The Best Vacuum Cleaners for the Job

Not all vacuum cleaners are created equally. Some vacuum cleaners are best at picking up pet hairs, while others are ideal for cleaning upholstery and carpeted stairs. But when it comes to buying a new vacuum cleaner, how do know which models can do what? No one should need to own more than one vacuum cleaner, so spend a little time researching what’s on the market and you’ll be able to find the perfect vacuum cleaner for use around your home.

For the Allergy Sufferer

If you or anyone in your household suffers with an allergy, or is asthmatic, then when it comes to choosing a vacuum cleaner, you need to pay particular attention to the cleaner’s filtration system. Filtration determines how many dust particles will escape into the air from the vacuum’s exhaust. “Standard” vacuum filtration is the least efficient way of removing particles, although some filtration systems are fitted with multiple filter levels which improve the filtration. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) or S-class filtration is more suitable for allergy sufferers as it filters out particles and allergens, resulting in cleaner emissions. Both standard and HEPA/S-class filtration systems require regular replacing of the vacuum cleaner filter, although you can get vacuum cleaners that are equipped with life-time filters. Recommended vacuum cleaners for allergy sufferers include:

Dyson Ball Upright Vacuum Cleaner -- DC24 and DC25

Dyson DC17 Absolute Animal Vacuum Cleaner (designed for homes with pets)

Electrolux Intensity Compact Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Electrolux Harmony HEPA Canister Vacuum Cleaner with Turbo Brush (for hardwood floors)

(Note: As with all Dyson models, all VAX cleaners are fitted with HEPA filtration)

For the Pet Owner

Keeping areas in the home free of pet hairs can be a mammoth task if you use the wrong vacuum cleaner, so you need to choose wisely. Upright vacuums tend to be better at picking up pet hairs than cylinder cleaners as they are fitted with motorised brush heads that are better at prising fur away from carpet fibres, resulting in a very useful pet vacuum cleaner. However, some cylinder vacuum cleaners have a “turbo tool” with rotating brushes that can help to loosen hairs as the vacuum cleaner passes over the carpet. Recommended carpet cleaners for pet owners include:

Dyson DC14 and DC15 Animal Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

Dyson DC08 Telescope Wrap Animal Vacuum Cleaner

Eureka Boss 4D Vacuum Cleaner

Roomba Discovery Vacuum Cleaner

Miele TT5000 Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner Cat and Dog

For Cleaning Upholstery

While the vacuum cleaner you’re considering buying may be suitable for large areas of carpet, can it also deal with keeping your upholstered surfaces clean? Many vacuum cleaners nowadays are equipped with accessories for cleaning upholstery, including curtains, which means that you don’t have to buy a separate handheld vacuum cleaner to keep your upholstery looking as good as your floors. A number of the models in the range of upright bagless vacuums from Vax and Dyson come equipped with a “turbo tool” or appropriate accessory for vacuuming upholstery and car interiors. Recommended cleaners for upholstery include:

Dyson DC14 Animal Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

Vax VZL-201 Swift Zero Vacuum Cleaner