In the store, all vacuum cleaners seem about the same - body, hose, pipe and brush. But meanwhile, the difference between them is very significant.
The price and design of vacuum cleaners vary. How to navigate the variety that manufacturers offer household appliances, and choose the appropriate vacuum cleaner model?
Choosing a vacuum cleaner to bring comfort to your home
Every home needs quality cleaning. To perform this task you need good technique. Choosing a good vacuum cleaner is actually not easy. It is clear that relying solely on the design and price of equipment is wrong. The variety of models is dizzying, and the lack of knowledge about what technical properties a good vacuum cleaner should have does not contribute to the right choice either.
Before choosing a vacuum cleaner, pay attention to where it collects dust. Today there are three types of dust collectors - bags, containers and water filters.
Type of dust collector: bag, container or aqua filter?
Bag- the most common and inexpensive type of dust collector. They are either reusable, made from textiles, or disposable, made from paper. Despite its prevalence, it is not the most best option. Fabric bags trap large dust particles, but easily let small ones through. In addition, emptying and washing such a dust collector is not the most pleasant and hygienic task. Disposable paper bags are capable of trapping particles down to 3 microns in size and do not require cleaning. But you will have to constantly buy more of them.
In addition, all dust collectors of this type have one significant drawback - if they are not changed for a long time, harmful bacteria and mites begin to breed in the dust, for which darkness and an abundance of dirt are an ideal habitat.
Dust container does not require replacement. It only needs to be thoroughly washed and dried after filling. Vacuum cleaners with a container are noticeably more expensive than similar models with dust collectors. Their other disadvantage is the high noise level. When the vacuum cleaner operates, the container turns into a resonator. Therefore, cleaning with the help of such models of vacuum cleaners certainly cannot be called quiet.
Vacuum cleaner with water filter- a real machine for creating a good microclimate. The sucked air is washed with water, and the wet dust settles in a special container. The advantages of such vacuum cleaners include efficiency, while the disadvantages include relatively high cost.
Filtration: why do we need additional filters?
As the air passes through the vacuum cleaner, it comes out and returns to the room. And it is very important that it is clean, since microscopic particles of dirt sprayed into the air are much more dangerous than dust lying in the corners. Inhalation of polluted air leads to irritation of mucous membranes and allergies.
Modern vacuum cleaners must capture at least 99% of dust. Therefore, a high-quality vacuum cleaner should have several filters for the exhaust air. It would be good if the selected model is equipped with a HEPA filter. It captures the smallest fragments of dust, bacteria and allergens. And the most good cleaning vacuum cleaners with a water filter provide - they retain more than 99.99% of dust.
Power: is more better?
When choosing a vacuum cleaner, many people focus on power. Indeed, it seems that the 1800 W vacuum cleaner is much better than its 1400 W counterpart. But what actually determines power? Let's start with the fact that there is power consumption (this is what is most often indicated on the case) and suction power. Power consumption determines dimensions, power consumption and noise level. The more powerful the vacuum cleaner, the larger and “louder” it is.
But power consumption has little effect on the quality of cleaning. The suction power is much more important. However, there are some subtleties here too. If you don’t have children or Persian cats, and the floor is covered with laminate, linoleum or carpet, a vacuum cleaner with a suction power of 300 W will do an excellent job of cleaning up the mess. In this case, buying a powerful vacuum cleaner will only be a waste of money and energy during its operation.
A vacuum cleaner with a suction power of more than 300 W will be useful for owners of long-pile carpets and those who often have to clean up after children and shedding pets. And vacuum cleaners with suction power less than 260 W are not worth even looking at.
Please keep in mind that as the dust container fills up, the suction power decreases. But this does not apply to vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter. In them, the suction power does not depend in any way on the contamination of the water and remains constant throughout the entire cleaning process.
Type of cleaning: wet or dry?
When choosing a vacuum cleaner for your home, think about what type of cleaning you need. The wet cleaning function significantly increases the cost of the device, but in fact, not everyone needs it. Washing vacuum cleaners are much larger than ordinary ones, and owners of small apartments, where every square meter is valuable, are better off opting for a regular vacuum cleaner. A washing vacuum cleaner will not be useful for those whose floors are covered with linoleum or other smooth material.
Allergy sufferers cannot do without wet cleaning - the smallest dust that ordinary vacuum cleaners raise can lead to an asthma attack. However, for them, the ideal option would be to choose a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter, which cleans not only the floor, but also the air. Families with small children need a truly washing vacuum cleaner. And also for those who love carpets and floor coverings with thick pile. No ordinary vacuum cleaner can clean a carpet, especially a light-colored one, as well as a washing one. Moreover, how can you find out from video, some models of washing vacuum cleaners are capable of performing the functions of humidifying and deodorizing air.
