If you are ready to independently select a model and want to sort the current assortment by prices, brands, types and various technical parameters, then we recommend using the general catalog of vacuum cleaners.

What is the difference between vacuum cleaner power and suction power?

Power indicators are usually considered one of the key technical characteristics of many household electrical appliances. But when it comes to vacuum cleaners, confusion often arises. The thing is that these devices have several power parameters, namely:

  • power consumption. This indicator is measured in watts (W) and reflects the amount of energy that the vacuum cleaner engine expends in operation. This characteristic directly determines the energy consumption per unit of time (that is, the efficiency or, conversely, the wastefulness of the device). It also, as a rule, directly affects noise, but there may be nuances with productivity (cleaning speed, dust absorption efficiency). That is, a conventional 2000-watt vacuum cleaner will not necessarily cope with its tasks better than a 1600-watt analogue. Yes, manufacturers make vacuum cleaners more powerful precisely in order to improve performance, but the efficiency of motors may differ;
  • suction power This parameter is also measured in W (sometimes “aerowatts” appear). It characterizes the operation of the vacuum system of the vacuum cleaner and reflects its ability to draw in air. This indicator directly affects how well the model absorbs dust and other debris, that is, the higher the value, the more productive the cleaning should be. You should focus primarily on this characteristic when purchasing, and not on power consumption. The suction power depends on two components - the vacuum created by the vacuum system inside the housing and the air flow. The latter is directly influenced by various design aspects, including the diameter of the hose (and tubes), the presence or absence of barriers to the air, etc.

The power consumption of household vacuum cleaners usually varies from 500 to 2000 W. The indicators are lower for robots, vertical and manual models, and, as a rule, higher for construction (industrial) devices. The suction power of traditional vacuum cleaners often ranges from 150 to 400+ watts. In practice, most often the ratio between these power parameters is in the range from 3:1 to 6:1: conditionally, when the engine consumes 1500 W, the suction reaches 300 W (5:1). Below is the power ratio of popular vacuum cleaners of different types:

Model Type Power consumption, W Suction power, W
Thomas MultiCyclone Pro 14 ordinary 1800 300
Samsung VCC-45W0S36 ordinary 700 190
Gorenje VCE 01 SFAWR ordinary 850 160
Samsung Jet 75 VS-20B75ADR5 vertical 550 200
Dreame R20 vertical 570 190
Gorenje MVC 72 HGA manual 70 10
Samsung Jet Bot AI+ VR-50T95735W robot 170 thirty

Among the indicators that reflect the efficiency of vacuum cleaners, recently one more characteristic is sometimes indicated - suction power or traction. This parameter is measured in Pascals (Pa) and reflects the vacuum created, that is, negative pressure (or, even more simply, vacuum force) on the working nozzle. The draft is still not so informative for the user against the background of the suction power, because it takes into account both the vacuum and the volume of air flow. The higher the Pa, the better the device should be at removing debris from difficult surfaces such as upholstery or shag carpets. But at the same time, increasing traction with low air flow (and this is true for entry-level robots and many manual models) reduces cleaning results on smooth surfaces - tiles, linoleum, etc.

The higher the suction power, the faster the cleaning will be and the less body movements required from the user.

Note that the suction force is not always given. Often it is given for low-power models. Brands in this case, among other things, also pursue a marketing goal, because a value of 3000 Pa looks somehow more respectable than a suction power of 40 W. True, there are exceptions to the rules, but if we are talking about household (traditional) vacuum cleaners, then for productive solutions the thrust approaches a value of 20,000 Pa, or even more.

In general, if all three parameters described above are given for a vacuum cleaner, then it is better to focus on the suction power, and the draft in Pascals can be neglected.

Household vacuum cleaners

How powerful should a vacuum cleaner be?

First of all, you need to focus specifically on the suction power, and not on the electricity consumption indicators. The optimal values directly depend on the type of device and the tasks being pursued. So, the easiest way is to understand the power criteria for traditional household vacuum cleaners. Here are the main recommendations:

  • for hard floors - tiles, linoleum, laminate, parquet - a value of up to 250 - 300 W is quite sufficient;
  • Vacuum cleaners with a suction power of 350 to 400 W are suitable for caring for carpet and soft floor coverings with short pile;
  • for fleecy carpets and effective cleaning of upholstered furniture, it is worth considering models with an indicator of 400 - 450 W. These vacuum cleaners guarantee really strong traction.

