Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Reviews and Buyers Guide 2021

In recent years we’ve seen an exciting range of battery-powered vacuums.  Our cordless vacuum cleaners reviews and buyers guide for 2021 will help you find what to look out for when searching for your perfect cordless cleaner.

Although they’ve been around for years, we’ve only recently started to see cordless vacuums that are truly powerful with longer battery running times from brands such as Dyson. Mr Dyson is so confident with his cordless range, that he’ll soon be phasing out his corded vacuum cleaners.   

What’s all the fuss about going cordless? For starters, these vacuums are highly portable, agile and massively cut down on cleaning times because they’re instantly accessible. Once you’ve used one you’ll ask yourself why you didn’t get a cordless earlier. No more hunting for plug sockets and they are just so lightweight to carry anywhere. 

Find Your Ideal Vacuum: Best Cordless Vacuums Cleaners

The ingenuity of a cordless vacuum is that it can be used as an upright simply by connecting an extendable wand to it or it can be switched to a compact handheld vacuum, making it ideal for quick cleanups in challenging areas such as stairs and car interiors. You get the best of both i.e. stick functionality and a handheld vacuum all in one device.  

Unique vacuums such as the GTech Bissell Airam are full-sized cordless uprights that blend the suction and dirt holding volume of a standard sized vacuum with the agility and ease of a cordless cleaner. The convenience of cord-free cuts down the time it takes to clean floors and gives you the freedom of vacuuming areas with limited or zero plug sockets.

Who doesn’t want an easier cleaning experience? Cordless vacuum cleaners allow you to whizz across your floors easily without causing strain to your back, hands or wrists. They are a joy to push around your floors thanks to their lightweight. Most of them are designed to reach awkward spaces beneath furniture and small gaps, using the crevice tool and other accessories provided. 

When first introduced to the market, cordless vacuums were thought to be accessories to compliment full-sized vacuums. They were meant to be for quick top-ups in between deeper cleans. Modern innovations with battery design and powerful micro motors have seen certain cordless cleaners completely replacing bigger machines to become the sole cleaning device, even in large households.   

Recommended: Best Cordless Vacuums Cleaners


Cordless Versus Handheld Vacuums  

The best cordless vacuums combine both handheld and stick functionality in one machine. But some cheaper versions are limited to one cleaning mode. Cordless stick vacuums are designed to mimic the cleaning technique of uprights but they are much lighter in weight and portable. They are ideal for regular cleaning and are a godsend for homes with little storage space.

Deik-2-in-1-Cordless-Vacuum-Cleaner

In addition to simplifying house cleaning, your cordless vacuum can be kept closer to rooms that need frequent vacuuming, such as the kitchen or living room. Most cordless units come with a wall bracket that doubles up as a charging station and cradle for tools. You can position the wall mount somewhere close by so that your cordless is always within easy reach.      

Handheld vacuum cleaners are handy tools for picking up dust, cobwebs, breadcrumbs and dirt throughout your home, you can take them virtually anywhere that needs cleaning. The bin on a handheld is smaller than bins on a conventional vacuum but the emptying mechanism is usually designed to make dirt disposal quick and easy. 

Recommended: Best Cordless Vacuums Cleaners


Cordless Performance

Just because cordless cleaners are small doesn’t mean that they are weak performers, provided you get the right unit. Their power is calculated in volts. A larger voltage rating gives better suction power and improvements in dirt lifting performance. Stronger units are capable of powering up a spinning brush to improve cleaning on carpets and rugs.  


Dirt Bin Capacity

The volume of dirt held inside a cordless vacuum is calculated in litres. Handheld and stick vacuums have smaller bins than standard-sized vacuum cleaners because of their portability. They need regular emptying but the disposal process is done within seconds. Easy!

Dyson-Cyclone-V10-absolute-dirt-bin

Virtually all Cordless cleaners are bagless. The dirt container gathers mess inside and usually has a marker level to help you gauge when it is at full capacity and needs emptying. 

Recommended: Best Cordless Vacuums Cleaners


Battery Time

For a cordless vacuum to clean effectively it needs a reliable high-grade battery to power it up. Rechargeable batteries will either make or break a cordless cleaner. Always check the battery running time before making your purchase. This will give you a good idea about the length of time your new cordless will vacuum on a single charge. 

Models with lithium batteries usually run for longer but the operating times will differ depending on the unit that you choose. Most cordless vacuums run up to 20 minutes providing enough time for quick clean-ups. Remember that the agility of a cordless machine reduces the time spent cleaning, it now takes me less than 20 minutes to clean all the floors in my 2 bedroomed house.

Tineco-A10-Hero-Cordless-Stick-Vacuum

Premium cordless vacuum cleaners can provide a battery run time of up to 1 hour on a full charge. Lithium batteries have the advantage of charging faster and are usually designed with a cut-off mechanism once 100% charged to avoid overcharging and degrading the battery cells.

Check Before You Buy:

Battery Time: This can range from 15 minutes to over 60 minutes. 

Charging time: Batteries charge at different rates depending on the model. Charge times vary between 60 minutes to an eye-watering 16 hours. Choose wisely!

Turbo vs standard settings: Machines with a boost setting, to maximise suction power, can radically reduce the battery time to less than 7 minutes. 

Interchangeable batteries: Certain cordless vacuums come with an extra battery as a backup so that you never run out of power. 

BISSELL Multi Cordless Handheld Vac

Battery power and quality are hugely important factors to consider when deciding on the best cordless vacuum cleaner to buy. Cheap brands often come up short and are not worth purchasing. Some manufacturers exaggerate their battery life claims leaving consumers short-changed. Don’t worry, we’ve shortlisted our favourite cordless cleaner in the link below. 

Recommended: Best Cordless Vacuums Cleaners


Can Cordless Vacuums Get Rid Of Pet Hair?

Pet hair is the bane of most pet owners. It is difficult to get rid of and it never seems to end. Cordless cleaners are the best tools in your fight against pet hair and some units come with specialist attachments to pick up hair with minimum effort. Turbo tools are equipped with rotating brushes that catch hair from upholstery, rugs, carpets and furniture.

Cordless vacuum cleaners are easier to manoeuvre between rooms and around furniture than conventional vacuums. This makes the process of picking up pet hair less of a chore and more of a speedy cleaning session, giving you the convenience of frequent cleaning as and when it’s needed.


What’s The Cost Of A Decent Cordless Vacuum? 

Models are priced anywhere between $50 to more the $500. This is a big price range but that doesn’t mean you should go for the cheapest or most expensive units. There are plenty of options and we’ve made the selection process simpler by shortlisting our best performing cordless vacuums.

To find the ideal cordless cleaner for your requirements and budget simply visit the link below.

Recommended: Best Cordless Vacuums Cleaners


Does Dyson Make The Best Cordless Vacuums?  

Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Vacuum accessories

There is no denying that Dyson is the frontrunner at designing the best cordless vacuum cleaners. Their range is hugely popular and it includes the V7, V8 and V10 models. There’s better battery life, functionality and bigger capacity as you go higher up the range. Each one also has its own variants to cater for different cleaning conditions.

Below is a breakdown of the variants within each range:

  • Motorhead – this is the entry-level model.
  • Animal– Comes with a specialised attachment for pet hair.
  • Absolute– Supplied with extra accessories, an additional cleaner head designed for hard floors and a higher quality filtration system. 
  • Total Clean– the top-spec comes with all of the above plus an extended accessory pack to give you everything you could possibly need from a comprehensive vacuum cleaner. 

Prices for Dyson cordless vacuums differ massively and models are usually on offer which makes it hard to gauge which one to pick. Stick to our recommended cord-free vacuums for the best balance between price and features. 

Resist the urge to splash out on the top-end model before comparing what each model provides and deciding which tools you will need for various jobs.   

Although Dyson is leading the cordless race it’s still worth checking out the competition such as Shark, GTech or Deik. I’ve found models from alternative brands with similar performance and in some cases with longer battery life. Find everything you need by heading to our shortlist of best rated cordless cleaners.

Dyson-Cyclone-V10-Absolute-Cordless-Stick-Vacuum-Cleaner

Cordless Vacuum Functionality 

The majority of cordless vacuums can interchange between stick and handheld mode. Designs differ between manufacturers but generally the functionality is the same.

You can attach different tools to the stick or directly to the primary unit when using it as a handheld. This gives the cordless vacuum a unique advantage over the upright and canister because it is more adaptable to use in smaller spaces and confined areas that would normally be hard to clean with a larger machine. 

Certain cordless vacuums are made primarily for floor cleaning with less focus on handheld cleaning. The machine might be a bit bulkier and not as practical for handheld usage. Make sure you consider how you’ll be using your cordless before you decide which one to buy.

Recommended: Best Cordless Vacuums Cleaners

User-Friendly Features Worth Thinking About:

Illuminated cleaner head– Some maufacturers cleverly integrate
LED lights onto the floorhead to help you light up dark hidden corners and spot dirt easier. Sadly you won’t find this feature on Dyson cleaner heads (yet). 

Trigger switch– Originally a Dyson feature, the power trigger has been adopted by other brands. You simply press the trigger to instantly power the unit and it automatically cuts off as soon as you let go. This improves battery efficiency and saves power. 

Posture- certain cordless vacuums can stand independently without support, others are designed to avoid falling over once propped to a wall and some are better off being lied on the floor or docked into the supplied wall bracket.  

Battery level lights– you won’t find this feature on all cordless vacuums but it’s very handy to help you see how much battery life is left. 

Hoover BH52210PC Cruise Cordless hard floors

Is It Worth Buying a Cordless Vacuum? 

Absolutely. It’s now possible to find a cordless vacuum cleaner with similar cleaning performance and suction power as a standard sized vacuum. That’s a huge leap forward when you consider the size of these things. The best cordless cleaners are equipped with motorized tools to deep clean carpets, eliminate pet hairs and deal with stubborn dirt. 

Be wary of inferior cordless vacuums that struggle to lift up dirt and suffer with poor battery life. The market is flooded with cheap units that you should avoid. Visit the link below to get your hands on our favorite top-performing cordless vacuums. 

Recommended: Best Cordless Vacuums Cleaners

Shark-IONFlex-2X-DuoClean-Cordless-Vacuum-Flexible-Head

The Bottom Line

Cordless vacuums are here to stay. The best performers will clean multiple floor types to the same level as larger vacuum cleaners. They are highly capable despite their portable size and will conveniently reduce cleaning times.

The benefits of cordless vacuums are clearly evident but this might mean shelling out a bit more money for a vacuum cleaner compared to a corded machine. Our shortlist has narrowed down the best value for money cordless machines to suit all budgets.

If you’re tired of hauling around your cumbersome vacuum cleaner then you should seriously consider going cordless. Cleaning becomes less arduous and more of a quick 5 to 10-minute job. Ready to choose one? Simply click this link to review our best offerings.

Are you considering buying one of our recommended cordless vacuum cleaners or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.


