How to choose a vertical vacuum cleaner: the main types and functionality of devices

Vertical vacuum cleaner - a modern and convenient replacement for cumbersome traditional vacuum cleaners, because in this device handle, electric motor and brush placed on one rail, which allowed to get rid of a separate device housing, thereby increasing the maneuverability and comfort of using the vacuum cleaner.

How to choose the most suitable vertical vacuum cleaner, what parameters to pay close attention to and what models presented in online stores in 2021-2022 are worthy to become your assistants - tell us in our article.

Types of upright vacuum cleaners

All upright devices are divided into 2 large groups - powered vacuum cleaners and cordless or battery-powered devices.

Cordless (cordless) vacuum cleaners

Cordless vacuum cleaners are equipped with rechargeable batteries, thanks to which the device does not need to be connected to the network while cleaning. This not only makes this vacuum cleaner very mobile and maneuverable, but also allows you to use it to clean even those areas where there is no access to electricity - in closets, summer houses, garages, and even in the cabin of the car.

However, cordless vacuum cleaners have disadvantages.

First, their battery life is limited by the battery charge, and larger batteries often have more weight, which reduces the comfort of using a vacuum cleaner.

Secondly, the use of the battery forces the manufacturer to minimize the functionality and capabilities of the device to ensure the possibility of quality cleaning the room without the need for constant recharging.

Therefore, when choosing a cordless vacuum cleaner, you should pay attention to such parameters as:

• the manufacturer's recommended duration of autonomous operation of the device in different modes;
• the presence of an additional battery (or the possibility of its purchase), which will double the duration of cleaning;
• the possibility of operating the device with partial charging or simultaneous charging of the battery;
• availability of full and low charge indicators;
• the type of charging (from the network or with the charging base) and the convenience of recharging.

Corded (corded) vacuums

Corded corded upright vacuum cleaners have no limit to how long they can be used.

These units are lighter in weight and often have significantly more power and functionality, not limited by the capabilities of the battery.

Manufacturers provide a long enough power cord to extend the range of the cleaner, which increases the mobility of the cleaner and makes it more convenient to use.

When choosing a corded model vertical vacuum cleaner is worth paying attention to the length of the electric cord and the presence of a function of a full or partial automatic winding cord, as winding manually so long cord after each use is still not too convenient.

How to Choose an Upright Vacuum Cleaner?

After choosing the type of upright vacuum cleaner - corded or cordless - it is worth paying attention to the following parameters of the device.

Power

The power is one of the most important parameters, which determines the efficiency of the device suction of dust and debris. The power of suction, not the power consumption, is what you should pay attention to.

The suction power of vertical models is usually lower than that of traditional vacuum cleaners - its value mainly ranges from 20-40W to 120-150W. However, this power is often enough for a thorough and high-quality cleaning of the apartment.

It should be noted that for cleaning smooth floors - tile, laminate, parquet - are not required too high suction power, there is enough of the minimum values of 30-40 watts, but the quality of cleaning long-winded and carpeted floor coverings depends largely on the high power level, which should be at least 80-100 watts.

Dust collectors

Almost all vertical vacuum cleaners are equipped with a cyclone container, which with the help of centrifugal force compresses dust and debris inside the tank, which allows you to easily and quickly shake out the dirt in the bucket after cleaning.

The volume of cyclonic dust-collectors varies in a wide range: from 100-200 ml to 1-1.5 liters, while the most convenient and effective are considered to be capacities of 0.4-0.6 liters.

Also, a number of models are equipped with a water filter that dissolves dust in water, thereby minimizing the possibility of its return to the room air.

Filters

The speed and quality of cleaning depends largely on how thoroughly the upright vacuum cleaner sucks up the dust and keeps it inside the housing. This is what filters are for.

There are three types of filters:

• filters of the first cleaning or prefilters, which are designed to retain the collected garbage and dust - as a rule, in classic models, such filters are bags or containers, and in cyclone models - these are containers that hold the dust and garbage particles caught in the vacuum cleaner by centrifugal force or water filters, which hold dust particles in water added to a special container;
• Filters of the second group are designed to retain the finer dust particles, so they are installed in front of the opening through which the purified air is discharged; such filters retain the finest dust particles that could pass through the pre-filter;
• Motor protection filters that prevent dust and dirt from entering the motor of the vacuum cleaner and thus extend the life of the appliance - this includes budget microfiber filters, which require frequent replacement, and a modern HEPA filter - durable and effective, but much more expensive.

