Last Updated On September 22nd, 2022
How do you choose the best vacuum cleaner on the market? When it comes to keeping your home looking incredible, there are few things more important than a great vacuum. The best hoover not only sucks up dust, dirt and unwanted pet hair, but it can also help to fight against sources of allergies and other health issues. Choose your model correctly, and you’ll end up with something that makes your house look amazing and gives you a better quality of life.
Often, picking the right vacuum can be tricky. You’ll have to find something that does a great job when it comes to suction, while also being flexible and lightweight enough to move around freely. All the while, there are countless new features to think about whenever a new generation of products come on the market. These days, you can find everything from cordless models, to intelligent hand-held vacuums that help you get those hard-to-reach places.
With so many different brands and divergent types of vacuum cleaner to choose from, it’s no wonder that countless homeowners have trouble when the time comes to compare vacuum cleaners. Fortunately, if you’re reading this article, then the hard work could be over for you! We’ve gathered hundreds of vacuum cleaner reviews from across the internet, to bring you an insight into some of the most-loved products on the market.
If you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner you can trust, one of these high-quality UK models is sure to tick all of your boxes.
Our Favourite Vacuum Cleaners Compared
Best Vacuum Cleaner Reviews – Top 10 Picks
1. Vax Mach Air Upright (Editor’s Choice)
Cordless models are great when you need more freedom and flexibility as you clean. However, they might not be the right tool for every homeowner. If you’re looking for unbeatable suction that lasts as long as you need it to, there’s nothing quite like the Vax Mach Air upright machine which is a must-see in our list of top 10 vacuum cleaners.
Features
This powerful and lightweight device is our choice for the best corded vacuum. It constantly delivers exceptional suction no matter how long you use it. Additionally, there’s a 2-in-1 crevice tool and dusting tool included to help you keep your home fresh and tidy. There’s even a detachable handle so you can reach cobwebs on the ceiling or clean your curtains. Delivered with a 1-year guarantee, the Vax Mach Air gives fantastic peace of mind and an amazing clean. You won’t even have much trouble carrying it up and downstairs, as it only weighs 4.9kg.
On the other hand, users say that the functionality is a little awkward and takes some getting used to, but it’s a great machine all around.
- Reliable corded performance
- 1.5l capacity (don’t have to empty as often)
- Lightweight enough to carry upstairs
- Corner and dusting tool included
- 1-year guarantee
- Not very easy getting around corners
- Takes some getting used to when it comes to functionality
- The cable could be longer
2. Henry HVR Bagged Cylinder (Best Cylinder)
When it comes to tracking down recommended vacuum cleaners, Henry is probably among the most well-known faces on the market. Whether you’ve owned one of these machines or not, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen it around, and there’s a good reason for that. Henry isn’t just an adorable housekeeping companion from the 1980s. He’s also a high-powered suction machine.
Features
Among the best-rated hoovers ever to appear in the UK market, this cylinder vacuum cleaner comes with a crevice tool, fantastic long-reach flexibility and a design that makes it incredibly easy to use. There’s an enormous 9-litre capacity for dust and dirt, so you won’t have to spend as much of your time emptying the bag. Additionally, the flexible hose means that it’s easier to get into virtually every part of your home with no hassle.
The Henry cylinder vacuum cleaner is small enough that it’s not too difficult to find a place to store him. However, the machine is very heavy and quite cumbersome for some people, so keep that in mind.
- High power suction
- Flexible, easy to move design
- Fantastic versatility
- Great long-range reach
- Huge dust container
- Bulky and cumbersome
- Very heavy
3. Shark Upright NV602UKT (Best 2-in-1)
Shark is among the well-known brands in the UK when it comes to state-of-the-art vacuum cleaner technology as well as having a sheer variety of models available. If you’re wondering which vacuum cleaner to buy, and you haven’t checked the market in a while, then you’re bound to be blown away by the Upright NV602UKT.
Features
This upright cleaner is among the most impressive cleaning tools we’ve seen on the market, and easily one of the most versatile. The system transitions from an upright hoover to a portable hand-held device in seconds.
