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Which vacuum cleaner should you choose?

Bram8 MARCH 2026
A living room scene with a beige sofa, patterned rug, and white robot vacuum on a light floor.

A vacuum cleaner is essential for a clean home and car. Choosing the right model is key to effectively picking up dirt and dust from every corner of your home. In this article, we discuss the main considerations to help you find the vacuum cleaner that suits you and your environment.

What types of vacuum cleaners are there?

There are various types of vacuum cleaners available, each designed for specific needs and environments. From traditional cylinder vacuum cleaners and practical cordless stick vacuums to powerful bagged or bagless models, and robot vacuum cleaners that work independently; the choice is extensive. For those with specific needs, such as allergy sufferers or pet owners, there are vacuum cleaners with special household accessories, such as advanced filters and dedicated attachments. Below, we list the different models one by one.

A living room features a grey vacuum cleaner, a yellow couch, and a patterned rug. A black bicycle stands in the background.

Cylinder vacuum cleaners

A cylinder vacuum cleaner is a traditional type of vacuum where the motor and dust container are housed in a separate wheeled unit. This unit is connected via a flexible hose to a wand and floor head. Thanks to its design, the cylinder vacuum is flexible and versatile, suitable for vacuuming various surfaces such as carpets, hard floors and furniture. They are known for strong suction power and a large capacity, making them suitable for thorough cleaning jobs.

A beige sofa is tilted, and a blue vacuum cleaner is on the carpet in a bright room. Curtains and a plant are visible.

Cordless stick vacuum cleaners

A cordless stick vacuum cleaner is a compact, convenient type of vacuum, where the motor, dust container and floor head are integrated into a single, straight structure. This makes them lightweight and easy to handle. The best stick vacuums, such as the Samsung Jet series, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine with mopping function, and the Miele DuoFlex HX1 vacuum cleaner, offer advanced technologies and powerful suction performance, combined with the convenience of a cordless design. These models are known for their efficiency, ease of use and versatility, which makes them a popular choice in modern households.

A dark green Miele vacuum cleaner with a grey hose sits on a light wood floor, its black cord trailing behind it.

Bagged vacuum cleaners

A bagged vacuum cleaner is a traditional model where the collected dirt ends up in a vacuum bag inside the appliance. You need to replace these bags regularly once they are full. Although the use of disposable bags can lead to more waste – making them less sustainable than bagless models – they often offer a better filtration system. Some Miele bagged vacuum cleaners, known for their durability and efficient filtration, are also equipped with odour-control technology, helping keep things smelling fresh during and after vacuuming.

A blue vacuum cleaner stands on a wood floor with a black hose. The clear plastic dust cup is being removed.

Bagless vacuum cleaners

A bagless vacuum cleaner is a modern type of vacuum where you don’t need to replace vacuum bags. Instead, dust and dirt collect directly in a dust container that you can easily empty. This means you no longer have to buy or change bags, saving both time and money. What’s more, the dust container is usually transparent, so you can clearly see when it’s time to empty it. If you’re looking for the best bagless vacuum cleaner, a Miele bagless model is an excellent choice. They are known for their durability and powerful performance.

De beste stofzuigers zonder zak
A beige dog lies on a wood floor near a black robot vacuum. Behind, a grey sofa and brown tables are visible on a white rug.

Robot vacuum cleaners

A robot vacuum cleaner is a smart, autonomous device that takes vacuuming off your hands. Thanks to advanced technologies such as sensors and programming options, the robot vacuum navigates around your home on its own to clean floors. It’s designed to work efficiently and independently, freeing up your time to relax or do other things; you can quite literally vacuum and chill at the same time. One of the key factors of a robot vacuum cleaner is its suction power. Despite their compact size, these vacuums are powerful enough to pick up dirt, dust and even pet hair effectively.

Open car trunk with black interior; hand vacuuming leaves and debris with a red and gray handheld vacuum.

Handheld vacuum cleaners

A handheld vacuum cleaner is a compact, portable device suitable for quick, small cleaning tasks. This type of vacuum is lightweight and designed to be operated with one hand – ideal for cleaning furniture, car interiors, stairs, and other hard-to-reach places. Despite its small size, a handheld vacuum is powerful and effectively picks up dirt, dust and even pet hair.

