For quick clean-ups, compare cordless stick vacuums for manoeuvrability and battery life in the mode you’ll use. For a deeper clean, especially across a large area or on upholstery, look at how a cylinder vacuum performs on your floor coverings. A robot can automate some cleaning on accessible floors, but results vary depending on the surface and it won’t necessarily replace a manual vacuum cleaner.
If you regularly need to remove fibres or pet hair from upholstery, compare performance on carpets and check which accessories are suited to the model. UFC-Que Choisir’s test methods include fibres designed to simulate pet hair.
If you often need to pick up dust and crumbs, how easy the vacuum is to manoeuvre, take out and put away can matter just as much as its run time in the mode you need. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the maximum battery life advertised is generally measured at low power.
A robot can clean independently in rooms it can access, while leaving some jobs for a manual vacuum. UFC-Que Choisir tests robots on different floor types, as well as around the edges of rooms and in corners.
Worth considering: for a deep clean, especially across a large area, carpets or upholstery.
Keep in mind: the cable and moving the vacuum around can be less convenient for frequent, quick clean-ups; models with bags need replacement bags.
Worth considering: for regularly cleaning small areas when manoeuvrability and easy storage matter.
Keep in mind: battery life varies depending on the mode you use; the dust container, filters and battery also need attention.
Worth considering: for automating cleaning in rooms the robot can access.
Keep in mind: results vary by floor type and model; the dust container and brushes still need cleaning.
Worth considering: if you want to automate or speed up everyday cleaning while keeping a manual vacuum for carpets, upholstery or hard-to-reach areas.
Keep in mind: two vacuums take up more space and both need maintaining.
| Feature | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning carpets and upholstery | Performance on carpets and fibres, the floorhead and accessories for the surfaces in question. | When my home has carpets or upholstery, I want regular cleaning to tackle dirt that gets caught in them too; around 33% of consumers prioritise a deep clean. |
| Frequent clean-ups | Ease of use, storage and battery life in the mode you’ll use. | When I often need to pick up small messes, I want a vacuum that’s easy to take out and put away without having to stop halfway through; around 27% of consumers prioritise quick clean-ups. |
| Automation | Performance on your floors, carpets, edges and corners; cleaning the dust container and brushes. | If I want to hand over some of the cleaning, I want to know which jobs I’ll still need to do myself; around 20% of consumers prioritise automation. |
| Maintenance and repairability | Compatible consumables, care instructions and information about parts for the exact model. | When a vacuum is used often, I want to know what maintenance it needs and which parts may be useful; around 20% of consumers prioritise easy maintenance and repairability. |
UFC-Que Choisir explains that the maximum battery life advertised is generally measured at the lowest power setting. You may therefore get less run time when using a more powerful mode.
Compare the run time quoted for the mode you’ll need and check the conditions under which it was measured.
Results vary depending on the floor type and model. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests include carpets, hard floors, edges and corners.
Check how the robot performs on your floor coverings and in the areas that matter at home before relying on it as your only vacuum cleaner.
Bags, filters, brushes and batteries may need cleaning or replacing, depending on the model.
Check the product codes for consumables and the information available about spare parts for the exact model. The DGCCRF says that sellers must tell you how long parts will be available if the manufacturer has provided them with this information.
Worth considering for bagged cylinder vacuums for a thorough clean. The Silence Force Effitech RO7473EA is a model with information available in France.
Worth looking at for cordless stick vacuums for quick clean-ups; the V8 Advanced is a model with information available in France.
Worth considering for robot vacuums with a dock, to automate some of your cleaning; the Qrevo S5V is a model with information available in France.
Worth looking at for bagged cylinder vacuums and accessories designed for upholstery.
Worth looking at among cordless stick vacuums if a swappable battery or access under furniture is important to you.
This selection includes cylinder, cordless stick and robot vacuum options for regular floor cleaning.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for automating some cleaning on hard floors and carpets; the model name mentions an auto-empty station.
Listed suction power: 8000 Pa; dust container advertised to hold up to 45 days’ worth of dust; 3D DuoDetect AI obstacle avoidance and app control.
Leave 0.5 m of clearance on each side and 1.5 m in front of the station to help it dock, as stated in the manual.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if you prefer a bagless cylinder vacuum for regular manual floor cleaning.
The product name lists a power rating of 850 W, a 2 L dust container and a washable EPA filter.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you prefer a bagged cylinder vacuum for regular home cleaning.
Check which bags are compatible and follow the care instructions for this version.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing for frequent clean-ups if you want a cordless stick vacuum for floors and carpets.
The product name lists 55 kPa and up to 60 minutes of run time; it also mentions an anti-tangle brush and a folding tube.
The manual advises regularly cleaning the dust container, HEPA filter and floorhead.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a cordless stick vacuum for floors and carpets, with accessories listed for furniture and narrow spaces.
The product name lists 60,000 Pa and up to 65 minutes of run time; it also mentions an anti-tangle brush.
That depends on your floor coverings and the jobs you need to do at home. Compare its performance on your floors and carpets, including on fibres, edges and in corners. If you also need to clean upholstery or hard-to-reach areas, keep a suitable manual option.
Check that it can move around the rooms you want it to clean and that its schedule suits your needs. Then check the dust container and brushes. An auto-empty station can reduce how often you need to handle the dust container, but it doesn’t eliminate maintenance.
Make a note of the exact vacuum model and check the information available about compatible parts. In France, the DGCCRF says the seller must tell you how long parts will be available if the manufacturer has provided them with this information.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to an individual. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that, subject to the conditions of this guarantee, you can claim under it from the seller for two years. It is separate from an optional commercial guarantee.