When it comes to buying a vacuum, there are two important things to think about: Is it easy to handle and maneuver? And can it really remove dust and dirt from all areas of the house?

Whether you have allergies, pets or crumb-making toddlers, a powerful vacuum will help keep the space you’re spending more time in than ever before clean.

To most people, cleaning means removing trash and clutter. However, choosing the best vacuum cleaner for you and your home means thinking about more than just that. Consider the surfaces you’ll be cleaning, how is your home laid out and how much time you have for cleaning up.

Different Types of Vacuums

After you decide you need a new vacuum, you need to decide what style is best for you. This is something that is not commonly thought of. To help you simplify your search, we’re going to break down the five types of vacuums on the market: Canister, Upright, Stick, Handheld, and Robot or Smart vacuums.

Canister

This is the type of vacuum that has a separate canister that contains the motor and receptacle with a long hose that usually comes with interchangeable attachments. Canister vacuums excel for their flexibility and versatility. With a bare floor brush attached, canister vacuums are said to do the best job cleaning wood, tile, and other hard floors along with low pile and looped carpets and area rugs. These are typically more powerful and quieter than an upright vacuum.

Upright

Upright vacuums are good for cleaning large areas. They are the most common style found in homes today. They are super easy to store and simple storage. Upright vacuums have all of their mechanics in one unit. The handle and suction head attached to each end. They typically have a lever you must step on to change the angle of the machine head to increase maneuverability. Homes with predominately carpeted floors, upright vacuums are ideal.

Stick

The easiest way to think of a stick vacuum is an upright vacuum on a diet. They are slim, light-weight, and battery operated and work well for quick clean ups. They only weigh about 6 pounds, so they are easy to move around the house, explaining why stick vacuums have become so popular. Most of the models available are easily detachable at the body and the wand. You can easily add a crevice or upholstery tool to suck up pesky pebbles and dirt. Some models come with flexible tools. It is cord-free and ready to go.

Handheld

A handheld is typically a smaller, more portable version of a stick vacuum. They are much easier to store and carry around. This biggest con for this one is it would not be good for an all over the house kind of vacuum. These are typically nicer for smaller living spaces such as, apartments, dorms, and RV’s. The smaller size makes it easier to clean difficult-to reach places in a snap. With kids, it makes it easy to follow them and their messes. Handheld vacuums are very light and they can be used by everyone.

Robot

These vacuums are newer to the vacuum world. They’re the first vacuums that are automatic. You can schedule when you want them to clean. You can program the days and times it runs. These vacuums also fit under most furniture. They go under sofas, beds, and tables.  These also have a spot cleaning mode so it doesn’t have to go around the entire house. You can tell it to go to a specific spot in the house. Mopping is also something these vacuums can do. Some robot vacuums can act as automatic mops too.

In Conclusion

These are the different types of vacuums. The last thing to consider is what kind of manufacturer’s warranty it come with. Many models come with a warranty somewhere between 1-5 years.