For frequent cleaning in a small home
If you mainly clean hard floors, skirting boards and the area around your pet’s bed in short bursts, a cordless stick vacuum is easy to grab and put away. Just check how long it runs on the setting you’ll need.
Which option suits your needs ?
For homes with well-used carpets, rugs or sofas
To tackle pet hair caught in fibres, check that the brushes suit each surface. You may need a turbo brush for carpets or a mini motorised tool for upholstery. If your cleaning sessions are long, make sure the vacuum can last until the job is done.
For those who prefer a bagless cylinder vacuum
You won’t need to buy compatible bags, but you will need to empty the dust container and maintain the filter and brush. Also check how much space you’ll need to store the main unit and hose.
What should you check ?
Start with the length of your cleaning sessions and the surfaces you need to clean, then check the accessories and how much storage space you have.
Cordless stick vacuum
Consider this if : you want to clean quickly and often, and easy handling and storage are particularly important.
Bear in mind : run time varies by setting. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the maximum run times advertised are generally measured at the lowest power setting.
Bagged cylinder vacuum
Consider this if : you have longer cleaning sessions on carpets or rugs and would rather replace a bag than empty a dust container.
Bear in mind : you’ll need room for the vacuum and hose, as well as compatible bags for your chosen model.
Bagless cylinder vacuum
Consider this if : you want a cylinder vacuum without bags and are happy to empty its dust container.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to empty the container, maintain the filter and find a suitable place to store it.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Floors and upholstery | Check that the floor head is suitable for hard floors and carpets, then see which tools are actually included for the sofa, pet bed and crevices. A floor brush alone won’t cover all these jobs. | Pet hair also gets on my sofa, so I want to clean upholstery without relying solely on the floor head. |
| Run time | For a cordless stick vacuum, compare run times for each mode and with the brush you plan to use. UFC-Que Choisir says that the maximum advertised run time is generally measured at the lowest power setting. | If I vacuum carpets and hard floors in the same session, the run time on the setting I actually use needs to be long enough to finish the job. |
| Storage and access | Measure the space you have, including room for accessories or the hose. Check the weight and whether you can reach under furniture and along skirting boards. | My cupboard is small, but I also need to reach the corners where pet hair builds up. |
| Maintenance | Check how easy it is to reach the brush and filter. For a bagless model, find out how to empty the dust container; for a bagged model, note the reference number of the compatible bags. | I often clean up after my pet, so I’d rather know in advance what’s involved in maintaining the brush and dust container. |
What should you watch out for ?
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Confusing maximum run time with how long a cleaning session takes
With a cordless stick vacuum, the maximum figure may not reflect how long it lasts with a motorised brush or on a high-power setting. According to UFC-Que Choisir, its laboratory tests found that average run time at maximum power fell to around ten minutes.
Compare the run times listed for each mode with how long your usual cleaning takes, allowing for carpets and areas with lots of pet hair.
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Relying on the word “pet” alone
A floor head won’t necessarily replace an upholstery tool for the sofa or a crevice tool for tight spaces.
Check the accessories included with the version you’re buying: a mini motorised brush or upholstery tool for fabrics, a crevice tool for awkward corners and a suitable brush if you have carpets.
If a tool you need isn’t included, you’ll have to find a compatible one separately.
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Underestimating the work involved in cleaning the brush and dust container
Pet hair can wrap around the roller, while the dust container and filter need regular maintenance, especially if you use the vacuum often.
Check how easy these parts are to access and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for the model you choose.
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Forgetting how much space a cylinder vacuum takes up
You’ll need room for the main unit, hose and accessories, even in a small home.
Measure your storage space before choosing. For a bagged model, also check the reference number of the compatible bags.
The hose and accessories take up space even when the vacuum isn’t in use.
Which brands should you compare ?
These models are examples of features to look for. The details below apply to the specific models mentioned, not every vacuum cleaner from each brand.
Rowenta
The X-Force Flex 13.60 Kit complet animal is an example of a cordless stick vacuum for frequent cleaning and upholstery.
- According to Rowenta France, this model includes a mini motorised brush designed for pet hair.
- Check the run time for the mode and configuration you plan to use: the maximum advertised figure won’t apply to every setting.
Miele
The Guard M1 Cat & Dog Flex is an example of a bagged cylinder vacuum to consider if carpets and rugs are part of your regular cleaning routine.
- Miele France lists a turbo brush designed for carpets and rugs for this model.
- Allow space for the cylinder vacuum and check the reference number of the compatible bags.
Bosch
The Série 6 ProAnimal BGS41PET1 is an example of a bagless cylinder vacuum.
- Bosch France lists a 2,4 l dust container and a 10 m operating radius for the BGS41PET1.
- You’ll need to empty the dust container and maintain the vacuum. Also check its dimensions against your storage space.
Cordless stick vacuums on Joybuy
The models below are cordless stick vacuums to consider for frequent cleaning in a home with a pet. Compare their brushes, how long they’ll run for your cleaning sessions and how much room they’ll take up when stored.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5
For floors, upholstery and awkward corners, this model’s description lists an anti-tangle brush, an upholstery tool and a crevice tool. It’s advertised as running for up to 65 minutes in standard mode. Check the run time for your chosen setting and brush, as well as how much storage space you’ll need.
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Monsga M100
For frequent cleaning of hard floors and carpets, the description lists an anti-tangle brush and a 1,8 l dust container. It’s advertised as running for up to 45 minutes. Compare the run time for each mode and check which tools for upholstery and corners are included in the kit.
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BISSELL PowerClean FurGuard Select
For stairs and smaller areas, the description lists a motorised stair tool and a crevice tool. It also mentions three power modes, up to 50 minutes’ run time and a 0,4 l dust container. Check the run time for each mode, the storage dimensions and whether you’re happy with how often you’ll need to empty it.
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UNINELL HOME UV1 450 W
For switching between floors and upholstery, the description lists an anti-tangle roller and a combination brush designed to work on upholstery, among other surfaces. It’s advertised as running for up to 60 minutes. Check the run time for each setting, which tools are included with this version and how much room it takes up when stored.
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AlloyMove by MONSGA A05
For cleaning hard floors, the description lists an anti-tangle brush and a wall-mounted charging dock. It’s advertised as running for up to 80 minutes. Check the run time with your chosen mode and brush, which tools you’ll need for upholstery and corners, and whether you have room for the dock.
Frequently asked questions
How can you judge the run time of a cordless stick vacuum ?
Compare the run time on the setting and with the brush you’ll use, rather than looking only at the maximum figure. UFC-Que Choisir says advertised run times are generally measured at the lowest power setting. Its laboratory tests found that average run time fell to around ten minutes at maximum power.
Which tools should you check for sofas and awkward corners ?
Check whether it includes a mini motorised brush or an upholstery tool for the sofa and your pet’s bed, as well as a crevice or flexible tool for narrow gaps. Check what comes with the exact model you’re considering: a floor brush won’t necessarily replace these accessories.
What maintenance is needed for bagged and bagless models ?
For a bagged cylinder vacuum, check the reference number of the compatible bags before buying. With a bagless model, you’ll need to empty the dust container regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the filter and brush.