The more expensive the vacuum cleaner, the more reliable and functional it is. The cheapest models do not last long - most often small parts break, the plastic on the pipe and brushes crack, the hose breaks, and less often the motor burns out. Their service life is short, and the warranty period is even shorter. If such a vacuum cleaner breaks down, it is easier to throw it away than to repair it. Expensive vacuum cleaners can last for decades, and the warranty period for elite models can reach 10 years. So, in the end, it is much more profitable to choose a high-quality vacuum cleaner once and forget about dust and allergens for many years.
Cleaning has become synonymous with the word “duty,” but you want to clean with pleasure and inspiration? Maybe it's time to buy a new modern vacuum cleaner?
Why are canister vacuum cleaners popular?
To begin with, let's dwell on the advantages of vacuum cleaners with containers - it is among them that we will choose 10 best models. It's simple - replaceable dust collectors don't last long. The “life” of textile bags is limited, although they are positioned as permanent. In addition, they do not provide the proper level of filtration, and the dust removal process cannot be called comfortable. It’s easier with paper bags, but you need a constant supply of them (and this is an additional expense).
Whether it's a plastic container. And the plus is not only in the convenience of cleansing. What matters is cyclone technology, which in itself is already an effective filter that separates dust from the air.
Of course, there are still shortcomings. For example, an increased noise level and an increase in the size of the vacuum cleaner compared to “bag” vacuum cleaners of the same power. It’s just that convenience and ease of care are becoming more significant factors for consumers. Our rating includes the best bagless vacuum cleaners of early 2019, based on reviews from experts and ordinary customers.
Cleanliness in the house is the key to health, coziness and comfort. You have to maintain cleanliness regularly and, in order not to constantly rush around with a broom and rag, you can buy a vacuum cleaner to help you. When you go to a hardware store for such a useful purchase, you can find out that they have a wide variety of vacuum cleaners. However, they differ not only appearance and power, but also many other possibilities. Such abundance can take the buyer by surprise. That is why it is advisable to decide in advance how to choose a vacuum cleaner for your home, comparing your needs and capabilities.
Types of vacuum cleaners
Vacuum cleaners are classified according to their cleaning method:
- for dry cleaning;
- detergents for wet cleaning;
- robot vacuum cleaners.
Vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning have long been known and familiar to everyone. They are the simplest in design and economical. Due to their small size, they will not get in the way in a small room. Indispensable for cleaning parquet floors, carpets made from natural materials, system unit computer or other surfaces when humidity is unacceptable.
Washing vacuum cleaners significantly expand cleaning capabilities, operating both in dry mode and in spraying and (or) moisture suction mode. Thus, they can easily cope with even such tasks as cleaning the floor, carpet or sofa from spilled liquid. The disadvantages of washing vacuum cleaners include: relative high cost, heavy weight, and complexity of design. But overall, this is a justified purchase, since choosing a washing vacuum cleaner will be an excellent solution that allows you to accomplish many tasks in your home.
Every modern home must have washing machine, which will significantly save time and wash things much better than doing it manually. Read this article about how to choose a washing machine.
Robot vacuum cleaners have an undoubted advantage - the ability to clean without direct human intervention. They move around the room independently, tracking and avoiding obstacles. Disadvantages of such vacuum cleaners: high price; can only be used in apartments with flat floors and large empty spaces.
Based on their design, there are three main types of vacuum cleaners:
- with dust bags;
- with aqua filters;
- bagless, container or cyclone.
Bagged vacuum cleaners are the first models of vacuum cleaners. But this does not in any way prevent them from competing adequately in the market and keeping up with the times. The undoubted advantage of such schemes is ease of use and maintenance. It is easy to change filters and dust collectors, and there is no need to perform additional manipulations before or after cleaning. Such models are available in a wide range of prices. The weak point of classic vacuum cleaners is the same bag. It needs to be periodically changed or cleaned, which is not always hygienic, and as it becomes clogged, the suction power decreases.
Initially, vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter were developed as cleaning equipment for hospitals and laboratories with the ability to provide high-quality air purification using water. Subsequently, it was decided to convert them for domestic needs. As a result, vacuum cleaners have been reduced in size, which has had a negative impact on filtration and ease of use. The most modern and high-quality aqua filter is the separator type. They perfectly hold debris in water, purifying and humidifying the air. These advantages are also disadvantages. After all, accumulated organic debris creates ideal conditions for the appearance of mold, bacteria and fungi. In this regard, it is necessary to thoroughly clean all parts of the device after each use, which can often take even more time than the cleaning itself.
