People who clean multiple floors
You often move between floors and want to make carrying your vacuum less of a chore. It’s the weight of the complete machine that matters, not just the handle.
Who is this choice for?
People who clean large areas
You vacuum several rooms or demanding floors in one session and are weighing up a cordless model’s usable runtime against a corded model’s reach.
People looking for a second vacuum
You keep a main vacuum for a full clean, but want to tackle other areas of your home quickly.
Which features should you compare for multiple floors?
Corded cylinder vacuum
Worth considering if: your cleaning sessions are long, you have rugs or carpets, and plug sockets are within reach.
Things to bear in mind: the cable, changing plug sockets and carrying the main body of the vacuum between floors.
Cordless stick vacuum
Worth considering if: you mainly do short cleaning sessions in areas far from plug sockets and can recharge the vacuum between uses.
Things to bear in mind: runtime varies by mode, and the battery and dust container need regular attention.
Cordless cylinder vacuum
Worth considering if: you want to avoid a cable but prefer a vacuum that sits on the floor, and carrying it on the stairs is manageable.
Things to bear in mind: going cordless doesn’t mean you can avoid carrying the whole machine; advertised runtimes depend on the mode used.
Main vacuum and a second machine
Worth considering if: your main vacuum handles full cleaning sessions, but getting it out for every small job is inconvenient.
Things to bear in mind: two machines take up more space and may mean buying extra consumables or batteries.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying it between floors | Weight of the vacuum when ready to use and how easy it is to hold on the stairs. | When I often move between floors, I want to carry the vacuum without making every cleaning session a struggle. Around 28% of consumers put carrying a vacuum between floors first. |
| Length of cleaning sessions | Runtime in each mode with the brush you’ll use, charging time and, for a corded model, its operating radius. | When I’m vacuuming several rooms in a row, I want to know whether my vacuum can handle the session without a lengthy break. Around 22% of consumers prioritise completing a full session without interruption. |
| Surfaces to be vacuumed | Tests of the exact model on your floors and the brushes actually included. | If my floors are different on each level, I want a vacuum that performs well on the surfaces I have, rather than one with a single general selling point. Around 22% of consumers prioritise performance on their floors. |
| Frequent quick cleans | Where you’ll store and charge it, dust container capacity and useful accessories. | For a few crumbs or a separate area, I want to be able to get the vacuum out and put it away easily. Around 17% of consumers prioritise frequent quick cleans. |
| Care and maintenance | Maintenance tasks, compatible consumables, available parts and any applicable repairability index. | To keep my vacuum in good condition, I want to know which parts will need maintenance or replacing. Around 11% of consumers prioritise maintenance and repair. |
Pitfalls to avoid when choosing
-
Assuming the maximum runtime is guaranteed on every floor type
Maximum runtime is usually quoted for a low-power mode. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this may be very different from runtime in everyday use, particularly when you need to change modes for different floors.
Before choosing a stick vacuum as your main machine, compare runtime in each mode with the brush you’ll use, and check how long it takes to recharge.
Depending on how often you clean, you may need an extra battery or to take breaks between sessions.
-
Confusing a lightweight handle with a vacuum that’s easy to carry upstairs
A cordless cylinder vacuum still has a main body that you need to carry from one floor to another. How light it feels while you’re vacuuming doesn’t reflect the effort involved in carrying it.
Check the weight of the complete machine and how easy it is to hold, rather than looking at the handle alone.
-
Choosing based only on power or performance on hard floors
UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocols assess performance on hard floors, in crevices and on carpets. A result on one type of surface doesn’t tell you how the vacuum will perform on others.
Look for tests of the exact model on your floors and check which brushes are included with the version you’re considering.
-
Forgetting about maintenance and parts that need replacing
The dust container or bag, filters and brushes may need maintenance or replacing. On a cordless model, the battery may too. The repairability index tells you about how easy a product is to repair, not how well it cleans.
Check the care instructions, availability of parts and the index applicable to the model.
Replacement bags, filters or batteries can also mean more items to keep track of after you buy.
Brands to know when comparing formats
Rowenta
The range includes corded cylinder vacuums and stick vacuums; the X-Ô 90 IX7767EA is an example of a cordless cylinder model.
- For the X-Ô 90, Rowenta claims up to 90 min in ECO mode, 50 min in HIGH mode on hard floors and 20 min in MAX mode on carpets. Runtime varies depending on the mode, as stated by the brand.
