When choosing a vacuum cleaner, first of all pay attention to its power and functionality. But now making a choice has become even more difficult. In addition to the usual vacuum cleaners, the body of which is installed on the floor and moves behind the owner on special wheels while cleaning, many vertical models have appeared on sale. They are called so because they are stored and operated in a vertical position. Let's consider how, besides appearance, these models differ.
Upright vacuum cleaner vs regular vacuum cleaner
An ordinary vacuum cleaner is large and reliable; it removes dust efficiently and sometimes even washes the floor. The vertical one does the same, but it is smaller in size. When choosing a model, pay attention to the following parameters:
- Power
- Type (vertical or horizontal)
- Does it perform wet cleaning?
- Filter type
Both vacuum cleaners are equipped with a set of attachments. But the vertical one is more maneuverable and lighter.
Cons of a cordless vacuum cleaner
- Dust Capacity – Cordless vacuum cleaners have a very small dust collection capacity compared to corded vacuum cleaners. In fact, their capacity is approximately 0.6 liters. Meanwhile, most corded vacuum cleaners hold about 2-3 liters of dust. The bad news is that cordless vacuum cleaners need to be emptied more often. The filters need to be cleaned more often than a corded vacuum cleaner, and you may even find that you have to clean them several times during one cleaning. Filters need to be cleaned frequently, as dust and dirt can clog the vacuum cleaner, causing it to stop working.
- Battery Life – Another downside is battery life. When purchasing a cordless vacuum cleaner, you need to pay attention to the battery life. You don't want to constantly have to stop cleaning because your vacuum cleaner's battery is dead. These types of vacuum cleaners need to be constantly charged for a week or even a day. If you have a large house, you may find yourself in this situation because the life of the vacuum cleaner does not always correspond to what was specified at the time of purchase. Try to find a vacuum cleaner with a run time of about 20-30 minutes so you can vacuum the entire house in one pass.
- Expensive – The big disadvantage of cordless vacuum cleaners is that they can be too expensive. They can cost 2 or 3 times more than wired ones. If you search for a very long time, you can find something cheaper than what we wrote above. However, we definitely don't recommend purchasing options that are too cheap because they often simply don't get the job done. If you want a good cordless vacuum cleaner, you will usually have to spend more money than if you were to buy a corded vacuum cleaner.
Upright vacuum cleaner
The vertical vacuum cleaner has the following features:
- It consists of a pipe that acts as a handle, a dust collector located in the middle, and a brush attached to the bottom. The set includes a standard dust brush, a roller for collecting hair and animal fur, and a turbo brush
- Many models are equipped with batteries, so they do not depend on the network
- The device is stored vertically and takes up little space. It is easy to find a place for it in a corner or in a closet.
- Cleaning speed is faster than standard vacuum cleaners
You can find vertical models that perform wet cleaning. These can range from small floor cleaners to serious systems that dry-clean carpets.
Flaws:
- Usually noisier than standard
- Suction power is lower than standard models
- Cannot clean under low furniture
- The cord may not be long enough for comfortable operation.
- Battery-powered models cannot work for a long time; often the charge is not enough to complete a full cleaning
How it works, pros and cons of a handheld vacuum cleaner
Dust, dirt, small debris flows through the inlet into the device through centrifugal force. The unit sucks up these particles with air masses, which enter a dust collector bag, container, or aquafilter, where they settle.
The air masses are directed to the filter in front of the engine, which protects the engine from foreign elements and cleans the air.
Next, the air passes through a fine filter. Small particles, dust, viruses, bacteria, pollen remain inside the device and do not return to the room.
Advantages of portable vacuum cleaners:
- Wide range of applications. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the product can be used throughout the house or in the car.
- The dimensions allow for easy use and the need for little storage space.
- Convenient access to all places in the house (top of furniture, cornices, various remote surfaces).
- The weight makes it comfortable for use by children and the elderly. The quality of cleaning will remain at a high level.
- The noise emitted by a manual product is lower than that of a conventional vacuum cleaner. Therefore, you can work at any time of the day or night without disturbing anyone.
Flaws:
- High price.
- Limited usage time due to overheating and battery drain.
- Long charge.
However, if the device is connected to the network, some models include a power cord, then the disadvantages associated with battery operation disappear.
Regular vacuum cleaner
A standard horizontal vacuum cleaner has the following features:
- The housing contains a dust collector, and there may be a container for clean and waste water.
- Typically, horizontal vacuum cleaners have cords that are long enough to clean several rooms.
- Many models are equipped with a wet cleaning unit. Usually the dust is collected first and then the floors are washed.
Flaws:
- Much larger in size and weight, although moving them around the floor is not difficult due to the presence of wheels
- Less maneuverable
- Difficult to clean on stairs
Which vertical vacuum cleaner is better to buy?
