Comparison Rotex RVB16-B EcoClean vs Rotex RVB18-E

Rated power consumed by the vacuum cleaner. In models with power adjustment (see below), the maximum value is taken into account in this case. We are talking about the characteristics of the installed motor, which is the main, and in most vacuum cleaners, the only consumer of energy.

Higher power increases suction force and improves overall cleaning efficiency. In addition, a more powerful unit is easier to equip with a capacious dust collector. On the other hand, only vacuum cleaners of the same type with the same types of dust collectors can be directly compared by this parameter (see above for both). And even in such cases, the actual suction force (see below) may be different — and it is it that determines the real efficiency. However, the total power also allows you to generally evaluate the capabilities of the vacuum cleaner, including in comparison: a 1500 W model will significantly outperform its 800 W counterpart in efficiency (although it is impossible to say exactly by how much). But what definitely depends on this indicator is energy consumption.

As for specific power values, they are largely related to the type of device. For example, handheld models, robots and uproght units have low power — less than 1500 W(and often noticeably less). Such values are quite popular among other types of vacuum cleaners (conventional, industrial, workshop, etc.), but among them there are already more solid indicators — 1500 – 1750 W..., 1750 – 2000 W and even more than 2000 W.

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 type of power regulator provided in the design of the vacuum cleaner.

By itself , power adjustment allows you to adjust the operating mode to the current situation. For example, to clean a thick carpet, it is better to use a vacuum cleaner on full power, and on a delicate sofa or chair, it may be better to reduce the power. Types of power regulators are distinguished by location; options can be as follows:

— On body. The most popular option among modern vacuum cleaners. The main advantage of models with this design is that they do not require special hoses (unlike the units described below with adjustments on the handle). However, installation on the body is not very convenient for conventional vacuum cleaners (see "Type") — to change the power, you have to lean towards the body every time. However, for most users, it is not critical.

— On handle. The power regulator on the handle of the vacuum hose is convenient because the control is right at your fingertips, and you can change the power with just one movement of your finger, without bending over to the body. However, this convenience has a downside. So, some of these vacuum cleaners can only be fully used with special hoses; when installing a classic hose (without a regulator), the device, at best, will only work at full power, without adjustment, at worst, it will not turn on at all. A special hose is usually included...in the kit, but finding a replacement for it can be a quite troublesome (and costly) business. In other models, a wireless remote control is used, and its presence significantly affects the price of the unit.

— On body and handle. Vacuum cleaners combine both of the options described above. Usually, a hose with a regulator on the handle is supplied with such a unit. However, if necessary, you can install a regular hose and change the power with a switch on the body. Such control is the most versatile. Nevertheless, it is more expensive than each of the options described above.

The type of rigid tube supplied with the vacuum cleaner.

The most popular are telescopic tubes, extension tubes are much less common, and with some upright with handheld vacuum cleaners (see "Type"), tubes with a hinge are supplied in the kit (they are also "bendable" or "flex"). Here is a more detailed description of each option:

— Telescopic tube. Non-separable tube folded telescopically — by inserting one section into another. This option is the most convenient from the user's point of view. Firstly, such accessories are easy to unfold and fold — just press or slide the release key and pull or push the halves in the right direction. Secondly, many telescopic tubes are equipped with a mechanism that allows the structure to be unfolded incompletely. Thanks to this, you can adjust the length during the cleaning process (for example, reduce it to work in cramped conditions). Thirdly, the individual parts of such a tube can't be lost, which simplifies storage. The main disadvantage of this option is considered to be somewhat lower strength and reliability than that of extension tubes. However, this difference is noticeable only at high loads. Thus, telescopic tubes are very popular in conventional vacuum cleaners (see "Type"), but they are found in other types, including industrial (construction). The “telescope” cannot be found in only three types of vacuum cleaners: in robots (they do no...t use tubes), as well as, in industrial handheld units and fireplace models — they most often work only with a hose.

— Extension tubes. A tube consists of several parts connected during operation and disassembled for storage/transportation. Such designs are somewhat less convenient to use than telescopic ones, but they endure high loads much better and last longer. Thus, extension tubes are rarely used in conventional vacuum cleaners, but they are popular in professional units — industrial, workshop, etc.

— Bendable tube. A tube has a hinge in the middle and can bend at an upward angle. It is a rather specific option, used in some vacuum cleaners of the "upright with handheld" type. This design makes it much easier to clean with such a vacuum cleaner under sofas, beds, tables, etc. By bending the tube, you can effectively treat such places without lowering the vacuum cleaner body to the floor. On the other hand, the hinge significantly complicates the design and increases its cost, and far from all users, these disadvantages are outweighed by the mentioned ease of use. That is why this type of pipe is extremely rare.