Our 2023 vacuum cleaner guide outlines the different types of vacuum cleaners available in South Africa. We give you their pros and cons and the key points you should consider when shopping for a new vacuum cleaner.
Then we showcase 21 of the best vacuum cleaners to buy in 2023 in South Africa, based on customer reviews in the respective categories.
The best choice of vacuum will depend on your priorities. For example, are you looking for optimal suction power for a cleaner, more hygienic home? Or are you thinking about upgrading to a vacuum cleaner purpose-engineered to tackle allergens and pet hair?
Types of vacuum cleaners
Vacuums today are available in a wide range of makes, models and configurations. However, they can all be broken down into five main types. Each has pros and cons and is suited for specific purposes.
Type | Best for | Pros | Cons |
Upright vacuums | A large floor area of wall-to-wall carpets located on one level | · Cost effective | · Heavy to manoeuvre |
Cannister vacuums | All floor types, on stairs and under furniture | · Easy to manoeuvre | · Bulky |
Stick vacuums | Hard floors or tiles in a small living area | · Cordless | · Less power |
Handheld vacuums | Quick cleaning of spills and pickups on any surface, and ideal for hard-to-reach places | · Lightweight and easy to handle | · Cordless models have limited run time |
Robotic vacuums | All solid floor types on a single level | · Remote, hands-free cleaning | · Can get stuck in corners |
The best vacuum cleaner to buy in 2023 will depend, at least in part, on the size and nature of the area you want to keep clean.
What to consider when choosing a vacuum cleaner
Once you’ve identified the type of vacuum cleaner best suited to your cleaning requirements, there are a few key factors to consider before you settle on your dream machine.
Vacuum performance
If you live in a large home, you’ll want a powerful vacuum cleaner with unlimited run time. That’ll immediately discount cordless, battery-powered models. However, if your space is limited, a smaller, less powerful vacuum cleaner that’s easy to store may be your best bet.
Vacuum maintenance
Bagged vacuum cleaners require less maintenance than bagless models. Sophisticated filters trap dust and allergens more effectively but, as you’ll soon discover, they need to be cleaned more frequently than expected.
Pet hair and allergens
Pet owners or people who suffer from allergies need vacuum cleaners with specialised allergen filters and hair-removal capabilities.
Seven top-rated vacuum cleaners in 2023
Here’s our selection of some of the very best vacuum cleaners to buy in 2023 in South Africa, based on available reviews and consumer ratings.
Best handheld vacuum cleaner: Black and Decker Lithium-Ion Dust Buster Pivot
Source: Just Tools
The Black and Decker Lithium-Ion Dust Buster Pivot is lightweight, stylish and easy to store. It has a 10-minute run-time, adequate suction power and a few useful tools, including a flip-out brush and extendable crevice.
The stand-out feature is the innovative pivoting nozzle design, which supports the elimination of dust and grime build-up just about anywhere.
Price | Customer rating |
R1,150 to R1,200 | “Awesome little worker. So quick and easy to clean up dust. Not heavy at all. Love the modern design and look. Small and powerful.” |
Runners-up
Bosch 20.4 V
R1,400
Bosch 18V-1 Pro
R1,450 to R1,500
Best stick vacuum cleaner: Xiaomi Mi
Source: Xiaomi
The Xiaomi Mi is a super-efficient handheld vacuum cleaner that has three operating modes. It runs for up to 60 minutes. Mites, allergens and dust particles are easily eliminated thanks to the suction power of the nine-cyclone engine and advanced HEPA filtration.
The Mi comes with multifunctional brush heads and a wall-mounted docking station.
Price | Customer rating |
R4,300 to R4,800 | “Loving this vacuum. I spent ages looking at various vacuum cleaners and am so glad I went for this one. The attachments are all great. I love that it has different strength settings so you can crank things up for high traffic areas. Great buy.” |
Runners-up
Defy Powerstick
R2,800 to R3,000
Dyson V8 Absolute
R8,300 to R8,800
Best vacuum cleaner for allergy sufferers: Miele Blizzard CX1
Source: Miele
The Miele Blizzard CX1 uses vortex and dust-separation technology to provide a maximised cleaning performance. It’s a fully sealed, bagless unit that’s easy and hygienic to clean.