Our List of the Best Vacuums

Best Rated Vacuum Cleaners Buyers Guide 2021: How To Choose The Best Vacuum

Best Rated Vacuum Cleaners Buyers Guide 2021

Finding a suitable vacuum cleaner for your abode can be a bit of a minefield. I get asked so many questions by people looking for the holy grail of vacuums. I’ve put together this guide to explain everything you need to know if you’re thinking of buying a new vacuum cleaner or replacing your old one.

Shark-DuoClean-Powered-Lift-Away-Speed-Upright

There’s so much to consider when choosing a vacuum cleaner and it can become a challenge picking one out of the thousands out there especially when you don’t have much time- Do you get a cylinder, upright, cordless or robot vacuum? Would you prefer a bagged or bagless vacuum cleaner? What type of floors are in your home? Have you got pets? These are all things you will need to take into account when choosing. I’d even go as far as saying that a vacuum cleaner is one of the most important domestic cleaning appliances for your habitat.

Recommended Read: Best Cordless Vacuums Cleaners

Nobody wants to spend hours trolling through endless lists of vacuums that might or might not be good for their home. If you want an easy life then read on for some handy advice.

Dyson-Cyclone-V10-Absolute-Cordless-Stick-Vacuum-Cleaner

How to find the perfect vacuum cleaner for your home

Vacuums will perform differently depending on the space that they are cleaning- things like the size and shape of the area, and the house traffic all bear importance on the type of machine you should get. I will break down each section, of the things to give thought to, into bite-sized chunks.


 

Upright Vacuums vs Canister Cleaners

Whether you’re considering buying an upright or canister vacuum, each type has its advantages and drawbacks but ultimately it all depends on the size and arrangement of your place.  We’ll start off with the upright vacuum as it’s the most popular type of vacuum.

 

Upright vacuum cleaners

Dyson-Ball-Animal-2-Upright-lightweight-Vacuum-Cleaner-

Pros:

  • Ideal for cleaning bigger spaces especially carpeted areas.
  • You don’t need to worry about back aches as you’ll be vacuuming in a more upright posture.
  • Usually, uprights excel at picking up pet hair and dust from carpeted floors and rugs.

Cons:

  • Tend to be cumbersome to use in smaller spaces, on stairs and underneath furnishings.
  • Uprights are usually louder than canister vacuums.
  • The cleaning range on an upright often isn’t as wide as a canister.

Recommended Read: Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners

 

Canister vacuum cleaners

Miele-Compact-C1-Pure-Suction-Canister

Pros:

  • Canister vacuums are smaller and more agile than uprights- better for cleaning small spaces.
  • The compact size takes up less of a footprint in your home and is easier to store.
  • You can get a further reach with canister vacuums and clean much quicker.
  • They are portable, easy to carry and even easier to clean stairs with.
  • They are not as loud to operate as uprights.

Cons:

  • Can be awkward to pull over high pile carpets.
  • The hose and extension tube can be tricky to store.
  • Can often knock in furnishings and walls.

My personal preference is a canister vacuum because you get heaps of suction power that is equivalent to an upright but the convenience of a compact appliance. Canisters are much easier to manoeuvre around the house too and are usually better value for money. Check out the link below for the recommended top rated canister vacuum cleaners.

Recommended Read: Best Canister Vacuum Cleaners


Should you buy a bagged or bagless vacuum?

Both types possess positives and negatives but bagless vacuums have the distinct advantage of low overheads as they save you the cost of replacing bags. Bagged models are better for catching airborne allergens. Let’s delve deeper into the pro and cons of bagged and bagless vacuum cleaners.

bagged-versus-bagless-vacuum-cleaners

 

Bagless vacuum cleaners

Pros:

  • You save money on maintenance. You don’t have to buy spare bags.
  • Easy and quick to empty the dirt canister.
  • Certain models are designed with anti-bacterial protection, which can significantly minimize house dust mite and pet allergen content.

Cons:

  • The bagless bin’s capacity is usually less than a bagged bin. This means you’ll be emptying dirt more often.
  • Overfilling the bagless bin is an easy mistake to make.
Tineco-A10-Hero-Cordless-handheld-Vacuum-Cleaner

 

Bagged vacuum cleaners

Pros:

  • Bagged bins have a bigger capacity usually double the size of a bagless bin.
  • Dirt and dust are picked up and sealed inside the bin making disposal a much cleaner process.
  • Premium bags usually include an extra layer of filtration to stop allergens from floating back into the air.
  • They are plenty of low-cost bags but you need to be careful to avoid bags without the equivalent filtration advantages otherwise you will need to clean or replace the machine’s filters more frequently.

Cons:

  • There is the added cost of buying additional bags and you will need to keep a reminder to buy more when supplies are running low.
vacuum-cleaner-dust-bags

Which type should you buy?

Whether you choose a bagged or bagless vacuum you want to stick to a machine that won’t lose suction as it reaches maximum dirt capacity.

Although it is often claimed that bagged vacuums lose suction as the bag collects more dirt, this isn’t necessarily true for all models. Suction power can also fade on certain bagless vacuums units as the container fills up with dirt. Bagless units also release more dust back into the atmosphere than bagged vacuums whilst disposing of dirt.

If you’re worried about the cost of buying replacement bags and are considering a bagless vac, you can take some precautions to avoid dust flying back into the rooms after vacuuming. It’s better to get rid of dirt from a bagless container outside, decant the dirt in a small plastic bag, and wear a mask and gloves if you suffer from allergies. If this all sounds like a bother then you should go for a bagged machine.

Hoover BH52210PC Cruise Cordless vacuum cleaner pet hair

Allergen Containment

Vacuum cleaners can expel allergens and dust back into the air if the machine’s system is not sealed adequately or if it is fitted with poor quality dust filters. I would advise steering clear of cheap machines with poor filtration as they are more hassle than they’re worth. I’ve shortlisted a range of bagged and bagless vacuums that score high marks at retaining allergens and dust during vacuuming. You will find links to these throughout this guide.


What about cordless vacuums?

Vacuum cleaner technology has come a long way and is continuously evolving. Advancements in battery technology have seen manufacturers presenting an exciting range of cordless vacuums. They cut down on cleaning times and are much more convenient to use but the downside is that they can be expensive.

Cordless cleaners are extremely popular and are fast becoming the vacuum of choice. They are compact, lightweight, bagless and can be used with a host of versatile attachments including stick attachments. You don’t need to worry about plug sockets and it’s much easier to use one of these in your car’s interior.

BISSELL Multi Cordless Handheld Vac

Advantages of cordless vacuum cleaners

  • They are compact and great for homes with limited storage.
  • Extremely lightweight, usually weighing about 2.4kg compared to a full-sized vacuum that can weigh between 7-8kg.
  • You don’t need to concern yourself with cords or plug sockets.
  • Great for vacuuming stairs, small spaces, cars, high reaching areas without causing strain to your wrists.

 

Disadvantages of cordless vacuum cleaners

  • The bins on cordless vacuums are smaller than standard machines so you’ll be emptying them more often.
  • Cordless units are usually costlier than corded vacuums.
  • The market is flooded with low-performance cordless vacuums. Beware of cheap brands that are poor quality.
  • Limited cleaning times depending on battery life.

Overall, corded cleaners are currently the best option for deep cleaning or vacuuming larger areas. Corded vacuums are good value for money because you would need to pay more money for comparable suction power on a cordless model. Having said that, I still think that both variants have their merits depending on your requirements. I personally own a corded and cordless vacuum, and wouldn’t do without either of them.

When the time comes to choose your perfect cordless vacuum cleaner make sure that you take note of the points discussed above. Be wary of inferior vacuums that will give you unnecessary trouble and stick to the recommended cordless vacuums in the link below.

Recommended Read: Best Cordless Vacuums Cleaners


Vacuum cleaner tools and accessories

Most vacuum cleaners are provided with a variety of convenient functions and attachments to get the job done easier. These accessories are useful but do you need them all or are some of them just an unnecessary expense?

Floor-cleaning tools

The majority of vacuums are supplied with a regular combination floor cleaning head. This tool is multipurpose and cleans all types of floors. You can manually adjust the tool when moving between hard flooring and carpets. Upmarket combination tools will automatically adapt to different floor types.

Miele-Complete-C2-Hard-Floor-Canister-Vacuum-Cleaner-Attachments

Floor cleaning heads with rotating brush bars or turbo tools are very useful at agitating stubborn dirt and lifting it from carpets. Special tangle-free tools will also pick up per hair and prevent it from getting stuck or twisted around the brush bar.

Mini attachments

Almost all vacuum cleaners come with a standard pack of attachments that comprises of an upholstery attachment, crevice tool, dusting tool, or a multipurpose tool that can perform most of these tasks. You might also get some of the below tools depending on which brand and model that you buy-

  • Mini turbo cleaning tool- This is a popular tool. It’s a portable cleaning tool with a rotating brush bar and is particularly handy for picking up hairs, dust and lint from upholstery, small spaces, stairs and areas that a bigger floor attachment couldn’t easily get to.
  • Flexible tools- these bendable wands give you access to clean high reaching areas such as above cabinets, shelves and doors.
  • Mattress attachmentThis tool is a must. With this, you can deep clean your mattress to get rid of dust and skin cells that might provide a feeding ground for bed bugs.
  • Extendable tubes- these will provide you with additional reach to clean ceilings, chandeliers and high areas.
Dyson-V6-Mattress-Handheld-Vacuum

 

Extra features to look out for when buying a vacuum cleaner

Adjustable suction

If your home has a variety of different floor types or if your carpets are of various thickness, then it’s advisable to buy a vacuum cleaner with adjustable suction power so that you can glide it over different surfaces without the cleaner head getting stuck to the floor.

The best vacuums are equipped with a switch that lets you change the suction to the appropriated level. Cheaper vacuums often depend on outlets that you open and close on the cleaning head or wand.

Miele-Complete-C2-Hard-Floor-Canister-Vacuum-Cleaner-Suction-Control

Switches and controls

Depending on the vacuum that you choose, it might incorporate a lever on the cleaning head to control the suction or to adjust it from a hard floor to carpet setting. Premium models typically have controls conveniently located on the handle, or tools that can automatically adapt, so you can control your vacuum without needing to crouch down.

Filtration

Filters stop dust and airborne allergens from floating back into the air once they are trapped inside the bin. Filters come in a variety of ranges, some are washable, some need replacing after a certain period of time, and other premium filters can clean themselves. It’s vital to keep your filters clean so that your machine runs optimally. Make sure you check how easy it is to access the filters on your new vacuum.

Inferior filters are truly worthless, their inability to retain dust renders them useless. Low-grade filters will let the same amount of dust escape as they pick up. It’s worth sticking to our recommended vacuums to avoid this hassle.

