How Do I Pick a Good Vacuum Cleaner at an Affordable Price?

House dust is one of the worst enemies of modern man. It's not even that living clean is more pleasant and comfortable. Household dust is a dangerous allergen and can cause severe asthma attacks. That is why the main assistant of any housewife is a vacuum cleaner. As technology advances quickly and confidently, choosing a good vacuum cleaner can be a huge challenge. How to choose the right vacuum cleaner for your home of the year? What you should pay attention to? What are these devices in general? We will try to answer these and other questions. We will also present a rating of the best models of vacuum cleaners for the home.

Goals and objectives

Before going to the store, you need to correctly determine the purpose of cleaning. It would seem that everything is obvious here - you need to get rid of dust. But not so simple. Choosing the right model will depend on the types of flooring you have in your home. Do you have a lot of upholstered furniture? Are there children or elderly people in the apartment? Does your family have allergies? How much hair does your favorite cat or dog have? Answers to all these questions will help you make the best choice. It is likely that you are looking for a low noise or staggered filter system. Or maybe you need a knockout function or a powerful turbo brush.

See also - 10 best robotic vacuum cleaners for the home

What else to look for

There are a few more nuances that are often paid attention to last. But in vain! Before you go to the store, think about where you are going to store the unit. Very often, after purchasing, it turns out that your new, beautiful, powerful and high-quality home assistant simply does not fit into the locker designed to store it. And numerous nozzles are scattered around the house. Most likely, the joy of acquiring such a vacuum cleaner will soon be replaced by irritation.

The next item is price. This is another point that can significantly narrow the boundaries of your search. A modern unit can cost a lot. The price range here is huge - from $ 40 to $ 3,000. They can be roughly divided like this:

• up to $ 250 - ordinary household appliances with various types of filtration (except for separator filtration with water and a steam generator);
• from $ 250 to $ 385 - home appliances of high quality. These are units with improved tightness, more durable and reliable. The assembly of such vacuum cleaners is most often carried out at leading enterprises.
• from 385 to 800 $ - semi-professional units. Most often, this technique is equipped with a powerful engine and is characterized by build quality. Has increased wear resistance characteristics.In this price category, there are models with a powerful steam generator.
• from 800 to 1900 $ - elite household appliances. Such models are characterized by the highest cleaning quality, a powerful economical engine, small dimensions, maximum suction power, versatility.
• from 800 to 2300 $ - this category includes professional household equipment. Such devices are designed for long, almost continuous operation over the maximum area. Professional harvesting equipment of this level has significant dimensions and weighs quite a lot.

After we figured out the frequency and quality of cleaning and determined the amount that we are ready to allocate for a new unit, we will talk about how to choose a good vacuum cleaner for home or office based on the technical characteristics of the device.

Parameters

What you need to pay attention to when choosing the best vacuum cleaner of the year? Here are some criteria:

• power;
• dust collector type;
• filter type;
• noise level;
• cleaning type;
• availability of necessary attachments;
• ease of control of the device.

See also - How to choose the most powerful vacuum cleaner for your home

Power

Choosing a vacuum cleaner in terms of power is not an easy task. And that's why. Unlike other household appliances, the vacuum cleaner has two types of power:

1. suction;
2. energy consumption.

The second indicator shows how much electricity your device "consumes" from the network. But the first will show with what force the vacuum cleaner draws dirt and dust into itself.

Suction power

Most often, this figure varies from 250 to 500 watts. Much less common are models that have 600–800 watts. There are also models in which this indicator can be adjusted depending on the level of pollution. To do this, simply turn the corresponding knob.

In a good vacuum cleaner, this indicator, as you already understood, should be the more, the better. In any case, do not purchase a model with less than 350 W suction power. It's just not efficient.

Power consumption

Another important indicator is the power consumed by the device from the network. Most often, household vacuum cleaners have an energy consumption of 1 to 2.5 kW. When choosing, however, it is worth sticking to the golden mean. One and a half to two kilowatts will be enough.

The ideal option would be that in which the suction power tends up, and the energy consumption down. For example, if one vacuum cleaner has indicators of 1600 \ 350 W, and the other 1650 \ 400 preference should be given to the second. Despite the fact that in the first case, the indicator of energy consumption is less, due to the lower suction power, the cleaning will last longer, which means that the savings will be quite dubious.

See also - 15 best vacuum cleaners with aquafilter according to consumer reviews

Filters

And how to choose a vacuum cleaner based on the type of filter available in it? And what are they all about? In general, all cleaning elements can be divided as follows:

• HEPA;
• electrostatic;
• S-class cleaning element.

