With so many upright vacuum cleaners
to choose from, you're not alone if you don't
know where to start when it comes to choosing your next vacuum cleaner. By considering
and keeping in mind the following main features however, you should find the decision
a little easier:
Bagged upright vacuum cleaners have declined in popularity in recent years but they
do have many advantages. For example,
bagged upright vacuum cleaners are more hygienic
and suited to many asthma and allergy sufferers because they do not expose you to
dust when emptying the bag. They also offer low maintenance, with little filter
cleaning required.
That said, bagged upright vacuum cleaners do have disadvantages. The main disadvantage
is that suction power falls as the bag fills and unless the vacuum cleaner as a
full bag indicator light, it's not always easy to see when the bag is full. Bagged
vacuum cleaners also require replacement bags.
Bagless upright vacuum cleaners
Bagless upright vacuum cleaners
are the preferred choice for the majority of buyers
because you can easily see when the dust bin is full and therefore maintain top
suction by emptying the vacuum cleaner before it gets clogged. There's also no need
to buy bags, which saves money and is better for the environment.
When choosing your next upright vacuum cleaner however you need to remember
bagless upright vacuum cleaners
do have disadvantages, such as the need to clean the filters
more regularly to maintain top suction and the increased exposure to dust when emptying
the bin. It's important therefore to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of
both to ensure you get the best upright vacuum cleaner for your needs.
Suction power
More air watts means more suction power, so if you're looking for an upright vacuum
cleaner with powerful suction, make sure you compare air watt ratings. As a guide,
an upright vacuum cleaner
needs a minimum of 100 air watts for the suction to be
noticeably powerful.
Pet hair removal
Pet hair can be extremely stubborn so if you have pets you should choose an upright
vacuum cleaner designed to remove pet hair. These vacuum cleaners will typically
have stronger suction and powerful turbo brushes to remove the hair from carpet
and upholstery fibres.
Attachments
All good upright vacuum cleaners will come with at least two onboard tools for difficult
to clean areas. The most popular tools include a crevice tool and dusting brush.
Many models also come with an upholstery nozzle. Some however will even come with
a separate turbo brush for removing dirt and stubborn pet hairs from areas where
it isn't possible to use a full-size cleaning head.
Size
Upright vacuum cleaners vary widely in size, from the very lightweight models to
the larger models designed for large homes, so it's worth comparing sizes. The smaller,
lighter models will have a smaller dust capacity and shorter cord and hose lengths
while the larger models will be slighter heavy but offer more convenience with a
larger dust capacity and longer cord and hose lengths.
HEPA filtration
Upright vacuum cleaners are typically available with two types of filtration: micro
or HEPA. If you want cleaner, fresher air, or suffer from asthma or a dust allergy,
be sure to choose a model with HEPA filtration. HEPA filters will trap small pollutants
and pollen particles, such as pollen and dust mite faeces, within the vacuum cleaner
rather than recirculating them back into the air.
Additional features to look for
They're only small features but anti-tip and edge-to-edge cleaning can make a big
difference to your vacuuming. Anti-tip means the vacuum cleaner won't topple over
when you're vacuuming with the hose. With cylinder vacuum cleaners, you won't have
this problem but it's something you need to consider if you're buying an upright
vacuum cleaner.
Upright vacuum cleaners with edge-to-edge cleaning have suction that goes right
up to the wall or skirting board. These vacuum cleaners tend to be more expensive,
but it does save you from having to round the edges with a crevice tool.
Cordless upright vacuum cleaners
If you're looking for a vacuum cleaner that will give you the ultimate flexibility,
a cordless upright vacuum cleaner is the ultimate solution. With cordless vacuum
cleaners you can clean in any room or area without needing to find a nearby power
socket.