How we test cordless vacuum cleaners
Connie Chen/Insider
We've tested more than a dozen cordless vacuum cleaners from top brands like Shark, Dyson and Tineco, and our testers evaluate each model on the following criteria:
1. Cleaning performance: The most important factor when selecting a vacuum is its cleaning abilities, so we put each model through a series of tests to see how well it can pick up different types of debris. We measure out 30 grams of flour, ground coffee, Cheerios, and cat litter, then vacuum up each one, weighing the vacuum to see if it truly picked up all the debris. We repeat these tests on both hard floors and carpeting. We also use each vacuum to clean up pet hair, noting whether it gets wrapped around the brushroll, and we try out any attachments that come with the vacuum. I tested each of the vacuums against five materials (flour, ground coffee, cat litter, whole Cheerios, and dog hair) on three different surfaces (carpet/rug, hardwood, and tile).
An example of one of the test results:
2. Battery life: The battery life of cordless vacuums often varies significantly from the marketed runtime, so we test each vacuum to see how long the vacuum realistically lasts during use. Starting with a full charge, we run each vacuum on its normal setting until it dies. If the vacuum has a boost mode, we repeat the test to see the runtime difference between the two settings.
3. Comfort and ease of use: While testing each vacuum, we consider its ergonomics, weight, and overall comfort. Some of the factors we evaluate include: how tiring it is to hold, how easy it is to maneuver, and the effort required to activate the power button. We also note whether it can fit under low spaces and any additional helpful features like a headlight to illuminate your cleaning path.
4. Disposal method: During each cleaning session, we evaluate the size, cleanliness, and ease of emptying the dustbin. We note how often we had to empty the bin, how easy it is to open, and whether any debris gets stuck and needs to be fished out.
5. Storage: Finally, we consider how easy each vacuum is to store. For models that come with a dock, we consider ease of installation and stability, as well as whether there are storage slots for the vacuum's accessories.
6. Warranty and customer service: I registered each vacuum, noted warranty terms, and spoke to customer service reps to evaluate the ease of registration and quality of service.
