Motor power
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.Power adjustment
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.Battery voltage
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.
Battery run time
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.
Charging 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.
Charge level indicator
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.
LED lighting
The presence of
light-emitting diode (LED) lighting in the design of the vacuum cleaner.
Such lighting is placed on the working nozzle or close to it and illuminates the area being processed by the vacuum cleaner. Its main purpose is to provide convenience when working in dark places, such as under sofas/beds, dark corners, etc. At the same time, the lighting can be useful in normal brightness lighting: it well reveals dust and debris on smooth surfaces like linoleum or laminate.
As for the LED lighting vacuum cleaners themselves, most of them belong to one or another type of upright ones (see "Type") — it is in such units that this function is technically easiest to implement. It is also found in some conventional and handheld household vacuum cleaners. However, there are a few such models on the market, and they are not cheap due to additional design features. For example, in a conventional vacuum cleaner, for the lighting to work, not only a tube is required, but also a hose of a special design — with wiring to supply power to the LEDs.
