Cylinder vs Cordless: Which Vacuum Cleaner Is Best for You?

Let’s face it, vacuuming isn’t one of the finest ways to spend your free time, so having a vacuum cleaner that takes the tedium out of the process is a must-have.

Two of the most popular designs on the market are the cylinder vacuum cleaners, and the cordless vacuum cleaners, but what type is best for you?

Well worry not, for in this guide, we will compare both types of vacuum cleaners, from design, performance, usability, and cost, to help you discover which is best suited for you.

Cylinder vacuum cleaners

Let’s start with the cylinder vacuum cleaner. There’s a certain timeless charm to their practical, no-nonsense design, which typically includes a long hose attached to a canister., that houses the motor and dust container.

These vacuums, such as the Morphy Richards 2.0 Litre Bagless Cylinder Vacuum, are well known for their powerful suction, making them incredibly effective on both carpets and hard floors. Whether it’s crumbs from your morning toast or the inevitable pet hair tumbleweed, a good cylinder vacuum can handle it all with ease.

The large dust container means you can clean more before needing to empty it, which is especially handy for larger homes. Plus, the advanced filtration system ensures that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum, not released back into the air, making it a great choice for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

Cylinder vacuums are surprisingly easy to manoeuvre. The long hose allows you to reach under furniture and into tight corners without much hassle. The lightweight design means you won't be dragging a heavy appliance around, and the swivel wheels make for smooth movement across various surfaces.

The multiple attachments add to its versatility, making it easy to switch from vacuuming the floor to cleaning the stairs, or even freshening up your upholstery. In essence, cylinder vacuums offer a balance of power and convenience, making the chore of vacuuming a little less daunting.

Cylinder vacuums offer excellent value for money. Given their reliability and power, these vacuums are a worthwhile investment.

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Cordless vacuum cleaners

If you want a slick, sleek vacuum cleaner, cordless is the way to go.

Ease of use is where cordless vacuums really shine. The lightweight construction means that even prolonged cleaning sessions are comfortable. The cordless nature of this vacuum means you're not tethered to a power outlet, which gives you the ultimate freedom to move around the house without hassle.

Despite their size, cordless vacuums, like the Morphy Richards 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum, pack quite a punch. The compact motor boasts impressive suction power, ensuring that dirt, dust, and debris are effectively picked up from both carpets and hard floors.

Cordless vacuums are also equipped with various modes and settings, allowing you to adjust the suction power based on the surface you're cleaning. 

But what truly sets cordless vacuums apart is their ability to transform. With a few simple adjustments, most models can convert down to a handheld device, which is perfect for quick clean-ups or tackling small messes. Switching between stick and handheld modes is a breeze, making this vacuum incredibly versatile.

Cordless vacuums tend to be a bit pricier, but their features and convenience justify the cost. Investing in a cordless vacuum can save you time and effort, making it a worthwhile addition to any modern home.

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Which vacuum cleaner is best for you?

If one thing is abundantly clear, it’s that both the cylinder and cordless design have their merits. So how do you know which is right for you? Let’s compare the two types of vacuum cleaner:

Performance

When it comes to performance, both cylinder and cordless vacuums have their strengths. 

Cylinder vacuums are the undeniable powerhouses, delivering impressive suction power that makes short work of dirt and debris on both carpets and hard floors. The large dust container means you can keep going longer without having to empty it, which is a real time-saver, especially for larger cleaning sessions.

On the other hand, cordless vacuums bring their own brand of performance to the table. While it might not match the sheer power of its cylinder counterpart, it’s no slouch. The advanced motor provides strong suction, and the cordless design means you can easily move from room to room without having to plug and unplug. This convenience can be a game-changer for quick daily clean-ups or for those who like to tidy up little and often.

Functionality

In terms of usability, cordless vacuums steal the show. Their lightweight design makes them incredibly easy to use, even for extended periods. The swivel steering makes manoeuvrability a breeze, allowing you to clean around obstacles with minimal effort. Plus, the freedom from power cords means you’re not constantly battling with tangled wires.

Cylinder vacuums are also user-friendly, though in a different way. The long hose and multiple attachments afford you the flexibility to clean a variety of surfaces and areas. While they might be a bit heavier and less portable, their powerful suction and large dust container make them ideal for more thorough cleaning sessions.

Home size

The size of your home will play a big role in the type of vacuum cleaner you pick.

For those living in smaller spaces, cordless vacuums really are a dream come true. Their compact, lightweight design is perfect for quick clean-ups in flats or smaller homes. The ease of storage also makes them ideal for places where space is at a minimum.

For larger homes, cylinder vacuums come into their own. Their powerful suction, mains-run charge, and larger dust capacity mean you can clean more area in one go, making them well-suited for longer cleaning sessions. The extended reach of the hose ensures you can get to all those hard-to-reach places without moving the main unit too often.

Frequency of use 

Vacuuming is a task that requires routine, but there is flexibility in how often you choose to clean up. For those who clean frequently or prefer quick, daily clean-ups, cordless vacuums are incredibly convenient. They’re always ready to go, making them perfect for a swift once-over each day.

But if you prefer to do more comprehensive cleaning sessions, a cylinder vacuum might be the better choice. The robust performance and capacity of a cylinder vacuum allow for a more in-depth clean, tackling the build-up that can occur with less frequent cleaning schedules.

Pets

Pet owners know the constant struggle of dealing with pet hair, so having the best vacuum for pet hair is a big decision point.

Cylinder vacuums, with their powerful suction and large dust containers, are excellent for picking up pet hair from carpets and upholstery.

Cordless vacuums can also be effective for pet owners, especially for quick daily clean-ups. The ability to easily move around and quickly address pet hair on furniture and floors makes them a handy tool. However, for more thorough cleaning, especially in homes with multiple pets, a cylinder vacuum might be the better choice.

Cost

When comparing costs, cylinder vacuum cleaners tend to come out ahead in terms of value for money. Take the Morphy Richards 2.0 Litre Bagless Cylinder Vacuum as an example. This model is competitively priced, offering powerful performance and a range of features without breaking the bank. Given their durability and the fact that you won’t need to replace bags, cylinder vacuums can be a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Cordless vacuums, like the Morphy Richards 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum, tend to be a bit more expensive, yet this higher price tag reflects their convenience and versatility. While the initial investment might be higher, the ease of use and time-saving features can make it a worthwhile purchase.

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Both cylinder and cordless vacuum cleaners have their own set of advantages. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you value most in a vacuum cleaner, whether it's the deep cleaning capabilities of a cylinder vacuum or the convenience and flexibility of a cordless model.

Whatever type of vacuum cleaner you pick, Morphy Richards is here to help. Our range of corded and cordless vacuums will make cleaning your home a breeze.

Even better, we offer free shipping on all orders over £60. Plus, when you register your vacuum cleaner with us, you’ll get an additional year of warranty for free!

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