Ease of use is based on how easy it is manoeuvre the cleaner, and to move the cleaning head on the carpet and under low furniture. We assess how difficult it is to empty and change the bag or barrel, plus the operation of the controls. We also test how easy the supplied accessories are to use and store.

To test pet hair removal, we embed cat hair in the carpet and vacuum it to a set pattern and speed. We rate the results based on how much cat hair is left behind after the test. When supplied, the vacuum's turbo brush or power head is used for this test. If not, we use the standard cleaning head. The pet hair for our testing is supplied by Woof Cat & Dog Grooming, Bondi, NSW.

Our priority is testing the models you'll see in stores and major online retailers. To do this, we check current market data to see what's most popular. We'll also test models that a lot of members have requested.

We have our own on-site labs, equipped with precisely-calibrated measurement tools and reference machines to test and compare products. Every model is tested with a standardised samples of dirt, and pet hair. These align with Australian and International Standards.

Our expert tester – Matthew Tung – has many years of experience reviewing appliances and household products. He sits on industry standards committees, both national and international.

Unlike other product review sites, we don't accept free test models from manufacturers. This allows us to be independent and review without interference. Instead, we buy products anonymously from a variety of retailers, then bring them into our labs. This means we get what you'd get, and can be sure the model has not been potentially 'tweaked' for better performance.

We test a new batch of models every 12 months, in line with updates and new releases into the vacuums market.