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Vacuum cleaners: How to buy the best vacuum cleaner Cordless vacuum cleaners

A cordless vac is convenient and easy to store - but you'll need to recharge it between uses

Smaller, lighter and without the wires of a full-size model, cordless vacuum cleaners – also known as stick vacuum cleaners – can make quick work of cleaning your floors at home.

We've looked at a number of different models including Dyson's DC44 Digital Slim and the Gtech AirRAM. Click the links below to read about each.

Cordless vacuum cleaners explained

Cordless vacuum cleaners can be a good option to consider if you're looking for a light vacuum cleaner alternative for quick clear-up jobs. Some models claim to be able to rival full-sized corded vacs, but the biggest drawback of a cordless vac is the limited run time and the need to recharge them frequently.

They're usually slimline and rechargeable and, because of their smaller size, easy to store.

Cordless vacuum cleaner checklist

Looking to buy a cordless vacuum cleaner? Here are some factors to consider.

Weight

Stick vacs are by design lighter than a standard vacuum cleaner, but if you're in a shop it's worth picking up a few different models to compare their weight.

Price

Prices depend on the model you go for, with RRPs on the four stick vacs we've tested ranging from £70 to over £200. The cheapest Which? Best Buy full-sized vacuum cleaner is around £150 – so, if price rather than space is your main priority, it could be worth comparing what you'd get for your money if you bought a full-sized cylinder or upright model.

20 minutesThe battery life of the Dyson DC44

Charge life

Before you buy, check how long the vacuum cleaner takes to recharge and how long the average battery life is before you need to charge it again. Battery life varies between models with most lasting around 15 minutes, but there are some available that last as long as 45 minutes.

Extra features

There's more to some cordless vacuum cleaners than meets the eye. Some models offer different options for vacuuming carpets or wooden flooring, while the AEG-Electrolux Ergorapido features a detachable handheld vac for two-in-one flexibility. Other extras to look out for include cleaning attachments, light indicators to tell you when the vac is fully charged and models with an easily detachable dust container for quick emptying.

Stick vac storage

Cordless vacuum cleaners are a popular choice with homeowners short on space. Some models have extra space-saving features that could come in handy if you've got limited storage – look out for ultra slimline models, folding or detachable handles and small charger bases no bigger than the vacuum cleaner head.