It is also worth paying attention to the versatility of the required filters and their availability for later replacement.

Weight of the vacuum cleaner

Unlike the classic vacuum cleaner, which is a suction tube, combined with a separate body with a long hose, in the vertical models all units are integrated into a single handle, which has a significant impact on the weight of the device.

Therefore, when choosing a suitable model, it is worth evaluating not only its weight and dimensions, but also taking into account the physical capabilities of the owner who will be using the device more often.

For example, for the elderly, frail girls and teenagers, lightweight and comfortable vacuum cleaners with a weight of up to 2 kg are preferred, even if these units have lower suction performance.

The classic models have a weight of up to 3.5-4 kg, and they are more suitable for use by adults, who can for a long time to carry such a device from place to place, and even lift it up to clean the dust from cabinets and shelves.

But the most powerful and functional models of vertical vacuum cleaners have a weight of more than 4 kg, which makes them quite heavy devices, requiring from its owner a good physical strength and endurance, so such devices are usually used for general cleaning and are not suitable for quickly collect scattered on the kitchen garbage or to go through all the rooms for surface cleaning.

Noise Level

It is worth considering that, due to the cyclonic technology and powerful electric motor, vertical vacuum cleaners cannot be classified as silent household appliances.

However, this parameter is not critical when choosing an upright vacuum cleaner, since the noise of any such device does not exceed the established sanitary and hygienic standards and usually ranges from 60 dB in standard modes to 90 dB in turbo modes.

It makes sense to focus on the noise level only if all other significant characteristics of the models are approximately equal. In all other cases it is worth remembering that the process of cleaning does not take too much time and the household may well put up with some noise for the sake of the subsequent cleanliness of the room.

Nozzles

Among the useful nozzles that can be included with the device or purchased separately, it is worth highlighting the crevice nozzle, the nozzle for upholstered furniture and turbo brush, designed for cleaning a variety of types of floor coverings.

It is worth noting that the turbo brush can be traditional, working on battery, or electric, having its own motor and demonstrating more suction power, which is ideal for carpeting, as well as for families with pets.

Vacuum cleaners can also be equipped with individual unique attachments, such as those designed to clean glass surfaces or for thorough cleaning of pet hair.

Also worth noting is the rarely seen self-cleaning brush option, which will greatly simplify the care of the device.

Safety

Despite the fact that the safety of such devices is determined by current standards, it is worth once again to make sure that the model looked at has a motor protection against overheating, and for network devices - equipped with protection against power surges.

Pros and cons of vertical vacuum cleaners

The advantages of vertical models include:

• stylish design;
• ease of use;
• mobility and maneuverability;
• absence of a separate unit with a motor and a dust bag;
• easy and simple cleaning of the cyclone filter;
• compact and convenient storage;
• The availability of wireless (battery) models.

Among the disadvantages of such devices are:

• lower suction power indicators;
• as a rule, a lot of weight in comparison with the tube of a traditional vacuum cleaner;
• rather expensive repairs.

Additional features

Vertical vacuum cleaners are often equipped with a variety of additional features and functionality, among which the following options deserve special attention.

Power controller

The suction power regulator allows you to control the intensity of the appliance, based on the specific situation and taking into account the type of flooring.

Typically, the power setting is implemented in the form of a slider or rotary (push-button) regulator, located on the handle of the vacuum cleaner in close proximity to the user.

Liquid collection and cleaning functions

Modern upright vacuum cleaners have functions that allow for wet cleaning with the intensity required by the owner.

It is worth noting that the detergent features of a vacuum cleaner do not eliminate the need for regular general cleaning, but they do significantly increase the time between major cleanings.

The washing functions of upright vacuum cleaners can be grouped into 3 large groups.

Wet Cleaner

Some models of upright vacuum cleaners are equipped with an additional water tank, which allows for wet cleaning of the room.

