Reading Reviews for Best Rated Vacuum Cleaners in 2013

Before you start looking at and shortlisting the various electric cleaners for both your needs and your budget, it's always a good idea to break down what it is you require from your appliance specifically.

For example, if you are old, or live in a small dwelling, then maybe you can narrow your choices down to the most popular lightweight models only.

The same applies for those looking for the best vacuum for pet hair, or just for the car or caravan in which case you might want to add just lightweight hand held devices to your short list.

Pet owners who have hardwood floors should be looking for those models that are great on wooden floors and excellent at picking up the hairs of malting cats and dogs. So as you can see, good vacuum cleaners have to be 'good' for you, and that is determined by your preferences, your surfaces, and usage.

Finding Best Rated Vacuums on a Budget!

Of course, due to the global economic recession, many folks will also be looking for domestic vacuum cleaners in the 'value for money' category too. Don't worry! The top rated are not always the most expensive models. In fact we often pay for bells and whistles that we don't need or even use on some of today's new-fangled Hoovers. There are so many good choices around at sensible prices which will last for years when looked after well.

Believe it or not, but a lot of folks actually buy their cleaners based on price, cosmetic appearance, and hype without first researching the device for functionality, reliability and sturdiness. There are a lot of women out there trying to keep up with the Jones's even with something as latent as the family Hoover. Consumer reviews and rating systems are there for a reason and that is so we, the paying customer, can separate the good from, the not so good and the downright useless. But hey, if it name and appearance is more important to some than functionality and suction, then so be it - that's a personal choice.

There was a demand in recent years for the robotic rang of vacuums, but these obedient machines seem to have died a death of late and are only really popular with yuppie bachelor types. Maybe most folks have realised that there is a certain amount of satisfaction from cleaning themselves using a manual machine. After all, if the only thing we had to do in life was slump in the armchair while robots whizzed around doing all the household chores, then we'd become nothing more than a hole in the donut, and that's not human!

When reading online reviews for any products, it's crucial to read a good number of evaluations both positive and negative for any product or service. This way you will be able to base your research on your specific requirements and needs. For example, you may find a model that ticks all your boxes but gets negative reviews as a dog vacuum, meaning it's not good at picking up dog hairs. If you don't have pets, then this particular criticism shouldn't have a negative influence on your decision, of course. Let's now take a brief look at a few popular models currently on sale:

The Electrolux EL1000A2 Pronto Bagless Stick Cyclonic Vacuum. If you read the consumer reviews on these models you will see that they are very good cleaners. This is great for use on hard floors and also great on carpets. Reviewers say it's very versatile for cleaning up and down the stairs in your home too, if you have them. This model scored on average 4.5 stars on a ratings system of 5 stars.

Hoover - Ah, the brand that started it all. Well Hoover certainly made its name in domestic floor cleaners so much so that the name is used as a verb. To 'Hoover' means to clean your rugs and carpets with any make or model of vacuum.

Even today, Mum will get out the Dyson to do a spot of hoovering. Today, Hoover is still a brand of vacuum cleaner renown for reliability, suction, and value for money. Perhaps their most popular models at the time of writing are the Hoover H3030 FloorMate SpinScrub 500 Upright Wet/Dry Vacuum and the Hoover S3765-040 Wind Tunnel Electric Bagless Canister Vacuum. Don't forget though, new models are coming out constantly, recommendations here may be a tad out of date.

Miele - Most of you will have heard about this company. Generally speaking, a lot of people would give this brand their 5 star approvals, especially the Miele S514 Solaris Bagged Canister Vacuum, which many love because it's easy to move around thanks to its light weight. It also has a very user friendly design, looks good, and of course, not forgetting that all important factor in that its durable and cleans surfaces effortlessly.

The reason why 'real' consumer reviews are so valuable is because we get to cut through the sales hype and hear from those who have actually used and purchased the models, as opposed to those who just want to sell them.

But even the top rated brands and models will still have some negative reviews from a few disgruntled customers. It's basically a numbers game. If you can find a vacuum cleaner that suites your needs and budget and has more good reviews then bad, then you have found a model that at the very least needs to be added to your short list.

Good Luck and try not to get overwhelmed :)

Floors for Folks says: We all know that the top models in domestic vacuum cleaners are not cheap, and obviously everyone is looking for the most agreeable price for their budget. Having said that, try to remember that a high price doesn't necessarily mean you're going to get the best of the best. Forget the cosmetics and space age appearance, the best models are likely to be those that suck up the dirt and get into all the nooks and crannies on the types of surfaces found in your home. Ease of use, and storage capability are also important factors.

Our Top Tip: There are certain online stores that sell anything from camels to carpets, from dinky toys to private jets, and these places are just perfect for getting consumer reviews for all kinds of products, including the latest in vacuum cleaner technology. Just browse the items you're looking then read what previous buyers have said about them. Reviewing high street products really is as simple as that.

Best Selling UK Brands

After so many years at the top, it looks as though the innovative Dyson is going to remain as the best selling brand in the UK and the USA for 2013-13. Close on its heels is that timeless Henry Numatic, the cleaner with a friendly face.

Great as Wedding Gifts Okay, so it might not be the most romantic or memorable of wedding presents, but everyone needs a good vacuum cleaner right, and this makes it a very practical and much welcomed offering to any young couple. Most newlyweds, and particularly the bride, seem to love the Dyson DC04, but if in doubt, best to ask first.

Best Rated Hand helds

Handheld vacuums are great tools for any home. They’re lightweight, easy to store, and help to keep the home and furniture clean and tidy in between the main weekly clean. They can also be great at getting into those nooks and crannies that the heavyweights just can't access. If you're looking for a great little addition to your cleaning arsenal, then consider these points prior to purchase: the re-charge time, charged indictor light, its weight (the lighter the better), any additional attachments, and the guarantee.