How to choose a vacuum cleaner for home and apartment

To navigate in a variety of models, choose the most efficient and less expensive option, affordable, but powerful - this will help you with an article with detailed information about the varieties of modern vacuum cleaners, describing the principle of their operation and functions. Here you will find the best, according to experts and owners, models, learn the cost of each variety, be surprised by the possibilities of modern vacuum cleaners.

? The best vacuum cleaner manufacturers - which firm to choose

If you do not want to read the whole material,.

In different price categories, according to the experts 'ratings( 2016-2017) and the owners' reviews, the best models are:

1. Philips

2. Karcher

3. Samsung

4. LG

5. Thomas

6 Kirby

To learn more about modern vacuum cleaners, decide on the choice of a specific model, read the rating of the best vacuum cleaners for the home.

Principle of operation and the device of vacuum cleaners

The vacuum cleaner as standard has a simple mechanism of action. Due to the thrust created by the motor, suction of particles of dirt and dust occurs. Special nozzles allow lifting the pile of the carpet to raise dirt from its base. Getting in the air inside the device, dirt and dust pass through the filters and accumulate in a dust bag. The air passes on and returns through the "fine filter" into the room( already cleaned).

The system of work has been constantly improved by manufacturers, new models have appeared and are appearing. For example, today in the market you can find vacuum cleaners with a filter in the form of a reservoir with water. Through it the air passes as much as possible cleared from a dust and a dirt. Soon came up with a device with two tanks - one for dirty water, the other for a detergent. So there was a new version - washing vacuum cleaners.

Types of vacuum cleaners

There are many classifications of modern vacuum cleaners. You can divide them into views depending on the design, dimensions, type of filter, power, purpose and function. But before we disassemble individual models, we note: most vacuum cleaners on the market are designed for dry cleaning and only 30% for wet.

For dry cleaning

If you choose among the models for dry cleaning, you can prefer compact vacuum cleaners( manual, vertical or standard design).

Pros:

• takes up little space;
• light weight( easily transferred from place to place);
• do not require assembly( always in working order);
• are inexpensive.

Cons:

• high noise level;
• quickly heat up;
• low cleaning ability.
• Manual also require charging( it takes several hours to charge).

• See also: Best vacuum cleaners with dust bag

For wet cleaning

In addition to compact and standard( with average technical parameters) on the market there are household cleaning vacuums - professional cleaning devices, the most powerful and efficient models. The main disadvantages of the latter are large dimensions and high noise level. And also - additional costs for detergent( if wet cleaning is provided), less maneuverability( due to weight).

At one time washing vacuum cleaners with a wide range of applications have conquered the market, but because of their main shortcomings have not received wide distribution.

Pros:

• is used for floor cleaning( dry or wet cleaning);
• for removal of stubborn stains from almost all things and surfaces in the house( upholstered furniture, curtains, windows, mirrors, etc., except sensitive to moisture parquet and natural materials);
• cope with any spilled liquid;
• effectively clean the air leaving the device;
• additionally moistens the air in the room.

Cons:

• is too cumbersome( often using it is very problematic);
• high cost;
• additional costs( it is necessary to purchase a special washing liquid, and each manufacturer recommends buying a product of its brand).

• See also: The best detergent vacuum cleaners

Vacuum cleaners-robots

The exception to the rules are vacuum cleaners-robots( miniature).Programmed to perform functions for dry and wet cleaning. Clear the set space in the automatic mode( for example, with special brushes on the sides the robot wipes the skirtings and legs of furniture).The model is equipped with sensors that allow you to navigate in the room, avoid obstacles and do not fall.

Pros:

• automated work;
• low noise;
• is compact in size.

Cons:

• high cost;
• low power( do not cope with heavy dirt).

When household chores completely lack the time and energy, but there is a desire to simplify your life as much as possible, you can consider the purchase of automated equipment( robot vacuum cleaner).When choosing it is worth paying attention to the volume of capacity - 0,3-0,5 l suitable for medium-sized premises, 0.6 l - for rooms over 80 square meters.m. Also, before buying it is necessary to find out the operating time from recharging to the complete depletion of the battery. In the range there are interesting models: with a UV lamp( disinfects the air), with a flavor, with connection to the Internet, with video surveillance, etc.

Recently, manufacturers introduced a new development to the market - with the function of steam cleaning( for deep cleaning).They are capable of more than usual and washing vacuums: kill microbes and dust mites.

• See also: The best robotic vacuum cleaners

Selection parameters for the vacuum cleaner

When choosing it is necessary to pay attention to technical and other important indicators.

