Upright vacuum cleaners are the most popular vacuum cleaners on the market, but they tend to weigh quite a bit, and they lack mobility.Stick vacuums, on the other hand, have all of the same features, and most of them have the same level of power. For many people, stick vacuums are the ideal choice because they enable you to clean tighter spaces, they’re less heavy, tend to be more durable, and far easier to store.
However, due to their smaller size, they are unable to store as much dirt and debris, meaning that you’ll have to empty the “dirt bin” on a more regular basis.
Stick vacuums operate in a very similar manner to upright vacuums. Most of them come with brush rolls, which helps to loosen up the dirt, and it all gets sucked into something called a “dirt bin.” But, due to the size, the average dirt bin on a stick vacuum is usually quite small.
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Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Along with that, many stick vacuums run on batteries, rather than needing to be plugged in. Naturally, this comes with its own set of pros and cons, but it does aid in the overall convenience of the vacuum itself, and your experience using it and cleaning up messes.
The benefits are many, however, and they do far outweigh the flaws and inconveniences that a stick vacuum can bring.
For one, stick vacuums are easy to use. You can easily pick them up and move them around. Storing them is no problem, so if you are limited in space, a stick vacuum might be a great choice. Cleaning up messes is also a very simple and easy process, especially when you consider the fact that these vacuums are designed with versatility in mind. You can easily maneuver your stick vacuum into tight crevices and corners, to clean up smaller messes in smaller spaces. Bigger messes can also be handled very well since a stick vacuum doesn’t just clean in one localized space.
Choosing the best stick vacuum for you and your needs doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Ultimately, it all boils down to what it is that you need out of a vacuum. So, that’s why, in this article, we’ll be looking at the different features that stick vacuums offer, giving you an idea of the features that you need and want, and the ones that you couldn’t care less about. You’ll learn about the benefits of each feature, and what it can give you and how it can enhance your overall cleaning experience.
Features To Look For
Battery-Life/Run-Time
So, this is a pretty obvious one. You’re going to want a Cordless Vacuum that has a decent battery-life because if it doesn’t, it’s going to make the entire cleaning process somewhat obtuse.
For the most part, many stick vacuums can run for about thirty minutes to an hour, before needing to be recharged. These numbers do vary, though, depending on the cleaning mode that you are using, but for the most part, it’ll be between thirty-minutes to one-hour.
While this may not sound like a lot, it should be more than enough, because these are speedy vacuums that are quick to start, and quick to clean.
To find this information, you should always look at the online marketing pages that the manufacturers of these vacuums have set up. On these pages, you will almost always find the battery-life.
Now, if you are purchasing a corded stick vacuum, then this isn’t applicable to you.
Power
You’ll see a lot of numbers thrown around when looking for a good stick vacuum. Numbers that have to do with things like “amps” and even “Pa”. These numbers are all fine and good, but what you want to do is read the reviews for the individual products, and look at the kind of floors that it cleans well. This information will be given on these product pages, but the reviews will give you a lot of extra information that will be a bit more revealing, with regards to certain aspects of the vacuum itself.
From this information, you will be able to determine if the stick vacuum is a good choice for you, and the floor types that you will be cleaning.
Noise Level
Vacuums make noise. That’s just what they do. But, some vacuums make more noise than others. It’s not always easy to determine just how much noise a stick vacuum will make, but it’s important to recognize that every vacuum is going to make some noise, no matter what. This is because of the motor and the suction, and the fact that those two elements of a vacuum make noise.
However, some stick vacuums have features like “Stealth Suction” which reduces the noise by quite a bit, as well as the suction power, but the vacuum remains efficient. If you are looking for something like that, and the noise is an issue for you, then make sure to read the product pages or online reviews, where these features and modes will be listed.
Lightweight/Low-Profile
You want a stick vacuum that is lightweight and low-profile. The reason for this is because these two features are incredibly important when it comes to the convenience of the device itself, as well as the ease-of-use.
With a lightweight stick vacuum, you can pick it up, move it around, and store it easily. It doesn’t take up too much space, and it isn’t very heavy, so you don’t feel like you’re lugging around some giant piece of cumbersome machinery.
Regarding ease-of-use, the same thing applies. With a lightweight stick vacuum, you can maneuver the vacuum around, in any type of space, and you’ll be able to reach smaller crevices and spaces that you might normally have problems reaching with an Upright Vacuum. It will be also easier to clean up smaller messes, as well.
