Is there really a vacuum cleaner that’s specifically designed for people living in an apartment? Not really. Though, if you think about it, you don’t need a large expensive vacuum if you’re only cleaning a small to medium sized apartment. Besides, if you live in an apartment, you probably won’t have the same storage facilities as someone living in a large home.
So you can save money by buying a smaller, compact vacuum and it’s going to be more convenient to store. Saving money on a vacuum can be a double edged sword.You will usually be paying less for a smaller vacuum cleaner, that should be obvious. But you don’t want to spend money on something that’s of inferior quality or won’t do what you need it to.
There are hundreds of vacuum cleaners on the market, with prices ranging from ridiculously cheap to outrageously expensive. Features differ immensely and there’s some that will be important to you, while others may not. You need to decide which of these features are important to you and how much you’re prepared to pay for a vacuum that’s going to meet your needs. When considering the pros and cons of compact vacuum cleaners, here are some of the factors you’ll be looking at.
| Size Matters - You want something that’s compact enough to store when you have limited space. At the same time, you may not want to go too small and end up emptying the machine all the time or buy a vacuum that doesn’t have sufficient power to clean as you’d like it to. So you’ll want to look at the physical size of the vacuum in terms of practical storage, its bag or dust cup capacity and the suction power of the machine. Stick vacuums and canister vacuums are very popular with apartment dwellers because they’re usually more compact than most upright machines. Handheld vacuums can also be a good option for some, though most handheld vacuums don’t have a large capacity for holding dirt – so they need to be emptied more frequently. |
| Floor type - Cleaning wooden floors or tiles is a different ball game to cleaning carpets and thick plush carpets are in a whole other league. Not all apartments have uniform flooring. So you might want a vacuum that adapts to both hard floors and carpets. |
| Attachments - Attachments form an important part of any vacuum cleaner. Do you need extra reach for high ceilings? In which case you’ll want to check the length of the wand. Attachments are also important for cleaning upholstery, curtains and reaching into tight corners with a decent crevice tool. |
| Do you have pets? - Pets living in an apartment will usually require that you have to clean up after them more than in a house with a garden. Your pets could, very likely, be spending most of their time indoors and will, therefore, be leaving much more pet hair around the apartment. Some vacuum cleaners are better for pet owners than others. So you’ll want to look at this too. |
| Weight - This is really a personal choice, whether you live in an apartment or not. Some people might find it difficult to carry a heavy vacuum. There are a number of vacuum cleaners that are designed to be lightweight machines and, for many, this can be an advantage. |
| Allergies - Allergies are not unique to apartment living either. Though, with the majority of apartments being situated in densely populated urban areas, air pollution can be a bigger problem. Air filtration systems differ vastly. A vacuum with HEPA filters will remove more than 99.97% of particles from the air, making them the best vacuums for people with allergies. |
Best Apartment Vacuums That Get the Job Done
With all of this in mind, we’ve selected the 10 best vacuums for apartment living. All of these appliances have been well received by thousands of satisfied customers. They differ in price and features. What they all have in common, is that people love them. Not just any people, but those who live in apartments have singled these vacuums out as being the best for this environment. Read through this review of the 10 best vacuums for apartment living and you’re guaranteed to find the right vacuum for you.
1. Bissell 3 in 1 Lightweight Stick Hand Vacuum Cleaner
The new Bissel 3 in 1 stick vacuum brings a great deal of versatility to the table. Before we go into the technical details, the price deserves a mention. The Bissel 3 in 1 Stick Hand vacuum cleaner is just about as cheap as it gets. By cheap, I don’t mean nasty – it has received rave reviews across the board. The only common complaint about this little vacuum is that it doesn’t have a very long cord (15 FT). Otherwise, this combination stick/hand vacuum is a clear case of dynamite coming in small packages.
Yes, the Bissel 3 in 1 is incredibly compact, measuring only 43.5” X 5” X 9.5”. It’s also one of lightest vacuums you’ll find, weighing a mere 4 LBS. Designed for effortless operation, the handle detaches with a quick release mechanism and the Bissel 3 in 1 instantly converts to a handheld vacuum.
