For quick, frequent clean-ups, a cordless stick vacuum is a good place to start. For a larger home or longer cleaning sessions, compare cylinder models, bearing in mind how much space they take up. A robot vacuum may be useful for scheduling cleans in accessible areas, but you may still need to tackle corners and tricky rugs by hand. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a stick vacuum’s advertised maximum runtime may be measured at the lowest power setting, and that robot vacuum results vary by floor type. Check test results for your flooring, the accessories included and the maintenance required.
You want to pick up visible dirt regularly without having to get out and put away a bulky appliance. With a cordless stick vacuum, runtime at the setting you actually use matters more than the maximum figure advertised. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this maximum runtime may be measured at the lowest power setting.
You’re cleaning a larger area or want to compare results on different floor types, including rugs, and don’t mind a bulkier appliance. UFC-Que Choisir notes that cylinder vacuums are suited to larger homes, with some trade-offs in weight and manoeuvrability.
You want to schedule cleans on accessible floors, while remembering to empty and maintain the appliance and clean areas it can’t reach as well by hand. UFC-Que Choisir says that robot vacuum results also depend on the type of floor.
Worth considering : for quick, frequent clean-ups when it’s important to get the appliance out and put it away easily.
Bear in mind : runtime depends on the setting you use, and the bin, filters and brush need regular maintenance.
Worth considering : for longer cleaning sessions or a larger home, if the weight, cable and storage requirements aren’t deal-breakers.
Bear in mind : results depend on the floorhead and flooring. With a bagged model, you’ll need to buy compatible bags.
Worth considering : for scheduling cleans in areas where it can move around freely.
Bear in mind : performance varies by floor type; corners, edges and some rugs may need additional cleaning.
Your choice mainly depends on how long your cleaning sessions are, which floors you need to clean and how much of the housework you want to automate.
| What matters | What to check before you buy | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday clean-ups | Weight and storage; runtime at the setting you need. | If I want to clean often without getting out a bulky appliance, I prioritise manoeuvrability. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise ease of everyday cleaning. |
| Deep cleaning | Results on different floors; operating radius, weight and bag or bin capacity. | For cleaning several rooms in one session, I look at the operating radius and dust collection, even if a cylinder vacuum takes up more space. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise lasting performance for deep cleans. |
| Pet hair and rugs | Tests on the rugs you have; the type of brush supplied and how easy it is to maintain. | If I have rugs or pet hair to remove, I check the model’s results and which accessories are actually included. Around 21 % of consumers put pet hair and rugs first. |
| Scheduled cleaning | Results on your floors and along edges; navigation, emptying and brush maintenance. | If I want to schedule cleaning in accessible areas, I also check which tasks I’ll still need to do by hand. Around 14 % of consumers prioritise scheduled cleaning. |
Electrical power alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum will pick up dirt: the floorhead and flooring matter too.
Compare test results on your floors and check which floorhead is actually included.
The advertised runtime at the lowest power setting may not reflect how long it will run on rugs or at a higher setting.
Look for a runtime figure that matches the setting you’ll use, and check the battery replacement options.
Results vary by floor type, and robot vacuums may be less effective along edges and in corners.
Check results for accessible areas in your home and plan how you’ll clean the surfaces the robot doesn’t handle as well.
A bagless model needs its bin emptied and cleaned; a bagged model requires compatible replacement bags.
Check the reference for consumables and the maintenance process before choosing.
The brand’s cordless stick vacuums are worth considering for quick clean-ups; specifications vary by model.
According to Bosch, the BGS41PET1 ProAnimal is a bagless cylinder vacuum supplied with several brushes.
The Pure D8 PD82-4ST is a bagged cylinder vacuum designed for longer cleaning sessions.
The Silence Force Effitech RO7473EA is a bagged cylinder vacuum worth considering for deep cleans.
The brand’s robot vacuums are worth considering for scheduling cleans on accessible floors.
This selection includes a robot vacuum, stick vacuums and cylinder vacuums, so you can compare scheduled cleaning, quick clean-ups and longer sessions. Check the accessories, intended floor types and maintenance requirements for each model.
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Worth considering for scheduling cleans on accessible floors; the model name mentions app control.
The name indicates 8000Pa suction, DuoDetect AI 3D obstacle detection and an anti-tangle brush.
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Its corded design may suit longer cleaning sessions without recharging; the name indicates it’s suitable for rugs and hard floors.
Corded model; the name indicates 65KPA and 600W.
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Worth comparing for cleaning several floor types in one session; check that the accessories suit your floors and the dirt you need to pick up.
Bagless cylinder vacuum; the name indicates 850 W of power, a 2 L bin and a washable EPA filter.
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Worth considering for cleaning several rooms; check the accessories included and which bags are compatible with this model.
Bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner.
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Worth considering for cleaning without a cable; the name mentions suitability for rugs and hard floors, as well as an anti-tangle brush.
Cordless stick vacuum with a removable battery; advertised runtime of up to 65 minutes.
Check which setting the figure applies to: the maximum runtime is usually quoted at the lowest power setting, so it may not reflect how long the vacuum will last on a rug at a higher setting. Look for a test result that matches the setting you’ll use.
Make sure there’s an accessible spot for its docking station, check the obstacles and floor types in your home, and find out how to empty it and maintain the brushes. A self-emptying station can take care of some maintenance, but it doesn’t eliminate it altogether.
Depending on the model, check compatible bags, filters and brushes, as well as whether the battery can be replaced. For a bagged vacuum, identify the exact bag reference for your appliance.
Yes. The DGCCRF states that the information requirement applies to corded household vacuum cleaners, battery-powered cordless models and robot vacuums, including those sold online. It requires retailers to provide information; it doesn’t impose a minimum score on the buyer.