Vacuuming is usually a very noisy matter – and a boring one for good measure, not to speak of the potential harm for the hearing.

Apart from the danger for your hearing, loud vacuum cleaners are simply annoying. How often do you miss the door bell, a phone call or the delivery service? You even postpone vacuum cleaning to avoid this.

The good news: there’s a new generation of vacuum cleaners and robot vacuums that are surprisingly quiet. This opens up new possibilities – listening to music, half-watching TV or having a conversation, even on the phone – and without straining yourself – may become new pastimes while vacuuming.

Alternatively, you can let a robot vacuum do the work and lean back on the couch. These little helpers can even be programmed to do the chores at a preset time of the day. The best part: You don’t even have to be at home to get your house cleaned.

Another benefit of low-noise vacuum cleaners: vacuuming can be done at unusual times, be it late in the evening or very early in the morning. And all this without waking your kids. The robotic variety may even work in the middle of the night, while you are sleeping. Definitely an advantage if you have a tight work schedule.

Thus, you do not have to accept the noise that most of the common vacuum cleaners produce as a given. You just have to chose a quiet vacuum cleaner.

The following comparison chart gives an overview of some of the most quiet vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuums.

Comparison chart:
5+ of the quietest vacuums

Quiet vacuum cleaners
ProductSound levelPowerCapacityWeightTypeRange
Miele Complete C3 Seriesquietvarious,
mostly 1100 W nominal,
1200 W max.
various,
mostly ~4.5 l
various,
mostly ~8-11 lbs
canister vacuum cleaner
Panasonic MC-UG471quiet~ 20 lbsupright vacuum cleaner24 feet
Shark Navigator NV352quiet1200 W1.2 quarts12.5 lbsupright canister vacuum cleaner25 feet
Shark Rotator NV501quiet1200 W1.3 quarts15.5 lbsupright canister vacuum cleaner30 feet
Electrolux Silent Performer EL4012Aquiet1200 W16.8 lbsbagged vacuum cleaner
Electrolux Silent Performer EL4021Aquiet1080 W10.9 lbsbagless canister vacuum cleaner
Dyson Cyclone V10quiet0.54 to 0.77 l~ 5 lbs to ~ 6 lbscordless stick vacuum cleaner

 

Quiet robot vacuum cleaners
ProductSound levelPowerCapacityWeightHeightTypeBattery run time
Ecovacs Robotics Deebot N79S~ 67 dB (A)
max-mode: ~ 70 dB (A)
25 W0.3 l~ 7 lbs~ 3 inchesrobot vacuum~ 120 min
eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 15C

check on Amazon

quiet0.6 l9.4 lbs2.85”robot vacuum100 min
iRobot Roomba 890quiet8.4 lbs~3.6 inchesrobot vacuum90 min

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Quiet vacuum cleaners with Silence System


Miele Complete C3 Series

Miele may not be that well-known in the US yet, but in Germany it is famous for its high quality products.

The Miele Complete C3 Series of vacuum cleaners comprises a number of vacuum cleaners with an integrated Silence System. Therefore, all of these vacuum cleaner fall in the range of the very quiet to relatively quiet. In general, they are canister vacuum cleaners and work with bags.

The individual vacuum cleaners of the Miele Complete C3 Series come in many varieties with diverse features. What these vacuum cleaners have in common is an ergonomic handle, a telescopic suction wand, automatic cord rewind, wheels that are gentle to the floor and a bump protection. The on/off switch as well as the switch for suction strength can be controlled with your foot. So you don’t have to bend over all the time.

Some of these quiet vacuum cleaners are also equipped with a HEPA filter, which is especially useful for people suffering from allergies. There is also a special edition of the Complete C3 for pet owners.

The vacuum cleaners of this series come with different floorheads and brushes, electrobrushes and other tools like for crevices. Depending on the equipment they can be used for hardwood, tile and low and high pile carpets.

Some popular models are the Complete C3 Marin, Complete C3 Cat&Dog, Complete C3 Calima, Complete C3 Alize, Complete C3 Kona and the Complete C3 Brilliant.

Let first-class German engineering convince you.

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Upright vacuum cleaner designed for silence


Panasonic MC-UG471

The Panasonic MC-UG471 is a very quiet upright vacuum cleaner. It works with bags that allow you to throw the debris away without a big puff that brings all the dust back into your room.