HEPA filter

Capable of capturing even the smallest particles of debris and dust. A cleaning unit with such a cleaning element is ideal for those who have small children or relatives suffering from allergic diseases. The HEPA filter can be either disposable or replaceable.

Electrostatic micro filter

Such microfilters in different models of a vacuum cleaner can absorb 85–98% of dust microparticles. Their biggest drawback is their service life. For high-quality cleaning, the electrostatic microfilter should be replaced after every 5-6 changes of the dust container.

S-class filters

Based on user reviews, various ratings and recommendations, we can conclude that such cleaning devices are by far the most high-quality and effective. It is believed that they are capable of trapping almost 100% of contaminants. S-filters can be disposable or washable.

Of course, it is worth giving preference to those models of vacuum cleaners that have the ability to change the filter. After all, even if you wash and clean the "permanent" filter very thoroughly, a certain amount of contamination will still remain in it. This means that over time, the efficiency of the device will steadily decline.

See also - Rating of the best washing vacuum cleaners according to user reviews

Dust collector

Vacuum cleaners are also divided according to the method of collecting garbage and dirt. Here we can distinguish the following types:

• dust collector in the form of a bag;
• cyclonic dust collector (container);
• aquafilter.

Dust bag

Units of this type collect dirt in special bags located inside the body. Regardless of the design, there are two types of bags:

• disposable, paper or synthetic;
• reusable, made of fabric.

In addition, some models of vacuum cleaners can “accept” bags of a strictly defined design. Others are omnivores. Any bag that fits in size will suit them. This type of dust collector is most often equipped with an inexpensive vacuum cleaner that does not have any outstanding parameters. It usually comes with one cloth bag and two or three disposable paper bags. After they are over, a dilemma unfolds for the hostess: spend additional funds on the purchase of disposable dust collectors or reuse a cloth one.

As you can imagine, the size of the pores of a fabric bag is much larger than that of a paper one. And this means that you have to sacrifice one thing: money or the quality of cleaning.

In different models, the capacity of a disposable bag can range from 2 to 6 liters. If you are used to cleaning the house at least 2 times a week, such a dust collector will last about a month and a half, after which it must be replaced. In order not to miss the moment, it is better to purchase a vacuum cleaner equipped with a dust collector full indicator.

Fabric bags have another significant drawback - this is the moment of its emptying. You will not be able to avoid contact with dust. Therefore, if you are not too limited in cash, you should consider another option.

Cyclone

These units are much more popular. Although they have a slightly lower suction power, it remains constant and does not decrease as the dust bag fills. Outwardly, such harvesting units can be recognized by the presence of a large round flask, into which dirt gets into during the cleaning process. Although contact with dust cannot be avoided when cleaning a dust container, it is much easier to clean such a vacuum cleaner. You only need to remove the flask, carefully pour out the garbage, and rinse the tank with cool water. You don't have to knock out and shake out anything.

In addition, if during the cleaning process you accidentally "sucked" the necessary thing, it will be much more convenient to get it out than from the bag.

Aquafilter

The principle of operation of such a unit is as follows. The sucked-in air flow is passed through the water tank. As a result, all trash and dust remains in the container. At the end of the process, you only need to pour out the dirty liquid and rinse the tank.

Such units have a constant suction power, and it does not decrease as the water becomes dirty. In addition, a vacuum cleaner with a water filter during operation can additionally humidify the ambient air in the room.

The only drawback of such a “cleaner” is its size. Due to the water tank, its weight and dimensions are slightly larger than those of the "dry" models.

Noise during operation

Now let's talk about how to choose a good vacuum cleaner, depending on how much noise it creates during operation. It is very important. After all, if you have to clean often, the noise level can significantly affect your well-being.

Modern models of vacuum cleaners are capable of producing sounds at a level of 50 to 90 decibels. But if you want your eardrums to feel comfortable, do not buy models in which this figure exceeds 65 dB.By the way, cyclone-type vacuum cleaners are the loudest.

Cleaning type

There is one more fundamental point that can affect the choice of a cleaning device. This is a way of doing work.

