How to pick the best vacuum cleaner: bagless, cordless, stick or robot

Types of vacuum cleaners

Barrel vacuums

The classic vacuum cleaner, consisting of a wheeled barrel canister attached to a hose and vacuum head. Comes in bagged or bagless varieties. Almost always corded and often come with accessory brushes that can help clean tight spaces or even smoke alarms.

Upright vacuums

An all-in-one vacuum that gives you the powerful suction of a barrel vac without having to wheel the cannister around with you. Usually corded (a few cordless models exist) and bagged and bagless models are available.

Stick

The agile stick vacuum has a smaller debris canister than barrel or upright vacs, but they’re great for quick clean ups, pet hair, small homes or homes without lots of carpet. Stick vacs are bagless and cordless and provide great mobility – great for vacuuming in tight corners or under furniture where unchecked dust can feed mould growth.

Robot

Robot vacuums do the vacuuming for you. Robot vacs vary a lot in their capabilities – some can map out your home to make sure no corner is missed, some can be programmed to vacuum on a schedule, some can mop as well as vacuum – so it’s important to research thoroughly before buying. The on-board canister is comparatively small so will need to be emptied a lot (though some robot vacs can empty a full canister into larger receptacle). Bagless and cordless.

Note that robot, as well as stick and cordless upright vacuums all contain lithium-ion batteries which pose a potential fire hazard if not handled correctly.

More: Smart home devices that could save you money

Bagged vs bagless vacuums

A bagged vacuum cleaner means dust and debris is collected in a disposable bag inside the vacuum. Once the bag is full it must be thrown and completely replaced by a new bag. The benefit of this means that dust is pretty well contained when emptying the vacuum, making them a good option if you don’t want to take your vacuum outside to empty (such as in an apartment). The filters in the vacuum may also last longer - the main drawback of bagged vacuums is the ongoing cost of replacing bags.

In contrast, bagless vacuums collect debris into a compartment that can then be emptied directly into a bin or your garden. Because there is no bag, dust can scatter more when you empty the canister. Filters in cordless vacs may also need to be cleaned or replaced more as they have more contact with dirt and debris than in a bagged machine. Bagless vacs are generally also easier to retrieve accidentally vacuumed valuables, such as a piece of jewellery.

Read more: The top house cleaning hacks and secrets.

Corded vs cordless vacuums

In a world of battery-powered devices, corded vacuums still have a place. When it comes to vacuuming large or very dirty areas or home with lots of carpet, corded vacuums excel as they can be used for as long as you need while plugged into a power source. They’re also often lighter than cordless, although you're constricted by the length of the cord and the location of power points throughout your home. However, cords can pose a safety hazard, especially for families with children or senior family members.

Cordless vacuums have no such constraints but tend to be heavier to wield because of the battery pack. Even when fully charged, they may operate for as little as ten minutes, depending on the vacuum mode selected. This makes them great for small homes, especially those free of carpet or rugs, as well as for quick cleans.

Whether opting for corded or cordless, check the wattage when buying your next vacuum as the more powerful the model, the more energy it uses, and the more money it may cost you. 

Read more: How to improve energy efficiency in your home.

What type of vacuum cleaner is best for me?

To help select the best vacuum for your needs, ask yourself the following questions.

How large is the area you need to vacuum to clean?

Those planning to vacuum large areas in one go may be better opting for a vacuum that is corded or has a good battery life. Cordless are good for smaller areas.

How many storeys does your home have?

A lightweight vacuum is a must if you need to haul the device up multiple levels, unless you want to have a separate vacuum cleaner for each floor. Stick and barrel vacuums are generally the lightest, but barrels may be cumbersome to haul upstairs.

Robot vacs tend to have sensors to stop them falling down the stairs.

What type of flooring do you have?

Carpets benefit from vacuums with strong suction, while hard flooring types like tiles, wood and laminate require less powerful machines. Barrel and upright vacuums excel on carpets and rugs, while stick vacuums are great for cleaning up messes on hard surfaces.

Do you own your home or rent?

If you're renting, you may prefer a vacuum that can easily be transported if you need to move house. Stick vacuums, while convenient and seemingly space efficient, might not be the best choice as many use a battery charging station that is designed to be wall mounted - an alteration you may need to ask your rental provider to approve.

How often do you expect to be vacuuming?

If you expect to be vacuuming a lot, it may be wise to invest in a vacuum that is light, easy to use and has a good life expectancy and warranty. Alternatively, outsource the chore to a robot vacuum cleaner.

Do you have pets?

Some vacuum cleaners are marketed specifically at being able to tackle pet hair and may suit you if you live in a pet-friendly household.

Does anyone in your household have dust allergies?

Vacuuming regularly will help minimise dust and potentially reduce dust allergy symptoms, regardless of vacuum type. However, vacuums with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter are considered the best option where possible. These filters are available across a wide range of vacuum types.

What is your budget?

Vacuums range in price from less than $100 to more than $2000. Paying more won’t necessarily provide a better vacuum if the model doesn’t fit your space and fit your lifestyle.