Stick vacuums are a multifunctional cleaning tool for the busy modern household. It's always convenient to have a vacuum cleaner that can transform into a handheld machine whenever needed. And it's perhaps the most efficient way to tackle crumbs, pet hair and dust bunnies as soon as you see them, especially knowing that your cordless appliance is within reach, dutifully charging in its wall mount.
Given their two-in-one form factor, accessible storage and wireless operation, it's no wonder, then, that powerful stick vacuums are all the rage lately. But, before you hit the purchase button, our vacuum expert says there are some points to consider for the best buy.
Is a cordless stick vacuum cleaner better?
Home vacuum cleaners are generally of three varieties: canister, upright and stick. While the traditional canister and bulky upright vacuums need to be plugged in, stick hoovers operate freely on a battery. Shahzaman Rafik Siddiqui, the owner of appliance servicing centre Novafix in Dubai and a former engineer with Singaporean technology company Dyson, tells us when a stick vacuum might fit your home better.
"Stick vacuums are designed for apartments. Before they came along, there were very few choices in vacuums, mostly that choice being canisters, which reduced functionality since they carry a bag. Even a large family living in a multi-floor villa will find a stick vacuum very helpful for the house. In the handheld mode, you can use it in your car, dust your computer, curtains and more, with different attachments," said Siddiqui.
But, user concerns usually spring from a stick vacuum cleaner's short-lived battery life. Siddiqui says battery backup has come a long way in the latest models found today, some lasting for more than an hour. Operation time, of course, differs by manufacturer.
Which cordless stick vacuum cleaner is the best for me?
An effective vacuum cleaner boasts a high suction power with a speedy motor. "A vacuum's suction power depends on the air watt or the litres of air it can suck in one second. This, in turn, depends on the engine it's running on, which should have 10,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) or more," said Siddiqui. The suction power of a stick vacuum cleaner should at least range from 115 to 185 air watts, he adds.
Lastly, your vacuum search will greatly benefit from an after-sales appraisal. Customer support, advises Siddiqui, should be a buyer's first point of concern. In terms of good after-sales service, high suction power and a powerful motor, Dyson takes the cake with models like V11 Absolute and V15 Detect. Siddiqui says other honorable mentions popular in the UAE are Shark, Miele and Panasonic.
Check out our curated list below for a rundown of the best stick vacuums, based on expert insight and user reviews. If you prefer self-cleaning robot vacuums, check this list out.
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1. Best Overall: Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Battery life of 60 minutes
- High suction power at 230 air watts
- Captures allergens and particles as small as 0.3 microns
- Adjusts suction power according to the dust captured
- Washable brush bar
Cons
- Expensive
Made for the smart home, the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute knows your floors as well as you do. It automatically increases its suction power based on the dust particles it captures, giving your high-traffic areas a better clean. When tackling tiled floors, use the illuminated cleaner head, fixed with lasers, to reveal hard-to-spot hair, lint and fluff for a thorough cleanup. Carpets enjoy a different treatment with the high torque head, its brush bar delivering an even deeper extraction. There are various attachments, from crevice to hair-screw tools, to make the most of your vacuum in the handheld mode, with reviewers having hoovered their sofas and mattresses successfully. The V15 can see through your chores for an hour, before it needs 4.5 hours to recharge. And don't worry about getting the brush bar dirty; simply run it under the water and reuse.
Bonus: Buy with 0% instalments and pay Dh193.08 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers a two-year warranty. Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for D137 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh194.
2. Best for Picking up Hair: Shark Detect Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Four deep cleaning functions
- Anti-hair wrap technology detangles hair
- Includes a charging dock
- Relatively quieter than others, per reviews
Cons
- Lack of additional attachments
Shark's anti-hair wrap vacuum cleaner comes with a QuadClean multi-surface brush roll that removes large debris, embedded hair, fine dirt and dust. It also traps allergens and irritants safely inside the vacuum, ensuring they aren’t released back into your home. The vacuum cleaner’s Anti Hair Wrap feature removes hair from the brush roll as you clean - something that especially comes in handy if you own pets. Giving you an hour of run time, the appliance has an LED display that gives you real-time feedback on battery status, dirt detection and cleaning modes. Choose from four deep cleaning functions - DirtDetect, which boosts power on hidden dirt, EdgeDetect, which doubles suction on edges, FloorDetect, which adapts to different floor types, and LightDetect, which illuminates dark areas. Reviewers like that the charging dock makes it easy to recharge the vacuum cleaner.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent installments and pay Dh114.55 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: The manufacturer provides a five-year guarantee upon registration with Shark. Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh80 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh113.
