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My Top Picks
1. VonHaus 2-in-1 Upright Stick & Handheld - Extendable handle
Highlights
VonHaus might not be the most popular brand, but VonHaus 2-in-1 Upright Stick & Handheld has proven to be a popular model on most online sites. It might not be the most advanced model, but it provides value for money and does a good job. The icing on the cake is its low price.
Features
What makes VonHaus 2-in-1 Upright Stick & Handheld the best HEPA vacuum cleaner is the sponge filtration and HEPA systems combination. This combination helps in removing tiny particles from the indoor air, which in turn prevents the formation and spread of mold and bacteria inside the house. The sponge filter makes the HEPA vacuum cleaner more effective as compared to having HEPA air cleaner only.
The other features that make VonHaus 2-in-1 Upright Stick & Handheld the best HEPA vacuum are the 2-in-1 mode, the 1.3-liter dust tank, and the crevice tool. The 2-in-1 mode helps you to switch between the handheld mode and the full-length design using the extension tube.
Key features are a combination of sponge and HEPA filters, upright and handheld modes, and a 2-year warranty.
Performance
VonHaus 2-in-1 Upright Stick & Handheld is a versatile HEPA vacuum that does not cost an arm and a leg, but it still provides excellent vacuuming. The 2-in-1 system makes it the best vacuum cleaner because you can reach all the corners of your house without struggling much.
Pro Tip
Pros
- It is affordable; it gives value for money
- It is a 2-in-1 model which makes your cleaning easier
- The sponge and HEPA filters combination gives your home a thorough cleaning
- It comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons
- It does not have advanced features as it should
- It is quite noisy
2. SEBO Automatic X7 Extra ePower - computer-controlled
Highlights
SEBO Automatic X7 Extra ePower is the best vacuum cleaner because it does an excellent job on all surfaces. It is an upright vacuum cleaner. It has a highly effective S-Class filter with a bag design which makes it one of the best vacuums for dust. Unfortunately, this is not a true HEPA vacuum cleaner because it does not come with a HEPA filter.
Features
It comes with an inbuilt S-Class filter which works the same as a HEPA filter. It can pick 99.9% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter. Don’t be worried about the difference in filtration as it is not going to make such a difference in dust suction. SEBO Automatic X7 Extra ePower is a great choice for people with asthma or any other allergic reactions because it is a bagged vacuum cleaner.
SEBO Automatic X7 Extra ePower has an 890W motor that helps the brush to automatically adjust its height for greater performance. Its bag has a 5.3 liters capacity which ensures you don’t keep on emptying it before you finish cleaning. It weighs 7.4 kgs which can be a little bit heavy.
Performance
SEBO Automatic X7 Extra ePower is a powerful and high-quality upright vacuum cleaner. Unfortunately, it does not come with a pet turbo tool, but its other features like hygienic bags, a cassette brush system, an extended hose system, and other accessories make it worth the price. It has powerful suction, and the SEBO’s computer control system helps in increasing its cleaning power.
Price
It is a little pricy, but the S-Class filter not to and the dust collection bag makes it suitable for people who suffer from asthma and other allergies.
Pro Tip
Pros
- Its S-Class filter works as perfectly as the HEPA filter
- It has a powerful suction
- It's computer-controlled’ which maximizes its cleaning power
- The dust bag has a capacity of 5.3L which reduces the number of times it is emptied
Cons
- It is quite heavy
3. Dyson V10 Absolute - perfect definition of convenience
Highlights
Dyson v10 absolute is the best cordless stick HEPA vacuum cleaner. It is also one of the best Dyson HEPA vacuums. We all love the convenience of a cordless appliance, and this here is the perfect definition of convenience.
Performance
Dyson V10 absolute can be used on all flooring surfaces. The torque drive cleaner head is the most powerful, and it removes 25% more dust as compared to other V8 cord-free stick vacuum cleaners. The soft roller cleaner head which is motor-driven has a brush bar that’s covered in a woven nylon cloth to pick the large debris. The anti-static carbon filter filaments help in removing the fine dust.
Dyson V10 absolute motor is the lightest, smallest yet the strongest motor; it generates the suction power of a normal size vacuum cleaner. The shaft is made of ceramic instead of steel, and it can spin up to 125,000rpm, which makes it quite powerful.
Features
Dyson V10 Absolute can transform into a handheld vacuum cleaner and back into an upright cleaner in just one click. This feature helps one to clean all the hard to reach places whether it is the ceiling or the corner where the dog sits or eats his food.
You can clean with it for a full hour without needing to recharge it, that is, if you are using the non-motorized head. If the cleaner head is attached, you get to use it for 40 minutes without needing to charge it.
Dyson V10 absolute drops into the wall to be recharged and for storage which is a safe position to recharge and store it. That position also makes it easier for the user to grab and start on their cleaning.
