At MasterClassVac, we took the liberty to check various stick vacuums to see what features and specifications you should prioritize for these vacs.
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Eventually, you’ll get to the crossroad where you have to decide which vacuum cleaner to get. And among the potential choices, you can pick these stick vacuums.
Unlike other vacuum cleaners, stick vacs feature a balance of versatility and power. It has the same form factor as upright vacuums, but they aren’t as heavy and bulky as those traditional vacuums. They are also portable, similar to a handheld vacuum, but offer decent suction power.
Aside from these advantages, stick vacuums are great for cleaning hard-to-reach places. They also don’t require massive storage space. And in some cases, the body can be detached so that the vacuum can become an instant handheld vacuum. But keep in mind that not all stick vacs are great.
So give yourself some time to check the information we listed here. In this way, you can ensure that your next stick vac will never be disappointing.
What Are Stick Vacuums
Just as their name suggests, stick vacuums have a stick-type construction. Basically, the majority of its body is an elongated shaft or stick. In the stick, essential components of the vacuum cleaner are attached, such as the cleaning head, dirt cup, and handle.
Now, these stick vacuums are a big deal for modern cleaning needs. After all, when it comes to vacuum cleaning, power isn’t the only determining factor for good results. If you want a thorough cleaning performance, maneuverability is more important than suction power. Of course, we are not saying that suction power is no longer needed. We are just emphasizing that a maneuverable vacuum cleaner will help you clean more dirt and stuff.
But unlike handheld vacuums, stick vacuums generate decent power, as well. They aren’t as powerful as upright or canister vacuums, but they can certainly pick up dirt and mess. They can tackle the mess even from places that your regular vacuums can’t.
Of course, the primary downside of these stick vacs is their runtime. They run on batteries, so it means that once the batteries are close to draining, the suction power of these stick vacs would reduce. That also means potential downtimes while you are cleaning.
By the way, there are corded types of stick vacuums. You should check them out, as well.
How Much Do Stick Vacuums Cost
Now, it is also important to discuss the cost of these stick vacuums. On average, the price of these stick vacuums isn’t that overwhelming. Hence, they are a perfect choice for secondary vacuums or for those who are trying to be as frugal as possible.
Well, the price of these stick vacuums usually depends on the brand and features they have. Popular brands are notably more expensive than their counterparts. Feature-packed vacuums are understandably pricier, too.
Right now, the cost of these stick vacuums ranges from $33.00 up to $349.00. These figures tell the potential discrepancy between the performance and quality of these stick vacuums. Needless to say, the more you spend on the upfront cost, the lesser the maintenance and replacements you need to deal with. Simultaneously, these high-quality options would leave less room for disappointments.
Of course, keep in mind that you only have to purchase what you need. There’s no actual reason to get the most expensive stick vac if a cheaper alternative gives you all the features that you need.
Average Performance Of Stick Vacuums
After testing several units of stick vacuums, we were able to make a rough estimation of their actual performance. Keep in mind that the following ratings may not represent the overall performance of a specific stick vacuum. These are just aggregate results that we want to show you.
TEST RESULTS
PERFORMANCE | TEST RESULTS |
---|---|
METRICS | SCORE |
Carpets | 6/10 |
Hard floors / bare floors | 8/10 |
Corners and edges | 7/10 |
Under furniture / tight spaces | 8/10 |
Pet hair | 7/10 |
Noise | 7/10 |
These ratings indicate that stick vacuums are more than enough to clean your rooms and living spaces. They have enough suction strength to keep your hard floors free from dirt. Meanwhile, their performance on carpets is just mediocre. So technically, only a few stick vacs can do deep cleaning.
Average Specifications Of Stick Vacuum Cleaners
For you to be able to know what to expect from these stick vacuums, you need to have a grasp of their average specifications. The figures we got here are based on comparing dozens of stick vacuums we found in the market, including those that are in the entry-level category.
STICK VACUUM RATINGS BASED ON SPECIFICATIONS | ||
---|---|---|
SPECIFICATIONS | AVERAGE RATING | RANGE |
Runtime (low) | 25 minutes | 20 to 40 minutes |
Runtime (max) | 15 minutes | 10 to 30 minutes |
Dirt bin capacity | 0.5 liters | 0.3 to 0.8 liters |
Noise level | 70 decibels | 60 to 80 decibels |
Charging time | 4 hours | 3 to 9 hours |
Weight | 3 kilograms | 2 to 5 kilograms |
Based on the table above, it is evident that the majority of stick vacuum cleaners are ergonomic. They are lightweight and don’t generate too much sound. Their runtime is pretty acceptable, too. Depending on the battery and motor technology, some of these stick vacs can give you a non-stop suction for 30 minutes straight.
How To Buy The Best Stick Vacuums
There are certain features that you need to prioritize whenever buying a stick vacuum cleaner. We have to remind you again that not all stick vacs are the same. So it would be better if you could compare your choices by using the following metrics as your measuring stick:
Floor Heads
The versatility of these stick vacuums may depend on their attachments. In this case, we want to direct our focus on their cleaning attachments. The majority of stick vacuums today have one-size-fits-all motorized heads. They are capable of cleaning both hard floors and carpets. However, there’s no guarantee that they can perform well in both floor types.
