Small homes that need frequent cleaning
You want to grab the vacuum for a quick clean, then put it away without needing much storage space. Que Choisir recommends stick vacuums in particular for smaller homes.
Who are these types of vacuum for?
Homes with larger areas or soft furnishings
You clean several rooms, rugs, carpets or different types of flooring. A brush suited to these surfaces and the ability to carry on cleaning without interruption matter more than compact storage.
Homes looking to automate everyday cleaning
You’d like to delegate regular cleaning on accessible floors, while keeping a solution for furniture, stairs and quick touch-ups. iRobot’s care instructions remind you that a robot also needs its components cleaned.
What are the key differences between them?
Cordless stick vacuum
Consider it: if you clean little and often and have limited storage space.
Bear in mind: running time depends on the mode selected and the charge available.
Cylinder vacuum, with or without a bag
Consider it: if you mainly clean larger areas, rugs or several types of flooring.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, it’s less easy to move and store than a stick vacuum. A bagged model also needs compatible vacuum bags.
Robot as a supplement
Consider it: if you’d like to schedule regular cleaning in areas it can access.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to maintain the robot and keep a way to clean the areas it can’t reach.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use and storage | Check how much space the vacuum takes up when stored, and the stick vacuum’s battery life in the mode you’ll use. | In a small home, I want to clean quickly without getting out a bulky appliance. Around 42% of consumers would put ease of use and storage first. |
| Larger areas and soft furnishings | Look for tests on your types of flooring and check that the vacuum comes with a brush for rugs, carpets or pet hair. | For cleaning several rooms and rugs, I’d rather choose based on how well it performs on those surfaces than on the appliance’s weight alone. Nearly 42% of consumers would put deep cleaning at the top of their list. |
| Automated cleaning | Check which areas the robot can access and what maintenance its brushes, wheels and sensors require. | I want to cut down on repetitive manual cleaning on clear floors, while still having a way to clean elsewhere. Around 16% of consumers would make automation their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Confusing maximum battery life with running time on a demanding setting
A stick vacuum’s maximum quoted battery life doesn’t necessarily reflect how long it will run on carpets or at full power. Que Choisir says the stated battery life is generally measured using the lowest-power mode.
Compare the running time in the mode you plan to use and with the brush you’ll need. If it matters to you, also check the reference number for a replacement battery.
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Choosing a vacuum for carpets based on motor wattage alone
The motor’s electrical power isn’t enough to tell you how well a vacuum will clean a carpet. Que Choisir also highlights the importance of the design of the vacuum head.
Check tests on the surfaces in your home and make sure the model you’re considering comes with the right brush for rugs, carpets or pet hair.
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Forgetting to check which consumables are compatible
Vacuum bags, filters, brushes and batteries aren’t interchangeable across all models. Bosch, for example, asks you to provide the E-Nr number to find parts for its appliances.
Make a note of your vacuum’s full model reference and check the matching consumables and parts before you buy.
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Expecting a robot to do all the cleaning on its own
For some Roomba series, iRobot recommends regularly cleaning the brushes, wheels, sensors and contacts. Furniture and stairs may also still need to be cleaned by hand.
Work out which areas the robot can cover and what you’ll use to clean the rest, then check the maintenance tasks for the model you’re considering.
Brands to consider for your needs
Rowenta
A brand to look at if you’re after a cordless stick vacuum and want to check batteries and parts by model reference.
- Rowenta states that the X-Pert 5.80 RH5A31E0 has a removable battery and runs for up to 40 minutes in Eco mode when used as a handheld vacuum.
- This battery life doesn’t apply to other modes on this model or to other Rowenta stick vacuums. Check that a replacement battery is compatible with the exact model reference.
Bosch
An option to compare if you’re looking at cylinder or stick vacuums, with parts searchable by E-Nr number.
- Bosch says spare parts for its vacuum cleaners are generally available for 10 years.
- Brushes for pet hair and available parts vary by model. Check the accessories included and the E-Nr number.
Dyson
A brand to look at if finding an original battery, filter or other part is an important factor in choosing a cordless stick vacuum.
- Dyson lists batteries and other parts for different models, with compatibility details given for each model.
- A part being available for one model doesn’t guarantee it will fit another. Check the full name of your appliance.
iRobot
A useful reference if you’re considering a robot to supplement manual floor cleaning.
- iRobot’s support pages explain how to maintain the brushes, wheels, sensors and contacts on some Roomba series.
- Features and consumables vary by robot, so check the product details and instructions for the model you’re considering.
Vacuums for these needs on Joybuy
These models include stick vacuums for targeted cleaning, a corded stick vacuum that won’t need recharging while you use it, and two robots to consider as a supplement for accessible floors. Check that their features suit your surfaces: none of these models is a cylinder vacuum.
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Monsga ME03 cordless stick vacuum with charging station
Worth considering for frequent quick cleans if you’d also like to use it as a handheld vacuum.
The product details state 550 W and up to 55 minutes’ battery life. Check the running time in the mode you’ll use on your floors, and whether a replacement battery is compatible.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5 cordless stick vacuum
Worth a look for cleaning hard floors and rugs if you’re interested in a stick vacuum that converts into a handheld model.
The product details state up to 65 minutes’ battery life, without specifying the mode used to measure it. Check the running time for your surfaces and which parts are compatible with the UV5.
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ochama 2-in-1 corded stick vacuum with 4.5 m cable
A mains-powered model is a good option if you’d rather not recharge between cleans and have a socket within reach.
The product details list a 0.5 L dust container and a 4.5 m cable. Check the reach from your sockets and which brushes are included if you clean rugs.
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ECOVACS Deebot T30C OMNI Gen2 black robot vacuum and mop
Worth considering if you want to supplement a manual vacuum with regular cleaning on accessible floors.
The product details mention an OMNI station, OZMO Turbo 2.0 mopping system and advertised suction power of 25 000 Pa. This figure alone doesn’t tell you how well it will perform on each type of flooring. Remember to maintain the brushes, filters and tanks.
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Eureka J15 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop
Compare this model if you’re looking for a robot to handle everyday cleaning, while keeping another appliance for areas that need to be cleaned by hand.
The product details state that it has a self-cleaning station, washes with water at 75 °C and offers 16 200 Pa suction power. These features don’t replace an assessment on your own floors. The brushes and filters still need maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
Can the repairability index help you choose a new vacuum cleaner in France?
Yes. It can help you compare how easy it is to repair new appliances covered by the scheme, but it doesn’t tell you how well they clean. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says vacuum cleaners are among the product categories covered by the index, which is scored out of 10. Compare battery life and how well the brushes suit your floors separately.
Should you look for a repairability index on a refurbished vacuum cleaner?
No. The requirement to calculate and display the index, as described in the guidance from the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, doesn’t apply to second-hand, reused or refurbished equipment, among other exceptions. When choosing a refurbished appliance, ask for its exact model reference, the condition of its battery if it has one, and details of compatible parts.
How should you interpret the stated battery life of a stick vacuum?
Check which power mode the figure applies to: the maximum running time may not be what you get when cleaning a carpet. Que Choisir says the stated maximum is generally measured on a low-power setting. Compare running times using the brush and setting you plan to use.
Can a robot vacuum work without any maintenance?
No. For some Roomba series, iRobot recommends regularly cleaning the wheels, brushes, sensors and charging contacts. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering and keep a cleaning solution for areas the robot can’t reach.