The suction power of this quiet vacuum cleaner is strong and consistent. On hardwood or tile floor the suction seems to be better than on the carpets. Some people even feel the suction power is too strong, while others are perfectly fine with it. If you frown upon quiet vacuums with weak suction, this may be the quiet vacuum for you.

Moreover, this quiet vacuum has an ergonomic handle, self-adjusts for carpet height and is equipped with a headlight bulb. The retractable cord also adds to the comfort. However, in some customer reviews, the length of the cord is criticized.

A HEPA filter is integrated and serves to remove allergens, irritants and pollutants from your rooms. This is a concern for allergy sufferers.

4 attachments and tools for different purposes are included with this vacuum cleaner.

All in all, the Panasonic MC-UG471 is a solid and economical option, when looking for a quiet vacuum cleaner.

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Quiet upright vacuum cleaners


Shark Navigator and Rotator vacuums

For all those looking for a quiet upright vacuum cleaner, Shark has some good models to offer.

The difference between the Shark Navigator and the Rotator series basically seems to be that the Rotator series tends to have a wider cleaning path and is equipped with headlights, whereas the Navigator series tends to be more lightweight.

Of the Navigator variety, the Shark Navigator NV352 is well suited for those looking for a quiet appliance. It is a vacuum cleaner with great suction power that all the while remains pretty quiet. When the vacuum cleaner seems too powerful, you can employ a slide feature to lower the suction.
The vacuum cleaner is quite light, only 12.5 pounds, which makes it handy and flexible.

When it comes to Rotators, the Shark Rotator NV501GN is another quiet and powerful vacuum cleaner. It’s quieter than your average vacuum cleaner, while of course not being whisper-quiet. This upright vacuum is bagless with a dust container of large capacity. Thus it is not necessary to empty it all too frequently.

Both of these vacuum cleaners are equipped with a Lift-Away pod.

Not of only of interest for allergy sufferers is the capability of the vacuum cleaner to keep the sucked in dust from being blown out again. Both vacuum cleaners by Shark seem to be very good at it, as they are completely sealed. Furthermore they are equipped with a HEPA-filter, that prevents small particles from reentering the air.

What is more, the vacuum cleaners come with a variety of attachments.

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Quiet vacuum cleaner with Silence Pro System


Electrolux Silent Performer

The Electrolux Silent Performer comes in two builds – a bagged and a bagless version. They are equipped with the Silence Pro System, which comprises the motor, as well as the canister and a special nozzle.

The Electrolux EL4012A Silent Performer is the bagged version and is supposed to be a quiet vacuum cleaner. However, some consumers feel the vacuum is not really quiet or not quiet enough. Also, some feel the suction is not sufficient or not what they imagined. This canister vacuum cleaner uses bags to collect the dust. Further, it has a telescopic wand, a suction control switch, and a HEPA-filter.

The Electrolux EL4021A Silent Performer is the bagless version of this vacuum cleaner with the Silence Pro System. It is a multi-cyclonic vacuum cleaner and is quite lightweight. The bagless verion also features a telescopic wand, a speed control switch and a HEPA-filter.

If you can get hold of one of its predecessors, the Electrolux UltraSilencer, you may be more satisfied noise-wise than with any of the above.

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Quiet cordless stick vacuum cleaner


Dyson Cyclone V10

The Dyson Cyclone V10 comes in three versions with different features. All of them are low-noise stick vacuum cleaners.

Due to their cordless nature, these quiet vacuum cleaners have to be charged first and then work for a maximum of 60 minutes. The total run time depends on the fact if you use a motorized tool or not. Before the very first use, charging takes at least 3.5 hours.

The suction power is very strong and handles even larger debris satisfyingly.

Furthermore, the Dyson Cyclone V10 is lightweight, which is especially helpful for people who can not carry heavy stuff or have several floors to vacuum.

Its center of gravity makes the Dyson Cyclone V10 easy to use in a variety of places, even above your head when vacuuming cobwebs. The Dyson can furthermore be transformed into a handheld vacuum.