- You still need to carry the main body of the vacuum between floors; these are manufacturer figures, not independent test results for the model.
Bosch
The Unlimited 7 BBS711W is worth a look if you’re considering a stick vacuum with a replaceable battery for frequent trips between floors.
- Bosch gives the ready-to-use weight of the BBS711W as 2,9 kg.
- Bosch claims a maximum runtime of 40 min without a powered accessory and a charging time of 5 h. The maximum runtime isn’t guaranteed when using a motorised brush.
Electrolux
The Pure D8 PD82-4ST is a bagged cylinder vacuum to consider if reach matters during your cleaning sessions.
- Electrolux gives this model an operating radius of 12 m and a dust bag capacity of 3,5 l.
- Before comparing specifications for the PD82-4ST, check the exact version, filter and listed accessories: available descriptions don’t agree on these details.
Dyson
The V12 Detect Slim Absolute is an example of a cordless stick vacuum supplied with accessories for different floors and stairs.
- Dyson claims up to 60 min of runtime for this version.
- This advertised maximum runtime doesn’t guarantee the same battery life in every mode.
Miele
The Guard L1 Nordic Blue is a bagged cylinder vacuum to consider if you prefer a corded machine.
- Miele gives the Guard L1 Nordic Blue an operating radius of 12 m and specifies which accessories are supplied.
- Operating radius tells you neither how much effort it takes to carry the cylinder vacuum upstairs nor how well it performs on each of your floors.
Joybuy products related to this choice
This selection includes cordless stick vacuums for moving between areas and a corded cylinder vacuum for cleaning sessions without recharging. Compare the freedom of a cordless model with the weight you’ll need to carry, and check the stated features of each model.
Image unavailable
VAKERR X15 Pro cordless stick vacuum
Its cordless design could suit frequent cleaning in areas far from plug sockets, provided the stated runtime is long enough for your session.
Stated runtime: 80 min. Stated power: 750 W and 75 kPa. 1,8 L dust container, anti-tangle brush and display.
Image unavailable
COTIAR S25 blue cordless vacuum cleaner
The cordless design could make it easier to move between rooms, as long as the runtime suits the length of your cleaning session.
The product title claims up to 70 min of runtime, 650 W and 60 kPa.
Image unavailable
laresar X11 cordless stick vacuum
This cordless stick vacuum could suit cleaning between different areas; compare the stated runtime with the length of your session and the mode you’ll use.
The product title states 60 min of runtime, 550 W, 55 kPa and a 2 L dust container.
Image unavailable
UNINELL HOME UV1 cordless stick vacuum
Its cordless design is worth considering for areas far from plug sockets; check whether the stated runtime will cover your cleaning sessions.
The product title states up to 60 min of runtime, 450 W and 45 000 Pa. Removable battery, freestanding design and anti-tangle brush.
Image unavailable
Hoover H-ENERGY 300 HE330ALG 011 bagged vacuum cleaner
The corded design could suit longer cleaning sessions without recharging, if you’re happy to manage the cable and carry the cylinder’s main body between floors.
The product title states 850 W, a 4 L dust bag, a HEPA filter and an operating radius of 9,5 m.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare the stated runtime with the time I spend cleaning?
Compare how long you usually clean with the model’s runtime using the brush and mode you plan to use, then check the charging time. UFC-Que Choisir points out that maximum runtime is often measured in a low-power mode and may differ from what you get in everyday use.
What should I consider when storing and maintaining a cordless vacuum?
Choose a suitable place to store and charge it, then follow the instructions for emptying the dust container and caring for the filter and brush. Also check the recommended battery maintenance for the model.
Does the brand’s warranty replace my rights with the seller?
No. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies, subject to its legal conditions, to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional; claims are made through the seller. The DGCCRF states that consumers have two years from delivery of the goods to take action. A commercial warranty offered by a brand is separate.
What does France’s repairability index tell you about a vacuum cleaner?
The French ministry responsible for ecological transition states that the index applies to the corded and cordless vacuum cleaners covered by the scheme. It tells you about a product’s repairability, not its cleaning performance.
What should I do with an old or broken vacuum cleaner?
ADEME recommends considering repair and explains that you can return or drop off electrical and electronic equipment if it can no longer be used. Eligibility for the Repair Bonus depends in particular on using a QualiRépar-accredited repairer.