Among the most significant quality characteristics are:

• suction power;
• degree of air purification( filtration system and type of dust collector);
• simplicity / operational complexity( rules of use, volume of the dust bag, dimensions and weight, noise level) and area of ​​premises;
• amount of electricity consumed.

Power

Suction power - the main indicator of the quality of the vacuum cleaner. The average figure is 250-300 W, for strong contaminants( if there is no possibility to clean up daily) - 350-450 W and above. High power indicates that the device will cope with the cleaning of various surfaces as effectively as possible( carpets with high pile, a lot of dirt).But do not rush to buy very powerful units, because they publish more noise, consume more electricity.

Alternative - models with a power switch, suitable for different levels of contamination and surface types.

The work of the vacuum cleaner is not limited only to the function of suction of dirt. It is important that all collected dust settles inside the device and does not get outside with the air coming out of it. Here, another important indicator of choice comes into play.

Types of dust collector

The degree of air purification depends on the type of dust collector and filtration system. How clean air exits the vacuum cleaner during its operation is demonstrated by the indicator "amount of dust particles at the outlet": more than 10% is a health hazard level of microbes in the air leaving the vacuum cleaner, even 1% is enough to cause an allergic reaction or deterioration of well-being.

In vacuum cleaners of standard sizes and shapes, different types of dust collectors are provided: a bag, a cyclone dust bag( without bags) and an aquafilter.

Vacuum cleaners with dust bag

Buyers are available models with disposable paper bags to regret them once a month, along with accumulated garbage or fabric reusable( worse collect and retain dust).

Pros:

• is the cheapest option.

Cons:

• low cleaning ability;
• power reduction as the bag is filled;
• is difficult to operate( you have to constantly change the dust bag or clean it).

Vacuum cleaners with cyclone dust collector

In vacuum cleaners with a cyclone filter( dust collector), dust collects in a special department, which uses an interesting cleaning system( the particles rotate in a spiral, the smallest settle, the large ones enter the dust container).In such devices, the quality of dust collection and collection is higher, it is easier to remove accumulated garbage( just by shaking it out of the container), there is no need to wash the container.

Pros:

• durability;
• simplicity in operation( due to this significant advantage the device took the leading positions in the market);
• stable operation( the developers have provided a special filter design so that the suction power does not decrease even when the tank is full);
• also due to the design features it was possible to achieve a low noise level.

Cons:

• such models are not compact in size;
• can not cope with cleaning if fluff, hair or wool falls;
• , if there is solid debris, there is a risk of deformation of the case( if there is a characteristic sound, then the object scratches the housing).

Vacuum cleaners with aquafilter

The water filter( or aquafilter) keeps all the dust and dirt in the vessel. Such devices are most effective, and during the whole harvesting: the power does not fall, like the others, as the capacity is full.

Advantages:

• are most effective in cleaning( at the exit we get air free of dust and dirt);
• work stably( power does not fall);
• does not require changing the dust bag;
• moisturize the air during operation.

Cons:

• high price;
• weight from 7 kg( the smallest models have a capacity of 1.2 liters);
• small maneuverability( not quite comfortable in moving);
• after each cleaning it is necessary to pour out dirty water, wash and dry the compartment.

• See also: Best vacuum cleaners with aquafilter

When choosing a vacuum cleaner for cleaning the premises, be guided by your material capabilities, prioritize( either on performance or on the quality of cleaning the air from dust).Then you can easily choose between a device with an aquafilter( maximum cleanliness and maximum energy consumption), a bag( the lowest price and efficiency, but high maneuverability and compactness) or with a cyclone dust collector( easy operation).

But, if there are animals in the house( especially with long hair), a vacuum cleaner with a cyclone dust collector can be immediately excluded from its list of likely purchases( with fluff, hair and wool it can not cope).A vacuum cleaner with an aquafilter is indispensable if one of the households suffers from an allergy or there are small children in the house.

Filtration system

Also pay attention to the filtration system. Modern vacuum cleaners use traditional three-stage and advanced systems( 2-8-step).

Manufacturers can colorfully describe the technology used, but in the final analysis, an indicator of the amount of dust particles( should be listed among the technical characteristics) or a filtration index( 99.95% optimum) is important.

It is important that there is a filter in the engine compartment( the second stage is necessary to protect the engine) and preferably replaceable, since permanent, not requiring replacement, will need to be cleaned, which sooner or later will lead to the deterioration of other elements of the system. The cost of repairs will exceed the cost of purchasing replaceable filters.