Since this vacuum cleaner is a bagless model, there are no follow-up costs due to the purchase of bags. Emptying the dust container is easy. The container size varies from 0.54 to 0.77 l in between the three versions.

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Quiet robot vacuum cleaner – 67 dB (A)


Ecovacs Robotics Deebot N79S

The Ecovacs Robotics Deebot N79S is a quiet robotic vacuum cleaner with which it is almost guaranteed that you will not miss the doorbell or telephone calls any more. Even listening to music should be possible while the robot vacuums your house.

For the Ecovacs N79S, the manufacturer actually provides a decibel rating: it is about 67 dB (A) in normal mode and about 70 dB (A) on the maximum level.

For vacuuming, there are 4 modes, the auto mode, the single room mode, the edge mode for corners and edges, as well as the spot mode to vacuum dustier areas. Due to its low height of just 3.1 inches, the robot also scurries under the bed and the sofa. Low pile carpets can be handled by the robotic vacuum cleaner as well. However it has problems with high carpets and rugs and dark floors. The manufacturer does not recommend it in these cases.

The operation is simple: you can either press the on-off button on the device or use a remote control, an app or Alexa. If necessary, you can also directly control the direction the robot takes.

A protection from falling – an anti-drop sensor – is integrated to keep the robot from falling down a stair. There’s also an anti-bump sensor, to prevent the robot from damaging your furniture, getting scratches or knocking things over.

One battery charge is enough for up to 120 minutes of cleaning. This is a lot compared to many other vacuum robots. The robot must be recharged for some hours when the battery is empty. However, it returns to its base and recharges automatically.

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Quiet robotic vacuum cleaner with app and voice control


eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 15C

check price on Amazon

The eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 15C is a quiet robotic vacuum cleaner. While it is working, one can easily stay in the same room without feeling bothered or distracted by the noise. The doorbell or the telephone should still be heard without problem. Even listening to music and concentrating on other activities is possible.

With its 2.85 inch, the robotic vacuum cleaner is so flat that it can scurry under beds, the sofa and other furniture without any issue, taking the dust with it.

This quiet robotic vacuum works on hardwood and laminated floor, on tiles and on low to medium pile carpets. However, it is not recommended for high pile carpets.

There are several vacuuming modes to chose from. Particularly dirty areas are cleaned with boosted suction power. It is even possible to set a 7-day cleaning schedule.

Moreover, you can use voice control to order the vacuum about. Apart from that the robotic vacuum can be controlled by app, even when you are not at home.

In order to protect the little robot from tripping down the stairs other other deeps, it is equipped with a drop sensor. Besides, you should secure power cords before releasing the vacuum to do its chores.

The vacuuming robot is particularly convenient for households with pets, as you can run your little helper once a day or as needed to pick up all of the pet hair. Due to its low noise level, cats and dogs do not freak out as much as they do with loud vacuum cleaners.

If you use the robotic vacuum cleaner daily, it can certainly reduce the need to use your full-size vacuum cleaner.

The eufy 15C comes with a li-ion battery that lasts for 100 minutes of vacuuming in the standard mode. Thereafter, the robot has to be recharged again.

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Robotic vacuum cleaner with quiet operation


iRobot Roomba 890

The iRobot Roomba 890 is a very quiet robot vacuum by one of the leading manufacturers of robotic vacuum cleaners. It can also be controlled via app.

The small robot is only 3.6 inches high, so it fits under beds and cupboards to tidy up underneath them. This is one of the big advantages over conventional vacuum cleaners. A much bigger one is, of course, that you do not have to do the vacuuming yourself.

The robot seems to move randomly through the room and automatically recognizes particularly soiled corners. The dirty spots are detected by a special sensor. Then, the robot does an extra round to clean the spot thoroughly. For example, animal litter, remains of dried food or pebbles are taken care of. The robotic vacuum cleaner also has a number of sensors that help it to avoid obstacles and protect the little helper from falling down stairs or other drop-offs. The latter is provided by the Cliff Detect sensor, and the patented Dirt Detect sensor performs the aforementioned dirt detection.

When it comes to energy supply, the robot is equipped with a lithium-ion battery. The recharge time is about 3 hours and the robot will usually do its duty for a maximum of one and a half hours.