You can lift your portable away from the base to reach high-up around ceilings and curtains. Additionally, even the smaller suction components offer incredible power – significant enough to easily remove pet hair and dander from your soft furnishings and carpets. There’s even anti-allergen complete sealing technology built-in, to give you a better quality of life each day. With amazing suction, fantastic functionality, and versatility that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else, this is one of the top vacuum cleaners out there.
The only real issue is that the power lead is too short, but you can always lift the mini vacuum away if you run out of a cord.
- Incredible suction ideal for pet owners
- Anti-allergen complete seal
- Lift-away technology for a lightweight handheld
- Versatile cleaning with carpet and hard floor modes
- Includes pet tool, crevice and multi-surface attachments
- Signature LED lights and easy movability
- Short power lead
- Dust container fills up quickly
4. Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute (Best Cordless)
If you hate struggling with the power cord when vacuuming, the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute could be just what you’re looking for.
Features
Combining impressive suction power with all the freedom of a cordless cleaning device, this innovative vacuum gets the job done with zero fuss.
Perfect for all floor types, the Dyson V10’s soft roller head tackles dust, dirt, debris and pet hair just as efficiently on carpets as it does on hard flooring. The special torque drive head is the most powerful in the Dyson range, sucking up 25% more dust than their previous models. This makes it a great choice if you have thick, dense carpets and struggle to get them looking completely clean.
This cordless stick vacuum isn’t just great for ground-level cleaning, though. With just a few clicks, it transforms into a lightweight handheld unit that can be used with the included attachments for effective spot cleaning or getting into those hard to reach areas.
- Efficient cleaning across all floor types
- Easily converts to a handheld vacuum
- Comes with a range of useful attachments
- High price point
- Handle can become quite warm to the touch with extended use
5. Hoover Whirlwind Bagless Cylinder (Best Compact)
Cylinder vacuums might be a crucial accessory for most households, but that doesn’t mean that we want to be constantly tripping over them in the hallway. Sometimes, it’s better to find something easy to store so that you can keep it out of the way as much as possible. The Hoover whirlwind isn’t just one of the most effective compact hoovers. It’s one of the best bagless vacuum cleaners available too.
Features
Designed to be lightweight and easy to use, it comes with plenty of tools like the turbo brush and crevice tool to help you get the most out of your cleaning. It has an A rating hard-floor performance and it uses cyclonic technology to lift even the most challenging pet hair or dirt from your carpets or furniture. Since this hoover comes with a warranty of 12 months, you also get the peace of mind of knowing that the manufacturer will help you out if anything goes wrong with your new investment. Plus, the one-button cord retraction system is excellent for saving time.
Since it is quite small, an issue with this product is that you have to crouch a lot if you’re tall compared to other cylinder vacuums on the market. Additionally, the main tube, as well as the cable, are pretty short. However, it’s a good machine all around.
- Compact bagless performance
- Lightweight and easy to use
- 2-in-1 cleaning
- Guaranteed for 12 months
- Fantastic for storage
- With plenty of tools like the turbo brush and crevice tool
- Clogs quite easily
- Has a short hose which isn’t great for tall people
- Short cable
6. VYTRONIX CSU600 Lightweight (Best Lightweight)
Sometimes, when you’re hunting for the best hoover, you need to find something that gets the job done and doesn’t blow your entire savings account in one go. As probably the best value vacuum cleaner we’ve found on the market money-wise, the VYTRONIX CSU600 offers truly amazing performance for a price that’s difficult to believe.
Features
This 2 in 1 system gives you everything you need to tidy up your home in a hurry, whether you’re looking for a handheld wireless device or an upright stick vacuum. Weighing in at just 2kg, this vacuum cleaner with a removable floor head is lightweight and easy to use. There’s even a HEPA air filter included that can keep you protected against unnecessary allergens. Proof that good hoovers don’t have to cost a fortune, this model comes with a 1L dustbin and 600W suction power.
