How we test vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home – the exact methodology we follow to test their cleaning power, specs and extra features
And why we ALWAYS test in real homes
Always wondered how we test vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home? Well, as the team’s Certified Expert in Vacuums and resident floorcare expert, I’ve got you covered.
Personally, I’ve spent over 400 hours testing vacuums in my home - and that doesn’t include the countless hours my dedicated team of reviewers has spent testing vacuums from big brands such as Shark, Dyson, Hoover, Henry, and more. My top-rated models are then compiled in my best vacuums guide.
I’ve also created dedicated guides for the best cordless vacuums and even the best robot vacuums. And every single one of them has gone through a dedicated two-week (and often longer) testing process to stake its claim in these guides, so I can be sure I’m only recommending vacuums that are worth the investment.
Our testing philosophy
At Ideal Home, we take how we test products extremely seriously and appreciate that the vacuum cleaner market can be overwhelming. From different brands to varying price points, many people base their decision on price alone.
But as an Expert Vacuum Tester, my job is to review vacuums based on a multitude of factors, including performance, price and more. After all, I want you to buy a vacuum that ticks all of your boxes.
That’s why the Ideal Home team and I test vacuum cleaners multiple times throughout the two-week review process, using them to clean our houses as everyday customers and conducting dedicated tests to assess specific features.
Throughout the entire process, each vacuum cleaner is benchmarked against certain criteria. This includes:
- Performance: Does the vacuum cleaner successfully remove dry debris on both hard flooring and carpets?
- Ease of use: Is it corded or cordless? How many cleaning modes does it have? Is the suction power consistent throughout? What’s the battery like?
- Care and maintenance: How hard is it to clean, what is the battery charging situation, and how easy is it to store?
- Comparisons: Is there another vacuum with similar specs at a lower price point that you could also consider?
- Price: Is it a worthy investment, or are you paying extra for a big-name brand without the specs to back it up?
Our testing criteria in detail
If you read on, you can take a closer look at the real-time assessment we make on each vacuum cleaner that lands on our doorsteps.
Unboxing and setting up
Before we start using the vacuum cleaners we test in our homes, we assess the packaging and set-up process. We assess:
- How heavy is the box, and can one person carry it by themselves with ease?
- Is the vacuum well packaged, and is the packaging recyclable and easy to dispose of?
- What is included in the box, and how quickly does it take to assemble? Are the instructions needed or helpful?
- Does the vacuum cleaner feel robust and well-made? Is it heavy to manoeuvre?
- What is our overall first impression of the vacuum? (This is a personal assessment, but one we feel confident making after testing so many vacuum cleaners and being able to compare designs/weight/setup)
Debris pickup
A highly rated vacuum cleaner picks up all kinds of debris from your floors. Because of this, we start each vacuum cleaner testing session by testing its pickup power. We conduct these tests on both hard flooring and carpets, and use a variety of different-sized debris, including:
- Flour (or a similar fine powder)
- Rice (or a similar medium-sized debris)
- Crushed cereal (or a similar large debris)
- Coffee grounds (when the vacuum claims odour-busting properties)
- Pet hair (when it's a pet vacuum cleaner)
Each of these tests allows us to see how the vacuum stacks up against the manufacturer's claims, such as anti-hair-wrap designs and the ability to handle large amounts of debris with consistent, reliable suction power.
After all, a high-quality vacuum with impressive suction power and a floorhead should be able to pick up all kinds of debris in one or two passes. If it takes more than that, or simply pushes the debris around, it’ll be marked down.
General performance
After performing the specific debris tests, all of our vacuum reviewers use the test model as their main vacuum cleaner at home for the next two weeks. They use it during everyday scenarios to mimic the average customer usage.
There are a few specific features and specs we’re looking out for. These include:
- Ease of use: How much does the vacuum weigh, is it easy to vacuum different areas of the house, and how easily does it vacuum both flat surfaces and stairs?
- Visible differences: Do the floors look visibly cleaner after using it, and can you see a visible change in debris buildup in the dust chamber?
