Simple Guide to Buying the Best Vacuum Cleaner

23.08.2011 | Author: reevoouk | Posted in Technology
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While vacuum cleaners are a standard feature for home maintenance, few people are aware that there are two main types, which in turn affects their performance.

To help you find the best vacuum cleaner for your individual needs, the following guide will explore the most important factors to consider when shopping around.

Cylinder verses Upright

The two main types of vacuum cleaners are the cylinder or upright varieties.

Cylinder type vacuums are usually the cheapest models, plus they’re light and also take up the least space. Their downside is that they require a higher level of motor power. All in all however, they’re great for cleaning stairs, hard floors, upholstery and working between furniture.

Upright vacuum cleaners tend to be the most popular, since they’re generally easier to use and store. These models make use of a brush bar, which helps remove dirt that has been ground into carpets.

Additional Types of Vacuum Cleaners

Apart from the two main types of vacuums cleaners, here are some additional varieties:

Wet and Dry Cleaners

These machines not only clean floors, they also mop up spillages and are even capable of washing carpets.

Handheld

These nifty little cleaners are perfect for use in the kitchen or car, as they can conveniently reach into small spaces to quickly tackle crumbs and dirt.

Polishers

Polishers will both vacuum and polish, so they’re ideal for wooden floors.

Steam cleaners

For ultra clean carpets, steam cleaners are ideal as they get stuck in for heavy-duty cleaning.

Additional Important Feature Options

The following features apply to both cylinder and upright vacuum cleaners:

Performance

The measure of what makes vacuum cleaners effective and powerful actually depends on a few different factors. The general rule of thumb is the higher the wattage, the more powerful the cleaner, although this is most important on cylinder machines because the dust has a longer distance to travel up the tube.

Apart from wattage, airflow and the design are also important, since these affect the machine’s suction power. Many models have variable power, which is useful when tackling upholstery, curtains or rugs. The added attachments will also make a difference in the range of surfaces you want to clean. Most vacuum cleaners come with three standard attachments, namely crevice tool, upholstery and dusting brushes.

If you have cut-pile carpets or very hairy pets, an additional turbo-brush will be useful. And if you have wooden floors, a horsehair or parquet brush will be ideal. Some models come with an extendable tube, which is particularly useful for cleaning odd nooks and crannies. The type of brush offered is especially crucial in the performance of upright cleaners.

Filter Types

Filtration capability determines how many dust particles will escape into the air from the vacuum exhaust. This is an especially important factor for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.

There is currently a range of different filtration technologies available in vacuum cleaners on the market – here are the main types:

  • Stage filters: as the name suggests, these filter out the dust in stages. A typical filter will have the stages of using a double skinned bag, a filter between motor and bag and a final filter. The best types can have up to seven stages.

  • Lifetime filters: as with most machines, the normal life-span of a vacuum cleaner is between 7 and 10 years. Lifetime filters will last for this length of time without needing to be changed.

  • HEPA or S-Class: this type of filter is ideal for people who suffer from allergies, as it removes even the smallest allergy-causing particles.

  • Charcoal filters: these are the perfect choice if you have pets, as they include an extra charcoal layer to remove unpleasant smells.

    • Bag or Bagless

    Different vacuum cleaner models either have a bag to store the dirt and dust the machine collects or none. Those with bags tend to be cheaper, but having to continually replace them can be abit of a fuss. Nevertheless, if you suffer from allergies, you’ll want to buy a vacuum with bags that seal the dust away so it can be disposed of without getting into the air.

    Bagless cleaners are generally the more pricey option, but they make up for it by removing the need for you to keep buying bags. Some models also have anti-bacterial agents to help keep them clean – these are also a good option for allergy sufferers.

    Some Useful Extras

    The following features will make your life easier, so keep your eye out for them when shopping around:

  • Capacity: it’s a good idea to choose a cleaner with a high capacity for dust storage, as this will cut the frequency of you having to change the bag or empty the drum. As standard, most models have the capacity of between 4 and 6 litres.

  • Full indicator: a useful warning to let you know when your machine is getting full, so you can ensure it’s always operating effectively.

  • Tools: as mentioned above, additional tools such as extension tubes and stair cleaning hoses will make your cleaning chore much easier.

  • Auto cord rewind: this convenience is usually found on cylinder cleaners – with the touch of a button the cord pulls itself back inside the machine.

    • Conclusion

    In addition to the features and considerations outlined above to help you make the right choice for your needs, it’s also a good idea to read online reviews of ­ vacuum cleaners so you can see what customers have to say about different models.

    About the Author: Michael Dehomme is an electronics repair shop owner and retailer of vacuum cleaners.

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