Stores offer different units; in order to figure out which one is best to buy, it is useful to imagine the classification of this type of device.
Upright corded vacuum cleaner
This device is supplied with electricity from the network through a wire.
Pros:
- Possibility of long-term operation without the need to recharge the battery. Lack of haste allows for better cleaning;
- devices of this type have a more powerful motor than their wireless counterparts.
Corded upright vacuum cleaner
Minuses:
- the room must be equipped with electrical sockets, which are often absent in gazebos or verandas;
- the device is not so convenient to maneuver due to the presence of a connected wire;
- relatively high cost.
Upright cordless vacuum cleaner
The wireless device's motor is powered electrically by a battery that requires charging every 20 to 50 minutes of operation. Li-Ion batteries have advantages over NiMH batteries.
Plus - autonomy of action. The wireless VP is not connected by wire to the network, which makes cleaning indoors easier and allows you to use the device in places that are not equipped with sockets.
Cordless upright vacuum cleaner
The disadvantage is that the motor is not powerful enough, which results in less efficient suction.
Important! In terms of cleaning quality, wireless options are inferior to their wired counterparts, but are very convenient for complex configurations of objects to be cleaned, as well as for quickly removing small contaminants.
Vertical washing vacuum cleaner
This option has a device that can supply clean water, as well as a special container for storing contaminated water. Some modifications are supplied with electricity from the mains, others from a battery. The washing vacuum cleaner combines the functions of dry and wet cleaning modes.
The device allows:
- wash tiles and windows;
- collect spilled liquids;
- wash carpets;
- remove dust and wool from carpets and upholstery;
- freshen the air in the house.
Washing vertical vacuum cleaner
Interesting!
An unusual use for a scrubbing upright vacuum is to unclog a sink drain. The disadvantages include:
- greater weight and less maneuverability of the device;
- high cost (2–3 times more than “dry” modifications).
Vertical hand vacuum cleaner
The design consists of a manual version of the device and an “extension stick”, which allows you to use the device as a vertical vacuum cleaner. This interesting and convenient modification is called “2 in 1”.
Advantages:
- When the handle is disconnected, the model is convenient to use when cleaning window sills, shelves, as well as the car interior (if battery power is available);
- when assembled, the device is convenient for cleaning stairs, floors, carpets, rugs in small rooms;
- light weight and ease of use.
Handheld upright vacuum cleaner
The disadvantage is that the engine is not very powerful.
Vertical vacuum cleaner with aqua filter
If purifying the air from dust and substances that cause allergies, as well as humidifying it, is of primary importance, then the best option is a model with an aquafilter.
The advantages of this option are constant suction power and ease of cleaning the dust collector.
The disadvantages are the large size and weight of the device, which complicates storage and transportation.
Vertical vacuum cleaner with aqua filter
Attention! Using a model with an aquafilter cleans the air and improves the microclimate in the house.
What type of vacuum cleaner is best to use at home?
The vacuum cleaner collects dust and debris into the dust container. It could be:
- A cloth or paper bag with a snap closure. An unpretentious and reliable option that copes well with collecting large dust and debris. The smallest particles are thrown into the air and fall on the floor. But it is not visible to the naked eye, so the room looks clean after cleaning. It is difficult to clean the bags; dust will enter the respiratory tract. If you often change the bags using disposable ones, cleaning will be completely environmentally friendly. But its cost will increase;
- Cyclone dust collectors (containers) made of plastic collect dust that needs to be thrown away after cleaning. Not only large but also small particles get here. They are easy to clean; the plastic container washes well under the tap. The method is highly environmentally friendly. But if the air intake becomes clogged, the vortex inside the dust collector will subside. To resume it, you will have to restart the device again;
- A container with an aquafilter requires that it be filled with water with detergent and an antifoam additive before each cleaning. Air with dust passes through the water, while the dust gets wet and settles to the bottom. After each cleaning, the aquafilter is washed and dried. If installed undried, bacteria or fungus may develop in it. The disadvantage of this option is that water-repellent objects, animal hair, oily hair and small pieces of plastic do not get into the water filter. A vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter must be moved very carefully so that the liquid from it does not splash or leak.
Vacuum cleaner prices and cost of use
The cost of a vacuum cleaner depends on the type and additional functions and can range from 50 to 1 thousand dollars. But many models require additional investments during use.
- Reusable bags are not very environmentally friendly, but they can be used for a long time until they burst. The cost of a disposable bag is small, but you will have to spend about $1 a month on them.
- Fine filters in containers periodically become unusable and require replacement. You need to spend $20-200 to replace them. If you couldn’t find the right model, using the vacuum cleaner will be problematic.
- In the cost of cleaning with a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter, when using detergents, you will have to buy them and defoamers.
If a model costs more than $400, it should be equipped with additional washable filters that practically do not fail. The only expense here is the cost of electricity.
