Vacuum cleaners have changed the way people clean their homes and offices. You no longer need to transport heavy, loud, stowed vacuum machines to keep your home residue-free and clean.
Instead, individuals are now inclined towards utilizing handheld vacuum cleaners that are simple to use to eliminate dust particles, cobwebs, and pet hairs from their homes.
However, you must still choose the best vacuum cleaner for your cleaning style and household. As such, you must be precise about the elements you are looking for, mainly to choose between a cordless and corded vacuum cleaner.
So which way? Let’s explore Cordless vs. corded vacuum cleaners to understand some crucial features to help you make a perfect buying decision for your cleaning needs.
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Cordless Vs. Corded Vacuum Cleaners
A cordless vacuum cleaner is the best option for buying a vacuum cleaner because of its various benefits over the corded vacuum cleaner. Cordless vacuum cleaners are very flexible, as your movements when cleaning from room to room is not dependent on the length of cords or the location of sockets.
Besides, cordless vacuums are easy to move around because of their lightweight. Therefore you can direct your energy to cleaning rather than moving the vacuum from one place to another.
Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Cordless vacuum cleaners are powered by rechargeable batteries. The cleaners are lightweight and portable, offering flexibility and convenience during cleaning tasks by eliminating the restriction of the cord’s length and allowing you to move around without any tangling or tripping hazards.
The batteries are either removable or inbuilt. However, removable batteries are mostly preferred as they are easy to recharge and replace.
The cordless vacuum cleaners use lithium-ion batteries. The batteries have high energy density compared to other common battery types like nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. The implication is that these batteries can store more energy in a smaller and lighter package, adding to vacuum cleaners’ lightweight and comfortable use.
Corded Vacuum Cleaners
A corded vacuum is mainly powered by electric energy and is accompanied by several connections and a plug-in cord to help in intensive cleaning. The corded cleaners are designed to clean surfaces and floors using suction power to remove dirt, debris, dust, and other particles like pet hair.
For the corded vacuum to work, you must plug the cords into the sockets to get the energy to power them. The units generate power from an electrical source and must be plugged into an electrical outlet. As a result, they have continuous power and do not have the limitation of running out of battery.
However, how do corded and cordless vacuum cleaners compare? Let’s find out.
Cordless vs Corded Vacuum Cleaners: Flexibility
Flexibility is an integral factor when working with vacuum cleaners. With flexibility comes greater versatility in cleaning.
Particularly, cordless vacuum cleaners are more flexible than corded units. Cordless vacuums are not limited by cords as they are battery-powered. As a result, you are not limited to a given spot when cleaning. If the tool’s batteries are charged, you can even move to places without a power outlet.
Besides, the cordless vacuum is lightweight and compact in its design. Some weigh up to below 7 pounds on average. The lightweight and compact design guarantees you will not quickly get fatigued while cleaning. Also, you use them in multiple tasks, including moving to the stairs and cleaning your car when you are done with the furniture.
Also, you can use them to clean other hard-to-reach areas, especially since they are compact in their design.
On the other hand, corded vacuum cleaners are less flexible compared to their cordless counterparts. The units are bulky and weigh more than cordless units. Hence you may not hold them for long when cleaning. Besides, you must plug the units into an electrical outlet. The implication is that cords limit the areas you can reach or clean. You also risk getting tripped on the cord and can be susceptible to accidents for you or your family member.
Thus, when it comes to flexibility, always choose cordless vacuum cleaners. The units are portable; since they are cord-free, you can move freely around the house without being restricted to a power outlet.
Suction Power
Suction power is an imperative consideration for vacuum cleaners. Unlike cordless cleaners, corded units always have a more consistent and robust suction power. As a result, they clean more effectively and efficiently, particularly on thick rugs and carpets.
However, even though the corded units have more power, the cordless units using lithium-ion batteries are also powerful and will perform almost the same jobs.
