For everyday mess and short cleaning sessions in a small home, a cordless stick vacuum is easier to take out and put away, but its run time depends on the mode you use. For longer sessions across several rooms, or for carpets and rugs, compare cylinder vacuums instead. A bagged model means less contact with dust when you empty it, while a bagless model saves you buying bags but means emptying and maintaining the dust container.
You vacuum frequently to deal with small messes and are short on storage space. Consider how easy the vacuum is to manoeuvre and store, and how long it runs in the mode you actually use. UFC-Que Choisir points out that manufacturers’ maximum run-time claims are based on the lowest power setting.
To clean several rooms, rugs or carpets, check how the vacuum performs on the surfaces in your home, as well as the brush and the cleaning radius. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of comparing performance across different floor types.
If you care most about how the vacuum is emptied or keeping on top of consumables, compare the bags, dust containers, filters and replacement parts for each model. The DGCCRF describes the repairability index as a useful point of reference when choosing a model.
Choose this if: you do short, frequent clean-ups and want a vacuum that’s easy to store.
Bear in mind: run time varies by mode; check the dust container, filters and brush too.
Choose this if: you expect to clean for longer or want to minimise contact with dust when emptying the vacuum.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to manage the cord and replace the bags; check their product codes, along with those of the filters.
Choose this if: you’d rather not use bags and are happy to empty the dust container and maintain the filters.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says in its guide that bagged cylinder vacuums generally have better suction; performance still needs to be compared model by model.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Manoeuvrability and storage | Weight in hand, overall size, dust container capacity and storage. | I want to quickly pick up crumbs without getting out a bulky appliance; around 31% of consumers prioritise a manoeuvrable vacuum for quick clean-ups. |
| Long sessions and carpeted surfaces | Performance on rugs or carpets, brushes included and cleaning radius. | When I clean several rooms or carpets, I want to avoid stopping to recharge; around 31% of consumers prioritise longer cleaning sessions on carpeted surfaces. |
| Contact with dust | How the bag is removed or the dust container emptied, and how the filters are maintained. | I want to minimise contact with dust when emptying the vacuum; around 23% of consumers prioritise how dust is collected. |
| Consumables and replacement parts | Compatible product codes for bags, filters and parts, as well as the model’s repairability index. | I check consumables and compatible parts to plan for maintenance; around 15% of consumers prioritise keeping track of these. |
UFC-Que Choisir explains that maximum run-time claims are measured at the lowest power setting. For the stick vacuums tested by the organisation, the average run time at full power was around ten minutes.
Think about how long you usually clean for and look for test results for the mode you’ll need on your floors.
If the run time is too short for the mode you use, you may have to stop cleaning to recharge. Check whether an additional battery is compatible too.
The stated electrical power isn’t enough to predict how well a vacuum will perform on every surface. The suction head and test results on the relevant floor types also matter.
Compare results on the surfaces in your home and check which brushes are actually included with each model.
The dust container needs emptying and cleaning, and the filters need regular attention too. UFC-Que Choisir says that emptying a dust container exposes you to more dust than removing a bag.
Before choosing a model, check how to empty it and which filters are compatible.
Emptying and cleaning the dust container and filters add extra maintenance tasks.
These models illustrate different formats and configurations. Check which accessories and consumables are compatible with the exact version you’re considering.
The bagged RO6179EA and bagless RO7C36EA let you compare two dust collection methods across separate models.
The V8 Advanced is an example of a cordless stick vacuum for shorter sessions. Dyson France lists a Motorbar brush and a maximum stated run time of 40 minutes.
The Unlimited range includes stick vacuums with specified batteries and accessories. The BGS41PET1 is an example of a bagless cylinder vacuum with accessories listed by Bosch.
The Complete C2 and Complete C3 ranges are useful reference points if you want to identify bags and filters by model.
This selection includes corded stick vacuums and bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums, so you can compare them for longer sessions, maintenance and storage.
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Its corded design may suit longer cleaning sessions if you can manage the cable and stay within reach of a socket.
The product description lists a 7 m cable, a 1,8 L dust container and a washable HEPA filter.
The description also mentions a motorised floor brush and a motorised mattress brush.
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This corded, bagless model is described as suitable for hard floors and carpets. Remember to empty the dust container and maintain the filters.
The title lists a power rating of 1 200 W, while the description specifies a 5,5 m cable, a 2,5 L dust container and a washable HEPA filter.
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A bagged cylinder vacuum is suited to longer sessions without needing to recharge; check the product code for compatible bags.
The description lists a 4 L bag, a 9,5 m operating radius, a washable HEPA filter and a mini turbo brush.
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This bagless cylinder vacuum saves you buying bags, but you’ll need to empty the dust container and maintain the filters.
The description lists a 2 L dust container, a 9,5 m operating radius and a washable EPA filter.
Accessories mentioned include a parquet brush and a mini turbo brush.
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For cleaning several rooms without needing to recharge, check the stated operating radius and which bag fits the model.
The description lists a 3,5 L bag, a 12 m operating radius and a 9 m cable.
The description mentions brushes for all floors and parquet.
No. Choose according to your floor types and how long you clean for, then check performance on the fibres and which brushes are included. Bosch lists a turbo brush and a mini turbo brush with the BGS41PET1 model only; this doesn’t tell you about the entire range.
Make room to store and recharge the vacuum, then maintain the dust container, filters and brush in line with the model’s instructions. When planning your cleaning sessions, compare the run time in the suction mode you need rather than relying only on the maximum stated duration.
Note down the exact product codes for the bags and filters, or for the filters and parts on a bagless model, then check that they’re compatible with your version. For a stick vacuum, check the product code of a compatible battery too.
The DGCCRF says the repairability index applies to corded household vacuums and battery-powered models, including those sold online. Check the score and its criteria for the model you’re considering; the index doesn’t guarantee that every part will always be available.
For a new, second-hand or refurbished product sold to an individual by a retailer, you can claim under the statutory legal guarantee of conformity from the seller, subject to the conditions set by law. This is separate from any commercial warranty offered by the brand.