When using it as a stick vacuum, the Bissel 3 in 1 is really easy to maneuver and the handle can lay down into a position that’s almost completely flat, making it really easy to reach under furniture. It’s bagless and the filters are easy to clean, so long-term costs of owning the Bissel 3 in 1 are virtually non-existent.
It doesn’t have a roller brush for carpets but the suction is excellent, so it works fantastically on both hard floors and carpet. It won’t scratch wooden floors either. The Bissel 3 in 1 doesn’t have any specialized pet attachments but, again, the superior suction power of this little beast makes up for that in most respects – it doesn’t have a problem sucking up pet hairs.
I don’t have the exact specs for the dust collection cup size, but can tell just by looking at it, that it doesn’t have a really large volume. Though fairly small, the dust cup on the Bissel 3 in 1 is bigger than many other compact handheld vacuums.
For unbeatable value for money, the mighty little Bissel 3 in 1 Stick Hand vacuum is a wonderful machine. You get the basics, no frills or extras, but it has the suction power to compete with much larger machines. It’s light, compact and stores away effortlessly in a tight space.
2. Shark HV382 Vacuum
Some might argue that it’s not worth paying extra for the Shark HV382 stick vacuum. Remember that the Shark brand is worth something all of its own. What’s in a name, you may ask. I’d say quite a lot. A brand like Shark invests a lot of money in their reputation. This means that they always ensure that their products are of the highest quality. In addition to this, they aim to provide excellent customer service and backup. When it comes to research and product development, premier brands always invest big time so that they can stay one step ahead.
So when you buy the Shark HV382 vacuum, you’re assured of the highest quality standards, as well as the backup and service of a trusted brand that has been and will remain around for a long time. You also get some of the best technology that can be found in a cutting-edge vacuum cleaner. So, let’s take a look at what the Shark HV382 offers you for your money.
Not only is this a great looking vacuum cleaner, but it’s wonderfully practical and packed with amazing features. Like the (much cheaper) Bissel 3 in 1, the Shark HV382 is a stick vacuum that converts into a hand vacuum. I’m sure that most of you will agree that the way the guys at Shark have thought of every practicality when it comes to storing the accessories, is pure genius. The crevice tool, dusting attachment and upholstery tool clip into the upright handle, making for super quick and very easy to change attachments.
When looking at the attachments, the Shark has it all. Apart from those already mentioned, the Shark HV382 also has a pet hair attachment. It also has a hard bristle brush for deep cleaning carpets and a soft brush that will clean and polish hardwood floors without scratching. The Shark HV382 is a perfect vacuum cleaner for every job and it comes in a neat, practical and very lightweight package. It weighs only 9.9 LBS and a 30 FT cord gives you plenty of reach. With the two interchangeable roller brushes and incredible suction power, the Shark HV 382 handles large piles of heavy debris as easily as it does fine dust and tough dirt.
For a lightweight vacuum that stores away very easily, the Shark HV382 has a very impressive dust cup capacity (0.91quarts). LED lights on the brush roller head are also a nice extra, especially when cleaning under furniture. The foam filters that come with the vacuum are easily washable and there’s no bag to replace, so owning the Shark HV382 is very economical in the long run. Shark also offers an incredible range of optional accessories for every situation and improved filter kits to offer the cleanest air quality of any vacuum cleaner.
If all of this hasn’t convinced you that the Shark HV382 is worth its weight in gold, I don’t know what will. I get that not everyone wants to spend this much on a vacuum. For those who see the value in this extraordinary machine, it’s a fantastic investment.
3. Dyson V8 Absolute Vacuum
This is another vacuum cleaner from a premium brand, with a price to match. If you thought the Shark HV382 was expensive, then the Dyson V8 Absolute might leave you feeling a little weak at the knees. Again, just the value of the brand is worth paying extra for and many believe that Dyson is the top name when it comes to state of the art vacuum cleaners. There’s another reason why the Dyson V8 Absolute has a higher price tag. This is a cordless stick vacuum and battery-powered equipment is always more expensive, regardless of the brand.
