For quick clean-ups, choose a stick vacuum if its runtime in the mode you use is enough for your usual cleaning sessions. A robot vacuum is suited to regular cleaning on floors where you’re happy with the results, provided you’re comfortable programming and maintaining it. For rugs, carpets or a more thorough clean, keep a cylinder vacuum as well: UFC-Que Choisir describes it as more effective at removing dust.
You want to cut down on manual cleaning between bigger cleans and are happy to clear the floors, programme the robot, and maintain its bin and brushes. How well it performs on your floor coverings is key, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
You’d rather grab a cordless vacuum to pick up crumbs and dust, then put it away without taking up much space. A stick vacuum is handy for this kind of quick clean-up, provided its runtime suits your needs.
You also need to tackle carpets, rugs or embedded dirt, and don’t mind getting out a bulkier vacuum. A cylinder vacuum can be your main appliance or complement cleaning with a stick or robot vacuum.
Choose this if: you want to tackle small messes straight away with a vacuum that’s easy to grab and put away.
Bear in mind: runtime drops when you use a more powerful setting, so check it’s enough for your usual cleaning sessions.
Choose this if: regular cleaning cycles on clear floors matter more to you than cleaning up immediately after every spill.
Bear in mind: results vary depending on the floor covering, and automation doesn’t eliminate the need to empty or maintain the vacuum.
Choose this if: rugs, carpets or a thorough clean call for a main or supplementary vacuum.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space and is less convenient to get out for a few crumbs.
To choose between these three options, start with the task you most want to tackle between thorough cleans, then check how well the model performs on your floors.
| Priority | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Automated cleaning | How well the robot performs on your floor coverings and along edges; space for its dock, if included. | If I want to cut down on manual cleaning, I need regular cycles and don’t consider emptying and maintenance optional; around 37% of consumers would prioritise this automation. |
| Quick clean-ups | Weight of the stick vacuum in floor-cleaning mode and runtime with the setting and brush you’ll use. | When crumbs appear, I want to be able to grab the vacuum and put it away straight away; around 36% of consumers would prioritise this convenience. |
| Thorough cleaning | Comparable results on rugs and carpets, and a floor head suited to the surfaces you need to clean. | With rugs or embedded dirt, I prioritise a deeper clean, even if the vacuum takes longer to get out; around 27% of consumers would put this need first. |
The maximum figure usually refers to the lowest-power setting. According to UFC-Que Choisir, using the vacuum at full power significantly reduces its runtime.
Compare runtime in the mode and with the brush you plan to use, especially if you have rugs or carpets.
UFC-Que Choisir assesses performance separately on different floor coverings, as well as along edges and in corners. An automated clean doesn’t guarantee a thorough result everywhere.
Identify the floors you have most of and check the results for the exact model before deciding whether it can complement your manual cleaning.
A dock can mean you need to empty the robot’s bin less often, but the brushes and filters still need maintenance, depending on the model.
Check where the dock will go and whether the consumables are compatible with the series you’ve chosen.
Depending on the robot and its dock, you may need replacement bags, filters or brushes.
The availability of parts and consumables can affect how easy a vacuum is to maintain over time.
For a model sold in France, check its published repairability index and the information provided about parts availability, including the battery and relevant brushes.
The brand offers cordless stick, robot and cylinder vacuums, making it worth considering if you want to compare different types.
Its cordless stick vacuums are worth a look if the format, brushes and accessories suit your floors.
The Roomba range is for households looking for automated cleaning that want to identify consumables by series.
Its robot vacuums are worth comparing if mapping, the app or the dock are important to you.
Not in every home. According to UFC-Que Choisir, robot vacuum results vary depending on the floors and areas to be cleaned. For rugs or a thorough clean, keep a suitable manual vacuum as long as the robot’s results on your surfaces don’t meet your needs.
Compare how long they run in the mode and with the brush you’ll need, not just their advertised maximum. UFC-Que Choisir notes that runtime at full power is considerably shorter, so make sure it’s still enough for your usual cleaning sessions.
No. It can mean you need to empty the bin less often, but you’ll still need to check the brushes, filters and any consumables, depending on the model. Also check how much space the dock needs and whether replacement parts are compatible.
Check the published repairability index for the exact model and the information available about its spare parts. For consumables such as bags, filters or brushes, make sure you check which references are compatible with your vacuum.