3. Best Lightweight Vacuum: Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Lightweight at 4.1kgs - easy to push with motor assist
- Adjusts suction power according to the dust detected
- Maximum run time of 40 minutes
- Plenty of attachments
- Washable filter
Cons
- Takes a long time to charge
Another hoover with a tangle-free brush head, the Shark stick vacuum asks very little of you. Simply get it going on any type of floor and its Flexology wand bends to reach anywhere, even extracting all the dust in carpets with minimal effort on your part. More good news is that this versatile stick vacuum only weighs 4.1kgs! There's no need for special detangling attachments, either; its innovative Anti Hair Wrap technology removes long and short pet hair so you don’t have to. A unique bristle-guard and comb separates and removes hair from the brush-roll as you clean, helping keep it tangle-free. This model can be converted into a cordless handheld vacuum, too. It can last you up to 40 minutes on a single charge. The vacuum cleaner also features Shark’s Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, which captures and traps 99.9 per cent of dust and allergens within the vacuum. A one-touch emptying system makes sure it doesn’t release back into the air. The only downside is that it takes about 3.5 hours to fully recharge, so if you run out of battery mid-clean, you'll have to wait at least an hour to get back any momentum.
Bonus: Buy with 0% instalments and pay Dh70.75 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers a minimum five-year warranty. Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for D52 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh73.
4. Best Capacity: Samsung Jet 60 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Lightweight in the handheld mode
- Charging station mounts the vacuum and doubles as a standalone charger
- Five-step filtration release clean air back
- High-capacity 800ml dust bin
- Handheld attachments for pet hair, crevices and dusting
Cons
- Only runs for 18 minutes with the standard brush
- Spare battery is expensive
Samsung's Jet 60 runs on a digital motor, much like Dyson's stick vacuum. With a sufficient suction power of 150 air watts, the appliance employs a five-step filtration system to trap as much of the micro-dust as possible, releasing clean air. What stands out is its high-capacity dust bin of 800ml, so you're emptying it less often than other machines. Expect multi-surface cleaning with the Jet 60, from hard-to-reach areas under appliances to high cabinets - the lightweight vacuum goes around the house with ease for up to 40 minutes. It only weighs 1.48kgs in its handheld form. You can use the charging dock either as a wall mount or a separate worktop charger, sans the vacuum.
Bonus: Buy with 0% instalments and pay Dh76.67 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers a minimum one-year warranty. Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh57 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh81.
5. Best Budget: Black+Decker Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Attractive, lightweight design
- Detaches into a portable vacuum cleaner
- 46 minutes of run time
- Value for money
Cons
- Some reviewers report back battery issues
Pick up Black+Decker’s stick vacuum cleaner to dust the house on a budget. In an attractive, bold colour and design, the cordless cleaner offers efficient dirt disposal with its four-in-one versatility: you can use it as a stick vacuum or a handheld device, with an extension tube or a floor nozzle. It features a special pet hair brush with rubber fins that ensures better absorption of hair and stubborn dirt. There’s also an LED work light integrated into the turbo brush, to illuminate your path as you clean. You can detach the top of the vacuum cleaner to convert it into a cordless vacuum, and run it over your couch or car seats. The device runs for up to 46 minutes on a single charge, although some reviewers say its battery drains quickly when it's used on maximum power. Most opted for this versatile equipment to clean their cars, pet dander and small apartments.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh20.30 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh41.
6. Best for Deep Cleaning: Hoover Onepwr Blade Max Dual Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Two batteries (included) deliver a runtime of 90 minutes
- Special motorised pet tool
- LED lights for maximum visibility
- Antimicrobial brushes
Cons
- Runs for up to 90 minutes with the floor brush switched off
Hoover's Blade Max Dual stick vacuum tops the maximum runtime with not one but two battery packs included. Give the house a deep clean for up to a whopping 90 minutes by switching out one battery for the other. It has dust tracker LED lights to illuminate dark nooks and crannies, and collects debris in a 600ml dirt cup. Among tools like crevice and upholstery brushes, pet owners get their own mini motorised pet tool to lift stubborn shedding at home or in the car. Reviewers have tackled ceiling fans and curtains with these helpful accessories, too. Plus, the brush bars are treated with antimicrobial protection to prevent bacterial and fungal growth on the bristles.
Bonus: Buy with 0% instalments and pay Dh116.58 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers a minimum one-year warranty. Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh80 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh113.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
