you to easily lift it up to collect dust on the cabinet lid, remove debris and dust from the wires behind the TV or computer, and quickly collect crumbs or spilled debris from the floor.

Hand blocks are also very popular among car enthusiasts, because with their help you can quickly clean the interior of the car and remove dust even in places where a conventional bulky vacuum cleaner cannot reach.

Vacuum cleaner storage

Sufficiently sized vacuum cleaners require allocation of space for storing the device outside the periods of its use.

Familiar traditional models are usually stored disassembled, which allows them to take up less free space, but complex assembly leads to the fact that spilled debris is faster and easier to sweep with a broom than to get and collect a vacuum cleaner.

Vertical models are often devoid of such shortcomings. Yes, there are collapsible models among such vacuum cleaners, however, the vast majority of them can be stored in the assembled state. To do this, special fasteners and charging bases are provided that can be placed on the floor or attached to the wall, which will allow you to store vacuum cleaners hygienically and safely in small closets, pantries or even behind the door of the corridor and kitchen.

User comfort

So that the use of a vacuum cleaner does not cause negative sensations, it is worth giving preference to models:

• having an ergonomic handle with a comfortable coating, which will make it easier to hold the device;
• having the ability to fix the operating mode without holding the trigger button for the entire time of cleaning, which ensures the operation of the vacuum cleaner, while it is better if the device implements the possibility of both “hold” operation and its constant activation without additional load on the owner’s brush;
• equipped with a special compartment for storing nozzles, which will allow you not to lose rarely used nozzles and not allocate space for their storage.

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

Those who are interested in high-quality and functional upright vacuum cleaners that optimally combine price and quality should pay attention to the following models in 2024-2025.

Xiaomi Dreame V10 (Global)

The cordless vacuum cleaner with detachable hand unit features a sleek, stylish design and high user-friendliness.

The device is characterized by high suction power, which makes it easy to use even on long pile carpets.

There are several operating modes, including a turbo mode with a good duration, which allows you to quickly and thoroughly clean a fairly large room in one pass.

The battery lasts for 60 minutes in standard mode, 30 minutes in efficient mode, and 10 minutes in the most powerful mode.

The handy dust bin is hygienically emptied at the touch of a button on the case, eliminating the contact of dust and dirt with the wearer's hands.

At the same time, the model is equipped with a smart cooling system and can please the household with the use of an innovative noise-absorbing polymer, which allows for standard cleaning with a completely acceptable and non-irritating noise level.

The charging station deserves special attention for convenient use and storage of the device, which can be attached to the wall, thereby saving space for placing the vacuum cleaner outside of cleaning periods.

Characteristics:

• type - wireless, dry cleaning, detachable handheld vacuum cleaner;
• dimensions - 34x84x19 cm;
• weight - 1.5 kg;
• dust collector - 0.5 l;
• suction power - 140 W;
• battery life / charging - 60 / 210 min;
• noise - 78 dB;
• battery - 2500 mAh;
• features - fine filter, electric brush included, vertical parking, power control on the handle.

Advantages:

• acceptable price;
• simple use.

Flaws:

• Battery capacity;
• weak suction.

Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute

A stylish and modern upright vacuum cleaner produced by a manufacturer whose name is closely associated with innovative, technological and comfortable household appliances, which will please its owner with excellent functionality and excellent quality.

The model is well equipped, including both a universal direct-drive nozzle suitable for all types of floor coverings, and a soft roller nozzle that effectively removes fine dust and large debris, as well as a mini electric brush suitable for upholstered furniture and thoroughly cleaning household hair. animals.

The compact lightweight and powerful motor provides up to 60 minutes of operation without loss of suction power. At the same time, the device perfectly copes with even microscopic particles such as pollen and bacteria, keeping them securely in the container.

Dyson easily transforms into a portable vacuum cleaner and back with just one touch of a button located on the handle. And the improved hygienic container cleaning system eliminates the need for the wearer's hands to come into contact with dirt and debris.

It is worth noting the increased volume of the container, the storage compartment for the attached nozzles, and the convenient battery charging system, implemented through a modern and stylish docking station that can be attached to the wall, freeing up space on the floor of the room.

Characteristics:

• type - wireless, dry cleaning, detachable handheld vacuum cleaner;
• dimensions - 126.6x25x25.6 cm;
• weight - 2.68 kg;
• dust collector - 0.76 l;
• suction power - 151 W;
• battery life / charging - 60 / 210 min;
• noise - 87 dB;
• battery - 2600 mAh;
• features — excellent equipment.

Advantages:

• convenient use;
• quality cleaning.

Flaws:

• price;
• the dust collector is stuck.

Samsung VS15T7031R1

The cordless cordless vacuum cleaner in an attractive silver-mint color of the body attracts increased attention of households and guests of the house and pleases the owners with good functionality.

Light weight, high power ratings and a modern inverter motor make cleaning efficient and effortless.

The traditional cyclonic filter and the multi-cyclone filtration system form an optimal airflow, reducing suction power loss and ensuring that a variety of bacteria, allergens and the smallest dust particles are reliably retained in the container.

The turbo nozzle easily copes with cleaning on any surfaces, and the rotating nozzle rotor helps to effectively clean every corner of the room.

The replaceable battery provides equal power for all 40 minutes of operation of the device from a single charge and retains its original capacity for several hundred charge-discharge cycles. At the same time, it is possible to purchase a replaceable battery, which will double the cleaning time.

The informative digital display located on the handle of the device deserves special attention, which allows you to timely monitor the status of the vacuum cleaner, its power level, the type of nozzle installed, and also receive a warning about filter or brush blocking by debris.

