Comparison Karcher FC 2-4 Battery Set vs Karcher FC 5 Premium

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 nominal volume of the dust collector installed in the vacuum cleaner.

This indicator largely depends on the type of unit (see above). For example, in most handheld household models, the capacity does not exceed 0.5 L. The volume of the container in upright vacuum cleaners and robots can be somewhat larger — among the first variety there are quite a few models for 1 – 2 liters or even more, and among the second — by 0.6 – 1 liter and a little more. For conventional vacuum cleaners, the minimum figure is actually about 0.8 – 1 L; dust collectors for 1 – 2 L and 2 – 4 L are very popular in such devices; the maximum capacity is actually 4 – 6 liters — units of a similar layout, but with a larger capacity, are usually referred to as household ones. In turn, relatively small containers are occasionally found among workshop models. However, in vacuum cleaners of this type, the capacity is generally quite large — it can reach 26 – 50 liters or even more ; the same applies to industrial (construction) units.

In general, a larger dust container allows you to work longer without interruptions. On the other hand, a capacious container itself takes up more space and, accordingly, affects the size, weight and price.... So when choosing this parameter, it is worth considering the actual features of the use of a vacuum cleaner. Here we can give such an example: for a full-scale cleaning of an average city apartment, a capacity of about 1 – 1.5 litres is required. Thus, say, a 4-litre bag allows you to carry out two such cleanings with sufficient efficiency without unloading the vacuum cleaner. There are more detailed recommendations regarding the optimal volume of the dust collector, including specific cleaning options. These recommendations can be found in special sources.

A capacity of a tank for water or detergent a vacuum cleaner with a wet cleaning function is equipped with. (see "Cleaning type").

Large capacity allows you to work longer without refilling the tank. On the other hand, an increase in capacity has a corresponding effect on the size, weight and cost of the unit. Thus, manufacturers choose this parameter taking into account the general specialization and the “weight category” of a particular model. So, in robots (see "Type"), the volume of the water tank is, by definition, small. Even in the heaviest models, it does not exceed 650 mL. But other types of vacuum cleaners can differ markedly in this parameter.

In general, for non-robot units, a capacity of 1 liter or less is considered very limited, 1 – 2 liters is small, 2 – 3 liters is average, more than 3 liters is above average. However, it much depends on the type. For example, in conventional vacuum cleaners, the capacity does not exceed 2.5 liters, and "for workshop" models this is very little — in most cases, they have a tank capacity of 3 liters or more.

The type of power source used by the vacuum cleaner. Note that for robots equipped with charging stations (see “Robot features”), the power supply of the robot itself is indicated (battery is standard); the station is connected to the mains in almost all models.

The main types of power sources found in modern vacuum cleaners are mains, a battery and car cigarette lighter. They can be used both individually and in various combinations with each other. Here are the features of each of these options:

— Mains. Powered by a normal household outlet. This option is suitable for vacuum cleaners of almost any power, and the operating time from the mains is unlimited. The main disadvantage of this type of power supply is the dependence on sockets, as well as the presence of a power cord that limits mobility and can get underfoot. However, the length of the power cord is usually enough for most situations. And in extreme cases, you can use an extension cord. Thus, the vast majority of conventional vacuum cleaners, as well as heavy professional equipment (for workshop, industrial units, etc. — see "Product type") use this type of power supply — in such models, the advantages described above most often outweigh the disadvantages. But among upright and handheld units (including industrial ones), connecting to the mains is not popular — in them, manufacturers ofte...n opt for mobility and use batteries.

— Battery. Powered by its battery; in some models, it can be detachable, in others — built-in. Anyway, such power makes the vacuum mobile and autonomous. Mobility is not limited to the power cord and you can work even in the absence of sockets. However, these advantages also have a downside. First of all, battery units are noticeably heavier and more expensive than similar models with a mains power supply. Secondly, it is the limited operating time: after the charge is exhausted, you will have to take a break to recharge the battery, sometimes quite long (in models with detachable batteries, you can simply change the dead battery to a fresh one — but, again, you need to have a fresh battery in stock for this). In addition, the more powerful the vacuum cleaner is, the larger and heavier the batteries that have to be used with it. Thus, battery power is mainly used in low-power vacuum cleaners, for which mobility is fundamentally more important than the disadvantages described above. These are all models of robots, as well as most handheld household and upright devices (including combined ones, see "product type"). However, there are exceptions to this rule: batteries can be found in some conventional vacuum cleaners, as well as in some advanced professional units (for workshop, construction, etc.).
Note that some major manufacturers, including power tools, use universal batteries in their equipment that are compatible with different types of devices. Cordless vacuum cleaners from such manufacturers can be designed specifically for such batteries and not even be equipped with them initially — so that the user himself can choose the most suitable power source.

— The cigarette lighter (12 V). Power supply from the car's standard cigarette lighter socket (or onboard socket using the same plug). Found exclusively in handheld household vacuum cleaners (see "Product type"), designed for cleaning the interior of a car and other related tasks (for example, putting things in order in the garage). Such units do not differ in power — this is due to the limitations characteristic of cigarette lighters. However, taking into account the specifics of the application, this moment cannot be called a disadvantage.