The two tier radial cyclonic design used in most Dyson vacuums is one of their best features and the V8 Absolute is no exception. It makes for excellent dust extraction and gives you exceptional suction with a low energy consumption. When this remarkable design is coupled to an ultra-efficient electric motor, you get the best cleaning for the lowest energy input. This is most beneficial when using a battery vacuum – you want to get the most working time from your battery. In this regard, the Dyson V8 Absolute is remarkable. You can get up to 40 minutes working time from the battery. This is with motorized roller switched off. If you’re using the motorized roller, you can only expect about 20-minutes working time. This is still very impressive, especially when you consider the excellent cleaning power that you get from the roller brush. The direct drive roller gives you excellent deep cleaning for carpets and the soft roller is probably one of the best for hardwood floors. The powerful roller with excellent bristles is also fantastic for removing pet hairs.
HEPA filters are a big plus for people with allergies. Not only is the industrial design of air filter one of the best, but combined with the superior cyclonic suction system, you won’t have to clean the filter too often. Emptying the dust cup is also very hygienic and you won’t have dust flying in every direction. This is thanks to an innovative clip release design on the base of the dust cup. The cup remains 100% sealed until you open a flap using a finger operated release clip. So you will be holding the dust cup directly over the trash can before releasing any dirt and it drops from the bottom of the cup straight into the trash.
Converting the Dyson V8 Absolute into a cordless hand vacuum is as easy as it gets. You simply remove the pipe and roller head with one simple action and you can clean stairs and other areas where a powerful handheld vacuum is better suited for the job. Another great feature that makes the Dyson V8 absolute one of the best vacuums for apartment living is the perfect storage solution that is part of its design. The docking station, that charges the machine whilst not in use, mounts to the wall and the vacuum slots neatly and securely into it. Hassle-free and convenient storage and charging. It’s also incredibly light, especially if you consider that you have the extra weight of a battery, The Dyson V8 Absolute weighs only 5.8 LBS.
If you want the convenience and versatility of a cordless vacuum and don’t mind paying for it, the Dyson V8 Absolute is going to win you over. For design and build quality that is unsurpassed and the service you’d expect from one of the top vacuum cleaner brands, this is, undoubtedly, one of the best vacuums for people living in an apartment. Actually, it’s one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners, period.
4. Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Linx Bagless Corded Cyclonic Lightweight Stick Vacuum SH20030
When it comes to vacuum cleaners, Hoover is a name we all know and trust. Unlike many other trusted vacuum brands, Hoover is not all that expensive. The Hoover Linx stick vacuum might not be in the in the same class as the Dyson V8 or any of the Shark vacuums in this review, but it certainly offers great quality and comes with the Hoover reputation for excellence at an affordable price. I would say that
this vacuum offers the best bang for your buck out of the all the machines in this review. I say this because it’s priced under a hundred bucks and still offers some outstanding features and the durability that we’ve come to expect from the brand.
It’s a lightweight stick vacuum with exceptional power. It also makes use of cyclonic suction technology, though I wouldn’t compare this system the one used in the Dyson V8 Absolute. It’s effective, but not as complex or as efficient as the two tier cyclonic suction used in the more expensive Dyson. So it’s pretty good at delivering clean air and reduces the need to clean the filters too often.
The Hoover Linx is a lightweight stick vacuum but again, not quite as impressive as the more expensive vacuums, weighing 10.6 LBS. It has swivel steering and the handle can lay almost flat, making it very easy to use, even when vacuuming under furniture. Strong bristles on the roller brush give it good cleaning abilities for carpets with a low pile and it’s quite effective at removing pet hair. It transitions easily when moving from carpet to hard floors – versatile and user-friendly. It also has side mounted bristles for cleaning right up to your walls.
