Vacuum Add-ons and Tools
Most vacuums come with all the necessary add-ons; however, here are some to consider:
- Upholstery tools
- Dusting brushes
- Bare-floor tools
- Wall brushes
- Wands
- Stretch hoses for extension purposes
Vacuum’s Attachment Reach
This will let you know how far your vacuum can reach using the attachments.
Roller Brush or Agitator
The roller brush is underneath the vacuum and spins when the vacuum is turned on in order to help suck up grit, dirt, and dust.
It is suggested that by turning the roller brush off when on bare or hardwood floors more dirt and debris is picked up. Also, by being able to turn off the roller brush, the tangles of throw rugs or bedspreads can be avoided.
Vacuum Height Adjustment
Many vacuums offer this as a standard feature. It allows the user to adjust the vacuum depending upon the pile height of the carpet. This helps with moving the vacuum and allows for a better cleaning experience.
Vacuum Edge Tool or Cleaner
This feature allows the user to do wall to wall carpet cleaning – all the way to the edge of the carpet. Most upright and canister vacuums offer this feature.
Full Bag or Container Indicator
This is a feature (electronic or mechanical) on some vacuums alerting the user that the bag or bin is full. Quite a few of the bagless vacuums have a clear dust bin so you can see when it is full.
Vacuum Headlight
This is a standard feature on most upright vacuums. Its purpose is to increase visibility while in rooms without direct sun light or when vacuuming under furniture.
Vacuum Motor Protection
Some vacuums come with a system to protect the vacuum’s motor from electrical overloads or potential damage caused by jams.
Retractable Vacuum Cord
Canister vacuums are outfitted with retractable cords more often than upright and other vacuums. By pushing a button or tugging on the cord, retractable cords rewind for you.
Self-Propulsion
A self-propelled vacuum is one that has a drive system to assist users with pushing as well as pulling the vacuum. The downside to this is that the added weight of a drive system makes the vacuum heavier than the typical vacuum.
Suction Power Control
This is an optional feature offered on some vacuums that enables you to reduce or increase the airflow. This comes in handy when dealing with curtains or upholstery.
Turbo or Power Vacuum Head
Turbo heads are driven by air, whereas power heads have a motor to turn the heads. Power heads are often recommended for high pile or thick carpets. Some heads can function both as a turbo and as a power head.
Vacuum Performance
The performance and ergonomics of a particular vacuum is best evaluated by hands-on testing.
Ease of Use
When evaluating “ease of use,” consider:
- Whether the tools, add-ons, and buttons are easy to reach, operate, and understand
- If the on and off switch is conveniently located on the vacuum’s handle or on it’s base where you can easily operate it with your foot
- The ease with which you can change the bag or empty the bin
- How the handle(s) feel
- If it is easy to maneuver
- Will a canister or an upright be better suited for you and your purposes
Vacuum Air flow
A vacuums air flow is better described as the air’s force when picking up and moving dirt to the vacuum’s dirt bin or bag. CFM or cubic feet per minute is how air flow is measured and determines the suction power.
Vacuum Power
As discussed in the Vacuum Air Flow section above, CFM is the major determinant of suction power. Power or amperages simply measures how much electricity the vacuum uses during operation
Read the other parts of this Vacuum Cleaners Buyers Guide here:
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