Stick Vacuums

Stick Vacuums are a lightweight, space saving and portable type of Vacuum Cleaner. They have built-in rechargeable batteries that allow for quick cleaning around the home without the hassle of power cords or the need to find a power outlet nearby. Their design makes them great to reach into tighter corners and areas easily for a quick clean.

Most Stick Vacuums weigh between 2.1 to 4kg at most, so because they're more lightweight and compact their dust collecting capacity is less than Upright or Barrel Vacuum Cleaners. Most Stick Vacuums can hold between 0.2 and 0.6 litres of dust and dirt with an average 0.4L capacity. They need to be emptied more often than larger models so they work best in small homes or as a second vacuum in a larger home.

For extra versatility, many feature a detachable Handheld Vacuum for cleaning in tight spaces like the car, curtains and furniture, usually including a brush attachment designed to clean upholstery for pure cordless freedom. Many models double as Pet Vacuums giving allergy sufferers welcome relief by powerfully suctioning pet dander and hair after your home's furry companions.

There are a few factors to consider when comparing Vacuum Cleaners suction power. Watts measure how much power a Vacuum Cleaner consumes when it’s switched on. Cordless Vacuums like the Stick type are generally less powerful than other vacuums and will tend to lose suction power as the battery depletes and container fills. Newer designs feature improved batteries that lengthen run times and maintain higher suction power for longer.

Another factor to consider are the Air Watts (AW) or kPa (kilo pascals) of a Vacuum Cleaner. Air Watts are a way of measuring and comparing suction power across different vacuums. The higher the AW or kPa, the more powerful the suction.

Filtration, airflow, hose and nozzle design and the build quality of the brush head can also impact on the suction power of a vacuum. It's also worth considering how long it takes to charge. On maximum settings, Stick Vacuums can run out of charge between 6 and 60 minutes and can take between 2.6 and 8 hours to fully charge again, depending on the model.

The easiest way to ensure a Vacuum Cleaner maintains its suction power over time is with regular cleaning and maintenance. A decrease in suction power is usually the result of a blockage or build up of dirt in some parts of the machine like the filter.

Empty the dust collector as often as possible to lessen the strain put on the filter and the rest of the vacuum. Considering the smaller capacity of a Stick Vacuum, you will need to empty this at least once after a few uses.

Your filter will also require cleaning to avoid blocking air flow which reduces suction. Aim to clean the filter monthly at a minimum. Some models have washable filters and manufacturers will provide information on cleaning and replacing the filter. You can also get replacement Vacuum Cleaner Bags and Filters if they get damaged or wear out.

Check brush rollers in the head of the Vacuum Cleaner for hair or other stringy debris that can get wrapped around the brush and prevent it from spinning. In most cases a pair of scissors will be enough to carefully remove the tangled obstruction.

It’s worth considering how the vacuum will be used when comparing models. Think about the types of flooring at home as Vacuums with a rotating brush are great for keeping carpets clean but may scratch a hardwood floor. Some Stick Vacuums also come with hardwood floor attachments.

If there are people at home with asthma or allergies, then you should consider a vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters trap more dirt and dust along with pollen, mould, pet dander, small particles and dust mite droppings. To get the HEPA certification a vacuum cleaner needs to trap at least 99.97% of a vacuum’s emissions down to 0.3 microns in size. For comparison, the majority of vacuum filters retain around 96% of emissions.

Also consider the weight and manoeuvrability of a vacuum. Stick Vacuums are already among the lightest models but if you plan on lifting to clean Ceiling Fans or other high up surfaces, then a few extra kilos will make a difference. Some Vacuums are compatilble with Attachments to extend their range without lifting too high or awkwardly.