It is necessary to remember that such tank increases the weight of the device, and this, in its turn, may reduce the comfort of using the device.

To pick up liquids

Vacuum cleaners with a liquid pickup function are used to spot-clean accidentally spilled water, juice, or other liquids from surfaces.

The steam steamer's steam cleaning function is designed to keep your hands sufficiently clean, eliminating the need for absorbent rags, which will be appreciated by families with small children or allergic household members.

Steam Treatments

Vacuum cleaners with steam treatment capabilities for floors, walls, as well as mirrors, windows and other household surfaces deserve special attention.

Such devices are usually quite cumbersome, do not have high suction power and are not recommended for regular dry cleaning. However, with their help, the owner can carefully and ecologically carry out a general cleaning of any coatings, not only from the accumulated dust and dirt, but also from viruses, allergens and bacteria, which will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of all household members.

Handheld vacuum cleaner

Many upright vacuums are categorized as Combination Vacuum Cleaners, which means they contain a removable handheld vacuum cleaner to make cleaning hard-to-reach areas and small surfaces easier.

The manual vacuum cleaner unit is lightweight and compact in size.. You can easily lift it up to pick up dust from the lid of a closet, pick up junk or dust from the cords behind your TV or computer, and quickly lift crumbs and debris from the floor.

Handheld units are also very popular with car enthusiasts, because they can help you quickly clean the interior of your car and vacuum up dust even in places that a regular, bulky vacuum cleaner can't reach.

Vacuum cleaner storage

The large vacuum cleaner requires a place to store it when it is not in use.

The usual traditional models are usually stored unassembled, which allows them to take up less free space, but the complicated assembly leads to the fact that spilled debris is faster and easier to pick up with a broom than to get and collect the vacuum cleaner.

Vertical models often do not have these disadvantages. Yes, among such vacuum cleaners there are collapsible models, but the vast majority of them allows storage in assembled condition. This is accomplished with special mounts and charging bases that can be placed on the floor or secured to the wall, allowing the vacuum cleaner to be stored hygienically and safely in small closets, pantries, or even behind hallway and kitchen doors.

Comfort of use

For a cleaner that doesn't cause a negative sensation, it is worth giving preference to models

• Having an ergonomic handle with a comfortable coating, which will make it easier to hold the device;
• Have the ability to fix the working mode without having to hold the trigger button for the entire time of cleaning, and it is better if the device will be implemented as a work "on hold", and its constant inclusion without additional load on the hand of the owner;
• The top five best upright vacuums for price/quality, 2021-2022, have a special nozzle storage compartment so you don't lose your rarely used nozzles and don't have to allocate storage space.

Top 5 best upright vacuum cleaners by price/quality for 2021-2022

Those who are interested in quality and functional upright vacuum cleaners that optimally combine price and quality should look out for the following models in 2021-2022.

Xiaomi Dreame V10 (Global).

Wireless vacuum cleaner with a removable handheld unit is characterized by a concise, stylish design and high ease of use.

The device is characterized by high suction power, which makes it easy to use even for long-length carpeting.

There are several operating modes, including turbo mode with a good duration, allowing you to quickly and thoroughly clean a large enough room in one pass.

Battery power lasts for 60 minutes in standard mode, 30 minutes in efficiency mode, and 10 minutes when using the most powerful mode.

The convenient dust canister is hygienically cleaned at the push of a button, which eliminates contact of dust and dirt with the hands of the owner.

At the same time, the model is equipped with a smart cooling system and can delight the housemates with an innovative noise-absorbing polymer that allows standard cleaning with a quite acceptable and not annoying noise level.

Separate attention should be paid to the charging station for convenient use and storage of the device, which can be attached to the wall, thereby saving space to place the vacuum cleaner outside cleaning periods.

Features:

• type - wireless, dry cleaning, detachable handheld vacuum cleaner;
• dimensions - 34х84х19 cm
• weight - 1.5 kg
• dust-collector - 0.5 l;
• suction power - 140 W;
• time of autonomous operation / charging - 60 / 210 min;
• noise - 78 dB;
• battery - 2500 mA*h;
• features - fine filter, electric brush included, vertical parking, power control on the handle.

