Choosing the Right Kind of Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuum cleaners are one of the most popular tools used to remove debris from floors, draperies, upholstery, and other types of surfaces. Although different forms, sizes, and kinds of vacuum cleaners exist, they perform a similar role and have become a useful tool in modern waste management.

Vacuums use a centrifugal fan to remove dirt particles from the floor surfaces. Different types of vacuums operate in various ways to serve a specific purpose when dealing with different rugs, carpets, and floor surfaces. If you are looking to purchase the best vacuum cleaner for your home, you will have to learn about these different kinds of vacuums to know which one to purchase.

Types of Vacuum Cleaners

Many vacuum types are available. However, they come in five basic types that all can be found online at Superior Vacuums or in both of our Calgary locations. Below are the five different types of vacuum cleaners:

Upright Vacuum

With strong suction and a tilting-and-push design, you can conveniently clean the floor back and forth using an upright vacuum. The upright types are best suited for deep-cleaning carpets. You can look for a brush roll that can be switched off to clean bare floors. You can also choose one that is height-adjusted if you have rugs of different pile thicknesses. Some newer cordless models offer unhampered full-power cleaning. However, their batteries may not last that long enough when continually used for a long time.

You have an option to choose between a bagged and a bagless upright vacuum cleaner. Both of these kinds of upright vacuums work equally as far as their capacity to suck dirt and debris from the floors of your home is concerned. Bagged vacuum cleaners, however, are more hygienic and have HEPA filters for those who suffer from allergy. They also require less maintenance than the bagless ones. The only disadvantage is that you would need to replace the bags every time they get full. The vacuum cleaner’s performance also decreases as the bag gets filled.

With fewer attachments, upright vacuums are not very versatile. They could be heavier to push and pull than a canister's nozzle. The edge-to-edge suction is usually good, but you may still need an attachment to reach tight corners.

Canister Vacuum

The canister vacuum cleaners go somewhere between the upright and the stick types. They are strong like upright vacuums, but they have a slender frame like stick cleaners. A distinct canister is connected to a lengthy wand which can be used not only for carpeted areas but also for bare flooring. Due to its technologically advanced and multi-functional design, this vacuum cleaner style tends to be one of the most costly alternatives.

Canister vacuums are great for cleaning and dusting just about anything. The motorized brush roll head can clear the debris of the carpets, while the bare-floor attachment can do just that. You can easily splash up furniture, curtains, walls and ceiling corners with the use of the other attachments. With their compact bodies and long hoses, they are particularly well suited for the cleaning of the stairs.

Canister vacuum cleaners are lighter and easier to handle, and they also have better maneuverability.  However, dragging the canister around behind you can be an annoyance if you have large spaces because it generally takes two hands to lug up and down the stairs. They can be bulky to store as well.

Stick Vacuum

Mostly used for cleaning small and tight areas, stick vacuums come with a stick-like handle and are simple to operate and manipulate. They use a rotating brush and light suction to whisk debris into a dustbin or bag.  Their low-profile heads can also easily maneuver around furniture.

Stick vacuums are most probably the least powerful type, but they are efficient in cleaning bare and hard floors, rugs and thin carpets. These lightweight vacs are perfect for fast touch-ups, such as cleaning the area under the kitchen table after lunch. Some of them can also be converted to a handheld vacuum by disconnecting the wand.

The stick type vacuum cleaners are very convenient to use, but their capacity to clean is not enough to substitute the stronger and deeper full-size vacuum cleaners. Cordless designs give more freedom of motion, but the battery life could be shorter.

Robot Vacuum

Robot or autonomous vacuum cleaners are automated devices that require minimal user control. They roam freely on their own when turned on and positioned on the desired area, covering every region of the house. They are equipped with sensors that track and suck every dirt and debris, even in narrow crevices.

Robot vacuums are best suited for in-between house cleaning touch-ups. Other types of vacuums are struggling to access areas under the furniture. But this is not an issue with the robot types. They can even get access to regions that you may overlook. Not only can they save you time, but they are also capable of reaching places that larger vacuums wouldn't be able to do.

Like the other kinds of vacuum cleaners, robot types have drawbacks, too. One of them is that they are usually expensive. Also, their cleaning power cannot be compared to that of a full-size machine. You need to pick up the room before setting the vacuum loose and it may not work very well in areas that have a lot of obstacles.

Handheld Vacuum

As the name suggests, hand-held vacuum cleaners are carried by hand. These portable and lightweight vacuums are available in cordless and cordless types and with or without rotating brushes. Some corded models come with a car adapter. There are different kinds of handheld vacuums and their price ranges also vary.

Handheld vacuums are most often used in rooms with very limited space available as well as in the cleaning of cars and engine parts. They would do great in getting into those excruciatingly hard-to-reach areas that require a clean-up.

The versatility of hand vacs makes it possible to suck up dirt and debris in a variety of tight places. However, it would take you a long time to do a general floor cleaning if you are going to use a handheld vacuum. Handheld vacuum cleaners can only be used as a substitute for a dustpan and a brush. They are not full-size vacuums that can be loaded with onboard attachments, although many of them are equipped with small crevice tools and dusting brushes.

Conclusion                                                       

Various types of vacuum cleaners are available in the market, all of which have both advantages and limitations. To know which one suits your home the best, the experts at Superior Vacuums can help you find the right vacuum for your needs. You can save time and money if you know exactly what kind of vacuum cleaner you are looking for.

Superior Vacuums has been serving residential and commercial clients in Calgary for over 30 years now. We are offering you a wide range of vacuum cleaners to choose from. Both of our two vacuum shop locations are always ready to serve you! Feel free to visit us anytime!