Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide

VACUUM CLEANER BUYING GUIDE

Thinking about upgrading your vacuum cleaner? Whether you’re after a model that’s ideal for spot cleaning or a vacuum that’ll make easy work of cleaning your family home, you’ll find a wide variety of vacuum cleaners to choose from. With so many different types of vacuum cleaners available, we’ve created a vacuum cleaner buying guide to make shopping for the best vacuum cleaner for your needs easier. Find out more about the differences between the different types of vacuums, features to look out for and more.

ROBOTIC VACUUM CLEANERS

Designed to help you save time, robotic vacuum cleaners take the hard work out of vacuuming your home, cleaning as they manoeuvre their way around your living spaces. Using sensors to detect furniture, many models are programmable, allowing you to set and forget.

  • Saves you time by operating on their own and can be programmed to operate at set hours during the day.

  • Often have sensors to detect furniture and prevent the unit from falling down steps.

  • Some models combine vacuum & mopping

  • Tend to be compact in size, making them easy to store.

Popular brands of robotic vacuum cleaners: Dreame, Roborock & Ecovacs

CORDLESS VACUUM CLEANERS

Lightweight and easily to store when not in use, cordless vacuum cleaners are ideal for quick cleaning around the home. With no power cord to get in your way, this versatile type of vacuum is great for cleaning hard to reach areas, removing cobwebs from the ceiling and more.

  • These compact and lightweight vacuum cleaners are easy to carry and use, especially on stairs.

  • Variable power for a deep clean.

  • Range of movement is not limited by a power cord.

  • Some models also convert into a handheld vacuum.

  • The capacity of the dust canister in cordless vacuums is often much smaller than those found in upright or barrel vacuums.

Popular brands of stick vacuum cleaners: Shark, Dyson, Electrolux, Samsung & LG

BARREL VACUUM CLEANERS

Smaller than a standard upright vacuum cleaner, barrel vacuum cleaners are one of the most popular types of vacuum on the market. Easier to carry up stairs than upright vacuums, they are suited to a variety of flooring types, from carpets to floorboards.

  • Lighter and more compact than upright vacuums, making them easy to manoeuvre around the home, including up and down stairs.

  • Available in bagless and bagged models.

  • Their smaller size makes them easier to store than larger upright vacuums.

  • Typically easier to use in awkward spaces as the vacuum hose sits separately from the main unit.

Popular brands of barrel vacuum cleaners: Miele and Electrolux

UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANERS

Upright vacuum cleaners are a great choice for vacuuming larger homes. Their all-in-one design is ideal for longer cleaning sessions, allowing you to remain in a comfortable upright position throughout.

  • Ideal for cleaning large areas thanks to the greater capacity of their dust barrels.

  • Many models come with additional attachments, allowing you to use your vacuum for a variety of applications, from cleaning upholstery to dusting skirting boards.

  • Powerful vacuum cleaners, allowing you to remove dust and dirt from deep within carpets.

  • Upright vacuums have a forward-facing cleaning path, meaning that there’s nothing to drag behind you.

  • Designed in such a way that prevents you from having to bend over when using the appliance.

  • Often heavier than other types of vacuum cleaners, which can make manoeuvring stairs difficult.

  • Range of movement is limited by the length of the appliance’s power cord.

Popular brands of upright vacuum cleaners: Shark and Bissell

Choosing the right vacuum cleaner depends on your specific needs and your home. Bing Lee offers a diverse range of options, from powerful high suction vacuums for deep carpet cleaning to sleek stick vacuums for quick and convenient clean-ups. For pet owners, our vacuums with advanced filtration and pet hair attachments are a perfect fit. If you prefer a hands-free approach, explore our top-rated robot vacuums that keep your floors spotless with minimal effort. Whatever your cleaning needs, Bing Lee has the perfect vacuum to match your lifestyle. 

BAGGED VACUUM CLEANERS

A disposable internal bag is used to house the dust and dirt collected by a bagged vacuum. The bags are easy to replace and act as a filter too. They are typically less messy than bagless vacuums and can be a good choice for those with asthma or allergies. Although bagged vacuums can be quite convenient in many situations, it can be hard to tell how full the bag actually is and there is a possibility that the appliance may lose suction when the bag is close to full. There is also an ongoing cost associated with purchasing vacuum bags.

BAGLESS VACUUM CLEANERS

With no need to purchase or replace vacuum bags, bagless vacuum cleaners are a handy option. It’s easy to tell when you need to empty the dust canister and you can easily do so over a bin or your garden. Although the dust and dirt collected in the canisters of bagless vacuum cleaners can be easily disposed of, as it isn’t contained when you empty it, you may be exposed to allergens in the process. Additional upkeep, including having to regularly clean or replace filters, is also required to maintain optimal performance.

