Written by Allen Foster
Nine vacuums we tested and loved
At BestReviews, we take product recommendations seriously. We don’t just look at the listed features and trust the manufacturer’s marketing materials; we try out products to make sure they can really do what they are supposed to do. As you might imagine, we find a few clunkers. But we also strike gold.
Each month, the Testing Lab shares its top products, so the consumer knows what to look for when shopping. In January, we evaluated several vacuum cleaners, such as the Dyson Gen5outsize and the Shark IZ562H Pro. Here are the models that tested the best.
Shop this article: Dyson V11 Extra Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Shark HZ3002 Stratos Ultralight Corded Stick Vacuum and Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless Vacuum
How does the BestReviews Testing Lab work?
The BestReviews Testing Lab isn’t a sterile space filled with scientists and slide rules. It is a kitchen, a backyard, a home office, a playroom, a campsite or any other space where a product is intended to be used. We want to understand the real-world limitations of the things we buy. And we want to know specifics. For instance, if an air fryer is advertised as being large enough to cook a meal for a small family, but it only fits two chicken wings at a time, is that claim really accurate?
The testing process starts by logging and evaluating all the manufacturer’s claims. Then the testers make sure everything works as expected. Is it easy to set up and use? How durable is it? Are there any maintenance concerns? Next, we explore the items to learn where they excel, what their limitations are and why they stand out from other products on the market. Finally, the lab carefully considers the type of consumer who would benefit the most from a specific model.
Who does the testing?
BestReviews hires a wide range of individuals to collect data. Most of our testers are people who have some experience using the product, while others could be complete novices. We might even employ a handful of experts. This is so we eliminate any experience-based bias and get an even better understanding of who could be best served by purchasing this product. Is it best for a beginner or an experienced user?
What happens to the products that have been tested?
Once the testing is done, BestReviews donates the gently used items to places where they will do the most good. We consider shelters, reputable charities, institutions that help others and more. This way, we can inform the consumer without creating waste while helping individuals and organizations that benefit from our donations. Most recently, we donated a Simpson Power Washer to a local Texas chapter of the Boy Scouts of America.
Best Testing Lab products from January
Dyson Gen5detect Absolute Vacuum
After carefully measuring, dispersing and vacuuming up dirt on different surfaces, we determined the gen5detect has impressive cleaning power that is comparable to corded models. There is no compromise in purchasing this lightweight option. Plus, the triggerless system — press once and the vacuum stays on — is an absolute joy to use!
Dyson Gen5outsize Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Using the two included batteries in Eco mode, we could get 148 minutes of vacuuming time. The attachments let us quickly switch from broad scope cleaning to clearing out nooks and crannies. While boost mode significantly reduces battery life, it gives the vacuum power that is able to handle heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
Dyson V11 Extra Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The user-friendly operation was appreciated. Changing modes to accomplish a specific cleaning task could be done with the press of a button. We loved the easy-clean feature: Just detach the wand, hold over the trash, press and it’s empty. While this is a recommended model, it is not the most powerful in Dyson’s line.
Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Vacuum Cleaner
The beauty of this model is its dual functionality. We could use it as a vacuum or a mop. This model held plenty of water — we cleaned our entire kitchen and the reserve was still about 90% full. In vacuum mode, the unit performed remarkably well on both hard floors and carpeting.
Shark IZ562H Pro Cordless Vacuum
This Shark vacuum has a Clean Sense feature that automatically adjusts power depending on the level of dirt it detects. When testing, we found this to be impressively responsive — it kicked in even when the increased dirt wasn’t that noticeable to the eye. The masking scent that helps fight odors was also a nice touch.
Shark HZ3002 Stratos Ultralight Corded Stick Vacuum
If you prefer a corded vacuum, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power, this model is for you. It worked best on fine dust and the filter seemed to do its job, keeping agitating allergens from contaminating the home environment. The cord was long enough to clean a one-bedroom apartment without switching outlets.
Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless Vacuum
We would consider this an all-purpose workhorse. It has powerful suction, runs quietly and offers a 60-minute battery life (in Eco mode). The variety of attachments could handle every cleaning challenge we tested. And the self-cleaning brushroll performed as advertised — there were no entangled strands of hair or fur visible after use.
Shark IZ462H Vertex Ultra Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum
If budget is important, you must give up a little convenience with this model to get a lower price. However, it still performs exceptionally well, picking up most dirt and debris in only one pass. We really appreciated the lightweight design and how easy it was to maneuver. And the bright headlights were a welcome feature.
Shark HZ2002 Vertex Ultralight Corded Stick
This lightweight, corded vacuum was one of the easiest models to maneuver. It was well balanced, simple to operate and offered a comfortable grip. The included mini-roller was great for picking up faux fur (hair) from raised surfaces or stairs. In addition to suction, this attachment used fins to sweep up the debris, making it very effective.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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