Stick vac or regular vacuum?

Stick vacuums aren't meant to replace a full-size vacuum, nor do they perform well on full-pile carpeting. But they are useful in apartments and rooms that have hard floors or short-pile rugs. Because stick vacs are lightweight, they are fairly easy to maneuver and lift for vacuuming upholstery and staircases. Cordless stick vacuums are ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach or small areas, such as around cat litter boxes, but they have limited runtimes. Some models convert to a handheld vacuum by detaching from the stick handle.

All stick vacuums are bagless, meaning there's a dirt collection canister that will need emptying. Consider the size of the dirt canister if you don't want to be emptying it too often. To clean the reusable filter, the manufacturer may recommend brushing or vacuuming dirt off or hand-washing it. Users say a clogged filter can reduce the suction power.

Experts offer the following advice to consumers shopping for a stick vacuum:

  • Weigh corded vs. cordless vacuums. Corded stick vacuums generally have 16- to 20-foot cords, which may be inconvenient if you want to move quickly from room to room. On the other hand, corded stick vacuums never run out of power. Cordless versions last 15 to 30 minutes on a typical battery charge.
  • Opt for a stick vac with a brush roll if you have carpets. A motorized brush roll is even better. Check the location of the brush-roll activation switch. Some stick vacs put the switch on the handle, while other models have it on the nozzle.
  • Examine the nozzle design. A nozzle with a wide cleaning path will require less cleaning time, and a swivel nozzle can be easier to maneuver. If the nozzle sits close to the ground, it may push larger debris around instead of sucking it up. If you'll be cleaning up larger particles, like dry dog food or cereal, choose a stick vacuum with a higher floor clearance.
  • Consider weight. If you plan to use your stick vacuum on stairways, choose a lightweight model that will be easy to maneuver. Weights range from approximately 4 pounds to 11 pounds.
  • Gain functionality with a convertible stick vacuum. A few stick vacs detach from the handle to convert into a handheld vacuum. One drawback to these models is the power switch may be located in a hard-to-reach place.

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