For quick, frequent clean-ups, start by comparing cordless stick vacuums. For longer sessions across floors and carpets, consider cylinder vacuums with or without bags, as outlined in UFC-Que Choisir’s guide to the different uses. A robot vacuum could suit scheduled cleaning on accessible floors, while a handheld vacuum is useful for targeted areas. In every case, check the specific model’s practical run time, brushes, emptying method and maintenance needs.
If you want to get the vacuum out for a few minutes and put it away easily, compare its size, run time in the mode you plan to use and how easy it is to empty. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a stick vacuum’s maximum advertised run time may be measured at the lowest power setting.
For longer sessions across different surfaces, look at the brushes supplied, the cylinder vacuum’s reach or the cordless model’s run time, as well as how much storage space you’ll need. UFC-Que Choisir’s guides highlight the different uses of stick and cylinder vacuums.
If you’d like to schedule cleaning on accessible floors, check that the robot can move around your home, where its docking station will go and what maintenance tasks you’ll still need to do. UFC-Que Choisir notes that robot vacuum results can vary.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick cleaning and storage | How much space it takes up when stored, stand, weight in use, run time in the intended mode and ease of emptying. | I want to do quick clean-ups often without getting out a bulky appliance or making storage complicated. Around 28% of consumers prioritise quick clean-ups and easy storage. |
| Long sessions on floors and carpets | Type of floor head and brush, suitability for your floors, cylinder vacuum’s reach or cordless model’s practical run time. | For cleaning floors and carpets in a longer session, I look at the accessories and how long I can really use the vacuum for. Around 28% of consumers prioritise thorough cleaning. |
| Automated cleaning | Access to different areas, navigation, scheduling, space for the docking station and compatible consumables. | If I want to schedule cleaning on accessible floors, I also check for obstacles and the tasks I’ll still need to do by hand. Around 17% of consumers put automation first. |
| Emptying and consumables | How it’s emptied, the exact reference for bags or filters and whether parts for your model are easy to access. | I compare removing a sealed bag with emptying and cleaning a dust container before choosing. Around 16% of consumers prioritise ease of emptying and maintenance. |
| Small areas and furniture | Attachments supplied, charging base, access to the filter and the uses recommended for the model. | For picking up crumbs or cleaning furniture, I’m looking for a handy appliance suited to those areas, rather than the whole home. Around 11% of consumers prioritise targeted cleaning. |
The maximum advertised run time may be measured at the lowest power setting, so it may not reflect a cleaning session using the brush and mode you’ll actually choose.
Compare the run time given for the mode you plan to use and check the battery reference for the exact model.
Depending on how you use it and the model, you may need to replace the battery.
The dust container and filters also need looking after. According to UFC-Que Choisir, emptying a dust container can expose you to more dust than removing a sealed bag.
Compare the emptying process and check the reference for compatible bags before choosing between a bagged cylinder vacuum and a bagless model.
Cleaning the dust container and filters takes time on top of emptying it.
Results depend on the floors and the areas the robot can reach. The dust container, brushes and, where applicable, the docking station still need maintenance.
Check which areas the robot can cover, how much room you have for the docking station and the references for compatible consumables.
Depending on the model, you may still need to buy compatible bags, filters or brushes and maintain the docking station.
Bags made for one range aren’t necessarily compatible with another. For example, Miele lists TU bags for the Guard S1; these shouldn’t be confused with the GN bags listed for the Complete C3.
Check both the vacuum’s reference and the bag’s reference before ordering.
The BCS61113 is an example of a cordless stick vacuum with a replaceable battery, worth considering for frequent clean-ups.
The Guard S1 range lets you compare bagged cylinder vacuums, taking storage, reach and consumables into account.
The Compact Power Cyclonic XXL RO4B50EA is an example of a bagless cylinder vacuum. Rowenta also offers a search for parts and documents by reference.
The Qrevo S5V is an example of a robot vacuum with a docking station for scheduling regular cleaning on accessible floors.
The Dustbuster WDC215WA-QW is an example of a handheld vacuum for quick, supplementary clean-ups.
This selection includes robot vacuums for scheduled cleaning, bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums for longer sessions, a cordless stick vacuum for frequent clean-ups and a handheld vacuum for targeted areas.
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For scheduling cleaning on accessible floors, this robot vacuum is described as working with an app and an automatic-emptying base.
The product details list 8,000 Pa suction, a 2 L bagless base and up to 180 minutes of run time.
Allow space for the base and remember to maintain it.
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For longer sessions on hard floors and carpets, this bagged cylinder vacuum comes with a brush specified for these surfaces.
The product details list 850 W power, a 4 L bag and a 9.5 m operating radius.
With a bagged model, you’ll need to check the reference for compatible consumables.
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For cleaning floors, carpets and furniture in a longer session, this bagless cylinder vacuum is listed with several brushes suited to these tasks.
The product details list 900 W, a 1.5 L dust container and a 9 m operating radius.
The dust container needs emptying and the motor filter needs regular cleaning.
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For frequent clean-ups, this cordless stick vacuum is described as freestanding and convertible into a handheld vacuum.
The product details list a removable battery, a 700 mL dust container and up to 65 minutes in standard mode.
The advertised run time is for the standard mode listed in the product details; check the run time for the mode you’ll need.
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For crumbs and small areas, this handheld model comes with attachments and a floor brush for light cleaning.
The product details list two modes, an advertised run time of 15 to 30 minutes and a 150 mL dust container.
It’s designed for small jobs and light cleaning, rather than a thorough clean of your entire home.
It depends on the size of your home, the floors, the brush and the run time in the mode you use. UFC-Que Choisir explains that the maximum advertised run time may be measured at the lowest power setting. If long sessions and carpets are a priority, compare cylinder vacuums too.
Make sure the areas you want to clean are accessible and that you can put the docking station in the planned spot. Also check the model’s navigation and scheduling features, then allow time for emptying and maintaining the brushes or docking station.
Note down the appliance’s full reference before choosing a consumable: Miele lists TU bags for the Guard S1. For a cordless model, check the reference for the compatible battery and look up the availability of parts and the repairability index for the model in question.
The DGCCRF states that the repairability index applies to corded and battery-powered domestic vacuum cleaners, as well as robot vacuums, including those sold online. For a purchase by an individual from a professional seller, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory and separate from any commercial warranty. Check the terms that apply to the specific offer.