Miele-PowerLine-Family-All-rounder-Vacuum-Cleaner-Filter

User-friendly vacuums

You should take into account the following features to get the most convenience from your new vacuum cleaner-

  • Sound– how loud is your new vacuum going to be? Some vacuums are unpleasantly noisy whilst others operate quietly without causing a disturbance. Stick to vacuums cleaners that are virtually silent.
  • Cleaning range- If you choose a corded vacuum it’s wise to get one with a long cable. Low-grade vacuums usually have shorter cables. Cords will measure anywhere between 6- 15 metres, so it’s important to get the longest one possible to save you constantly looking for available plug sockets.
  • Is it heavy? – How much will your vacuum weigh? The weight can be anywhere between 2kg to a load-bearing 10kg! Opt for an easy life and find a lightweight vacuum by clicking this link.
  • Pushing and pulling- In addition to the weight of the machine you need to consider how easy it is to push and pull the cleaner head over the floor. This hinges on the design of the floor head. Stay away from vacuums that are difficult to move across floors.
  • How big is the bin? – Bin sizes vary hugely. The capacity can range anywhere from 0.5 litres to 4 litres and beyond. Larger homes will benefit from a vacuum with a bigger capacity to avoid constant bin emptying.

 

Shark-IONFlex-2X-DuoClean-Cordless-Vacuum-Flexible-Head

 

Vacuum cleaner energy efficiency

It’s all fair and well to buy a vacuum cleaner with heaps of suction power but not at the detriment of energy efficiency. You don’t want a vacuum that adds costs to your electric bill. This is such an important topic that countries like the UK have placed restrictions on the power of the motor inside a vacuum. It can’t be more than 900W.

Vacuums also need to show an energy label that displays their energy efficiency. In addition to this, the machine should display performance and emissions details. It not all about high-powered vacuums, even units with a lower power output can provide a great cleaning experience.


Should you buy a robot vacuum cleaner?

Robot vacuums are incredibly convenient but they can’t match the power of a full-sized vacuum. Robots provide a great solution to stay on top of floor cleaning and the technology inside them is getting better year on year. Battery and suction power is constantly improving so it’s worth considering buying a Robot vacuum if you want to automate floor cleaning.

ECOVACS-DEEBOT-M80-Pro-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner-for-pets

Robot vacuum cleaners are portable, autonomous vacuums which lift dirt from your floors without your help. The price of a decent robot cleaner ranges from $150 to over $800. You don’t need to shell out big bucks for a high-performance robot as there’s a great range of low-cost reliable units to choose from. Most robots can be controlled via a mobile app or a remote control.

Robots have their drawbacks such as not being able to clean stairs or high reaching areas, so you’ll need another vacuum to perform these tasks but you can rely on the robot to take care of the majority, say 80%, of vacuuming. Even with their drawbacks, they are a convenient time-saving cleaning gadget to maintain clean living spaces and keep your home free from hair and dust.

bObsweep-PetHair-Plus-Robotic-Cleaner-and-Mop

I’ve trialled out a range of robot vacuums from various manufacturers such as ECOVACS, Neato, iLife, Eufy, Samsung, Dyson and so on. If you want to discover the best robot vacuum cleaner of them all then why not check out the link below for our recommended units.

Recommended reading: Best Affordable Robot Vacuums


How to inspect your vacuum cleaner before you buy

It might be worth visiting a store and checking out the vacuum cleaner that you’re thinking of buying. Here are a few things to check:

  • Switch on the vacuum– ask a member of staff if you can turn on the machine. This will help you gauge its loudness and if it is easy to move around. If the floor cleaner head gets stuck to the floor and the suction can’t be adjusted then I’d recommend choosing a different vacuum.
  • Lift the vacuum– it’s a good idea to buy a lightweight vacuum if you’re going to be carrying it up and down the stairs or manoeuvring it between multiple rooms. Lift up the vacuum to make sure that it’s light.
  • Pivot it flat against the floor– chances are that you’ll need to clean underneath furniture and bedframes, check that the vacuum can pivot to a flat position so that it can access gaps between the floor and furniture. Not all vacuums can do this which could be an inconvenience as you’ll need to manually move around your couches, tables, chairs and so on.
Shark-DuoClean-Powered-Lift-Away-Speed-Upright-Vacuum
  • Scrutinize the filter and bin- can the bags be swapped easily? If the unit is bagless how easy can you empty the canister? Are the filters easily accessible? If possible, try get a model with washable filters. If not then you should research the cost of spare filters and bags.

Things you can’t inspect in store.

Unfortunately, you can’t check everything in the store. It’s not possible to gauge how good the vacuum will clean your floors or if the suction power will fade over time. You won’t be able to know other users experiences and reliability of the machine.

Buying a vacuum cleaner that will stand the test of time.

A vacuum cleaner is a big household purchase and you want to make sure that you get it right when choosing one. It’s important to get a durable vacuum as you’ll be using it on most days. Brands like Shark and Dyson make some of the most reliable vacuums on the market and their customer service is second to none. Stay away from cheap brands with low reliability.

Bissell-Hard-Floor-Expert-Multi-Cyclonic-Bagless-Canister-Vacuum

Conclusion

There are just as many vacuums out there with poor performance as those with brilliant cleaning abilities. If you’ve read this far I’m guessing that you’re serious about finding the best vacuum cleaner for your home. Why not start here?

We’ve shortlisted the best of the best so that your buying experience is stress-free. I’ve included links throughout this post to help you decide on the most suitable model for your requirements. The hard work has been done for you so that you can buy with confidence.

Our recommended vacuums have been tested on different floors types and rated according to their performance. You will also discover how well these units pickup tough dirt like hair and ingrained debris.

Are you considering buying one of our recommended vacuum cleaners or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.


 Our List of the Best Domestic Appliances

Best Robot Mop for Kitchens, Bathrooms and Hard Floors in 2021

Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and to bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most cases I receive referral commissions. Eventually, I may earn enough to buy a beer or two 🙂 

Best Robot Mop for Kitchens, Bathrooms & Hard Floors in 2021

Scrubbing floors is a pain. If there’s one thing that I hate more than doing the dishes it is mopping. I’m sure you can imagine how excited I was when I discovered that I could get my hands on a robotic mop cleaner.

A robot mop makes floor cleaning easier and convenient. The robot will take most of this task off your hands but it won’t completely replace your handheld mop when it comes to dealing with stubborn, sticky messes that might still need a bit of elbow grease. But for the majority of the work, you can rely on a robot mop to tick off most of the floor mopping and save you heaps of time.

iRobot-Braava-jet-240-Robot-Mop

There is a huge choice of robot mops with different functionalities and abilities, you can get one that focuses solely on mopping or a combination unit that mops and vacuums. How do you choose the best robot mop for your house cleaning requirements? I’ve summarized this helpful guide and ranked the machines to give you a clearer picture of the ideal robot to suit your needs.

Our guide will take you through the important features of a robot mop and will also address the questions and queries that might come up when buying one. Once you’ve read through this guide you can confidently choose the perfect robot from our shortlist of top-ranking autonomous cleaners.

Buying a Multi-function robot mop

Finding the best robot mop from the countless choices out there can seem like a difficult task. Some machines are mop-only, but multi-functional machines can mop and vacuum and cost slightly more money. Let’s walk through the different types of multi-functional mopping vacuums that you can get.

Deenkee-Robotic-Vacuum-Cleaner-with-Mop

Multi-function robot mop (without water tank)

Some robot mops are fitted with water tanks and some come without one. Machines without a water tank are specifically for damp or dry mopping.

If you want to damp mop with a tankless robot you’ll need to manually damp the pad various times during the cleaning session for the mop to wipe efficiently. Robots without water tanks are not as effective as machines with tanks. It might be worth paying a bit extra for a robot with a water tank.

Multi-function robot mop (with water tank)

A robot vacuum with a mopping feature is equipped with a dirt bin to collect mess from vacuuming and a separate water tank for mopping. The majority of multi-functional robots can only carry either the dirt bin or water tank, they can’t vacuum and mop at the same time. When mopping is required you will need to remove the dirt bin, slot in the water tank and attach a mopping pad at the base of the unit, all of which can be done easily.

Deenkee-Robotic-Cleaner-with-Mop
  • Some robots will gradually deliver small amounts of water to the pad to keep it soaked throughout the cleaning session.
  • Other robots will squirt water directly onto the floor in front of the machine so that it mops as it passes through.

If you want the convenience of automated vacuuming and mopping combined in one machine then you should buy a multi-functional robot mop equipped with a water tank.

 

Things you should consider prior to buying a robot mop

Robot cleaners are not entirely independent machines although some are cleverer than their counterparts. The majority will not completely take over from a thorough manual mop, but they are a great way of keeping the house clean.

iRobot-Braava-240-jet-Robot-Mop-Cleaner

Here are a few other points to consider before you purchase a robot mop:

  • Most robot vacuums and mops can work on their own, but can sometimes require a bit of help. Cheap robots are usually equipped with generic sensors that will help the robot avoid dropping downstairs but aren’t clever enough to avoid things like electric cables or stray clothing. Opt for a machine with smart sensors that can steer clear of obstacles and get out of tight areas without your help.
  • You will need to empty and replenish the water tank. Robot mops with water tanks need to be refilled several times during cleaning depending on the size of the area that needs mopping.
  • You have to manually swap out the dirt bin for the water tank when you need the multi-function robot to change from vacuuming to mopping and vice versa. Robots generally can’t automatically switch between mopping and vacuuming by themselves.

Now that you know what’s involved when buying a robot mop let’s look at our favourite ones out of the bunch.


 

#1. iRobot Braava 380t Robot Mop

iRobot was one of the first manufacturers of domestic robot cleaners and know a thing or two about how to build some of the best autonomous robots mops. The Braava 380t robot is a mop-only unit that is equipped with a sweeper cloth and a mopping cloth that is attached separately depending on what you want the robot to do.

The sweeping feature is for dusting your floors but a lot of people confuse this function with vacuuming, the machine does not have a dirt container and is not a robot vacuum. The Braava does an excellent job at the tasks it’s intended to do. If you’re after a robot that excels at sweeping and mopping then read on.

iRobot-Braava-380t-Robot-Mop

The mopping pad is cleverly designed with a reservoir that runs along both the sides of the pad. There is a bit of fabric, in the middle of the pad, that catches water from the reservoir and delivers it to the mopping cloth to keep it wet throughout the cleaning session. This is the smartest mopping system that I’ve come across which is why the Braava 380t deserves the top spot for the best robot mop.

 

Braava 380t Robot Mop Navigation

The robot’s navigation system maps out the room’s layout and works out an optimum route with the help of the provided floor cube. Make sure you place the cube in the room that needs mopping and put it somewhere with an uninterrupted view of the ceiling. The Braava 380t will connect to the cube’s navigation system where it will plot the room’s layout and get route guidance.

iRobot-Braava-380t-Robot-Mopper

The Braava robot mop is easy to use and works well without needing much management (trust me, a lot can go wrong if you choose the wrong robot mop). The machine operates very quietly and you can easily forget that it’s in the same room. The robot can get underneath furniture, bed frames and my freestanding bathtub.

