Five best cordless vacuum cleaners

Updated

If normal vacuum cleaners are too heavy, a cordless model could be the answer. They don't come cheap - particularly if you want power and performance - so it's worth thinking carefully before you part with your cash. Here are five of the best cordless vacuum cleaners.

See also: Five best washing machines on the market

See also: Five best vacuum cleaners on the market

1. Bosch BCH625KTGB Athlet Upright Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (£213.18)

If you're looking for a cordless vacuum cleaner with a long battery life, the Bosch Athlet is a good contender. Unlike some other models, the power lasts long enough to clean a moderate-sized house, and on its lowest power setting it should go for at least an hour.

When it comes to cleaning performance, Bosch does a reasonable job for the money - though it doesn't get right up to the edges (a common complaint with cordless models). Having said that, it scores points for being light and easy to use.

2. Vax Air Cordless Lift U85-ACLG-B (£129)

The Vax Air Cordless Lift features a cylinder element that can be removed and carried around like a handheld - handy for doing stairs, curtains, and the car. The cylinder part weighs just over 3kg so is lightweight enough for most people to carry around the house.

It has removable batteries which give around 50 minutes of cleaning time. For areas that need a good going-over, you can use the 'boost' mode, but this will drain the battery life.

3. GTech Air Ram MK2 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (£199)

Unlike most other models, the Gtech AirRam features a suction fan and a powerful brush bar to pull dirt in, but there's no actual vacuum. It still does a good job of cleaning though, and its low-profile feature makes it handy for cleaning under furniture.

It scores points for being lightweight and easy to empty (it pushes the dust and dirt into small bales), but doesn't excel on battery time. It lasts for 40 minutes - but that should be enough for most people to do the whole house.

Because it's a fixed upright without any other tools, cleaning the stairs can be tricky. Like many models, it also struggles along edges and doesn't get into the corners too well.

4. Dyson V6 (£219.74)

On a budget but still want a Dyson? The V6 is the cheapest model in Dyson's range. It boasts the same powerful motor as other models, so scores well on suction, but it isn't kitted out with as many tools. Having said that, its turbobrush head does a good job on all surfaces.

The lightweight upright and handheld in one comes with a 0.4-litre dust bin and powered brushbar head, and runs for 20 minutes using a trigger system.

5. The Dyson V8 Absolute (£429.99)

If you have more to spend, the Dyson V8 Absolute won't disappoint. The generous 0.54-litre capacity cordless stick vacuum cleaner has a 40 minutes battery life and weighs just 2.61kg.

Dyson's new V8 digital motor is hard to beat, delivering impressive suction power that out performs some mains-power vacuums.

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