Advantages:

• reasonable price;
• easy to use.

Disadvantages:

• battery capacity;
• weak suction.

Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute

A stylish and modern upright vacuum cleaner manufactured by a manufacturer whose name is closely associated with innovative, technological and comfortable home appliances, which will please its owner with excellent functionality and excellent quality.

The model is well equipped, including both a universal direct drive nozzle suitable for all types of flooring, and a soft roller nozzle that effectively removes fine dust and coarse debris, as well as a mini electric brush suitable for upholstered furniture and carefully removes pet hair.

The compact, lightweight and powerful motor allows up to 60 minutes of operation without loss of suction power. Even microscopic particles, such as pollen and bacteria, are handled perfectly, keeping them safely in the container.

Dyson easily transforms into a handheld vacuum cleaner and back with the touch of a button on the handle. A better system of hygienic cleaning of the container eliminates the need for the owner's hands to contact with dirt and debris.

It is worth noting the increased volume of the container, the storage compartment for attached nozzles, and convenient battery charging system implemented through a modern and stylish docking station, which can be attached to the wall, freeing up space on the floor of the room.

Features:

• type - wireless, dry cleaning, detachable hand vacuum cleaner;
• dimensions - 126.6x25x25.6 cm
• weight - 2.68 kg
• dust-collector - 0.76 l;
• suction power - 151 W;
• battery / charging time - 60 / 210 min;
• noise - 87 dB;
• battery - 2600 mA*h;
• features - excellent equipment.

Advantages:

• convenient use;
• quality cleaning.

Disadvantages:

• price;
• the dust bag jams.

Samsung VS15T7031R1.

Cordless cordless vacuum cleaner in an attractive silver-mint color housing attracts increased attention of housemates and guests of the house and pleases the owners with good functionality.

The light weight, high power output and modern inverter motor make cleaning efficient and not labor-intensive.

The traditional cyclonic filter and multi-cyclonic filtration system form an optimal airflow, reducing the loss of suction power and ensuring that bacteria, allergens and the smallest dust particles are reliably retained in the container.

The turbo nozzle easily cleans all surfaces, and the rotating nozzle rotor helps you effectively clean every corner of the room.

The rechargeable battery provides equal power for up to 40 minutes on a single charge and retains its original capacity for several hundred charge-discharge cycles. At the same time there is an option to purchase a replacement battery, which will double the cleaning time.

Special attention deserves the informative digital display located on the handle of the device, which allows you to track the status of the vacuum cleaner, its power level, the type of installed nozzle, as well as get a warning of blocking the filter or brush debris.

Features:

• type - wireless, dry cleaning;
• dimensions 112.3x25x21.5 cm
• weight 2.6 kg
• dust-collector - 0.8 l;
• suction power - 150 Watt;
• time of independent work / charge - 40 / 210 min;
• noise - 86 dB;
• battery - 1800 mA*h;
• Features - complete set, including turbo brushes and nozzles, HEPA filter.

Advantages:

• price;
• size.

Disadvantages:

• poor service (according to user reviews);
• weight.

Kitfort KT-541-3

Cordless cordless vacuum cleaner from the Russian manufacturer is quite reasonable price, light weight, compact size and very convenient to use both in everyday life and for general cleaning, which is greatly facilitated by the long period of autonomous operation of the device.

Three included nozzles allow you to effectively and gently clean a variety of floor and carpeting.

Using a removable handheld vacuum cleaner, the owner can thoroughly clean the interior of the car, as well as remove dust and dirt from hard-to-reach places.

It is worth noting that the vacuum cleaner is equipped with a maneuverable floor brush that rotates in 2 planes, which allows you to clean even more thoroughly and productively.

Two modes of operation allow you to clean both strong and weak dirt, and the smart size and design of the wheels ensure easy movement of the device on different surfaces without the need to lift it.

Features:

• type - wireless, dry cleaning, detachable hand vacuum cleaner;
• dimensions - 15x116 cm
• weight - 2.5 kg
• dust-collector - 0.8 l;
• suction power - 25 W;
• time of independent work / charge - 35 / 240 min;
• noise - 61 dB;
• battery - 2200 mA*h;
• features - there is a storage compartment for nozzles, power control on the handle.

