Cordless vacuum cleaners are practical household helpers that impress with their cordless design, flexibility and ease of use. It is not without reason that these smart household helpers are becoming increasingly popular. The increasing demand has meant that the market now offers a wide variety of models. Choosing the right model can be a real challenge due to the wide range of options. After all, laypeople in particular usually don’t know what makes a good vacuum cleaner and what to look out for when buying one. Our buying tips for cordless vacuum cleaners are designed to give you a detailed overview of the most important criteria to consider when buying.
- Looking for help with your purchase decision? Then take a look at our list of the best cordless vacuum cleaners 2024
Buying tips for cordless vacuum cleaners: battery life and charging time
The biggest difference between conventional vacuum cleaners and cordless vacuum cleaners is the cordless design. This is only possible because, in keeping with their name, cordless vacuum cleaners draw the energy required for the suction process from a rechargeable battery and not directly from the mains or a socket. Accordingly, the vacuum cleaner’s battery technology also plays a very important role.
Battery life
The battery life of a cordless vacuum cleaner is a decisive criterion, as it determines how long the appliance can be operated at a time. The running time is usually between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the model and the suction level set. For smaller homes, a shorter battery runtime may be sufficient, while larger houses or apartments benefit from a longer runtime. If the battery life is not sufficient, the vacuum cleaner must be recharged in the middle of the cleaning process, which of course significantly reduces convenience.
Charging time
The charging time of the battery is just as important. This varies depending on the model and is often between 3 and 5 hours. Models with quick-charging functions are particularly practical, as they are ready for use again in a short time. However, experience has shown that fast-charging functions also have their downsides. After all, charging too quickly can affect the longevity of the battery.
Replaceable battery?
If you want to enjoy your cordless vacuum cleaner for as long as possible, you should buy a model with a replaceable battery if possible. This concept has several advantages. Firstly, you are completely flexible in terms of the running time of the cordless vacuum cleaner. If a battery runs out, you can simply insert the replacement battery and continue cleaning.
On the other hand, replaceable batteries are pleasantly sustainable. If the battery in a model with a permanently installed battery weakens, you have to dispose of the entire vacuum cleaner. The situation is different for models with a replaceable battery. In the case of a device with a replaceable battery, all you have to do is buy a new battery and the household helper will last as long as on the first day.
Buying tips for cordless vacuum cleaners: Suction power
What horsepower is to a car, suction power is to a vacuum cleaner. This indicates how much power the household helper can use to vacuum over your hard floors and carpets. Only a strong suction power can generate a strong vacuum.
Wattage, Airwatt and Pascal
The suction power of a cordless vacuum cleaner significantly influences its ability to effectively remove dirt and dust. Three key indicators are the wattage and the suction power in Airwatt (AW) or Pascal. While the wattage gives a general indication of the motor’s performance, the Airwatt or Pascal rating provides more precise information about the actual suction power. Models with a higher suction power are particularly effective on carpets and when removing pet hair.
You should therefore opt for a model with high suction power if you have a lot of carpeting in your home or if you have a pet living in your home. If, on the other hand, you mainly or exclusively have hard floors, a medium suction power is usually sufficient. You can remember that a suction power of between 15,000 and 20,000 pascals usually produces very good results.
Power levels
Many cordless vacuum cleaners offer different power levels that can be adjusted depending on the degree of soiling and floor type. Lower levels are often sufficient for hard floors and extend battery life, while higher levels can be used for carpets and heavily soiled areas. Most appliances offer two to three power levels, which is usually sufficient.
Buying tips for cordless vacuum cleaners: filter system and dust container
The number of people suffering from house dust allergies has risen sharply in recent years. And that’s not all. Animal hair is also causing more and more people to develop a cold, cough or watery eyes. If you want to protect your visitors and yourself from these negative consequences, you should therefore also opt for a powerful filter system when buying a cordless vacuum cleaner.
HEPA filter
An efficient filter system ensures that the air emitted by the vacuum cleaner is clean and free of allergens. The term “HEPA” is usually used in modern vacuum cleaners. So-called HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air) are particularly recommended as they can filter very fine particles such as pollen, dust mites and other allergens.
This is not only particularly important for households with allergy sufferers or small children. Even if you often have friends and family visiting, you should make sure that the air in your home is free of allergens.
Washable filters
You should also make sure that the filter system has a washable design. If the HEPA filters of your vacuum cleaner are not washable, this is not exactly ecological. After all, you will inevitably have to dispose of the filter if it gets too dirty. In contrast, washable filters can be cleaned after use and then reused. This reduces long-term costs and protects the environment.
Dust container
Once the collected dirt has passed through the filter(s), it ends up in the dust container. Fortunately, the vast majority of manufacturers use a bagless system. Once the container is full, simply dispose of the contents in the garbage can. To avoid having to do this too often, you should make sure the container has sufficient volume. But that’s not all.