Cordless vacuum cleaners generate their power from rechargeable batteries. Hence, they are less potent than the corded units, with slightly inferior suction power, especially models using non-lithium batteries.
Naturally, when a battery starts to drain, you will experience a lower suction strength with the cordless models. However, with corded units, you get consistent suction power.
Hence, consider the corded vacuum cleaners if you want consistent suction power for your cleaning or industrial cleaning. However, you will need power outlets at different parts of the cleaning area as cords from the power sources limit corded units.
Battery Life
Cordless vacuum cleaners are equipped with advanced lithium-ion batteries from which they derive power. Most of these units will do your cleaning job with a single charge, making them more efficient and practical for home use. For instance, most batteries will give you a runtime of up to 40 minutes, enough to clean your floors and furniture.
Once the batteries are drained, recharge them. The recharge time is always indicated in the instructions. For most units, it will be between 2 and 10 hours.
Also, if you have decided to purchase cordless models, check the voltage of the batteries you buy. A higher battery voltage will give you longer runtime than those with a lower voltage.
Conversely, corded vacuum cleaners do not use batteries, and you won’t be concerned with the issues with battery life. Plus, you don’t have to worry about you stopping in between your chores with the corded vacuum cleaner. By driving their power from electrical outlets, the units can run continuously without requiring you to stop and recharge.
Thus, corded vacuum cleaners have no issues with battery life, unlike cordless units with specified runtime after which the batteries must be recharged. Also, over time, the batteries may need replacement when they are dead.
Ease of use
Cordless vacuum cleaners are the easiest to use as they are equipped with simple controls, and you do not need to plug or unplug cords while cleaning. Besides, with these units, you are spared the hassle of unravelling and managing long cords, making cleaning more enjoyable and less time-consuming.
Moreover, the cordless cleaners are convenient, with no cord to plug and unplug, making the starting and stopping of cleaning more straightforward. With such convenience, you can perform more frequent and shorter cleaning sessions.
Also, due to their portability and freedom, you can easily maneuver around the furniture, go up and down stairs, and clean even the hard-to-reach spaces without getting tethered to an electrical outlet.
On the other hand, the corded cleaners may be challenging to operate due to their heavy weight and limitation by cord that limits your mobility. However, even though they limit your mobility, the units will provide you with continuous power and a stronger suction that can be essential when involved in heavy-duty cleaning tasks like carpets.
Generally, the perfect choice for your cleaning will depend on your needs and preferences. For instance, if you want mobility and convenience, consider cordless vacuum cleaners. The units improve mobility and are generally regarded as user-friendly due to their lightweight design and portability.
However, if you want continuous supply and strong suction power, the corded vacuum cleaners would be an ideal choice.
Quiet Operation
The vacuum cleaners’ noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). If you are choosing a vacuum cleaner, it is essential to consider the quieter models to reduce disturbances in the neighbourhood when in use and are also less bothersome to you when you use them for extended periods.
The cordless cleaners are quieter than the corded models. As a result, you can comfortably use them in your household around children, pets, or noise-sensitive individuals since they create a more peaceful cleaning experience.
Most cordless vacuum cleaners are integrated with noise reduction technologies today, especially with the noise regulations among different nations for household appliances. Most manufacturers are today producing cordless vacuums that are quieter to comply with the rules.
Also, most models today use newer and more advanced motor technology. For instance, cordless tools use brushless motors, inherently quieter than the traditional brushed motors in corded vacuums. The brushless motors promote ultra-quiet operation as they produce less friction and vibration, reducing noise levels when in process.
Dust Capacity
One element you must not overlook when choosing a vacuum cleaner is dust capacity. A larger dust capacity often translates to holding more dust, dirt, and debris before you can empty them. As a result, you can clean more areas without interruptions, saving you the effort and time you would have otherwise used during dust emptying breaks within the cleaning sessions.
