Stick vacuum cleaners

Weight and balance: some stick vacuums have the motor down by the head, which generates better suction power, while others have the motor up by the handle – this allows for better manoeuvrability. The weight and centre of gravity, and therefore balance, for each model is different so, to find your ideal stick vacuum, we recommend visiting a shop and trying out a few different models.

Charging/runtime: stick vacuum battery life isn’t great: they run for an average of 15 minutes and take about 5 hours to charge. Weigh up the charge time compared to runtime for models you like. A way to get the most out of your stick vacuum is buying one that has a charging dock.

Variable power: most stick vacuums come with 2 or 3 power settings. If you regularly clean your home, you don’t need to always run your stick vac at maximum power. Utilising lower speeds extends battery life and helps reduce noise.

Accessories/heads: like standard corded vacuums, many stick vacs have interchangeable heads for different jobs. However, unlike standard vacuums, the stick vac’s compact size means there often isn’t space to store them on the machine, though some models come with a dock that can store attachments.

Handheld mode: many (but not all) stick vacs can convert into a handheld for awkward cleaning jobs, such as cleaning the car.

Filters: high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, also known in Europe as an S-class, are designed to filter out very small invisible particles while you vacuum (to be technical, they trap 99.97 percent of particle emissions down to 0.3 microns in size – that’s small enough to remove cigarette smoke and bacteria). If you have asthma or breathing difficulties, strongly consider a vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters become less efficient as they clog with dust, so need to be replaced each year.

Noise: vacuum cleaners are one of the noisiest household appliances – stick or corded. If your stick vac has variable power, a lower power setting will likely be quieter, though you might need a few extra passes to make up for the weaker suction.

Usability: items to check are reach, weight, comfort of carrying and ease of emptying the bin. Check the on/off switch or trigger is easy to operate and that the head is easy to manoeuvre and, if applicable, switch the heads.

Dustbin: designs vary between manufacturers, so make sure you can easily remove and empty the bin before buying. Some bins have a flap that stops any dust from falling out the nozzle when facing down, like a one-way valve. Emptying the bin after every use also ensures it’s ready to go next time you need it.

Battery: Lithium-ion (Li-ion) are the most common type of batteries used in stick vacs. Some models have nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which are cheaper, but heavier.

A stick vacuum with a built-in battery will have a limited life. The battery in these units can’t be replaced easily, so when the battery dies it’s often cheaper and more practical to buy a new vacuum than repair it.

Another issue with some stick vacs, such as those with non-interchangeable cleaning heads, it’s often easier and cheaper to replace than repair. For example, if you drop your stick vac and break the head, repair could cost as much as a new vacuum.

It’s a common assumption that all stick vacs can convert into a handheld unit for cleaning small, awkward spaces areas such as the car, but this isn’t the case. If this is important to you, check the model you’re buying has this feature.

The latest trend in carpets is for synthetic strands made of nylon, such as SmartStrand carpets, which are plush, durable and spill-resistant. However, as their fibres are more densely packed to achieve that soft feel, it’s harder for air to flow through them, causing vacuum cleaners to become stuck as it’s harder to push them. This is when vacuum cleaners with variable power are useful as you can turn down the power to make pushing it easier. If you have this type of carpet, or plan on buying it, make sure to try the stick vac out on it first.

A new vacuum can be a costly purchase if you want to get the best model, but buying secondhand can be a great way to keep costs down. However, you should do your research and perform some pre-purchase checks before you part with your hard-earned cash.

There are new stick vacuum models released every year and that means older models may no longer feature in our current test results. To get around this, we’ve recently added discontinued models to our test results. You can check how well many older models perform on our compare page – just choose “Discontinued” in the “Availability” drop-down menu in the filters.

Age of the stick vacuum

Stick vacuums unfortunately have a shorter lifespan than standard vacuums, mainly because of their batteries, so you want to buy one that’s relatively “young”. When buying secondhand, look for one that’s less than 3 years old, as a stick vacuum battery may fail or drop capacity to the point where it's no longer useful within the first 5 years of ownership.

Battery

The big downside of stick vacuums is the battery. Battery capacity decreases over time, so buying secondhand means you won’t get a stick vacuum with a full capacity battery.

If the battery is a built-in, non-removable one, then the stick vacuum will only last as long as the battery does, which can be hard to judge. But if you can replace the battery, you can generally expect a few more good years from a stick vacuum before it goes kaput.

• A replaceable battery is one you can usually replace yourself without taking it to an electrician. It should only take a few screws to remove the battery and fit a new one. There should also be clear instructions in the manual on how to replace it.
• A swappable battery is one that easily unclips from the vacuum, with no tools necessary. Ideally, models with a swappable battery will come with a spare battery or offer one easily available for purchase.
• If the battery isn’t easily replaceable or swappable, then we recommend you don’t buy the vacuum.

Pre-purchase checks

• Is the battery replaceable or swappable? If not, then don’t buy.
• Check if spare/replacement batteries are available for purchase and how much they cost.
• Is the stick vac clean? Does it look like it’s been looked after?
• Check the condition of any filters. Are they washable or are spares available?
• Check the charger for any damage.
• Check all the clips from the head to the wand. Do all attachments connect?
• Test any mechanisms on the floor head, and whether the wheels run freely.
• Turn it on! Place the palm of your hand on the end of the hose – it should suction on with some force.
• Download the manual – if it didn’t come with a physical manual, check the manufacturer’s website for a digital one.

Your rights if things go wrong

Bought something and want to take it back? Here's what you need to know about your rights. Consumer members can contact our Consumer Advice Line for help. Our advisers will talk you through your rights.

Buying new

If a product you buy is faulty or not of acceptable quality, you don’t have to put up with it. The Consumer Guarantees Act has got you covered – you don’t need a warranty. Here's more about how you can get a refund, repair or replacement for a faulty product.

Buying used

What are your consumer rights when purchasing a second-hand vacuum cleaner? It depends on the seller. If you’re buying from a second-hand dealer (including those listed as “In-trade” on Trade Me) and discover it’s faulty, you're covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act. It should be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose and match the description. However, if you’re dealing with a private seller, you’re not covered by the act. Here's more info about your rights when buying second-hand goods.