Everything You Need to Know When Buying a Vacuum Cleaner

Feb 14, 2025

Vacuums, where would we be without them? They keep our houses clean and tidy, but with so many different choices on the market, how can you know which type of vacuum cleaner is right for your home?

In this article, we’ll help you find the perfect vacuum for your needs. Whether you’re tackling stubborn pet hair, delicate hardwood floors, or just want an all-round vacuum cleaner, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of vacuum cleaners.

Types of vacuum cleaner

These days, there are so many different types of vacuum cleaners, it can be tough to know which is the best to suit your needs. Let’s run through the different types, and cover their respective strengths and weaknesses:

Corded vacuum cleaners

Corded vacuums, the classics of the vacuum world. There’s a reason why corded vacuums are still a popular choice, and that primarily comes down to their power output. They are typically more powerful than cordless vacuum cleaners, as they don’t need to reserve battery power.

Another great factor is that they generally have a larger bag or container than cordless, which means you can vacuum for longer without needing to empty out all that dust.

However, they are limited by their cord length, which can be quite irksome when you go to suck up a big clump of dust, and feel that yank of the cord at its limit.

Similarly, their larger size can make them harder to manoeuvre around the house, and they can struggle to get into those awkward spots.

But if you can overlook these flaws, the corded vacuum is still an incredibly handy household appliance.

Shop Now

Cordless vacuum cleaners

For those who don’t wish to be shackled by the constraints of the plug socket, the cordless vacuum cleaner is here to save the day.

Compact, lightweight, and highly versatile, the cordless vacuum cleaner is great for getting into those awkward, hard-to-reach areas. Most modern cordless vacuum cleaners have an average charge time of around four hours, and can run for up to an hour on a fully-charged battery, which is more than enough for many households.

However, forget to charge the battery, and you may find yourself waiting around for hours to get the chore out of the way. Not only that, but their smaller size means you’ll be emptying out the dust container more frequently than a corded vacuum cleaner.

Set aside these minor gripes, however, and the cordless vacuum cleaner can be a wonderful asset to many a home.

Upright vacuum cleaners

Another stalwart of the vacuum cleaner business, upright vacuums are great for larger homes, due to their larger container capacity and powerful suction.

Their sturdy, upright design makes them the perfect choice for various floor surfaces, and reduces the amount of bending over you need to do. Their built-in brush roll can effectively remove dirt and debris from within carpet fibres, for a deep, thorough clean.

However, they are bulky, which can make reaching under furniture or cleaning stairs more difficult. They’re also heavier than most other vacuum cleaner types, which might be a drawback for some users.

Despite these downsides, upright vacuum cleaners are robust, and can handle extensive cleaning tasks, which makes them a popular choice for many households.

Cylinder vacuum cleaners

If you want a balance of power and versatility, there’s the traditional cylinder vacuum cleaner. Also known as canister vacuums, cylinder vacuums have a separate canister and hose, which makes them easier to move around furniture and into tight spaces.

This design makes them ideal for cleaning a variety of floor types and surfaces, from carpets to hard floors. Cylinder vacuums are generally quieter and lighter than upright models, which adds to their appeal.

However, they can be cumbersome to store, as the canister and hose take up more space. Also, the canister may need to be carried around, which can be a mild inconvenience.

Nonetheless, their flexibility and efficient cleaning capabilities make them a valuable asset in any home.

Stick vacuum cleaners

For the epitome of sleek, modern design, we have the stick vacuum cleaner. These models have gained huge popularity in recent years thanks to their lightweight design that makes them incredibly easy to handle.

They’re a great appliance for quick clean-ups, and small living spaces. Most models are cordless, which only adds to their convenience and flexibility. They can reach all those tight spots without a problem.

Many stick models can be broken down further, turning them into handheld vacuums, which makes them a great choice for cleaning vehicle interiors, or reaching up to the ceiling.

But, and you might have guessed this already, stick vacuum cleaners aren’t as powerful, and require more frequent emptying than the larger types. But for those who need a convenient, efficient cleaning solution, stick vacuums are a top choice.

Shop Now

Handheld vacuum cleaners

Handheld vacuum cleaners are the ultimate in convenience for quick spot cleaning. While they aren’t suitable for whole-house cleaning, these compact and portable devices are ideal for picking up crumbs, pet hair, and other small messes.

Their small size makes them perfect for use in cars, on furniture, or in other hard-to-reach places. Handheld vacuums are often cordless, making them even more convenient to use.

They may not have the powerful suction of larger vacuums, but their portability makes them indispensable for quick clean-ups and tackling those tricky spots that larger vacuums can’t reach.

Robot vacuum cleaners

The future is here, and it comes in the form of a little bot eating up your dust.

These autonomous bots are pre-programmed to navigate around your house, cleaning floors without the need for human input. Equipped with sensors and smart technology, robot vacuums will work around obstacles, map your home, and even return to their charging station when out of juice.

