The world of vacuum cleaners can be a minefield, here at Bradford's we often get asked which type of vacuum cleaners we recommend. With sticks and cylinders and uprights, and not to mention the rise of the robot models, the range of vacuum cleaners available on the market right now can leave you feeling mind boggled!

But finding one that’s suitable for all your cleaning needs – whether you’re dealing with carpets, hard floors, LVT flooring , stairs, worse of all pet hair, or all of these – shouldn’t have to be stressful. And looking after your carpets and flooring with a good vacuum is key to keeping your flooring looking great and fresh for many years to come.

Below we take a brief look at the types of vacuums on the market this year.

UPRIGHTS

Great for large homes

Upright vacuum cleaners tend to be the best option for larger, carpeted households. This is because they usually feature a turbo brush in the floor head, which makes them particularly effective at picking up hair and residue from carpets. 

These models are more stable and easier to manoeuvre than cylinders, as you're pushing them forward rather than dragging them behind you. There’s also no need to bend when using an upright, which makes them a good option for those with back issues. However they can be awkward to use on stairs, be heavy to move round and bulky, but do store away neatly.

Cylinder

Popular for carpets

Cylinder vacuums are typically lighter and more portable than an upright as the main body sits on the floor behind you for you to pull as you vacuum. They can be bagged or bagless, depending on your preference, and often come with a good selection of tools and great for homes with pets too. They’ve been around for many years thanks to their lightweight and convenient design; they’re ideal for those who struggle with heavier vacuums especially on the stairs.

Cordless

Easy to use on all floors

Cordless vacuums are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their cordless design. Quick and convenient to use, many come with some excellent pet hair removal technology too. In fact, while they were originally designed for quick spills, they’re now often used to clean an entire household.

At the core, their design offers convenience, typically featuring a lightweight "stick" body and a smaller canister to be regularly emptied. They also tend to come with attachments such as a crevice tool, upholstery tool and in some instances even a motorised pet brush for pet hair. They are dependent on battery life, so be prepared to have it on charge when not in use.

Robot

Great for hardwood and LVT floors!

While a robot vacuum won’t replace your standard vac, it will allow you to cut back on how often you need to clean, giving you more time for yourself. These little machines use sensors to avoid bumping into furniture and map where they've been around the room to ensure no area is left neglected.

Robot vacs are now smarter than ever too; all the models we’ve featured are compatible with an app and either Alexa or Google Home. Some even have docking stations that allow them to self-empty, so you rarely need to think about clearing the canister yourself.

It is a mission choosing the right vacuum for your home and surprisingly can be quite stressful when choosing the right vacuum for your home, it is an investment after all.

If you would like more info, advice and recommendations on brands please visit the Good Housekeeping Guide.

If you would like more advise or to discuss new carpets or flooring for your home then please do get in touch with Bradford's in Evesham - Contact us here