As I mentioned above, in order to engage the wet mopping function on a Crosswave, you need to keep your finger on a trigger. And if you just want a decent vacuum that can suck up wet and dry messes and also occasionally work as a mop, or if you prefer to do a vacuum-only pass before mopping, this might not be an issue. But if you want something that will continuously mop and vacuum, you may find the trigger annoying.
The best uprights have extra-strong suction and swappable brush heads (a motorized cleaner to agitate and lift dirt and debris from deep within carpets, and a soft parquet brush for delicate hardwood flooring). They feature useful irobot vacuum cleaner hose attachment tools for cleaning stairs, sofas, bookshelves, and tight corners. Plug-in upright vacuums are powerful, versatile, reliable, and capable of cleaning every inch of your home—from thick rugs to hardwood floors.
The Fluffy head swallowed everything we presented it with, aside from a large mound of Cheerios (which it choked on) and a huge cockroach (which got stuck in the brush housing). Getting back to the price component of value, while the Stratos Cordless is expensive, competing models by Dyson, Samsung, and others are at the same price point if not higher. When comparing the Stratos Cordless to the Vertex, what’s interesting is that despite their very similar weight and size, Shark is able to deliver so much more performance with this new model. In comparison, the Stratos Cordless had more airflow at both the base and the head. It also had significantly more suction power at the base as well as a higher score with the unsealed suction test at the head.
Check how long the battery will last between charges, and whether the battery is swappable, so you can simply replace it and carry on vacuuming, rather than the floor cleaner being out of action completely while it recharges. Stick and handheld vacuums are much better for smaller, quicker jobs, and they also have better maneuverability to reach areas that upright vacuums can’t, says White. However, their small size means you’ll likely have to empty their dustbins often, and their suction won’t be quite as strong. Upright vacuums are always best for deep cleaning or thicker carpets since they usually have ultra-strong suction and larger dust caps, White says. Because of their large size, though, they’re not ideal for upholstery or small, harder-to-reach areas.
On the downside, the cords can get tangled, and they tend to be heavier, bulkier devices. I’ve included my full review of my new top pick below, along with a recommendation for a much more budget-friendly alternative. To read more about how I tested mop vacs, how they work, and which models didn’t make the shortlist (I’ve now tested 12), keep reading. The first time I put on my reviewer hat to officially determine which vacuum-mop combo was the best mop vac money could buy, I tested nine models to see if anything would compare to the Tineco I was already using at home. We’ve already mentioned its versatility in terms of its Lift-Away mode.
While price is greatly determined by the type of vacuum you buy, you can find Shark vacuums we love for $75 to $400, with most models costing around $180. Considering you can usually find these powerhouses on sale, Shark’s vacuums are a great find and highly competitive with options from other well-known brands, including Dyson. BISSELL vacuums are generally cheaper than comparable Shark models, though that lower price tag is often reflected in irobot vacuum cleaner inferior build quality, debris pickup performance, and air filtration performance. Pet parents will particularly love its Pet PowerMate attachment, which is built specifically to lift pet hair from fabrics while preventing it from tangling up its brushes. There’s also a telescoping wand if you need to need a bit of help getting to those hard-to-reach locations. Best of all, it’s relatively affordable, as it’s regularly on sale for under $300.
When we tested out this vacuum, we loved that it was able to be set up in seconds, with each part clicking into place. You just need to add in the cleaner and pad (both of which are included), and then you’re good to go. The vacuum glides smoothly (and quietly!) bissell crosswave cordless across the floor, thanks to its lightweight design, and the powerful suction gets both hair and dirt easily. Additionally, the cleaning spray has a lovely fresh scent, and the vacuum features LED headlights to help you see all areas clearly as you go.