An impressive 20 FT retractable power cord gives you a long range without having to stop and plug the vacuum when cleaning a large area. The wheels are designed not to scratch – perfect for sensitive wooden floors.
If you’re looking for a general purpose stick vacuum that comes with the reputation of a trusted brand, the Hoover Linx stick vacuum is a fantastic little machine at an attractive price.
5. Bissell 1954 Bolt Lithium Ion Pet Vacuum
If you want the versatility of a cordless vacuum but are not up to paying the price of the Dyson V8 Absolute, take a look at the Bissell 1954 Bolt. It offers some amazing features and is reasonably powerful for a battery-powered vacuum. You’ll be paying much less for this vacuum compared to Dyson V8, so don’t expect it to be nearly as impressive. That being said, it will meet the needs of most people looking for a great vacuum for apartment living. In addition to this, Bissel quality is not something to be scoffed at.
The 14.4V lithium ion battery will give you up to 25-minutes working time and the motorized roller brush is great for low pile carpets and hard floors. The Bissel 1954 Bolt is great for pet owners and has an additional pet hair accessory along with the usual crevice and dusting tools that you get with most modern vacuum cleaners. It also converts very easily into a handheld vacuum. The handle is able to fold in the middle which makes it really easy for cleaning under coffee tables and similar height furniture.
At 5.8 LBS, the Bissell 1954 Bolt is really easy to carry and, despite its compact size, the dust cup has a very impressive 0.6-liter capacity. It’s a really convenient and easy to use cordless vacuum and is one of the most affordable cordless stick vacuums around.
While the Bissel 1954 Bolt may not have the same level of power or some of the advanced technology and features of really expensive cordless vacuums, it more than makes up for this in its price. This can be considered to be the best value cordless vacuum on the market.
6. Eufy HomeVac Lightweight Cordless Upright-Style Vacuum Cleaner
If you thought the Bissel Bolt was cheap for a cordless vacuum, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised by the price tag on the Eufy HomeVac – it’s even cheaper. Though, I must point out that this is a very basic vacuum. While it has a reasonable amount of power for a cordless vacuum, it’s not as versatile as the others and isn’t particularly good for cleaning up pet hair.
I have a complaint about their advertising jargon, though, and this kind of thing really gets to me. The Eufy HomeVac is advertised as having an HEPA-style air filter. Are they trying to pull the wool over eyes here, because this statement seems a little ambiguous
to me? Is it an HEPA filter, or not? My guess is that it’s not, otherwise they would have just said HEPA filter, instead of throwing the word style into the mix. Other than this complaint, I must say that the Eufy HomeVac is a great machine for its price. I will emphasize that this is for its price, you won’t find a cheaper cordless vacuum that is of the same quality standard.
It has a basic roller brush that will probably perform better on hard floors than on carpet. The battery lasts really well, up to 50 minutes. Though part of this impressive battery time is as result of lower suction power and a much lighter roller brush. The dust cup is really cool, it holds 0.9L and clips loose very easily for hygienic and effortless emptying.
Swivel steering and a low weight of 5.8 LBS, makes the Eufy HomeVac really easy to use. It’s not a stick vacuum, but rather a very compact upright vacuum. So it’s a little bulkier than the stick vacuums, though this is hardly a problem as it stores away very easily – even with limited space. It also has wall-mounted storage. Because it has a more conventional upright design, the Eufy HomeVac doesn’t convert into a handheld vacuum.
I think most people who choose this vacuum, will do so for its price. It’s a good little cordless upright vacuum but doesn’t have any outstanding features that would blow one away.
7. Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac (HV292)
Arguably one of the best handheld vacuums out there. The Shark Rocket HV292 is a really powerful, compact and lightweight machine. It’s purely a handheld vacuum, so it won’t be great for cleaning large floor areas. It’s also a corded vacuum – at 15 FT this cord limits you slightly.