- Different modes: Do the different cleaning modes (if applicable) make a big difference to the cleaning results, and how does this affect the run time?
- Run time: If the vacuum cleaner is cordless, does the advertised run time match the real-life run time? How long does it take to charge?
- Cord length: If the vacuum cleaner is corded, how long is the power cord and what is the overall reach of the vacuum?
- Noise: How many decibels (dB) is the vacuum cleaner when in use?
- Storage: Can the vacuum cleaner stand on its own? Does it come with a charging dock? Is it easy or difficult to store when not in use?
- Extra features: Does the vacuum advertise anti-odour technology, anti-allergenic filters or anti-hair wrap features? If so, are they noticeable?
The attachments
Next, we look at the attachments provided with the vacuum (if provided). We not only look at the range of attachments included with the vacuum cleaner, but also how easy they are to interchange and store. In addition, we determine how necessary the attachments are, and how often the average household would use them.
We use every single attachment to test its effectiveness, and also use specific attachments for certain scored tests.
Cleaning and maintenance
When we test the best vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home, we also pay special attention to emptying, cleaning and maintaining the vacuum. The main features we assess are:
Ease of emptying: For bagless models, we assess whether it can be done one-handed and whether it's messy or not (after all, nobody wants a cloud of dust hitting them in the face), and for bagged models we assess how long it takes for the bag to fill up and how much they cost to replace.
Size of the dustbin: This allows for effective comparison between models, to see whether you will need to empty it more/less than the average vacuum cleaner.
Filter cleaning: We assess how often the filter/s need to be cleaned or replaced, and how easy this is to do.
Value for money
Vacuum cleaners come in at so many different price points, and it can be hard to know whether a cheaper vacuum will do the job properly, or if you’re overpaying for a more expensive vacuum. To help you spend your money wisely, we also assess the following:
- Does the build quality and performance of the vacuum cleaner match its full price?
- How does it compare to models with similar features from the same brand or another?
- Are you paying more for the brand name?
- Can you use the vacuum cleaner to clean all of your floors, or will you still need to purchase a secondary model for areas it misses?
How we test vacuum mops
The best vacuum mops are a new addition to the vacuum world, and are growing hugely in popularity. Often called hard floor cleaners, they offer wet and dry cleaning solely on hard floors - although some models can dry vacuum area rugs.
To test these models, myself and the Ideal Home team reviewers use it for two weeks on the hard flooring in our homes, using it for everyday cleaning and for specific debris tests. This includes throwing tomato sauce, cereal and milk on the floor.
We also assess the size of the clean and dirty water tanks, how manrouvrable they are, their run time, and how easy they are to clean. After all, vacuum mops can be messy, and we want them to be as fuss-free as possible.
How we come to our star rating
After our thorough testing process, every vacuum cleaner reviewed by Ideal Home will then be awarded a star rating out of 5. This offers a quick-look rating for the time-poor and is shown with our Ideal Home Approved badges.
A vacuum cleaner that offers impressive all-round cleaning, is robust and well-built, and is easy to move, maintain and store. It's also worth the price tag, and is very difficult (or outright impossible) to criticise.
A well-rounded vacuum cleaner that ticks almost all of the boxes the average customer would need, but there are a few kinks that could limit its use or overall cleaning results. It may also be let down by the high price tag.
A vacuum cleaner we still recommend, but it has some major drawbacks that could put some people off. All of these negative points will be outlined and assessed in the full review, so you can make your own decision.
Our expert testing panel
Lauren is our Certified Expert in Vacuums and our expert for all things floorcare. She's spent over 400 hours testing dozens of vacuums, and as a dog mum, she is especially skilled at putting each through a rigorous test to see how well it tackles pet hair.
Katie is a regular freelance reviewer for Ideal Home, and has put dozens of products through their paces. She is one of our go-to reviewers for vacuum cleaners and loves putting them to the test in her home in Leeds.
Rebecca is another one of our go-tos for household appliance reviews, and she can regularly be found testing floorcare in her busy family home. Fun fact: Katie and Rebecca are sisters, so impressive vacuum reviewing skills must run in the family!