Cheap stick vacuum cleaners: Kmart vs Big W compared

Between Big W and Kmart's stick vacuum ranges, Big W generally has higher wattage but that is because most of its cheap options are corded. Cordless vacuums tend to have less power because they rely on a battery, whereas corded vacs can just go for gold.

Kmart's most powerful cordless stick vacuum has 280W of power, whereas Big W's cheapest $32 Contempo has 600W. That is a lot of power comparitively speaking, although even with that the Contempo doesn't perform that well. I owned one for a while and the suction was so poor that I had to return it. The more expensive options from Big W such as the Enigma V10 go up to 1200W, which should be able to handle most household dander with ease.

Ergonomics is another area that cheap vacuum cleaners tend to slip on, and that both Big W and Kmart seemingly aren't focusing on.

Between the two, Big W vacuums were more likely to have an adjustable height and tended to run lighter since they don't need the additional battery weight. On the flip side, Big W brands didn't provide decibel measurements, except on the Enigma V10 which capped out at a scorching 85dB. Kmart does include the maximum dB readings for each stick vacuum, but they are all on the louder side sitting above 70dB.

If you want a quieter, and more back friendly vacuum cleaner you're probably going to have to spend a bit more than these two big box stores are asking. But if you don't have the budget to do so, Kmart's $149 Cordless Stick Vacuum is the best of the bunch for cleaning comfort.

Since we focused on the sub-$150 pricepoint, none of these stick vacuums are particularly expensive. Prices range from $32-$149 and are pretty staggered the whole way up. Generally the Big W range is cheaper, and also more powerful, but you need to factor in the cords. Kmart is more expensive but you get the freedom of a battery pack. You'll need to make a call here depending on your priorities. Personally i'd go with a cordless vacuum anyday, provided the battery life is at least half an hour.

At the time of writing Kmart doesn't offer replacement filters for any of its vacuum cleaners. It is a bit of a head scratcher considering it has air purifier filters for that range, but here we are. Big W similarly doesn't have filters for sale for any of the devices we looked at in this guide, but many of its vacuum cleaners do come with multiple replacement filters in the box.

If you're tossing up between Kmart or Big W for your cheap stick vacuum, we would recommend going with Big W - in particular the Devanti Cordless with a HEPA filter. At just over $100 the device has much of the same specs as Kmart's cheap vacuums, but for a lower cost. Equipped with medical grade HEPA filtering, and with three additional filters in the box you're going to get more longevity for your money. On average you'll also end up with better ergonmics, even if it is louder than the average vacuum.

While you'll lose out on the extra power from the corded options, this cheap stick vacuum gets you the best of both worlds.