Selecting the right vacuum cleaner should be a relatively easy job wouldn't you think? Don't they all basically work the same? Well, you would think so! But it's often a good idea to see what leading consumer testing groups determined during their product evaluations.
Consumer Reports did just that and thoroughly tested a number of popular vacuum cleaners. After putting these machines through their paces, testing on a variety of surfaces and conditions, a clear winner should be determined. Right? You would think so but it boggles the mind even after all this in-depth testing, their results and recommendations don't jive with customer feedback. Turns out the testing team may not rank a model very high but reviews submitted by owners of the product showed a completely different story.
So much for scientific testing!
Although there may be conflicting advice as to which is the 'best' vacuum cleaner to buy, here are some basic tips to keep in mind when you're out shopping for a new model.
A basic question is how long is the manufacturer's warranty? Vacuums do break down so a lengthy warranty is also a plus. Especially if you're laying out big dollars to purchase a high-end model.
Some budget-priced vacuums loose their appeal quickly when they encounter frequent breakdowns. That great 'deal' isn't so if it needs to be replaced every year or two.
Something else to look for is the length of the hose. Does it extend out far enough for those extra jobs you want to accomplish like cleaning the stairs or sweeping out the car? Will it reach the top of your curtains? Is it equipped with the attachments you'll need to do a thorough cleaning job? Crevice cleaners, dust brushes and smaller brush heads can greatly assist in specialized clean-up tasks.
If you'll be cleaning bare floors, do the roller brushes turn off? Rapidly rotating brush heads can scratch the surface of hardwood floors. "Beater brushes" are great for pulling up ground in dirt but some models do a poor job of cleaning close to baseboards. A model with an edge cleaner lets you get right up close to obstacles for a more thorough cleaning.
If you're selecting a 'bag' model, make sure your local retailer carries the make and size you'll need. If not, you'll have to order them through the mail and that can be a major inconvenience. Vacuum cleaner bags come in a very wide assortment depending on the make and model of your unit. Your local store may carry the brand name but be sure they also stock dust bags for your particular model type.
If you opt to forgo the bag-type cleaners, there's still some replacement costs involved. Many models have filters that need to be changed periodically. A high-end unit may require expensive replacement filters too. So you'll also need to check out where these specially-designed filters may be purchased.
Vacuum cleaners come in two basic models: Canister and Upright. Canisters work exceptionally well on hard floors and stairs, but effectiveness varies greatly on carpet. Canisters tend to cost more than an upright and are not as maneuverable due to their large size and weight. Canisters can be very cumbersome if your cleaning duties involve relocating the unit up and down stairs.
The top-rated canister vacuum when tested by Consumer Reports went to the Kenmore Intuition 28014. This Kenmore model allows carpet height adjustments, brushes that can be disengaged for bare floors and is also equipped with a full-bag indicator.
The cord on the Intuition is retractable and has a HEPA filter for cleaning the air as well. This recommended canister vacuum has a list price around 0 and weighs 26 lbs.
Uprights perform admirably on bare floors and like their canister cousins, results on carpets are varied. Effective cleaning also requires sufficient power achieved via the hose and attachments.
Consumer Reports tested a number of upright vacuum cleaners and the Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary Edition U6485-900 edged out the competition in head-to-head testing. This is unit collects dirt and debris with a dust bag.
This Hoover model is self-propelled making maneuvering the WindTunnel an easy task. It's equipped with a HEPA filter, full-bag indicator, and the brushes can be turned off to protect hardwood floors.
Consumer Reports labeled the Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary Edition a Recommended buy. Prices vary considerably (0-0) so be sure to shop around for the best deal.
