Stick Vacuums vs. Upright Vacuums

If you’re shopping for an upright vacuum to clean your home, you might be wondering if a stick vacuum would do the job. Here, we compare stick vacuums vs upright vacuums to help you decide.

What is a Stick Vacuum?

Stick vacuums are becoming more popular as they have advanced to cover the same tasks as many upright vacuums. Cordless models are even more versatile and easier to use. They can tackle many jobs, including reaching underneath furniture, cleaning carpeted stairs, and working well on bare floors. Advanced models will help you manage almost as many tasks as an upright and save you money to boot.

Pros & Cons of a Stick Vacuum

There are both pros and cons for using stick vacuums:

Stick Vacuum Pros

• Small and lightweight
• Easy to maneuver
• Cordless models can be used anywhere once charged
• Quiet operation
• Rechargeable batteries are more energy-efficient
• Affordable
• Lower maintenance with easy-to-empty canisters
• Smaller to store

Stick Vacuum Cons

• Lack the power of a vacuum
• Size makes them less efficient so takes longer to clean
• Not as versatile as vacuums to manage more cleaning tasks
• Less effective filtration
• Not adjustable for different carpet heights and thicknesses, making transitioning difficult

When to Choose a Stick Vacuum

If you want an affordable, lightweight option to tackle your floors in a smaller home, the stick vacuum is your best choice. However, you won’t have as much cleaning power, and it will take you longer to clean than using an upright vacuum.

What is an Upright Vacuum?

An upright vacuum is like a stick vacuum but is more robust. It often comes with attachments that make it easy to tackle several other cleaning tasks such as dusting and cleaning upholstery. They are designed for heavier-duty work and larger homes, which can also mean they can’t tackle tasks such as getting under furniture or cleaning stairs. They are also powered with a cord, making them less versatile and energy efficient.

Pros & Cons of Upright Vacuums

To help you decide what is better, stick vacuums vs upright vacuums, consider the following pros and cons:

Pros of Upright Vacuums

• Less expensive than most canister vacuums
• Clean thick carpets and rugs with powered brushes
• A tap of the foot adjusts the cleaning between bare flooring and carpeting
• No bending (unless you are using an attachment)
• Cover more square inches as you clean making them more efficient to finish quickly
• Need less swipes because they are powerful
• Attachments can tackle several cleaning jobs such as dusting

Cons of Upright Vacuums

• Louder than stick vacuums
• Quite heavy, especially compared to stick vacuums
• Can’t work in tight areas, at least not without attachments
• Can’t be used on stairs
• More expensive
• Messy bags make them higher maintenance and require small but ongoing investment

When to Choose an Upright Vacuum

When you need a powerful vacuum that cleans multiple surfaces and manages different cleaning tasks for a larger home, the upright vacuum is best. However, keep in mind the upright vacuum is pricier and more difficult to carry and maneuver.

Vacuum Specialists carries leading brands and offers 50 years of experience to help you find the best product for your needs. We can deliver your order across Canada and the U.S. on the same day with free delivery for orders over $59. You can also visit one of our  locations.