Comparison Gorenje Evo Control VC 2421 ECW vs Gorenje VCK 2321 AP

Rated power consumed by the vacuum cleaner. In models with power adjustment (see below), the maximum value is taken into account in this case. We are talking about the characteristics of the installed motor, which is the main, and in most vacuum cleaners, the only consumer of energy.

Higher power increases suction force and improves overall cleaning efficiency. In addition, a more powerful unit is easier to equip with a capacious dust collector. On the other hand, only vacuum cleaners of the same type with the same types of dust collectors can be directly compared by this parameter (see above for both). And even in such cases, the actual suction force (see below) may be different — and it is it that determines the real efficiency. However, the total power also allows you to generally evaluate the capabilities of the vacuum cleaner, including in comparison: a 1500 W model will significantly outperform its 800 W counterpart in efficiency (although it is impossible to say exactly by how much). But what definitely depends on this indicator is energy consumption.

As for specific power values, they are largely related to the type of device. For example, handheld models, robots and uproght units have low power — less than 1500 W(and often noticeably less). Such values are quite popular among other types of vacuum cleaners (conventional, industrial, workshop, etc.), but among them there are already more solid indicators — ...href="/en/list/90/pr-1067/">1500 – 1750 W, 1750 – 2000 W and even more than 2000 W.

The suction power provided by the vacuum cleaner. For models with power adjustment (see below), in this case, the maximum value is taken into account. Note that "suction power" is sometimes erroneously also called the suction force, indicated in pascals; see below for more details.

Suction power is a key indicator that determines the capabilities of the unit: the higher it is, the more efficiently the vacuum cleaner can draw in various contaminants, and the better it handles with carpets, fabrics and other materials into which dust can penetrate deeply. On the other hand, high power inevitably affects the weight, power consumption, dimensions and price of the device. Therefore, it does not always make sense to chase the maximum values — you need to take into account the real working conditions and the general purpose of the vacuum cleaner.

The specific numbers found in this paragraph largely depend on the type of device. For example, in handheld household models, suction power does not exceed 100 W, and for conventional household units, an indicator of 100 – 150 W is still considered very limited. At the same time, we note that the minimum required for a full-fledged dry cleaning of smooth floors is considered to be 300 – 350 W, for carpet and other short pile coatings — ...f="/en/list/90/pr-37619/">350 – 400 W, and for long pile materials and upholstered furniture higher rates are desirable. Vacuum cleaners with lower suction power values are intended not so much for periodic cleaning, but for constant (ideally daily) maintenance of cleanliness in an already tidy room.

As for the relationship between suction power and suction force, it is as follows: power is the suction force (thrust) multiplied by the airflow (performance). Without going into too much detail, we can say that the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner is determined by both of these indicators. And it is worth evaluating this efficiency by suction power (regardless of the specific relationship between traction and performance).

Presence in the vacuum cleaner dust collector filling indicator.

The general meaning of this function is already clear from the name: it is an indicator that informs the user about the fullness of the dust collector. At the same time, we note that the features of the operation of such a pointer may be different. The simplest option is a mechanical or electrical device that works when the amount of debris in the dust collector approaches a critical level. More advanced indicators can show a specific degree of filling at any time. In advanced vacuum cleaners, complex electronic systems can be used with values displayed on a display or a light indicator.

This function is most popular in models with bags (see "Dust collector") since without an indicator it would be necessary to control the fullness of such a vacuum cleaner manually — by opening the dust collector compartment and checking by touch how tightly the bag is filled. In cyclone systems, fill indicators are very rare and in aquafilters — even less often: both there and there, transparent materials are often used to allow you to see the amount of debris inside without opening the vacuum cleaner.

The presence of a HEPA fine filter in the vacuum cleaner; also in this paragraph, the specific class of this filter is often specified.

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing) filters are designed to purify the air from the smallest mechanical contaminants — up to tenths of a micron in size. It allows you to trap not only fine dust but even bacteria. For comparison: the size of most bacteria starts at 0.5 microns, and the effectiveness of HEPA filters is evaluated by the ability to retain particles with a size of 0.1 – 0.3 microns. The most advanced such filters ( class 13 and above) are able to remove more than 99.9% of these particles from the air. Here is a more detailed description of the different classes:

— HEPA 10 – traps at least 85% of particles with a size of 0.1 – 0.3 microns;
— HEPA 11 – at least 95% of such particles;
— HEPA 12 – not less than 99.5%;
— HEPA 13 – not less than 99.95%;
— HEPA 14 – not less than 99.995%;

Note that pollution with a size of 0.1 – 0.3 microns is the worst-kept by HEPA filters, so with particles of other sizes (both larger and smaller), the efficiency of such elements will be even higher.

Regarding the choice for this parameter, it is worth noting that, in fact, it does not always make sense to pursue a high filtration class. For example, during wet cleaning with a washing vacuum cleaner (se...e above), the HEPA filter, in fact, is not needed at all (in many models, it is recommended to remove it altogether for such cases). So if you plan to use such a vacuum cleaner mainly for washing, you can ignore this parameter. Another specific case is industrial units (see "Type"): they are often used for rough cleaning of large debris, where thorough air filtration is not required.

Models of replacement bags and/or other containers for waste (see "Dust collector") with which the vacuum cleaner is compatible.

This moment does not affect the functionality of the vacuum cleaner itself. However, knowing the model of the dust collector makes it much easier to find a spare or replacement dust collector. At the same time, we note that compatible models of such containers may differ markedly in specifications from the ones in the box. For example, many fabric bag vacuum cleaners also accept disposable paper bags; and some units are initially equipped with a dust collector of one type. However, if desired, they allow you to buy and install a dust collector of another type (for example, replace the bag with an aquafilter).

Models of HEPA filters that are suitable for installation in a vacuum cleaner.

This information is needed mainly to find new filters to replace clogged or worn ones. Theoretically, knowing the HEPA model you can find detailed data about it. However, such details are usually not required; information on the fine filter class is enough to select a vacuum cleaner.

The noise level produced by the vacuum cleaner during operation. Usually, the value for normal operation at maximum engine power is indicated here. With less power, the loudness of the unit may be lower, but the key is precisely the maximum indicator.

Regarding specific numbers, keep in mind that the decibel used to measure the noise level is a non-linear quantity. Therefore, it is worth evaluating specific indicators using special comparative tables. In general, vacuum cleaners are quite noisy appliances; so in this case, models are considered quiet if this indicator does not exceed 65 dB — this is the level of a loud conversation between 2 – 3 people at a distance of 1 m. The quietest of these models give out only 40 dB — this is the average volume of a person’s speech in normal tones (and the minimum volume allowed for constant noise sources in living quarters during the day). For louder units, the comparison table looks like this:

— 66 – 70 dB — loud conversations between several groups of people at a distance of about 1 m;
— 71 – 75 dB — the volume of a cry or laughter in full voice at a distance of about 1 m;
— 76 – 80 dB — the volume of a mechanical alarm clock or the engine of an old truck;
— more than 80 dB — a very high noise level, exceeding the leve...l of a loud scream; when working with a vacuum cleaner having such specifications for a long time, it is highly desirable to use hearing protection.

Also note that the noise level largely depends on the engine power, as well as some other features (for example, it is strongly affected by the presence of an aquafilter — see "Dust collector"). At the same time, there is no hard connection here, and units with a similar set of specifications can differ markedly in actual loudness. In such cases, when choosing here, it is worth proceeding from the fact that a quieter vacuum cleaner will be more comfortable to use. However, it will most likely cost noticeably more.