It is desirable to have a fine filter( third stage), their presence allows you to clean the air from dust to a level of 95%.For example, S-class filters or the famous HEPA detain particles of 0.3 μm in size.

The more filtration stages, the purer the air and the higher the price. The unit with a large number of cleaning steps( more than 4) is required for families in which there are people with allergies and respiratory diseases.

There are models with additional filters:

• bactericidal( disinfect air, kill pathogenic microbes, which is very important for families in which there are small children);
• coal( destroys sharp unpleasant smells).

Performance and cleaning area

Ease of use depends on the following factors:

• of size and weight( affects maneuverability);
• tank volume( should be sufficient to cover the entire cleaning area);
• from the necessary care( cleaning models require thorough washing of the tank, and simple with a bag - frequent cleaning or replacement);
• and also from the noise level( good figure is 66-68 dB).

If you often clean your small apartment( one or two rooms), compact models with a small reservoir volume( 2 liters) will be ideal. If you rarely and a large area( four-room apartment or house) - maximum cleanliness for a long time will help to achieve washing vacuums with a large reservoir( 3-5 liters for detergent and 5-20 - for dirty water).

Electricity costs

The amount of electricity consumed is indicative of engine power and functionality, but does not guarantee its effectiveness( some low-power units show a decent result).The average figure is 1300-2000 W( minimum - 21 W, the maximum - 2900 W).

Additional features of

Do not forget about some important trivia:

• pipe size and the possibility of adjusting its length, the length of the wire( preferably from 6 m);
• reliability of construction( resistance to deformation, strong joints and spare parts) and service life, availability of guarantee( 1-3 years);
• additional functions( auto shut-off in case of overheating, interlock of the switch when there is no dust bag, capacitive fill indicator, smooth start, which is provided for models with high power and noise level);
• equipment( additional nozzles for cleaning different surfaces, but as practice shows, most people use only 2-3 - for carpets and smooth surfaces, less often for cleaning corners and hard-to-reach places).

What kind of vacuum cleaner to choose

To determine the choice, you need to prioritize. In most cases, the ideal choice is the standard model. But each family has its own peculiarities and needs, when choosing it is necessary to focus on them

Here are some specific recommendations for choosing a vacuum cleaner:

1. Noiseless models for home with young children offer Panasonic and Electrolux( high cleaning properties), Samsung and LG.Choose vacuum cleaners with medium or low engine power, but with a high-quality filtration system.

2. For families where there is an allergic person, where general cleaning is regularly carried out - Zelmer with aquafilter or compact Karcher SC 1020 with steam cleaning function. Models with modern filtration systems can be found in the Thomas line( clean the air from the smallest particles and germs), Bosch and Dyson.

3. For a home where pets are standard vacuum cleaners with a turbo brush( the nozzle can be purchased separately, if it is not included), powerful models or the latest developments - detergents or with a steam function. For example, household vacuum cleaners Philips and Karcher, available at a price model from Scarlett, Hotpoint-Ariston and Bosch. With a cyclone dust collector should not buy( do not cope with the task).

4. If you clean frequently and in a small area, large units are not for you. Exclude from the list of professional models, vacuum cleaners and with aquafilter. Look for standard vertical models with a bag. For example, the quietest and cheapest Electrolux UltraSilencer USENERGY with a bag of 3.5 liters and a high-quality filter that compensates for the main disadvantage of compact models is a low quality of cleaning( suction power is only 240 W).Suited models with a bag from Samsung - SC4180( compact size, high quality), SC61B4( a large set of attachments, high power in 420 V), SC21F60YG - the most powerful among inexpensive models( 520 watts), SC5491 - the most affordable and popular. You can search for models with a cyclone filter( not requiring cleaning and replacement), for example, compact Bosch BSG 62085( volume of the dust container 1.2 liters).

5. For frequent cleaning over a large area, it is worthwhile to look for a vacuum cleaner among units with a cyclone filter( it is only necessary to periodically empty the container).The volume of the dust container is sufficient for an area of ​​40-80 square meters.m and above. For example, Panasonic MC-E8035 with a low noise level( 68 dB), with a suction power of 340 watts, with virtually no drawbacks. Or more noisy Electrolux ZCX 6205( 82 dB), but with a larger capacity( 4 liters), suction power of 300 watts.

6. If it is not possible to clean frequently, it is important to choose an effective, functional model. Zelmer 919.0ST with a normal weight( 8.5 kg), designed for dry and wet cleaning, it is possible to replace the dust bag on the bag. Thomas TWIN T1 from the same "weight category" has the option of vertical pipe arrangement. Karcher DS 6.000 with a lower weight( 7.5 kg) for dry cleaning consumes electricity moderately, has a vertical mount, but is much more expensive.