A HEPA AirClean Lifetime filter traps the finest dust particles, pollens and allergens. It has been independently certified as suitable for allergy sufferers.
Price | Customer rating |
around R8,000 | “The Miele Blizzard CX1 has dust protection. It has a powerful suction power. It is great for people with asthma and sinus problems.” |
Runners-up
Miele Complete C3 Allergy
R5,500
Dyson VII Torque Drive
R13,000
Best robotic vacuum cleaner: Taroma Robi1
Source: Taroma
Smart, efficient and capable of cleaning hard-to-reach places, the Taroma Robi1 has vacuum and mopping capabilities. It functions optimally on all floor surfaces and automatically re-ports and recharges when low on battery power.
Standout features include anti-fall and collision sensors, integration with Alexa and Google Home, low noise levels and a running time of 130 minutes.
Price | Customer rating |
under R6,000 | “We absolutely love the Taroma Robi1. It works well and we love the fact that it integrates with Smart Home apps. This is an absolute must if you have kids and dogs.” |
Runners-up
Milex Intellivac
under R5,000
Xiaomi Mi Smart
under R5,000
Best canister vacuum cleaner: Electrolux Super Cyclone
Source: Electrolux
The Electrolux Super Cyclone is a lightweight cannister vacuum cleaner that looks as good as it performs. An electrostatic duster picks up the finest dirt, dust, spores and pollen.
Accessories include a dusting tool, hard floor nozzle and turbo upholstery nozzle fitted with plush plates to remove pet hair.
Price | Customer rating |
R1,800 to R2,000 | “Great features, great suction, very reliable, and looks great in the cupboard.” |
Runners-up
Hoover Super 16
R1,850
Philips PowerGo
R1,200
Best wet and dry vacuum cleaner: Karcher WD 6 P Premium
Source: Takealot.com
The Karcher WD 6 P Premium is a hard-core wet-and-dry vacuum cleaner that’s ideal for applications in and around the house, such as the tool shed, garage and patio. Super-strong suction and blowing power ensures that dirt, dust and debris are easily dislodged and removed.
A compact design and practical cable and accessory storage make the Karcher WD 6 P Premium easy to park and store.
Price | Customer rating |
R4,000 | “Great purchase. Very powerful suction power and great build quality.” |
Runners-up
Electrolux Pure 9
R2,800 to R3,200
Bennett Read Tough15
R1,500 to R1,700
Best vacuum cleaner for pet lovers: Hoover H-Lift 700
Source: desertcart
The Hoover H-Lift 700 is highly rated for energy efficiency, hair removal and dust-busting capabilities. It’s a three-in-one vacuum cleaner that can be used as an upright, a motorised stick or a light-weight, lift-out cylinder.
Besides the standard cleaning tools, there’s a pet turbo brush with rotating bristles that’s purpose-designed to lift dirt, dust and pet hair off the furniture.
Price | Customer rating |
R10,000+ | “The Hoover H-Lift 700 really is amazing for picking up dog fur. It’s so easy to use and goes around the furniture easily. Would thoroughly recommend if you have pets.” |
Runners-up
Bosch Pro-Animal
R5,500+
Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Pro 2
around R10,000
Why you need more than just a good vacuum cleaner
Even if you invest in one of the best vacuum cleaners to buy in 2023, it’s advisable to have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once or twice a year.
A vacuum cleaner can do only so much. It doesn’t extract deeply embedded dirt, pollen and other pollutants from carpet fibres. It can’t remove substances that have soaked into a carpet.
Also, it can’t kill mould spores or completely rid carpets of dust mites, other pests or their eggs.
For all these purposes, periodic steam-cleaning is the best alternative.
At Chelsea Cleaning
A good vacuum cleaner makes cleaning a lot easier – but for deep-cleaning your curtains, carpets, mattresses and upholstery, the easiest option of all is to contact us at Chelsea Cleaning.
