Choosing a vacuum cleaner

Choosing a vacuum cleaner that suits not only your pocket but also suits your home is important, if not essential.

Cylinder or Upright

The choice between cylinder or upright is more than simply a matter of taste. So what are the main differences?

Cylinder vacs are more compact and have greater flexibility to use on stairs, upholstery and curtains.

Upright vacs are easier to control and are suitable for larger carpeted areas; the brushes comb the pile.

Wattage

Wattage is more important in a cylinder vac because the dirt has further to travel up the cleaner.

Types of Flooring

Wooden, tiled and vinyl flooring – cylinder vacs

Loop pile – cylinder or upright but remember to turn any turbo rollers off as this may flatten the pile.

Cut pile – cylinder of upright with a turbo brush attached .

Types of Filters

Lifetime – last 7 to 10 years

Hepa (S-Class) - ideal if you suffer from allergies as they retain even the smallest allergy causing particles.

Charcoal – ideal if you have pets because thy have a charcoal layer to remove nasty smells.

Bagged Versus Bagless

Bagless vacuum cleaners generally are more expensive to purchase yet can work out cheaper in the long run, because they do not require replacement bags.

Bagged vacuum cleaners can be cleaner to use especially if the dust is collected in a sealable unit.

Weight

A vac that has all the features you require is of no use if it is too heavy for you to use. Typical weight for a vacuum cleaner lies within the range of 6 to 8 kilos, there are however lighter weight upright vacs (4 to 5 kilos) available that have equal power as the heavier types.

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