A vacuum cleaner needs to suit your household: families often require a larger dust capacity, pet owners should pay attention to brushes and filters, while in small flats a compact vacuum with easy storage is practical. For the car or hard-to-reach areas, a handheld vacuum can also be a useful addition.
However, anyone who only looks at wattage or a high Pa figure won't automatically buy a suitable device. What really matters is the design, power supply, nozzles, filter and ongoing costs.
The motor power in watts initially describes the electrical energy consumption. On its own, it doesn't tell you how well a vacuum cleaner picks up dirt. Airflow, floor nozzle, filter condition and construction also influence the cleaning result. With cordless vacuum cleaners, battery capacity, power level and runtime are also relevant.
Manufacturer specifications such as 18 kPa, 30 kPa or 46 kPa can provide a rough guide for cordless and handheld vacuums. However, they are not directly comparable with the motor power of an upright or cylinder vacuum cleaner. So check whether the device is intended for hard floors, carpets, furniture or just spot cleaning.
A cheap vacuum cleaner can incur ongoing costs through dust bags, replacement filters or an additional battery. A bagless vacuum cleaner, on the other hand, requires regular container and filter maintenance. Also make sure that a parquet nozzle, upholstery nozzle, crevice tool or pet hair brush is actually included in the delivery.
A corded cylinder or upright vacuum cleaner is suitable for longer cleaning sessions, as there's no battery life limit. Models with bags offer comparatively clean emptying, while a bagless vacuum cleaner does away with the need to buy replacement bags.
A cordless vacuum cleaner or battery-powered stick vacuum makes quick cleaning easier and is independent of power sockets. Always check the runtime for the desired power level. The maximum stated figure often doesn't apply to the strongest setting with a motorised brush.
A 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner can be converted from a stick vacuum into a handheld vacuum. This is practical for furniture, stairs and car seats, but doesn't necessarily replace a more powerful cylinder or upright vacuum for large floor areas.
A HEPA filter vacuum cleaner can trap fine particles through its filter system. The specific filter class, the condition of the filter and the airtightness of the device are more important than the mere label "HEPA". Filters must be cleaned or replaced depending on the model and must dry completely before being reinserted.
For allergy sufferers, you should carefully check the manufacturer's information on filtration and maintenance. A medical effect or improvement in symptoms cannot be inferred from a filter designation.
For larger households, a container or bag volume of around 1.5 litres or more is practical, as it needs emptying or changing less often. A compact vacuum with a smaller container fits better into tight cupboards, but requires more frequent emptying.
For corded devices, cable length, hose length and working radius are important. For a cordless vacuum, charging time, replaceable battery and runtime on the desired setting are key points for comparison.
Why this product suits the profile: This corded 2-in-1 device is designed for small flats, individual rooms and quick cleaning tasks. The mains power means runtime is independent of a battery.
The 4.5 m cable avoids charging breaks. The visible 0.5-litre container shows when emptying is needed.
550 W motor, washable filter and switch between floor and handheld operation.
Why this product suits the profile: This bagged cylinder vacuum is designed for regular household cleaning on hard floors and carpets, and offers several nozzles for different surfaces.
The equipment isn't limited to the motor specification: parquet nozzle, upholstery nozzle, furniture brush and crevice tool are all included.
750 W Effitech motor, 3-litre bag, hygiene filter and 8.8 m working radius.
Why this product suits the profile: This cordless stick vacuum is aimed at households that want to clean hard floors and carpets without swapping cables, and prefer freestanding storage.
The stated runtime of up to 35 minutes and three power levels make the battery reserve easier to plan. Filter maintenance is still required.
Self-standing design, motorised V-shaped brush and multi-stage filtration system with HEPA element.
Why this product suits the profile: The light weight of 0.5 kg and compact design make it suitable for car seats, keyboards, crevices, desks and small messes around the home.
The delivery includes seven nozzles and an extension rod. This means the device isn't limited to a single type of cleaning.
Two power levels, LED light, blow function and washable HEPA filter; the runtime is stated as 15 to 30 minutes according to product specifications.
We've put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations in force in the EU.
The lifespan depends on usage, filter maintenance, bag or container changes and the availability of spare parts. Blocked nozzles and full filters put strain on the motor. Clean the device according to the manufacturer's instructions and store a cordless vacuum in a dry place, not permanently fully discharged.
For corded devices, the main costs are electricity, plus possibly the cost of bags and filters. Cordless vacuums also need electricity for charging; with replaceable batteries, a replacement battery may be needed later. A small container doesn't incur bag costs, but it does need to be emptied and cleaned more often.
For both surfaces, a cylinder or stick vacuum with a suitable floor nozzle is appropriate. Check whether the brush height or power level can be adjusted. For individual spots, furniture or the car, a handheld vacuum can complement the main cleaning.