Just keep in mind that the small wheels might not be as versatile as you would like them to be. Also, the whole machine feels a bit fragile so you may need to be careful with it.
- Excellent budget-friendly price
- A 2-in-1 device that can become a handheld vacuum
- Large 1-litre dust bin
- Lightweight and easy to use
- With removable floor head
- HEPA air filter
- Not as smooth as other models when it comes to movement
- Components feel quite fragile (be careful using it)
- No automatic wire retraction feature
7. Shark Upright NV801UKT (Best for Pet Hair)
If you’re looking for the best vacuum cleaner UK consumers believe to be great for pet hair removal then it’s a good idea to start your search with Shark Upright.
Features
This upright vacuum cleaner is specifically designed to get rid of pet hair quickly. And according to the hoover reviews we read, it works just as well on carpets as it does on stairs, sofas, and anything else you can think of. Ideal for cleaning all of the various parts of your home in one go, this fantastic machine tackles hard and carpeted floors. It can even be transformed from an upright to a portable device in a matter of seconds. There’s also an enhanced swivel steering built-in, so you’re less likely to have to worry about things like manoeuvrability when you’re pushing it around the house.
The NV801UKT comes with two motorized brush rolls which help to draw in even the smallest bits of dirt and debris. However, the dust container is very small, so you’ll have to empty it quite frequently.
- Excellent for pet hair with duo-clean technology
- Powered lift-away handheld vacuum
- Works on any surface
- Great for flexibility
- Extended reach with attachments
- Small dust container – has to be emptied a lot
- Very short power lead
- Not the most ideal energy rating
8. GTech AirRam MK2 (Best for Corners)
If you’re wondering which vacuum cleaner is best for quick and easy suction power, then you can’t go wrong with this incredible AirRam MK2 from GTech. This is a brand well-known for its amazing hoovers, which are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre while still providing you with plenty of suction power and efficiency.
Features
The AirRam has a brush head that can move effortlessly between carpeted and hard floors without losing any suction or performance, and the built-in edge technology makes it easier to clean all those complicated nooks and crannies. This fantastic machine also comes with an impressive 22V lithium-ion battery, which keeps it cleaning for longer when you don’t want a cord to worry about. A particularly impressive thing this vacuum has is the powered brush bar with hole plug, which picks up large debris effortlessly wherever you go.
Some find that it’s a little tricky getting into tight areas. Additionally, it might not be ideal for people who don’t enjoy emptying their vacuum often. On the other hand, both those points are very minor issues.
- Amazing cordless technology
- Professional 22V lithium battery
- Manages any floor surface easily
- Easy-to-use lightweight design
- Great flexibility
- Not great for edges
- Have to empty frequently
- No pipe attachments
9. Shark IF200UK Cordless Stick (Best with Flexible Wand)
Ideally, the best vacuum cleaner can deliver excellent results on any surface, without causing your arms to ache. The Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum cleaner is one of the lightweight options on the market today, providing fantastic performance without hard work.
Features
The fact that this cleaner is cordless also means that you don’t have to worry about cleaning difficult spaces or hard-to-reach areas. You can easily zip around the house with no wires to hold you back.
Shark’s IF200UK cordless comes with a single battery, although you can buy an extra if you need to. The Lithium-ion battery can last for up to 22 minutes. That should be enough time to tackle carpets and hard floors alike, with a DuoClean system that glides easily across all surfaces. There’s even an extra flexible wand included so you can reach those tough spots.
With a compact design – perfect for storage – and a 5-year manufacturer’s guarantee for peace of mind, the Shark cordless has a lot to offer. On the downside, it does take a while to empty the dirt container fully, and it’s worth noting that you run out of space for dust quite quickly. Additionally, you may find that you need an extra battery for bigger homes.
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Excellent cordless performance
- Dual-action head works on all floors
- 5 years manufacturer’s guarantee and a 2-year battery guarantee
- Flexible wand to reach tough areas
- Difficult to empty the dust bin
- Needs to be emptied frequently
- The battery only lasts for just over 20 minutes
10. Miele 10660820 Powerline (Most Powerful)
Miele might not be a well-known hoover brand in the UK market, but they know how to create a seriously powerful machine. Among the best suction vacuums that we’ve tested so far, the 10660820 Powerline delivers incredible results in virtually any home.