The norm for vertical vacuum cleaners is the range from 100 to 300 W. It’s clear that the higher the value for a particular model, the better, although often the price tag is directly dependent. Battery-powered (including manual) vacuum cleaners and robots rarely have suction power exceeding several tens of W, but their purpose also differs from conventional models. They are used for spot cleaning, maintaining cleanliness, collecting crumbs, and various specialized tasks. And here you need to focus not so much on power parameters, but on the configuration of nozzles, recommendations for use, user reviews, etc.

Vacuum cleaners with high suction power

How powerful should a carpet vacuum cleaner be?

The more fleecy (fluffy) the carpet, the more powerful your vacuum cleaner needs to be for effective cleaning.

Vacuum cleaners with high suction power are best for effectively cleaning carpets and other fleecy floor coverings. In fact, you can adhere to the principle “the higher the better.” If we get closer to the specifics, then we should start from the type of carpet:

  • if we are talking about carpet (or other coverings with a low pile length), then vacuum cleaners from 350 W or more are suitable;
  • If you have long-pile carpets, then it is better to focus on models with a draft of at least 400 - 450 W. Such power indicators are enough to “get” dust, crumbs and other contaminants directly from the base of the coating.

If you have a lot of carpets, then it wouldn’t hurt to include a power reserve of about 15%. The fact is that often the declared passport data (characteristics that are indicated in the instructions or on the manufacturer’s official website) is not a nominal, but a maximum parameter. What does it mean? The device maintains this power for up to 2 minutes after startup, and then it sags somewhat (by 10–15%, and sometimes even more). So, if 400 W are indicated for a model, then it is very likely that its rated power is lower (about 340 W), and this may not be enough for a long-pile carpet.

In addition to power, you also need to take into account the proposed complete nozzles. Typically, a combination brush is used on carpets, which has a special position for soft floor coverings. But models with a turbo brush included are significantly more effective at cleaning them.

Vacuum cleaners with turbo brush

How much power should a good cordless vacuum cleaner have?

All other things being equal, a cordless vacuum cleaner is inferior to its mains-powered counterpart in terms of power. For many cordless models, suction parameters are not indicated at all. This indirectly indicates that they are low and will only scare away potential buyers. Accordingly, it is better to consider purchasing vacuum cleaners for which the suction power is still indicated.

If the package includes a regular or electric turbo brush, you can use the following numbers as a guide:

  • up to 60 W - models that are suitable for local work or daily maintenance of cleanliness. Can be an alternative to an electric broom ;
  • from 60 to 100 W - sufficient power for simple tasks and rooms with little dust;
  • from 100 to 150 W - balanced cordless vacuum cleaners for cleaning hard floors;
  • above 150 W are quite versatile helpers, among which there are models that are even ready for thorough cleaning of upholstered furniture or fleecy floor coverings. Among the latter we can highlight, for example, JIMMY HW10 Pro or Dyson Gen5detect Absolute.

If you only have one battery model at your disposal, then it is wise and far-sighted to choose a fairly powerful solution. If you are looking for a wireless device in addition to a regular one, then it is more advisable to focus on the tasks it is supposed to perform - it is hardly worth overpaying for extra watts.

Very powerful upright vacuum cleaners are quite rare and expensive.

What is better: an upright vacuum cleaner or a regular one?

Today, ordinary household vacuum cleaners are no longer the only solution for cleaning. Vertical models can be considered as a competitor. Which option is right for you? It’s worth starting from the strengths and weaknesses of each type of device. Advantages of conventional vacuum cleaners:

  1. High power and, accordingly, efficient absorption of various contaminants.
  2. A spacious dust container that does not need to be emptied during cleaning.
  3. Ability to reach the most difficult to reach places, including under beds and closets. High versatility: the range includes devices with an abundance of attachments, support for wet cleaning, full floor washing, etc.

Disadvantages of conventional models:

  1. Bulky dimensions, sometimes making both operation and storage difficult.
  2. Work only from the mains.

Now let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of vertical vacuum cleaners.

Pros of upright vacuum cleaners:

  1. Compactness and relatively light weight: increase ease of cleaning and simplify storage.
  2. Maneuverability, thanks to which, for example, it is easier to vacuum on flights of stairs, in cramped conditions (on shelves, in parts of the room crowded with furniture).
  3. Quick readiness for work: take it and start using it.
  4. There are different solutions in terms of power supply - mains and battery-powered.
  5. There are many transforming models - vertical with a portable unit, which can be used as a hand-held vacuum cleaner for local cleaning or cleaning in the car.