Where they don’t excel is in dealing with larger debris, or thick carpets, where their sleek design may struggle to traverse. They are also much more expensive than other models.

But if the thought of daily vacuuming makes your skin itch, robot vacuum cleaners are a wonderful addition to your home. With the integration of smart home technology, you can even control them from your smartphone.

What to consider when buying a vacuum cleaner

So after we’ve covered all the different types of vacuum, it’s time to start thinking about what you want in a vacuum cleaner. When you’re buying a new vacuum cleaner, these are the points you want to consider:

Suction

When it comes to vacuum power, understanding the two main indicators; water lift and airflow, can really help you choose the right vacuum for your needs:

Water lift - measured in millimetres of water (mmH2O), millibars (mbar), or kilopascals (kPa), water lift indicates the suction force of a vacuum. This measurement is particularly important if you need to vacuum up liquids or heavy materials. The higher the water lift, the stronger the suction force.
Airflow - measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h) or litres per second (l/s), airflow represents the volume of air the vacuum can take in. This is important for sucking up fine dust and lighter materials, as a higher airflow means the vacuum can capture more dust particles and light debris in a shorter time.

Essentially, the ideal vacuum should have a good balance of both water lift and airflow to ensure it can handle various cleaning tasks effectively.

Power

The power of a vacuum's motor, shown in Watts, kW, or HP, plays a key role in the appliance’s performance. The motor power depends on the type and number of motors the vacuum is equipped with:

Single motor - common in household vacuums, single motors are sufficient for everyday cleaning tasks, as they provide a decent balance between power and energy efficiency.
Multiple motors - more common in industrial or commercial vacuums, where stronger suction and longer operating times are required, multiple motors can significantly boost the vacuum's performance, which is needed for heavier-duty tasks.

Usually, you’ll come across two types of motors: 1-stage and 2-stage:

1-stage motors - known for greater airflow, they are ideal for tasks that involve light materials and fine dust.
2-stage motors - with a greater vacuum suction, these are better for heavy-duty tasks and picking up larger debris.

Noise

Noise level, measured in decibels (dB(A)), might not be directly related to a vacuum's efficiency, but it’s definitely something to consider for your comfort and the comfort of those around you. The lower the decibels, the quieter the appliance is going to be.

Considering noise levels can be particularly important if you need to vacuum during hours when others are around, or if you simply prefer a quieter environment.

Design

The design and structure of a vacuum cleaner can significantly impact its usability and convenience. Let’s break it down:

Weight and size - lightweight vacuums (typically under 10 kg) are a good fit for everyday cleaning in homes, offices, and shops. They are easier to carry and manoeuvre around furniture and tight spaces. Heavier models, which are often found in industrial settings, focus more on power and durability than on ease of use.
Manoeuvrability - features like swivel heads, ergonomic handles, and smooth-gliding wheels can make a vacuum easier to use. Vacuums on wheels with flexible hoses are particularly good for cleaning large areas without having to lift and move the vacuum constantly.
Reachable distance - if buying a corded vacuum, consider the length of the power cable. Similarly, if you are buying a cordless vacuum, think about how long the battery will last, and whether it is suitable for the space you need to clean.
Collection tank - the size of the collection tank reflects how frequently you'll need to empty it. Larger tanks are great for extensive cleaning tasks but are typically heavier, while smaller, lightweight tanks are suitable for quick, routine clean-ups, but not great for longer jobs.
Handling system - the type of trolley and wheels can affect how easy it is to move the vacuum around. For rough surfaces, vacuums with large, rubber-coated wheels provide the best manoeuvrability.

Filters

Next up in the list of considerations are filters. Choosing the right filter is important, because your vacuum sucks up air containing dust particles, which are then filtered and unleashed into the room. The better the filter, the cleaner your air will be. Let’s look at the different filters:

HEPA filters - known as S-Class in the UK and Europe, these High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters are the right choice for households that suffer from asthma or allergies. Some models are even approved by the British Allergy Foundation as HEPA filters can capture up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which in the particle world is pretty small.
Foam filters - made of a foam material, these filter types are usually washable and reusable. They are great for capturing larger particles and debris, and often work in conjunction with other types of filters.
Cartridge filters - cartridge filters are made from synthetic materials, or pleated paper, and are effective at capturing fine dust and dirt particles. They are commonly used with cylinder vacuums.
Charcoal filters - if you need to remove unpleasant, lingering smells, charcoal filters are the way to go. As the name suggests, these filters contain charcoal, which helps to reduce odours that build up in the carpet. These can be especially useful for homes with pets.
Cloth filters - cloth filters are made from a durable fabric, which allows them to handle larger dust and dirt particles. These filters are commonly used in heavy-duty vacuum cleaners, and can be washed to allow for repeated use.
Cyclonic filters - a key component of bagless vacuums, cyclonic filters use a cyclonic action to separate dust and debris from the air. This dirt is then collected, allowing the clean air to be expelled without contaminants.

