Households whose vacuum cleaner was still doing the job
Your appliance met your needs before it broke down. You want to find out whether a professional can repair it and whether the necessary parts are available.
Who is this guide for?
Shoppers considering second-hand options
You’re thinking about buying second-hand or refurbished and want to know the condition of the item, what checks have been carried out and who the seller is.
Households looking to switch to a different type
Your old vacuum cleaner is no longer right for cleaning your home. You need to compare cylinder, cordless stick and robot vacuums based on your floors, how easy they are to handle and the maintenance involved.
What to check before choosing
After a breakdown, first consider whether you can keep your appliance. If you need to replace it, check the item on offer before comparing different types of cleaner.
| What matters | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Ask a professional to diagnose the fault and check whether parts are available for the exact model number. | If my vacuum cleaner was doing a good job around the house before it broke down, I want to know if it can be put back into service rather than replaced. Around 31% of consumers put the possibility of repair first. |
| Condition of a second-hand appliance | Check the model number, the item’s condition, its accessories and the seller’s identity. For a refurbished product, check what information is provided about the tests carried out. | Before choosing an appliance that has already been used, I need to know what has been checked and what I’ll receive. Around 25% of consumers prioritise checking a second-hand item. |
| Type of cleaner | Compare your floors and the area to be cleaned. For a cordless stick vacuum, check the battery life on the setting you’ll need; for a robot, consider which areas it will need to reach. | If I replace my appliance, I want its type to suit the floors and cleaning routine in my home. This is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Keeping up with cleaning | Make sure the appliance on offer can handle your essential cleaning needs, then check its repairability index where applicable. | When the usual cleaning can’t wait, I’m looking for a replacement that will do the job without overlooking how easy it is to repair. Around 19% of consumers prioritise getting their cleaning routine back on track. |
For eligible vacuum cleaners sold in France, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition says the repairability index is displayed at the point of purchase. It helps you assess how easy a product is to repair, but it doesn’t measure cleaning performance.
Mistakes to avoid
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Treating ‘second-hand’ and ‘refurbished’ as the same thing
According to the DGCCRF, a product described as refurbished must have undergone tests to ensure that it works properly. Its description must relate to the specific item being sold, rather than simply repeat the description of the new model.
Ask for the exact model number, the stated condition, details of the tests carried out, the included accessories and the seller’s identity.
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Choosing a cordless stick vacuum based only on its maximum battery life
The stated battery life doesn’t necessarily tell you how long it will last on the setting you need for your floors. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends paying attention to the battery when choosing a cordless stick vacuum.
Check the battery life on the setting you’ll use, how long it takes to recharge and whether the battery can be replaced.
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Assuming motor power tells you how well it cleans floors
The stated motor power alone isn’t enough to tell you how well a vacuum cleaner will clean. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the importance of the vacuum head.
Look at the brushes and accessories suited to your floors, rugs, furniture or pet hair, as well as test results for these uses.
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Forgetting about consumables and spare parts
Bags, filters, brushes and batteries all affect how you use your appliance and whether it can be repaired if it breaks down again.
Find out which parts are compatible and whether they’re available for the exact model. Also check the repairability index where it’s displayed.
Brands to consider
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Vacuum cleaners to consider by type
These Joybuy models show three types of replacement: a cylinder vacuum, robot vacuums and a cordless stick vacuum. If you’re choosing a replacement after a breakdown, compare their features with your usual cleaning routine, and check the condition of the item on offer and the terms of sale.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG, bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you’d like to stick with a cylinder vacuum for cleaning your home. This model uses a bag, so check the model number and availability of compatible bags, along with the brushes you’ll need for your floors.
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Eureka J15 Pro Ultra, robot vacuum and mop
Consider this if your priority is to automate regular floor cleaning. The product title states a suction power of 16 200 Pa, a mopping function and cleaning at 75 °C. These figures don’t guarantee how it will perform on your floors, in corners or on rugs.
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Dreame X40 Ultra Complete, white robot vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you’re thinking about a robot for regular cleaning instead of a vacuum you operate yourself. Before choosing this model, check you have room for its docking station, the app’s terms of use and the specified 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection.
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ECOVACS Deebot T30C OMNI Gen2, black robot vacuum cleaner
Worth considering for automated vacuuming and mopping. The title states 25 000 Pa, an OMNI station and mop washing at 75 °C. Also compare the station’s maintenance needs and check whether the robot is suitable for the floors and corners in your home.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5, cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Consider this if easy handling and quick clean-ups matter more to you than automation. The title states up to 65 minutes of battery life. Check how long it lasts on the setting you need for your floors, and how the battery can be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if a vacuum cleaner is refurbished?
Check that the listing describes the specific item being sold and the tests it has undergone. The DGCCRF says a refurbished product must have been tested to ensure it works properly. Also ask for the exact model number, the accessories included and a description of its condition.
What warranty applies to a second-hand or refurbished vacuum cleaner?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy’s information service. For a private sale, don’t assume the same guarantee applies: ask for a written description of the model and its condition.
Is the repairability index enough to help you choose a vacuum cleaner?
No. It tells you about the repairability of eligible vacuum cleaners, not how well they clean. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition says the index takes factors such as disassembly, documentation and spare parts into account. You should also consider your floors, the area to be cleaned and the type of cleaner you want.
Can a robot vacuum replace a cylinder or cordless stick vacuum for all your cleaning?
Don’t assume so without considering your home. UFC-Que Choisir says robot vacuums automate cleaning, but their performance can vary. Pay particular attention to rugs, edges and corners, as well as maintaining the dust container.