Stick and handheld vacuum cleaners have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on your specific needs and preferences, especially when dealing with pet hair. Here are the main differences between the two:
Design and Form Factor:
- Stick Vacuum: Stick vacuums are designed like upright vacuums but are generally slimmer and more lightweight. They often come with a long handle, making them easier to push around and maneuver on floors. Some stick vacuums also have detachable handheld units for added versatility.
- Handheld Vacuum: Handheld vacuums are compact, lightweight, and designed to be carried in one hand. They are perfect for quick spot cleaning, reaching tight spaces, and cleaning above-floor areas like furniture, stairs, and car interiors.
Power and Suction:
- Stick Vacuum: Stick vacuums typically have stronger suction power and larger dustbin capacities than handheld vacuums. They are more suitable for thorough cleaning of larger areas and can handle more extensive cleaning tasks.
- Handheld Vacuum: Handheld vacuums are generally less powerful compared to stick vacuums due to their smaller size. They are more suitable for quick cleanups and handling smaller messes.
Battery Life:
- Stick Vacuum: Many stick vacuums are cordless and run on rechargeable batteries. The battery life can vary, but they usually provide enough runtime to clean a decent-sized area before needing to recharge.
- Handheld Vacuum: Handheld vacuums are also typically cordless and battery-powered. They have smaller batteries and shorter runtimes compared to stick vacuums.
Pet Hair Cleaning:
- Stick Vacuum: Stick vacuums with strong suction power and motorized brushrolls are effective at picking up pet hair from carpets and floors. They are better suited for cleaning larger areas and can handle more substantial pet hair buildup.
- Handheld Vacuum: Handheld vacuums are excellent for spot-cleaning pet hair on furniture, upholstery, and hard-to-reach corners. They are convenient for handling small pet hair messes and quick touch-ups.
Which one to choose for pet hair cleaning? If you have pets at home and need to clean pet hair regularly, it's generally recommended to go for a stick vacuum, especially one with a motorized brushroll and strong suction. Stick vacuums are better equipped to handle larger cleaning tasks, like vacuuming pet hair from carpets and floors. Additionally, they often have larger dustbins, which is beneficial for capturing pet hair.
However, if you also want a portable and lightweight option for quick cleanups and handling pet hair on furniture and other above-floor surfaces, you might consider getting a stick vacuum that comes with a detachable handheld unit. This way, you'll have the best of both worlds in one vacuum cleaner.
Ultimately, it's essential to consider the specific features, performance, and reviews of the vacuum cleaners you are interested in to ensure they meet your needs for pet hair cleaning and general cleaning tasks.