According to a report by The Sun, Brits spend the equivalent of two years of their lives cleaning their homes.
Plus, as noted by Actual Market Research, over 90% of UK households own a vacuum cleaner. But just having one doesn't always mean it's the right one.
Some vacuums handle carpets well but struggle on hard floors. Others are lightweight but lack power. And robot vacuums? Handy, and great for everyday cleaning needs.
If you're buying your first or upgrading an old one, this guide walks you through eight types of vacuum cleaners, what they do best, and where to find them.
Let's find one that actually makes cleaning easier!
8 Best Vacuum Cleaners
Here are eight vacuum cleaner types and what they're best used for at home:
1. Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Upright vacuums are a common pick for many homes. They're powerful, simple to handle, and perfect for deep-cleaning carpets or big open spaces. Just push it back and forth. That's all it takes. Most come with a wide head, too, so you clean more floor with fewer passes.
The strong suction and built-in brush roll pull up dust, dirt, and pet hair with ease. They can feel a bit heavy on stairs, but on flat floors? Super effective.
Dyson and Shark make some of the best upright models out there.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Come with various attachments |
A bit heavy to carry upstairs |
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Offer a wider cleaning path |
Hard to use in tight spots |
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Easy to push around |
Takes up more storage space |
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Strong suction power |
Best For:
Large homes with carpeted floors. Great for deep cleaning wide, open spaces.
2. Cylinder Vacuum Cleaners
Cylinder vacuums have a long hose and a wheeled body that you pull along as you clean. They are light, flexible, and great for getting into corners or smaller rooms.
Most models plug directly into your home's power source and come with retractable cords, making storage and cord length adjustment simple. Ideal for small to medium homes.
They work well on both carpets and hard floors, and the attachments help with stairs, sofas, and corners. Not as bulky as upright vacuums, and easier to store too. They might take a bit more bending and pulling, but they're great for small to medium homes.
Brands like Miele and Bosch make top-rated cylinder vacuums.
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Pros |
Cons |
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They have powerful suction |
You need to bend down more |
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Wheels make it easier to move around |
Slower for big open rooms |
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Long hose to get to tight spots and stairs |
Could be noisy |
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Works on all floor types |
Best For:
Small to medium homes with mixed floors. Great for stairs, corners, and tight spaces.
3. Stick Vacuum Cleaners
Stick vacuum cleaners are one of the best types of cordless vacuum cleaners. They're slim, lightweight, and super easy to handle. No bulky body to drag around.
Since they are cordless, you don't have to stop and switch plugs as you move from room to room. Just grab it and start cleaning. They're great on hard floors and low-pile carpets. Plus, with the right attachments, you can clean stairs, sofas, and tight spots without any trouble.
Brands like Dyson and Shark make some of the best models around.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Thin shape, easy to hold |
Not strong on thick carpets |
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Portable |
Dust bin fills up quickly |
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No cords to get in your way. |
Battery can run out before you finish cleaning |
Best For:
Quick clean-ups around the house and in tight spaces. Perfect if you need a lightweight vacuum that's always ready to go.
4. Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
Handheld vacuums are small, handy, and usually run on batteries. Since they don't hold a lot of dirt, most people use them as a backup vacuum for those little jobs.
They're great for tight spots that bigger vacuums can't reach—like stairs, sofas, and even your car. You can find both corded and cordless options, depending on what you prefer.
If your home has lots of nooks and crannies, a handheld vacuum can make those tricky areas much easier to clean.
Black & Decker and Shark are the popular choices in the UK because of their reliability and performance.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Easy to carry and use |
Small dustbin capacity |
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Good for quick, small messes |
Not strong for big cleaning jobs |
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Fits in tight places like cars and sofas |
The battery doesn't last very long |
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No cords to worry about |
Best For:
Tiny messes, quick pick-ups, and cleaning tricky spots like car interiors and furniture.
5. Robot Vacuum Cleaners
If you are someone who is too busy to clean the house on a daily basis, robot vacuums are for you. These are the small machines that move around your home, pick up the dust, crumbs, and even pet hair. The advanced robot vacuums also have the technology to sense the walls and objects so they can avoid them.
When it comes to robot vacuums, eufy stands out as one of the popular names. In fact, it is the No.1 robot vacuum brand in the UK by retail value sales. Their vacuums are easy to use, function well, are super quiet, and are great for daily cleaning.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Cleans automatically without needing help |
Might miss tight corners or edges |
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Fits under furniture easily |
The initial cost is higher than regular vacuums |
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Quiet during use |
|
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Returns to the charging station by itself |
Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners from eufy
Discover the top robot vacuum cleaners from eufy. These models suit different homes and cleaning needs. Find the right one for your space and lifestyle.
