Stick vacuum cleaners are useful around the kitchen and other areas of the home when you have an annoying spill and don't want to get out the dust pan and brush. Easily hidden away in a cupboard, they take up less room than a traditional barrel or upright vacuum cleaner – and most can be split into two devices, with a handheld vacuum being part of the stick vacuum.
On this page:
- Stick vacuums: what you need to know
- How much does a stick vacuum cost?
- Key data from CHOICE stick vacuums testing and comparison
- Key features to consider
- How to care for your stick vacuum
- How and when to dispose of your stick vacuum
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Stick vacuums: what you need to know
When it comes to vacuum cleaners, power is no guarantee of cleaning performance – it's the overall design of the cleaner that makes the difference. That said, stick vacs aren't usually expected to perform as well at cleaning carpet as a standard vacuum cleaner.
For handheld models (as for most cordless appliances), the more juice in the battery, the better the performance is likely to be. Handheld vacs generally lose power as their battery charge runs down. However, new designs and technology, such as lithium-ion batteries, have led to improved running times and dirt pick-up.
How much does a stick vacuum cost?
Stick vacuums we've tested have ranged in price from $79 to $1919 with a median price of $599.
Key data from CHOICE stick vacuums testing and comparison
| Specification | Average | Variation |
| Charging time for a stick vacuum | 4 hours | 2.6 – 8 hours |
| Stick vacuum weight | 2.8kg | 2.1 – 4.1kg |
| Running time on max | 13 minutes | 6 – 33 minutes |
| Dust collector capacity | 0.4 litres | 0.2 – 0.6 litres |
| Noise level on max (decibels) | 74 dB | 67 – 84 dB |
Key features to consider
Regardless of the brand and model, here are some vital features to keep in mind before buying a stick vacuum.
The Dyson V8 Absolute.
Charging and running time
Look for models that run for a useful length of time and don't take too long to charge. Some may need to charge overnight, or even longer. Our data shows that stick vacuums take around four hours to charge on average, and you may only get around 13 minutes of runtime depending on the power settings and surface you're cleaning. Some only run for six minutes on max, so if you have a large area to clean, you might need a model that allows you to swap over to a spare battery.
Light, quiet and easy to manoeuvre
Try out the vacuum in the shop to see if it's all of these things. For stick models, check that it moves easily over both carpet and hard surfaces. Some of the models we've tested weigh up to around 4kg, which may not be noticeable if you're using it on floors, but it could become tiring if you're reaching up to clean ceilings and fans, for instance.
Floor heads
Many stick vacuums come with a standard motorised head suitable for both carpet and hard floors. Some have a special fluffy or soft head just for hard floors. Higher-end stick vacuums have the ability to detect the surface you're vacuuming, adjusting the suction accordingly without the need to swap heads.
Filter
This should be easy to remove and clean or replace. If you have asthma or allergies, consider a vacuum with a HEPA filter or one that performs equivalently to one. These are designed to filter at least 99.97% of dust particles 0.3 microns in size.
Tools
The standard items to check for are a dusting brush and crevice tools. Other items may include a mopping attachment, flexible crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas or a pet hair brush. Depending on the model, some tools can be stored on the stick vacuum itself, while others can be stored on the charging cradle. If accessories can be neatly stored, then they're less likely to be lost or hidden away in a drawer.
2-in-1 models
These can be used as either a stick or a handheld vacuum. They usually have a trigger to release the handheld vacuum located on the torso of the stick.
Variable power/suction
This allows you to increase the suction for tough areas, or decrease it for cleaning items like rugs or curtains. Many models will have a 'boost' mode for extra power, but this will drain the battery faster.
Battery
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the most common battery type in stick vacs. They're generally better-performing and longer-lasting than nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and lead-acid batteries, which are found in older models.
Check the warranty details for the battery. Some warranties only cover the battery for a few months, even if they cover the cleaner itself for a year or more.
Many brands such as LG (and more recently, Dyson) offer you the ability to easily swap out your stick vacuum battery for a spare pre-charged one which means extra running time for you. A good stick vacuum battery will hold enough charge for you to do what you need to do without frequently running out of juice. Some have battery indicators so you know in advance when your charge is running low.
Eventually your battery will lose its ability to hold a charge. Once that happens, it's usually cheaper to upgrade your model, unless the battery can be easily switched out for a reasonably-priced replacement. Spare batteries can cost up to $199.
Switch
An on/off switch is easier for continuous operation than a trigger that needs to be held down.
Fallout flap
This prevents dirt falling back out of the vacuum when you carry it with the nozzle facing downwards, such as when moving between cleaning tasks.
Wall/floor mountable charging base
A handy wall mounted base will help to keep the vac readily accessible and fully charged. Some charging bases are floor mounted which means you can change the location of the base when you want to. Make sure they're placed on a stable, level surface.
Wet and dry
Some models can suck up wet material or liquids. However, they can usually only take a fairly small amount (about 150mL) and you shouldn't fill the bin with liquid past the indicated maximum level. The bin and filter need to be cleaned and dried separately afterwards.
LCD screen
Some models can tell you useful information during use, such as how much battery charge you have left, when the filter needs changing, or when there's an obstruction. Some even give you basic information about the size of dirt particles you're vacuuming up!
How to care for your stick vacuum
Due to their smaller dust bins, stick vacuums need to be emptied more frequently and this can be fiddly depending on the model. Hair and fluff must also be removed regularly from the rollers. Filters should be washed once a month, and replaced when necessary (it can cost up to $40 for a filter depending on the type and model, but it should last a year or so before needing replacement). Check your stick vac regularly for obstructions, too.
How and when to dispose of your stick vacuum
With regular maintenance you can expect your stick vacuum to last many years. Most stick vacuums die after the rechargeable lithium-ion battery gives up, so replacing this can solve a lot of problems and prolong the life of your vacuum. The cost of a new battery can vary (it can cost up to $199 to replace a Dyson battery, for example), and a new filter can also do wonders for your vacuum.
When you're finally due to upgrade, don't put your old stick vacuum into landfill as the batteries contain toxic metals. Visit the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative to find out where to recycle your old stick vac or contact your local council for e-waste collection information.