Disadvantages of vertical solutions:

  1. They are inferior in power and capacity of the dust collector.
  2. They are less suitable for cleaning under low furniture (although today there is a solution here too - models with a bendable tube).
  3. They are not variable in terms of the dust collector used - over 90% are equipped with a cyclone container.
One vacuum cleaner is good, but sometimes two are better.

Summarize. A regular vacuum cleaner is better suited for a scenario with weekly cleaning of an entire apartment or private house. High suction power makes these models ideal for families with pets, lots of carpets and other fleecy floor coverings. Vertical vacuum cleaners are a good choice for maintaining cleanliness, regular short cleanings, and quickly tidying up the kitchen (after cooking or accidentally spilling food). By and large, these two types of devices do not exclude, but can complement each other.

Upright vacuum cleaners

Which vacuum cleaner is better, battery-powered or mains-powered?

Today we offer a large selection of both networked and battery-powered (cordless) vacuum cleaners. To understand which one is right for you, it’s worth understanding the pros and cons of each variety.

Let's start with stationary solutions. Advantages of mains powered vacuum cleaners :

  1. Virtually unlimited operating time.
  2. The ceiling on suction power is higher, which means the possibility of better and faster pollution control.
  3. Wider functionality, including support for wet cleaning.

Minuses :

  1. Dependence on sockets.
  2. Less maneuverability and range.
  3. Often more weight and dimensions.
A cordless vacuum cleaner is more convenient for local cleaning - on tables, shelves, etc.

Let's move on to cordless vacuum cleaners. Their strengths include :

  1. Compact and fairly light weight.
  2. High maneuverability, which is important in cramped living conditions, and in other circumstances - when cleaning in various hard-to-reach places, car interiors, etc.
  3. Quick readiness for work, even in the absence of electricity or sockets nearby.

Minuses :

  1. Lower suction power than network analogues.
  2. Limited operating time (and need to charge the battery).
  3. The battery has its own working life and may impose other restrictions on operation.

In general, it is impossible to say unequivocally that any vacuum cleaner is better or worse. It all depends on the tasks. Thus, the network model is more effective for serious labor-intensive cleaning, including general cleaning, and allows you to thoroughly get rid of various household contaminants and garbage. Cordless vacuum cleaners are often more convenient to use, they are ideal assistants for maintaining cleanliness, are ready for work faster, and do not depend on outlets. Whichever scenario is closer to you, this model is worth purchasing. Plus, both of these types of devices can be useful in everyday life.

Cordless vacuum cleaners

How to choose a vacuum cleaner if there is a cat/dog in the house?

A good vacuum cleaner for a family with pets should ideally meet a number of requirements in terms of power, a set of attachments and an air filtration system. Let's look at these points in more detail:

  1. You need high suction power, which will allow you to effectively collect cat or dog hair (during the shedding period and not only). You should focus on an indicator of 350 W or more. And if there are carpets, it is better to take models with a suction power of at least 400 - 450 W.
  2. Availability of turbo brush. It is the rotating roller attachment that effectively removes hair from various floor coverings. It is worth considering vacuum cleaners with both a conventional and an electric turbo brush - in the first case, rotation is provided simply by air flow, and in the second - by a separate drive. It is also a good option if the vacuum cleaner is equipped with two turbo brushes at once - a small one for furniture and a large one for the floor.
  3. Effective filtration system. To prevent small particles of allergens from returning to the room after cleaning (and this includes pet fur, skin, pollen brought in by a dog from the street, and much more), the vacuum cleaner should at least have a HEPA fine filter, and ideally, a version from 13th grade and above. You can read more about air filtration systems in the profile material.
  4. Extended set of accessories. In addition to the turbo brush, which is good at picking up hair from carpets, other accessories are also welcome. This includes crevice and dust nozzles, as well as a profile accessory for animals - for cleaning hair, dust and other contaminants directly on the pet’s body.

A house with animals needs a powerful vacuum cleaner with a turbo brush and a HEPA filter.

Many cats and dogs are wary of the noise created by a vacuum cleaner, so models that are not too loud are welcome - up to 65 dB or at least less than 70 dB. We also note that it is better to consider vacuum cleaners where the dust collector is an aquafilter or a cyclone system, rather than traditional bags.

An additional hint when choosing models for pets is often special designations in the name, including Animal, Pet or Zoo. But first it is better to look at the power, equipment and filters, and then at the name of the vacuum cleaner.