Durability
Durability doesn’t just affect the overall strength of the stick vacuum, with regards to how easy it will break, it also affects just how long the stick vacuum will last. When you purchase a stick vacuum that isn’t particularly durable, it’s likely that the vacuum won’t hold up very well past a certain point in time, because the design and the components just aren’t capable of doing so.
This is why it is very important that you find a stick vacuum that is durable and well-made when it comes to its design and construction.
For the most part, it isn’t always that easy to find this information, especially not on the product page or in the various information guides that the manufacturer has put out. So, to determine just how durable a stick vacuum is, you should read the reviews and find online articles about it. This information isn’t too hard to find when you go to those sources, and this information is very important because it does affect the entirety of the stick vacuum itself.
Dust Capacity, Cleanup, Filtration & Filters
Dust capacity simply refers to the amount of dirt, debris, and dust that can be stored in the dirt bin, without having to empty that bin. On average, the standard dirt bin can hold about half-a-liter of dirt, but this number does vary. Some models will hold less; others will hold a lot more. However, generally speaking, you’re not going to find, no matter how hard you look, a particularly large dirt bin. Especially in comparison to a standard upright vacuum, which, naturally, has a significantly larger dirt bin, which is expected, due to the size of most upright vacuums.
So, look for dirt bins that are around half-a-liter or more. That is your best bet, and even though that isn’t a lot, chances are, you won’t need to empty it with too much regularity, because stick vacuums are more localized when it comes to what they’re cleaning.
As for cleanup, these days, most of the stick vacuums are very easy to use when it comes to releasing the dirt and debris that has been sucked into the dirt bin.
When looking for something simple and easy, take note of phrases like “One-Button” and “Easy-Release”, with regards to emptying the dirt bin. These kind of features are so much more convenient and easy than actually having to remove the dirt bin from the vacuum, or even having to put your hands in the machine to dig it all out and fiddle with it. It’s just not a very enjoyable process.
Finally, when it comes to filtration, you should be looking for “HEPA” filtration systems. Most stick vacuums have these, and that is because they are incredibly powerful and efficient. They trap the allergens, and other nasty particles, and then release clean air that doesn’t have those elements anymore. Most upright vacuums have this kind of system, and most stick vacuums do, too. They work very well, and while they might be more expensive than some of the other models that lack this type of filtration, they’re worth it.
As for the dust cup filters, look for washable filters that you can rinse in the sink because you’ll save some money and time down the road.
Energy Efficiency
You’ll need to pay attention to the overall energy efficiency of the stick vacuum. Most of the time, though, the words “energy efficiency” directly refers to the battery life of the stick vacuum itself.
Now, with corded stick vacuums, these principles don’t apply as much but do some reading on just how much electricity the vacuum consumes. You can find this information through user reviews, primarily.
With cordless stick vacuums, pay attention to the kind of battery life that the stick vacuum offers, as well as what the manufacturer means. Sometimes, the “forty-minutes of battery life” is only if you’re using the lowest, most inconsequential, mode of operation.
If that’s the case, then you probably want to look for another stick vacuum that will be able to give you a similar battery-life, without having to use the weakest setting.
Attachments & Tools
Sometimes, the attachments and tools that the vacuum comes with are a complete life-saver. They enable you to do so much more than what the standard unit can do. These tools may seem inconsequential or superfluous, but when you have to clean up a mess that is just hidden away somewhere, and you have access to a crevice tool, well, it makes all the difference.
You should look for tools and attachments similar to the ones that you would find on a standard upright vacuum. For most people, the “crevice tool” is incredibly important to have, because it extends the reach and functionality of the stick vacuum, enabling it to reach even tighter, and more secluded spots.
Some stick vacuums come with tools for cleaning upholstery and even cars. Do your research, and find one that comes with a variety of good tools and attachments that enhance the overall functionality of your stick vacuum.
How To Maintain A Stick Vacuum:
Maintaining a stick vacuum is a very simple process.
One big thing you want to do is, if you’re using a cordless stick vacuum, charge it to completion, every time. And, of course, use the battery until it is dead – unless it’s lithium-ion, then that is unnecessary. This is good for the battery and prolongs its life.
Another thing you want to do is to store it in a nice, safe place when you’re not using it. Simple as that. This reduces the risk of it being damaged.
When using it, use it the way it was intended, follow the instructions, and don’t throw it around or drop it or do anything like that. While these are strong machines, that doesn’t mean they are impervious or invincible.
If you have washable filters, then make sure to wash them every week or so – depending on what the manufacturer states – and keep them nice and clean.