You can also control the robot vacuum via app. This allows you to pre-program the robot, even for all 7 days of the week. Thus, it is also possible to manage vacuuming when you are not at home. Setting the little buddy is as easily done via the app as via the buttons on the robot itself – you just have to press the big clean button to start the robot. Concerning WLAN, one must consider that the iRobot Roomba does not run in the 5 GHz net.

The vacuuming result is very good – dust, dirt, debris, hair and animal hair are picked up. Particularly households with a dog or a cat can benefit from a little assistant that cleans up all the accidental soiling. The robot even climbs onto carpets, but it may have its problems with deep pile.

A virtual wall can be used to block areas that the robot should not enter or leave. This is useful for guarding feeding dishes.

Be careful to not let the robot bump against shaky or very small objects. It is best to move such things safely aside. You should also make sure that there are no loose cords that the robot might drag along. In the worst case this will cause a chain reaction and knock over less stable furniture or home decor.

When the robot has finished vacuuming or when the battery is running low, it returns to its charging base. There it recharges for its next assignment. The little buddy and its base can be hidden under the sofa or a cupboard. It is just necessary to assure that there is enough space to the front, the right and the left for the robot to set off for its next mission. Thus, a minimum distance has to be met, which can be read up in the manual.

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How to chose a quiet vacuum cleaner


 

Sound level

 

Noise rating – decibels

When selecting a quiet vacuum cleaner a decibel rating is the first thing to look for.

However, not every manufacturer provides such information.

Whereas vacuum cleaners with slightly below 80 dB (A) may be safe for your hearing and your health, sounds are first considered quiet at about 50 dB (A).

When you are looking for a quiet vacuum cleaner, to be considered sufficiently quiet the decibel rating should realistically be 60 dB (A) or less.

 

Why do vacuum cleaners produce (so much) noise?

The noise output of vacuum cleaner is explained on the one hand by the motor, and on the other hand by the fan, suction and airflow. For all the produced sounds, the vacuum’s casing serves as a resonating body.

The motor contributes to the sound level due to the usual operating noises. Rotation sounds of the fan are a further source of noise. The air which flows through the vacuum causes friction and as a consequence, mechanical energy is transformed into acoustic energy. Airflow with lots of turbulences produces louder noise. Over and above, the plastic case of the vacuum cleaner starts to vibrate during operation. Small parts on the inside do the same. Therefore, vibration sounds add to the overall soundscape.

It doesn’t make things better, that all parts of the vacuum cleaner work at the same time, so that the noise adds up. The moving parts in action turn the vacuum cleaner into quite a source of noise.

Sometimes a high noise level in vacuum cleaners can also be a sign of defect. If a vacuum cleaner becomes clearly louder compared to when you bought it, you should look into this matter more closely. It could either be a sign of a damage or have a more harmless cause. A crammed container or a clogged filter might also be the reason for this increase in noise. However, if unusual rattling noises can be heard, in most cases there’s a defect.

In general, it is important to clean or change the filter regularly. This increases the suction strength and can, to some degree, decrease vibration sounds. By taking these measures, you can keep your vacuum cleaner quiet for a long time.

 

Power and sound

Across the board, vacuum cleaners with lower power tend to be the quieter vacuums.

Thus, if the vacuum cleaner you are eyeing doesn’t come with a decibel rating, you can gauge the sound level by looking at the power specs. In general, the higher the power, the louder the vacuum.

Another option you have to influence the sound level is to use the settings for the vacuuming power to your advantage. Normally, lower suction levels are quieter than the higher ones. The majority of container vacuums, or vacuums with a dust bag, allows for such a setting.

Cyclonic vacuums, on the other hand, can mostly only be used with one single suction strength. You have the choice between on or off, and that’s it. The cyclonic vacuum cleaner always runs at full power. Therefore, cyclonic vacuum cleaners may be louder.

 

Quiet vacuum with bag or bagless?

The decision between a quiet vacuum cleaner which uses bags and a bagless vacuum cleaner can reduced to the following question: Do you want to avoid buying replacement bags and are willing to take a little more noise in exchange?

The reason is that bagless vacuum cleaners are in general a bit louder than those with bags, if you compare the most quiet products of each type. Additionally there are vacuum cleaners you can use both with a bag and without it.