The robot takes it’s time to mop, it’s a slow machine but this shouldn’t really be a problem because it doesn’t need you to wait around for it. The biggest advantage here is that you are saving time and effort.

Braava 380t Robot Mop Features

iRobot-Braava-380t-Robotic-Mop

Below is a quick summary of the features found on the iRobot Braava 380t:

  • The Braava robot can sweep up to 1,000 square feet or mop 350 square feet in one cleaning session.
  • Clever route guidance is made possible using the navigation cube that instructs the robot where to go and also makes it aware of areas it’s already cleaned.
  • The battery life is impressive. Braava 380t sweeps for up to 3.5 hours or mops for up to 2.5 hours on one charge.
  • You can get additional navigation cubes to increase the robot’s range and enable it to clean several rooms at a time.
  • Easy to use controls. Simply attach the relevant cloth and choose the MOP or SWEEP feature and off the robot goes.
  • The reusable Pro-Clean cloth wipes up dirt and muck with water and a cleaning solution.
  • The robot can use various cloths and pads including non-branded clothes that cost a bit less. You can use it with compatible disposable cloths e.g. Swiffer pads or reusable microfiber cloths.

Product Rating 8.7/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-star


#2. iRobot Braava jet 240 Robot Mop

Next up is another Braava machine (yes, they are that good). The Braava jet 240 combines an autonomous swiffer with a wet jet in one machine. The vibrating cleaning head helps to remove stubborn dirt such as dried up coffee stains and food. This robot mop outshines at sweeping up pet hairs.

iRobot-Braava-jet-240-Robotic-Mop

My dog sheds a lot of hair and I’m always on the hunt for a domestic cleaner that can get rid of hairs easily. If you’ve already got a robot vacuum the Braava jet 240 is the perfect companion to work alongside your robot and tag team dirt cleaning.

The jet spray is particularly effective at tackling difficult dirt such us muddy paws. If you’re too busy to mop your floors this little robot is perfect for the task. The jet 240 is a low-cost robot that can be purchased for less than $170. If this is your first ever robot cleaner then you’re in for a treat. I’m confident that you’ll be thoroughly impressed by the results.

Braava jet 240 Robot Mop Performance

iRobot manufactures reliable domestic robot cleaners. I’ve used various models including the Roomba series and have never experienced any major issues with their robots as long as they are maintained at the recommended intervals then you should enjoy years of service.

iRobot-Braava-jet-240-Robotic-Mop-Cleaner

The jet 240 doesn’t claim to deliver miracles i.e. wiping dried up glue from the floor but it does exactly as stated on the packaging. It will dry mop in 1 pass, damp in 2 passes and full-on mopping in 3 passes. It cleans at a very low noise level when dry mopping but can be heard when wet mopping due to the vibrating cleaning head.

The battery life is phenomenal. The machine will last more than 6 hours on a dry clean, 3-4 hours on a damp mop and over 2 hours for wet mopping. This gives the robot an adequate time to clean medium to large sized rooms.

What’s in the box?

In the box, you are supplied with 2 orange damp pads, 2 blue wet mops and 2 white dry pads. You can pick up spare mop pads which come in a pack of 10 for less than $8. The orange damp pads run out the quickest so it’s a good idea to stock up on those first.

iRobot-Braava-jet-240-Robot-Mop-Cleaner

The Braava jet 240 cleans multiple hard surface types such as laminate, wooden floors, tiles and stone floors. This portable cleaner can reach areas that you could easily overlook such as around toilets and underneath cabinets. It automatically chooses the exact cleaning mode for the mop that’s attached to the unit.

Overall, the Braava Jet 240 is a consistent cleaner with reliable performance. It ranks extremely high and is the second most powerful robot mop on our list. The water tank is easily accessible and can be filled up in a matter of seconds. The pads are also easily swappable to minimise the time it takes to set up this guy for a clean.

Product Rating 8.6/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-star


 

#3. bObsweep PetHair Plus Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Mop

Whilst our top 2 robots are mop-only robots I’ve also included a selection of multi-functional robots that vacuum and mop). Our highest ranking multi-function robot is the bObsweep Pet Hair Plus. This unit takes all the good things from its previous versions and throws in mopping functionality.

If you’re a pet owner that is sick and tired of never-ending pet hair then I’d highly recommend looking into getting a bObsweep robot. It will pick up all of that unwanted hair then mop your hard flooring to provide a complete clean. I’ve got a friend that owns 5 huskies. You can imagine the amount of hair that she must have to deal with. I suggested the bObsweep Pet Hair Plus and she’s been thanking me ever since.

bObsweep-PetHair-Plus-Robotic-Cleaner-and-Mop

This bObsweep cleaner does all the things you’d expect from a robot vacuum i.e. schedule cleaning times using the bObsweep app, smart navigation, a turbo boost function to lift pet hair, it sweeps dirt with its brushes and sterilises the floor with the UV light. Bob is a powerful robot but what about his mopping feature?

bObsweep PetHair Plus Performance

The unit is supplied with 2 reusable mops that can be attached to the base of the machine. The robot can wet mop but the feature is not as advanced as our top 2 mop-only robots. The bObsweep Pet Hair Plus can also be used as an automatic Swiffer for dry mopping.

bObsweep-PetHair-Plus-Robotic-Vacuum-Cleaner-and-Mop

The most impressive thing about the bObsweeping brand is their high level of customer service. If you encounter any issues with your robot just call them up or send an email and the team will quickly assist until you are 100% satisfied.

Overall, bObweep pet hair plus robot is a powerful unit with an arsenal of features to combat pet hair and keep floors looking their best. If you are struggling to find the time to vacuum and mop regularly then why not consider getting this multi-function vacuum. It combines powerful suction with floor mopping as well. Below is a quick summary of bObsweep’s features:

bObsweep-PetHair-Plus-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner-and-Mop

bObsweep PetHair Plus Features

  • BObsweep is a truly multi-functional cleaner. He sweeps, vacuums, cleans the air with HEPA filtration, mops and sterilises with the built-in UV light.
  • The suction power can automatically turbo boost by up to 4 times to give this robot one of strongest suction on the market.
  • It houses a large 1-litre dirt bin for less frequent emptying.
  • The robot will automatically return to the docking station when it detects a low battery.
  • You can create up to 2 virtual walls to stop the robot from venturing into rooms that it shouldn’t.

Product Rating 8.5/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-star


 

#4. Roborock S5 Max Robotic Vacuum and Mop Cleaner

The next robot on our list is the Roborock S5 Max multi-function robot. This unit provides an exceptional standard of cleaning. It effortlessly works between rooms, automatically recharges the battery and continues where it left off until the cleaning is done. The strong suction delivers 2000Pa of power to deep clean carpets and rugs.

Roborock-S5-Xiaomi-Robotic-Vacuum-and-Mop-Cleaner

The mop feature is powered by a botanical biomimetic mopping system that helps with wet mopping. The robot can be programmed to clean at a time that is convenient for your schedule. Use the Mi Home app to check on the robot’s progress and monitor its status.

Roborock S5 Max vs Pet Hair

The Roborock S5 Max is ideal for homes with pets thanks to 2000Pa of powerful suction. The side brushes operate at variable speeds spinning at 330RPM to brush the dirt away from floor edges. When the robot is sweeping in a straight line the side brushes reduce the spinning speed to 130RPM to avoid throwing dirt all over the place. When it’s time to mop you can utilize the 140 ml capacity water tank that can be filled up with enough water to support 45-60 minutes of continuous mopping.

Roborock-S5-Xiaomi-Robot-Vacuum-and-Mop

Most customers have reported that the Roborock S5 Max vacuums better than high-end robots such as the Neato and Roomba plus you get the benefit of a comprehensive mopping system. The mopping cloth and water reservoir work better with a cleaning solution added to the water.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one robot cleaner that combines thorough autonomous vacuuming with wet mopping, at half the cost of a Roomba vacuum, then you should consider the Roborock multi-function robot. Below is a summary of the features you can expect from the S5 Max cleaner:

Roborock-S5-Xiaomi-Robotic-Vacuum-and-Mop

Roborock S5 Max Features

  • An intelligent design which takes advantage of a sweeping system that is intended to optimize wind utilization. The system ensures that nothing is left behind.
  • The mopping system thoroughly cleans hard floors whilst preventing water stains and streaks.
  • Roborock can be controlled using one of the best apps I’ve tested on a robot. The Mi Home App allows you to schedule cleaning times, save maps of the room layouts, create virtual barriers and monitor the robot’s status.
  • The app is available on Android and IOS devices plus you can voice control the robot using Alexa devices.
  • The battery gives a remarkable running time of 2.5 hours and is suitable for cleaning multiple rooms and large homes.

Product Rating 8.5/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-star


 

#5. ILIFE V5s Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Water Tank Mop

The iLife V5s robot is one of my favourite versatile devices for vacuuming and mopping. It is equipped with a swappable water tank to wet mop hard floors. This robot provides all the comforts of an advanced robot cleaner but takes things a step further with the mopping functionality.

ILIFE-V5s-Vacuum-Cleaner-with-Water-mopping

 

ILIFE V5s Mopping and Vacuuming Performance

The V5s cleaner uses innovative i-dropping technology to improve mopping efficiency and consistency across all of your hard floors. The bigger wheels improve stability, help the robot to travel on uneven surfaces and assist it out of a jam if it gets stuck. The battery has been upgraded to prolong the robot’s running time to 2.3 hours.

When it functions as a robot vacuum the iLife V5s doesn’t waste time to seek out dirt and dust. It will travel into the furthest reaches of your rooms and catch mess that would normally be overlooked. Make sure that you wash the pads after each mopping session to optimise performance. You should also make sure that the floor has been vacuumed before switching on the mop function. Here is a quick summary of the robot’s features:

ILIFE V5s Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Water

ILIFE V5s Features

  • iLife cleans very quietly. He won’t interrupt you whilst you’re on calls or watching your favourite t.v. show if he happens to be cleaning in the same room. He doesn’t scare the dogs or wake up the kids if he’s cleaning whilst they’re asleep.
  • He can clean for up to 140 minutes on a single charge. The robot is brilliant at lifting up small particles but struggles with larger items. If the robot doesn’t like what it has sucked up it spits it out.
  • The robot has a dry vacuuming sweeping mode to perform an initial clean before mopping commences.
  • The smart sensors on the iLife V5s guide the robot between obstacles and helps it to avoid knocking into walls. The robot will quickly slow down as it approaches a large object and change direction.
  • Cliff sensors are fitted as standard to ensure that your precious robot won’t fall down a flight of stairs.
ILIFE V5s Robot Vacuum Cleaner slim design..

If you need a robot that can clean on a daily basis then it might be time you got your hands on this versatile machine. This portable robot is a cost-effective solution for vacuuming and mopping. It’s easy to control the unit to switch between different cleaning modes and there’s the choice of dry or wet mopping. You can buy the iLife V5s for less than $250.

