There are many types of vacuum, from upright and stick to cylinder (sometimes called canister) and handheld. You can even get robotic self-cleaning vacuums. Sticks are generally better for hard floors and lighter cleaning work, whereas upright and cylinder models are powerful enough to tackle all floor types.
Compact, cordless designs are better for those living in smaller homes as they take up less space.
You’ll find plenty of lightweight versions, but pay attention to dust tank capacity, balancing this out with overall weight.
Lots of cordless models have the capability to be turned into a handheld at the click of a button.
If you have pets or find yourself forever untangling hair from the brush head, opt for one with anti-hair-wrap technology or pet hair features.
A heavier upright is generally better for carpets as its weight pushes down into the carpet fibres, getting to ingrained dirt and dust.