People who clean their studio flat often
If you do regular, quick cleans, it’s especially important that your vacuum is easy to get out, manoeuvre around furniture and put away. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how easy stick vacuums are to use and store.
Who are these vacuum types best for?
People with rugs and awkward corners to clean
Your choice depends on the flooring in your home and the attachments available for cleaning edges and narrow spaces. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol, for example, assesses robot vacuums on rugs, tiles, wooden floors and around the edges of rooms.
People who want to automate cleaning
Before choosing a robot vacuum, check the thresholds, rugs, items on the floor and where its base will go. These factors can determine which areas it can cover without your help.
Which features should you prioritise?
Compact cordless stick vacuum
Consider it: for small areas that need frequent cleaning, when being able to get the vacuum out and put it away quickly is a priority.
Bear in mind: run time depends on the mode you choose, and you’ll need to allow space for charging.
Compact cylinder vacuum
Consider it: if capacity, reach and accessories matter more to you than having the vacuum immediately to hand.
Bear in mind: measure the space it will take up in storage and check that the cable will reach the areas you need to clean.
Robot vacuum
Consider it: if you want to automate everyday cleaning and the robot can move around the rooms in question.
Bear in mind: check thresholds, rugs and obstacles, and make sure the base has an accessible place to go.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage and manoeuvrability | Measure the space needed for the vacuum and, if applicable, its base. Check its weight in the configuration you’ll use. | If I often clean a few square metres, I want to be able to get the vacuum out and put it away without moving my things. Around 33% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Flooring, rugs and awkward corners | Identify the flooring in your home, then check that the brushes and accessories are suitable for rugs, skirting boards and narrow spaces. | With rugs and hard floors in just a few rooms, I’m mainly looking for a vacuum that’s suitable for each surface. Around 27% of consumers put this first. |
| Cleaning without interruption | For a cordless model, compare run time in the mode you need and charging time. For a cylinder vacuum, check its capacity and reach. | When I clean several areas in one go, I’d rather not have to recharge or empty the vacuum halfway through. Around 20% of consumers prioritise uninterrupted cleaning. |
| Automation | Measure your thresholds and the space for the base. Check how the robot you’re considering handles rugs and obstacles. | To cut down on manual vacuuming, my robot needs to be able to cover the areas I want to clean. Around 20% of consumers make this a priority. |
What not to overlook
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Choosing a stick vacuum based on its maximum run time alone
A run time quoted for Eco mode doesn’t necessarily tell you how long the vacuum will last in the mode you need for your rugs.
Compare the run time in each mode, charging time and dustbin capacity for the model you’re considering.
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Assuming a robot will get over every threshold
An incompatible threshold or rug may stop the robot from moving between areas. iRobot says Roomba models can cross thresholds of up to 1,6 cm while cleaning; this figure doesn’t apply to other brands.
Measure your thresholds and check the limit for the specific model, as well as how it handles thick rugs.
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Forgetting about consumables and maintenance
Depending on the system you choose, you’ll need to replace bags or maintain the dust container and filters in line with the instructions.
Before buying, check which consumables are compatible and read the maintenance instructions.
Washable parts also need time to rinse and dry.
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Underestimating the space needed for a base
In a studio flat, a robot vacuum’s docking station or a charging base can take up the space you hoped to save by choosing a compact model.
Measure the space it will occupy, allow room to access the vacuum and check how far it is from a socket.
Brands to consider
Rowenta
A brand to consider if you want to compare cordless stick vacuums, cylinder vacuums and robot vacuums, particularly when it comes to storage.
- Rowenta says its X-TREM Compact 2-in-1 stick vacuum comes with a charging base and accessories. The brand claims up to 40 minutes of run time for this model.
- This run time and the storage features apply to the model mentioned, not the whole range. Check the dimensions and accessories for the model you choose.
Dyson
A brand to consider if you’re comparing the modes available on a cordless stick vacuum and the brushes designed for different floor types.
- Dyson claims up to 60 minutes of run time in Eco mode for the V11 and offers different brush components for hard floors and rugs.
- The quoted run time in Eco mode doesn’t indicate how long the vacuum lasts in other modes. Check the configuration and accessories for the V11 you’re considering.
iRobot
A robot vacuum brand to consider if thresholds, obstacles and the space available for the base will influence your decision.
- iRobot says Roomba models can cross thresholds of up to 1,6 cm while cleaning, and the Roomba Combo j7 features an obstacle avoidance system.
- Check the features of the specific model, as well as how it handles your rugs and the transitions between rooms.
Stick vacuums to consider on Joybuy
These models are stick vacuums, both corded and cordless, to consider if you’d prefer a vacuum you can operate yourself for regular cleaning. Compare how they store, how they’re powered and which floor types they’re designed to clean before choosing.
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Monsga ME03 cordless stick vacuum
Worth considering if you want to switch from cleaning floors to tackling tighter spaces with a vacuum that converts to a handheld model.
The product information states up to 55 minutes of run time, an anti-tangle brush and a charging station. This run time is quoted for hard-floor mode, so check whether it will last long enough for your rugs.
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UNINELL HOME UV1 cordless stick vacuum
Its removable battery may appeal if you want to check your options for back-to-back cleaning sessions.
The model is advertised with up to 60 minutes of run time and an anti-tangle brush. Check the run time in the mode suited to your floors. If you’re planning to use a second battery, check what’s included in the box, as it’s listed as sold separately.
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BIGBANN 3-in-1 corded stick vacuum, black, Flit F
Consider this model if a corded stick vacuum suits the layout of your sockets and you’d also like a handheld mode.
The cable is listed as 5 m long and the vacuum can be stored upright. Check that the reach is enough for your home and, if you have rugs, find out whether it’s suitable for cleaning them.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5 cordless stick vacuum
Worth considering if you need a cordless stick vacuum for several areas and want to check how comfortable it is to handle before deciding.
Up to 65 minutes of run time is quoted in standard mode, and the vacuum has an anti-tangle brush. Check the run time in the mode needed for your floors and the weight of the configuration you’ll use, particularly if you often switch to handheld mode.
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Monsga M100 cordless stick vacuum
Worth considering if you want to compare the storage space needed for a stick vacuum that stands on its own with the space available in your home.
The product information states up to 45 minutes of run time and an anti-tangle brush. Check the run time in the mode you’ll use, as well as how much space the vacuum takes up when stored.
Frequently asked questions
Is a robot vacuum suitable for a small home with thresholds or rugs?
Yes, if the model you choose can cross your thresholds and move over your rugs. iRobot gives a limit of 1,6 cm while cleaning for Roomba models, but this figure doesn’t apply to other brands. Measure your thresholds and check the guidance for the robot you’re considering.
What maintenance is needed for bagged and bagless models?
With a bagged model, you’ll need to replace the bag when it’s full. With a bagless model, you’ll need to empty the dust container and maintain its parts as instructed. Also check the guidance for the filters and the availability of compatible consumables.
What should I do with my old vacuum cleaner in France?
You could consider having it repaired, donating it if it still works or taking it to a suitable collection point, as recommended by ADEME. Before getting rid of it, look into repair options for the fault it has.