Characteristics:

• type - wireless, dry cleaning;
• dimensions - 112.3x25x21.5 cm;
• weight - 2.6 kg;
• dust collector - 0.8 l;
• suction power - 150 W;
• battery life / charging - 40 / 210 min;
• noise - 86 dB;
• battery - 1800 mAh;
• features - complete set, including turbo brushes and nozzles, HEPA filter.

Advantages:

• price;
• sizes.

Flaws:

• poor after-sales service (according to user reviews);
• the weight.

Kitfort KT-541-3

A cordless cordless vacuum cleaner from a Russian manufacturer is distinguished by its quite reasonable cost, light weight, compact size and very convenient use both in everyday mode and during general cleaning, which is facilitated by a long battery life of the device.

The 3 nozzles included in the package allow you to effectively and gently clean a variety of floors and carpets.

With the help of a removable handheld vacuum cleaner, the owner can thoroughly clean the interior of the car, as well as remove dust and dirt from hard-to-reach places.

At the same time, it is worth noting that the vacuum cleaner is equipped with a maneuverable floor brush that rotates in 2 planes, which allows cleaning even more thoroughly and productively.

2 modes of operation make it possible to clean both heavy and light dirt, and the thoughtful size and design of the wheels make it easy to move the device on various surfaces without the need to lift it.

Characteristics:

• type - wireless, dry cleaning, detachable handheld vacuum cleaner;
• dimensions - 15x116 cm;
• weight - 2.5 kg;
• dust collector - 0.8 l;
• suction power - 25 W;
• battery life / charging - 35 / 240 min;
• noise - 61 dB;
• battery - 2200 mAh;
• features - there is a compartment for storing nozzles, power control on the handle.

Advantages:

• light, comfortable;
• quality cleaning.

Flaws:

• takes a long time to charge;
• Doesn't handle large debris well.

Viomi A9

The stylish and brutal black cordless vacuum cleaner will delight its owner with high suction power and the included small self-driven electric bedbug brush, which perfectly cleans the house from mold spores, bed bugs and skin scales.

A distinctive feature of this model is an innovative replaceable battery built into the handle of the device, which doubles the operating time of the device - up to 60 minutes. This is enough to clean a room with a total area of ​​​​about 200 square meters. m.

The vacuum cyclone separator technology used in the device completely cleans the air of dust by applying centrifugal force, preventing it from forming lumps that could clog the suction holes, which allows you to maintain the suction power of the device at a constantly high level.

A high-quality 5-stage filter captures particles up to 0.3 microns in size, ensuring their reliable retention inside the device. A brushless direct current motor ensures long-term use of the device without loss of power and reduces the power consumption of the device.

3 cleaning modes allow you to easily cope with all the tasks facing the owner, whether it is a deep turbo-cleaning of furniture from dust or long-term cleaning of difficult surfaces in an economical mode.

Also worth noting is the non-contact emptying of the dust container and the built-in LED brush light, which allows you to see dust and hair on the background of the floor, even under furniture.

Characteristics:

• type - wireless, dry cleaning, detachable handheld vacuum cleaner;
• dimensions - 25x125x23.5 cm;
• dust collector - 0.4 l;
• suction power - 120 W;
• battery life / charging - 60 / 210 min;
• noise - 83 dB;
• battery - 2500 mAh;
• features - LED light, 3 nozzles, vertical storage on the docking station, power control on the handle.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• convenient container.

Flaws:

• no corrugated nozzle;
• short operating time in high power mode.

A short checklist for choosing an upright vacuum cleaner

So, when choosing a vertical vacuum cleaner, you should pay special attention to the following characteristics of the device:

• brand and price - it is worth giving preference to models of proven brands, even at not the most budgetary cost;
• device type - mains or battery;
• autonomy - for rechargeable batteries this is the duration of operation from a single charge, for networked ones - the length of the electrical cord, which determines the range of the device;
• suction power - for smooth floors at least 30-40 W, for carpets - at least 80-100 W;
• weight is a parameter that affects the duration of use of the device without fatigue, so you should choose a lighter model;
• the degree and type of filtration - the more different filters, the better the operation of the device and the cleaner the air in the room;
• dust container volume - you should prefer models with a dust container from 400 to 700 ml;
• the presence and sufficiency of indication - at a minimum, the device should have light indicators for turning on, charging and fullness of the dust collector, and the illumination of the main nozzle for better cleaning under furniture will also not interfere;
• nozzles and equipment - the need and sufficiency of nozzles, the presence of extension tubes, a charging station, a container for storing nozzles, fasteners.

Tips for Choosing an Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Here are a few tips to help you choose your upright vacuum cleaner:

• the wireless model should be preferred by owners of small studio apartments or families with small children and pets, because the power and battery charge of such a vacuum cleaner is enough to clean the room and you don’t have to worry about the health of kids or pets who can gnaw through the wire or stumble about it, resulting in injury or damage to the device;
• a vertical vacuum cleaner with a long cord is suitable for cleaning a large apartment or rooms filled with long pile carpets and upholstered furniture - such vacuum cleaners have sufficient power and have no time limits for cleaning;
• washing vacuum cleaners should be purchased only if the floor coverings in the apartment are sufficiently resistant to moisture;
• a water filter will be useful for households with allergies and for apartments with carpeted floors, it should also be chosen by fans of the modern trend to minimize waste that occurs in human life;
• older people and those who do not like frequent cleaning should choose a more powerful model that allows you to clean the room quickly and thoroughly;
• a powerful turbo brush will become an indispensable tool for families with pets or in the presence of a lot of long pile carpets, but families without pets whose apartments are dominated by hard flooring should not overpay for a powerful turbo brush.

Useful video

You will learn how to choose the right upright vacuum cleaner by watching a short video: