If you have a small apartment or condo, you may not have room to store a traditional upright vacuum cleaner. You’ll want one that can go swiftly from room to room in your home without missing any of the inconspicuous spots. If you only have a small amount of room, where do you even begin the process of picking out a vacuum? Your decision begins at this point.
In this article, we’ll show you what to look for in a vacuum cleaner and why it’s important to have one even if you live in a studio or one-bedroom. Furthermore, we have selected our top five picks!
Types of Vacuums for Small Apartments
One size does not fit all when it comes to vacuum cleaners, especially if you only have a small flat. A vacuum that works well on the floor might not be the best choice for your furniture and bedding. That’s why it’s important to have some familiarity with the range of vacuums available.
?Stick Vacuums
The stick vacuum is comparable to the upright, but unlike the upright, it does not have any attachments. Because of this, the vacuum is more compact and easy to store. Stick vacuum cleaners are convenient because they are battery-operated.
When compared to upright vacuums, these are typically the weaker option. Since it is not a requirement to bend when using them, stick vacuum cleaners are highly convenient. They have long-lasting batteries, making them quite practical.
?Canister Vacuums
This has a wider range of applications than straight goals. Canister vacuums are more portable than traditional upright models. The canister can be raised and held in any convenient location. The compact packaging and long-reaching wand make these cleaners ideal for cleaning stairs, garments, and tubes on the go.
In comparison to upright cleaners, they are quieter, have more powerful individual heads, and have more adaptable attachments. The disadvantages of canister vacuum cleaners include that they are more cumbersome than upright vacuum cleaners and that it is more difficult to store them because of the hose and wand.
?Robot Vacuums
Robotic vacuum cleaners deliver a space-saving, low-profile suction mechanism along with sophisticated programming. Certain robot vacuums are equipped with pins to clean such inaccessible nooks and crannies. Sterilization and ultraviolet light (UV) are only two of the many cleaning options available on some vacuums.
The time-saving and easy-to-use robotic floor cleaner requires no human assistance when cleaning even the dirtiest of floors. Cons include a lack of effectiveness while cleaning rugs and a limited battery life.
?Handheld Vacuums
Portable vacuum cleaners are great for cleaning tight spaces, such as those found in a studio or one-bedroom apartment. In some cases, a cordless portable vacuum cleaner may be the best option. To sum up, it’s a great option for people that are always moving around in their recreational vehicles.
Given that the primary vacuum has fewer attachments, this vacuum is a great complement. With a handheld vacuum, you won’t have to unhook the main unit only to clean a tiny spot. These handheld vacuums are lightweight and convenient.
They work wonderfully on short-pile carpets, hard flooring, and even automobiles. Handheld vacuum cleaners have weaker suction and less power than their upright and canister counterparts. In addition to being loud and cumbersome, handheld vacuum cleaners also tend to be quite large.
Choice of the Right Vacuum Cleaner: Factors to Think About
A lot of factors affect a vacuum’s functionality, despite the common belief that all vacuums are equally effective. Read on to find out about some of the most crucial factors to think about when shopping for a new vacuum cleaner, especially for small apartments.
? Intended Use
The anticipated cleaning tasks should be front and center while you shop for a vacuum. All homes have different requirements, so there is no universally ideal vacuum. For example, a household with pets may want to look for a certain kind of vacuum cleaner not needed by a home without pets.
Your home’s square footage is also a big factor. There will be a distinction in needs between individuals with carpets and rugs and those with hardwood or tile flooring. While robot vacuums certainly add a new dimension of convenience, they aren’t well-suited to shopping with many obstructions. You should take into account the vacuum’s intended purpose before going shopping.
? Weight and Maneuverability
Those with physical limitations should pay close attention to the vacuum’s weight and ease of handling while making a purchase. You may get a hold of a vacuum cleaner with less effort if you choose the right model. Using a canister vacuum, for instance, is more convenient because the user can just drag the canister behind them while they clean.
In terms of portability, though, the best option is a stick vacuum because of how easily you can carry it from room to room. But upright vacuum cleaners are notoriously bulky and heavy.
? Size
There is a good probability that you will not want to purchase the most cumbersome vacuum cleaner on the market if you live in an apartment because of the limited amount of room that is available. This is generally common for the majority of flats. Fortunately, some of the options here do not need you to sacrifice storage capacity. Pick a compact robot vacuum or a stylish upright model that you can hide out of sight.
? Sound Level
The design of the engine affects how much noise a vacuum cleaner produces. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner’s centrifugal force, which is the reason for air movement, separates the stain. However, the volume of the sound is not particularly high despite the fact that the airflow is noisy. Performance and noise are unrelated, as a vacuum cleaner with better suction may be discreetly constructed.
? Capacity
The ability of the vacuum cleaner to pick up dust is directly proportional to the size of the dust bag or dust cup. A larger system has fewer iterations and so requires fewer updates. There will be more dirt to haul away if your home is particularly large (consider the number of people, animals, and vehicles that will be living there).