If you chose a vacuum cleaner with bags, exchanging them should be straightforward. You will have less work and will not postpone the task needlessly. A cram-full bag makes vacuuming more difficult and reduces suction.

An advantage of bagless vacuum cleaners is that the dust container can be emptied at any time. You don’t have to wait until the container is full. Especially if you vacuum pet hair or smelly or wet soiling, it is preferable to empty the container right away.

In a vacuum operating with bags, the bags are permeable to air and also act as a filter. There are many different kinds of bags: firstly those that consist of a multilayered filter made of paper. Mostly they have 2 to 5 layers. Besides, bags made from mat of fibers are used from time to time.

Absorbed air runs through the dust bag with its filtering function and through an additional filter for fine dust. In order to cool the motor, the airflow is also directed through the motor compartment. The motor powering the fan creates low pressure. Therefore, motor and fan have to be protected from dust – again by means of a filter. Eventually, there’s a micro filter in the exhaust section.

Generally, vacuum cleaners with bags are quieter than other types of vacuums. Vacuum cleaners with a bag compared to cyclonic vacuums have the advantage to allow setting the suction power. The lower the setting, the quieter the vacuum.

The well known smell of vacuum cleaners is mainly a result of the bag’s contents – that means dust and other soiling. With a bagless vacuum it would be possible to evade the smell by emptying the dust container after each use.

In a bagless vacuum cleaner, a swirling airflow is created and dust particles are separated due to centrifugal forces. Filters, if present, must be cleaned from the dust that deposits on them. Dust deposits clog the filter and lead to a loss in suction power.

If there is no additional filter inside the bagless vacuum, then the vacuuming power remains fairly constant. Sometimes there can be a reduction of suction power, but the loss is smaller than in vacuums with bags.

Bagless vacuum cleaners include cyclonic vacuum cleaners and water vacuum cleaners.

 

Which is quietest – a canister, upright or cyclonic vacuum cleaner?

Having answered the question of bags or no bag, there is already the next question: Is a canister vacuum cleaner, an upright vacuum cleaner or a cyclonic vacuum cleaner quieter?

Canister vacuum cleaners can be relatively quiet. Several factors influence the sound level. Due to their design, canister vacuum cleaners can provide good insulation. Furthermore, in contrast to cyclonic vacuums, it is possible to control suction power. Thirdly, they can be used with bags. It always depends on the canister vacuum cleaner at hand, but in general it is very possible to find a quiet vacuum cleaner among this type of vacuum cleaner.

Upright vacuum cleaners are usually louder than canister vacuum cleaners. The reason is that due to their design, their casing provides less insulation than the case of a canister vacuum cleaner.

Cyclonic vacuum cleaners, specifically, usually do not allow for setting the suction. Therefore cyclonic vacuums always work at full power. Thus you cannot keep the noise level down by choosing a low suction level. Furthermore, cyclonic vacuum cleaners are bagless vacuum cleaners, which in general, tend to be louder than vacuum cleaners with bags.

If your goal is to select a vacuum cleaner that is as quiet as possible, you should probably look for a canister vacuum cleaner with bags or a robotic vacuum cleaner.

 

Power

For getting good vacuuming results, power is not decisive. However, high power will show on your energy bill. High power actually just means high energy consumption. It says nothing about how well a technical appliance works.

In contrast, a good cleaning result depends on the overall design of the vacuum cleaner. Balanced motor power, the direction of the airflow through the vacuum, the tightness of the case, the filtering technique, the nozzle – all these factors play a role in the vacuuming result.

 

Energy efficiency

It is obvious that the quiet vacuum cleaner should preferably also be energy-efficient.

The lower the power consumption the better. If the vacuum at the same time has a good suction and your floors are visibly clean, you have found a winner.

 

Dust emission

The dust emission is another point to consider. In the EU, for example, the maximum permissible dust emission is 1%.

We speak of dust emission, when the dust that is sucked into the vacuum cleaner gets blown out into your room and the air again. This is of course undesirable and should not happen at a significant rate. To achieve this, the case of the vacuum cleaner must be sealed tight. Furthermore the vacuum must be equipped with an adequate filter.

 

Filters

Vacuum cleaners usually employ a multiple filtering system. Commonly, this means two-layer paper bags, exhaust air filters, a filter to protect the motor, and possibly additional micro filters.

