Your Next Vacuum Cleaner Should Be Cordless. Here's Why

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If you've shopped for a vacuum cleaner recently, then you know well that the options are basically limitless. There are so many styles and types of vacuums to choose from these days that it can be daunting to even big researching, let alone buying the best one for you. Between some excellent robot vacuums and more traditional models, there's so much to consider before you purchase one. 

CNET's list of the best vacuums you can buy includes choices from each of the top categories of cleaners, but there are plenty of reasons why your next vacuum should be a cordless one. A big reason for the rise of cordless vacuum cleaners' popularity over the years is their convenience. Aside from the fact that these types of vacuums are lighter and make it easier to empty out the debris you've cleaned up, you also can forget about lugging around a long electrical cord and moving outlets for each room you clean.

Here are six reasons why you should consider buying a cordless vacuum cleaner for your next machine. For more vacuum tips, explore the proper way to vacuum your floors.

1. Cordless convenience 

This is obvious, but the best thing about a cordless vacuum is the lack of a cord constantly making your vacuuming routine more difficult. I can't emphasize enough how much more convenient it is to vacuum without a power cord: there's no accidentally unplugging from the socket and no worry about the cord getting caught up on chair or table legs or knocking over fragile items. 

You're free to go where you want around the room without stopping or dodging obstacles. 

Plus, many of the cordless vacuums on the market today have long-lasting battery packs. And many newer models offer removable battery packs, so you can quickly exchange a spent battery for a fresh one if necessary. A few vacuum models -- like the Samsung and LG -- even come with charging stations that can charge two batteries simultaneously. 

2. Enjoy the lightness of cordless vacuums 

Before I upgraded to a cordless vacuum, my least favorite thing about my vacuum cleaner was just how dang heavy it was. I felt like I was lugging around a bag of bricks, making vacuuming feel more like a workout than a necessary chore. 

Many traditional upright vacuums can easily weigh more than 15 pounds, and in some cases as much as 22 pounds. Let's compare that to Dyson's cordless stick vac, the V15 Detect, which weighs in at 6.8 pounds, or the Tineco A11 Hero, which weighs even less at 5.5 pounds. These lighter machines translate to less strain while you vacuum. 

3. Small and easy to store

Due to their compact size and wand-like appearance, cordless vacuums are often referred to as stick vacs. The ultraslim design style makes them easier to manage and store than traditional upright vacuums. 

My coat closet is aptly nicknamed "the vacuum home" because my previous vacuum took up most of the closet space. Now I can store a cooler, other cleaning supplies and my tennis rackets in the closet, too, thanks to the cordless vacuum only taking up a quarter of the space. Cordless vacuums' discreet size makes storage so much simpler -- especially in smaller homes or apartments. 

4. Empty the dustbin with ease

Cordless vacuum models typically have dustbins that are designed for easy emptying. Current Dyson models and the Tineco A11 Hero eject their dustbins' contents directly into the trash. 

Top-of-the-line Samsung and LG stick vacs go one step further, incorporating charging docks that also automatically empty the dustbins.

5. Cordless vacuums are versatile and adjustable 

Many cordless vacuums come with modular, swappable attachments, so you can configure the machine to be smaller or adjust it for specific vacuuming needs like reaching high places or the tops of baseboards.

You can remove the long wands, then reattach the cleaning heads to transform a cordless vacuum into a highly maneuverable handheld vacuum that's perfect for cleaning stairs or getting into corners or other small spaces. You can switch in a crevasse tool to create a couch or car vac. You can swap the wand back in, then connect a dusting head to make it a long-range duster. 

Really, you can adjust your cordless vacuum to be efficient and well-suited for just about any space or task. 

6. Potential bonus: Cordless vacs can be more energy-efficient 

Yes, cordless vacuums can save you energy. And I don't just mean saving you the energy of physical exertion when vacuuming. I mean they tend to use less energy and electricity from your home than a corded model. That's because cordless vacuums are only drawing energy from the home when charging -- not when actually running. 

The trade-off is that cordless vacuums need to be consistently recharged, with batteries lasting about 40 minutes and then taking anywhere from 2 to 16 hours to charge fully, depending on battery capacity. If you have a larger home or thicker carpets that could take longer than an hour or so to vacuum, the energy savings might not be worth it.

For more helpful vacuum info, explore the best Roomba alternatives, the best cheap vacuum cleaners, and the best vacuums for pet hair to keep your floors clean and the best robot vacuum deals available now. 

More vacuum tips

• Your Robot Vacuum Cleans Even Better if You Do This
• Clean the Grime Out of Your Roomba to Make It Vacuum Better
• Samsung vs. Tineco: Which Brand Makes the Better Cordless Vacuum?
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