STACK #239 September 2024

TECH FEATURE

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'Tis the season for spring cleaning! If you have trouble motivating yourself to keep up with the chores, a new vacuum cleaner can make it fun. But which type is best for your needs: a stick vacuum, a robot, or a wet-and-dry? Words Michael Irving What’s the difference? The three main types of vacuums you’ll find now are the stick vacuum, the robot vacuum, and the wet and dry vacuum. Which type suits you best will depend on a range of factors, including the size and layout of your home, how many people there are in your household, whether you have kids or pets, your routine, and the kinds of messes you normally deal with, among other things. VAC TO THE FUTURE

Why not both? Of course you don’t have to choose just one – multiple vacuum types can work well together to cover different situations. For instance, a robot vac could keep your main rooms consistently clean, backed up by a stick or wet and dry vac for bigger messes or places that the robot can’t reach, like stairs or furniture.

OUR TOP STICK VACUUM PICK The name Dyson is synonymous with high quality stick vacuums, and for good reason. Their powerful products get this everyday chore done quickly and effectively and, dare we say, make it fun. Packing a 262AW motor that spins at 135,000rpm, the gen5detect is Dyson’s most powerful cordless vacuum. No dust or debris can Dyson gen5detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum escape the 100,000g of force generated by the Radial Root Cyclone technology. Three power modes tackle different situations. Eco mode maximises battery life over long cleaning sessions. Boost mode ups the suction power for intensive spot cleaning, and auto mode will adjust its suction power automatically across different surfaces. The gen5detect gets things cleaner than you ever thought

possible, starting with a blade of light that highlights dust on the floor. The HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of tiny particles down to 0.1 microns, while a piezo sensor counts them 15,000 times a second and automatically increases

the power as required. This info is displayed on the built-in LCD screen, telling you when your floor is properly clean. A 10-cell battery provides the longest runtime in a Dyson cordless vacuum – up to 70 minutes - giving you plenty of time to get the whole house spic and span. All this makes the versatile Dyson gen5detect extremely effective at cleaning all floor types, as well as couches, mattresses, and stairs.

STICK VACUUMS A stick vacuum is the closest thing to the traditional form factor, with the nozzle at the bottom and the motor and dust canister up near the handle. Being battery-operated means you no longer need to drag a power cord around behind you, or move from outlet to outlet as you vacuum different rooms. Instead, it’s easy to do as much or as little as you need, making it perfect for a weekly, whole home clean or quickly dealing with a spill.

The stick form makes vacuuming floors comfortable, and lets you reach deep under furniture. Pop the head off and use the pipe to reach into corners, or detach the stick itself for handheld mode, which is good for giving couches and beds a quick clean. Many stick vacuums also come with a variety of attachments, for things like dusting or pet hair. And, when you’re done, you can put it back on the charger stand, tucked away in a corner or cupboard, ready for next time.

26 SEPTEMBER 2024

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