“Do you really need a cordless vacuum cleaner? You already have several vacuums in your cleaning closet.”
This was the question my husband asked me when he saw me researching a cordless stick vacuum one time.
I gave him a Facebook answer – it’s complicated – just to get him out of my back, but the truth is, there are certain instances when you would need one.
People living in small spaces, for example, are prime candidates. Also, those who want a quick clean-up every now and then would do well to buy one. I fell in the second category, and over the objection of my husband, I bought one.
Here’s how I decided on what the best stick vacuum for our home was:
Budget
While cordless vacuums are not as expensive as the heavy duty ones, still, it’s your dollar. Every purchase should be a smart investment. Decide on your price range even before looking at the various models in the market. Don’t worry, there’s one for every budget.
Cleaning Time
Since they are cordless, they draw power from a battery. If you plan on using it on your small apartment, how long does it take you to clean your place? This is important because the higher the voltage, the longer you can use it.
Know how long you would need your cordless unit for and decide accordingly. But do not go lower than 18 volts because this is the baseline for a decent cleaner.
Just remember though, that charging time is also longer for vacuums with higher voltages.
Capacity
The size of the canister determines the amount of dirt it can pick up. They usually range from .3 liters to about a liter. a lot smaller that the 2-3 liters capacity of conventional vacuums.
If you only need it for quick clean-ups, then you don’t need a really big one. The downside is that you will need to empty smaller canisters more often. But they tend to be smaller and easier to store, so if space is a premium for you, then you might need to consider this carefully.
Weight
These cordless stick cleaners usually weigh between 2 to 5 kilos, depending on the model. For quick clean-ups, the weight is not a big factor, unless of course, you have a pitiful upper body strength ( in which case cleaning can be your workout).
Personally, I run my stick vac right before guest arrive so I prefer a lightweight one so that I don’t expend a lot of energy carrying it around. Of course this means that I have to compromise a little on power, but life is full of them, so what’s another one?
If you don’t want to do this, try looking into 2-in-1 model. You can take off the body and use it for small spaces or touch-ups.
Conclusion
The foregoing is not an exclusive list of the things that you need to look for when deciding which cordless vacuum to bring home. There are other considerations, but they are mostly minor ones (unless you’re the fussy type).
The best thing you can do is to read various reviews and know how other users rate them. At the end of the day, you know what you need so listen to yourself before making a decision.
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