Product Rating 8/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-starempty-star


 

#6. Deenkee Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Mop

The Deenkee cleaner is an all-purpose robot vacuum with a mopping feature that uses a separate water tank to keep your hard floors looking shiny. There’s plenty on offer here. As a robot vacuum, Deenkee is fitted with spinning brushes on each side of the unit and a primary rotating brush on the main unit. It cleans thoroughly and efficiently.

This robot is built from high-quality materials and is a highly functional little cleaner. Deenkee deep cleans hard floors and carpets in medium to large homes but is small enough for apartments with limited storage space. He picks up a surprising amount of dirt everytime he goes off to clean. The robot is lightweight and operates almost silently so that it doesn’t interrupt you.

Deenkee-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner-with-Mop

I was surprised that the manufacturer didn’t really promote the mop function on the Deenkee. I wasn’t too sure whether it could actually mop but my worries were alleviated when I spotted the water tank in the packaging. Setting up the machine to mop is quite straightforward, simply fill up the water tank, attach the mop pads and press clean.

There’s a remote to instruct the robot and give it precise instructions, whether it’s vacuuming or mopping. You can program Deenkee to clean the house whilst you’re at work so that you get home to fresh looking floors. The robot automatically returns to its docking station whenever it needs recharging.

Deenkee-Robotic-Vacuum-Cleaner-and-Mop

 

Deenkee Robot features:

  • Deenkee is very efficient. He is designed with spinning side brushes and a long primary brush to carry out its robot vacuum duties. It catches dust, dirt and pet hairs from floors with its strong suction.
  • Wet mopping is on par with costlier robot mops and the machine is supplied with a standalone water tank specifically for the mopping feature.
  • Deenkee’s slim profile is perfect for the robot to navigate underneath furniture, couches and beds. The robot vacuums consistently on hard floors and carpets.
  • The machine is equipped with a dozen sensors to guide the robot between rooms whilst avoiding obstacles. The sensors also help Deenkee to automatically select the best cleaning mode for the task at hand and specific floor type.
  • You get a lot for your money with this robot. In addition to mopping and vacuuming, you can schedule convenient cleaning times, Deenkee cleans corners and edges brilliantly, The battery running time is 100 minutes and the machine automatically charges when it’s low on battery.
Deenkee-Robot-Vacuum-and-Mop

Product Rating 8/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-starempty-star


 

#7. ECOVACS DEEBOT M80 Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner

The final robot mop on our list is the Ecovacs Deebot M80 multi-function cleaner. This robot thrives in busy households especially if you’re a pet owner. It picks up dirt, hair and dust without a fuss. If you’re too busy to make time for floor cleaning then you’ll be impressed with the amount of time this little robot will save you.

ECOVACS-DEEBOT-M80-Pro-Robot-Mop-Vacuum-Cleaner

Ecovacs Deebot robots are amongst the best on the market for their sheer cleaning power and durability. Now you can combine a robot vacuum with a robot mop together in one machine. The M80 scores high marks for its adaptability with handling multiple surfaces especially carpets…even thick carpets.

The Ecovacs M80 is an innovative robot with a 5 stage cleaning system for deep cleaning. You can also take advantage of the popular Ecovacs app to control and communicate with the robot. The Deebot M80 is proficient at mopping hard floors. It comes with a dedicated water tank and can be used to either dry mop or wet mop with the supplied pads.

ECOVACS-DEEBOT-M80-Pro-Robotic-Mop-Vacuum-Cleaner

Ecovacs Deebot M80 features:

  • There are more ways to connect with the M80 in addition to the remote control. Use the ECOVACS app to setup convenient cleaning times, receive notifications, choose a cleaning mode and monitor the robot’s status. Use Alexa devices to voice control the robot.
  • Smart route guidance is what the Deebot does best. It’s armed with proximity and cliff sensors to keep it on the straight and narrow.
  • You will find a large 500ml capacity dirt bin to catch more dirt and increase the intervals between bin emptying.
  • The robot is fitted with a high-quality air filtration system to trap dust and allergens.
  • The 5 stage cleaning system can also increase suction power by almost 40% to lift stubborn dirt and hair.
  • The M80 is a complete robot with a Dry and Wet mopping function supplied with a separate water tank and mopping pads.
ECOVACS-DEEBOT-M80-Pro-Robot-Mop-Cleaner

Overall, the Deebot M80 is a powerful robot cleaner that can adapt to most cleaning situations. The mopping feature works a lot better than expected and the vacuum performance is strong enough to pick up pet hairs with ease. The robot cleans quietly and has a long battery life of 110 minutes.

You can get the M80 robot at a very affordable price for less than $230. Extra accessories and parts are cheap and easy to replace.

Product Rating 7.5/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-starempty-star


 

Conclusion

Sadly, our time is up. That concludes our list of the best robot mop for kitchens, bathrooms and hard floors in 2021. There’s a great choice of robots to fit in with your lifestyle and cleaning requirements, whether you decide to buy a mop-only or multi-function robot.

ILIFE-V5s-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner-with-Water-mopping

Before I leave you, here are a few tips to remember to ensure that you get the most out of your robot.

  • For the best results make sure that your floors are vacuumed prior to robot mopping.
  • Keep floors clear and free from obstacles such as electric cables, large objects, kids toys and so on.
  • Maintain your robot occasionally ensuring that the sensors are clean. For multi-function robots, clean the brushes and filters frequently.
  • Protect valuable items just in case the robot accidentally bumps into furniture and knocks something over. You can either set up a virtual barrier or move valuable items out of the way.

Are you considering buying one of the robot mops from our list or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.


 

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Best Affordable Robot Vacuum Cleaners 2021- Out Ultimate Selection!

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Best Affordable Robot Vacuum Cleaners 2021

Are you tired of vacuuming dirt that never seems to end? I don’t know about you but the last thing I want to do when I get home after work is to vacuum the house. I’d rather tuck into a naughty takeaway and watch a movie. Thankfully there’s an affordable solution for my lazy tendencies. Robot vacuum cleaners are an inexpensive approach to automate floor cleaning whilst you get on with your life.

The general assumption is that robot vacuums are a costly purchase. Whilst this statement is partly true, the competition among suppliers has grown over recent years and flooded the market with a choice of high-quality budget robots that share the equivalent features as premium machines.

Neato-BotVac-D3-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner

A robot vacuum won’t completely replace a standard cleaner mainly because they can’t clean stairs, high reaching areas or get in between tiny gaps. Just remember to bear this in mind when buying one. Other than that I personally think that they are a great time-saving investment for regular vacuuming of 80% of your house.

Robot vacuums are equipped with ingenious proximity sensors and cameras to guide them around your house and calculate the most efficient route to clean floors in the least amount of time. It used to be that the best features were reserved for only the most expensive robots but that has all changed. These days you can get your hands on an affordable robot with different cleaning modes, app control and automatic docking when the battery is running low. These are just a few of the features that can be enjoyed when you invest in an autonomous cleaner.

How do you choose the best robot vacuum cleaner for your home? Here are some of the things to consider when purchasing one:

How much battery time do you get?

The majority of robot vacuums can clean for a minimum of 1 hour before the battery runs out, some premium models can last up to 2 hours before the battery needs charging. Our shortlist of robots come with charging stations which they can automatically return to whenever a low battery is detected. Try to avoid cheap robot vacuums that require manually charging, this takes away the convenience of autonomous cleaning because you’ll need to look for your robot everytime the battery runs out.

Shark-ION-Robot-750-Vacuum-Cleaner-High-Performance-at-an-Affordable-Cost

Can your robot avoid and work around household obstacles?

Most robots are equipped with sensors to map out the area and calculate the best possible route to use, but cheap robots don’t have this benefit and will normally clean in a random pattern. The majority of the affordable robots found here can plan out optimum cleaning routes and also use proximity sensors to detect and move around obstacles. Most models, even cheap ones, are fitted with cliff sensors that keep the robot from falling down stair edges. You should ensure that your floors are clear from anything that could be sucked up by the robot by mistake.

iRobot-Roomba-690-Wi-Fi-Connected-Vacuuming-Robot-cleaner

How can you tell if a robot vacuum gives a good cleaning performance?

When choosing the best affordable robot vacuum cleaner to buy there are 2 brush types to consider. Cheaper robots are fitted with spinning brushes at the front of the machine that spin and sweep dirt into the suction vent. Higher end models are designed with an additional robust rotating brush which has a more effective dirt lifting capability. I’d highly recommend searching for a model with a wide brush that lifts more dirt in less time and gets into corners easily. Thankfully we’ve found and ranked the perfect robot vacuums with all of the above features and are also kind on your wallet.


 

1. The Eufy RoboVac 11s

 
RoboVac-11S-Robot-Vacuum-cleaner-for-pet-hair

At the top of our list is the Eufy RoboVac 11s which succeeds the highly successful RoboVac 11.
 
This new version is packed with great upgrades and now offers suction improvements, better navigation and a slimmer profile that lets the S manoeuvre into smaller areas underneath furniture.
 
 
 

The RoboVac 11s lifted about 11.7 grams of dirt after each cycle, which was more than some pricier robots could pick up. The 11s robot operates quietly and works through floors smoothly, it won’t disturb a conversation and you can watch t.v. uninterrupted in the same room whilst it cleans.

Eufy-RoboVac-11s-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner

If you loathe vacuuming or sweeping floors then the RoboVac 11s is a great choice to vacuum your floors every day whilst you get on with other things. Simply program it using the Eufy Home app or remote and watch it work through your floors whilst you kick back and relax. If the machine gets stuck it will send out a distress signal for you to come and rescue it and cleverly turns off whilst it waits. Eufy 11s collects a huge amount of dirt after each run which reassures me that he’s doing a great job each and every time.

RoboVac-11S-Robotic-Vacuum-cleaner-for-pet-owners-with-carpets

Although the Eufy RoboVac 11s is smaller than its predecessor it can clean medium to large-sized homes (about 2300 square feet) without issues as long as the floors are uncluttered. Ideally, you should place the charging base in a central location so that the robot doesn’t need to travel a long distance to recharge.

The battery runtime is better than expected, the 11s will clean for a full 1 hour 40 minutes on a single charge.

The advantage of choosing a Eufy robot is the ease of use when setting a cleaning schedule, it is so simple to program the 11s and the it always begins cleaning straightaway. If Eufy gets stuck he often gets himself out of a jam, somehow he figures out how to get free.

RoboVac-11S-Robotic-Vacuum-cleaner-for-pets

Overall, Eufy scores the highest marks for providing premium features at a low cost. I would highly recommend 11s for good cleaning performance and a long battery. Eufy is a great affordable brand that constantly upgrades their robots with the latest features.

Product Rating 9/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-star


 

2. The Neato Botvac D3 connected

 
 
 

The Botvac range from Neato is amongst the best robots on the market. These models are extremely popular and Neato D3 Connected is no exception. If you are after an affordable robot that is a champion at cleaning dirt then you should consider this machine. Neato D3 cleans on par with robots that would cost you double the price. To all you pet owners out there, this robot excels at lifting pet hair.