The filtering system used in a vacuum cleaner can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

But what is standardized is the HEPA filter. HEPA is short for High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter. Apart from HEPA filters, there are also ULPA filter. ULPA is short for Ultra-Low Particulate Air-Filter.

HEPA filters, ULPA filters, and the somewhat more permeable EPA filters are divided into different classes. The criterion for classification is the (im)permeability for particles.

HEPA filters and ULPA filters detain more than 99% of particles. This includes excretions of dust mites, which create symptoms in dust allergy sufferers. Pollen is also filtered out.

Thus, HEPA and ULPA filters makes sense for allergy sufferers in particular, as the majority of airborne particles is caught in the filter.

 

Capacity

Obviously, the larger the vacuum cleaner’s bag or container, the less frequently you have to change or empty it. As a downside, the vacuum cleaner gets larger and heavier and may be more difficult to use.

The smaller the capacity the more often you have to put work into changing or emptying the bag or container. Furthermore, replacement bags come with a cost. The overall cost does not only depend on the price of the bags but on also the frequency with which they have to be replaced. Moreover you should check if originals are inevitable or if you can find cheaper alternatives.

The vacuum’s capacity is linked with the vacuum’s weight and size. A larger dust bag or dust container usually means less work, but it also usually poses a disadvantage in terms of mobility and handiness.

 

User friendlness

 

Handling and ergonomics

When it comes to the handling and ergonomics of your vacuum cleaner, an ergonomically shaped handle and a height-adjustable wand are advantageous. Thus you can hold the handle comfortably. Furthermore persons of different height can use the vacuum without getting a backache.

The weight of the vacuum is closely linked with its usability. It should be possible to pull the vacuum along without too much effort. This point especially has to be considered with older people. The vacuum’s weight is also relevant if you plan on cleaning stairs or multiple floors in your house. The vacuum is more flexible if you can lift and move it easily. A handle for lifting is useful.

All in all, you shouldn’t disregard the vacuum cleaner’s handiness.

Furthermore, using the vacuum should be more or less self-explanatory. This can also be expected from its controls. An on/off button, a switch to set the vacuum power and a button to start the automatic cord rewind are commonly present. In some models you have to pull the cord in order for it to be rewound or released. What’s really functional, time-saving and back-friendly, is to use the buttons with your foot. Not all vacuums allow for this, so take a good look if this is important for you.

The suction power of the vacuum should be well balanced. Otherwise you’ll constantly get stuck on the carpet or cushions. You’ll find yourself dragging along sluggishly and fighting a steady fight against the vacuum cleaner. But the vacuum’s suction shouldn’t be to weak, either. Otherwise too much dust, fuzz, pet hair and other dirt will be left over.

It is useful if there are multiple settings for the suction power or if it can even be set continuously. To achieve this, many vacuum cleaners have an electronic or mechanic control. A mechanic control is mostly a hatch on the tube which can be opened to add outside air and thus allows for fine-tuning the suction.

 

Weight and size

When it comes to the vacuum’s weight, the first thought is usually to have a look at the weight stated in the product specifications. However, you have to consider that this is the empty weight. In order to estimate if the vacuum cleaner will be too heavy for you, add the weight of the filled dust container.

Regardless if empty or full, the vacuum cleaner should be easy to pull along, move around and carry upstairs, if necessary. A small, lightweight, handy and maneuverable vacuum cleaner is preferable from a practical point of view. However, you may end up replacing bags or emptying the container too frequently for your taste.

In particular, those who have to clean several floors and stairs should think about the weight. The larger the vacuum cleaner, the heavier, less handy and flexible it tends to become.

Large vacuums also take up more storage space. Maybe you will have to dedicate a whole compartment in your cupboard to the vacuum. When it comes to storage, a small vacuum cleaner has the edge over a larger one.

 

Cord length and range

The cord length determines the vacuum’s range. It is nice to be able to clean all rooms in your flat or house without having to switch the power socket. Only a cord of sufficient length is needed.

Many modern vacuum cleaners are equipped with cords with up to 12 m of length. Thus you can comfortably reach all corners in your flat or house without having to interrupt the vacuuming.

Such a long cable should be rewindable. The overwhelming majority of vacuum cleaners have an automatic cord rewind. Only in very few vacuums you will have to coil up the cord on the outside of the case.

Frequent change of the power outlet may be a thing of the past.

 

Quality

It is clear that good quality is an advantage in a vacuum cleaner. It should be robust and stable. As you will bump into furniture and walls from time to time, it is important to rely on hard-wearing material. A compact construction without delicate or protruding small parts is preferable for longevity.

Especially if the vacuum cleaner has a nice design, some may value scratch-proof outer case material. Thus you won’t see marks on the surface immediately.

High-grade, solid and impermeable quality for the case also pays off because less dust can escape the vacuum cleaner. To prevent dust re-entering the air, the dust bag and the filter play a decisive role, too.

 

Features

Soft wheels and a bumper guard can nowadays be found on many vacuum cleaners. Thus you can protect flooring and furniture.

When it comes to different nozzles, it is best to read up in the product specifications on what is included and what is not. Often vacuum cleaners are sold in several different packages, containing varying additional features. Which nozzles you need depends on the interior of your flat and your personal preferences.

Multi-functional nozzles, nozzles for hard surfaces, for parquet floor, for carpets and lots of different special nozzles are available.

A vacuum cleaner with a lot of features is not bound to be better. Especially if you end up not using all of the nozzles. It may be cheaper to buy single supplementary nozzles, as you will sometimes pay an inflated price for excessive packages.

 

Special types of vacuum cleaners – cyclonic and water vacuum cleaner

Cyclonic and water vacuum cleaners may be less know types of vacuum cleaners. They work in special ways and the water vacuum cleaner has a special function.

The cyclonic vacuum cleaners are subdivided into mono cyclonic vacuum cleaners and multi cyclonic vacuum cleaners.

Cyclonic vacuum cleaners create a swirl of air inside a container, which presses dust against the container wall by centrifugal force. The dust sinks down and is collected inside a container. The air from the center of the swirl, in contrast, is sucked to the top. This is the part where mono cyclonic and multi cyclonic vacuums differ.

In a mono cyclonic vacuum cleaner the air from the center is barely directed through a central filter, which cleans the air. In a multi cyclonic vacuum cleaner the air is directed into an adjacent series of smaller cyclones. These work with the same principle and remove the leftover finer dust from the air. The diameter of these cyclones is smaller, thus allowing for higher rotation velocity and finer cleaning. Many multi cyclone vacuums accordingly do not have a central filter. An airborne particle filter is nonetheless necessary to filter out fine dust.

Water vacuum cleaners are other vacuums that work without bags. These must be emptied and cleaned after each use as there’s the danger of mold forming. The additional workload with these vacuums is not insignificant.

Water vacuums come with or without a separator. All water vacuum cleaners have in common that dust is bound in the water. First, air is directed through a canal in the water. At this stage, coarse dust is held back in the water. The separator’s task is to set the air into rotation. In this way, fine dust particles end up in the water. Water vacuum cleaners without separator, instead, have a filter in the water or a dry filter. For hygienic reasons, filters that come into contact with water have to be washed after each vacuuming. This means additional work for you.

 


How to chose a quiet robot vacuum


A few additional points have to be considered for a robot vacuum cleaner. What to look for in a quiet robot vacuum:

 

Battery run time

The longer the battery run time you can get out of one charging, the better. With rising battery run time, however, the price of the robotic vacuum may also rise considerably.

 

Height

The height of the robot vacuum cleaner is not unimportant. The reason is that a flat robotic vacuum can scurry beneath you furniture and clean up down there. You will of course have to consider the height of your furniture and compare.

 

Cleaning programs

Robot vacuums usually have a range of different cleaning programs to chose from. The sheer number of program is less important than having at least one program that allows for effective and efficient vacuuming.

 

Fall protection

For most robotic vacuum cleaners a sensor for fall protection is mandatory. Nonetheless, it is mentioned here for completeness.

The sensor prevents the little helper form crossing over into self destruction mode. Without this fall protection the robotic vacuum may throw itself down the stairs. In order for the fall protection to work properly, the sensor must be sensitive enough to discover a change in surface. But the sensor should not be to sensitive. Otherwise the robot will not climb carpets or overcome power cables.