Comparison Karcher WD 2 Plus V-12/4/18 vs Karcher WD 3

The suction power provided by the vacuum cleaner. For models with power adjustment (see below), in this case, the maximum value is taken into account. Note that "suction power" is sometimes erroneously also called the suction force, indicated in pascals; see below for more details.

Suction power is a key indicator that determines the capabilities of the unit: the higher it is, the more efficiently the vacuum cleaner can draw in various contaminants, and the better it handles with carpets, fabrics and other materials into which dust can penetrate deeply. On the other hand, high power inevitably affects the weight, power consumption, dimensions and price of the device. Therefore, it does not always make sense to chase the maximum values — you need to take into account the real working conditions and the general purpose of the vacuum cleaner.

The specific numbers found in this paragraph largely depend on the type of device. For example, in handheld household models, suction power does not exceed 100 W, and for conventional household units, an indicator of 100 – 150 W is still considered very limited. At the same time, we note that the minimum required for a full-fledged dry cleaning of smooth floors is considered to be 300 – 350 W, for carpet and other short pile coatings — 350 – 400 W, and for long pile materials and upholstered furniture higher rates are desirable. Vacuum cleaners with lower suction power values are intended not so much for periodic cleaning, but for constant (ideally daily) maintenance of cleanliness in an already tidy room.

As for the relationship between suction power and suction force, it is as follows: power is the suction force (thrust) multiplied by the airflow (performance). Without going into too much detail, we can say that the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner is determined by both of these indicators. And it is worth evaluating this efficiency by suction power (regardless of the specific relationship between traction and performance).

The nominal volume of the dust collector installed in the vacuum cleaner.

This indicator largely depends on the type of unit (see above). For example, in most handheld household models, the capacity does not exceed 0.5 L. The volume of the container in upright vacuum cleaners and robots can be somewhat larger — among the first variety there are quite a few models for 1 – 2 liters or even more, and among the second — by 0.6 – 1 liter and a little more. For conventional vacuum cleaners, the minimum figure is actually about 0.8 – 1 L; dust collectors for 1 – 2 L and 2 – 4 L are very popular in such devices; the maximum capacity is actually 4 – 6 liters — units of a similar layout, but with a larger capacity, are usually referred to as household ones. In turn, relatively small containers are occasionally found among workshop models. However, in vacuum cleaners of this type, the capacity is generally quite large — it can reach 26 – 50 liters or even more ; the same applies to industrial (construction) units.

In general, a larger dust container allows you to work longer without interruptions. On the other hand, a capacious container itself takes up more space and, accordingly, affects the size, weight and price. So when choosing th...is parameter, it is worth considering the actual features of the use of a vacuum cleaner. Here we can give such an example: for a full-scale cleaning of an average city apartment, a capacity of about 1 – 1.5 litres is required. Thus, say, a 4-litre bag allows you to carry out two such cleanings with sufficient efficiency without unloading the vacuum cleaner. There are more detailed recommendations regarding the optimal volume of the dust collector, including specific cleaning options. These recommendations can be found in special sources.

The ability to use a vacuum cleaner to collect spilt water and other liquids.

By definition, all washing vacuum cleaners have this function (see above) but the matter is not limited to this. Water suction can also be provided for in simpler models (including even units that do not have a wet cleaning function). Accordingly, the specific possibilities for collecting liquid may be different — first of all, this concerns the maximum volume. Before use, it's ok to clarify the restrictions on the types of liquids being such. However, even the simplest vacuum cleaner with this feature can be an excellent alternative to a sponge or rag. Especially if there is a lot of liquid and it would take a long time to wipe it manually. And if a unit with similar functionality does not support wet cleaning (see “Cleaning type”) you can use water collection as an alternative: pour the liquid over the floor and then collect it with a vacuum cleaner. Of course, such a procedure can only be carried out on materials that are resistant to moisture — for parquet and laminate, not to mention carpets, it is not suitable.

The presence of a cartridge filter in the design of the vacuum cleaner.

Such a filter has the form of a ribbed (corrugated) cylinder made of special porous paper. One of its key advantages is the ease of cleaning: in relatively simple models, it is enough to remove the filter element from the vacuum cleaner and shake it out well. In more advanced units, self-cleaning may be provided at all (see below). In addition, such equipment allows you to do without a special bag (see "Dust collector") and use a simple container to collect dirt. On the other hand, cartridge filters are quite bulky and, due to their design features, are poorly suited for general purpose vacuum cleaners. So you can find such equipment mainly in specialized professional units — industrial, workshop, for fireplaces (see "Product type").

Features of the cordless vacuum cleaner regarding the presence of a removable battery.

— No battery. The complete absence of batteries in the delivery set. It is associated with certain troubles, but it also provides important advantages. Firstly, the model and number of purchased batteries can be chosen at your discretion, depending on your needs and low-cost. Secondly, a suitable battery may already be “in the household”, especially when you consider that some manufacturers produce universal batteries suitable for different types of power tools of the same brand. Thanks to all this, cordless vacuum cleaners without a battery are extremely popular in the industrial (construction) type.

— 1 battery. One detachable battery included. The main advantages of this configuration are low cost and the ability to use the vacuum cleaner immediately after unpacking. At the same time, when the charge is exhausted, you will inevitably have to take breaks for charging or still buy another battery.

— 2 batteries. The presence of a spare battery in the kit allows you to extend the time of work with the device. At the same time, the spare battery can be used simultaneously with another compatible device.

The noise level produced by the vacuum cleaner during operation. Usually, the value for normal operation at maximum engine power is indicated here. With less power, the loudness of the unit may be lower, but the key is precisely the maximum indicator.

Regarding specific numbers, keep in mind that the decibel used to measure the noise level is a non-linear quantity. Therefore, it is worth evaluating specific indicators using special comparative tables. In general, vacuum cleaners are quite noisy appliances; so in this case, models are considered quiet if this indicator does not exceed 65 dB — this is the level of a loud conversation between 2 – 3 people at a distance of 1 m. The quietest of these models give out only 40 dB — this is the average volume of a person’s speech in normal tones (and the minimum volume allowed for constant noise sources in living quarters during the day). For louder units, the comparison table looks like this:

— 66 – 70 dB — loud conversations between several groups of people at a distance of about 1 m;
— 71 – 75 dB — the volume of a cry or laughter in full voice at a distance of about 1 m;
— 76 – 80 dB — the volume of a mechanical alarm clock or the engine of an old truck;
— more than 80 dB — a very high noise level, exceeding the level of a loud scr...eam; when working with a vacuum cleaner having such specifications for a long time, it is highly desirable to use hearing protection.

Also note that the noise level largely depends on the engine power, as well as some other features (for example, it is strongly affected by the presence of an aquafilter — see "Dust collector"). At the same time, there is no hard connection here, and units with a similar set of specifications can differ markedly in actual loudness. In such cases, when choosing here, it is worth proceeding from the fact that a quieter vacuum cleaner will be more comfortable to use. However, it will most likely cost noticeably more.