Choosing a type of filter

The job of the filter is to trap any remaining dust and dirt particles before the air is expelled back into the room. Knowing how a filter works is the first step in knowing how to choose a machine that has a filter you can live with.

• Disposable filters: If you buy a vacuum with filters that need to be replaced when they are dirty, that is an extra expense that you should consider. Many machines today feature washable filters, which will save you some cash if you don’t mind rinsing then waiting for them to dry prior to another use.
• Washable filters: Most of the top rated vacuum cleaners today use washable, reusable filters, usually made out of foam. Many of them can even be put into the top rack of the dishwasher for deep cleaning. This is nice because you won’t really have to get your hands dirty(!)
• HEPA filter: HEPA filters are designed to trap smaller particles than regular vacuum filters. This means less dust is blowing back into the air. They are especially good for people with allergies or those who sneeze at the slightest amount of dust.

To bag or not to bag?

This one is pretty obvious. If you choose a bagged vacuum, you toss out the bag when it’s full and put in a new one. With bagless, you will need to empty the dust cup or container whenever it gets full. While the first option is less messy, if you’ve already made a substantial investment in one of the best rated vacuum cleaners, you may not want the added expense of buying bags on a regular basis as well.

Emptying a dirt container may not seem like an attractive option and can be a messy one, but it is certainly more economical. One thing to pay close attention to in vacuum cleaner reviews is how easy it is to access the dust cup and if you will have to do any digging to get the gunk or hair out of it. Many times long hair will wind around inside, and you’ll need to pull it out. Yes, it can be a messy job. However, some of the best vacuum cleaners offer this feature because it just saves a lot of money in the long run, as vacuum bags, like most everything else, only increase in price over time.

What about cordless vs. corded vacuums?

Here’s the rub about cordless: Even the best rated vacuum cleaner that is cordless will not run for very long. If you have a smaller home or are only using it for spot cleanups, this may be a great option for you. However, if you will be running the unit for an extended period of time, say more than 15 or 30 minutes, you’re likely to get quite frustrated when it stops working, leaving the rest of the job for later.

For this reason, we recommend buying a corded vacuum if you have a larger home. While it’s a pain to keep plugging and unplugging, its really the only way to ensure you’ll be able to tackle the job all at once. Alternatively, you can pay close attention to vacuum cleaner reviews to see how long any particular cordless model will run on a charge.

That said, cordless is much more user friendly in that you don’t have to worry about the cord getting caught under furniture and doors as you’re moving through the house. We’ve all had the experience of running out of cord, only to find that it’s hung up somewhere, and we have to trace it back and unstick it.

How heavy is the vacuum?

Technology seems to have finally caught up to the fact that most of us do not want to feel like we’re lugging around a piece of furniture every time we want to clean our floors. For this reason, most of the top rated vacuum cleaners are so much more light weight than their predecessors.

You’ll find the best rated vacuums can still weigh around 20 pounds, so this can be a real consideration if you have any sort of back or joint problems. However, look for any sort of propulsion system the machine uses. If they are self-propelled, you’ll have a lot of assistance. In other words, the motor helps move it forward and back so you don’t have to do all the work. That can make all the difference.

On the other hand, there are many light weight vacuums, such as the stick-like models, that can weigh as little as 7 pounds or so. This is a great option, however, many of these vacs don’t work as well on deep pile carpet, as they just don’t have the weight to really push down and get into the fibers.

Weight is a special consideration if you’re shopping for a handheld vacuum. Keep in mind you’re going to be carrying it. There are no wheels. Carrying around even 5 pounds for a while can seem very heavy, especially if you’re maneuvering it around and up and down your staircase.

Will it do everything I need it to do?

Versatility is a big deal when choosing the best vacuum cleaner for your needs. Think about all the things you’ll want it to do. If it’s just going to go back and forth across the floor, this isn’t a huge concern. However, there are many situations where you’ll want it to do more. Can you use it to clean cobwebs from the high corners? Clean the blades on the ceiling fan? Suck dust off the blinds? Pick up cat litter from a hard wood floor without flinging it everywhere? When choosing the best vacuum cleaner for you, make sure you do your homework so you buy one that has all the bells and whistles you need but not so many that they get in your way.

Where will I put it?

One thing many people overlook when looking at best rated vacuums is how the storage works. For most upright models, this isn’t an issue, as they just stand up wherever you leave them. You will want to pay attention, though to how the cord is fastened (or not) and where any tools are stored. Some of the best rated vacuum cleaners actually have a retractable cord, so you never have to wind it up (a great convenience). Also, if there is no place on the machine to store the tools, where will you keep them so they don’t get lost?

Storage is a bigger concern for some of the smaller handheld or canister vacuums. Many of the best rated vacuum cleaners come with some sort of mounting system so you can hang it on the wall instead of having it rattling around and falling over on the floor of your closet.

No matter how good a vacuum cleaner works, if it’s a pain to store or you don’t have room for it, you’ll likely not be happy.

What is the warranty?

ust like with a car, what will do you if your vacuum cleaner needs repair? For this reason, you should always make sure you know the warranty length and coverage prior to making an investment in a new vacuum cleaner. After all, this is a purchase you (hopefully) will not be making often, and you want it to last.