Besides, a larger dust capacity model will be ideal if you have a large home area or floor space. In the case of a large home area or floor space, a small dustbin will require emptying, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
However, considering dust capacity, how do corded and cordless vacuum cleaners compare? Corded vacuum cleaners have a high dust capacity to collect dust than cordless units. You won’t need frequent canister emptying when working with the corded cleaners. The element makes the corded cleaners an ideal option if you suffer from allergies or want to work on large floor areas with minimal work interruptions.
On the other hand, cordless vacuum cleaners are characterized by small dust capacities. As a result, frequent emptying of the canister within the cleaning process is inevitable. This consumes time and might lower your work morale.
Ultimately, when it comes down to choosing between corded and cordless vacuum cleaners regarding dust capacities, choose the corded units. They have larger capacities to enhance cleaning efficiencies and save cleaning time.
Besides, a vacuum with a larger dust capacity will be ideal if you or any family member suffers from allergies or respiratory problems. The large capacity implies the unit can trap allergens and dust particles, reducing the chances of them getting released back into the air as you clean or empty the dustbin. This gives the corded vacuum cleaners an edge over the cordless ones.
Also, if you own pets, you may want to consider a unit with a larger dust capacity. Pets can produce a large amount of fur and dander that a vacuum with a small dustbin may not handle, as it can get clogged quickly and lose suction power. The corded vacuums have more suction power and can handle nature’s dirt.
Energy Efficiency
Cordless vacuum cleaners are more energy efficient than their corded counterparts. The cordless cleaners only consume power while in use. However, with corded cleaners, there is always a standby energy consumption when the unit is plugged in, even when the unit is not in active use.
The video provides a comparison on corded vs. cordless vacuum cleaners. Listen to the video and make the right choice based on your cleaning requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs
Q1. Do Cordless Vacuums Use More Electricity?
No. Cordless vacuums use less and save on electricity. The cleaners derive their power from rechargeable batteries; hence you can use them even when there are power outages, or you cannot access the power supply. Besides, you can operate them without being continuously connected to the power source like corded vacuum cleaners.
Besides, cordless vacuums are equipped with an efficient motor technology that is energy-efficient. The brushless motors in cordless vacuums use less power while providing a strong suction. The motors are designed to optimize energy use and extend battery life.
Q2. How long does a cordless vacuum Battery last?
Cordless vacuum batteries may last between 20 and 60 minutes of continuous runtime. However, this runtime may be influenced by your vacuum’s power settings. For instance, when using the vacuum cleaner under higher power, the battery drains faster.
The cordless vacuum itself can last up to 6 years if properly maintained. However, during this period, the battery may need to be replaced and recharged occasionally to give the unit power. The brand or model may influence how long your cordless vacuum will take.
Q3. How much dust can a cordless vacuum hold?
Cordless vacuum cleaners can hold between 0.3 to 1 (300 to 1000ml) liter of dust. Cordless vacuum cleaners have smaller dust capacities than their traditional corded counterparts. With their capacities, you may be forced to frequently empty the contents in between the cleaning processes, especially when vacuuming larger areas.
Conclusion
Choosing cordless or corded vacuum cleaners will be highly influenced by your needs and priorities. If you are involved in heavy-duty cleaning, such as carpets, you need a model that will provide you with more potent suction and continuous power. However, you must recall that cords limit the units and will hinder your mobility and convenience when cleaning.
However, if you want to acquire a model with greater portability and flexibility, choose cordless vacuum cleaners as they are not limited by cords or tethered to a particular electrical outlet. However, they are more convenient when you want to clean smaller places or have more rooms to clean, including the stairs, and freedom of movement is needed.
Thus, if you prioritize strong suction and intend to clean a larger area with no work breakdowns, go for corded vacuums. However, the cordless vacuum will be ideal if you need mobility, convenience, and the ability to work in tight places.
Note: Every vacuum cleaner type has its share of advantages and disadvantages. You must determine your needs and priorities before you settle on a given model. We hope this guide helps you make a perfect choice.
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