You will get features such as Wi-Fi connectivity so that you can control and monitor Deebot from anywhere on the globe. You can also voice command the robot using Google Home or Alexa devices to instruct it to start cleaning.

The-Neato-BotVac-D3-Robot-Vacuum

You can place a small magnetic strip on the floor that acts as a barrier to rooms that you don’t want the Botvac to venture into. Neato is also updating their software so that you can draw virtual barriers using the Neato App, which is an improvement to using the magnetic strips.

The Neato Botvac has a unique D-shape design to reach corners and edges. The thin profile makes it possible for the robot to clean in areas that a larger vacuum couldn’t easily reach. The D3 Connected looks and feel premium throughout with a robust beater and brushes that thoroughly clean floors. It will clean hard floors, carpets and rugs without hesitation and get rid of stubborn dirt including pet hair.

The-Neato-BotVac-D3-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner-app

The BotVac D3 will vacuum for 1 hour on a single charge then automatically return to its charging station. The filter is easily replaceable and holds a surprising amount of dirt, you can buy a 10 pack of spare high-grade filters for less than $20. The unit is made from durable materials and doesn’t feel like it will break down on you anytime soon.

Setting up the robot for first-time use is simple. Turn on the power and slot the robot onto the docking station to set it up whilst it’s charging. Connecting the robot to your home Wi-Fi will take just 2-3 minutes. The app will then run some software updates and then the robot is good to go.

The-Neato-BotVac-D3-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner

The BotVac robot will familiarize itself to the surrounding area before it starts cleaning. To do this the unit will spin around to orient itself then set off into the world of your home. The Neato D3 cleaned the ground floor (living room, kitchen, dining room, downstairs toilet) in less than an hour then returned to its charging station and sent me a notification, to my phone, that the cleaning was finished. It also sent me a map of the areas it had vacuumed which, to my surprise, was the complete ground floor.

Overall the Neato D3 Connected is a capable robot vacuum that connects to your home Wi-Fi network for better communication and monitoring of your autonomous cleaner, whether you’re at home or not. It sends you progress updates and will notify you if it gets into trouble. If you’re looking for a low-cost robot cleaner with high-end features and functionality then the D3 connected is a worthwhile choice.

Product Rating 8.5/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-star


 

3. Tesvor X500 Robot Vacuum Cleaner 

The Tesvor X500 robot is in our top 3 because it provides a generous set of features for less than $200. This model is fitted with a smart mapping system that seamlessly plans each clean and tailors it to the layout of your home. The robot will know the most efficient method to clean your home before it even begins, you will also have visibility of real-time mapping of your floor plan via the app. The robot vacuums utilising S-shaped patterns for better efficiency.

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The X500 cleaner has been upgraded with a powerful 3-stage cleaning system that includes twofold V-shape spinning brushes, a brushless motor and an optimised air duct. All 3 components work together to provide a high standard of cleaning. Furthermore, the robot provides 50% more suction power than previous models. Watch Tesvor suck up all types of dirt, dust and pet hair from carpets, hard floors and rugs. You’ll be astounded with the amount of mess this little robot collects.

Setting up the X500 is quite simple and you should have him up and running within a few minutes. Below is a quick summary of the Tesvor user experience-

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Controlling the Robot via the App: This is the best way to interact and check on your robot’s progress. You can change cleaning modes and schedule convenient cleaning times e.g. when you’re out at work. Connecting the robot to your home Wi-Fi is straightforward and allows you to communicate with your robot from anywhere in the world.

iOS and Android: The app can be downloaded to IOS and Android devices. Whilst the IOS version is great, I feel that the Android version needs a bit more work to improve on its accessibility. You can find and download both apps from here.

Tesvor-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner-for-Alexa-Connectivity-smart-app

Can Tesvor Clean Corners?: This feature is very important. A robot that can’t clean corners is not worth the money. Thankfully the X500 is equipped with dual spinning brushes which ensure that the machine can reach and clean corners effectively.

Remote Control: In addition to WiFi connectivity, the robot comes with a convenient remote control to program your cleaning sessions and it is also compatible with Alexa & Google Home voice control smart features.

Floor cleaning: The 3 stage cleaning system provides a deep clean to carpets and hard floors and it targets stubborn dirt. Tesvor’s slim profile allows it to go into more places that couldn’t easily be cleaned by a larger vacuum cleaner such as underneath couches, beds and cabinets.

Tesvor-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner-deep-cleaning

Overall The Tesvor X500 is a great value robot cleaner that doesn’t shy away from providing the latest features. It has a powerful 3-stage cleaning system, smart mapping, app control and voice control. These are all features that you would normally find in a robot that costs between $350-$550 but the great thing here is that you can grab the X500 robot for less than $200. I’m thoroughly impressed by this robot and would highly recommend it for families, pet owners and anyone looking for a reliable automated cleaner.

Product Rating 8.4/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-star


 

4. The iRobot Roomba 690

 

iRobot Roomba is one of the most recognised brands for domestic robotics. The Roomba 690 is the successor to the popular 650 and is the lowest priced offering from iRobot. The robot costs less than $299 and has been updated to include Wi-Fi connectivity as well as smartphone control via the Roomba App. The Roomba 690 is one of the cheapest robot vacuums that you can buy from a premium manufacturer.

iRobot-Roomba-690-Wi-Fi-Connected-Vacuuming-Robotic-cleaner

The Roomba robot is particularly useful for pet owners. The 690 sucks up a considerable amount of pet hair which is evident when the dirt bin is emptied. If your dog/cat sheds a lot of hair and you can never seem to fit in enough cleaning time or maybe you’d prefer someone else to clean up then I would recommend trying out the Roomba 690. It will traverse areas that you can’t reach easily with an upright or canister vacuum.

The Roomba range has had strong positive customer feedback and is a reliable brand of robots to help save you time and keep on top of vacuuming. I’m a busy parent and can never seem to fit everything into my hectic day but that doesn’t mean I should put up with dirty floors. The Roomba 690 addresses the majority of floor cleaning requirements and frees up time.

iRobot-Roomba-690-Wi-Fi-Connected-Vacuum-Robot-cleaner

What do you get in the box with your Roomba 690? There’s a docking station to charge the robot, a spare filter, a virtual barrier to keep the robot from venturing into rooms that are out of bounds, and a multi-tool. Setting the 690 is stress-free. Simply plug in the docking station into the mains (ideally in a central location), dock the Roomba, download the smartphone app and link the robot to your home Wi-Fi. After this, you’ll be able to control the robot, receive notifications and check on the robot’s status through the app. It takes less than a minute to connect the Roomba 690 to your Wi-Fi.

The Roomba app is user-friendly and easy to navigate. You can give your Roomba a name and the app will also give you a summary of the most recent jobs showing the date, time and duration of each one. The summary will also show the difficulty of each job by counting the number of occasions it identified dirt deposits and also provide the status of each job i.e. was it completed, cancelled or did the machine run into any trouble.

iRobot-Roomba-690-Wi-Fi-Connected-Vacuuming-Robot-cleaner

Another smart feature of the Roomba 690 is that it monitors the unit and automatically tells you when it needs maintenance, it will notify you when filters, brushes and other parts need cleaning or replacing. The main screen within the app shows the robot’s status, remaining battery and there’s a large button in the middle of the screen that manually wakes up the robot to start cleaning. You can control the robot from anywhere, even when you’re not at home.

You can set up 7-day customised cleaning schedules through the app. It will also keep you updated on the progress of each clean and notify you when the job is finished. The app will alert you if the Roomba gets stuck or if there is an issue with functionality. Battery charging time is about 2 hours.

iRobot-Roomba-690-Wi-Fi-Connected-Vacuuming-Robot

Overall the iRobot Roomba 690 is a much-needed upgrade to the 650. There are more convenient ways to connect with the robot and pet hair lifting performance is amongst the best. The Roomba app is the hub of this robot and it offers a detailed breakdown of each job whilst keeping you notified on the machine’s status. This is the best affordable robot vacuum cleaner from a big brand.

Product Rating 8.2/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-star


 

5. Shark ION Robot Vacuum WIFI-Connected (RV750)

The Shark brand is an innovative manufacturer of upright vacuum cleaners. They gave us the 2-in-1 lift-away upright and now they’ve given us a robot vacuum. The Shark ION robot is an ideal daily cleaner with a reasonable price tag. True to Shark’s innovative nature the robot is equipped with a clever self-cleaning rotating brush which catches dirt, dust, hairs and allergens.

Shark-ION-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner-High-Performance-at-an-Affordable-Cost

The Shark robot quickly familiarises itself to its surroundings and moves across floors without a glitch. The onboard sensors scan for obstructions and guide the robot to steer clear of them. The twin side brushes rotate with a swift action and sweep dirt effectively from corners and floor edges. The side brushes are made from regular brush type bristles rather than rubber bristles. This improves the hair lifting capabilities of the robot instead of leaving tufts of hair behind.

This little robot can handle vacuuming medium to large-sized homes (between 2000 – 2300 square feet) without any trouble. It cleans consistently across different floor types and doesn’t struggle to lift dirt from carpets and rugs.

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Are you a pet owner? The Shark ION robot is a godsend when tasked to eliminate pet hair. My dog sheds a tremendous amount of pet hair which gets everywhere if I don’t vacuum for more than a couple of days. This robot stays on top of pet hair problems so that you can always get back home to hair-free floors every single day.

The Shark robot is not fitted with smart mapping. It cleans in a random sequence, but the machine’s floor coverage is impressive. The robot doesn’t miss a spot, it cleans all corners and gets rid of dust and hair accumulating in hidden areas.

Shark-Robot-Vacuum-Cleaner-edges-and-corners

Make sure that your floor is free from clutter so that Sharkey can roam freely without getting stuck between clothes or the kid’s toys.

The robot has a battery running of between 1 hour 15 minute- 1 hour 30 minutes. Given Shark’s random pattern I was expecting him to struggle to find his docking station and run out of battery in the process, but surprisingly he always found his way back home.

The portable design gives Shark the advantage of fitting underneath furniture and cleaning areas that can easily be overlooked. The robot always decreases speed when it detects obstacles, to avoid crashing into them. Did I mention that you can voice control the robot using your Alexa devices?

Overall, the Shark ION is a greatly affordable robot cleaner with a long battery life and a high cleaning performance that you would expect from this reputable brand. You can pick up your Shark robot for less than $220.

Product Rating 8.1/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-star


 

6. The EcoVacs Deebot 601

The Ecovacs Deebot 601 is our best cost-effective robot from the popular Deebot series. It delivers powerfully automated vacuuming at a fraction of the cost of premium models with similar features. This machine is feature-rich and can be integrated into your home to provide a simple cleaning solution.

EcoVacs-Deebot-601-Robot

The Deebot 601 robot picks up a considerable amount of dirt and is the only machine on our list that also performs as an automated Swiffer on hard flooring. Not only will your floors look immaculate but they’ll also gleam after the Deebot’s job is done.

