Stick vacuums are great tools for cleaning carpets and floors and their slim, light, and portable nature means that they are increasingly popular; there is no need to worry about hauling around a heavy, bulky vacuum for messes when you can simply whip out a stick vacuum and have the mess cleaned in half the time.
Before you purchase your first stick vacuum, it is a good idea to be aware of the main pros and cons – and we have put these together to ensure that you have the information you need to make a smart, informed choice!
What Is A Stick Vacuum Cleaner?
A stick vacuum cleaner is a type of vacuum that uses a long handle instead of wheels.
They are designed to be used on floors and carpets, although they can be used on stairs and other hard surfaces too.
The design allows them to be lightweight, portable, and easy to store.
There are two types of stick vacuums; the corded vacuum and the more portable cordless kind.
What Are The Pros Of A Stick Vacuum?
There are a number of pros to choosing a stick vacuum, and the main ones include:
They Are Easy To Use
Stick vacuums are very easy to use and operate, making them ideal for those who find traditional upright or cylinder vacuum cleaners too difficult to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles.
They also tend to be lighter than their larger counterparts, which makes them easier to carry around and store away.
They Can Be Used In All Areas
Stick vacuums are designed to work on all types of floor surfaces, including hardwood, laminate, tile, linoleum, and carpet.
This means that they will not only get rid of dirt from your home but can also clean up spills and remove dust mites from your living space.
They Are Lightweight
Although they may look like a small broomstick, stick vacuums are actually quite lightweight, weighing less than most upright vacuum cleaners.
This means that you do not need to worry about dragging them along as you go through your house, and they are much more likely to fit into cupboards and drawers where you might otherwise struggle to find room for a large machine.
They Have Long-Lasting Batteries
Stick vacuums usually come with rechargeable batteries meaning that you can charge them up when they start to run down and save the cost of having to plug your vacuum cleaner in each and every time you want to use it.
Battery life can vary between models, but you can typically expect a decent run – enough for a quick once over of an average-sized home – and this is convenient and practical.
The Cons Of Stick Vacuums
While stick vacuums offer many benefits, there are some drawbacks too. Here are just a few of the things to consider before purchasing one:
They May Not Work Well On Hard Floors
Unlike traditional vacuum cleaners, stick vacuums cannot reach deep under furniture and therefore cannot pick up pet hair and dander.
If you have pets, then you should think carefully about whether a stick vacuum would suit your needs.
They May Not Clean Carpets As Effectively As Other Models
Unlike traditional vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners are not designed to clean carpets effectively.
Instead, they are designed to clean rugs and other flat surfaces such as wood and vinyl.
Although they are still able to help clear up spills and stains, they are not suitable for cleaning carpets, so if you have a carpeted area in your home, you will need to invest in a separate carpet cleaner.
They May Need To Be Charged
As mentioned above, stick vacuums often come with rechargeable batteries, and these need to be recharged after a while, and this can be frustrating – particularly if you have a large house.
It is a good idea to invest in a spare battery; this means that you can always ensure you will have a full charge ready and waiting to go.
If you have a very large home, however, or tend to vacuum slowly, then a corded vacuum is usually the best bet.
How Do I Choose The Best Stick Vacuum?
If you are looking for a new stick vacuum, then it is important to choose one that suits your needs.
There are several different factors to take into consideration, including power, size, weight, and price.
Power
If you plan to use your stick vacuum regularly, then you will probably want a model that has powerful suction.
However, if you plan to use it occasionally, then you may be better off choosing a lighter model that does not require charging as frequently.
Size
When shopping around, make sure you compare the sizes of the various models available.
While smaller models are easier to store and carry around, larger ones can hold more dirt and debris, making them ideal for those who do a lot of cleaning.
Weight
You should also look at how heavy your chosen stick vacuum is.
This will depend on the type of material used to construct it, but heavier models generally mean that they are stronger and last longer.
Price
Finally, remember that all costs must be considered.
You should aim to purchase a stick vacuum that offers everything you need and nothing you don’t.
For example, if you already own a conventional vacuum cleaner, then you might prefer to buy a stick vacuum instead – especially if you find yourself using it less than you expected.
Alternatively, if you are planning to buy a stick vacuum for the first time, then you may wish to opt for a cheaper model until you know what features you really need.
Final Thoughts
Stick vacuums are great tools for any household because they are easy to use and versatile.
They are compact, lightweight, and affordable, which makes them perfect for people who travel a lot, or simply like to keep things simple.