Choosing the Best Vacuum for Your Needs
A good vacuum cleaner is a necessity for keeping floors tidy. Whether you have tile, wood, carpet or vinyl flooring, you’ll need a high-quality vacuum to pick up debris, dust and other messes. Today, there are a variety of vacuums to choose from including upright vacuums, robot vacuums, cordless options and more. If you’ve decided you need the convenience of a cordless style but want to know which best cordless vacuum is right for your needs, we can help you decide.
Understanding Different Types of Vacuum Cleaners
Not all vacuums are created equally. Some styles are ideal for carpets while others are best suited for wood floors. Then there are robot vacuums, which use smart technology to clean floors for you.
Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuums are designed with a motorized brush ideal for cleaning both carpets and hard wood floors. Many styles feature attachments for cleaning under furniture and reaching tight corners. They use an electrical cord for power.
Canister Vacuums
The unique design of canister vacuums makes them easy to move around, since the head is separate from the motor and debris bin. Like upright vacuums, they also use an electrical cord for power.
Cordless Vacuums
Cordless vacuums are lightweight and more convenient to use compared to some other vacuum types. Some come with removable batteries while others are built in. They typically require less maintenance than corded vacuums and they're typically easier to store due to their compact size.
Robot Vacuums
Small and self-propelled, these vacuums are ideal for small, one-floor spaces. There are options designed for both hard floors, carpeted floors, or both.
Handheld Vacuums
These small, portable vacuums are designed to pick up small messes like isolated spills, pet hair on furniture, dust around the house, and dirt in vehicles. Many styles are cordless, making them easy to move around.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best vacuum for your space. These include the type of flooring you have, whether that’s hard floors or carpet, or a combination of the two. The size of your space is also important. Some battery-operated vacuums only provide a limited run time which may not be enough to handle the square footage of your home.
Pets are another important factor. If you have dogs or cats in the home, you may want to consider getting a vacuum specifically designed to handle pet dander and fur. This is especially true if you have allergies and want to keep your home as clean as possible.
How to Shop for Top Rated Cordless Vacuums Like a Pro
If you’ve decided that a cordless vacuum is the best fit for your home and lifestyle, there are some additional factors to consider. Below are some of the features you’ll want to explore when choosing the best cordless vacuum cleaner for you.
Battery Life
The battery life of cordless vacuums ranges from under an hour to close to two hours. There are also cordless vacuums designed with removable batteries. This means you can have extra charged batteries on hand to change out once one battery has been used.
Made for Pet Hair
Some cordless vacuum cleaners are specifically designed to pick up pet hair. They're designed with a variety of features that make them better equipped at cleaning homes with pet hair. This may include more powerful suction, longer run times, anti-tangle brushes, and more effective filtration systems to capture pet dander and allergens.
Weight
One of the big draws of cordless vacuums is their lightweight design, especially in comparison to other types of vacuums. A typical corded upright vacuum can weigh, on average, between 10 and 20 pounds. Some cordless vacuums, on the other hand, can weigh less than six pounds. A lightweight vacuum is much easier to use, especially if you are vacuuming a space that has stairs.
Dust Bin Size
The larger the dust bin, the less you'll have to empty it while cleaning debris from floors. Dust bin capacities differ depending on the brand and model of the vacuum. When shopping for a new cordless vacuum, it's important to take this into consideration. If dust bin size is important to you, look for cordless vacuums with high-capacity dust bins.
Accessories
Some cordless vacuums come with attachments to make cleaning easier. Some of these attachments include crevice tools for getting to hard-to-reach areas, pet brushes designed with rubber bristles for lifting stubborn hair, dust brushes for cleaning windows and shelves, extension wands for reaching surfaces out of reach and more. Sometimes these accessories are included with a vacuum. Otherwise, they can often be purchased separately.
Tips for Maintaining a Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
When using a cordless vacuum cleaner, there are some essential maintenance practices to follow. The first is to consistently empty the debris bin following each use. Some types of dirt and debris can cause the interior of the bin to corrode if not disposed of in a timely manner. You should also consistently check the vaccum's brush to ensure there aren't any objects obstructing its air flow. Also, make sure to regularly check and clean your vacuum's filters to avoid clogs. Following these general maintenance tips will ensure that your appliance runs as efficiently as possible. It may also extend the lifespan of the appliance and save you money by avoiding repair and replacement costs.
Always refer to your vacuum’s user manual for best practices for caring for your appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cordless Vacuums
Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have about cordless vacuums.
Are cordless vacuums worth the money?
For many homeowners, the convenience of a cordless vacuum is worth the investment. Because they're typically lighter weight than corded models, they offer portability and flexibility that many homeowners look for in cleaning appliances.
Which cordless vacuum has the most suction power?
When looking for a cordless vacuum with the most suction power available, pay attention to motor watts. The higher the wattage, the more suction power a vacuum can offer.
Which is the most reliable cordless vacuum cleaner?
Lowe’s carries a variety of reliable cordless vacuum brands including BISSELL®, Dyson®, BLACK + DECKER™ and more. Many cordless vacuums come with a warranty and for those interested in a longer warranty, Lowe’s offers a variety of additional protection plans on small appliances.
What is the longest lasting cordless vacuum cleaner?
Run times vary by brand and model. If run time is an important factor when purchasing a cordless vacuum, look for options that include more run time per charge. Actual runtime may vary depending on the power mode used, the amount of dust present, the floor type, and attachments used.