Guide to buying vacuum cleaners

With plenty of models out there, shopping for a vacuum cleaner can be confusing. Check out our guide and get the right model for you

Thing's to know before you buy

If you go for a bagless model you'll save money by not buying bags, but allergy sufferers should not that the dust is loose within the container and easily escapes when you empty it.

Upright cleaners are better for removing pet hair and they're easy to store. Cylinder cleaners are great for reaching under the furniture or doing the stairs.

If keeping the noise down is important to you, go for a cylinder as uprights tend to be noisier.

Don't assume that a cleaner with a higher wattage rating will be better, as some models will clean just as well using a lower wattage.

Cyclone action uses a centrifugal airflow system to separate and filter dust, and doesn't lose suction while in operation. Cyclone technology came from Dyson but other vacuums now use it.

Features to look for

1 Hepa Filters Watch out for Hepa (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. They're made of fine mesh to trap the particles that cause allergic reactions.

2 Turbo tool or brush A powered brush that rotates at high speed - it's especially good for picking up pet hairs.

3 Retractable cable The cable rewinds at the touch of a button. This saves you having to stoop and keeps the cable neatly and safely stored inside the machine.

4 Variable suction Adjustable suction allows you to turn down the force of the suction when you're cleaning a thick rug or even delicate curtains.

5 Onboard tool storage Great where space is short. Accessories such as parquet brushes, crevice tools and upholstery tools are neatly packed on board the main vacuum.

See our pick of the best models

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