Vacuum bags

The next big decision is to decide whether to go bagless, or stick with a dust bag model. For most, it comes down to personal preference, but there are some key differences to keep in mind between the two:

Bagless - bagless vacuums are great for convenience. They’re ready to go without the preamble of inserting a new bag every time you want to vacuum, and save you the cost of buying new bags.
However, if you suffer with allergies or asthma, you may find yourself dealing with a cloud of dust every time you empty the container. Plus, bagless vacuums often have filters that need to be brushed or washed to get rid of trapped dirt.
Bagged - bagged vacuum cleaners are the go to for people with allergies or asthma, as it contains all those airborne allergens. Bagged models tend to be cheaper to purchase, but it's worth noting that you’ll have to buy bags regularly.

Attachments

No vacuum cleaner would be complete without some handy attachments to make the cleaning process easier. These are the most popular vacuum cleaner attachments:

Crevice tool - a brilliant attachment for any vacuum cleaner. Designed to reach into narrow, tight spaces that are otherwise difficult to clean, the slender shape of the tool allows for precise cleaning, making sure that no dust or debris is left behind. This tool is particularly useful for detailed cleaning in homes with intricate furniture designs or tight nooks and crannies.
Upholstery brush - designed for cleaning furniture fabrics such as sofas, chairs, and even car seats, this attachment has a soft, fabric-friendly surface that gently lifts dirt and dust without damaging the material. The bristles are designed to agitate the surface, loosening embedded dirt and debris for a thorough clean.
Dusting brush - perfect for delicate surfaces that require a gentle touch. It comes with soft bristles that can dust items such as lampshades, blinds, and bookshelves without causing scratches. This attachment makes certain that dust particles are effectively removed from surfaces that are often skipped during regular cleaning, making it a go-to tool for those who want to keep their home looking spotless.
Extendable tube - increases the reach of your vacuum cleaner, allowing you to clean high or far-reaching areas with ease. This attachment is particularly handy for vacuuming ceilings, curtain rods, and light fixtures. The tube can be adjusted to various lengths, eliminating the need for ladders or excessive stretching.
Pet friendly turbo brush - designed for deep cleaning carpets and rugs, this attachment has a rotating brush that agitates carpet fibres, lifting dirt and pet hair effectively. The turbo brush is powered either by air or electricity, giving it the extra boost needed for tackling stubborn dirt. It is a favourite among pet owners and those with high-pile carpets.
Parquet brush - specially designed for hard floors, such as wood, tile, and laminate, the parquet brush has soft bristles that glide over these surfaces without causing scratches. The design allows it to pick up fine dust and larger debris efficiently, making it ideal for maintaining the pristine condition of hard flooring.

Which is the best vacuum for your cleaning needs?

So you’ve made a decision on what you want out of your vacuum cleaner, but what are the best corded and cordless vacuum cleaners on the market? Well, we’ve put together our top contenders for both:

Best corded vacuum cleaner

When it comes to power and reliability, the Morphy Richards 2.0 Litre Bagless Cylinder Vacuum is a fantastic choice. This vacuum has a generous 2-litre dust canister with advanced HEPA filtration, which captures 99% of dust, mould, pollen, bacteria, and airborne particles.

The 5m automatic cable rewind feature makes for convenient storage and effortless manoeuvrability. The vacuum also comes equipped with accessories, including a floor nozzle, crevice tool, and upholstery nozzle, to tackle every nook and cranny of your home.

The powerful suction and large dust container make it a reliable workhorse for any household. If you're looking for a vacuum that combines power, convenience, and thorough cleaning, the Morphy Richards 2.0 Litre Bagless Cylinder Vacuum is a solid choice.

Best cordless vacuum cleaner

For those who value flexibility and ease of use, the Morphy Richards 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum is a game-changer. This vacuum can be used as an upright stick, a handheld cleaner, or in extended reach mode, making it perfect for quick clean-ups and hard-to-reach areas.

With a 0.45L dust canister capacity and up to 35 minutes of run time on a single five-hour charge, it's lightweight and efficient, allowing you to tackle messes without frequent interruptions. The illuminated floor head improves visibility, making it easy to clean under furniture and in low-light conditions.

The vacuum also includes the essential accessories, including a crevice tool, upholstery nozzle, and dusting brush, so you have everything you need for a thorough clean.

If you want a vacuum with great versatility, mobility, and performance, the Morphy Richards 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum is a brilliant option.

Shop the best vacuum cleaners at Morphy Richards

If you want a new vacuum cleaner, Morphy Richards has got you covered. 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!

Shop vacuum cleaners at Morphy Richards now

For more home appliance buying guides, inspiration and recipes, explore the Morphy Richards blog…

How To Iron Embroidered Patches To Clothes | How To Get Rid Of Mould In The Shower | The Importance of Keeping Your Toaster Clean