Comparison Karcher FC 5 Cordless Premium vs Karcher FC 5 Premium

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 — ...f="/list/90/pr-1067/">1500 – 1750 W, 1750 – 2000 W and even more than 2000 W.

The type of power source used by the vacuum cleaner. Note that for robots equipped with charging stations (see “Robot features”), the power supply of the robot itself is indicated (battery is standard); the station is connected to the mains in almost all models.

The main types of power sources found in modern vacuum cleaners are mains, a battery and car cigarette lighter. They can be used both individually and in various combinations with each other. Here are the features of each of these options:

— Mains. Powered by a normal household outlet. This option is suitable for vacuum cleaners of almost any power, and the operating time from the mains is unlimited. The main disadvantage of this type of power supply is the dependence on sockets, as well as the presence of a power cord that limits mobility and can get underfoot. However, the length of the power cord is usually enough for most situations. And in extreme cases, you can use an extension cord. Thus, the vast majority of conventional vacuum cleaners, as well as heavy professional equipment (for workshop, industrial units, etc. — see "Product type") use this type of power supply — in such models, the advantages described above most often outweigh the disadvantages. But among upright and handheld units (including industrial ones), connecting to the mains is not popular — in them, manufacturers often opt for...mobility and use batteries.

— Battery. Powered by its battery; in some models, it can be detachable, in others — built-in. Anyway, such power makes the vacuum mobile and autonomous. Mobility is not limited to the power cord and you can work even in the absence of sockets. However, these advantages also have a downside. First of all, battery units are noticeably heavier and more expensive than similar models with a mains power supply. Secondly, it is the limited operating time: after the charge is exhausted, you will have to take a break to recharge the battery, sometimes quite long (in models with detachable batteries, you can simply change the dead battery to a fresh one — but, again, you need to have a fresh battery in stock for this). In addition, the more powerful the vacuum cleaner is, the larger and heavier the batteries that have to be used with it. Thus, battery power is mainly used in low-power vacuum cleaners, for which mobility is fundamentally more important than the disadvantages described above. These are all models of robots, as well as most handheld household and upright devices (including combined ones, see "product type"). However, there are exceptions to this rule: batteries can be found in some conventional vacuum cleaners, as well as in some advanced professional units (for workshop, construction, etc.).
Note that some major manufacturers, including power tools, use universal batteries in their equipment that are compatible with different types of devices. Cordless vacuum cleaners from such manufacturers can be designed specifically for such batteries and not even be equipped with them initially — so that the user himself can choose the most suitable power source.

— The cigarette lighter (12 V). Power supply from the car's standard cigarette lighter socket (or onboard socket using the same plug). Found exclusively in handheld household vacuum cleaners (see "Product type"), designed for cleaning the interior of a car and other related tasks (for example, putting things in order in the garage). Such units do not differ in power — this is due to the limitations characteristic of cigarette lighters. However, taking into account the specifics of the application, this moment cannot be called a disadvantage.

— Battery and mains (230 V). Possibility of power supply from own battery and mains. Theoretically, this allows you to combine some of the advantages of both options and make the vacuum cleaner very versatile. So, if there are sockets, you can work from them, and if not, you can switch to the battery. In addition, a dead battery does not make such a vacuum cleaner completely useless — you can connect it to the mains and continue working, and in some models, the battery is even charged. On the other hand, such models turn out to be heavy (heavier than ordinary vacuums). And at a cost, they surpass even rechargeable devices with similar characteristics. Therefore, this option is extremely rare and is used mainly in a rather specific type of vacuum cleaners: some industrial models (including handheld ones), designed for increased mobility. Usually, the standard power supply for such units is the mains, and the battery is used as a backup option — for cleaning certain areas where the connection to the outlet is not available or difficult.

— Battery and cigarette lighter. Vacuum cleaners that can be powered both by a built-in battery and a car cigarette lighter. The features of these types of food are described above. All models from this category are handheld household units (see "product type"). Recall that vacuum cleaners powered by a cigarette lighter are, by definition, low-power, so it is technically easy to supplement such a vacuum cleaner with a built-in battery. And the advantage of such an addition is obvious — the user receives maximum freedom of movement during work. On the other hand, built-in batteries significantly affect the weight and cost, and the described features are rarely required in fact. Therefore, this variant of distribution did not receive.

The rated voltage of the battery used in the vacuum cleaner with the corresponding type of power supply (see above).

