In the course of comparing canister vacuums, the importance of power, durability, ease of use, weight and power-saving features will quickly become apparent. These factors will influence the general usability of the device, as well as the quality of performance you can expect.
Power. A vacuum should be able to provide adequate suction for most applications. The most powerful vacuums can suck up even toys and large debris, so you can imagine how effective they are at sucking up pet fur and dander. That being said, there is such a thing as too much power. You definitely don’t want your vacuum to damage anything in the process of cleaning. You should, therefore, make sure that the unit you purchase can be dialed back for lower suction when necessary.
Durability. Unfortunately, this is where so many vacuums fail. A good vacuum should be able to provide years of reliable performance. Vacuums are prone to overheating, which can put undue stress on some of the components. When choosing a vacuum, check the user reviews to find out how it holds up to regular use.
Ease of Use. Vacuums can be surprisingly difficult to operate. Some of them seem to have minds of their own, and you might find that a good deal of your cleaning time is spent wrestling with the unit instead of actually getting anything done! A lightweight vacuum is generally easier to handle, but this shouldn’t come at the cost of performance. With careful comparison shopping, you should be able to find a unit that strikes the perfect balance between performance and manageability.
Weight. A lightweight vacuum is generally preferable to a heavy unit, but there are other factors to consider as well. Heavier units generally provide more power and have better performance, and some are actually easier to handle. A good rule of thumb is to choose a vacuum that provides sufficient power for your uses without being excessively heavy.
Power-saving features. Vacuums suck up more than just dirt and pet fur. They are also notoriously power hungry, which should concern those looking to keep their electricity costs low. More modern designs will have power-saving features. These are essential for getting the most out of your unit without adding too much to your costs.
The Cleaning Institute
