The current Vacuum Wars Best Mid Level Cordless Vacuum ranking based on our own independent evaluation.
Shark Vertex Ultra
Best Mid level Cordless
Shark IZ163H Pet Plus
Runner-up
Dyson V8
Dyson Classic
Laresar Elite
Hard Floor and Carpet
Black+Decker SummitSeries
Edge Cleaning
Choosing the Best Cordless Stick Vacuum
The primary advantage of cordless vacuums is their sheer convenience and user-friendliness. Without a power cord, these vacuums allow for smooth transitions between rooms and spaces, eliminating the need for constant unplugging and plugging. While premium cordless vacuums may be equipped with the most advanced technical features, there are good mid-priced cordless vacuums with ample power and features to perform well.
This guide is intended to help you navigate through selecting a cordless vacuum in a mid-tier price range that will meet the needs of your household and help you keep a cleaner home.
Debris Pickup
Debris pickup is certainly most important for any vacuum. Success for a cordless vacuum in picking up debris can be a matter that combines a few factors, such as the kind of roller, suction strength, and the floorhead design, and all of these factors can play together. This means that a vacuum with lower suction may perform well due to the floorhead design and the rollers working together. On the other hand, a vacuum with high suction may perform well even though the rollers don’t match other well-known and successful vacuum brands.
The combination of factors is why cordless vacuums, which are not usually as powerful as upright vacuums, can still be efficient in picking up debris from the surface of carpet and hard floors. They are making use of some good design that has been improving over time. So, look for the factors that work together in a group when considering a cordless vacuum that will be great with debris pickup.
HEPA Filter and Whole Machine Filtration
Good filtration is essential for anyone who wishes to avoid breathing in the particles they’re attempting to clean up while vacuuming. Most mid-priced cordless vacuums are equipped with a HEPA filter, which is capable of trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns, covering a vast array of harmful particles invisible to the naked eye. This feature is crucial, as it ensures that even fine particles, such as those from fog tests which are about 5 microns, are efficiently captured and not released back into the air.
Additionally, look for a “sealed system” to ensure that the air it is pulling in will pass through the filter without leaking. This design is vital because, without it, air can escape before being filtered, rendering the HEPA filter ineffective.
Anti-Hair Wrap Technology
When hair is wrapped around a vacuum’s brush roll or any other motorized part, this can cause undue interior resistance, causing the battery to run down quicker and reducing your cordless vacuum’s effectiveness. This also requires maintenance on your part, where you will need to cut away tangled hair from the brush roll or other interior parts.
In order to address this, some models are equipped to remove hair or prevent hair from wrapping around the brush roll altogether. This technology can be part of the brush roll design, or it can be designed into the floorhead where the brush roll is encased. Households with pets or long-haired residents may particularly enjoy this standout feature.
Battery Life
When selecting a cordless vacuum, battery life is a crucial factor. It’s important to note that manufacturers’ battery life claims are typically based on the lowest power setting. With varying power settings available, runtime can differ significantly, so finding a model with a medium setting can offer a balanced solution.
Some mid-priced models can be purchased with an additional battery, or an extra can be purchased separately. If you expect to be vacuuming for extended periods in one session, you may want to explore models with add-on battery options.
Versatility and Attachments
Most cordless vacuums can be converted into handheld units, enhancing their utility beyond floor cleaning. This adaptability is particularly helpful for above-floor cleaning tasks such as dusting, reaching high corners, and vacuuming stairs.
When considering a cordless vacuum, think about your specific cleaning needs to ensure the attachments included, or available, match those needs. Attachments can greatly aid in tasks like dusting delicate surfaces, vacuuming furniture crevices, or removing pet hair from upholstery, making the vacuum more versatile and your cleaning routine more efficient.
Storing Cordless Vacuums
Most households will want their vacuum to be recharging when it is not in use. This means the storage location will need to secure the vacuum, keeping it from falling over, as well as in close proximity to an electrical outlet.
Consider also how it will be positioned when it is recharging. Different arrangements can include:
- The ability to fold the unit in half so it can sit stably.
- Hanging a wall mount, so the vacuum is on the wall and off the floor.
- A detachable battery that recharges separately from the vacuum.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a mid-range cordless vacuum is often well equipped for most household vacuuming. With their ease of use, versatility, and features, they offer a practical and efficient solution for maintaining a clean and comfortable living environment at a comfortable price point.
Still cordless vacuum shopping? Check out our cordless vacuum reviews, comparisons and guides.