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?
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:
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
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Upright Vacuum
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Canister Vacuum
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Stick Vacuums
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Handheld Vacuum
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Pet Vacuums
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Robot Vacuums
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The Top Vacuums Available in New Zealand Right Now
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Miele C2 Compact Vacuum Cleaner
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Bissell Powerforce Helix Bagless Upright Vacuum
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Dyson Big Ball Origin Vacuum Cleaner
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Bosch Zoo'o ProAnimal Bagged Vacuum Cleaner
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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.
