Households that deep-clean several surfaces
You move from hard floors to rugs or carpets, then on to the sofa or bedding. Performance on each surface and accessories for upholstery matter more to you than maximum manoeuvrability.
Who are these types of vacuum for?
People who vacuum often in short bursts
You want to be able to get the vacuum out and put it away quickly to deal with everyday mess. Manoeuvrability, cordless convenience or compact storage could all influence your choice.
Households looking to automate floor cleaning
You’d like a robot to handle some routine cleaning, while taking carpets, navigation and emptying the dust container into account.
What should you prioritise?
First, decide what you want the vacuum to do in your home: handle a thorough manual clean, tackle quick top-ups or automate floor cleaning. Then compare performance on your floor coverings and the work involved in maintaining the appliance.
Bagged cylinder vacuum
Consider it: if regular manual cleaning of floors and carpets matters more than freedom of movement.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to move a corded appliance around and replace the bags. According to Que Choisir, a bag contains dust more effectively when emptying than a bagless bin.
Bagless cylinder vacuum
Consider it: if you’d rather avoid bags and are happy to empty and clean the bin regularly.
Bear in mind: you’ll have more contact with dust when emptying it. Que Choisir also notes in its guide that bagless models generally have lower suction performance than bagged ones.
Cordless stick vacuum
Consider it: for frequent, quick clean-ups when being able to get the vacuum out and put it away easily is a priority.
Bear in mind: battery life depends on the setting you use, and you’ll need to empty the bin. Que Choisir points out that the maximum advertised run time is measured at low power.
Robot vacuum
Consider it: to automate some routine floor cleaning, if your home’s layout is suitable.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to prepare the space and maintain the robot, as well as do extra manual cleaning when carpets or upholstery need it.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning different surfaces | Check performance separately on hard floors and carpets, and see which accessories are included for upholstery. | If I clean carpets as well as the sofa, I want to know what the vacuum picks up on each without relying on the motor’s wattage alone. Around 33% of consumers put deep cleaning at the top of their list. |
| Manoeuvrability and storage | Check the weight in the configuration you’ll use. For a stick vacuum, look at the run time on your preferred setting and where you’ll charge it. | When a small mess appears, I want a vacuum that’s quick to get out and put away. Around 27% of consumers would make ease of use their top priority. |
| Emptying and maintenance | Compare handling a bag with emptying a bin, then check the filters, consumables and repair options. | If I’m concerned about emptying the dust container or maintaining the filters, I want to know what’s involved before choosing a type of vacuum. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise dust management and maintenance. |
| Automated floor cleaning | For a robot, check performance on carpets, along edges and in corners, as well as its navigation and emptying system. | If I want to cut down on routine manual cleaning, I need to be able to prepare the rooms and maintain the robot. Around 20% of consumers would make automation their main priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging cleaning performance by the advertised watts or pascals alone
The floor head and floor covering affect the results. In its cylinder vacuum tests, Que Choisir assesses hard floors and carpets separately, among other things.
Look for comparable results on the surfaces in your home, and check which brushes are supplied with the model.
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Assuming a stick vacuum’s maximum run time applies at full power
According to Que Choisir, the maximum advertised run time is generally measured on the lowest power setting, so it may not reflect a demanding clean on carpet.
Check the run time for each mode, which brush is used, the charging time and whether the battery is removable, if that matters to you.
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Assuming a robot will replace all manual vacuuming
Performance can vary on carpets, near walls and in corners. A robot designed for floors won’t automatically clean the upholstery in your home.
Think of it as a way to keep floors clean day to day, and make sure you have a way to clean upholstery and specific areas when needed.
Depending on the model, you’ll also need to empty the bin and maintain the brushes, sensors or docking station.
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Forgetting about maintenance after buying
A bagged cylinder vacuum needs compatible bags; bins, filters and brushes also need regular care.
Before you choose, check the product codes for consumables, the availability of parts and, for a new vacuum covered by the scheme in France, its displayed repairability index.