You should also pay attention to the opening and closing mechanism of the container. After all, a poor design can be a real nuisance here. Our various tests have made it clear that it is most helpful if the bin can be opened with just one hand. Otherwise, there is a high risk that the dust will end up next to the garbage can rather than in it.
Buying tips for cordless vacuum cleaners: weight and handling
Classic corded vacuum cleaners usually have two components – a suction rod with a suction unit and a motor unit with a dust container that rolls across the floor. Both components are connected to each other via a hose. As the most important technical components are located on the floor, the suction rod is pleasantly light. With cordless vacuum cleaners, you have to reckon with a significantly higher weight in this respect, as this is an all-in-one system.
On top of that, the integrated battery adds weight to the appliance. Compared to the old models described above, however, you still get significantly more convenience. After all, it’s not just the annoying hike from socket to socket that is eliminated. On top of that, you don’t have to pull the separate motor unit behind you like a “sidecar”. Nevertheless, for the sake of convenience, you should compare the weight of potential cordless vacuum cleaners.
Weight
The weight of a cordless vacuum cleaner plays a major role in its handling and user-friendliness. Lighter models are easier to maneuver, especially when used for long periods of time. A low weight is also advantageous if the vacuum cleaner often has to be carried up and down stairs.
Ergonomics
In addition to the weight, the ergonomics of the appliance are also important. A well-designed handle and balanced weight distribution can make handling much easier and reduce the strain on wrists and arms. Of course, ergonomics is always a matter of taste and can only be determined individually. For this reason, you should ideally test out a few models to check what is important to you from an ergonomic point of view.
Buying tips for cordless vacuum cleaners: Accessories and flexibility
Not all cordless vacuum cleaners are the same. There are sometimes big differences between the individual models. This applies in particular to the equipment and scope of delivery. High-priced appliances usually come with a wealth of different accessories and other features. In the following, we will highlight which ones are available and which are important.
Various nozzles and attachments
The accessories of a cordless vacuum cleaner can significantly expand its range of applications. Different nozzles and attachments are suitable for different cleaning tasks. Narrow crevice nozzles, for example, are ideal for hard-to-reach corners and crevices, while motorized brushes are particularly effective for cleaning carpets and removing pet hair.
Other useful attachments can be upholstery nozzles or brushes for sensitive surfaces. However, the main brush is of course the most important. After all, this is usually used most often. There are sometimes big differences in brush design in particular. For example, pet owners should make sure that hair cannot easily get caught in the brush.
Wall mounts and storage
Some models come with practical wall brackets that are not only used for storage, but also allow the battery to be charged. This not only looks cool, but also saves space. However, not everyone has the desire, the permission or the necessary skills to mount a bracket on the wall. For this group of buyers, some manufacturers now also offer the option of storing the device upright.
Suction station
So-called suction stations are now commonplace with robot vacuums. However, this practical accessory is also becoming increasingly common with cordless vacuum cleaners. As the name suggests, the dust container of the cordless vacuum cleaner is extracted here. This has several advantages.
The suction station offers significantly more space for dirt than the vacuum cleaner’s container alone. You therefore have to dispose of the collected dirt much less frequently. What’s more, suction stations usually don’t just clean the dust container. The cleaning ducts are also blown through.
This ensures that the vacuum cleaner can deliver the best possible suction power every time it is used. Unfortunately, suction stations are usually associated with follow-up costs, as the dust is collected in a bag. A positive exception to this trend is the Tineco Floor One Station (Review), which relies on a large bagless container inside.
Dirt sensor
With the help of a dirt sensor, such as the iLoop system from Tineco, cordless vacuum cleaners can measure the degree of dirt on the floor. This is not primarily intended to show you how dirty the floor is.
Instead, the sensor, in combination with an automatic mode, is supposed to automatically adjust the suction power. If the sensor and cleaning sensor work well together, this ensures that you only have to use the automatic mode.
Display
Most manufacturers of cordless vacuum cleaners use a practical display so that you can always keep an eye on everything during cleaning. Here you can read the most important parameters about the appliance status and the current cleaning session. This usually includes the battery charge level and current cleaning mode. On devices with a dirt sensor, you can also usually read the results on the screen.
LED lighting
Premium models now have LED lighting as standard. This is located on the front of the main brush and illuminates the area in front of the cleaning unit. However, there are now major differences between the lights. The LEDs are no longer just intended to ensure that you can find your way around dark corners and under furniture with the vacuum cleaner.
On top of this, flagships now have special green or blue light units that illuminate the floor at a very specific angle. This is supposed to make even the last speck of dust visible to the user and usually works really well in practice.
Conclusion – spoiled for choice
When it comes to household technology, hardly any other niche is blessed with such a wide variety of products as vacuum cleaners. Our guide should give you an idea of important factors to consider when buying a new appliance. The battery life and charging time, suction power, filter system, weight and handling, accessories, features and value for money should all be taken into account when making a purchase decision. Our list of the best cordless vacuum cleaners 2024 can help you choose the right model.
