For quick cleans
You want to get the vacuum out regularly and put it away easily in a flat where every bit of space counts.
Who is this choice for ?
For longer cleaning sessions
You vacuum several rooms in one go and need to choose between recharging a stick vacuum and plugging in a cylinder model.
For carpets and hard floors
You need to clean different floor types, not just pick up the small bits of dirt you find every day.
What to compare
Cordless stick vacuum
Choose this if : you want to do frequent quick cleans without unwinding a cord and can store the vacuum near a charging point.
Bear in mind : run time depends on the mode you use, and you may need to empty the bin regularly.
Cylinder vacuum
Choose this if : your sessions are longer or involve a deeper clean, and you have space to plug in and store a bulkier appliance.
Bear in mind : the cord limits how far you can move, and you’ll need to take the vacuum body from room to room.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Getting it out and putting it away | Storage footprint and stability; how easy it is to pick up and use. | I want to get the vacuum out quickly and put it away without blocking the way. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise quick access and easy storage. |
| Run time and charging | Run time in the mode and with the floor head you’ll use; charging time. | If I vacuum several rooms, I want to avoid having to stop because the battery has run out. Around 25 % of consumers prioritise run time during a cleaning session. |
| Cleaning floors and carpets | Test results for each floor type; included floor head and any restrictions caused by the cord. | I want to clean carpets as well as hard floors, not just pick up visible dirt. Around 25 % of consumers put deep cleaning at the top of their list. |
| Capacity and maintenance | Bin or bag capacity; access to the dust collector, filters and compatible consumables. | I’d rather avoid stopping to empty the vacuum and know in advance what maintenance it needs. Around 19 % of consumers prioritise dust-collector capacity and maintenance. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that a stick vacuum’s advertised maximum run time may be measured at the lowest power setting. So compare the conditions with how you normally clean, rather than relying on the maximum figure alone.
Pitfalls to avoid
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Comparing stick vacuums on maximum run time alone
UFC-Que Choisir says that the advertised maximum run time is generally measured at low power. It may not reflect how long a cleaning session will take with the floor head and mode you intend to use.
Compare the test conditions, mode, floor head and charging time with the way you usually clean.
If the mode you need uses more power, you may have to stop partway through or wait for the battery to recharge before carrying on.
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Assuming a stick vacuum for quick cleans can always replace a cylinder model
Quickly picking up dirt from a hard floor is different from giving carpets a deeper clean. A design that’s easy to get out doesn’t necessarily mean the model will suit all your floor types.
Decide whether it will be your only vacuum or an extra one, then look for test results on the types of flooring in your home.
If the stick vacuum can’t handle deeper cleaning, you may need to keep a second appliance.
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Choosing a bag or bin without checking the maintenance
Capacity varies between models, and different collection systems require different upkeep. A bagged vacuum needs compatible bags; a bagless model needs its bin emptied and cleaned.
Check the capacity of the exact model, how to access the dust collector, how to clean the filters and, where relevant, whether compatible bags are available.
Brands to consider by vacuum type
Rowenta
The X-Force Flex range includes cordless stick vacuums worth considering if manoeuvrability and a removable battery are important to you.
- For the RH9B74WO, Rowenta claims a removable battery and up to 1 h 30 in Eco mode when used as a handheld vacuum.
- That figure doesn’t reflect a cleaning session with the floor head in a powerful mode. Check what’s included in the box for this model too.
Dyson
The V8 Advanced is an example of a cordless stick vacuum to compare based on its advertised run time, charging time and dust-collector capacity.
- For this model, Dyson states a run time of up to 40 min, a 5 h charging time and a 0,54 l dust collector.
- These are the manufacturer’s stated specifications; they don’t compare cleaning results on your floors.
Bosch
The Série 4 BGLS4PET2 is an example of a bagged cylinder vacuum to consider for longer cleaning sessions.
- Bosch states that this model has a 4,0 l bag and a 10 m operating radius.
- Allow space to store it, a plug socket for use and compatible bags. These specifications apply to this model, not the whole brand.
Philips
The PowerPro Compact FC9332/09 is an example of a bagless cylinder vacuum to consider if you’re comparing size and bin emptying.
- Philips states that this model has a 1,5 l bin, a 9 m operating radius and weighs 4,5 kg.
- You’ll need to empty the bin and manage the cord while using it. These specifications don’t apply to every Philips model.
Cordless stick vacuums on Joybuy
This selection features cordless stick vacuums for regular quick cleans of floors in flats.
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ROUNY V14, cordless stick vacuum
Its cordless design is handy for quick cleans without having to unwind a cable.
The Joybuy listing states that it has a 0,5 l bin, two modes, a floor head and a removable battery. It claims up to 40 min in low mode, 15 min in high mode and a charging time of 4 to 5 h.
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Xiaomi G20 Lite, cyclonic vacuum cleaner
Its cordless design is worth considering for quick cleans in different rooms, and it comes with a wall mount for storage.
The Joybuy listing states that it has a power rating of 215 W, a 0,55 l bin, weighs 2,4 kg and comes with a 2-in-1 head. It claims up to 45 min of continuous suction and 15 min in Turbo mode.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5, cordless stick vacuum
Its self-standing design may suit you if you want to store the vacuum without fixing it to a wall.
The Joybuy listing states that it has a detachable battery and a 700 ml bin, and claims up to 65 min in Standard mode. It also mentions an anti-tangle brush and a floor head that tilts flat.
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UNINELL HOME UV1 450W, cordless stick vacuum
This cordless design is worth considering for quick cleans on the floors around your home.
The Joybuy listing claims up to 60 min of run time and states that it has a removable battery, a self-standing design and converts into a handheld vacuum. The description says it is designed for dry vacuuming and must not be used to vacuum liquids.
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Lubluelu X1000, cordless stick vacuum with emptying station
Its self-standing station with automatic emptying may suit you if you want to avoid wall mounting and reduce how often you empty the bin by hand.
The Joybuy listing claims up to 45 min in Eco mode. It states that the vacuum is designed for dry cleaning and must not be used to vacuum liquids.
Frequently asked questions
Is an advertised run time of 90 minutes enough to plan my cleaning session ?
Not without knowing the conditions in which it was measured. Rowenta claims up to 1 h 30 for the RH9B74WO when used as a handheld vacuum in Eco mode. It’s better to compare the run time in the mode and with the floor head you need for your floors, as well as the charging time if you plan to vacuum several times in quick succession.
What should I check when storing and charging a stick vacuum in a small flat ?
Make room for the vacuum and its charger, then check that it can be stored securely. For a lithium battery, the DGCCRF recommends using a suitable charger and advises against charging on a flammable surface. You should also follow the instructions for your model.
What maintenance costs and consumer rights should I consider after buying ?
A bagged model needs compatible bags; for a stick vacuum, check the instructions for battery and filter maintenance. In France, goods sold by a trader to a consumer are covered by the legal guarantee of conformity: the Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to take action. This legal guarantee is separate from any optional commercial warranty.
Does the repairability index apply to vacuum cleaners in France ?
Yes. The DGCCRF states that the information requirement applies to mains-powered household vacuum cleaners and battery-operated models, including those sold online. Check the score and how it is calculated: the index alone is not proof of how long a product will last.
Can I change my mind after buying a vacuum cleaner online ?
For a distance purchase from a trader, the Ministry of the Economy states that you have a right to cancel for at least 14 days, subject to applicable exceptions. Check the seller’s terms before placing your order.