In a Kyrgyz home with plenty of carpets, a vacuum cleaner is one of the most useful appliances. But “the more powerful, the better” isn’t always true. To choose well, first decide which type suits you.
Types
- Canister (corded) — the most powerful and runs without time limits; good for thick carpets. Downside: heavy, and the cord gets in the way.
- Stick (cordless) — light, quick to grab, handy for daily cleaning. The battery lasts 30–60 minutes; may lack power for thick carpets.
- Robot vacuum — cleans by itself while you are out, good for keeping floors tidy. But it struggles with corners, stairs and thick carpets, so it won’t fully replace a main vacuum.
- Wet-and-dry vacuum — washes carpets and floors, but heavy and needs cleaning after every use.
Suction power, not power consumption
The big number on the box (say, 2000 W) is power consumption. Cleaning performance depends on suction power (in air watts or Pa). If you have lots of carpets, look for high suction power.
Dust container: bag or bin
- Bag — less contact with dust, good for allergy sufferers. But you have to buy bags.
- Bin (cyclone) — no consumables, but dust flies up when you empty it.
Filter
Choose a model with a HEPA filter — it doesn’t blow fine dust back into the air. This matters especially during the winter smog season and for allergy sufferers. More in smog in Bishkek and clean air at home.
If you have pets
To pick up fur you need a turbo brush with a rotating roller or a special nozzle. The brush should be easy to clear of hair and fur.
Noise and convenience
- A noise level below 75 dB makes cleaning more comfortable.
- A 6–8 metre cord lets you move from room to room without changing sockets.
- A set of nozzles: for upholstery, crevices and floors.
Quick guide
- Lots of carpets, a large house — a powerful canister vacuum.
- A flat, daily cleaning — a stick vacuum.
- No time, smooth floors — a robot (as an extra).
In the catalogue: vacuum cleaners.