Container or cyclone vacuum cleaners are distinguished by the absence of dust bags, which eliminates the need for the user to constantly run around the store in search of suitable consumables, so choosing a vacuum cleaner with a container may be a good idea. They are able to clean the air from dust, and the suction power does not depend on the filling of the container. However, such models have more disadvantages than advantages. Before choosing a vacuum cleaner without a dust bag, you should know that they do not clean the room well from small particles of debris and are very noisy during operation. It also becomes necessary to clean all filters and parts after each cleaning. In this case, you have to come into direct contact with the collected dirt.
Filters
The purpose of the filters is to clean the air coming out of the vacuum cleaner from all dust particles and debris. Present in all types of vacuum cleaners. Can be: water, paper, synthetic, coal, etc.
Typically, two filters are used. One of them is responsible for filtering the air directly in front of the engine. At the outlet of the vacuum cleaner, fine filters are installed, the task of which is to retain microparticles about 0.3 microns in size. For this purpose, so-called S-filters and higher quality HEPA filters are used. Both types of filters are designed to last a long time before they fill with dirt, from about six months to several years. HEPA filters are divided into four classes, only two of them (H12 and H13) are superior to S-filters. However, the former in most cases support cleaning, for which it is enough to simply wash them with soapy water.
Please note that a washable or replaceable filter is installed on the vacuum cleaner. This affects ease of use. In the first case, you will need to clean the filter, and in the second, periodically replace it with a new one.
Suction power
This is one of the most important parameters, which is worth paying attention to when the question is how to choose the right vacuum cleaner. Please note that the higher the power, the noisier your vacuum cleaner will be, so you should choose the ratios of these parameters wisely.
Models with a power of 300 W are suitable for cleaning parquet, linoleum or short-pile carpets. They are also used in cleaning furniture and clothes.
It is better to choose a model with a power of over 300 W if your apartment gets dirty quickly and heavily. As a rule, such vacuum cleaners have a power switching function, so you can always choose the appropriate operating mode.
Additional features
A vacuum cleaner is primarily designed to collect dust, but it can also perform additional functions. The availability of such options directly depends on the type of vacuum cleaner, which we discussed above.
Air purification. The presence of this function will be useful for allergy sufferers, since the vacuum cleaner, in addition to its immediate task, will also filter the air, clearing it of dust. Currently, this option is found in almost all vacuum cleaners, but vacuum cleaners with a water filter handle it best.
Humidification, ionization and aromatization of air. These functions are only available to vacuum cleaners with aqua filters.
Knockout function. Some models are equipped with a special nozzle that allows you to knock out accumulated dust from carpets, clothes, mattresses and furniture.
Steam surface treatment. Some models of wet vacuum cleaners are equipped with steam generators. This allows for better cleaning of heavily soiled surfaces.
Determine which vacuum cleaner is best to choose for your home, taking into account additional functions, a basic calculation of finances will help: the more options, the more expensive the equipment. You should also consider the presence of other equipment in the house, such as air purifiers, an air conditioner or a steam generator.
Equipment
Choosing a vacuum cleaner for your home must take into account its equipment. How convenient its operation will be depends on this.
The presence of a telescopic tube will allow you to set the desired length of the handle, adjusting it to the user’s height.
The set of nozzles should be quite extensive. It must have separate brushes for smooth and carpeted floors, as well as crevice nozzles for collecting debris in hard-to-reach places. A turbo brush is necessary for those who have animals. It collects wool and lint very well.
Manufacturer Features
When choosing a vacuum cleaner manufacturer, it is very important to first determine the required type and design of the device. Thus, vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning from almost all manufacturers have similar characteristics and build quality. The most common models are manufactured by LG, Philips, Samsung, Electrolux, Bosch.
The choice of models with the possibility of wet cleaning is somewhat more specific. In addition to common and popular brands, there are models on the world market that deserve more attention. Choosing a vacuum cleaner with the most efficient at the moment separator-type aquafilter, models produced by the Italian companies Krausen, Delvir, Tecnorar have proven themselves.
Manufacturers such as Thomas, AEG, Akira, Moulinex, Panasonic and others also offer a wide variety of vacuum cleaner models for the buyer to choose from. Moulinex, for example, stands out by creating very compact yet powerful vacuum cleaners. Devices from Thomas have time-tested quality and reliability. Electrolux can boast of a level of reliable air purification, which also clearly prevails in terms of the variety of its vacuum cleaners.
Before choosing a good vacuum cleaner for your home, you can quite clearly look at the quality of work and performance at the price. Only average vacuum cleaners price category and higher can help to clean efficiently and at the same time maximally clean both the surface and the air in the room.
How to choose a vacuum cleaner for your home: what is important to consider when choosing?