Brands to consider for these types of vacuum
Miele
Worth a look if you’re after a bagged cylinder vacuum and want to compare brushes, filtration and consumables across different versions.
- Miele offers various Guard L1 bagged models, with different equipment depending on the version.
- Check the weight, compatible bags and test results for the exact model before deciding how well it will suit your home.
Rowenta
Its X-Force Flex cordless stick vacuums are worth comparing for frequent clean-ups. The battery and accessories vary depending on the configuration.
- For the X-Force Flex 13.60, Rowenta advertises a removable battery and up to 60 minutes in Eco mode when used as a handheld vacuum.
- That advertised run time isn’t for full power, so check which setting is right for your floors.
Dyson
Its cordless stick vacuums can be compared for handling, brushes and accessories for floors and pet hair.
- Dyson lists a Motorbar brush and up to 60 minutes of run time for the Cyclone V10 Absolute.
- Compare run time in the mode you’ll use and performance on your floor coverings. Don’t assume these advertised features apply to every Dyson model.
Vacuum cleaners to compare on Joybuy
These models include cordless stick vacuums for frequent clean-ups and a bagged cylinder vacuum for manual cleaning. Compare their accessories and usage requirements with the surfaces you actually need to clean.
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Monsga ME03, cordless stick vacuum with charging station
Worth considering for cordless cleaning on floors and carpets, with a handheld mode listed for targeted cleaning.
The product listing states 55 kPa, 550 W and up to 55 minutes of run time. Check how long it lasts on the setting you’ll use on carpets, as well as which accessories are included for your upholstery.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG, bagged cylinder vacuum
Worth comparing if you prefer a bagged cylinder vacuum for manually cleaning different floors.
Before buying, check which brushes are supplied for your carpets and upholstery, the product code for compatible bags and how easy it is to move the vacuum if your home has stairs.
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BISSELL PowerClean, cordless stick vacuum
Worth a look for quick clean-ups on floors and targeted cleaning using its listed handheld configuration.
Check the run time on your chosen setting, how often you’ll need to empty it and which upholstery accessories are included with the version on sale.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5, cordless stick vacuum
Worth considering if you’re looking for a rechargeable stick vacuum for floors, with the option of targeted cleaning on carpets or upholstery.
The product listing states 60,000 Pa and up to 65 minutes of run time. These figures alone don’t tell you how it will perform on carpets, so check the run time on your preferred setting and try the handling before choosing.
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Monsga M100, self-standing cordless stick vacuum
Worth comparing for frequent floor cleaning and handheld use on specific areas.
The product listing states 55,000 Pa and up to 45 minutes of run time. Check which setting that run time applies to and what accessories are included if you plan to vacuum the sofa or other upholstery.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bagged or bagless cylinder vacuum better?
A bagged cylinder vacuum is worth considering if suction and more contained dust disposal are priorities. Que Choisir highlights these benefits in its guide. A bagless model may suit you better if you’d rather avoid buying bags and are happy to empty and clean the bin and filters.
Does a stick vacuum’s maximum run time apply at full power too?
No. According to Que Choisir, the maximum advertised run time is measured at low power and doesn’t necessarily reflect how long a demanding clean will take. For the model you’re interested in, check which setting, brush and type of floor the advertised run time applies to.
Can a robot replace a manual vacuum for carpets and upholstery?
Don’t assume it can. According to Que Choisir, robots are mainly designed to automate some floor cleaning, and their performance varies across surfaces. Check how the robot performs on your carpets, and keep a suitable solution for upholstery and areas it can’t reach.
How should I use the repairability index when choosing?
For a new vacuum covered by the scheme in France, compare the repairability index displayed for the models you’re considering. It indicates how easy they are to repair, but doesn’t guarantee how long they’ll last. Also check that the parts and consumables you need are available.
What should I do with an old vacuum cleaner?
If it can still be used, consider repair or reuse first. If you need to dispose of it, ADEME recommends using an appropriate collection point for electrical equipment, such as a shop or a recycling centre.