which features should we look to buy the best vacuum cleaner under 200?
Vacuum cleaners are one of every household’s most essential and valuable tools. From cleaning carpets to floors, they’re a must-have tool. However, not all models will have functionalities, plus different manufacturers will have other ideas for the various vacuuming requirements. Knowing what to look for would provide you with a clearer picture and a better decision. Before purchasing a vacuum cleaner, it’s necessary to consider a few features. Here’s our list of the best vacuum cleaner under $200 that are worth your money.
Suction Power
Suction is the process that removes debris and dirt from areas and then into the vacuum. The low suction could indicate the vacuum leaves streaks of dirt or one that cannot remove stuck debris. If carpets are in use, a low-power vacuum is useless. It can’t get rid of the waste buried in the underside of your pile. To get the best results from cleaning, pick a model with suction that is suitable for the floor you have. A high-powered vacuum is best suited to carpeted homes that are heavily carpeted. The carpet requires a powerful airflow to help remove the dirt trapped within the fibers. Carpets are also known to hold much more dirt than floors made of hardwood. They require high-powered cleaning tools, while floors with no carpets require moderate suction.
Ease of use
An appliance’s user-friendliness is among the most crucial aspects when selecting a cleaning appliance for less than $200. It isn’t a good idea to purchase a device that is difficult to operate or members of your household don’t consider user-friendly. Many aspects can help a helpful appliance—for instance, a lightweight vacuum. In the case of a vacuum you are looking for, select one that you do not have to transport around.
A fully-swiveling neck is essential to ensure that your vacuum will be easy to handle and maneuver. Select a vacuum with a nozzle that is just enough low to allow it to slide under furniture. The controls are easily accessible, allowing you to push buttons from anywhere. It would be best to choose a vacuum with cleaning settings and management of the brush roll and other features on the handle. Other options to consider are the maintenance demands. Self-cleaning brushes are more effective than ones that you need to remove to clean.
However, when it comes to the issue of usability, the comfort factor is a crucial aspect. Select a vacuum with the user with a firm and comfortable grip. You will be able to identify that the handle was made to be ergonomically designed. You require that kind of handle, mainly when cleaning for long durations. Avoid cleaning equipment that forces you to bend excessively. They could cause back pain if you are using them for long durations.
A bin that is easy to empty makes the vacuum useable. Select a removable bin and quickly with the click of a button or spin of the unit. Certain vacuums have a control that opens the lid on the bottom to remove dirt. This is among the most effective methods to ensure that you don’t get your hands dirty while emptying your vacuum. It’s important to check you have a suitable model to purchase.
Some vacuums are equipped with wall mounts to store items. If space is an issue, then think about such options. They can be placed by themselves. They are also the most convenient to store since they can be placed on the floor in the middle of the room or even on the floor. Small-sized vacuums can be tucked away in many spaces, even the small ones like the shelves or closets. Select compact models, particularly when looking for a standard vacuum for small spaces.
In addition to storing the vacuum, the accessories should be kept in a safe and easily accessible area. You do not want to lose them or spend searching for the addition you’ll need immediately. Vacuums that have storage onboard for attachments and tools are more user-friendly. Other models come with hooks that can be hung to the walls. If you’re searching for a vacuum to purchase, these storage solutions are worth considering.
Height comfort and grip
The degree of comfort that you can achieve with your vacuum is vital. It determines the amount of time you’re able to operate without feeling hand numbness or discomfort in your wrists. There aren’t all vacuums that have an ergonomic grip that is comfortable for your hands. It is essential to examine the handle to see how comfortable it is to hold. Also, look for a vacuum that does not make you bend, especially if suffering from a problem in your lower back.
Adjustable suction
It is likely to be necessary to utilize your vacuum across different floorings. This means that you will require a vacuum that can effortlessly transition from hard floors to carpet. Additionally, it should allow users to change the speed to suck up dirt to meet the various circumstances. Adjusting suction power can also result in the effective removal of difficult-to-clean mess. Apart from the cleaning power, the ability to adjust suction is a crucial factor to consider. Certain flooring types are not able to withstand extreme suction. This can cause damages, mainly if your flooring is of a delicate kind like hardwood.
If you’ve got carpets and hard surfaces to keep clean, having the ability to manage suction is vital. It lets you move between carpets and hard surfaces without fretting about the damage. The adjustable suction feature also allows you to get rid of other mess by adjusting the amount of airflow. You can use lower power when the material is in the small and high-speed setting for heavy or stuck debris. Certain vacuums have the option of a rotary dial, while others have buttons that touch. It doesn’t matter if that the controls are easy to reach. They are usually located in the handles. Select a vacuum with these controls to adjust your cleaning power while on the move.
Ability to eliminate hair from pets
This is crucial when you have a pet at home. It’s not a guarantee that all models will effectively clean up every pet hair that it comes across. Some vacuums are equipped with attachments, or even pet hair brushes, which assist in removing hair that is stuck or in difficult-to-access places.
Safety attachments
A few budget vacuums have accessories specifically designed for cleaning. Specific requirements differ, and you’ll need to be aware of your requirements to determine which attachment you require. For those who have delicate flooring types, such as hardwood, it is best to ensure its protection by using the vacuum that has the option of a microfiber attachment.
Cord length
Pick a vacuum with an electrical cord that is of a decent length. You don’t want to disconnect and reconnect the machine when you change room. It’s tedious and takes a lot of time. Specific models have cables up to 40 feet long that allow continuous cleaning. I’d suggest you pick a sufficient cord length to avoid regretting in the future when you are unable to reach your vacuum in different places without disconnecting it.
Battery Run Time
The essential feature to think about is the battery’s runtime when using cordless vacuums. A half-hour or more is sufficient to complete most chores. If you cannot locate a low-cost vacuum that can clean for that long, you should consider one equipped with a battery that can be removed. It is possible to prolong the time of use by purchasing a spare battery or even two. A majority of the best vacuum cleaner in the under $200 range come with one of these options.
Ability to convert
Combo vacuums can be transformed from one type of vacuum to another and allow you to complete various cleaning tasks. They are versatile, which makes them a popular choice for many customers. These vacuums are also less challenging to maintain. The various vacuum cleaner that the unit can be transformed into use the same filtering system to avoid having to service different parts. This means lower maintenance costs for the additional vacuuming capabilities. It’s possible to invest in the combo-vac and take advantage of these devices’ extra features. You can pick a 2-in-1 model or even a 3 in 1 depending on the cleaning needs.
On and off brush roll
I suggest selecting the model with an on and off function to the roll. This is because particular floors, like hardwood floors, can require you to stop the registration rotation, apart from altering suction and a switch to turn off the suction. The on/off button allows one to manage the speed of the brush while cleaning hard surfaces. It makes sure that flooring with a delicate surface is free of abrasive bristles and dirt isn’t splattered across the floor. When vacuuming carpet, switching on the brush will enhance the cleaning effect by helping to move debris. This feature in the vacuum you purchase will ensure that you won’t require it in the future, only to discover it is not available.
LED lights
There are instances that you will require your vacuum under dim lighting. LED headlights will help in these circumstances to assist you in carrying your cleaning task easily. Select a model with these lights. Many cost less than $200. You only have to choose the best one based on other cleaning features.
Final thoughts
In summary, with its strong suction, lightweight design, and numerous accessories, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional is my go-to vacuum for hardwood floors and area rugs. It’s a bit on the heavy side for cleaning stairs, but for my purposes, it’s worth the tradeoff for the convenience of the canister design.
