Best Vacuum Cleaners 2020: The Definitive New Zealand Consumer Guide

Our guide explains everything you need to know to buy the right vacuum cleaner at the best price

Updated 16 July 2020
Before you shop for a vacuum, think about your home. What types of flooring will you clean?
  • Do you have wall-to-wall carpet?
  • Are there a lot of stairs?
  • Do you have mostly hardwood floors?
  • Do you have kids constantly spilling things?

This will give you an idea of the type of vacuum you need. For example, if you need portability because your home has a lot of stairs, canister vacuums are a great option. If you want an all-around vacuum that can clean anywhere in your home, an upright may be a better choice. 

Our Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide Covers:

Vacuum Cleaner Features to Consider

  1. ​No bag – Do you not want to bother with replacing vacuum bags? Bagless vacuums have a container you detach and empty. You don’t have to buy vacuum bags, but if you have allergies or dust issues, bagless vacuums don’t contain the allergens as well as bag vacuums do. The dust particles may float back into the air, causing more allergy issues.
  2. Bag – If you have pets or allergies, bag vacuums are a better option. While you have to buy and replace the bags, the dust, dander, and pollutants picked up remain sealed in the bag. They don’t get released back into the air when you empty the canister.
  3. Multiple surface options – If you have carpet and hardwood, or even high and low carpets, look for a multi-surface vacuum for an all-in-one product. If you are moving the vacuum around the house a lot, look for a lightweight version to make it easier on yourself.   
  4. Air watts – Look for air watts of at least 200; this should provide ample power and suction to clean up even the smallest particles, including dusty and pet dander. 
  5. Attachments – Will you clean more than your carpets? Look for attachments for the surfaces you’ll clean. Think about furniture, tall objects you’ll dust with the vacuum, and even tight corners. The right attachments make it easy to clean just about any area in your home. 
  6. Filters – Do you or someone in your house suffer from allergies? A HEPA filter is a must. This traps dust, dander, pet hair, pollen, and other small particles, removing them from the carpet. Make sure the filter is HEPA-certified and not ‘HEPA like'.

Other relevant considerations:
  1. How often will you vacuum? If you vacuum daily, a lightweight vacuum provides more portability. It doesn’t have as much power, but if you vacuum frequently, you don’t need it. If you vacuum weekly, or less often, you’ll need a more powerful upright vacuum that has more power and suction.
  2. Do you or a family member have allergies? Vacuuming without a HEPA filter only pushes the allergens around your home. You need a HEPA certified vacuum that eliminates all allergens for easier breathing. It’s worth the investments if you suffer from allergies.
  3. Do you have pets? Look for vacuums with hose attachments that specifically eliminate pet hair and dander. You may want a more powerful vacuum too – look for those rated to clean up pet hair and pet messes. Many pet owners prefer bag vacuums to seal off the pet hair once removed from the carpet. 
  4. Do you need a quiet vacuum? All vacuums make some noise, but if you have an aversion to noise or live in a crowded area, you may care about the noise level. Check the vacuum’s decibel rating. For comparison, a decibel rating in the 70s will sound as loud as a garbage disposal, and a rating below 70 will be rather quiet.
  5. How portable do you need the vacuum? Are you climbing up and down the stairs or lugging it around a sizeable house? Do you need to carry it or roll it? Some vacuums weigh as much as 20 pounds or more, so pay attention to the weight.​

What Types of Vacuums are Available?

Now that you know the features to consider, let’s look at the six vacuum types available:

​Upright Vacuum

  • This is your traditional vacuum. They work great on large, carpeted areas.
  • You’ll find Upright models with both bag and bagless options.
  • Upright vacuums push forward, cleaning with a brush powered by the motor. The brush loosens the dirt and pollutants, and the suction sucks them up into the vacuum.
  • Many uprights have height adjustments for different floor types and include hose attachments for easy cleaning.
  • The upright vacuum is your ‘standard’ vacuum, and there are plenty of options to choose from regarding weight, power, and use. 

Pros:
  • Typically, the most affordable vacuum type
  • Good for deep cleaning carpets
  • Cleans a wider area at once
  • Easy to store

Cons:
  • Uprights often weigh 20 pounds or more
  • Often noisy​

​Canister Vacuum

  • This lighter vacuum works well on hardwood floors and some small carpeted areas. The powerhead is separate from the motor, making it easier to manoeuvre and carry throughout the house, but it may be harder on high pile carpet.
  • Most canister vacuums come with attachments great for cleaning upholstery and even drapes, which is especially helpful if it has a long wand. 

Pros:
  • Great for cleaning hardwood floors
  • Lighter than upright vacuums
  • Quiet motor
  • Easy to move around, especially on stairs

Cons:
  • Hard to store with the separate motor and wand
  • Doesn’t work well on most carpets​

​Stick Vacuums

  • Also known as a ‘sweeper vacuum,’ the stick vacuum is a battery-operated vacuum that cleans up spills and small areas well.
  • Most homeowners use the stick vacuum on bathroom and kitchen floors, but work well on quick carpet cleanups too. For example, if you have small children that are constantly spilling, a stick vacuum may make your life a little easier. 