It has three power modes which gives you options to choose from depending on the surfaces you need to clean. The best thing about this Dyson HEPA vacuum is that it can be used on all surfaces and it will still do a good job.
The other important features include cleaner heads (torque drive cleaner and soft roller cleaner head), V10 digital motor, combination tool, mini motorized tool, mini soft dusting brush, and a crevice tool. Its bin size is 77 liters which can hold a lot of dust before needing to be emptied.
Price
Dyson V10 absolute is one of the best lightweight HEAP vacuums, but it can be quite pricy. However, if you have the money to spend, you will get value for your money.
Pro Tip
Pros
- The 60 minute run time allows you to work for long
- Its whole machine filtration system is quite robust
- The three power mode and the digital motor
- Can be used on all surfaces
- It is light in weight yet quite powerful
Cons
- The battery is sealed into the head which means you can’t buy a spare one to replace
- The battery takes long to charge
4. iRobot Roomba 761 Robotic Vacuum - Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head
Highlights
iRobot Roomba 761 Robotic Vacuum is a small HEPA vacuum, but it gets the job done. You might think robotic vacuums cost an arm and a leg, but this one proves us wrong. It is quite pocket-friendly and still does a perfect job. Most robotic vacuum cleaners can be quite a letdown, but iRobot Roomba 761 Robotic Vacuum picks all the annoying particles and allergens that cause allergies and asthma.
Features
It has a panted 3-tier cleaning system and dual multi-surface brushes that pick everything from the small particles to the large debris. It also has dirt detect sensors that alert iRobot Roomba 761 Robotic Vacuum to work a little harder dirt concentrated areas such as the corridors and other high traffic areas.
The full suite intelligent sensors guide iRobot Roomba 761 Robotic Vacuum around and under the furniture for thorough cleaning. It also has an auto-adjusting cleaning head that adapts its height automatically for thorough cleaning on hard floors and floor carpets.
The icing on the cake about iRobot Roomba 761 Robotic Vacuum is that there’s no programming; just a single button press and the cleaner gets to work.
It weighs 14.6 pounds
Performance
It is not as robotic as you’d expect it to because you need to be present when it is cleaning. However, you only need to press the cleaning button, and it gets to cleaning as you enjoy your favorite drink or as you run the washing machine.
However, some people say you can schedule it such that at a certain point when you are at work or out there running errands, it’ll just start working. The only catch here is that you have to keep on emptying it after every two or three days depending on how dirty your floors get.
Pro Tip
Pros
- It has highly intelligent sensors
- The three-tier cleaning system cleans the small airborne particles as well as the large debris
- It automatically adjusts the cleaning head depending on the floor surface
Cons
- It is not programmable
- If you have more furry pets, it doesn’t pick everything
5. Miele C3 Total Solution Allergy - self-sealing hygiene bag
Highlights
Miele C3 Total Solution Allergy is a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration, and it makes it one of the best options for people who suffer from asthma and other allergies.
Features
The best thing about this HEPA vacuum cleaner is its EcoTeq floor head which performs excellently in spite of the reduced watts. The reduced wattage was to comply with the EU regulations; the watts reduced from 1200W to 890W. It also comes with a hard floor brush as well as a turbo brush for removing pet hair although it can also be used on the stairs.
The other very important feature is the dirt collection bag that has a self-closing system such that the dust does not escape when the bag is being emptied. The HEPA 13 filter can remove most allergens; unfortunately, it doesn’t remove bad odors since it doesn’t have a charcoal filter. The telescopic tube is easily adjustable to your desired height, and it is also easily locked into position.
Other cool features include foot controls, variable power settings, 11-meter cleaning radius, and an integrated accessory kit.
Performance
Although Miele C3 Total Solution Allergy is light in weight, weighing 5.4kg, it cleans thoroughly. The spinning brush bar, coupled with the powerful suction removes all the hair from the upholstery as well as the carpets.
As for the effortless and gentle cleaning of floors, the natural bristles come in very handy. The HEPA 13 filter rids the indoors air off all allergens for maximum hygiene.
Pro Tip
Pros
- It is light in weight; weighs 5.4kg
- Comes with a HEPA 13 filter which misses in other models
- It comes with a self-sealing hygiene bag which keeps the dust locked in
- It is affordable
- Has a dust capacity of 4.5L
- It is less noisy
Cons
- The plastic parts are made of cheap material
Benefits of a HEPA vacuum
As mentioned earlier, HEPA filters help in removing pet dander, mold spores, dust, and other allergens from the indoor air. This means your house’s air is cleaner and allergy-causing particles are kept at bay. Some of these benefits are;
- Improves air quality: Even if no one in your household suffers from dust induced allergic reactions, the HEPA filters help in reducing air contamination in the vacuum exhaust air
- Reduces chances of asthma and other allergic reactions: By removing dust, pollen and other allergens from the indoor air, the allergic reactions are kept at bay.