The eufy Robot Vacuum E28 and E25 are the latest models designed for everyday cleaning. The E28 stands out with its portable deep cleaner, perfect for carpets and sofas. Both work well on hard floors and low-pile carpets, making them ideal for small to medium homes that need quick, easy cleaning.
The eufy X10 Pro Omni is a top seller in the UK, especially popular with pet owners. It has strong suction power to pick up pet hair from carpets and hard floors. The robot also mops and cleans itself with its smart Omni Station. It's great for big homes with pets and mixed floor types, making cleaning easier and less work for you.
The eufy S1 Pro Omni is a clever robot vacuum made for homes with hard floors. Its long roller mop spins fast and presses down to tackle tough stains. When it finds carpet, the mop lifts up so it doesn't get wet. It has a strong suction to pick up dust and dirt easily. Plus, the UniClean Station handles emptying and cleaning for you, making your life a little easier.
6. Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaners
Wet and dry vacuum cleaners are one of those vacuum cleaner types made for messy homes. They don't just pick up dust; they also clean water spills, wet floors, and even garden dirt. Very helpful when the kids drop juice or come in with muddy shoes.
These vacuums are very strong and come with a big tank, so you don't need to empty them often. They're a bit heavy, but great for deep cleaning.
You can find them at Arco and Cleva.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Clean both dust and water |
Heavy to carry around. |
|
Can also be used at industrial sites |
Takes up more space. |
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Big tank, so you empty it less |
Can be a bit loud. |
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Strong suction power |
Best For:
Best for cleaning garages, patios, bathrooms, and muddy entryways. Also great for kitchens with spills or homes with kids and pets.
7. Bagged Vacuum Cleaners
These are one of the traditional types of vacuum cleaner. They come with a dust bag to collect dirt. You can simply throw it away once it gets full.
Great for deep cleaning and especially helpful for people with allergies. These vacuums usually have strong suction and don’t need frequent emptying. Just keep a few spare bags at home. Brands like Miele and Sebo still make some of the most trusted models. A bit old-school, but still one of the cleanest and most reliable choices.
Popular brands like Miele and John Lewis offer bagged vacuum cleaners that many UK homes rely on.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Easy to throw away with no dust mess. |
You have to keep buying new bags. |
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Strong suction works well on thick carpets.. |
Can be heavy and not easy to carry. |
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Bags hold a lot, so you empty less often. |
Best For:
Carpets, dusty areas, and homes with allergy or asthma issues.
8. Central Vacuum Systems
Central vacuum systems are built into the walls of your home. You get long hoses that connect to inlets in each room, and the dust gets sucked into a big container usually kept in the garage or basement. No need to drag a big vacuum around the house. Just plug in the hose and start cleaning.
These systems are powerful, super quiet, and great for people with allergies. They cost more at first and need professional installation, but they're very easy to use once set up. Ideal for large homes and deep cleaning without the hassle of carrying a machine.
Companies like Quirepace and Beam can help you install the central vacuum system.
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Pros |
Cons |
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No heavy vacuum to carry from room to room |
Needs professional setup during home construction or renovation |
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Offer a powerful suction |
More expensive than regular vacuums |
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Very quiet while cleaning |
Not ideal for small flats or rental homes |
Best For:
Large houses with multiple rooms, built-in homes, basements, and people with allergies.
FAQs
Do I really need a robot vacuum?
Not a must-have, but definitely a time-saver. Robot vacuums are great for picking up daily dust and crumbs while you get on with your day. They're one of the most convenient types of vacuum cleaner, especially if you want something that runs in the background.
How often should I change the filter or bag?
If you vacuum regularly, clean the filter once a month, and replace it every few months. Bags should be swapped out when they're about two-thirds full - don't wait till they're packed.
Can one vacuum do both carpets and hard floors?
Most modern vacuums can switch between both. Look for one with different floor settings or swappable heads for best results.
What vacuum is best for pet hair?
Got pets? You'll want something with strong suction and a motorised brush. Upright, robot, and cylinder vacuums usually do the job well. Some even come with special pet tools to lift hair off carpets and sofas.
Conclusion
Cleaning gets easier when you’ve got the right vacuum for the job. Upright, stick, cylinder, each one works best in different spots around the house.
Lately, more people in the UK are switching to robot vacuums. They clean on their own, save time, and fit well into busy routines. If you’re after the best vacuum cleaner UK homes are loving right now, take a look at eufy’s robot vacuums. Their robot vacuums do the work while you relax. Simple, smart, and made for everyday life.