As far accessories go, the Shark Rocket has a fantastic motorized pet hair attachment, which is rare for a handheld vacuum. You also get a wide brush tool and crevice tool with the machine. As it’s a Shark vacuum, you have the option of getting loads of optional extras. What’s nice is that it also has a flexible pipe which makes it a lot more versatile than most handheld vacuums. The dust cup is also larger than most. To empty the dust cup, you just need to hold the vacuum over the trash can and press a button to release the dirt, this couldn’t be any easier.
Power is fantastic and it never loses suction, even when the dust cup almost full. It’s very easy to use and weighs only 3.7 LBS. For a very practical handheld vacuum with power that compares well to full-size machines, the Shark HV292 is a very impressive little vacuum.
8. BISSELL Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum 4122
A canister vacuum is really great if you live in an apartment because they’re so compact and easy to move around. As to be expected, the Bissel Zing 4122 canister vacuum offers exceptional value for money.
It’s a really small canister vacuum (18.6” X 11.1” X 11.5”) and weighing 12.5 LBS, it’s light enough to carry in one hand as move about the apartment. The cleaning head changes quickly from carpet cleaning to hard floors with a foot toggle. With no roller brush, it isn’t that effective on carpets with a deeper pile or for removing pet hair.
A decent length extendable wand is good for all types of cleaning and an automatically retractable cord is very convenient. The Bissel Zing uses replaceable bags, which is convenient for dust-free bag disposal but you have the extra operating cost of buying new bags.
This basic little canister vacuum is a tough little guy with good performance. At around $50, you’re actually getting a lot for your money – maybe not in terms of features and accessories, but certainly in terms of quality.
9. Miele Complete C2 Hard Floor Canister Vacuum
Miele has built their reputation around building powerful and indestructible canister vacuums. In true Miele fashion, the C2 hard floor canister vacuum combines Miele’s classic elegant styling with durability and an incredible 1200 watts of suction power.
Although designed for the best cleaning on hard floors (with a specialized parquet floor brush), the Miele C2 performs very well on light to medium pile carpets. It transitions effortlessly from hard floors to carpet floors for easy cleaning.
You’ll have all the power you’ll ever want from a vacuum and the Miele C2 will make light work of the toughest cleaning. With six power settings, you’re able to use the Miele C2 for cleaning gentle fabrics or turn it up to clean the heaviest ingrained dirt from your carpets.
Staying true to the Miele philosophy of building the toughest vacuum cleaners, it has a crushproof pipe and stainless steel extendable wand. Miele claims a life expectancy of 20-years and in my experience using Miele vacuum cleaners, this is a conservative estimate – they can last much longer.
This is not a particularly light vacuum at 19.6 LBS. Though, you must consider the powerful 1200W motor and durable engineering before complaining about the excess weight. It’s heavier than most but that’s because it’s probably the toughest vacuum you’ll get.
If you want a canister vacuum cleaner that’s of the highest quality, you cannot overlook the Miele C2. It may be the last vacuum cleaner you’ll ever buy as it could outlive even you. Certainly not the cheapest vacuum you’ll find, but worth every cent.
10. Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum, 3670G
For a lot less than you’ll be paying for the Miele, the Eureka Mighty Mite offers you almost as much power and some additional design features that make it a wonderful machine. It probably won’t last you a lifetime, but you will get good service for many years and it’s incredibly versatile.
The first thing I noticed about the Eureka Mighty Mite is its extra length wand. You won’t have any problem reaching the highest of places with this vacuum. Another thing that many will like is its lightweight design, the Eureka Mighty Mite weighs less than 9 LBS. It has practical and easy to access storage for the attachments on the machine. You can move it about easily, working quickly and effortlessly.
The power on the Eureka Mighty Mite defies its very low price tag. With a 12A electric motor, this little vacuum cleaner will outperform some machines that are twice its price. It also has a blower function, so it’s great for blowing away leaves and other debris.
The Eureka 3670G is one of the best value for money canister vacuum cleaners and is incredibly versatile. You certainly get a lot of vacuum for very little money when you buy this machine.
Michael D Cabeldue says
Thank you for the review of apartment vacuums. Big help. Mike