Living in an apartment often means dealing with less storage, tighter corners, and the general challenge of keeping a smaller space clean and tidy. You don’t need a massive, bulky vacuum cleaner that takes up half your closet and feels like maneuvering a tank around your living room. What you need is an apartment vacuum cleaner – something compact, powerful enough for daily messes, and easy to store.
We’ve scoured the market to find vacuum cleaners that perfectly fit the bill for apartment living. Whether you’re battling pet hair, crumbs on hard floors, or just keeping those carpets fresh, the right vacuum can make all the difference. Say goodbye to awkward maneuvers and hello to efficient cleaning! Let’s dive into our top picks that prove great things truly come in smaller packages.
Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm…
This Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum truly stands out as a fantastic choice for anyone living in a smaller space, including dorms or studio apartments. What makes it shine is its incredible portability combined with surprising power for an upright. Weighing in at less than 8 pounds, it’s a breeze to carry from room to room, up and down stairs (if you have them!), and tuck away in a cupboard. Plus, every purchase helps save pets, which is a lovely bonus for animal lovers!
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Key Features:
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation.
- SCATTER-FREE TECHNOLOGY. Captures messes on hard floors with less scatter.
- POWERFUL SUCTION. Convenient, powerful cleaning in one machine.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND MANEUVERABLE. Weighs less than 8 pounds, so it’s easy to transport.
- EASY EMPTY DIRT CONTAINER. Dispose of debris with a push of a button.
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Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and easy to carry.
- Effective on both hard floors and carpets.
- Simple, one-button dirt container emptying.
- Compact size makes storage effortless.
- Supports a good cause with every purchase.
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Cons:
- Corded design means you’ll need to plug it in.
- Compact dirt cup might require more frequent emptying in larger spaces (though perfect for apartments).
- Limited attachments compared to full-sized uprights.
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User Impressions: Users love how surprisingly powerful this little upright is for its size and price. Many praise its ability to pick up pet hair and its lightweight design for quick cleanups. The easy-empty bin is a consistent favorite feature.
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with…
Talk about versatility! The Bissell Featherweight is a true chameleon, transforming from a stick vacuum into a handheld or stair vacuum with ease. This 3-in-1 design is an absolute game-changer for apartment dwellers, allowing you to tackle everything from sealed hard floors and low-pile carpets to furniture and stairs without needing multiple machines. Its powerful suction makes quick work of everyday dust and debris.
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Key Features:
- Powerful, convenient, and easy to use; specific uses: hard floor, carpet, dual action.
- Form Factor: stick.
- Powerful suction for quick pick-ups with multipurpose versatility.
- Versatile cleaning: three machines in one (stick, handle, and stair vacuum).
- Includes a crevice tool for furniture and a floor nozzle for stairs.
- Cleans hard floors and surface dirt on carpets and area rugs.
- Surface Type: Counter Tops, Sealed Hard Floors, Low Pile Carpet.
- Dirt Cup Capacity: 0.67 liter.
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Pros:
- Incredibly versatile 3-in-1 design for whole-apartment cleaning.
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Great for quick cleanups on multiple surfaces.
- Compact storage footprint.
- Bagless design for easy maintenance.
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Cons:
- Corded operation might limit reach without unplugging.
- Not designed for deep-cleaning thick carpets.
- Smaller dirt cup capacity means more frequent emptying.
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User Impressions: Customers rave about the Featherweight’s ability to switch between modes, making it perfect for small apartments with various surfaces. Its light weight is frequently highlighted as a major benefit, especially for quick daily tidying.
Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for…
The Eureka PowerSpeed is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a powerful upright apartment vacuum cleaner that doesn’t break the bank or your back. It boasts an upgraded cyclone system that effectively handles a range of debris from large particles to microscopic dust. What truly sets it apart is its 5 height settings, making it a fantastic all-rounder for different floor types, from delicate hardwood to plush shag rugs, without causing scratches.
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Key Features:
- Upgraded Cyclone System: handles larger debris, smaller dirt, and microscopic dust.
- Specific uses: hard floor, carpet, dual action.
- Powerful pick-up: Penetrates deep into the carpet to extract embedded dirt, dust, and debris.