Pros:
  • Lightweight and easy to move
  • Push model, like an upright which cleans wide areas at once
  • An easy way to clean up spills
  • Most models have ‘dirt cups’ instead of bags, saving you money on bags

Cons:
  • Not meant for deep cleaning carpets
  • Many run on batteries, which if not powered up won’t work​

​Handheld Vacuum

  • Use a handheld vacuum for areas that an upright or even stick vacuum can’t reach. These portable vacuums work well in tight corners, to clean up spills, or even to vacuum stairs.
  • You don’t have to lug a heavy vacuum around with you – handhelds are lightweight and come corded or cordless.

Pros:
  • Works great on short pile carpeting and hardwood floors
  • Great for cleaning other areas, such as your car’s interior
  • Easy to move around
  • Some models pick up pet hair

Cons:
  • Only works a small area at a time
  • Most handhelds have little power

​Pet Vacuums

  • Pets are a member of our families, but they can leave a lot of hair and mess around the house. Pet vacuums specifically pick up pet hair and dander that other vacuums may miss.
  • Most pet vacuums have a detachable beater brush to easily clean the hair from it, keeping the vacuum running properly.
  • Many pet vacuums also include attachments to clean pet hair off other surfaces, such as upholstery and drapes. 

Pros:
  • Helps eliminate pet hair
  • Helps eliminate pet odour
  • Lightweight and easy to carry around the house
  • Cleans carpets and hardwood

Cons:
  • Only cleans small areas at a time
  • Some pet hair is hard to vacuum​

Robot Vacuums

  • Are you tired of pushing a vacuum? The robotic vacuum does it for you. You set the sensor boundaries, and the vacuum does the rest.
  • It may not be as powerful as an upright vacuum, but if you use it frequently enough, it will keep your carpets clean and your hands-free.

Pros:
  • Set up regular vacuuming intervals and have more free time
  • You can control some robot vacuums from your phone
  • Gets into tight areas well
  • Works on low pile carpets and hardwood

Cons:
  • Doesn’t provide the deep clean of an upright vacuum
  • You have to declutter the room for it to work
  • Arguably not very effective in vacuuming
  • Many models are noisy

The Top Vacuums Available in New Zealand Right Now

Miele C2 Compact Vacuum Cleaner

Move around the house easily with the Miele C2 Compact Vacuum Cleaner. With 1800w of power, this vacuum works well on many surfaces, deep cleaning the area from pet hair, dust, and debris. 
 
Features: 
  • Multiple settings to adjust to different surfaces
  • Easily manoeuvres throughout your home, including in tight areas
  • Includes an AirClean filter for cleaner air
  • Bagged vacuum

Learn more here: Visit Miele

Bissell Powerforce Helix Bagless Upright Vacuum

If you prefer a bagless upright, the Bissell Powerforce Helix Upright is a great choice. Great for cleaning any room whether carpeted or hardwood flooring, the vacuum has great suction and includes several accessories to help clean high up areas and tight corners. The separate filter helps capture more dust, debris, and allergens, keeping your house free from debris.
 
Features:
  • Bagless vacuum
  • Affordable price
  • High powered
  • Great for dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning up
 
Learn more here: Visit Bissell

Dyson Big Ball Origin Vacuum Cleaner

The Dyson Big Ball Vacuum Cleaner is great for all-around cleaning from picking up fine dust particles to deep cleaning your rugs. The cyclone technology helps separate the dust so that there’s no need for a filter – just a canister to empty. 
 
Features: 
  • The no-touch canister empties with the push of a button
  • 360-degree rotating handle for easy cleaning
  • Accessories to clean stairs and upholstery
  • Includes brushes to scrub hardwood floors and carpeting

Learn more here: Visit Dyson

Bosch Zoo'o ProAnimal Bagged Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re tired of animal hair all over the house, the Bosch Zoo’o ProAnimal Bagged Vacuum Cleaner may help. It’s the perfect tool to eliminate pet hair from your hardwood or carpeting. Its multi-sized bristles pick up both dust and pet hair, leaving your carpet and flooring clean. It also includes a turbo airflow that picks up even the most stubborn pet hair from the carpet.
 
Features: 
  • EasyClean Brush Removal technology makes it easy to cut the pet hair off the bristles
  • Includes an upholstery nozzle to remove pet hair from furniture
  • A bionic filter to eliminate pet odours
  • High capacity dust bags to collect the debris

Learn more here: Visit Bosch

Buying a Vacuum Cleaner - Final Thoughts and Tips

  • ​Every household has different vacuum needs. Don’t assume it’s a one-size-fits-all purchase.
  • Think of your flooring and what you need to vacuum, whether dust, pet hair, or debris.
  • If you’re constantly cleaning up after a child, a lightweight vacuum that’s easy to whip around the house is great.
  • If you’re looking for a heavy-duty tool that cleans the entire home, you’ll want a sturdier upright that has generous power and suction.
  • A vacuum is an investment. Do your research and find the vacuum that suits your needs. Many retailers sell vacuums - Noel Leeming, Harvey Norman and The Warehouse are good starting points. 
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