What Is the Best Vacuum for Your Family? (Types, Features, Costs)
Leslie Murray 10 min readThe best vacuum for your family is one that satisfies your home, lifestyle, and budget. Our ultimate guide to buying a vacuum cleaner walks you through the different types, features, and costs so you can choose the best fit.
A vacuum should make cleaning easier, not complicate your life. However, many homeowners invest in pricey “do-it-all” models that don’t fit their needs and end up gathering dust in the closet.
The truth is, no single vacuum can be everything to everyone. Finding your perfect vacuum isn't about selecting the "best" model. It’s discovering the best match for your home, your floors, and your family.
Forget everything you think you know about vacuum shopping. Our ultimate guide to buying a vacuum cleaner is about to make this decision surprisingly simple. Let’s find the perfect vacuum for your home!
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The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Vacuum Cleaner |
What Should I Look for When Buying a Vacuum?
Most vacuums come with various features and often with their own patented technology. To compare options, consider these key basic features when browsing vacuums:
Filtration System
Vacuum cleaners use high-quality filters to trap fine dust, pollen, and pet dander. If you have allergies or sensitivity concerns, look for models with HEPA filters or sealed filtration systems, like Henry Allergy 160.
HEPA filters set the industry standard, capturing 99.97% of microscopic particles smaller than 0.3 microns. That’s finer than a single strand of hair and much finer than a 10 micron particle of pollen!
If allergies aren’t an issue, a standard multi-stage filter also works well for regular cleaning.
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Henry’s Tip: Always check how easy the filters are to replace or clean; this affects cost and convenience over time. |
Suction Power
Suction power determines how strongly your vacuum collects dirt and debris. The stronger the suction, the better the performance. Depending on the manufacturer, it can be measured in air watts (AW), pascals (Pa), kPa, or inches of water lift (inH2O).
If the model you're considering doesn't list suction power, look for airflow. It measures the volume of air a vacuum cleaner moves over time in litres per second (L/sec) or cubic feet per minute (CFM).
What is a good suction power for a vacuum cleaner?
The recommended vacuum suction power depends on the surface you’re cleaning:
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Flooring/Surface Type |
Recommended Vacuum Suction Power |
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Hardwood Floors |
100 to 150 AW (3,000 to 5,000 Pa) |
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Low-Pile Carpet |
150 to 200 AW (5,000 to 6,000 Pa) |
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High-Pile Carpet |
200+ AW (7,000+ Pa) |
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Tile Flooring |
100 to 150 AW (3,000 to 5,000 Pa) |
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Upholstery/Furniture |
50 to 100 AW + dedicated upholstery tool |
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Pet Hair Removal |
200+ AW + tangle-resistant brush or pet-specific attachment |
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Henry’s Tip: Got pets, kids, or mixed floors? Look for a multi-surface vacuum cleaner that automatically adjusts suction for different cleaning modes. This lets you dial down power for delicate rugs and crank it up for deep carpet cleaning without switching machines. |
Maneuverability and Weight
Vacuums are operated by hand, so maneuverability and weight matter. It determines how easy and convenient cleaning surfaces can be. Many handheld vacuums now come with swivel heads, adjustable handles, or low-profile designs to make them easier to push and glide.
Capacity
A vacuum’s capacity refers to the volume of dust and debris it can hold before the bag or container needs to be emptied. This is typically measured in litres and varies by model and type. When choosing a house vacuum cleaner, think about how much debris you typically collect and how often you plan to empty it.
Vacuums generally fall into two design categories based on how they manage this capacity:
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Bagged vacuums use bags to collect debris. When full, you simply remove and replace the bag. They hold more dirt and offer a cleaner, more hygienic emptying process. Bags also significantly improve filtration and prolong motor life. Note that bagless vacuums are at greater risk of breakdowns because the motor is less protected.
Best for allergy sufferers, large households, commercial use, or frequent cleaners.
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Compact or bagless vacuums feature a reusable dust canister that you empty manually. They often have a smaller capacity, so they require frequent emptyings. However, they’re also lightweight, easier to store, and more cost-effective since there are no bags to buy.
Best for smaller homes or apartments, quick clean-ups, and budget-conscious buyers.
