Buying guide for best Dirt Devil vacuums
It can be to find the right tools to give your house a thorough clean, especially if you’re on a budget. Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners are ideal for the homeowner watching their pennies.
Can a lower-cost vacuum cleaner get rid of messes around the house? Absolutely! These lightweight vacuums gobble up dust and debris and come in multiple types, from stick vacs to canisters.
Another advantage of Dirt Devil vacuums is that it’s easy to find replacement parts. If your machine breaks, you may not need to spend money to replace it.
Types of Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners
Dirt Devil sells a number of vacuum cleaner types, each with patented cleaning technology.
Handheld vacuum
Dirt Devil’s handheld vacuums are ideal for picking up small spills and spot cleaning. The company sells an ultra-convenient wet/dry handheld vacuum cleaner that can also suck up moisture.
Most models are cordless with a lithium-ion battery. The hand vacs are lightweight, easy to move, and easy to empty.
They do have a limited run time, and the dustbins are small compared to other vacuum types.
Upright vacuums
Dirt Devil’s upright vacuums are for serious cleaning tasks. They’re all corded—each has a power cord from 10 to 25 feet. All are bagless with large, quick-to-empty canisters.
There are also several vacuum models in this product range that can handle pet hair.
Stick vacuums
The company’s stick vacuum cleaners are a lot more lightweight compared to its upright vacuum cleaner lineup. These vacuums can clean everyday messes without the bulk of upright vacuum cleaners.
Dirt Devil’s stick vacuum offerings are cordless and corded. Some convert easily into hand vacs.
Canister vacuums
For easy handling, choose one of Dirt Devil’s bagged canister models. The long hose allows you to clean curtains and other hard-to-reach places in your home. Dirt Devil’s canister models have large dustbins.
Most Dirt Devil vacuums are quite loud, even the hand vacuums. They’re not vacuums you’ll want to use at night or when someone is taking a nap!
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Bagless vs. bagged
Bagless
Most Dirt Devils are bagless models. Simply vacuum, dislodge the canister, empty it in the trash, and return it to its housing.
Bagless vacuums are convenient—there’s no hassle to remove the bag or buy a new one—but you do run the risk of releasing dust back into the air.
Bagged
Dirt Devil’s bagged canister vacuums require you to purchase bags, but they hold more than the canisters. Plus, changing these bags is less likely to contaminate the air than emptying a canister.
Cordless vs. corded
Cordless
Cordless vacuums are easy to move since there’s no cord to get in the way, but you’re limited by the vacuum’s battery life. And, you must charge the vacuum so it will be ready when needed.
Corded
With a corded vacuum, you must find an outlet and sidestep the cord from time to time. But, you can vacuum as long as you want without worrying about losing power. Cord length varies by model.
Check the specs to make sure the power cord is long enough for your needs.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fixing a Dirt Devil isn’t as difficult as fixing many other vacuums. While Dirt Devils may require more frequent maintenance and tend to lose suction faster than some more expensive vacuum brands, they’re a popular, solid choice that offers effective cleaning results.
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Features to consider
Maneuverability
Most Dirt Devils roll around like any other vacuum cleaner and have a standard head shape. However, the company sells several models with advanced swivel steering.
Some users note that the swivel steering mechanism takes some getting used to.
Filter
Dirt Devils feature a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
Filtration helps keep dust and allergens from being released back into the air. The filters must be washed often to prevent loss of suction.
You can improve the performance of your vac by replacing filters every once in a while.
Dirt Devil technology
Technology varies, but a few common features include the following:
- Endura Cyclonic System: This patented function promises limited loss of suction.
- Spin4Pro Premium Brushroll: This powerful cleaning brushroll is good for hard floors and carpets.
- XL Dirt Cup: This is an extra-large canister for high-capacity cleaning.
Dirt Devil accessories
Some Dirt Devil vacuums come with accessories. You can also buy them separately.
- Extension wand: Clean hard-to-reach places with the extra length.
- Nozzle tool: This is great for vacuuming smaller items like pillows by hand.
- Crevice tool: Use the crevice tool to clean dust out of nooks and crannies.
- Dust brush: Clean up dusty surfaces other than floors with Dirt Devil’s dusting brush.
- Grout brush: This brush can help you clean dirty grout.
- Upholstery brush tool: This tool is for cleaning fabrics on furniture.
If your Dirt Devil is losing suction power, don’t assume it’s time for a replacement. Clean or replace the filter. Is anything inside the vacuum’s hose or canister blocking the airflow? If all else fails, look at the belt to see if the brush is working. Dirt Devil sells replacement parts, and with a bit of DIY know-how, your vacuum is likely easy to fix.
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Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner prices
Inexpensive
A quick Amazon search shows that Dirt Devil has a lot to offer for under $100. Vacuums available include most cordless and handheld models and several upright vacuum cleaner options.
Mid-range
Vacuums with a price tag between $100 and $150 include swivel-steering uprights and the Reach Max Plus 3-in-1, Dirt Devil’s most powerful cordless stick vacuum cleaner.
Expensive
Dirt Devil has only one vacuum that costs over $150: the Dash Multi-Power Carpet & Hard Floor Canister Vacuum.
Tips
- Don’t install a damp filter. After you rinse a filter, let it dry before returning it to the vacuum. Installing a damp filter risks mold growth.
- Swap out the HEPA filter every six months.
- Vacuum often to prevent the buildup of dust and allergens. Waiting too long could trigger allergies or asthma.
FAQ
Q. Which Dirt Devil model is best for pet owners?
A. Dirt Devil labels its vacuums, so it’s easy to spot which one is best for a home with pets. Pet-friendly models are equipped with powerful brushes to pick up pet hair without it getting tangled in the mechanism.
Q. Will a Dirt Devil lose suction over time?
A. While many models are marketed as having “no loss of suction,” according to reviewers, the machines don’t score high in terms of suction. Increase the suction power of your vac by keeping the filter clean and changing it every six months.
Q. How long does a charge last for a cordless Dirt Devil vacuum?
A. That depends on the battery.
- A 4-volt battery, the least powerful battery (included in some hand vacuums), has the shortest run time of six minutes.
- A 16-volt battery holds enough charge to vacuum for up to 18 minutes.
- A 24-volt battery runs up to 20 minutes.
Keep in mind that suction may decrease as the device loses power.
