TEST HOUSE

We test vacuum cleaners.

BUYERS’ GUIDE

• Bagless vacuums eliminate the expense of replacing bags.

• Check whether the canister and filter are easy to remove and replace.

• Handy features include nozzles for tight corners or upholstery, a turbo brush (great for removing pet hair and carpet dust), a cord rewind, and adjustable power.

• Check noise level, weight, how easily the floor head adjusts, and the length of the hose and power cord.

TYPES OF VACUUMS

• UPRIGHTS have wider cleaning heads so are good for large areas. They’re great at deepcleaning carpets and picking up pet hairs. But they tend to be noisy and harder to manoeuvre. Filters have to be cleaned and changed regularly, and they need more storage space. • CYLINDER/CANISTER: Lighter, quieter and more compact than uprights, these are great for staircases and hard-to-reach areas. The floor heads have bristles that can be lowered to clean hard floors and retracted to clean carpets. These vacuums are easier to store, but can be cumbersome to pull around.

• CORDLESS vacuums have tall bodies, a powerhead and are often battery-powered. They’re light, with less suction power than cylinder and upright vacuums, so they’re better for quick clean-ups.

• HAND-HELD cleaners are cordless, with enough suction power for small messes. They’re great for upholstery and car interiors.

• WET & DRY vacuums suck up liquid spills as well as dust and dirt. They’re great for cleaning upholstery and car seats, and have loads of attachments. It’s important to empty the inner bucket, or the water will stagnate.