— Battery and mains (230 V). Possibility of power supply from own battery and mains. Theoretically, this allows you to combine some of the advantages of both options and make the vacuum cleaner very versatile. So, if there are sockets, you can work from them, and if not, you can switch to the battery. In addition, a dead battery does not make such a vacuum cleaner completely useless — you can connect it to the mains and continue working, and in some models, the battery is even charged. On the other hand, such models turn out to be heavy (heavier than ordinary vacuums). And at a cost, they surpass even rechargeable devices with similar characteristics. Therefore, this option is extremely rare and is used mainly in a rather specific type of vacuum cleaners: some industrial models (including handheld ones), designed for increased mobility. Usually, the standard power supply for such units is the mains, and the battery is used as a backup option — for cleaning certain areas where the connection to the outlet is not available or difficult.

— Battery and cigarette lighter. Vacuum cleaners that can be powered both by a built-in battery and a car cigarette lighter. The features of these types of food are described above. All models from this category are handheld household units (see "product type"). Recall that vacuum cleaners powered by a cigarette lighter are, by definition, low-power, so it is technically easy to supplement such a vacuum cleaner with a built-in battery. And the advantage of such an addition is obvious — the user receives maximum freedom of movement during work. On the other hand, built-in batteries significantly affect the weight and cost, and the described features are rarely required in fact. Therefore, this variant of distribution did not receive.

Features of the cordless vacuum cleaner regarding the presence of a removable battery.

— No battery. The complete absence of batteries in the delivery set. It is associated with certain troubles, but it also provides important advantages. Firstly, the model and number of purchased batteries can be chosen at your discretion, depending on your needs and low-cost. Secondly, a suitable battery may already be “in the household”, especially when you consider that some manufacturers produce universal batteries suitable for different types of power tools of the same brand. Thanks to all this, cordless vacuum cleaners without a battery are extremely popular in the industrial (construction) type.

— 1 battery. One detachable battery included. The main advantages of this configuration are low cost and the ability to use the vacuum cleaner immediately after unpacking. At the same time, when the charge is exhausted, you will inevitably have to take breaks for charging or still buy another battery.

— 2 batteries. The presence of a spare battery in the kit allows you to extend the time of work with the device. At the same time, the spare battery can be used simultaneously with another compatible device.

The rated voltage of the battery used in the vacuum cleaner with the corresponding type of power supply (see above).

Initially, manufacturers select the characteristics of the battery (including voltage) in such a way that the vacuum cleaner can be guaranteed to deliver the power claimed in the specifications. Therefore, when choosing this indicator often does not play a decisive role. However, it can also be useful in such cases — for the most reliable comparison between models with different battery capacities in ampere-hours. See "Battery capacity" for details.

In addition, voltage data can be useful during operation — for example, to find a spare/replacement battery or a third-party charger.

— Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium). The oldest of the options found in modern vacuum cleaners. It features high reliability, resistance to temperature extremes and good charging speed even with high capacity. The main disadvantage of this type of battery is a memory effect — a decrease in battery capacity if it is charged without being completely discharged. In addition, Ni-Cd batteries are considered environmentally unsafe. However, they are still widely used because of their low cost and decent performance.

— Ni-Mh (nickel-metal hydride). Further development and improvement of the nickel-cadmium batteries described above. While having the same basic advantages, Ni-Mh batteries are not affected by the memory effect and are safer to manufacture. Their disadvantages are the higher cost and somewhat shorter service life compared with the original Ni-Cd technology.

— Li-Ion (lithium-ion). A type of battery originally developed for use in portable devices. However, with the development of Li-Ion technology, it has been applied to other industries. The main advantage of such batteries is their high capacity with small dimensions and weight. It is also worth noting that they are not subject to the memory effect and can charge quite quickly. On the other hand, this option is not without its drawbacks — it is, first of all, sensitive to too low or elevated temperatures and a high price.

...— Li-Pol (lithium polymer). An improved version of the lithium-ion technology described above allows even more compact yet high-capacity batteries. The reverse side of these advantages is higher cost and increased sensitivity to low temperatures. However, for batteries used in vacuum cleaners, the latter is not critical.

The capacity of the battery installed in the vacuum cleaner.

Recall that batteries are used in all robots, as well as other types of vacuum cleaners for which mobility is important; see "Power supply" for details. As for battery capacity, theoretically, a larger battery allows you to work longer without recharging. However, there are nuances. Firstly, the actual battery life of the unit will also depend on its type, power and some features of the functionality. Secondly, the actual battery capacity is determined not only by this indicator but also by the voltage in volts. So if these batteries differ in voltage, you need to convert their capacity into watt-hours and use this data when comparing. These calculations are described in more detail in special sources.

In light of all this, only vacuum cleaners with similar specifications can be directly compared in terms of battery capacity. And it is best to evaluate the actual battery life by the directly claimed operating time.

The operating time of a battery-powered vacuum cleaner (see "Power supply") on a single battery charge.

Usually, the average operating time in normal mode is indicated here. Accordingly, in fact, the battery life of the vacuum cleaner may differ slightly from the claimed one, depending on the chosen application format. Nevertheless, the operating time indicated in the specifications is a fairly reliable indicator; it can be used both for a general assessment of battery life and for comparing the selected vacuum cleaner with other models.

Separately, we note that increasing battery life requires either the use of more capacious (and therefore more expensive and heavier) batteries or a decrease in engine power (and the efficiency of the unit as a whole). So it is worth looking specifically for a long working vacuum cleaner if these moments are outweighed by a long operating time.