Features
At 890 Watts, it is among the most powerful vacuum cleaners on the market that money could buy. It is very efficient and thorough, with a remote floor head that allows you to get into every corner of your home. If you’re looking for the best hoover on the market for pet owners, this cleaner can be an excellent choice for you. It’s great at picking up dog and cat hair, and it also helps to eliminate leftover odours from your furry friends, thanks to an active air clean filter. Additionally, there are plenty of other accessories built-in like the turbo brush to help you deal with more complex cleaning tasks.
A small downside of the Miele is that it isn’t a bagless hoover. That means that you constantly have to empty out plastic bags. Additionally, the energy class is only a C, which means that you use a lot of electricity with this machine.
- Powerful 890w suction
- Excellent manoeuvrability with the use of the floor head
- Very good at removing hair and neutralising odours
- Easy to use foot controls
- Accessories included like turbo brush
- Not a bagless machine
- No HEPA air filter
- Low energy rating (C Grade)
Which Hoover is Right for You?
Finding the right cleaning equipment isn’t easy in today’s modern marketplace. Window vacs, carpet cleaners, steam mops, cordless vacuums, upright vacuum cleaners, cylinders, bagless cleaners, and even robotic devices, how do you decide which machine to buy to help keep your home looking pristine?
Whether you’re looking for something to get rid of a thick pile, something that can handle pet hairs, or just anything lightweight and easy to use, having a vacuum cleaner is a sure cleaning choice. Our list above will give you a basic insight into some of the highest-performing hoovers on the current market. However, there are a few more things you might want to think about before you make your choice and buy.
Points to Consider When You Buy
Modern vacuum cleaners come in a range of different designs and styles. Choosing the right cleaning equipment for your needs will be a process that requires you to think about what you want to accomplish with your vacuum. For instance, the first thing you’ll need to ask yourself before you buy is what kind of vacuum do you need?
Are you looking for the best vacuum cleaner for carpets? How about a corded device that you can continue using for as long as you like without any time restrictions? Do you need something lightweight and without a cord so that you can carry it around the house quickly? You may even be looking for a vacuum that comes with a removable handheld machine that allows you to easily clean soft furnishings and curtains. Let’s look at some of the things you should ask yourself.
1. Use
What capabilities matter most to you? For instance, a motorised brush will clean your carpets better than a vacuum-powered exclusively by suction while a hoover with a HEPA air filter ensures your family’s health.
2. Accessories
Does the vacuum come with built-in accessories like a turbo brush that will allow you to go over hard-to-reach areas? Does it come with a removable floor head or different head attachments that would cater to specific surfaces?
3. Noise
Is your new device deafeningly loud, or do you feel comfortable using it for long periods?
4. Movability
How much does it weigh? The more lightweight and easy to use your vacuum is, the less likely it is to make cleaning more of a chore.
5. Capacity
How much dust and debris can it hold? Does it fill up too quickly? If you don’t want to be constantly taking breaks to empty it, look for something with a dust bin that’s big enough especially if you have a large house.
Finding the Best Vacuum Cleaner
When it comes to must-have housekeeping accessories, there are few things more important than the right vacuum cleaner. This simple but effective machine will keep your property looking spotless while protecting you against things like overexposure to dust and allergens.
So, how do you find the best vacuum cleaner for your needs? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best hoover for you will depend on what you need. Fortunately, our vacuum cleaner reviews above will help you to check out some of the finest options in the UK so that you can make a more informed choice.
Our favourite pick is the Vax Mach Air Upright model, which is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre around your home. It features multi-cyclonic technology that enables you to work effortlessly on both carpet and hard floors. With a 7m cable and a 1.3m hose, you can cover more area in one go. This vacuum also includes a dusting brush and a crevice tool.
What do you look for in the ideal vacuum cleaner? Let us know in the comments below.
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