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Henry’s Tip: Overfilled containers reduce suction power, so bigger isn't always better if you forget to empty regularly. Always go for the size that suits your cleaning habits! |
Noise Level
Vacuum noise is measured in decibels (dB). Most traditional vacuum cleaners operate between 65 dB to 90 dB, which can be disturbing (and even harmful) to some. Quieter vacuums have less impact on people and pets with sensitive hearing.
Fun fact: The European Union sets a maximum sound power level of 80 dB for household vacuums.
If you want a calm, disruption-free clean, look for eco vacuum cleaners operating below 60 dB, like our darling Hetty. Hetty operates at 47 dB, which is about the sound level of a quiet library or soft rainfall. We’re pretty sure you can sleep through that!
Types of Vacuum Cleaners
Now that we know what to look for, it’s time to learn about options. Below are the different types of vacuum cleaners to choose from.
Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Image Source: Shutterstock
As the name suggests, upright vacuum cleaners stand vertically. They combine the motor and suction head in one unit, making them powerful, efficient, and easy to store. Did you know that a stick vacuum is technically considered an upright?
However, because everything is built into a single body, uprights tend to be heavier and harder to maneuver around furniture or up stairs compared to canister or stick vacuums. They also often struggle with cleaning under low furniture and above-floor surfaces unless they come with specialized attachments.
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Upright Vacuum Cleaners |
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Suction Power |
180 to 200 AW or 1,400 to 1,600 Pa; ideal for deep carpet cleaning and pet hair removal |
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Maneuverability & Weight |
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Storage |
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Floor Type Compatibility |
Best for carpets, adjustable height settings for mixed flooring |
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Ideal Home |
Large homes or anyone who wants a one-pass, powerful clean without switching attachments often; carpeted flooring |
Canister Vacuum
Canister vacuums, like the classic Henry 200 model, separate the motor and dust container from the cleaning head, making them more flexible and easier to maneuver. Since you’re not carrying the dust container around, the hose and wand feel lighter in your hands. They’re perfect for cleaning stairs, drapes, and under furniture.
However, you’ll need to pull the main unit behind you as you move from room to room, which can be tricky in larger spaces. When shopping for a canister vacuum, look for one with a long power cord so you can clean larger areas without constantly switching outlets. Huge bonus if it’s retractable!
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Canister Vacuums |
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Suction Power |
220 to 250 AW or 1,700 to 2,000 Pa |
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Maneuverability |
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Storage |
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Floor Type Compatibility |
Best vacuum for carpet and hardwood, stairs, upholstery, and mixed surfaces |
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Ideal Home |
Great for multi-story homes, pet owners, and anyone who wants strong suction with lightweight handling |
Cordless Stick Vacuums
A cordless stick vacuum like Henry Quick is the perfect grab-and-go cleaning device. It’s slim, easy to store, and ideal for quick clean-ups between deeper vacuuming sessions. They run on batteries, so you can take them anywhere in your home and even in your car!
However, being battery-run, they often offer less suction power than corded models and have limited run times. They’re best suited for spot cleaning, small spaces, or as a handy second vacuum to complement your main unit.
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Cordless Stick Vacuums |
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Suction Power |
100 to 150 AW or 800 to 1,200 Pa |
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Maneuverability |
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Storage |
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Floor Type Compatibility |
Good for most surfaces and upholstery, may struggle with thick carpets |
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Ideal Home |
Smaller homes, apartments, quick daily cleaning, busy lifestyles |
Wet & Dry Vacuums
Wet and dry vacuums pick up both liquids and solids, so they’re ready for any mess. These models tend to have a bigger tank (fewer emptying runs) and a heavy-duty motor (longer run times + more powerful suction).
Their larger size, weight, and industrial design can make them too bulky and cumbersome for everyday domestic cleaning. However, some models like Charles and George feature large, sturdy wheels and a low centre of gravity, making them easy to maneuver.
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Wet & Dry Vacuums |
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Suction Power |
100+ AW (20,000+ Pa or 2000+ mm H2O) |
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Maneuverability |
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Storage |
Larger size requires dedicated storage space |
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Floor Type Compatibility |
Hard floors, garages, patios, basements, and anywhere spills happen |
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Ideal Home |
Homes with workshops, garages, basements, or frequent DIY projects and spills |
Specialty Vacuums
Specialty vacuums are designed for specific cleaning needs. They target one problem well to provide specialized performance. Some examples are below.
