Vacuum Cleaners & Floorcare

Many of the newest vacuums aren't just powerful, they're smart. Models like the Shark Cordless Detect Pro and Samsung Bespoke AI Jet have sensors that find hidden dirt and automatically increase suction right where you need it. Dyson's latest vacuums, like the V15 Detect, even use a beam of light to show you microscopic dust on hard floors, so you know for sure your floors are properly clean.

If you have a furry friend, look for a vacuum built to handle pet hair without getting tangled. Brands like Shark lead the way with their Self-Cleaning Brushroll that actively removes hair as you clean. Miele's Cat & Dog models come with a special TurboBrush head that's fantastic at lifting stubborn fur from carpets and furniture, while vacuums with HEPA filters, like the Dyson Gen5 Detect, trap pet dander and allergens, which is great for a healthier home.

For homes with lots of hard floors, a single machine that vacuums and mops at the same time is a game-changer. The Shark HydroVac and Dyson WashG1 are designed to tackle both wet and dry messes in one go. They use clean water to wash your floors while sucking up dirt and debris, saving you a huge amount of time and effort compared to grabbing a separate mop and bucket.

Perfect for quick clean-ups and smaller homes. They are lightweight, easy to store, and cordless models like the Dyson Gen5 Detect or Samsung Jet 75E offer incredible power and convenience.

A great all-rounder for larger homes with mixed floor types. Models like the Miele CX1 Blizzard offer powerful, consistent suction and large dustbins, so you can clean for longer without stopping.

Best for homes with lots of carpet. Upright models from Shark and Bissell have powerful, motorised brush heads that dig deep into carpet fibres to lift out embedded dirt and pet hair.

The ultimate for hands-free maintenance. A robot vac like the Electrolux UltimateHome 300 can be scheduled to clean automatically, keeping your floors tidy every day with zero effort from you.

Bagless vacuums, like those from Dyson and Shark, are the most popular choice. They save you money on buying replacement bags, and it’s easy to see when the bin is full. Emptying is as simple as holding it over the bin and pressing a button. Bagged vacuums, like many from Miele, are the best choice for allergy sufferers. When the bag is full, you simply take it out and throw it away. The dust is completely sealed inside, so there’s no risk of it escaping back into the air.

Machines like the Bissell Crosswave or Shark HydroVac vacuum and wash your floors at the same time, cutting your cleaning time in half. They're safe for sealed hard floors like tiles, vinyl, and timber.

A Bissell steam mop uses hot steam to sanitise your floors and break down tough, sticky messes without any chemicals. They are fantastic for tiles and other sealed hard surfaces.

To refresh your carpets and remove deep-down dirt and stains, a dedicated carpet cleaner like the Bissell SpotClean is a must-have. It uses water and a special cleaning formula to wash carpet fibres, leaving them looking and smelling fresh.

Stick vacuums from leading brands now offer fantastic run times. The Dyson Gen5 Detect provides up to 70 minutes of fade-free power, while the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra can run for up to 100 minutes, making them perfect for cleaning larger homes on a single charge.

For small spills or cleaning the car, a handheld vacuum is your best friend. The Black & Decker Pivot Dustbuster is powerful and has a pivoting nozzle to get into awkward spots. For something a little more versatile, the Shark WANDVAC System ISO an ultra-lightweight stick vac that quickly converts to a powerful hand vac.

Most vacuums come with the essential tools you'll need. A crevice tool is a must for getting into tight corners and along skirting boards, while an upholstery or pet tool is great for cleaning sofas, curtains, and car seats. Many models from Shark, Dyson, and Bosch include these right in the box.

The easiest models to maintain are those with a self-emptying base, like the Shark Cordless Detect Pro with Auto Empty System or the Samsung Bespoke with Clean Station. These automatically empty the vacuum's dustbin after each use, so you don't have to. Models with self-cleaning brush rolls and washable filters also help cut down on maintenance.

For corded barrel and upright vacuums, the cord length typically ranges from 6 to 9 metres (approx. 20-30 feet). A longer cord, like the 8-metre cord on many Shark Upright vacuums, gives you a larger cleaning radius so you can clean more rooms without having to unplug and find a new socket.

This depends on the model and how often you use it. For bagless vacuums with washable filters, it's a good idea to rinse them under cold water about once a month and let them air dry completely. For vacuums with HEPA filters, you may need to replace them every 6-12 months. If you have a bagged vacuum, you simply replace the bag whenever it's full.