Because cordless vacuums are compact and often packaged with either a wall-mountable charging dock or a floor stand, it’s common to store them within arm’s reach in plain sight. The GV 8 qt HEPA backpack vacuum is lightweight and super easy to use. If you have lots of hardwood or tile in your home or business then this vacuum is for you.
Two models didn’t make the cut, but the three that did offer show-stopping performance and dust busting abilities that wowed. I was surprised how much the weight distribution affected the ease of use. With the dust bin at the bottom of the vacuum, manoeuvring was light and easy. Fitted to the top, it felt bulky and awkward, which unfortunately extended to the handheld mode.
Lastly, we followed the manufacturer’s cleaning and emptying instructions, noting any difficulties in the cleaning process and the effectiveness of the suggested cleaning methods. The third configuration is to remove the long stick and attach the head directly to the handle, using it as a handheld. Finally, although you probably wouldn’t expect it at this price, there’s no hair detangling function, meaning the brush head will need regular cleaning. Teamed with AirLOC, which targets larger debris, this a godsend in my household.
The IZ531H model also has a more rudimentary crevice tool with no slide-off soft-bristle dusting brush. The Shark Cordless Pet Plus and Shark Cordless Pro are similar vacuums, though the Cordless Pro is an improvement in most areas. The Cordless Pro has an automatic power adjustment system and is fitted with an odor-neutralizing cartridge. The Cordless Pro’s fluffy brushroll is also fully removable, allowing it to clean cracks and crevices far more effectively than the Cordless Pet Plus. It very much depends on the layout of your home, your budget and the types of surfaces you want to clean. Read our Shark vs Dyson article for a more in-depth look at the two floor-cleaning brands.
Simply toggle between the modes on the LCD screen, choosing between vacuum, steam and smart mode. Roidmi started in 2015 in China and is still little-known in the UK, although its models have been sold by big names like Harrods. It markets itself on innovation, and this shark stick vacuum combined vacuum and steam mop is a perfect example. I was a little apprehensive when I first opened the box to find eight separate parts but once I started fiddling around, I realised everything clicked into place quite easily, no need for screws as with the Sebo above.