Silent vacuum cleaners (≤ 65 dB)

How to choose a vacuum cleaner based on the type of dust collector?

There are three main types of dust collectors: bag, cyclone, and aquafilter.

Based on the types of dust collectors, modern vacuum cleaners can be divided into three large groups:

  1. Models with classic bags. It can be argued that this is the simplest and cheapest type of dust collector. Moreover, the bags can also be different, for example, disposable (paper or made of non-woven material) or reusable (fabric). The latter need to be cleaned when a lot of dirt has accumulated in them, and the process itself is often not very convenient, but such vacuum cleaners do not have consumables. Disposable dust bags are simply thrown away, and new ones must be purchased instead. The main disadvantage of solutions with bags is the constant decrease in suction power as they are filled.
  2. Models with cyclone containers. Typically, such a dust collector is made of plastic with transparent walls. The container is designed in such a way that vortex air flows distribute debris inside on the side walls and bottom, so that as it is filled, the suction power does not decrease. Although such a dust collector is less capacious compared to bags, it is easy to clean (often without direct contact with dirt). It is believed that cyclones are slightly worse at capturing fine dust. Such vacuum cleaners cost a little more than versions with bags.
  3. Models with aqua filter. A water tank acts as a dust collector, which, in addition to collecting contaminants, also provides the first stage of air filtration + a slight humidification effect. These are the most advanced solutions today, capable of capturing even fine dust. The tanks are quite easy to clean, but this must be done after each use. Such models are more bulky and cost more than their competitors. We also note that full floor cleaning (that is, working as a washing vacuum cleaner) can most often be provided by models with an aqua filter, but such a dust collector is not yet a guarantee of support for this function.

Some devices today are equipped with several types of dust collectors. There are combinations of cyclone + bag or aquafilter + another system. Vacuum cleaners with an extended delivery set are more versatile, as they are able to eliminate the weak points of certain dust collectors, but their price tag is usually higher.

Vacuum cleaners with aqua filter

Which is better, a cyclone filter or a bag?

In short, a cyclone dust collector is better than a bag, as it is a more modern and practical system. But both have their pros and cons, so both types of devices remain in demand.

Vacuum cleaners with bags are cheaper, as a rule, work quieter, have a large dust collector capacity, which means you don’t have to empty it often. The main disadvantage of such models is the constant decrease in suction power as the garbage fills. There are other nuances. If the bag is disposable, then during operation additional costs for the purchase of consumables are inevitable. If the dust collector is made of fabric, then cleaning it is often not very convenient, not hygienic and/or labor-intensive.

Vacuum cleaners with a cyclone system maintain suction power even when full. They are easy to clean: emptying often requires pressing one button and does not involve contact with dirt. As a result, the procedure is easy to do after each cleaning. Typically, models with a cyclone dust collector provide a more innovative air filtration system, but at the same time they are noisier in operation (for the same suction power) and are more expensive (although the cost difference is decreasing).

Cleaning the cyclone container is very easy and simple.

It is advisable to consider a vacuum cleaner with a bag if you have a clearly limited purchasing budget. Models with a cyclone are more versatile: this is an excellent choice for families with children, pets, etc.

What is better: an aquafilter or a container?

Vacuum cleaners with cyclone-type containers and aquafilters have a lot in common, so it’s not easy to say unequivocally which device is better. What unites them? Here are the main points:

  1. The suction power remains stable and does not depend on the amount of debris already collected.
  2. Dust containers are most often made of plastic and are easy to clean.
  3. The devices have comparable dimensions (although models with an aqua filter are usually larger) and noise levels (cyclones are slightly noisier here).
An aquafilter is a container with water that retains dust and does not require labor-intensive cleaning.

There are also distinctive features:

  1. Vacuum cleaners with a cyclone system are cheaper, their range is wider, so it is easier to find a model with the required set of attachments and additional functional features.
  2. Devices with an aquafilter are considered the most technologically advanced; they often allow for full wet cleaning and/or collection of spilled liquids. A water tank provides additional air purification and a humidifying effect, but makes the device heavier and requires emptying and drying after each use (in the case of a cyclone, a similar approach is also recommended, but not critical).

If you are willing to pay extra for the possibility of wet cleaning and/or higher quality of air purification, then it is advisable to buy a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter. In other situations, models with a cyclone system will provide a balanced relationship between quality, functionality and price.

We hope our article was useful and you found answers to your questions about vacuum cleaners. Good luck with your choice!