When it comes to household chores, having one of the best vacuum cleaners to quickly suck up dirt, debris, and dust is essential. And since I've spent countless hours reviewing vacuum cleaners for a living (so you don’t have to), I’ve learned that the one thing you can't scrimp on is unwavering suction power.
But whether you’re in the market for a brand new model or simply want to replace your old one, you might be wondering which vacuum cleaner is better: a corded vacuum or a cordless cleaner? Essentially, how to choose the right vacuum cleaner depends on your home, lifestyle, and specific floor types. But which type of cleaner will get the job done well?
We ask an appliance expert to shed light on this question and find out which is better: a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner.
What are the advantages of a corded vacuum cleaner?
The most obvious is having an unlimited power supply, provided you have an outlet nearby. “One of the key advantages of corded models is unlimited runtime; there’s no need to worry about battery life or charging interruptions,” states Sophie Lane, Product Training Lead at Miele. “This makes them perfect for thorough cleans across multiple rooms or entire floors in one go.”
Typically, corded vacuums are ideal if you have a large house, and are the best option for carpeted floors. They also have a larger canister to hold more debris — saving you many trips to the trash can. “Pets, especially those with longer fur, also contribute to the amount of dust and debris in the home,” adds Lane. “Additionally, if living in a rural area, more dirt may come inside, making a larger dust capacity more beneficial.”
In addition, corded vacuums tend to have stronger suction power, be more durable, and less flimsy than some corded models, making them better suited to deep cleaning and heavy-duty tasks.
“Suction power can vary significantly between models, but the maximum power typically found today is around 900W. A vacuum cleaner that offers adjustable suction power is a fantastic feature, as different surfaces require different levels of suction. For instance, delicate fabrics such as curtains and upholstery would benefit from a lower suction power to avoid damage.”
What's more, many corded vacuum cleaners now come with advanced features such as WiFi integration and automatic floor detection, such as the Miele Guard L1 Comfort XL. This is an upgrade from our top-rated corded canister, Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog PowerLine Canister Vacuum.
What are the advantages of a cordless stick cleaner?
Alternatively, cordless models offer the freedom of movement to quickly whizz around the home and tackle stairs without a power cord getting in the way. And although you don’t need to worry about finding a power supply, you do need to consider the battery life.
Certain models/batteries can last up to 75 minutes (on average power) before recharge, but this all depends on the model and what power setting you use. In addition, most batteries can take between 3.5 and 5 hours to recharge, so bear this in mind if you don’t want to interrupt your chores.
You can also get lightweight cordless vacuums, offering ease of use, particularly for those with mobility issues. Another advantage to cordless vacs is that they can convert to small handheld cleaners for quick pick-ups or stairs, and are generally easier to store, especially if you’re space-limited.
“They’re ideal for multi-level homes or for users who want lightweight, grab-and-go cleaning,” agrees Lane. “Cordless models often come with wall-mounted charging stations or compact docking solutions, making them easy to store and always ready to use. This is especially helpful in homes with limited storage space.”
Which one is better for cleaning floors?
Although both corded and cordless vacuum cleaners have their pros and cons, there’s no beating the reliability and continuous power of a corded vacuum to ensure your floors are kept spotless.
And while you can get equivalent cordless cleaners, you’ll still need to factor in how long the battery lasts and charging time. If you have a lot of cleaning, certain models come with an additional battery pack to give you uninterrupted cleaning.
Perhaps the obvious drawbacks include the power cords and having to locate a power source. However, it’s best to opt for a model that suits your home, floors, and specific storage needs. “The length of the cord and total reach (from plug to floorhead) is an important consideration, especially when there is a large area to clean,” states Lane. “A longer reach means there’s no need to unplug and move the vacuum as often, which is particularly useful for larger spaces. The cord length is especially crucial if there’s not a nearby power outlet.”
Typically, a corded vacuum is more suitable for tackling heavy-duty jobs, while a cordless stick is more suitable for the light, everyday cleaning or stairs. Essentially, there’s no harm in investing in both vacuum cleaners, and I certainly wouldn’t ditch my trusted, corded Dyson Ball Animal for my cordless vacs just yet.
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