A carpet cleaner is being used on a light carpet. The machine is black and clear, with water inside. In the background is a sofa.

Wet & dry vacuum cleaners

A all-purpose vacuum cleaner (also known as a wet-and-dry vac) is a versatile cleaning appliance that can pick up both liquids and dry dirt. This type of vacuum is suitable for both domestic and commercial environments, as it’s robust and powerful enough to deal with all kinds of dirt and spills. Kärcher is known for its high-quality wet & dry vacuum cleaners. Kärcher vacuums are specially designed with features such as removable tanks for easy emptying and cleaning. They’re also versatile in use, from picking up sawdust in a workshop to removing water after flooding.

Which vacuum cleaner suits your floor?

A white steam mop with a teal handle is cleaning a light brown wood floor, emitting steam in a bright room.

Which vacuum cleaner suits your floor?

When choosing the right vacuum cleaner for your floor, it’s important to look at the type of flooring in your home and the specific needs that come with it. Different floors require different cleaning methods and appliances to keep them in the best condition. Below is a short overview:

  • For hard floors such as tiles or hardwood, a steam cleaner is very suitable. Steam cleaners use hot steam to loosen and remove dirt, making them a hygienic option that deep-cleans without chemicals.
  • If you have a lot of carpet, consider a carpet cleaner. These appliances are specifically designed to penetrate deep into the carpet fibres and remove stubborn dirt and stains. Brands such as Bissell offer powerful carpet cleaners.
  • For households that need both dry and wet cleaning, a wet & dry vacuum cleaner is a good choice. These versatile appliances can handle both liquids and dry dirt, making them ideal for kitchens or garages.
  • For environmentally conscious buyers, Rowenta offers sustainable vacuum cleaners. Almost all Rowenta vacuum cleaners feature the Betterway logo, meaning they are energy-efficient and built using eco-friendly materials.

Read more about how steam cleaners work
A hand holds a white vacuum bag labeled "Hygiene +" over an open, gray trash can with a stainless steel lid against a gray background.

Consider allergies when choosing a vacuum cleaner

A good vacuum cleaner can help reduce allergens such as dust mites, pollen and pet hair, which are often the cause of allergic reactions. For example, choose a Bosch vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. This type of filter captures even the smallest particles – up to 99.97% of all dust particles of 0.3 microns and larger – which helps improve the air quality in your home. These filters are designed for households where allergies are a concern, as they help blow cleaner air back into the room.

In addition, regular maintenance of your vacuum cleaner is essential. Make sure you clean or replace the filters, container or bags regularly, depending on the model and usage, to maintain efficiency and air quality. There are even Dyson vacuum cleaners equipped with a special technology where you never need to wash or replace the filters.

Discover our range of Dyson vacuum cleaners

Do you have pets? Then consider a special vacuum for pet hair

Close-up of a white, honeycomb-patterned filter inside a black Miele Boost CX1 Cat & Dog vacuum cleaner compartment.

If you have pets, consider a vacuum cleaner specifically designed for pet hair, especially because of the dedicated attachments. These nozzles are developed to collect pet hair efficiently from all kinds of surfaces. They often feature rubber brushes or motorised heads that can reach deeper into carpets and fabrics, which is essential for loosening and vacuuming hairs that are tangled in the fibres. These specific tools are a game-changer for keeping your home clean and make it much easier to enjoy a clean and hygienic household.

A person cleans a beige and red shag rug with a black and gray carpet cleaner. A white ottoman is in the background.

When comparing vacuum cleaners, also pay attention to noise level

When comparing vacuum cleaners, noise level is an important factor to keep an eye on. A frequently asked question is: ‘How much noise does my vacuum cleaner make?’ Vacuum cleaners vary in how much noise they produce, usually measured in decibels (dB). A model that produces less than 70 dB is relatively quiet. This is especially important in households where noise disturbance is a concern, such as flats or homes with young children. A quieter vacuum improves comfort while cleaning and reduces disturbance for both the user and others at home.

Find your new vacuum cleaner at MediaMarkt

When choosing the right vacuum cleaner, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, such as floor type and whether you have pets. Visit your trusted MediaMarkt store for personal advice and a wide range of vacuum cleaners that meet your cleaning requirements.

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