Vacuum cleaners

How to choose a vacuum cleaner

• Bag or bin. A bag traps dust when you empty it (better for allergy sufferers); a bin means no consumables to buy.
• Filtration. A HEPA filter catches pollen and pet hair — it affects air quality far more than the wattage.
• Noise. 70–76 dB is typical; a quieter model is noticeably nicer in a flat.
• Reach. 8–9 m lets you clean a whole room without changing sockets.
• Tools. A parquet brush plus a crevice nozzle covers both floors and the gaps around the sofa.

Related categories

See also cordless stick vacuums, robot vacuums and vacuum accessories (bags, filters, brushes). Browse all cleaning appliances.

Frequently asked questions

Do more watts mean better suction? Not directly. Airflow, nozzle design and filter condition matter more.

How often should filters be replaced? Rinse washable filters every couple of months and replace HEPA filters as the maker advises, usually once a year.