Initially, manufacturers select the characteristics of the battery (including voltage) in such a way that the vacuum cleaner can be guaranteed to deliver the power claimed in the specifications. Therefore, when choosing this indicator often does not play a decisive role. However, it can also be useful in such cases — for the most reliable comparison between models with different battery capacities in ampere-hours. See "Battery capacity" for details.

In addition, voltage data can be useful during operation — for example, to find a spare/replacement battery or a third-party charger.

— Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium). The oldest of the options found in modern vacuum cleaners. It features high reliability, resistance to temperature extremes and good charging speed even with high capacity. The main disadvantage of this type of battery is a memory effect — a decrease in battery capacity if it is charged without being completely discharged. In addition, Ni-Cd batteries are considered environmentally unsafe. However, they are still widely used because of their low cost and decent performance.

— Ni-Mh (nickel-metal hydride). Further development and improvement of the nickel-cadmium batteries described above. While having the same basic advantages, Ni-Mh batteries are not affected by the memory effect and are safer to manufacture. Their disadvantages are the higher cost and somewhat shorter service life compared with the original Ni-Cd technology.

— Li-Ion (lithium-ion). A type of battery originally developed for use in portable devices. However, with the development of Li-Ion technology, it has been applied to other industries. The main advantage of such batteries is their high capacity with small dimensions and weight. It is also worth noting that they are not subject to the memory effect and can charge quite quickly. On the other hand, this option is not without its drawbacks — it is, first of all, sensitive to too low or elevated temperatures and a high price.

— Li-P...ol (lithium polymer). An improved version of the lithium-ion technology described above allows even more compact yet high-capacity batteries. The reverse side of these advantages is higher cost and increased sensitivity to low temperatures. However, for batteries used in vacuum cleaners, the latter is not critical.

The operating time of a battery-powered vacuum cleaner (see "Power supply") on a single battery charge.

Usually, the average operating time in normal mode is indicated here. Accordingly, in fact, the battery life of the vacuum cleaner may differ slightly from the claimed one, depending on the chosen application format. Nevertheless, the operating time indicated in the specifications is a fairly reliable indicator; it can be used both for a general assessment of battery life and for comparing the selected vacuum cleaner with other models.

Separately, we note that increasing battery life requires either the use of more capacious (and therefore more expensive and heavier) batteries or a decrease in engine power (and the efficiency of the unit as a whole). So it is worth looking specifically for a long working vacuum cleaner if these moments are outweighed by a long operating time.

The time required to charge the cordless vacuum cleaner fully (see "Power supply").

Larger batteries tend to take longer to charge. On the other hand, modern batteries can use various solutions that speed up the process, so there is no strict dependence here.

Separately, we note that the speed of charging batteries is usually uneven: at first, the process is fast, then it gradually slows down. So if, for example, the specifications indicate a charging time of 2 hours, then charging from 0 to 50% will take a little less than an hour, and from 50% to 100% the remaining time.

The presence of an indicator in the vacuum cleaner that displays the current battery charge level. The design and functionality of such an indicator may be different. Often the simplest LED indicators are used, allowing only an approximate estimate of the remaining energy. Also, note that the charge level indicator may not be placed on the body of the vacuum cleaner but on the battery itself. Nevertheless, this feature anyway provides additional convenience, makes it easier to monitor the state of the battery and reduces the risk of being left with a dead battery at the wrong time.

The self-cleaning function of the working nozzle simplifies the care of the device and increases cleaning efficiency. Usually, it is available in robot vacuums and upright models of vacuum cleaners. The nozzle self-cleaning is usually done with water. In the case of robots, a cleaning device is built into the docking station. In upright models, nozzle self-cleaning can be carried with a vacuum cleaner itself that can collect water or at a charging station where the turbo brush roller is cleaned.

The length of the power cord that is equipped with a vacuum cleaner powered by an outlet.

Here we note that manufacturers select the specific length of the cord depending on the general purpose of the unit. In general, the length of 4 – 5 m and less can be called small, 5 – 6 m — medium, 6 – 7 m and 7 – 8 m — more than average, and in some models this figure is more than 8 m. However, a lot depends on the specifics of the vacuum cleaner. For example, among conventional units there are many models with a 4-5 m wire (this is enough for cleaning on the scale of an apartment, a private house or a small office space), but for industrial solutions this is a very limited indicator.

Keep in mind that a longer power cord is not always more convenient. On the one hand, it provides more freedom when working. On the other hand, it can create inconvenience at a short distance from the outlet as well as during storage/transportation. In addition, you can use an extension cord to work away from the outlet. So when choosing, you need to take into account the specific needs of the use of a vacuum cleaner. Detailed recommendations for different situations can be found in special sources.