Have you walked down the aisle of your local big-box discount retail store and wondered what cheap vacuums actually had a decent value? With small uprights priced below $40 and pet hair vacuums priced below $100 in some makes and models, it seems like a great way to clean a home while saving money. Not every entry-level vacuum cleaner is created equally, however, so this guide will take you through what to look for while you shop.
The Best Chart For Vacuums Priced Under $100
Here’s an easy way to get the research started on entry-level vacuum cleaners. The chart below will let you quickly compare and contrast the different features of each vacuum so you can find the one that can best meet your needs.
How Can I Find the Right Vacuum Under $100?
The second step in the shopping process is to research more information about the vacuum cleaners that you’ve found that may meet your needs. How good is the quality of the unit? Does it maintain a consistent suction level? Are there common manufacturing issues that may cause the vacuum cleaner to break down in the next few months? Shoppers generally get what they pay for, so a vacuum cleaner under $100 might seem like a bit of a gamble.
This is where a comprehensive review on the vacuum cleaner can really be of help. Instead of taking a vacuum home to discover it doesn’t do what its marketing description promised it would do, you can look right now to see the effectiveness of each model.
Product reviews are not the same as comprehensive reviews. Anyone can write anything today on sites like Amazon. Brands can even pay writers to post reviews of their products on the listings to make it seem like a purchase has happened. Don’t rely on just one source. Our reviews here should still be a stepping stone for your full due diligence on your preferred vacuum cleaners.
What Features Come With Vacuums Priced Under $100?
Most entry-level vacuum cleaners come with the same features that more expensive vacuum cleaners have. There are bagged models and there are bagless models. There are some that feature cyclonic technology and others that feature a better overall pet hair removal experience. The goal with these features is to find the makes and models that are actually effective with their features instead of just including them as a way to “add value” to the vacuum.
Here’s an example: two vacuum cleaners say that they can remove pet hair. Both are priced for less than $100. The first vacuum says that it removes more pet hair than its competitors and the reviews of this vacuum reflect this. The second vacuum says that it not only removes pet hair, but makes disposing of dirt and debris easy with a redesigned bottom release feature. With the first vacuum cleaner, more pet hair is removed, but people have to physically remove that hair from the dirt canister.
Which one is the better deal? That choice depends on whether or not you are comfortable pulling out junk that came up from your carpet. This is why reviews should be making recommendations and providing facts, not insisting on the purchase of one particular make and model.
How To Make Sure You Get the Best Deal Possible
Shopping in the under-$100 range often means compromising quality at some level. Most consumers are looking to get the most bang for their buck and aren’t looking for a vacuum that will last for decades at this price point. They typically want something that will clean effectively for a couple of years before breaking down and requiring a new vacuum.
Expecting a sub-$100 vacuum cleaner to last more than 5 years is an unreasonable expectation. If you can find a unit that has a 2 year warranty on it, however, that’s a pretty good find and deserves a closer look. Make sure to look at the history of warranty claims that a particular model may have to avoid common issues that certain manufacturers tend to have with their units.
Getting the best deal possible here also means looking at the actual construction of the vacuum cleaner to determine if it can stand up to your usage habits. If you have a hardwood floor, for example, a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar you can’t turn off isn’t a great deal. It will just blow dirt around the house and make a bigger mess. A handheld vacuum might be powerful at 7 amps, but with a 2 inch opening, it could take you 45 minutes just to clean your stairs.
This is why versatility must be your #1 priority. Vacuum cleaners at this price point almost always focus on value by being an all-in-one solution, whether they actually are or not. Look for models that will clean your upholstery as well as your area rugs, carpets, and bare floors to find the best deal possible. Keep an eye on shipping charges as well so you’re not paying as much to ship the vacuum cleaner to your home as it costs to by the actual unit.
What Do the Prices Mean For These Vacuum Cleaners?
Because all of these vacuum cleaners are priced for less than $100, the actual style of the vacuum cleaner becomes important. Do you prefer an upright vacuum cleaner? Would a canister vacuum make more sense? Maybe you live in a small home or an apartment and a stick vac could be the best option. Each style of vacuum, including handheld vacuums, all have entry-level models that fit into this price point. Narrow your search down based on type first, features second, and durability third.
What Do Our Reviews Have To Say?
Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik
The Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik is a three-in-one vacuum cleaner. Users can keep it as an upright stick vac and clean their floors like a traditional vacuum cleaner. It can be converted to a handheld vac that is perfect for upholstery, vehicles, and stairs. It is also a functional utility vac for all of the generic cleaning needs a home may have. The wheels roll smoothly and the cord wrap is located in the traditional spot.
Click here to look at the price on Amazon and find a great deal.
Eureka Mighty Mite
What’s unique about this particular vacuum cleaner is that the air flow can be reversed. This allows the unit to act as a blower instead of a vacuum if needed. Take the Eureka Mighty Mite outside with you on an Autumn day and blow those leaves off of the sidewalk and driveway. If you have grass clippings that went into the street, the blower takes care of that situation for you as well. It is a beast when it comes to picking up dust and pet hair, especially the clumps that tend to form in the corners around a hardwood floor.
Click here to look at the price on Amazon and find a great deal.
Bissell PowerEdge
The Bissell PowerEdge weighs a little less than 10 pounds. The advantage here is that there aren’t the typical bristles on this vacuum as other pet vacuums tend to have. This stops the pet fur from getting caught up in the collection mechanism and ultimately reducing the effectiveness of the vacuum. It will help you zip around the house to clean all of the bare floors with ease. The design of the vacuum head has also incorporated a swiveling function so it’s easy to get around the furniture legs in each room. If you’re tired of sweeping out the edges and corners, this is the vacuum you’ll want to use.
Click here to look at the price on Amazon and find a great deal.
Hoover Cyclonic
With a 20 foot power cord and a cord release, this entry-level vacuum cleaner is able to stretch out to meet most needs. It isn’t a full-sized vacuum cleaner, but is instead a large stick vacuum that has a reasonable amount of power. Bare floors and low pile carpeting are effectively cleaned thanks to the brushroll technology. The handle reclines to a point where it is almost parallel to the floor for easy cleaning. Some debris gets stuck in the container at times, but overall, the cleaning power of this vacuum is surprisingly good.
Click here to look at the price on Amazon and find a great deal.
Black and Decker Lithium
When you need a portable vacuum cleaner, you’ve got two basic options today: get a handheld vacuum or purchase a stick all-in-one model. The only problem is that many of these vacuums are either corded or have a fairly weak battery that won’t let you get a job completed before it needs to be recharged or you run out of cord. That isn’t the case with the Black and Decker Lithium Pivot 20v handheld vac. It provides consistent suction from start to finish.
Click here to look at the price on Amazon and find a great deal.
It’s time to maintain a clean home without ruining your budget. These vacuum cleaners are more than budget-friendly. They are effective cleaning machines. Use this guide to locate the best option that will work for your home today. It’s the easiest way to simplify your cleaning chores on a long-term basis.