Same with the dirt bin. When it is full, empty it. Don’t turn it off, and leave the dirt in there for a week. Empty it when it is full.
If you do those things, and, generally, take care of your stick vacuum, it will last a long time. The stick vacuum will remain a good, strong, durable, tool that continues to aid you.
Lithium Vs. Lithium-Ion Battery
To make a long story short, lithium batteries don’t hold their charge as much as lithium-ion batteries, because lithium-ion batteries are designed to recharge and drained more times than the standard lithium battery.
While there is nothing wrong with a standard lithium battery, it is worth noting that they just aren’t as capable as lithium-ion batteries. And for that reason, it’s highly recommended, that you go for a lithium-ion battery, rather than a lithium battery. However, they can be a bit more expensive, which is something to consider, but they are also more durable and will last longer.
So, the initial cost may be more, but the investment is significantly better when you consider the myriad of long-term benefits.
Cordless Vs. Corded Stick Vacuums
With a cordless stick vacuum, you have the benefit of mobility and versatility. A cord can be a great convenience because it means that you don’t have to charge the battery or anything of that sort constantly. However, unless you purchase some kind of extension cord – which, of course, has its restrictions – you are confined to the length of that particular power cord. You are also confined to the strength of that cord, as well. Some cords are very poorly made, and they tangle easily or even break with a relative amount of ease. If that happens, it can be a very big inconvenience.
However, in their way, they are convenient, and they will save you time since you don’t have to recharge the battery that much, and that is something to take note of. With a corded vacuum, you can also just plug it in and use it, when you first get the vacuum, whereas you’ll have to charge the battery, most of the time when you get a new cordless stick vacuum.
Ultimately, if you want the versatility and mobility, then get a cordless stick vacuum. If you want the convenience and reliability, get a corded stick vacuum.
Stick Vacuum Vs. Upright
Stick vacuums are great. And so are upright vacuums. We’ve been talking about stick vacuums a lot – and rightfully so, this article is a buying guide for stick vacuums – and there are many reasons why you should purchase a stick vacuum over an upright vacuum.
Versatility is the biggest one. They can reach places that an upright vacuum can’t, and they are much lighter and more convenient to use. But, this convenience comes at the cost of power, the size of the dirt bin, and, in some cases, cost.
Whereas an upright vacuum is less versatile, less mobile, heavier, and more inconvenient, overall, they tend to have large dirt bins, powerful motors, and suction, and the costs are a bit more varied.
When it comes to cleaning up messes, though, stick vacuums are exceptionally useful because they can focus, moreso than upright vacuums, on very specific locations where there is dirt or debris or dust. With an upright vacuum, there isn’t that same localization and specificity; it just picks up whatever is near it. So, that is one important thing to note. For sheer power, go with an upright vacuum, they will, nine times out of ten, have more powerful suction and stronger motors. For more overall control, go with a stick vacuum.
Stick Vacuum Vs. Handheld
First off, before we get into this question, it must be said that a lot of stick vacuums – mostly the more “high-end” ones – have a “two-in-one” feature that enables them to transform into a Handheld Vacuum, or they have a detachable handheld component that does the same thing.
Keep this in mind, because there is a good chance that you can get a better deal buying a more premium stick vacuum that has a handheld option, rather than buying just a handheld or just a stick, or both.
Now, with a handheld, you have even more versatility and mobility. This makes sense, given the name of such a vacuum. For this reason, they are very popular with people who need to vacuum out the interiors of their cars, and other such spaces. Same with upholstery, such as small armchairs and couches and things like that.
However, you are sacrificing power for that convenience and for that mobility. You are also sacrificing the size of the dirt bin, which in a way, is sacrificing convenience because you now have to empty the dirt bin on a frequent basis.
Stick vacuums are more powerful, and they are more convenient. But, they are less mobile and versatile than their handheld counterparts, and so it comes down to what it is that you’re vacuuming. If you’re vacuuming the interior of your car, or cars, then a handheld is the best choice. If you’re vacuuming is a bit more general, then a stick vacuum is the best choice because it is a more general-purpose item.
Conclusion
Finding the right stick vacuum for you and your needs is not a challenging task. At least, it doesn’t have to be. Instead, read this guide, and consider the features that you need, absolutely need, and the features you want. Then, consider what kinds of things you’ll be cleaning, and then read the comparisons between stick and upright, and stick and handheld vacuums.
Read the reviews, read the Frequently Asked Questions, and pay close attention to the features list along with any other information that is given on the product page. This information is very important when it comes to finding the right stick vacuum.
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Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API