If you’re looking for a new vacuum cleaner, there are a bunch of different common types of vacuums to choose from. 

Some vacuums are used on hardwood floors, while others are meant for carpets. 

Some are cordless, while others aren't.

If you're after a breakdown of some of the most common types of vacuums, their features, and pros and cons, keep reading…

How Does a Vacuum Work?

A vacuum cleaner works by drawing in air, which sucks up dirt and dust.

A fan blows air inside vacuum cleaners (you can often feel it), this must happen before it can blow the air out. 

This is the air that collects or 'vacuums' up dirt and dust.

In short:

The low-pressure air generated by the air entering the vacuum cleaner attracts small objects, which become trapped in bags, canisters, or filters.

10 Most Common Types of Vacuums

The 10 most common types of vacuums are upright, stick, handheld, canister, robotic, wet/dry, HEPA, central, and ash vacuums.

Let’s have a closer look at each:

Upright Vacuum

Have a look at an upright vacuum's pros, cons, and features below:

Pros

The pros of an upright vacuum are:

• They're simple to store.
• They can stand on their own.
• Excellent for rug cleaning, but it also works well on hard floors.
• They come with a variety of attachments for cleaning various surfaces.
• They have a wide cleaning path which is ideal for cleaning sizeable areas.

Cons

The cons of an upright vacuum are:

• They are quite heavy.
• They can have a high noise level.
• Vacuuming stairs might be difficult because the cord and/or body of the vacuum can get in the way.
• Without attachments, it’s ineffective in difficult-to-reach areas or corners.

Features

The key feature of an upright vacuum is:

These common vacs can easily clean back and forth across floors thanks to their strong suction, tilt-and-push design, and variety of bagged or bagless alternatives.

Stick Vacuum

Let's discuss the pros, cons, and features of a stick vacuum below:

Pros

The pros of a stick vacuum are:

• They're easy to store.
• They're very lightweight.
• They're suitable for cleaning minor, quick messes.
• They perform admirably on hardwood floors.
• They come in both corded and cordless options.

Cons

The cons of a stick vacuum are:

• They're less powerful than other vacs.
• Small dustbin capacity.
• They're quite noisy.

Features

The key features of a stick vacuum are:

• These compact, lightweight devices sweep dirt into a dustbin or bag using a revolving brush and gentle suction. 
• Their low-profile heads are easy to maneuver around furniture.

Handheld Vacuum

Let's analyze the pros, cons, and features of a handheld vacuum below:

Pros

The pros of a handheld vacuum are:

• Excellent for cleaning corners and nooks.
• It can be kept in your car.
• You can choose between corded or cordless.
• Excellent for vacuuming pet hair.

Cons

The cons of a handheld vacuum are:

• Upright vacuums aren't suitable for general cleaning because it would take too long.
• Power is less than that of a canister or a full-sized vacuum.

Features

The key features of a handheld vacuum are:

• Hand vacs are compact, portable, and made to be picked up and moved. 
• They come in types with and without revolving brushes, as well as corded and cordless versions.

Canister Vacuum

Look at the pros, cons, and features of a canister vacuum below:

Pros

The pros of a canister vacuum are:

• They're powerful vacuums.
• They can clean floors, stairs, under furniture, upholstery, and curtains.
• They're lightweight and easy to carry around.
• They include a wide range of tools for various surfaces and flooring types.

Cons

The cons of a canister vacuum are:

• They're wider and more difficult to store.
• They have to be assembled before use, which makes the vacuuming process slower than with other vacuums.
• You must vacuum while carrying or pulling the canister along.
• It's not ideal for people who suffer from back pain because you'll have to reach down to lift the canister and turn the vacuum on and off.

Features

The key feature of a canister vacuum is:

These strong vacs comprise a container with a suction hose and a variety of attachments.

Robotic Vacuum

Let's delve into the pros, cons, and features of smart floor cleaners below:

Pros

The pros of a robotic vacuum are:

• The vacuum can be used while you relax.
• The vacuum can maneuver itself through the room and even confined spaces.
• You can use your smartphone to control it.
• It requires very little storage space.

Cons

The cons of a robotic vacuum are:

• They only clean small messes. 
• You may need to use a manual vacuum occasionally.
• They have a small dustbin capacity.
• They are expensive.
• They don't operate well on shaggy rugs and carpets.

