When you invest in a HEPA vacuum, you want one that works well, regardless of whether you’re vacuuming carpeted or bare floors. Our testers, backed by our 35 years of experience, tried out several different kinds of HEPA vacuums to determine which ones delivered the best performance.
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One of the reasons we believe we’ve found success in testing different types of products in various industries is due to the testing categories we use to rate each item that is evaluated. When it came to testing shelf brackets, the three categories we used included Quality, Design, and Application.
Quality – Our Cleanway team took a close look at the overall quality and construction of each shelf bracket to ensure it was durable and could last for several years or decades. The type of material used to construct the item influenced how many points we awarded it.
Design – The design of each bracket was another factor we used to rate its overall quality. Our team evaluated if it looked modern and had a high level of appeal.
Application – It’s important for each shelf bracket to be easy to install, which is why we tested how well it could be applied to a wall, and if special equipment or tools were needed.
The Ultra Hardware 96121 Shelf Brackets include pre-drilled installation holes and can be installed on any level.
The Ultra Hardware 96121 Shelf Brackets include pre-drilled installation holes and can be installed on any level. They’re available in different colors and sizes for a variety of projects.
Most notable upside: These shelf brackets are easy to install and screw into place without any experience required. Screws don’t fall out of the holes easily, which reduces the risk of damage. They can support a significant amount of weight and have a long lifespan.
Biggest downsides: The brackets lack as much strength as similar products and can feel flimsy. Some of the packages have missing brackets. Some of the brackets also have sharp edges, which can make it easy to scratch yourself when handling the items.
The Acrux7 Heavy Duty Shelf Brackets are made from high-quality steel and are easy to remove.
The Acrux7 Heavy Duty Shelf Brackets are made from high-quality steel and are easy to remove. They can be snapped back into place for heavy loads when it’s time to reinstall them again.
Most notable upside: These shelf brackets have a triangle shape structure and are easy to level while getting rid of any wobbling. They can be used in stores, homes, trailers, motorhomes, or offices due to their versatile design. The items are also packed well in the box.
Biggest downsides: This product is difficult to install because the screws don’t fasten easily or straight. The brackets are less heavy duty than advertised and may not be able to hold a lot of weight.
High-quality stainless steel is used to construct each shelf bracket, which won’t rust and has a brushed finish.
High-quality stainless steel is used to construct each shelf bracket, which won’t rust and has a brushed finish.
Most notable upside: All of the screws needed to install each bracket are included in the packaging, which are sturdy. Plastic drywall anchors are also included. The clean and well-made design of the product allows them to look attractive. They also include a nice finish.
Biggest downsides: Longer screws would be more useful when installing the bracket onto the wall to make them more secure and less wobbly. The brackets are prone to flexing when pressing down on the shelf.
Shelf brackets prove to be most effective and useful when they’re constructed with quality material, like stainless steel, to ensure they can hold a significant amount of weight without bending. Different sizes of screws and anchors should be included in the packaging to ensure the product is easy to install. Shelf brackets are often visible, which also makes them necessary to have a minimal design that is contemporary and works well in different types of settings. They should also have a finish on the material to ensure they can be used outdoors without rusting or breaking down over time.
Most shelf brackets need to be stored in the original packaging until they’re used to prevent the parts from becoming misplaced. Consider storing them on a high shelf or a locked cabinet to prevent small children from having access to the items. They should also be kept in a dark and cool area that doesn’t have too much moisture to prevent the material from wearing down over time.
If you’ve ever searched the web for a vacuum with a HEPA filter, you might have noticed that some of them are tagged with the term “true HEPA” while others are marketed with the name “Ultra HEPA,” “HEPA-type,” and more. The main difference between these filters usually lies in their capability to filter particles in the air.
As mentioned earlier, a HEPA filter needs to be able to filter 99.97% of particles in order to be HEPA-certified. Filters of this capacity are also often called “true HEPA” and are in accordance with US standards. European standards, on the other hand, only require a filter to capture at least 85% of particles in the air before they are HEPA-certified.
As far as other variations of HEPA filters such as Ultra HEPA, HEPA Plus, and Advanced HEPA go, these are not recognized by accrediting bodies in Europe and the US so you might want to do your research before getting swayed and buying one with these types of “HEPA” filters.
If you’re price-conscious, you’ll notice that vacuums that are marketed to be HEPA-certified or to have HEPA filters are more expensive compared to non-HEPA vacuums. Are they worth it? That depends on whether or not your home requires you to have one. So, who really needs a HEPA vacuum?
Pet-owners
Having pets can really make your home a happier one but there’s no denying that pets contribute so much to the daily dirt we accumulate in our houses, thanks in part to their shedding fur and dander that inevitably comes with owning a pet. Thankfully, pet dander is one of the things that HEPA vacuums are expertly intended to capture (along with other particles of the same size). If you have a pet at home, you might be a great beneficiary of HEPA vacuums.
People with allergies
Allergies are quite common and most people’s allergies are often always triggered by something they eat or something they breathe. Living with allergies is tough (and expensive!). What’s more, is that allergy attacks are often unpredictable since you can’t control everything around you. If your allergies are triggered by dust, you might want to consider getting a HEPA vacuum. These do a better job of capturing and trapping allergens compared to non-HEPA vacuums. Of course, it won’t cure you of your allergy but it will definitely help keep your allergies in check, especially when used with other air-purifying tools.
People with respiratory issues
Aside from people who suffer from allergies, people that have respiratory issues can benefit greatly from HEPA vacuums, too. A HEPA vacuum traps most of the particles that trigger respiratory issues.
Is a HEPA vacuum really worth the extra bucks?
If you’re someone who might benefit from a HEPA vacuum directly, then it’s definitely worth it since it will help prevent your allergies from flaring up or your respiratory issues from being triggered.
What if you aren’t any of the above? You don’t have pets, no allergies, and no respiratory issues either? Well, there are still tons of ways that you could benefit from a HEPA vacuum. Aside from keeping your home dust-free like any other vacuum would, one major thing that a HEPA vacuum can do for you is to improve indoor air quality.