The best HEPA vacuum cleaner buying guide
Studies have shown that traditional vacuum cleaners can aggravate asthma and other respiratory allergies by redistributing the collected dust back into the air. Quality HEPA cleaners do not only remove the allergens, but it also makes the air inside the house more breathable. Unfortunately not all HEPA vacuum cleaners have been created equal. Some cleaners do well when it comes to removing dust and pets’ hair from the floor but they blowback dangerous allergens back into the air. The best vacuum cleaners allergies should keep your house clean and keep the air indoors clean and more breathable. Some of these factors that you should consider are;
1. Standard filtration or S-class/ HEPA filtration
Filtration is the core component that should be considered first when buying the best HEPA vacuum cleaner because it is what makes the vacuum cleaner healthier. Vacuum cleaners that have no filter or those that come with a standard filter, e.g., polypropylene or foam make the collected dust airborne thus endangering your health. These vacuum cleaners cannot effectively trap and filter fine particles like pet dander and pollen since they can easily pass through the vacuum cleaner.
People with allergies should go for tightly sealed vacuum cleaners with HEPA or S-Class filters that have met the U.S. HEPA standards because they can remove 99.97%of all particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. HEPA and S-Class filters are almost similar infiltration standards.
You may be wondering the difference between HEPA and S-Class filters; HEPA standard is an American standard developed by the U.S military while S-Class filter is an EU standard. The EU standard is similar to the US, but it has different classes which are H11, H12, or H13. With HEPA standard, the most penetrating particle size should be 0.3 microns while the S-Class standard states that the smallest particle should be 0.2microns. HEPA (US standard) has a 99.95% efficiency while S-Class filters have a 99.9% efficiency. The key thing here is to ensure that the filter does not leak and that it has been tested thoroughly.
2. Sealed systems
After filtration, the dust bag is the second most important item that you should check because a HEPA or S-Class filter is only effective if it has a good support system. If the dust bag is leaking or the vacuum cleaner or its filters are leaking, then it is not doing a very good job. Leaky parts mean there’s reduced suction and that there’s no proper air circulation in the vacuum cleaner. This combination is a recipe for disaster because you’ll be using a lot of power to suck the dust and the cleaner will not be as effective as it should be.
3. Make sure the HEPA vacuum cleaner is certified
When buying the best HEPA vacuum cleaner, ensure it has an official approval seal from AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America). This program ensures that the applicants are taken through rigorous tests to make sure every product in the market is truly able to remove dust and all other allergens.
4. Make sure it is versatile
When buying HEPA vac filters, ensure they cleaner can be used on multiple surfaces whether it is the upholstery, carpets, sofas, or even the plush rugs. You don’t want to have different appliances in your house, and they are doing almost the same vacuuming jobs.
5. Aim for convenience
When picking the best home vacuums, make sure it has different brushes and portable canisters that can pick pet dander and hair in areas that are hard to reach.
6. Check the features
Before paying for the best home vacuums, ensure you have checked all features and pick the one that has almost all the features you are looking for. You should consider HEPA vacuum cleaners that have a manual carpet pile-height adjustment as well as suction control when you want to clean curtains and any other delicate material. A switch that can deactivate the cleaning brush helps in protecting the floors finish; it also prevents the debris from scattering all over. A vacuum cleaner that has a motorized brush cleans carpets better as compared to the one that’s powered by suction only.
7. Look out for noisy vacuum cleaners
Most vacuum cleaners are definitely loud but try and get less noisy one. However, it is important to understand that vacuum cleaners become are louder, especially in rooms that have echoes, for example, rooms that are made of tiles. Something else that you should note is, canister vacuum cleaners are a little quiet as compared to others.
8. Bagged or bagless vacuum cleaners
When you buy a bagless HEPA vacuum cleaner, you’ll be saving on buying more bags, but you will need to keep cleaning the filters or replacing them. Also, emptying the bin of the bagless vacuum cleaner can be quite problematic, especially if you have asthma and other allergies. Replacing the filters is quite can be quite expensive as compared to replacing bags. Another problem is when you are emptying the dustbin or cleaning the filters because you expose yourself to the dust and other allergy-causing particles.
9. Watch for annual or half-year clearance sales
During the holiday season, there tend to be sales and sometimes the offers can go up to 50% discounts. For big brands, sometimes they don’t have to wait until holiday time for sales; therefore keep checking for our favorite stores' circulars or sign up for email lists to get notified of upcoming sales.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, take into account all the above factors before you make that purchase. Get the VonHaus 2-in-1 or the Sebo Automatic X-7 that promises to solve all your cleaning problems.