Think about getting a full vacuum for this purpose. Changing the bag or refilling the cup on a regular basis would not be a hassle.
? HEPA Filter
Currently, available vacuum cleaners have high-efficiency HEPA filters installed. It is possible to eliminate 99.99% of the soil, grit, pollen, and other forms of pollution using a filter with 0.3-micron particle size. For the purpose of collecting the minuscule particles, the HEPA filter is made of glass fiber fashioned like a mesh. There are several other types of filters, including disc filters, cloth filters, charcoal filters, and foam filters.
? “Corded” vs. “Cordless”
These days, vacuums come in either a corded or cordless variety. There are benefits and drawbacks to each variety:
Traditional corded plug-in vacuum cleaners are typically more durable and cost-effective than cordless vacuum cleaners. They are perfect for folks with larger homes because they won’t die mid-cleaning due to a lack of power.
Cordless vacuums provide the greatest level of ease, allowing customers to move freely throughout the home without having to stop and plug the vacuum into each room. However, they may not be able to complete a full vacuuming of a large house before needing to be recharged.
? Bagged vs. Bagless
Both the vacuum’s canister and a disposable bag are used to capture dust and grime. In spite of the fact that bagless vacuum cleaners have taken over the market, you may still find several highly rated bagged models.
Bagged – as dirt and dust is contained in the bag, which can be easily discarded, vacuum cleaners are a great option for people with allergies. As an added bonus, they extend the life of a vacuum by eliminating the need to replace both the vacuum and the bag every time you empty it. The most bothersome part is that customers will have to keep buying new bags, which raises the total cost of each transaction.
Bagless – the canister of a vacuum cleaner is designed to be easily removed, emptied into a wastebasket, and replaced. The vacuum might become clogged with dust, hair, and other material over time, which is a major drawback.
? Budget
It is possible for you to spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on an effective vacuum, which is something that nobody wants to do since, let’s be real, no one really wants to spend the majority of their income on a vacuum. However, there is a wide variety of styles, capacities, and price points available in today’s modern vacuums. And the most exciting thing is… The power of some of them is comparable to that of their more expensive equivalents, but they cost a fraction of the price.
Price is a consideration whenever you spend money on a necessary item. The most effective vacuum cleaners for a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically cost between $399 and $899. Anything within this price range that is well-made and has a lifespan of 10 to 20 years is available.
Consider the following if you think that is a significant amount of money: you often use a vacuum on a daily basis, or at the very least, more frequently than once per week. Because the quality of a professional vacuum cleaner can last up to ten times longer than that of a less expensive vacuum, you should expect to pay around $5 more per month for a machine that functions more smoothly and provides a more satisfying experience. Then why not put your money into a superior product that will remain faithful to you over the course of time?
? Additional Features
There isn’t much difference between vacuums in terms of their core function, but some nifty extras can be found in higher-end versions.
- A vacuum’s usefulness increases with the addition of cleaning accessories such as an area cleaning kit, a circular brush, or an upholstery brush.
- When it comes to flooring, people who prefer hardwood or other uncarpeted options will appreciate a bare-floor option.
- Using a brush agitator, dirt is loosed from the carpet and may be more easily vacuumed away.
- Changing the pile’s height is the best option if there is a shag carpet.
- Curtains and upholstery can be vacuumed with fewer force thanks to the suction control.
- Allergens are prevented from dispersing into the air using a filtering system.
- Easy cleanup is ensured by an automated rewinding cord thanks to a cord control feature.
Best Vacuum For A Small Apartment – 5 Top Picks
Since you now have more information, go ahead and start looking for a new vacuum. The top choices for household vacuum cleaners are listed below. All of these top-rated vacuum cleaners were chosen for their competitive prices, superior performance, and additional features.
OUR TOP PICK
Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team Canister Vacuum
PRODUCT FEATURE:
Suitable for hardwood flooring – 4.7
Suction power – 4.6
Easy to use – 4.4
Maneuverability – 4.4
Overall Product Rating: 4.6
There are four different levels of suction power available just on Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team bagless canister vacuum. The vacuum comes with a flexible Parquet Twister brush that is great for cleaning hardwood floors softly and a turbo brush that is suited for carpeting. Additionally, a crevice nozzle and an upholstery nozzle are provided.
It has a HEPA filter that lasts a lifetime without ever needing to be updated. Allergy sufferers will benefit greatly from the Gore CleanStream Micro Dust Filter since it effectively removes airborne dust particles. This is among the heaviest types we suggest, but despite its 19 pounds, the canister design makes it far more manageable and user-friendly than its upright counterpart.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Consists of a permanent HEPA filter |
Strong |
| The set includes a variety of sprayers and brushes. |
RUNNERS-UP:
Dyson v15 Detect Vacuum
If you’re searching for a powerful yet portable vacuum, go no further than this cordless sticks model from Dyson, one of the most trusted brands in the industry. This Dyson model is different from others since it has a laser that displays dust and debris so that it can be vacuumed up completely. It can detect the particle size and adjust the suction accordingly.
