Cordless vacuum cleaners work in principle like an ordinary vacuum cleaner. However, the motor including the battery is located in the handpiece. This makes it heavier, but you don't have to lug around a complete vacuum cleaner. Most cordless vacuum cleaners work bagless and have a capacity of around 500 to 750 milliliters. Therefore, they have to be emptied much more often than a normal vacuum cleaner bag. There are also models that work with bags for people who are allergic to house dust.
Why a cordless vacuum cleaner?
The advantages compared to a conventional vacuum cleaner are obvious. Cordless vacuum cleaners are significantly lighter and take up less space. Together with a wall bracket, the practical household gadget is easy to store and always ready to hand.
The integrated rechargeable battery eliminates the need to search for the next free socket. And because you can hold the entire device in your hand, a cordless vacuum cleaner can also be used effortlessly on steps or even in the car thanks to flexible attachments.
The rotating brushes are another advantage, especially for pet owners. These can pick up pet hair and heavier crumbs more effectively and at a lower volume.
Disadvantages, on the other hand, are a higher purchase price and the limited battery life. However, the latter can be remedied in many models by purchasing an additional battery.
Cordless vacuum cleaners, on the other hand, clearly win in terms of running costs. As a rule, there are no follow-up costs for vacuum cleaner bags and the energy consumption is only about half as high.
Tips for buying a cordless vacuum cleaner
When buying a cordless vacuum cleaner, there are three main areas to consider:
Prices and quality suction power accessories and charging station
Prices and quality
Cordless vacuum cleaners are available in a wide range of price ranges. The cheapest devices are available for around 30 euros. You can also invest more than 1000 euros upwards. So that your new cordless vacuum cleaner can keep up with a conventional vacuum cleaner, you should stay away from very inexpensive offers. These models often only have a fraction of the suction power and are not a full replacement for a classic vacuum cleaner. But you don't have to spend a fortune either. A solid suction power is already available for less than 200 euros. If you expect high-quality workmanship, you should plan around 250 to 300 euros.
Suction power
Unfortunately, many manufacturers do not specify the suction power in watts. Good models should have around 400 watts or more power. When buying, be careful not to confuse “Watt” with “AirWatt”. The latter is a non-standard unit that does not guarantee comparability.
Other manufacturers indicate the suction power in pascals and not in watts at all. This information cannot be converted, as Watt indicates the motor power and Pascal indicates the suction power. Around 15,000 pascals or higher is a good reference value for the purchase.
It is also important that the cordless vacuum cleaner has a motorized roller. This helps with picking up heavier crumbs and vacuuming carpeted floors.
Accessories and charging station
Which accessories your new cordless vacuum cleaner needs depends on the intended use. In addition to a multi-purpose brush with a wand, a smaller brush with a motorized roller is useful for upholstery. A flexible suction hose along with a dusting brush or crevice tool will help clean corners, furniture and decor.
The most important accessories at a glance
In order to guarantee the longest possible service life, you should rely on a replaceable battery. However, my privately used model without a removable battery has not shown any signs of fatigue after more than two years of use. A replaceable battery is particularly important for a large living area. So you can buy a second battery and extend the runtime.
The charging station is mounted on the wall in almost all cordless vacuum cleaners. In this way, vacuum cleaners and accessories can be stored behind a door or in a storage room to save space. However, you should make sure that there is a free socket nearby. Almost all cordless vacuum cleaners can also be charged directly on the charging cable without a station. This is useful, for example, if you want to take the device with you on vacation in your mobile home.
The best cordless vacuum cleaners: These are our favorites
Roborock H7Dyson V8 Motorhead
Our favorite is the Roborock H7. This model convinced us with its good handling and high suction power. The device feels good in the hand, is of high quality and offers an OLED display to show the charge level and remaining time. A special feature is the charging station with magnetic accessory holder. The accessory sticks magnetically to the station and is available with a flick of the wrist. In addition, house dust allergy sufferers can optionally use the Roborock H7 with a vacuum cleaner bag. The only downside, in our opinion, is the built-in battery. The Roborock H7 is available for around 300 euros. You can already get it on offer for around 280 euros.
→ Buy Roborock H7
I myself have been using the predecessor (Roborock H6) privately for over two years and I am still very satisfied with it. The only "problem" is a stripe on the OLED display, which does not limit the function. If you can do without the magnetic holder and the bag operation, you could make one or the other bargain with the H6 in the sale.
Roborock H7 cordless vacuum cleaner with accessories
Our second tip comes from what is probably the best-known manufacturer of cordless vacuum cleaners: The Dyson V8 convinces with a comparatively quiet operating volume and a well thought-out brush that does not leave any dust behind, even on the edges. You can also expect a very high processing quality from this model. The numerous additional brushes can be attached to the station for storage. An attachment for wet mopping is also available as an option. Unfortunately, Dyson does not offer a removable battery either. In addition, the V8 is slightly heavier than the Roborock.
→ the Dyson V8 Motorhead costs around 300 euros
Budget tips: cordless vacuum cleaners under 200 euros
If you would like to spend a little less on your cordless vacuum cleaner and still not forego good suction power, we also have two buying tips for you. In this price range, you have to make compromises primarily in terms of operating volume and handling. The accessories don't snap into place so easily, and the handpiece doesn't sit as ergonomically in the hand.
Our first price tip comes from the relatively unknown brand Proscenic. The P11 Smart costs just 160 euros and comes with a generous accessories package. Even the battery can be changed and charged separately from the cordless vacuum cleaner.
The Proscenic P11 Smart
With a price of around 180 euros, the Xiaomi Mi G9 is around 20 euros more expensive, but it is also a good budget choice. The cordless vacuum cleaner is the predecessor of the current G10, but it is still convincing.
→ Buy Proscenic P11 Smart
→ Buy Xiaomi Mi G9
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