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Vacuum Cleaners

With so many options available, you'll want to do your research before buying the first vacuum cleaner  you see that comes in your favourite colour.  Vacuum cleaners have gone from being bulky and cumbersome necessities to lifestyle accessories--you'll be able to find one that fits your needs perfectly.

What Are You Looking For in a Vacuum?

If you want a vacuum that does a decent job every few weeks in a small, pet-free flat, you probably don't need the super duper bright purple does-everything cylinder with 32 attachments. But if you vacuum every day and have a larger home with pets and/or kids, that might be exactly what you want.  Consider your needs, and go from there.  Keep in mind that the more it can do, the more it will probably cost.  This is one case where you don't want to go with the cheapest thing available: if you need a powerful, versatile vacuum cleaner, invest in a quality one by a reliable brand  and you'll have it for years.

Types of Vacuum Cleaners

Upright

The traditional style of vacuum cleaner, these are ideal for large surfaces and carpets in particular.  One advantage is that an upright vacuum cleaner is a single, easy-to-push unit, so you won't have to worry about dragging the body of the vacuum behind you.  On the downside, they are generally heavier than cylinder vacuums and have less manoeuvrability because of the all-in-one construction.  They are available at a wide range of price points, depending on what you need the vacuum to do.

Cylinder

Cylinder (also known as canister) vacuum cleaners are good for hard surfaces and handy for stairs, and versatile for a variety of surfaces in one home such as tile, hardwood, and carpeting.  They can also get to areas that an upright vacuum can't--no need to move the furniture to vacuum under it!  Various attachments will allow you to clean anything from curtains to upholstery to car interiors.  Among the few disadvantages are that they can be difficult to drag around larger living areas, and somewhat bulky to store.

Handheld

For a handful of cornflakes or especially hard-to-reach areas, a handheld vacuum cleaner is perfect.  Vacuum manufacturers are capitalizing on the convenience of the hand vac by making them more powerful (some offer wet/dry cleaning or HEPA filters) and attractive in design, coming out with new models sleek enough to leave on the kitchen counter.  Although the results can be very good, the small size that makes them so convenient also means less capacity and suction power, so don't count on it replacing your full-size vacuum entirely.

Stick

If you have a small flat and are disinclined to vacuum more than you absolutely must, chances are you won't be needing any fancy attachments.  You're best off with something lightweight, small and easy to store that gets the job done--the handheld's older brother.  Stick vacuum cleaners are less expensive than any other type of full-size vacuum because they are less versatile and have less suction power.  For an even more basic vacuum, consider a broom vac. 

Wet & Dry

For those battling pet or children's messes on a regular basis, a wet & dry vacuum can be a lifesaver.  They come in both upright and cylinder models. They are generally larger than other vacuum cleaners, but in exchange can handle clean-ups that would be impossible and even damaging to a regular vacuum.  It's one of the best ways to be prepared for whatever winds up on your floor.

 
Types of Vacuum Cleaners

Upright Vacuum Cleaner 

Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner 

Handheld Vacuum Cleaner 

Stick Vacuum Cleaner 

Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner 

Central Vacuum System

Wrestle with everything else in the closet to take out the vacuum, drag it to the living room, plug it in.  Unplug, go to the next room, plug it in.  Unplug, carry it upstairs, plug in and...you know the routine.  If you dread your weekly vacuum encounter and need a vacuum that can cover large areas thoroughly, consider a central vacuum system.   A canister in the basement or garage houses the dirt, which is sucked up through the hose plugged into any one of a number of outlets throughout the house.  The only thing to store and carry is the hose.  The positives: less frequent emptying, and the hose is light to carry and easy to store.  Another benefit of a central vacuum system is cleaner air, but this means the filters  must be changed regularly.  The system also must be installed within the walls of your house (a process best left to professionals). 

Robotic Vacuums

In theory it's a dream come true: switch it on, let a robot vacuum  do the work and come back to a clean, dust-free home. While they can work well on flat, even surfaces, robot vacuums like a Roomba  or Electrolux  will not be able to navigate stairs, nor will they be able to reach any nooks and crannies that the entire robot cannot fit into. Be aware that while a robot vacuum can cut down on manually vacuuming large surfaces of carpet or hardwood, you'll still have to do some of the work yourself.

Major Manufacturers

If you've done your research and decided on a particular brand, search for it here:

Related Guides

Home and Garden

Housewares and Home Maintenance

Appliances

Deep Carpet Cleaners

Kids' Chores

External Links

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Stofzuigers Shopgids