Stick Vacuums are *Amazing* – Why You May Want to Switch

After enjoying the convenience of a stick vacuum, there’s no turning back.

Years back, I wrote about this cheap vacuum that I love in this post. It cleans perfectly well, is nice and lightweight, and best of all, there’s no need to take it for repairs. Because, when it dies after a few years, you simply throw out and replace with a new one. Easy maintenance! That vacuum has received a lot of positive attention over the years for being a great value. We’re leaving that post up because, hey, a $59 vacuum that works perfectly well is definitely worth a mention and does the trick in many households, especially when there is not that much carpeting. 

But time moves on and sometimes the new conveniences in life seem too good to pass up. And that includes the convenience of stick vacuums. 

I first spotted one in my friend’s home 3 1/2 years ago. She took it out and used it to suction up some crumbs that were on the floor. It was so effortless, she was probably doing something else with her other hand. There was no power cord, and it was just this stick; no vacuum bulk. “What is that? An electric broom for floors?” “No, it’s a vacuum. It works everywhere, floors or carpet.” Then I saw the “Dyson” name. “Ah…it’s a Dyson.”

“My sisters bought it for me last year when I had a baby. I thought it was a funny gift but they told me, ‘Trust us! You’ll love it!’ And I do!”

There are two caveats. One, stick vacuums are a little more expensive. There are different models and they range in price from $169 (for refurbished) to over $1000, depending on function, motor, and battery life. Refurbished models offer a great value and seem perfectly new and function just as well. 

Two, since they are rechargeable and cordless, they don’t last so long with each charge when using the “max suction” setting. So you can’t go vacuum the whole house at on one charge (the more expensive models that have longer battery life that can handle the whole home). 

Note that although a stick vacuum almost makes a broom during the weekdays obsolete (you get a much cleaner clean when vacuuming crumbs vs. sweeping), it doesn’t vacuum larger pieces so you still do need to sweep those. 

We’ve found the Target and Walmart have the best pricing and selection, so we’ve rounded up the most popular models below along with some pricing comparisons and refurbished options for better deals. Pricing often changes, especially when it comes to sale/refurbished models. 

There are models that are even higher end than those featured here. You can view additional options at Dyson.

Note: There are also other brands which make stick vacuums in a wider price range. We did not include them because we don’t have experience using them, but some readers have shared their feedback and experiences below.

Replacement Filters

Filters are washable but you can’t use it while it’s wet so it’s good to have backups on hand.

Dyson Original V8 Cordless Stick Vacuum

$383. Get a refurbished model for $169 at Walmart here.

Dyson V10 Animal Cordless Vacuum

$199 refurbished. This model is a nice step up in power from the V8. It has since been discontinued for the V11 version, but it’s a great value because along with the upgrade, the V11 has gotten pricier as well.

Dyson V11 Cordless Stick Vacuum

$519. Check pricing on both, amazon and Walmart, because they fluctuate.

Dyson V12 Slim Cordless Stick Vacuum

$480. Originally $650, this one is currently on sale. This is the lightest of the “intelligent” Dyson vacuums which automatically adapts as you switch to different floor surfaces.

Dyson Outsize Cordless Stick Vacuum

$499. This has a wider head, and more power and run time to accommodate larger spaces. The refurbished model is available for $399 at Walmart.

Dyson V15 Cordless Stick Vacuum

$635. You can get the refurbished V15 for $349 at Walmart!

Once you get into the upper end of Dyson vacuums, you get enough power to clean your whole home, and suction power that adapts to your floor type, to optimally clean everything from the corners in your carpeted rooms to that hard-to-see dust in the crevices of your hard floors. 

Victoria Dwek

Victoria is the best-selling author of nine kosher cookbooks and a popular columnist for Ami Magazine. She always has the words for bringing everything that’s in our hearts onto the page. 

13 responses to “Stick Vacuums are *Amazing* – Why You May Want to Switch”

  1. Rn Avatar
    Rn

    Costco also has good prices and often has sales on different Dyson models.

  2. D Avatar
    D

    I have an LG one. Very happy with it.
    I still like using the parquet piece on my Miele for wood floors I feel like it does a better job but I keep my cordless on my main floor and use it for messes…

  3. Suri Avatar
    Suri

    How about the wet dry vacuums?

    1. Malkie Stern Avatar
      Malkie Stern

      I have the wet and dry vacuum it vacuums the floor ( it picks up just about everything and at the same time it washes my huge kitchen floor. I wouldn’t trade it for anything! There is nothing better than a Bissel! It’s a great machine, I purchased it on Amazon.

      1. Malkie Stern Avatar
        Malkie Stern

        The Bissel crosswave pet pro will give you the best vacuum since it picks up all hairs And everything else iThe machine gets the closest to your floor and picks up just about any hairs or anything that is on your floor. Since this is made for a pet like a dog that sheds hair that is why the machine is very close connected to the floor to pick just about every minor or major junk off the floor and washes the floor at the same time.. A lifesaver for me! You are killing 2 birds with 1 stone

        1. rayzel Avatar
          rayzel

          how difficult is this to clean when you are done?

  4. BH Avatar
    BH

    I am looking to replace my robot vacuum with a quieter one. After using it daily for 3 years its gotten noisier… Any suggestions?

  5. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    Has anyone found that their stick vacuum fell on the floor and cracked? That was my experience and I will think twice before investing in a new one. If you buy a stick vacuum (or any vacuum) look into buying an extended warranty with it!!

  6. Phyllis Avatar
    Phyllis

    I had one and loved it! it’s great for steps and quick clean ups.
    Battery did not last long and eventually died altogether.
    My Dyson lasted prob 2 years. I enjoyed in thoroughly during that time, but its def something to keep in mind.

    1. Miriam Hammer Avatar
      Miriam Hammer

      Anyone have the Miele HX1 stick vacuum? That’s on sale now at several electronics stores.

  7. pessy Avatar
    pessy

    why get just a stick vacuum when you can get a wet and dry vacuum that will vacuum and mop at the same time? seems like a waste to just pick up crumbs when you can wash your floors at the same time. the tineco and dreame are both AMAZING and LIFECHANGING. whoever has one is thrilled!

    1. Elisheva Avatar
      Elisheva

      I had one of these. Must be cleaned out immediately use or else it starts to smell. Hard to clean properly if you don’t have a big bathroom or laundry room sink to wash all the parts in. I would personally choose the stick vacuum and a simple mop system.

      1. pessy Avatar
        pessy

        you can just spill and rinse in the kitchen sink or even bathtub. and deeper clean not so often

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