For clearing up a small mess straight away, a cordless stick vacuum is generally the most straightforward choice. Its runtime depends on the mode you use, though, and it won’t necessarily replace a thorough clean. A robot is better suited to automating regular cleaning on accessible floors, while a compact cylinder vacuum is worth considering if you’re happy to use a cord and want an appliance that can handle longer cleaning sessions.
If you want to vacuum up crumbs or debris between thorough cleans, how easy the appliance is to grab and put away matters more than a long runtime. UFC-Que Choisir generally considers cordless stick vacuums a handy back-up option.
A robot is a good choice if you want to delegate routine floor cleaning, provided the model can move around your home. It’s still worth checking how well it performs on your flooring and around obstacles.
A compact cylinder vacuum is worth considering if you also want to tackle longer cleaning sessions. You’ll need to be happy plugging it in, moving it around and putting the cord away.
Best for: tackling a small area straight away, without looking for a plug socket.
Bear in mind: the advertised runtime may not apply to the most powerful mode.
Best for: regular, automated cleaning on accessible floors.
Bear in mind: it’s less suited to cleaning a specific mess you want to clear up straight away.
Best for: anyone who wants one appliance for longer cleaning sessions, too.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to plug it in and manage the cord before you start.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Quick access and ease of use | Check how easy it is to handle in the configuration you’ll use, and how much space you’ll need to store or charge it. | When crumbs appear, I want to grab the appliance and clean up without any preparation. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise this quick access above all else. |
| Automated cleaning | Check how it performs on your floors and around edges; confirm that the model you’re considering has spot-cleaning and resume functions. | If I’d rather delegate regular cleaning, I can accept that I may sometimes need another solution for a small mess. Around 33% of consumers would make automation their priority. |
| Versatility across different floors | Compare tests carried out on your flooring and, for a cordless appliance, check the runtime in the mode you’ll need. | With different floor coverings and the occasional longer clean, I don’t want to choose based solely on how quickly I can get the appliance out. Around 25% of consumers would put versatility first. |
The setting you use affects how long the appliance will run. For the Philips XC5043/01, Philips claims up to 60 minutes in Eco mode, compared with 15 minutes in Turbo mode.
Compare runtimes in the mode you’ll need and, if possible, look at results from an independent test.
Regular automated cleaning isn’t always as direct a way to clear up an isolated crumb as using a handheld appliance. UFC-Que Choisir assesses robot vacuums separately according to the floors and areas cleaned.
Check for spot-cleaning, how easily it moves around your home and how it performs on your flooring. Keep a manual option if cleaning up straight away is a priority.
A single figure doesn’t tell you how well an appliance picks up dust, debris or fibres on different types of flooring.
Look for tests that specify the floor coverings and modes used, then compare the results that are relevant to your home.
The cost of replacing a battery, brush or other component can affect long-term use. A model’s repairability score doesn’t measure how well it cleans.
Check the score and its breakdown for the specific model, along with the parts and accessories available. Remember that a retailer’s commercial guarantee is separate from your statutory rights.
A cylinder vacuum that uses bags will also need regular replacement bags.
These examples of ranges and models can help you identify what to look for. They don’t necessarily reflect the features or availability of other products from the same brands.
The range includes cordless stick vacuums in different formats for quick cleaning around the home.
The stick vacuum range includes models with different features and modes, depending on the version.
Roomba robots are designed in part for households that want to schedule cleaning without having to vacuum manually all the time.
A compact cylinder vacuum offers another way to keep a corded appliance for quick clean-ups as well as longer sessions.
Its robots may appeal to anyone who wants to look into mapping, the app and customer support before choosing.
These cordless models are suited to anyone who wants a handheld appliance to grab for small jobs. If you’d rather automate your cleaning or use a corded cylinder vacuum, apply the criteria above to that category instead.
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Worth considering if you want to vacuum up the occasional mess without plugging in an appliance.
The product details list 550 W, 55 kPa and up to 55 minutes of use. Check the runtime in the mode that suits your floors, as well as how it performs on your flooring.
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Worth a look if easy storage between cleans and access under furniture matter to you.
The product details list 55 kPa, up to 60 minutes of use, a foldable wand and a self-standing design. Check which mode the runtime applies to and how easy it is to handle as a stick vacuum.
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Its convertible design is worth considering if you also want to clean small areas away from the floor.
The product details list 450 W, 45,000 Pa, up to 60 minutes of use, a removable battery and a self-standing design. The stated weight in handheld mode doesn’t tell you how much the complete appliance weighs as a stick vacuum. Also check which mode the advertised runtime applies to.
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Worth a look if bin capacity and storage space are important for your frequent cleaning sessions.
The product details list 650 W, 55 kPa and a 1.2 L bin. They also state 60 minutes on the low setting and a weight of 2.5 kg. Check how it feels to handle and how long it lasts on the setting you’ll use.
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Worth considering if you want to be able to stand the appliance up while you clean and store it on a wall mount.
The product details list 600 W, 55 kPa, a self-standing design and up to 70 minutes in low mode. Its stated weight of 4.11 kg is worth bearing in mind if you often grab it to clean a small area.
Not always: UFC-Que Choisir generally describes cordless stick vacuums as a back-up option. If you’re thinking of making one your only vacuum, compare test results on your floors, especially carpets and parquet gaps, as well as the runtime in the mode you’ll need.
The power setting affects how long a cordless stick vacuum will run. For the XC5043/01, Philips claims up to 60 minutes in Eco mode, but just 15 minutes in Turbo mode. Check which mode each figure relates to before comparing two models.
No: whether it resumes after recharging depends on the model. iRobot Support describes this feature for some robots. Check the product details and manual for the model you’re considering, and find out how it works in your home.
Check the breakdown of the score for the specific model, then make sure replacement parts and a battery are available for it. A repairability score tells you how easy the appliance is to repair, not how well it will vacuum your floors.