Choosing the Best Vacuum for Your Needs
A good vacuum cleaner is a necessity for keeping floors tidy. Whether you have tile, wood, carpet or vinyl flooring, you’ll need a high-quality vacuum to pick up debris, dust and other messes. Today, there are a variety of vacuums to choose from including upright vacuums, stick vacuums, robotic vacuums, cordless options and more. If you’ve decided you need the convenience of a cordless style but want to know which best cordless vacuum is right for your needs, we can help you decide.
Understanding Different Types of Vacuum Cleaners
Not all vacuums are created equally. Some styles are ideal for carpets, some can handle multiple flooring styles, while others are best suited for wood floors. Then there are robotic vacuums, which use smart technology to clean floors for you.
Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuums are designed with a motorized brush ideal for cleaning both carpets and hard wood floors. Many styles feature attachments for cleaning under furniture and reaching tight corners. Most models are powered with an electrical cord, but there are cordless uprights.
Canister Vacuums
The unique design of canister vacuums makes them easy to move around, since the head is separate from the motor and debris bin. Like upright vacuums, they also use an electrical cord for power.
Cordless Vacuums
Cordless vacuums are lightweight and more convenient to use compared to some other vacuum types. Some come with removable batteries while others have batteries that are auto-charging. They typically require less maintenance than corded vacuums and they're usually easier to store due to their compact size.
Robotic Vacuums
Small and self-propelled, robotic vacuums are ideal for small, one-floor spaces. There are options designed for hard surface floors, carpeted floors, or both. Many models have a docking station for recharging and emptying out the dust bin.
Handheld Vacuums
These small, portable vacuums are designed to pick up small messes like isolated spills, pet hair on furniture, dust around the house, and dirt in vehicles. Many handheld styles are cordless, making them easy to move around.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best vacuum for your space. These include the types of flooring you have, whether that’s hard floors or carpet, or a combination of the two. The size of your space is also important. Some battery-operated vacuums only provide a limited run time which may not be enough to manage the square footage of your home.
Pets are another key consideration. If you share your home with dogs or cats, it’s worth investing in a vacuum specifically designed to tackle pet hair and dander. This is especially important for allergy sufferers who want to maintain a cleaner, healthier living environment.
The Smart Shopper's Guide to Choosing the Best Cordless Vacuums
If you’ve decided that a cordless vacuum is the best fit for your home and lifestyle, there are some additional factors to consider. Below are some of the features you’ll want to explore when choosing the best cordless vacuum cleaner for you.
Battery Life
Cordless vacuum battery life typically ranges from under 60 minutes to nearly two hours, depending on the model. For longer cleaning sessions, look for cordless vacuums with removable batteries—these allow you to keep spare batteries charged and ready to swap in, ensuring uninterrupted performance.
Made for Pet Hair
Some cordless vacuum cleaners are specially engineered to tackle pet hair, making them ideal for homes with cats or dogs. These vacuums often feature powerful suction, extended battery life, anti-tangle brush rolls, and advanced filtration systems designed to capture pet dander and allergens. When shopping for the best cordless vacuum for pet hair, look for models with these pet-friendly features to ensure a cleaner, healthier home.
Weight
One of the features of cordless vacuums is their lightweight design, especially in comparison to other types of vacuums. A typical corded upright vacuum can weigh on average, between 10 and 20 pounds. Some cordless vacuums, on the other hand, can weigh less than six pounds. A lightweight vacuum is much easier to use, especially if you are vacuuming a space that has stairs.
Dust Bin Size
When choosing a cordless vacuum cleaner, dust bin capacity is an important feature to consider. Larger dust bins mean fewer interruptions to empty debris while cleaning. Dust bin sizes vary by brand and model, so if minimizing emptying time is a priority, look for cordless vacuums with high-capacity dust bins. This is especially useful for larger homes or heavy-duty cleaning tasks. You can also find models with receptacle full indicators.
Accessories
Many cordless vacuums come with a variety of attachments designed to make cleaning more efficient and enhance versatility. Common cordless vacuum accessories include crevice tools for tight spaces, pet hair brushes with rubber bristles for lifting stubborn fur, dust brushes for shelves and windows, and extension wands for reaching high or hard-to-access areas.
Tips for Maintaining a Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
When using a cordless vacuum cleaner, there are some essential maintenance practices to follow. First, consistently empty the debris bin following each use. Some types of dirt and debris can cause the interior of the bin to corrode if not disposed of in a timely manner. You should also consistently check the vacuum’s brush to ensure there aren't any objects obstructing its air flow. Also, regularly check and clean your vacuum's filters to avoid clogs as this can hinder suction and performance. Following these general maintenance tips will ensure that your appliance runs efficiently and extends the lifespan of the appliance. It can also save you money by avoiding repair and replacement costs.
Always refer to your vacuum’s user manual for best practices for caring for your appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cordless Vacuums
Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have about cordless vacuums.
Are cordless vacuums worth the money?
For many homeowners, the convenience of a cordless vacuum is worth the investment. Because they're typically lighter weight than corded models, they offer portability and flexibility that many homeowners look for in cleaning appliances.
Which cordless vacuum has the most suction power?
When looking for a cordless vacuum with the most suction power available, pay attention to motor watts. The higher the wattage, the more suction power a vacuum can offer. Some models have variable suction for different surfaces and messes.
Which is the most reliable cordless vacuum cleaner?
Lowe's carries a variety of reliable cordless vacuum brands including Shark, BISSELL, Dyson, BLACK + DECKER® and more. Many cordless vacuums come with a warranty and for those interested in a longer warranty, Lowe's offers a variety of additional protection plans on small appliances.
What is the longest lasting cordless vacuum cleaner?
Run times vary by brand and model. If run time is an important factor when purchasing a cordless vacuum, look for options that include more run time per charge. Actual runtime may vary depending on the power mode used, the amount of dust present, the floor type, and attachments used.