If you’re considering a robot cleaner that excels at cleaning hard floors then you’re in the right place. The Ecovacs robot isn’t afraid of difficult tasks, it seeks out stubborn dirt and ensures that it is sucked up promptly. What I like about the Deebot is that it travels into confined spaces, underneath beds and upholstery but rarely gets stuck.

EcoVacs-Deebot-601-Robot-Vacuum

If you struggle to clean the spaces beneath furniture then leave it to Deebot 601. Once the job is done or if it detects that the battery is running low it will quickly return to the docking station to charge itself. The Ecovacs company also provides a high level of customer service should you encounter any problems with your bot.

You will get an impressive 2 hours of battery life from the Deebot 601 robot and it is designed around a 3-stage cleaning system that utilises spinning brushes and powerful suction. The robot uses the most efficient S-shape cleaning pattern to vacuum in less time and you can control it using voice-activated devices such as Alexa or Google home.

EcoVacs-Deebot-601-Robot-Self-Charging

The easiest way to control, schedule cleaning routines and communicate with your Deebot is through the Ecovacs smartphone app. Once your bot is linked to the app you can keep an eye on things and monitor the battery status, job progress and maintenance updates. The Deebot 601 is also fitted with cliff sensors to prevent it from falling down stairs and when it gets to the edge of a room it stops, turns and goes a different direction instead of crashing into the wall.

Overall, the Deebot 601 is a very capable affordable robot cleaner that costs less than $250. There are plenty of convenient ways to connect with it and you can be assured that you are purchasing a reliable robot with heaps of positive customer reviews.

Product Rating 8/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-starempty-star


 

7. The bObsweep bObi Pet

 

The final robot on our list is the unusually named Bobsweep Bobi Pet. This cleaner comes with plenty of useful functions that you won’t find on most of the other robots. Bobi is equipped with a dry mop attachment, virtual barriers and an ultraviolet light, at its base, that kills germs. The UV light is definitely a first.

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The Bobi pet robot triumphs at cleaning up pet hair. If you are a pet owner with a house that has a combination of different floor types, then Bobi Pet is a great addition to your fight against pet hairs. Busy households will appreciate the hard work that Bobi does to keep floors spotlessly clean whilst it disinfects them with its UV light. My house has a lot of traffic constantly going through it. I can’t go more than 2 days without vacuuming and I’m thankful for the invention of robot vacuums.

If you’ve resigned yourself to daily vacuuming then you should take a break and let Bobi pet takeover. Nobody enjoys cleaning up after their pets and this is where bObi steps in to eliminate dirt and fur from carpets, rugs and hard flooring. The robot has a supercharged motor with strong suction and rotating brushes that sweep up mess methodically.

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Bobi Pet is affordably priced and will cost you less than $232. This cost is small when you consider the time saving and convenience. You can easily spend 3 or 4 times more for a robot with comparable performance. Bobi has an extensive 5-stage cleaning system that sweeps, vacuums, mops, filters and disinfects floors simultaneously.

The long-lasting battery runs for 1 hour 30 minutes on a single charge and it automatically heads back to the docking station when it needs recharging. You can program the robot to clean at a time or day that fits around your schedule. Bobi quickly adapts to his surroundings and cleans very quietly, you’ll hardly notice when he’s cleaning.

bObsweep-bObi-PetRobot-Vacuum

Overall, Bobi pet is a low-cost robot with multiple cleaning capabilities and a great set of features. He is fitted with smart sensors and cleans with the most efficient pattern for that room layout. Pet owners, what are you waiting for?

Product Rating 8/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-starempty-star


 

Conclusion

Sadly, our time is up. That concludes our list of the best affordable robot vacuums for 2020. I’m confident that you will find a high-performance robot, from our shortlist, to suit your budget and house cleaning requirements. My advice would be to choose a robot that is easy to communicate with through a mobile app, this feature alone sets apart robot vacuums from any other domestic cleaning device. You’ll be relieved at the usefulness of controlling and monitoring house cleaning through your smartphone.

Are you considering buying one of the robot vacuums from our list or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.


 

Our List of the Best Domestic Appliances

Best Canister Vacuum Cleaners 2021- How To Buy The Canister

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Best Canister Vacuum Cleaners 2021

Let’s face it, most of us hate vacuuming. I love the look of clean carpets but I never look forward to the task of extracting dirt from them. Thankfully the choice of vacuums, to clean the house quicker, is more abundant than ever. Nowadays, the improvements in technology and the convenience of modern canister vacuums means that you can get the job done with the least effort.

What type of canister vacuum should you buy? This depends on your budget, the type of home and your cleaning requirements. We’ve shortlisted 7 of the best canisters that have outshined the competition in 2021. Whether your preference is for a bagged or bagless vacuum, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some of the things to consider when deciding on the type of canister vacuum to buy:

Suction Power

Powerful suction is essential to ensure that the dirt buried deep down your carpets is lifted effectively. Ideally, you want to find a canister with up to 250 aw of suction power. You should also consider root cyclone technology to amplify the centrifugal force that catches dirt and dust particles and separates it from the air.

Size

The size of your canister vacuum is an important factor not to be overlooked. If storage space is an issue in your home then there’s a good selection of compact canisters to choose from. In fact, all of the vacuums on our shortlist are portable and don’t compromise on cleaning performance despite their portability.

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Attachments

A great selection of attachments is just as important as suction power. Modern canisters are usually supplied with turbo tools (to lift out stubborn dirt), crevice tools for small gaps, stair tools, dusting tools and tangle-free tools for vacuuming pet hair. A good range of attachments transforms your canister into a versatile cleaning beast to tackle all areas of the house.

Filtration

A high-quality filtration system does 2 things. It cleans the air as it passes through the machine, separating dust, allergens and expelling cleaner air. The Filtration system also seals the dust inside the machine and ensures that it doesn’t escape back into the atmosphere. If possible you should buy a canister with HEPA filtration to catch airborne allergens. Be on the lookout for washable filters to reduce the cost of replacement.

Bin capacity

The size of the dirt bin determines the frequency at which you empty dirt. Most compact canisters are cleverly designed in such a way that the bin is the biggest part of the machine. The bin capacity should be about 2 litres and should house an easy-emptying mechanism that can hygienically dispose of dirt in the least amount of time.


 #1. Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum

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Our no.1 canister vacuum cleaner is the Miele Compact C1 Pure suction. If you’re looking for a portable vacuum that delivers exceptional cleaning on wooden and tiled floors as well as carpets then look no further.

This is the best bagged canister which captures and keeps dust sealed inside the dirtbag with zero chance of it escaping back into the air.

C1 Pure Suction is ideal for medium to large sized homes and has settings that can easily be adjusted as you transition between different floor types.

Don’t mistake the Miele C1’s small size for lower performance, you will be surprised with the power behind this machine. The suction power beats most of the upright vacuums that I’ve tested and remember that those vacuums are much larger than the C1. The dirtbag has a large capacity and can hold 3.5 litres of dust and dirt without affecting the suction power. In addition to floor cleaning, there’s a bristle dusting tool that is extremely effective at cleaning furniture, window frames and other areas of the house, once the dust is caught it is not coming back out.

The control switches for the suction, power and to cable retraction can be found on the main unit. I was impressed with the Miele C1’s low noise level whilst in operation, even when the suction was at its strongest setting. The Miele vacuum is one of the quietest vacuums on my shortlist and it performs quieter than most of the uprights vacuums that I’ve tested without compromising on performance.

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The Miele C1 is perfect for hard flooring and low-pile carpet. In my opinion, you won’t find a better canister vacuum for hard floors. A slight drawback is that it doesn’t come with powered tools, such as a rotating cleaner brush bar. You’ll also need to ensure that you buy spare bags when purchasing the Miele C1 as it comes with just 1 dirtbag and filter.

Here’s a quick summary of the features found on the Miele canister:

  • 100% sealed system that traps dirt and dust and keeps it hygienically sealed away.
  • The turbo brush lifts lint and hair efficiently without fuss.
  • Swivel wheels provide easy handling and transportation of the canister.
  • Powerful 6 stage variable suctions speeds.
  • Large capacity dirtbag that holds up to 3.5 litres of dirt.
  • A stainless steel telescopic wand and a rug & floor nozzle are provided as standard.
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Product Rating 8.7/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-star


 #2. Dyson DC39 Animal canister vacuum cleaner

The Dyson DC39 Animal is the best canister vacuum for pet owners. A big advantage of using a canister is that it can reach more areas easier than an upright especially underneath furniture where pets venture to. Pet hair, dust and dirt are a bad combination but with the DC39 you can clean hard floors and carpets like a champ.

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There are several benefits of buying a Dyson vacuum such as root cyclone power which optimizes centrifugal force and delivers suction power that never fades, you also get a variety of attachments for various cleaning tasks and to vacuum different floor types. DC39 Animal does all the things an upright vacuum can do but enables you to do them at a faster rate. The machine is extremely light to steer around the house or to carrying up a flight of stairs. It is much easier to use than an upright. There’s a clever switch to turn off the brush head swivelling so that you can vacuum hard floors or rugs.

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The canister follows you without needing to tug on the hose to pull it along. DC39 has been cleverly designed so that it doesn’t topple over. It goes wherever you go and will turn around corners and navigate over rugs without fuss.

A special turbine head lifts up pet hair efficiently and there’s a smaller version of the turbine tool to clean edges and smaller areas.

Additional attachments are supplied including a crevice tool with a brush attachment for delicate surfaces. There’s a stair tool that makes the dreaded task of stair cleaning much easier. The tube can be pivoted to different angles and is height adjustable.

The turbine head sits on top of a Dyson ball for precision steering into corners and around furniture. The turbine head also allows the tube to bend to a flat angle to clean spaces beneath furniture. The DC39 will eliminate dust as it goes along your floors.

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This is the perfect canister for anyone with joint and back problems. It is so effortless to move with it around the house and doesn’t need you to bend your back excessively.

You can switch the appliance on and off and retract the cord with your foot. The brush head can be turned on and off using the controls at the handle. Say goodbye to the days of bending over to adjust the settings from hard floor to carpet and vice versa.

Dyson vacuums are not the cheapest option but in my opinion, they are worth the money for the level of features provided, they are very low maintenance and will save you money in the long run because of their sheer durability.

My old Dyson still vacuums just as good as the day that I first turned it on, I’ve used it for over 7 years and it has never broken down.

If you are after a reliable canister vacuum that meticulously cleans pet hair and any other type of dirt then the DC39 is a strong choice. It provides premium filtration and is certified asthma & allergy friendly by Allergy Standards Limited. The bin emptying system is hygienic and conveniently quick to get rid of dirt.

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Product Rating 8.5/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-star


 

#3. Miele Complete C2 Hard Floor Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Third on the list is another Miele. This brand is so good that it featured twice on our shortlist. The Miele C2 Canister is a great choice for rooms that are primarily hard floored or fitted with low pile carpet. The C2 is lightweight and a breeze to move around the house. The machine noise is on the quieter side yet it performs with incredible suction power.