So it is really a good deal if the vacuum cleaner has separate cleaning heads for hard floors and carpets. It’s an assurance that you have the right accessory to keep your floors free, regardless if the latter is bare or carpeted.
Recently, we have seen vacuum cleaners that are equipped with sensors in their cleaning heads. These sensors detect the floor type they are engaged to, allowing the vacuum to automatically adjust its suction.
Cleaning Accessories
In relation to the previous factor, we also need to highlight the importance of cleaning attachments for these vacuum cleaners.
Whenever you buy a stick vacuum, the most common ones that you could get are these crevice tools and dusting brushes. If you buy more expensive stick vacuums, you should be able to acquire additional tools, such as a pet hair brush, a crevice tool for hard-to-reach spaces, and a mopping accessory.
Other stick vacuums have built-in storage systems. These are the places where you can stash these attachments. They enable quick access to the tools without disorganizing them. Meanwhile, some stick vacuums have charging docks that also serve as storage systems for their accessories.
Battery Performance
Many stick vacuums today use lithium-ion batteries. These lithium-ion batteries offer better capacity, discharge, and runtime than other types of battery chemistries.
But then again, lithium batteries do differ from one another. At the same time, the motor technology used in the stick vac could either optimize or deteriorate the performance of the batteries.
Based on the data we have given, the maximum runtime of stick vacuums on their highest setting is 15 minutes. Meanwhile, these stick vacs could run up to 25 minutes on their lowest setting. And batteries have a direct impact on these figures. Try to see whether or not you can complete your floor cleaning within these given time limits.
Meanwhile, don’t forget the charging time of the batteries, as well. The good thing about these stick vacuums is that they use rechargeable batteries. The average charging time for these lithium-ion batteries is about 4 to 5 hours. Well, waiting for hours to complete a single cleaning can be taxing. So you need to choose stick vacs that offer considerable runtime on a single charge.
Ergonomics And Maneuverability
Over time, these stick vacuums do develop. Some of them feature specifications that you can’t find on older models of stick vacs. And that’s a good thing, as a matter of fact. These innovations mean that these vacuum cleaners are configured for ease of usage and handling.
Since we are talking about stick vacuums, we should always mention their weight. The lighter the stick vac is, the easier it is for you to move them around. Of course, that feature is also advantageous for those who have injuries or physical limitations due to age or condition.
Another thing that you need to inspect is the noise level of these vacuum cleaners. Part of their functionality is the overall convenience they can provide to you as their users. These vacuum cleaners will inevitably generate noise. But pick a unit that will not damage your eardrums. Otherwise, cleaning your floors would become a nuisance.
Filtration System
Similar to other types of vacuums, it is essential that the stick vac you get has a filtration system on it. The filters act as a wall that prevents tiny particles from escaping the dirt bin and entering your air again. Once this happens, allergic reactions could take place.
The ideal filter for a stick vacuum is a HEPA filter. Compared to mechanical filters, HEPA filters are capable of capturing 99.9 percent of particles that are as small as 0.3 microns.
Interface
Not all stick vacuums have LCD displays on them. But it would really be great if the unit you will get has one. The display will tell you useful information about the operation of the vacuum, such as the remaining battery or the suction strength.
Meanwhile, high-end stick vacuums have sensors that alert you via the display if they are obstructions in the cleaning or if the filter requires replacements already.
On the flip side, entry-level models still have LED indicators. These indicators will notify you if the battery of the vacuum cleaner is about to drain.
Variable Suction Power
Not all stick vacs have this feature. But then again, it is a great feature that you should take advantage of. A stick vacuum that has a variable function lets you manually increase or decrease the suction strength, depending on your cleaning needs.
For instance, if you are dealing with stubborn dirt, simply increase the suction strength of the vacuum. For curtains and rugs, set the suction strength to a minimum. Keep in mind, though, that the stronger the suction is, the more battery is being consumed.
Recommendations For The Best Stick Vacuums
If you are looking for a high-quality stick vacuum right from the get-go, then allow us to introduce some of the top-rated stick vacuums in the market. We personally tested each of these vacuum cleaners to see if they live up to their hype. Apparently, aside from their impressive customer rating, these stick vacs actually work. See them below:
Product Image | Model Name | Size | Product Rating | Where To Buy |
Whall Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner | 17.32 inches x 11.42 inches x 6.81 inches | 4.3 / 5 | Amazon | |
Shark HV322 Rocket Corded Stick Vacuum | 13 inches x 10.25 inches x 47.5 inches | 4.6 / 5 | Amazon | |
Tineco Pure ONE S11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | 11.4 inches x 8.3 inches x 43.5 inches | 4.4 / 5 | Amazon |
How To Buy The Best Stick Vacuum Cleaner: Final Thoughts
There are several reasons why stick vacuums are great. First, they are very lightweight and easy to maneuver. This makes them perfect for cleaning hard to reach spots or for cleaning up quickly.
Another reason why stick vacuums are great is that they are very powerful. They may not have all the bells and whistles of a traditional vacuum, but they can still get the job done. Finally, stick vacuums are very affordable. You can find some great deals on stick vacuums, making them a great option for those on a budget.
We hope that you learned a lot from this guide. Until next time!