Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide

Choosing the right vacuum cleaner can be a tricky task; with so many different types on the market it can be difficult to determine which model will best suit your needs. Models range in size, style, features and price, so it's a good idea to do a little research before you buy.

We’ve put together this Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide to help you get your head around the basics.

Vacuum cleaner size

Size is a very important consideration when it comes to choosing a vacuum cleaner.

Most conventional vacuum cleaners are big enough to clean an entire house without having to replace the bag. If you have a particularly large home or thick, shaggy carpets, it’s a good idea to opt for a more sizable model (such as the Electrolux SuperCyclone Vacuum Cleaner or the Vax Maxim Vacuum Cleaner) to save you from having to constantly empty the bag.

Consider also the available storage area you have in your home; some vacuum cleaner models require more storage space than others.

Vacuum cleaner types

Upright vacuum cleaners

Upright vacuum cleaners take the form of a cleaning head, onto which a handle and bag are attached. Uprights are the traditional style of vacuum, made popular because of the deep-clean they provide on carpeted floors. They are easy to store and tend to be a more economical option than some other types of vacuum, although they can be quite heavy to use.

Popular upright vacuum cleaners include the Miele S7580 Upright Vacuum Cleaner, the Dyson DC24 Hepa Upright Compact Vacuum Cleaner and the Dyson DC33 Multi Floor Upright Vacuum Cleaner.

Barrel/canister vacuum cleaners

Barrel vacuum cleaners (or canister vacuum cleaners) feature a hose connected to a wheeled canister unit that contains the bag and motor. Generally lightweight and quiet, barrel vacuums are one of the most popular choices on the market. The flexible hose makes cleaning in small spaces and on stairs significantly easier, and most barrel vacuums come with a variety of attachments that can be used on curtains, upholstery and under furniture.

Top-selling barrel/canister vacuums include the Miele S 5311 Canister Vacuum Cleaner, the Dyson DC29 Multi Floor Barrel Vacuum Cleaner and the Electrolux Ultra Active Vacuum Cleaner.

Slimline vacuum cleaners

Slimline vacuum cleaners are similar in style to upright vacuums, with a long body, handles and cleaning head. Because they tend to be cordless and extremely lightweight they are very convenient for a quick clean up, but are generally not suited to really heavy duty cleaning. If you’re in the market for a slimline vacuum cleaner, try the Dyson DC35 Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner.

Vacuum cleaner features

HEPA Filters (for asthma and allergy sufferers)

A number of modern vacuum cleaners feature HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, which are able to filter out a significant amount of fine particles that may pass through the machine and escape into the air through the exhaust. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters – such as the Miele S5781 Total Care Vacuum Cleaner, the Dyson DC25 Hepa Plus Vacuum Cleaner and the Nilfisk Power Allergy Vacuum Cleaner – are particularly helpful for those who suffer from asthma or allergies.

Motorised & turbo vacuum heads

For a very thorough clean, vacuum cleaners that feature motorised or turbo heads are a great option as they help to disrupt dirt and dust particles more effectively than standard vacuum heads. Try the Dyson DC23 Motorhead Barrel Vacuum Cleaner or the Electrolux Ultra Active Power Vacuum Cleaner.

Vacuums for pet owners

Pet hair can be very difficult to get rid of, particularly from carpets and upholstery. The Dyson DC23 Animal Barrel Vacuum Cleaner, the Miele S5261 Cat & Dog Turbo Vacuum Cleaner and the Nilfisk X300 Extreme Vacuum Cleaner are some good examples of models that are designed to deal with pet hair and odour.

Alternatively, pet grooming attachments – such as the Dyson Pet Groomer – can be used to proactively remove hair from your pet before it is shed.

Multi-floor vacuums

Different types of nozzles are suited to different types of floor. For carpeted floors, a motorised nozzle is best; for tiled or wooden floors, a nozzle with a soft brush is sufficient.