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The Miele C2 Canister is equipped with a special tool which makes light work of hardwood floors and tiles. This large brush is time-saving and it glides across hard surfaces quickly and flawlessly. The suction is powerful and doesn’t usually need to be at its highest setting but it’s nice to have more power at your disposal should it be required for tougher jobs.

The advantage of using a bagged canister is that there’s less chance of dust escaping back into the air unlike with a bagless machine. With the Miele C2 there’s zero chance of dirt escaping thanks to the sealed system. The long wand simplifies awkward tasks and aids easier reach in tight spaces. The canister glides easier across surfaces and the smooth wheels never cause scratch marks on hard floors. Miele manufactures high-grade products and the C2 feels premium throughout, every detail is of top quality right down to the control knobs.

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The only thing I would like to see improved on the C2 is the power cord could be a bit longer and an area on the wand to store the attachments for easier access. These are just a few minor drawbacks that don’t really take away from the great cleaning experience provided by the Miele C2 vacuum.

Overall, the Miele C2 Canister boasts a strong set of features and incredible suction. This vacuum is built to a very high standard, operates quieter than most vacuums and has an average lifespan of 20 years usage! The variable speeds will also guide you to choose the correct level of suction for specific floor types. If the floors in your home are mostly tiled, laminate or wooden flooring then I’d highly recommend the Miele C2 Hard Floor canister. If you are vacuuming a lot of high pile carpet then you should consider the Dyson DC39 instead (it’s no. 2 on our list).

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Product Rating 8.4/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-star


#4. Kenmore 81614 Bagged Canister Vacuum with Pet PowerMate

Next up is the Kenmore 81614 bagged canister. After its initial success, Kenmore has been updating this vacuum for decades and its popularity has continued to grow. Similar to its predecessors, you can expect this vacuum to last for an average of 14 years as its built to a similar high standard. The powerful 2-motor system enables this canister to provide a comprehensive cleaning experience throughout your home.

HEPA filtration is provided as standard and the Kenmore vacuum rivals most canisters due to its versatility, Motorized pet hair brush, additional tools and a competitive price point. The machine weighs just 22.6 pounds and is easy to move around the house. The benefit of using a bagged canister over a bagless is that you are not going to get dust escaping back into the air when disposing of dirt. This Kenmore canister will provide you with years of consistently strong suction as long as you change the bags and filters at the specified intervals.

Kenmore-81614-Bagged-Canister-Vacuum-Cleaner-Attachments

I like the attention to detail and the great design behind the Kenmore canister. It doesn’t topple over when the hose is overextended or when you are trying to reach an awkward area, the hose is extra long for added convenience, it easily attaches and detaches from the machine without causing a fuss.

Vacuuming your hard floors with an upright can be troublesome and unnecessarily difficult. The Kenmore makes this task very easy, simply press a button with your foot and the telescopic wand comes out. As mention earlier pet owners will be happy to know that a motorized Pet PowerMate tool is provided to lift up stubborn animal hair and dander in no time.

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I would recommend the Kenmore 81614 bagged canister for busy households that require frequent cleaning of the mess caused by kids, pets and lots of traffic. The long hose and telescopic wand are great for high areas such as cleaning cobwebs from the ceiling. Reach underneath sofas and furniture and catch hidden dust that has been gathering up with the aid of the low-profile power head and the wand that can pivot to be completely flat against the floor. The cleaning head works on both carpets and hard floors without requiring to change attachments, simply transition between floors using the same tool.

The Kenmore canister is compact and vacuums up stubborn dirt that would take longer to clean with other canisters.

My dog sheds a lot of hair around the house and getting rid of it can be challenging if I don’t use the right appliance.

The Kenmore vacuum excels at picking up pet hair with very little effort and the results are pleasing.

If you’re looking for an affordable canister with a very long shelf life of over 10 years then you should consider buying the Kenmore 81614 bagged canister.

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The low maintenance costs and durability of this machine will save you money in the long run.

Product Rating 8 / 10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-starempty-star


#5. Bissell Hard Floor Expert Deluxe Canister Vacuum Cleaner

If the majority of your home is kitted out with hard floors it might be a good idea to buy a canister that expertly vacuums hard floors. The Bissell Hard Floor Expert Canister is a great vacuum for the job. Wooden, Tiled and laminate floors are much easier to clean with a canister because it is less cumbersome than an upright and better to handle. You can reach underneath and work around furniture much better and faster with the Bissell canister.

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The vacuum glides across floors with ease and sometimes you can forget that it’s there, purely because of how easy it manoeuvres. The lightweight body ensures that the Bissell doesn’t get caught on electric cables laying around. The machine has 2 convenient handles i.e. one underneath the machine and the other one on top, near the power button, to lift and carry the machine easier.

You are supplied with a hardwood cleaning head that does an amazing job on wooden floors and laminate flooring. The head is portable enough to clean around furniture but still big enough to get through your floors in a minimal amount of time. I would recommend using the hardwood head on hard floors only because it doesn’t do a great job on carpets.

Bissell-Hard-Floor-Expert-Deluxe-Canister-Vacuum-Cleaner

There’s also a tool provided for carpet cleaning which gives excellent results on low pile carpet but struggles to clean high pile carpets and thick rugs. If you need a canister primarily for carpet cleaning then you’re better off with the Dyson DC39 further up on this list.

Bissell-Hard-Floor-Expert-Deluxe-Vacuum

The Bissell Hard Floor canister is a great choice for keeping hard surfaces clean. It is built using durable materials and doesn’t feel flimsy. The filters are easily reachable and even easier to clean.

The dirt-lifting abilities of this machine are impressive and this is one of the best canister vacuums that costs less than $130 to clean hard floors.

Overall, the Bissell Hard Floor Expert is a brilliant and affordable canister for hardwoods or smooth flooring. It will not scratch your floors and handles superbly around furniture and corners.

Product Rating 7.8/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-starempty-star


 

#6. Oreck Commercial BB900DGR XL Pro 5 Super Compact Canister Vacuum

The Oreck Commercial is the best heavy-duty compact canister vacuum that can be used either commercially or domestically. This is one of the smallest canister vacuums that I’ve seen but don’t be fooled by its size, this thing is a monster. Inside its tiny body is a powerful 2-stage bypass motor which provides better vacuuming capabilities than single-stage motors. This machine is so robust that it can be used in offices, building sites and shop floors.

Whenever I’m asked about a heavy duty vacuum cleaner, the Henry range pops into my head but it is a much larger appliance compared to the Oreck Commercial. If you are looking for a portable canister that can cope with demanding environments then you won’t find a better vacuum. Save yourself the hassle of lugging around a bigger machine and get the same brilliant results in less time. If you’re a workman who needs a vacuum that can always be kept in the truck without taking up too much space then this is the perfect solution.

Oreck-Commercial-BB900DGR-XL-Pro-5-Super-Compact-Canister-Vacuum-Attachments

The Oreck Commercial has a simple rectangular design with a shoulder strap and integrated handle for easier usage. It comes with an adjustable extension wand and 4-foot hose to vacuum areas above floor level. The power cable is extra long to clean a bigger area without worrying about changing plug sockets.

The biggest advantage of the Oreck Commercial is that it’s always there by your side whenever required, it doesn’t get in the way of your job and can be used to vacuum wood shavings, sawdust and any other debris from the work area. The canister can be conveniently used whilst the job is underway and once it’s completed to keep the area clean.

Oreck-Commercial-BB900DGR-XL-Pro-5-Compact-Canister-Vacuum

This Oreck vacuum has received a lot of praise from workmen that work in environments where sawdust is a byproduct. Cleaning sawdust from floors is not easy but the Oreck’s large floor attachment sucks up all of those fine dust particles in a single swoop. You can also use the floor attachment’s brush function to clean hard floors without scratching surfaces. The Oreck cleaner vacuums everything and leaves the floors looking immaculately clean.

If you encounter a stubborn patch of dirt then you just need to go over it a few times to agitate the dirt and the Oreck will do the rest. Usually, you can clean most areas in a single swoop. There is also a crevice tool for small gaps and a round brush for delicate surfaces such as newly fitted cabinets, lampshades and window sills.

Oreck-Commercial-BB900DGR-XL-Pro-5-Super-Compact-Canister-Vacuum

The Oreck Commercial currently costs less than $90 and the replacement bags are very good value costing less than 40 cents per bag. This is a very affordable heavy-duty canister that is about the size of a shoebox.  You can store the different attachments on the machine and 2 extra replacement bags can be kept inside the machine (where the vacuum bag goes) to save you the hassle of searching around for a spare bag.

Product Rating 7.6/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-starempty-star


#7. Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum, 1547

Bissell-Hard-Floor-Expert-Multi-Cyclonic-Bagless-Vacuum-Cleaner

The final canister on our list is the Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic bagless vacuum. This is the ideal vacuum for anybody looking to switch from an upright to a canister.

If you’re tired of hauling around your large upright why not try out this lightweight, compact Bissell which is equipped with a range of attachments for the majority of house cleaning tasks.

Handy attachments include a crevice tool for small areas, an upholstery brush for couches and furniture, a hard floor cleaning head and a carpet cleaning head with spinning brushes. When the wand is attached to the cleaning head it can be pivoted to a virtually flat position so that you can reach beneath furniture and underneath bed frames. The suction strength is very powerful and suitable for all types of floors including thick carpets.

Bissell-Hard-Floor-Expert-Multi-Cyclonic-Bagless-Canister-Vacuum

Dirt disposal is simple and the canister is designed in such a way that the process is quick and convenient. The Bissell seeks out and picks up a substantial amount of dirt in a short amount of time. It works its way through different floor types with great ease and provides an unswerving clean on both hard floors and carpets. When cleaning is done the cable can be retracted back into the machine with the push of the button, this saves you from bending your back unnecessarily.

Bissell-Hard-Floor-Expert-Multi-Cyclonic-Canister-Vacuum-Cleaner

The Bissell canister is conveniently portable for easier storage and the design is very user-friendly. The handle, that controls the wand, is very comfortable to use and the unit feels sturdy. Overall, the Bissell Hard Floor Expert exceeded my expectations because although it’s meant to be used specifically on hard flooring it also cleaned carpets to a very high standard.

Product Rating 7.5/10 full-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starfull-starempty-starempty-star


Conclusion

That sums up our list of the best canister vacuum cleaners for 2021. Whether you’re considering a bagged or bagless machine or maybe you need a canister specifically for hard floors? There’s plenty of choice on our shortlist and I’m confident that you will find the perfect canister to suit your needs and your budget.

Vacuum cleaner manufacturers are constantly under pressure to improve suction performance whilst keeping their machines portable and lightweight but that’s good news for the customer because it means that you can buy better products at competitive prices.

Are you considering buying one of the canister vacuums from our list or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.


 

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