Guides

Shopping Checklist: Vacuum Cleaners

• Vacuum Size Ask what size vacuum is best for your house. Make sure you have enough room for convenient storage.
• Wet/Dry vacuums Is the unit capable of vacuuming wet spills? Some vacuum cleaners will suck up dry particles and liquid, with a separate setting for each.

• Barrel or stand-up? Which do you find easier to operate? Will a stand-up model fit in your cupboard? Make sure that you choose a design that suits you personally (or whoever will be cleaning the house!).

• Suction power How effectively does the vacuum convert electricity into airflow? Will it be powerful enough to penetrate deep into the carpet?

• Adjustable settings Does the vacuum have adjustable power settings? Will it work on delicate material, such as curtains, etc.?

• Reverse airflow Can you reverse the airflow of the vacuum? This is handy for directing dirt particles into one area and clearing a clogged nozzle.

• Vacuum bags Is the dust collector reusable or disposable? If disposable, how much are replacements? If reusable, is it easy to remove and reattach?

• Turbo heads Does my house attract excess dust? Is it hard to remove it from my carpet? A turbo head will prove more effective at removing dust and dirt than a regular vacuum head.

• Retractable cord Is the electricity cord contained within the unit's casing? Is it long enough to get from room to room or do I need to plug it into different outlets? A long, retractable cord will make cleaning quicker and easier.

• Sound How loud is the vacuum? While few vacuums can be classed as quiet, some are a lot noisier than others.

• Manoeuvrability Is the vacuum unit easy to carry or move around? Do its wheels respond fluidly? A poorly designed or unwieldy vacuum will make your job needlessly difficult.

• Warranty How long does the warranty last for?