Buying Guide: Types of Vacuum Cleaners
Wet/dry vacuum cleaners are multipurpose cleaners. They can soak up water, clear construction debris, clean the car, and can even fill air mattresses.
Steamer vacuums can wash carpet fibers with hot water and some cleaning solution.
Hand-held vacuum cleaners are small, very light and are usually cordless. They are usually used to clean a specific spot or places that a larger vacuum can't access. They are also useful for cleaning above-floor areas within an arm’s length.
Stick vacuum cleaners have a long rod handle attached to the body of the vacuum, allowing you to stand upright while vacuuming carpets and floors.
Handheld/Stick Convertible - Offering the functionality of both types, these vacuums can switch between being handheld and being pushed like a stick vacuum.
Hand-held (Corded vs. Cordless)
Corded vacuums operate when plugged into an electrical outlet and most cords re between 15 to 20 feet. They are useful for long cleaning jobs in your home or office. Cordless vacuums have a rechargeable battery and can operate on a single charge for about 8 to 20 minutes. This portability makes them handy for quick jobs and cleaning in cars or boats. They also can come with a revolving brush, which is also called power nozzle or roller brush. The revolving brush dislodges dirt, pet hair, and other particles from the carpet so they can be picked up easily. Without a revolving brush, vacuums use straight suction to clean, which may be better on bare surfaces. It also comes with a crevice tool, which is good for cleaning hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, a dust brush good for cleaning dusty areas like windowsills, an extension wand, which extends the reach of other tools a flexible hose, squeegee and an upholstery tool used for cleaning curtains, cushions, furniture, and other fabric-covered items.
Canister vacuum cleaners are an all purpose type of vacuum but are usually harder to move around and clean better on hard flooring. Canisters also tend to be more stable on stairs and are usually better for those hard to reach places.
Upright vacuums are a popular choice for cleaning carpets, come with a variety of features and can also be very helpful in maintaining a clean residence. There are lightweight (13 to 18 lbs.) standup models with rotating brushes that can be soft-or hard bodied. Most vacuums come with a variety of attachments including canister-type hoses. Upright vacuums are also more convenient and easier to store than canisters. The rotating brush is very efficient for getting dirt out of carpets and the dust bag is usually easy to change.
However, some uprights are heavy and cumbersome, making it difficult to navigate stairs or tight corners. The rotating brush is also less effective on hard surfaces, as it tends to scatter dirt and dust.
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