7. For those who are interested in minimizing energy costs, the popular Bosch BGS6PRO1 model is quite powerful and affordable. Or the Thomas Twin TT Aquafilter with adjustable capacity performs dry and wet cleaning.

8. More important durability - choose among Kirby and Rainbow( the latter is a multifunctional device, can be used as a flavoring, ionizer and humidifier).

9. For professional cleaning, choose the Philips and Karcher models.

10. Portable model is useful for quick cleaning of small surfaces. The car vacuum cleaner, garden - in this category a lot of varieties. They differ not only in purpose but also in technical characteristics, in cost.

11. If the main priority when choosing is the price, the optimal version of LG VK8828HQ( standard features, reliable device).Available models can be found in the line of Samsung and Hyundai( high-tech and multifunctional devices, but do not differ in a long period of operation).

Regardless of your priorities, always pay attention to the characteristics of the selected model. Now that you know the basic parameters of modern vacuum cleaners, making the choice will be much easier. It remains only to determine how much you are willing to spend.

How much does the vacuum cleaner

? Depending on your goals, you can choose quite affordable models:

1. You can buy a car vacuum cleaner for 1-2 thousand rubles. For example, DAEWOO RCH-2101 - 1000 r., SAMSUNG VCH-136 - 2000 p.

2. Manual vacuum cleaner - 1500-3500.For example, DAEWOO RCH-2100( Kitchen) - 1500 r., BOSCH BKS3003 - 2500 r., PHILIPS FC6142 - 3450 r.

3. Robot vacuum cleaner - from 9000 r. The most attractive option for the price-performance ratio is AGAiT EC-02.The main characteristics of the model: the charge lasts for long - 90 minutes of operation without interruption( battery capacity 2500 mAh), noise level - 55 dB, five operating modes, control panel and timer. Among the premium models - iRobot Roomba 650 for 16 900 р.or 980 for 46 500 rubles.

4. Standard models are sold at different prices - from 2000 p. For example, SCARLETT SC-VC80B06( 300W suction power, with a bag) - 2700 r.; SAMSUNG SC4140( 320 W, with a bag) - 3380 r.or SC5610( 360 W);LG VK69662N( cyclone filter) - 4 000 rub.and Scarlett SC-VC80C02( without a bag) - 2500-4900 rubles. The most powerful and functional - from 5000 r. For example, Philips FC 9174( 500 W, with a bag), with power adjustment, fine filter, additional nozzles - from 6000 r. Noteworthy models without a bag - PHILIPS FC 9713( 14 200 rubles);BOSCH BGS 21833( 10 100-16 800 rubles);LG V-C73201UHAP( 12 000 rubles).With an aquafilter - Karcher DS 5.800( 17 000 rubles.), Polti Lecoaspira Friendly.

5. Vertical vacuum cleaners are realized for 2400-4000 rubles. For example, KITFORT KT-510 for 2,400 rubles.or KITFORT KT-513-2 for 4,000 rubles.(with a cyclone filter).Vacuum cleaner SCARLETT SC-VC80H07 - 4 480 р.Among the premium models can be identified TEFAL TY 8871 RO Air Force for 18 000 p.(with a cyclone filter, a powerful motor, 55 minutes of continuous operation, with additional functions).

6. The unit of a completely different level - household vacuum cleaner - can be bought at the same price as the standard models. The most accessible option is KARCHER WD 2( MV 2) 1.629-760.0( bag) - 3 990 р.But there are more expensive models. For example, Zelmer 919.0 ST Aquawelt, with a suction power of 240 watts, a 1-liter aquafilter and a 2.4 liter detergent tank, a power regulator, a fine filter costing from 5000 rubles. Popular models are also Zelmer ZVC762SP( 10 500 р.), Thomas TWIN Tiger( 14 000 р.), Krausen ECO PLUS( 44 000 р.).As a powerful assistant, you can consider the Polti Lecoaspira Friendly steam cleaner for $ 38,000.

The price range for modern vacuum cleaners is quite wide - 1,400 - 45,500 r. Among such diversity, you can choose a worthy model of any category that will last long and will please the family with high performance of its work. Among the best in the price category, up to 5,000 rubles are also called Scarlett, up to 7,000 - Hotpoint-Ariston, Bosch( noted shortcomings are not significant), up to 10,000 - Miele.