Features

The key features of robotic vacuums are:

• With little effort ‌these fascinating cordless devices "map" your space and whizz around to sweep (and sometimes, wet clean your floor). 
• You can program them to clean while you're away from home and operate them remotely.

Backpack Vacuum

View the pros, cons, and features of a backpack vacuum below:

Pros

The pros of a backpack vacuum are:

• They're ideal for back pain sufferers.
• They're good at vacuuming up dirt and dust.
• The wand is light and easy to maneuver.

Cons

The cons of a backpack vacuum are:

• Adjusting straps might be challenging.
• Typically, the storage bags within the vacuum are relatively small.

Features

The key features of a backpack vacuum are:

• A backpack vacuum is one that you can wear on your back with the help of a bag and straps. 
• This sort of vacuum saves a significant amount of time and work, because its quite simple to go from one location to another.

Wet & Dry Vacuum

Discover the pros, cons, and features of a wet and dry vacuum below:

Pros

The pros of a wet and dry vacuum are:

• You can vacuum wet and dry spills.
• They're suitable for industrial cleaning and within the home.
• The individual filters make it easy to wash them.
• The vacuum comes with a nozzle for navigating tight spaces.

Cons

The cons of a wet and dry vacuum are:

• Corded, so therefore, you'll need to use various power sources if used outside.
• Depending on the type of wet spill you suck up, it can get quite smelly.

Features

The key features of wet and dry vacuums are:

• It can clean both wet and dry dirt at the same time. 
• It has excellent suction because it is also designed for wet spills.
• The cord that comes with it is stronger than most vacuum cords. 
• These vacuums are carried on a compact trolley or have rollers built right into them.

HEPA Vacuum

Explore the pros, cons, and features of a HEPA vacuum below:

Pros

The pros of a HEPA vacuum are:

• HEPA filters can purify circulating air.
• HEPA filters can eliminate 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns.
• It can keep any particles or dust out of your lungs.

Cons

The cons of a HEPA vacuum are:

• Filter replacement might be costly. 
• HEPA filters are not encouraged to become wet and shouldn't be used for vacuuming wet debris or water.

Features

The key features of HEPA vacuums are:

• HEPA vacuum cleaners, which can filter wet or dry particles or both, are effective for removing contaminants, mold, or dust.
• Consider HEPA filter vacuums if anyone in your family is prone to allergies. 

Central Vacuum System 

Let's inspect the pros, cons, and features of a central vacuum system below:

Pros

The pros of a central vacuum system are:

• They're stronger than typical vacuum cleaners.
• There's no need for you to pull anything behind you. 
• Since the dust container is outside of your home, the indoor air quality is cleaner.
• They have a low noise level.
• As the container fills, the suction remains unaffected.

Cons

The cons of a central vacuum system are:

• They're very expensive.
• You have to carry a hose around that is quite long.
• They have lower energy efficiency.
• Vacuuming stairs is difficult.
• They're not effective on carpets.

Features

The key feature of a central vacuum system is:

Central vacuums are commercial vacuum cleaners used in situations where frequent use of large-capacity vacuum cleaners is necessary.

Ash Vacuum

Find the pros, cons, and features of an ash vacuum below:

Pros

The pros of an ash vacuum are:

• The ash vac is typically small and simple to operate.
• Some variants additionally have a wheeled base, making them easy to handle.
• While an ash vacuum cleaner is mainly meant for dry cleaning, it may also be used for other cleaning tasks, like in your shop or garage.

Cons

The cons of an ash vacuum are:

• They’re loud.
• Regular emptying is required.
• You need to do regular maintenance.

Features

The key features of an ash vacuum are:

• They have a thermal metal hose and a metal canister with a thermal outer layer designed for both warm and cold ash.
• It comprises a two-layer filter system with a heat-resistant outer layer and an inner layer that traps finer ash and particles.

Why You Can Trust ByPurify

You can trust ByPurify because I offer thorough, well-researched information on vacuum cleaners to assist readers in selecting the best products to enhance their health and their families.

My team of knowledgeable and experienced experts wants to improve the health of my readers by telling them about the best vacuum cleaners on the market.

My team is always looking for new products and making sure they're well-tested.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

It's time to make a good purchase now that you're aware of the many vacuum types. 

Each vacuum cleaner has a distinct specialty.

Choose the ideal vacuum type for your home based on your requirements and budget.

To find the right fit, give our vacuum reviews a read!