Kmart vacuums compared: Are the low prices worth it?

Price is always going to be a consideration, and if you're looking at a Kmart stick vacuum then this box is already ticked off. Consider the ongoing cost of the device as well. Do you need to buy new filters? How much do they cost? What will you pay for warranties and repairs?

Since your stick vacuum is going to need to be on charge most of the time, you want a base station that charges and neatly stores it away. While most of these Kmart vacuums have a charging base station, they all need to be screwed into a wall which isn't great for renters. Consider if this is something you can do in your home.

On average a cordless vacuum cleaner has a 40-50 minute battery life, and three to four hour recharge time. If the battery life is lower then it may not be enough to do a thorough clean, and if you need to wait too long for it to recharge then you'll likely just end up frustrated.

Since you'll need to lug this vacuum around, consider the weight and ergonomics of the design. Ideally you want something light, with an adjustable height, that doesn't get too loud. 

PRO TIP: Anything over 85 decibels is harmful to your hearing.

Since every handheld vacuum cleaner is going to be a secondary vacuum, it is always worth considering the price point. If you just need something for the car, think about whether it is a better financial decision to buy something cheap or to invest in a larger stick vacuum that can convert to a handheld vacuum instead.

Size does matter, so look at how much the vacuum can actually handle. 

As these are smaller vacuums they're going to have a smaller battery capacity. Look for a device with over 20 minutes of battery life where possible, and with a fast charging time. Imagine being halfway through a deep clean and needing to wait five hours for your handheld to charge. How annoying!

Hand vacuums are likely for more detailed work so you're going to want accessories that are made for that type of vacuuming. Ideally you'll want something with an extendable crevice tool, and a brush tool, but some vacuums also come with pet hair attachments and corner tools as well.