There was a time when, aside perhaps from looking at a reputable brand, people didn’t pay a lot of attention to the model of vacuum cleaner they bought. But with advances in cleaning technology and so many styles and features now available, there’s a lot more to consider. So what should you think about when you’re on the hunt for a new vacuum cleaner?

Basic Style

Early vacuum cleaners were often of an upright design with the standard for several decades now being a barrel vacuum. Today, it’s possible to choose not only from these two designs, but a few more, including backpack vacuums and the increasingly popular robot vacuums.

When deciding on your basic style, think about the size of your home, if it’s flat or if there are stairs, the different floor surfaces, which areas are prone to heavy use, who will be using the vac, and if anyone in your family has health issues that might require special filters or a particular style of machine.

Older customers might opt for an upright design to avoid constant leaning over, for example. Backpack vacuum cleaners are also popular with people prone to back pain, while stairs will require a barrel or backpack model. We also find many small apartment dwellers look to robot vacs or even hand-held versions.

Power and Filtration

Once you’ve decided on the basic style you are after, think about whether you’ll need a standard motor (around 1400w) or something more powerful (up to 2200w on residential models). There are now also machines with specialised vacuum filters designed for pet owners, and those with asthma or allergies. These vacuum cleaners might be tagged as anti-allergy, or listed with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which is designed to trap the minutest of particles such as pollen or dust mites.

Bag or Bagless

Many modern vacuums are bagless, meaning they don’t need the paper dust collection vacuum bags traditionally used. There are pros and cons for each model. Bagless vacuum cleaners tend to have a transparent barrel, so you can easily see how full the dust canister is, and it’s a great safety feature in case you accidentally suck up something of value. Bagless vacuums are also arguably better for the environment as there is no need to keep replacing your paper dust bags (which can also save you money). Those who prefer bagged models are generally happy to buy vacuum bags as they consider it a more hygienic means of dust disposal and offers that extra level of filtration.

Floor Tools

The tool which runs over the floor is available in a range of styles. A standard combination floor tool will generally suit both carpets and hard floors, so it’s a good option for everyday use. For those with high-traffic carpeted areas, a powerhead can provide additional help, as it uses a special motorised roller brush to lift carpet fibres and remove embedded dirt beneath. Check that the head you buy is adjustable so that you can switch the powerhead on or off for instance, or use softer bristles to clean particular surfaces such as wool rugs.

The Final Choice

With so many options, the choice may seem a little tricky, so if you have any questions at all or are after some advice, feel free to give us a call at Vacuumspot. We know our vacuum filters and vacuum bags inside out and would be happy to help you choose the right option to keep your home clean and your family healthy.