You can choose between the Laser Slim Fluffy head or the High Torque head with an anti-tangle comb; the latter is great for those who also have pets. A number of extras, such as a dusting brush and a crevice tool, are included with every purchase. The full charge period is 4.5 hours, and each charge will last for around an hour of use time, depending on the mode selected and other circumstances.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Effortless minimalism in design | The short lifespan of batteries |
| Equipped with a high-tech vacuuming system | |
| Included are a multitude of brushes and other implements |
Apex Powered Lift-Away Upright AZ1002 Vacuum Cleaner
The AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum from Shark is no exception to the company’s reputation for producing high-quality cleaning appliances. The bagless mechanism on this corded upright model allows the brush roll to clean itself without any involvement from the user.
Powered by the company’s proprietary DuoClean Technology, this model’s dual brush rolls thoroughly scrub carpets and hard floors alike. It has a sealed design with a HEPA filter catch to keep allergens and dust inside the vacuum. However, this one is made to run as silently as possible, unlike many other powerful vacuums.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Perfect for those with allergies | Slightly weighty |
| Noise suppression technology-based operation | |
| Integrated brush roll that cleans itself | |
| Perfect for use on both carpets and hardwood |
Eureka Stylus Cordless Stick Vacuum
This Eureka cordless stick vacuum is great for individuals with smaller homes due to its portability, lightweight, and maneuverability. Its lay-flat shape makes it simple to clean under low furniture, and it works equally well on carpets and hardwood floors. It may be quickly transformed into a handheld vacuum for use in otherwise inaccessible areas.
Some problems exist with this cordless stick vacuum, as they do with all similar products. Because of its small dirt receptacle, it is not recommended for houses with pets or a speck of high dirt and dust production rate. Furthermore, the 45-minute battery life means it’s best suited for use in smaller spaces, such as flats.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Effortless minimalism in design | Cubic-foot-sized garbage can |
| Switches modes seamlessly between a handheld and a standard vacuum | Short processing time |
| Designed to fold flat for easy portability |
Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
For individuals who live in smaller homes and want a vacuum that doesn’t take up a lot of space, a string cleaner such as the Tineco A11 Hero is a fantastic choice. It’s cordless, and at only about 8 pounds, it’s wonderfully light and easy to move around the house. It may be used as a standard upright vacuum or converted into a hand vacuum, and it also has a number of handy attachments, so it can be used to clean just about everything.
The lowest level of operation is only 72 dB. This model only has a 40-minute run time, which might not be enough to thoroughly clean a large house. You can also see a second battery inside the package, doubling the device’s operational time.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Extremely lightweight layout | Time spent reading shortened |
| Works in a stealthy fashion | |
| Easily transforms into a handheld vacuum |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What benefit is offered by a sealed system?
As air passes through the vacuum’s enclosed system, the debris it has collected remains contained. Such features can be found in high-end models of vacuum cleaners. Thus, they serve a great purpose in homes where there is a history of asthma or other respiratory issues.
Q: Do vacuums with dust bags work for those with allergies?
Dust sacks do indeed help cleaners contain the mess. To a lesser extent, the dust in the air is contained by these bags. However, a great deal rides on the bags’ reliability.
Some of these kits have large pores that let pollen and other allergens escape into the air, making the environment more unpleasant for those with allergies. In most cases, having a dust bag attached to a commercial vacuum cleaner is a plus.
Q: Must a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter be purchased?
In homes with people who suffer from asthma, allergies, or COPD, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is a must-have. Allergens including dust, pet dander, and dust mites, which can trigger asthma attacks, can be eliminated using a HEPA vacuum cleaner’s sealed system. An approved HEPA filter is a worthwhile investment because it can capture 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 microns and larger.
Q: Which of these two vacuum types is preferable, the canister or the upright?
When compared to their upright counterparts, canister vacuums are both more adaptable and more portable. Easy movement is another benefit of these areas. However, upright vacuum cleaners are best for use throughout the home with tapestries. The method is the most straightforward for cleaning tapestry surfaces. Both the user’s preferences and the nature of the cleaning job should inform which of the two cleaners is chosen.
Q: Which type of vacuum cleaner do experts use?
Expert housekeepers frequently make use of heavy-duty, commercial vacuum cleaners that can run continuously for several hours. The majority of households can do OK without one of these models’ high price tags and little usefulness.
Final Words
The size of your home is a key consideration when shopping for a vacuum. You’ll save time and effort cleaning your apartment, and you’ll be able to keep your space free of unnecessary clutter by keeping your cleaning supplies in one convenient location. Nobody likes it when there are buckets and mops everywhere.
The vacuum cleaner that best meets your needs and budget out of the many options offered by different brands of domestic vacuum cleaners on the market is what you should pick. Don’t forget to take advantage of the company’s warranty either, as they will be able to provide you with rapid support should your system ever break during that time. You’ll get access to the system that provides constant, comprehensive help.