Dry cleaning

If we are talking about sanitizing a small room or a compact house, then a dry cleaning model is quite enough for you. Such vacuum cleaners are good for cleaning ordinary floors, synthetic flooring, artificial carpets and carpet. These are the most popular models and are relatively inexpensive. Moreover, all dry cleaning devices can be divided into three more types:

1. Manual vertical - in appearance they look more like an electric mop with a dust bag. Easily hides in a closet or behind a door. Such models, although small in size, cost a little more than their usual counterparts.
2. Compact - small size models. They are lightweight, rather small in size. They can be lifted and easily moved with one hand or hung on the shoulder. Most often, such units are used for daily quick surface cleaning, as well as for cleaning salons. car.
3. Full-sized - devices with slightly oversized dimensions and weight. Equipped with all the necessary functionality. Most often they are used for cleaning in hotels and large premises.

Wet cleaning

If you want to do everything in one go and be able to clean not only dry, but also with a wet method, you cannot do without a washing vacuum cleaner. This unit is used for cleaning tiles, tiles, stone, waterproof laminate and any other flooring. In addition, with such a vacuum cleaner you can clean upholstered furniture and synthetic rugs with a long pile. The only thing that he cannot do is natural carpets, as well as parquet and furniture that is afraid of moisture. With the help of such a vacuum cleaner, you can quickly collect a puddle or wash windows to a shine (if you have a special nozzle).

But the washing unit also has disadvantages:

1. weight - such a vacuum cleaner is much heavier than usual and not every woman will easily cope with it;
2. price - this unit is significantly more expensive than its "dry" counterparts.

Nozzles

Regardless of what type and what model of vacuum cleaner you have purchased, you will need special attachments for high-quality cleaning. What are they and what are they for:

• Crevice. A long flattened tube that allows you to get to the narrowest and most inaccessible places. Most often it is used to get rid of dust inside heating radiators or along the baseboard.
• Soft round brush with extra long bristles. It is used to clean books on open shelves, curls in carved wood and stucco moldings, cornices and other objects with complex relief.
• A round, oval or small rectangular brush with a short, fairly stiff pile. It is used for cleaning wall coverings, upholstered furniture, wide and heavy curtains.
• Turbo brush. An indispensable item for cat and dog lovers. Ideally removes even very fine bristles and hairs from carpet and upholstered furniture, collects threads well.
• Electric brush. Roughly the same as the turbo brush, however, it has a slight difference. Due to the fact that it rotates by electric current, it works much quieter. True, due to the wires leading to the body, such a brush slightly weighs the telescopic tube of the device.
• Wide brush made of natural pile. It is used for processing parquet, stone, porcelain stoneware and other expensive coatings. Such bristles will not scratch anything.

For vacuum cleaners with a wet type of cleaning, there is an additional set of accessories:

• cleaning nozzle for flooring;
• aquatic nozzle for sofas and armchairs;
• special device for washing glasses;
• vacuum nozzle;
• others.

Control

In this particular case, we will talk about the device on-off system of the device and the regulation of the power level. The vacuum cleaner adjustment system can be:

1. Electronic. A rheostat-type regulator is used here, which allows you to smoothly adjust the power (like the volume of a radio).Most often, the regulator is located on the body, less often - on the telescopic tube of the vacuum cleaner. Some models are equipped with additional displays showing the value (current) power.
2. Mechanical In this case, a rotator or slider is used, located directly on the body of the vacuum cleaner. Switching is carried out in stages, according to clearly fixed values.

In some of the most modern models there is the possibility of automatic control of the suction power. That is, the vacuum cleaner independently analyzes the surface to be treated and sets the required parameters.

TOP models of vacuum cleaners 2017

Despite the fact that now you have a lot more information on how to choose the right 2017 vacuum cleaner in terms of price / quality parameters, let's look at a small rating of the best based on customer reviews.

TOP 5 models with a dust collector in the form of a bag

1. Philips FC 9170
2. Miele SGDA0
3. Karcher WD 4 Premium
4. Philips FC 8455
5. Electrolux USDELUXE UltraSilencer

TOP 5 vacuum cleaners with a cyclone filter

1. Bosch BGS 62530
2. Samsung SC6573
3. Philips FC 8766
4. iRobot Roomba 631
5. Electrolux ZSPC2020

TOP 5 units for cleaning with aquafilter

1. Karcher DS 6.000
2. Thomas TWIN T1 Aquafilter
3. Zelmer ZVC752ST
4. ARNICA Bora 4000
5. Samsung SD9421

TOP 5 vacuum cleaners for wet cleaning (washing)

1. Thomas Twin TT Aquafilter
2. Karcher SE 5.100
3. Vax 7151
4. MIE Ecologico Maxi
5. Zelmer ZVC752ST (919.0 ST)

In our assessments, we relied on consumer reviews. Of course, the list is not exhaustive and you may like a completely different model. The main thing is that the new vacuum cleaner satisfy all your needs.