- Lightweight: Does all the work while still remaining lightweight.
- 5 Height Settings: Works well on carpets, shag rugs, and hard floors without scratching.
- Multiple accessories included: Quick-release handle with stretch hose, 7-inch crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool – all stored on board.
- Traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens.
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Pros:
- Strong suction for deep cleaning carpets and effective on hard floors.
- Adjustable height settings make it suitable for diverse flooring.
- On-board tools provide convenient above-floor cleaning.
- Traps allergens, making it great for allergy sufferers.
- Surprisingly lightweight for its power.
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Cons:
- Upright form factor might be less nimble than stick vacuums in very tight spaces.
- Corded operation requires a power outlet.
- Requires regular cleaning of the roller brush to prevent clogging.
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User Impressions: Many users are impressed by the Eureka PowerSpeed’s robust suction power, especially on pet hair and embedded carpet dirt. They appreciate the versatility of the height settings and the convenience of the included tools for thorough apartment cleaning.
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet…
When it comes to combining power with extreme portability, the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light is a true contender. Weighing under 9 lbs, this corded stick vacuum easily converts into a handheld, offering versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning. What makes it truly shine for apartment living is its “Never Loses Suction” technology and incredibly maneuverable swivel steering, allowing you to glide around furniture and through tight spots with ease. Plus, its convenient storage hook means it won’t be an eyesore in your compact living space.
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Key Features:
- Under 9 lbs, ultra-lightweight corded stick vacuum converts to a handheld.
- Ultra-powerful, corded cleaning on carpets and hard floors.
- Fingertip controls to easily toggle between surfaces.
- Swivel Steering for excellent control in tight spaces and maneuverability around furniture.
- Hang the hand vacuum from the hook on the bottom of the wand for ultra-convenient storage.
- Easy-empty dust cup gets you back to cleaning in seconds.
- Upholstery Tool, Anti-Allergen Dust Brush, and Crevice Tool included.
- 5-year limited warranty.
- Never Loses Suction or Power.
- Cleans Bare Floors and Deep Cleans Carpets.
- Lightweight, Versatile Floor to Ceiling Cleaning.
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Pros:
- Exceptional suction power that remains consistent.
- Highly maneuverable with swivel steering.
- Versatile for floor-to-ceiling cleaning with handheld conversion.
- Space-saving storage design.
- Comes with multiple useful attachments.
- Long 5-year warranty offers peace of mind.
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Cons:
- Corded design can be a minor inconvenience in larger apartments.
- Can be top-heavy when used as a stick vacuum, making it feel less stable to some.
- Smaller dust cup compared to full-sized vacuums.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the Shark Rocket for its powerful suction and ability to pick up pet hair from various surfaces. The lightweight design and easy maneuverability make it a favorite for quick, effective cleaning, especially in smaller, cluttered spaces.
Eureka Blaze Stick Vacuum Cleaner, Powerful Suction 3-in-1…
The Eureka Blaze is another fantastic 3-in-1 option that brings powerful suction in an incredibly lightweight package, making it an ideal apartment vacuum cleaner. Weighing a mere 4 pounds, it’s practically effortless to handle and store. What truly sets it apart is Eureka’s signature swivel steering, which makes navigating around furniture and into tight corners a smooth and efficient experience. Its “capture nozzle” design is also clever, picking up larger debris that other stick vacuums might just push around.
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Key Features:
- 3-in-1 design with onboard crevice tool allows customization.
- Only 4 pounds, making it incredibly portable.
- Eureka’s signature swivel steering improves maneuverability and cleaning efficiency.
- Capture nozzle picks up larger debris with ease.
- Effectively removes surface dirt and dust from multi-surfaces.
- Powerful 2 amp motor picks up particles like dust and pollen.
- Washable filtration system captures debris and improves air quality.
- 18′ power cord and X-Large dust cup ensure you get the job done faster.
- 9.44-inch cleaning path.
- Environmentally safe, frustration-free packaging (FFP).
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Pros:
- Extremely lightweight at only 4 pounds.
- Excellent maneuverability with swivel steering.
- Effective capture nozzle for both small and large debris.
- Washable filter for cost-effective maintenance and improved air quality.