Vacuum for Pet Hair
Dedicated pet vacuums like Henry Petcare 160 use stronger suction, tangle-resistant brush rolls, and pet tools to pull embedded hair from carpets, rugs, and upholstery. If you have furry friends who shed year-round, you definitely need one!
Key features:
- Extra-strong suction for deep carpet cleaning and furniture
- Specialized pet hair brush tools to remove embedded fur
- Sealed filtration to capture dander and reduce allergens
- Large capacity for heavy-duty cleaning sessions
Find the Best Vacuum for Pet Owners
Vacuum for Allergy Sufferers
Specialty vacuums for allergy sufferers, like Henry Allergy and Henry Xtra, are designed with powerful HEPA filtration systems.
Key features:
- Sealed HEPA or multi-stage filtration systems
- Designed to trap pollen, pet dander, and fine dust
- Lightweight yet powerful suction
- Multiple tools for hard-to-reach spots
Find the Best Vacuum for Allergy Sufferers
Vacuum for Small Spaces
A bulky vacuum takes up more space when you’re living in a small apartment, condo, or dorm. Handheld vacuums, compact canisters, and cordless sticks work best for small spaces. They’re small, lightweight, and can be stored in tight closets, under beds, or even mounted on a wall.
Key features:
- Compact, space-saving design
- Lightweight and easy to carry up stairs
- Wall mounts or foldable handles for tight storage
- Surprisingly strong suction for everyday messes
Still Confused? Use This Vacuum Shopping Cheat Sheet
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If You Want… |
Choose This Type |
Key Features to Look For |
Henry Recommendation |
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Deep carpet cleaning |
Upright vacuum cleaner |
High suction power (200+ AW), motorized brush roll |
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Maximum maneuverability |
Canister vacuum |
Long hose, swivel head, multiple tools |
Henry 160 Hetty 160 Henry Xtra 160 |
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Quick cleanups & small spaces |
Cordless stick vacuum small canister vacuum |
Lightweight, wall mount, fast charging |
Henry Quick James 180 |
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Pet hair control |
Pet specialty vacuum |
Tangle-free brush roll, sealed filtration |
Henry Petcare 160 |
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Allergy relief |
Allergy specialty vacuum |
HEPA filtration, sealed system |
Henry Allergy |
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Multi-surface flexibility |
Wet & dry vacuum |
Large capacity, liquid + solid cleaning |
Charles George |
FAQs
How do I clean my vacuum cleaner?
- Unplug your vacuum.
- Change the bag if it’s full.
- Remove and clean the filter if it’s a machine that doesn’t use a bag or pod. Replace if necessary.
- If the machine has a brush roll (like a Henry Quick), check the brush roll for tangled hair or string and cut it away with scissors.
- Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and store the vacuum in a dry place.
What is the best vacuum cleaner for allergy sufferers?
The best vacuum cleaner for allergy sufferers is one with a sealed HEPA filtration system or a multi-layer filtration system, like Henry Allergy or Henry Xtra.
What is the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood?
The best vacuum for carpet and hardwood combines strong suction, adaptable brushroll/height adjustment, and versatile attachments. Canister vacuums and multi-surface uprights are usually the go-to options.
Is a bagged or bagless vacuum better for pets?
Bagged vacuums are better for pets and pet owners. They trap hair, dander, and allergens more securely, which helps reduce airborne particles when emptying the vacuum.
Can you use a carpet vacuum on hardwood?
Yes, but with some precautions. Vacuums designed for carpets often have motorized brush rolls that can scratch or damage hardwood floors. To safely clean hardwood, either turn off the brush roll if your vacuum has that option, or use a soft roller/brush attachment for hard surfaces.
Ready to Meet Your Vacuum Soulmate?
It’s time to find your can-do cleaning partner! Whether you’re buying for pets, allergies, or everyday messes, we’ve got the Henry for you. Built to last, easy to use, and ready for any mess.
Match your home, lifestyle, and cleaning needs with the right vacuum. Discover your perfect Henry today!