Advantages:

• lightweight, comfortable;
• quality cleaning.

Disadvantages:

• takes a long time to charge;
• Does not cope well with large debris.

Viomi A9

The stylish and brutal black cordless vacuum cleaner will delight its owner with its high suction power and the included small electric bedbug brush with its own drive, which perfectly cleans your home of mold spores, bed bugs and skin flakes.

A distinctive feature of this model is the innovative replaceable battery built into the handle of the device, which doubles the operating time of the device - up to 60 minutes. This is enough to clean the room with a total area of about 200 square meters.

The vacuum cyclone separator technology used in the device due to the application of centrifugal force completely cleans the air from dust, not allowing it to form lumps that could clog the suction holes, which allows you to maintain the suction power of the device at a constantly high level.

The high-quality 5-stage filter traps particles as small as 0.3 microns, keeping them safely inside the unit. And the brushless direct current motor provides long-lasting use of the device without power loss and reduces the power consumption of the device.

Three cleaning modes make it easy to cope with all the tasks faced by the owner, whether it is a deep turbo cleaning of furniture from dust or a long cleaning of difficult surfaces on the economical mode.

Also worth noting is the touchless emptying of the dust canister and the built-in LED brush illumination, allowing you to see dust and hair against the floor, even under the furniture.

Features:

• type - wireless, dry cleaning, detachable hand vacuum cleaner;
• dimensions - 25x125x23.5 cm
• dust-collector - 0.4 l;
• suction power - 120 W;
• time of autonomous operation / charge - 60 / 210 min;
• noise - 83 dB;
• battery - 2500 mA*h;
• features - LED backlight, 3 nozzles, vertical storage on the docking station, power control on the handle.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• convenient container.

Disadvantages:

• no corrugated nozzle;
• short operating time in powerful mode.

A brief checklist for choosing an upright vacuum cleaner

So, choosing an upright vacuum cleaner, it is worth paying special attention to the following characteristics of the device:

• brand and price - it is worth giving preference to models of proven brands, even at not the most budgetary cost;
• the device type - network or battery;
• autonomy - for cordless it is the duration of operation on one charge, for network - the length of the electric cord, which determines the range of the device;
• suction power - for smooth floors not less than 30-40 W, for carpets - not less than 80-100 W;
• weight - the parameter that affects the duration of use of the device without fatigue, so you should choose a lighter model;
• degree and type of filtration - the more different filters, the better the device works and the cleaner the air in the room;
• Dust canister capacity - you should prefer models with dust canister from 400 to 700 ml;
• The presence and sufficiency of indicators - as a minimum, the device should have light indicators to turn on, charge and fullness of the dust bag, it also can help to illuminate the main nozzle for better cleaning under the furniture;
• Nozzles and accessories - the need for and adequacy of nozzles, the availability of extension tubes, charging station, a container for storing nozzles, fasteners.

Tips for choosing an upright vacuum cleaner

We offer some tips to help you decide on the choice of an upright vacuum cleaner:

• Wireless model should be preferred to owners of small apartments-studios or families with small children and pets, because the power and battery charge of such a vacuum cleaner is enough to clean the room and you can not worry about the health of minors or pets, which can chew the wire or trip on it, getting injuries or damaging the device;
• An upright vacuum cleaner with a long cord, suitable for cleaning large apartments or rooms filled with long-pile carpets and upholstered furniture - such vacuums have sufficient power and have no time limit on cleaning;
• Washable vacuum cleaners are worth purchasing only if the flooring in the apartment is sufficiently resistant to moisture;
• the water filter will be useful for allergic households and for apartments with carpeting, it is also worth choosing for fans of the modern trend to minimize waste arising from human activity;
• the elderly and those who do not like to clean often should choose a more powerful model that allows you to clean the room quickly and thoroughly;
• A powerful turbo brush will be indispensable for families with pets or in the presence of many long-pile carpets, but families without pets, whose apartments are dominated by hard flooring, overpay for a powerful turbo brush is not worth it.

Useful Video

How to choose the right upright vacuum cleaner, you will learn by watching this short video: