Vacuuming is never fun, but it’s a whole lot easier with a cordless machine. You’re not limited to the nearest plug socket, won’t find yourself getting tangled up or tripping over wires and as such, cleaning becomes considerably quicker and easier.
Cordless vacuums have improved dramatically in recent years. While earlier models tended to run out of battery quickly and lose suction even as you cleaned, the latest models can run for longer and are just as powerful as their corded cousins.
Be aware that most still only run for up to 60 minutes – even less on maximum setting – before they need recharging however, so those with very large homes would still be best sticking to a mains-powered model. Anyone with a smaller property or who wants to whizz round quickly should suit a cordless vacuum instead.
Though all the models we tested were stick vacuums, all can also be used in handheld mode to clean upholstery or inside cars. Other useful features to look for include LED headlights to show hidden dirt, anti-tangle technology to deal with pet hair and detachable batteries for easy charging. Those with allergies may prefer to choose a model that uses dust-bags while anyone with a lot of furniture and difficult corners to clean should consider vacuums with flexible wands and swivelling brush heads.
We tested all these vacuums on our carpets and various hard floors including laminate, tiles and vinyl. We also ran them over furniture and blitzed the corners of ceilings to judge battery life, weight, how easy each vacuum was to empty and store and of course, how clean our house looked afterwards.
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