- Generous 18′ cord and X-Large dust cup for a stick vacuum.
- Versatile 3-in-1 design.
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Cons:
- Corded operation means you’ll be tethered to an outlet.
- Primarily for surface cleaning, not deep carpet cleaning.
- The smaller cleaning path might take slightly longer for very open areas.
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User Impressions: Reviewers frequently highlight the Eureka Blaze’s astonishingly light weight and how easy it is to zip around an apartment. The swivel steering and effective suction on hard floors and low-pile rugs are consistently praised, making it a go-to for daily upkeep.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect apartment vacuum cleaner doesn’t have to be a daunting task. The key is to prioritize features like compactness, maneuverability, and versatility, which these five fantastic models embody. Whether you’re dealing with a studio apartment, a multi-room flat, or just a small living space, there’s a vacuum here that can make your cleaning routine much easier and more efficient.
From the super-lightweight Bissell CleanView Compact and Eureka Blaze, which are perfect for quick daily tidying, to the versatile 3-in-1 Bissell Featherweight and powerful Shark Rocket for tackling diverse surfaces and pet hair, you’ve got excellent options. The Eureka PowerSpeed also offers robust upright cleaning with adjustable settings for those with varied flooring. All these options prove that you don’t need a huge machine to achieve a spotless home.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs: how much carpet you have, if you have pets, and how much storage space you really have. Consider these factors, and you’ll be well on your way to picking a compact cleaning companion that fits seamlessly into your apartment lifestyle. Happy cleaning!
FAQ: Apartment Vacuum Cleaner Edition
Q1: What kind of vacuum cleaner is best for a small apartment?
A: For a small apartment, stick vacuums, compact uprights, and 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 convertible vacuums are generally best. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and don’t take up much storage room.
Q2: Do I need a powerful vacuum for a small apartment?
A: Yes, you still need decent suction power, especially if you have pets, carpets, or suffer from allergies. While “powerful” might imply large, many compact models (like the Shark Rocket or Eureka PowerSpeed) offer excellent suction that rivals their larger counterparts.
Q3: Are cordless or corded vacuums better for apartments?
A: Both have pros and cons. Cordless vacuums offer unmatched freedom and convenience for quick cleanups without being tied to an outlet. However, corded vacuums typically offer stronger, consistent suction and don’t run out of battery, which can be preferable for deeper cleans or if your apartment has many outlets. For small spaces, the length of the cord on a corded vacuum is often sufficient.
Q4: What features should I look for in an apartment vacuum cleaner if I have pets?
A: Look for strong suction, a brush roll that can effectively pick up pet hair (and ideally is easy to clean), and a good filtration system (like HEPA, though not always available in compact models) to capture dander. Many of the vacuums reviewed, like the Bissell CleanView and Shark Rocket, are popular with pet owners.
Q5: How important is maneuverability in an apartment vacuum?
A: Extremely important! Apartments often have tight corners, furniture, and less open floor space. Vacuums with swivel steering (like the Shark Rocket or Eureka Blaze) and lightweight designs make navigating these areas much easier and faster.
Q6: Can stick vacuums really replace a full-sized upright in an apartment?
A: For most apartment dwellers, yes! Modern stick vacuums offer impressive suction and versatility for both hard floors and low-pile carpets. While they might not deep-clean plush carpets as effectively as some heavy-duty uprights, they are usually more than sufficient for daily cleaning and general maintenance in smaller spaces.
Q7: What about dust cup capacity? How often will I have to empty it with a compact vacuum?
A: Compact vacuums will naturally have smaller dust cups than full-sized models. For an average apartment, you might need to empty it after every use, or every other use, depending on the size of your space and how much debris you’re picking up (e.g., pet hair fills it faster). Most compact models have easy-empty designs, so it’s a quick task.
Q8: Should I get a bagless or bagged vacuum for my apartment?
A: Most modern compact and apartment-friendly vacuums are bagless. This is convenient as it saves you money on buying bags and is more environmentally friendly. Bagless vacuums typically have clear dirt cups that you simply empty into the trash. If you have severe allergies, a bagged vacuum might offer slightly better dust containment during emptying, but the convenience of bagless often outweighs this for apartment living.
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