CORDED VACUUMS

Corded vacuum cleaners are a great choice when you don’t want to be limited by your vacuum’s battery life. Instead of waiting for a battery to charge, you can simply plug the appliance into a power point and clean for as long as you desire. Although this type of vacuum can be more convenient, it’s good to note that your usage range does correspond to the length of the vacuum cleaner’s power cord. To clean a whole house, you will need to plug in and unplug between rooms.

CORDLESS VACUUMS

Generally lighter and smaller than corded vacuum cleaners, cordless vacuums are not only easy to use, but are also easy to store, taking up far less space than upright and barrel models. Thanks to their portability, they are a good choice for when you need to quickly clean up a mess, moving from room to room, and don’t want the hassle of having to plug in and unplug your vacuum. Although cordless vacuum cleaners are easier to use and manoeuvre around your home, they do have limited battery lives and often hold less dust and dirt than corded models.

Vacuums are available with several different types of filters. Two of the most common are micro filters and HEPA filters.

MICRO FILTERS

Commonly found in most basic vacuum models, micro filters are often less expensive than HEPA filters and are available in both washable and disposable forms. They do tend to release dust back into the air when in use, so if you are sensitive to dust, have allergies or live with asthma, it may not be the best choice of filter for you.

HEPA FILTERS

The best option for households with asthmatics and allergy sufferers, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Arresting) filters are designed to reduce the amount of allergens that are released into the air as you vacuum. The filters retain over 99.95% of dust particles, including particles as small as 0.3 micrometres in diameter. Many HEPA filters are either replaceable or washable.

  • Additional accessories. In addition to a standard vacuum head, many models come with additional accessories that can be used for a variety of purposes. Upholstery brushes are great for cleaning couches, curtains and other soft furnishings, while crevice tools make cleaning skirting boards and corners throughout your home easier. The soft bristles of dusting brushes gently remove dust and dirt too. If you share your home with cats and dogs, vacuum heads with rolling brushes can also be a good choice, helping to remove hair and fur from your flooring.

  • Adjustable vacuum heads. To provide you with the best results, look for a vacuum with an adjustable head. Whether it adjusts automatically or requires you to manually change the settings, this feature ensures your vacuum has the right setting for the type of flooring in your home. A lower head setting is best suited for harder flooring, while a higher head setting is ideal for thick carpet.

  • Suction settings. Some models allow you to adjust the amount of suction, which can be handy if you’re cleaning delicate items, such as cushions and curtains, that require special care.

  • Weight. For some types of vacuum cleaners, such as handheld vacuums and stick vacuums, the weight of the appliance is an important consideration. Without wheels to help you manoeuver the appliance, it needs to be easy for you to hold and carry. Before committing to a specific model, visit a store and see how each model in your price range feels in your hand.

At Bing Lee, we offer a premium selection of vacuum cleaners from top brands like Dyson, Miele, and Electrolux. Our range features cutting-edge models designed for superior performance, whether you need powerful suction for deep cleaning carpets or versatile, lightweight options for quick touch-ups. Explore our collection and find the perfect vacuum cleaner to keep your home spotless and your cleaning routine effortless.


Q. What is the best affordable vacuum?

For an affordable yet high performance vacuum, the Bissell Powerforce Upright Vacuum Cleaner is one of the best. This model is lightweight & easily manoeuvrable, making cleaning those tough to reach areas a breeze. Additionally, the powerful suction & rotating brush are efficient for deep cleaning, removing embedded dirt & hair.  

Q. How to clean vacuum filters?

To clean your vacuum filter, first remove it from the vacuum. Tap it gently to remove loose debris, then rinse it under lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Let it dry completely before reinserting it into your vacuum. Regular filter cleaning ensures optimal performance of your vacuum. 

Q. What is the best stick vacuum cleaner?

The Dyson V15 Detect™ Absolute is the best lightweight stick vacuum. With powerful suction, long battery life, and a lightweight design, it makes cleaning effortless and efficient. Plus, its versatility allows for easy transitions between different floor types.

Q. What is a good suction power for a vacuum cleaner?

A good suction power for a vacuum cleaner ranges between 150 to 300 air watts. This range ensures efficient cleaning across various surfaces, from carpets to hard floors, effectively removing dust and debris.

Q. How to clean a Dyson vacuum?

  1. Empty the dustbin regularly.

  2. Wash the filters with cold water and let them dry completely.

  3. Check for blockages in the hose and brush bar.

  4. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.

Maintaining your Dyson vacuum will ensure consistent performance and improve the longevity of the vacuum.

Q. What is the best vacuum for tiles?

If you are in need of a high performance vacuum cleaner that effectively cleans tiles, look no further than the Shark Cordless Vacuum. The multi-surface cleaning capabilities are designed for all sealed hard floors including tiles, marble, laminate & hardwood. 

Q. How often should you vacuum?

For optimal cleanliness, vacuum high-traffic areas and living spaces at least once a week. Less frequently used areas can be vacuumed once a fortnight. Regular vacuuming helps maintain a dust-free, healthy home environment. 


Page last updated: April 13 2026 | Information provided by the experts at Bing Lee.