For your main clean, especially across a large area with rugs or fitted carpets, choose a cylinder vacuum. For quick, frequent cleans, consider a cordless stick vacuum instead. A robot vacuum is a good choice if you want to automate regular cleaning, but you should still check how it performs on each type of flooring. Choose a wet and dry vacuum for DIY or outdoor mess that goes beyond everyday floor cleaning.
If you’re cleaning a large area with rugs or fitted carpets, how well the vacuum performs on your floors matters more than how easy it is to get out. Que Choisir recommends a cylinder vacuum for this type of use, while noting that it’s less manoeuvrable than a stick vacuum.
If you regularly need to clear away crumbs and dust, a vacuum that’s easy to grab and put away could be a better choice. Que Choisir highlights the manoeuvrability of cordless stick vacuums, which are better suited to quick, everyday clean-ups.
A robot vacuum can clean on a schedule if you’re happy to clear the floors and maintain the machine. Que Choisir points out that performance varies depending on the type of flooring, so also consider obstacles, the app and the parts available for the model you’re looking at.
First decide what you need the vacuum to do: handle most of your cleaning, make quick clean-ups easier or automate a regular routine. A wet and dry vacuum is better suited to occasional DIY or outdoor mess.
Consider it: for your main clean across a large area or a variety of floors, especially if you have rugs and fitted carpets.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, it’s a corded appliance that’s heavier and less manoeuvrable than a stick vacuum.
Consider it: if you want to grab your vacuum quickly for short cleaning sessions.
Bear in mind: battery life depends on the setting you use, particularly if you often choose maximum power.
Consider it: if you want to schedule regular cleans on floors you can keep clear.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to prepare the space and maintain the appliance, and performance can vary from one area to another, according to Que Choisir.
Consider it: for certain DIY debris, leaves or liquids, if the model is designed to handle them.
Bear in mind: its bulky design makes it less convenient for everyday cleaning around the home.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Deep cleaning | Test results on your floors, rugs or fitted carpets; accessories included. | If the vacuum needs to handle most of the cleaning across several floor types, I prioritise cleaning performance over a lightweight design. Around 29% of consumers put this need first. |
| Quick clean-ups | Weight in your hand, storage and battery life on the setting you’ll actually use. | If I’m often picking up crumbs or dust, I want to be able to get the vacuum out and put it away without hassle. This convenience is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Automation | Test results on different floor types and in corners; navigation and app compatibility. | If I’d rather schedule regular cleans, I can prepare the floors and maintain the robot. Around 21% of consumers put this desire for automation first. |
| Dust and maintenance | Collection system, emptying process and availability of filters, bags or parts. | I want to minimise contact with dust when emptying the vacuum and be able to maintain it over time. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
| DIY mess | Types of debris the model can handle, capacity and hose diameter. | If I’m cleaning up after DIY or picking up leaves, I need an appliance designed for that kind of debris, rather than just everyday cleaning. This need comes first for around 7% of consumers. |
The stated power alone won’t tell you how well a vacuum will perform on a particular floor. The floorhead and accessories also play a part.
Look for test results on your floor types and check which brushes are included, rather than comparing just one number.
Que Choisir explains that the maximum battery life advertised is generally measured on the lowest setting. It doesn’t necessarily tell you how long you can clean a rug on a more powerful setting.
Check the battery life for the setting you plan to use and consider whether it will cover the area you need to clean.
Depending on the size of the area and the setting, you may need to recharge part-way through or go over the area twice.
According to Que Choisir, performance varies depending on the type of flooring. Edges, corners and rugs all need particular attention.
Look for test results that match your floors, check the thresholds in your home and consider any maintenance required for the docking station.
Depending on the model, the docking station may need space and could require bags or mopping accessories.
A bagless dust container means no replacement bags, but you’ll handle the dust directly when you empty it. Filters, brushes and batteries also affect how much maintenance the appliance needs.
Before choosing, check the collection system and the availability of consumables and parts for the exact model number.
Que Choisir lists Rowenta among the brands available in the cylinder, stick and robot vacuum categories.
Que Choisir associates Dyson with cordless stick vacuums, which are worth considering if you want something manoeuvrable for quick clean-ups.
Que Choisir lists Roborock in the robot vacuum market, a category designed for automated cleaning.
Que Choisir lists Ecovacs among the robot vacuum brands.
These models suit three of the needs covered here: a cylinder vacuum for your main clean, robot vacuums for scheduled cleaning and cordless stick vacuums for quick clean-ups. Compare each model with the floor types in your home and the cleaning time you need.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a main vacuum cleaner with a bagged collection system. Before choosing it for your home, check test results on your rugs, fitted carpets or hard floors.
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Worth considering for scheduled cleaning. The product name lists an automatic-emptying station, 8,000 Pa suction and a 180-minute battery life, but these figures don’t replace test results on your floors. Also check that the app is compatible with your devices.
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Worth considering if you want scheduled cleaning as well as a mopping function. The product name lists an OMNI station and mop washing at 75 °C. Make room for the station and allow time to maintain its tanks. Check test results on your floors and app compatibility.
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Worth considering for frequent clean-ups, with handy storage on its base. The stated battery life is up to 55 minutes on hard-floor mode. Check how long it lasts on the setting you plan to use, and how it performs on your rugs or hard floors.
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Worth considering for quick cordless clean-ups, with a self-standing design that’s handy when you need to take a break. The product name lists a 60-minute battery life, so check how long it lasts on the setting you’ll use. This model shouldn’t be used to vacuum liquids, construction dust or fine powders.
A cordless stick vacuum may suit you if its battery life and performance are enough for the size of your home and your floor types. Que Choisir sees it as more of a supplementary appliance, while a cylinder vacuum is better suited to deep cleaning and larger areas. Before replacing a cylinder vacuum, compare test results on your rugs, fitted carpets and hard floors.
A bagged cylinder vacuum limits contact with dust when you replace the bag, but you’ll need to buy replacements. With a bagless model, check how the dust container is emptied and cleaned. Either way, look at the suction test results for the model you’re considering.
The maximum battery life won’t necessarily tell you how long the vacuum will run at the suction level you need. Que Choisir explains that it’s generally measured on the lowest power setting, so look for the battery life on the setting you’ll use for your rugs, floors or other debris.
Don’t assume a robot will clean rugs as well as it cleans corners: performance depends on the model and the area. Que Choisir assesses different floor types, edges and corners separately, so check those test results and consider the obstacles in your home.
No. An old energy label isn’t a current basis for comparing vacuum cleaners. The European Commission states that the EU energy-labelling regulation for these appliances was repealed with effect from 19 January 2019. Instead, look at test results and the model features that matter for your needs.