ruth901
Starting from just 70 eurosStrong as hell! How cheap cordless vacuum cleaners dust off in the RTL test
Finally happy wirelessly?
Newer cordless vacuum cleaners can keep up well with corded vacuum cleaners – this even applies to inexpensive models, as our test shows. Allergy sufferers should pay attention to special filters when using cordless devices. With good devices, the air is cleaner than before vacuuming.
Advantages of cordless vacuum cleaners
Modern cordless vacuum cleaners are more energy efficient compared to their corded brothers. Of course, they are handier, more maneuverable and less complicated to use anyway. But the most important question often remains: Can they absorb dirt and dust well? We learn from Albrecht Liskowsy, head of the floor care and air purification department at the SLG testing institute: Corresponding devices have an active, rotating nozzle and roller. “That is the key to the success of cordless vacuum cleaners,” says Liskowsky. Therefore, they could provide the same cleaning performance with only half the suction power of a corded vacuum cleaner.
Reading tip: Stiftung Warentest tests cable and cordless vacuum cleaners
These are the cordless vacuum cleaners from our test
For our cordless vacuum cleaner test (you can find it in the video below) we tested four rather inexpensive devices. We wanted to find out whether they do their job as well as the expensive vacuum cleaners. We tested:
When making our selection, we based our selection on user reviews. The vacuum cleaner (Akitas), for example, has over 18,000 reviews on Amazon. In general: The prices given represent snapshots and can fluctuate greatly.
Recommendations from our partners
How did we test the cordless vacuum cleaners?
In order to be able to assess the suction power, we send the two testers against each other twice through a prepared course. First with the two cheapest vacuum cleaners from Akitas and Stanew, then the Hoover and AEG work against each other. The vacuum cleaners have to cope with:
Using special equipment, vacuum cleaner expert Torsten Hell then tests the suction power, volume and battery performance.
Akitas V8 3 in 1 cordless vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter
At 2.5 kilograms, our tester found the Akita to be “relatively light” and was surprised by how quickly and easily it vacuumed the course. He creates confetti, animal hair and sand to the satisfaction of the test expert. It doesn't get under the sofa as easily as the comparison device from Stanew.
The device boasts a filter that is anything but normal in this price range: a HEPA filter cleans the air of allergens. In order for this to work properly, further technical requirements must be met, as you will find out further in the article.
Stanew 4in1 cordless vacuum cleaner
The second cheap vacuum cleaner, the red Stanew, is a bit of the star in our test. He is comparatively faster on the course (40 seconds) and, according to expert Torsten Hell, “does a better job in the corners”. Overall, it shows the best suction performance of all the vacuum cleaners in our test. “I'm totally happy,” was our tester's verdict – super handy, light and neat and thorough cleaning.
Reading tip: These three vacuum cleaners can handle pet hair
Hoover H-free 100 Pets cordless vacuum cleaner
In a direct comparison with the AEG vacuum cleaner, the Hoover device came out on top as a vacuum cleaner in the test. This is due, among other things, to the larger dust container volume (900 ml compared to 500 ml). In the test, it vacuumed confetti and sand from the PVC floor without any problems. He also manages the animal hair in the softer carpet. The dust container is attached to the top of the handle. That's why the Hoover fits well under furniture, as it shows in the test.
AEG Ergorapido cordless vacuum cleaner with filter
The AEG Ergorapido also does a good job on the test course. In a direct comparison, the testers would choose the cheaper models, but: The most expensive cordless vacuum cleaner in our test also has a small, removable handheld vacuum cleaner in its luggage. It can simply be released at the front of the device. There is also another electric suction brush for the smaller hand part. You can use this to remove animal hair, mites and house dust from upholstery or in the car. According to the manufacturer, this makes it ideal for allergy sufferers.
We asked Albrecht Liskowsky from the SLG testing institute when vacuum cleaners with special allergy filters do an optimal job. He checks vacuum cleaners from all over Europe using special testing procedures. Manufacturers often approach him before the market launch to have their product checked for allergy suitability.
In the video: Suction course under expert supervision
What helps against allergies when cleaning the house?
House dust mites, animal hair, pollen – for allergy sufferers, using a vacuum cleaner is often associated with unpleasant consequences such as itchy eyes, asthma or a stuffy nose. You should come into contact with the respective allergens as little as possible anyway. So can an appropriate allergy filter be the solution? Not necessarily, because “the filter can only be as good as the vacuum cleaner,” explains Albrecht Liskowsky from the SLG testing institute.
“A HEPA filter is not a guarantee”
The filter alone is not a quality feature. Because a poorly installed filter that causes the vacuum cleaner to leak “can ruin the entire result,” explains Liskowsky. That's why a HEPA filter is no guarantee that the vacuum cleaner is suitable for allergy sufferers. A poorly fitting filter uses less energy and therefore allows the device to have greater suction power. However, a good device has a strong motor, a good battery and “can still afford a good filter,” says Albrecht Liskowsky.
Good vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters
Good or very well tested devices with good “dust retention capacity” are available in different price ranges. AEG, Samsung, Levoit and Rowenta, for example, have had their vacuum cleaners checked for allergy filters. In some cases, the devices perform so well in the test that they can even keep up with air purification devices. In these cases, the air is “cleaner than it was before,” says Liskowsky.
All cordless vacuum cleaners have proven in the test that they can do something on the floor. If you don't have a problem with allergies, you can also vacuum well with cheaper models. And for allergy sufferers: It is better to switch to a tested filter model.
*We use affiliate links in this post. If you purchase a product via these links, we receive a commission from the provider. There are no additional costs for you. Where and when you buy a product is of course up to you.