Many modern vacuum cleaners feature a multi-floor nozzle that has a setting for both carpets and hard floors. This saves you from having to change over the entire head as you move from room-to-room.

Popular multi-floor models include the Dyson DC29 Multi Floor Barrel Vacuum Cleaner and the Electrolux Ultra Active Power Vacuum Cleaner.

Bagless vacuum cleaners

Some vacuum cleaners collect dust and dirt in disposable bag, others collect it in a bin. Bagless vacuums tend to be lighter in weight and are more environmentally friendly; on the other hand, vacuums with disposable bags are more convenient and release less dust into the air when emptied.

Vacuum cleaner accessories and extras

It’s a good idea to be on the lookout for any design features on a vacuum that might help to make your life a little easier. Consider the length of the cord and whether it is retractable, and aim to find a reasonably quiet model. Drape tools and stair tools come with most vacuum cleaners, and many models have handy attachments that are either included or can be purchased separately. For example:

Pet groomers remove the hair from your pet before it finds its way to your carpet. The Dyson Pet Groomer is suitable for medium to long-haired dogs.
Crevice tools extend and flex to clean in awkward spaces. Try the Dyson Flexi Crevice Tool.
Car cleaning kits – like the Dyson Car Cleaning Kit – can tackle the most stubborn dirt in the tightest spaces.

Vacuum cleaner brands

Dyson

Known as the “It” brand of vacuum cleaners, Dyson focuses on innovation, technology, and design. Originally producing only uprights, Dyson now manufactures barrel, slimline and cordless vacuum cleaners, as well as a range of vacuum cleaner accessories. Dyson vacuum cleaner models include the Dyson D35 Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, the Dyson D29 Multi-floor Barrel Vacuum Cleaner and the Dyson D23 Animal Barrel Vacuum Cleaner.

Electrolux

Electrolux is one of the global leaders in home appliances, with over 40 million products sold to customers in 150 countries each year. With a design philosophy deeply rooted in Scandinavian tradition, Electrolux produces canister vacuums, handheld vacuums and rechargeable vacuums. Electrolux vacuum cleaner models include the Electrolux UltraActive Vacuum Cleaner, the ZB2903 Ergorapido Handheld Vacuum Cleaner and the Electrolux ZB2901 Ergorapido Handheld Vacuum Cleaner.

Miele

Founded well over 100 years ago, family-owned and run Miele is Australia’s leading supplier of high-end domestic appliances and commercial equipment. Miele applies their motto – “forever better” – to all Miele products, including their range of upright vacuums, canister vacuums and vacuum accessories. Miele vacuum cleaner models include the Miele S5211 Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner, the Miele S 5311 Cannister Vacuum Cleaner and the Miele S2111 Cannister Vacuum Cleaner.

Nilfisk

With more than a century of experience in the vacuum cleaner business, Nilfisk is dedicated to providing reliable cleaning results that meet and exceed the expectations of their customers. The Nilfisk tradition of innovation and quality goes into their entire range of barrel and upright vacuum cleaners. Nilfisk vacuum cleaner models include the Nilfisk Action Plus Vacuum Cleaner, the Nilfisk X300 Extreme Vacuum Cleaner and the Nilfisk Power Allergy Vacuum Cleaner.

Vax

Vax produces carpet cleaners, cylinder vacuums and upright vacuums. Based in the UK, Vax aims to provide products that offer top performance using innovation and the latest technologies, at the same time as maintaining competitive prices. Vax vacuum cleaner models include the Vax Multifunction Vacuum Cleaner 66000, the Vax Pink Stick Vacuum Cleaner and the Vax Maxim Vacuum Cleaner.

Volta

Volta has been manufacturing vacuum cleaners since 1915 with a focus on developing products that not only vacuum visible dust and dirt, but also the particles that cannot be seen. Today, Volta is one of the most purchased vacuum cleaners in Australia. Volta vacuum cleaner models include the Volta Ultima 2200W Barrel Vacuum.

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