Buying guide for Best dirt devil vacuums
It’s sometimes tough to find the right tools to give your house a thorough clean, especially when you’re searching for an inexpensive solution. Dirt Devil vacuums are ideal for the homeowner on a budget. Can a lower-cost vacuum really get the job done? Absolutely! These lightweight vacuums gobble up dust and debris and are available in a variety of models from stick to canister.
Another advantage of Dirt Devil vacuums is that it’s easy to find and buy replacement parts. If your vacuum breaks, you may not need to spend money to replace it. Fixing a Dirt Devil isn’t as difficult as fixing many other vacuums. While Dirt Devil vacuums 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.
Check out our buying guide below, which covers everything you need to know about this brand’s line of dirt-busting vacuums, and take a look at our favorites, too.
Key considerations
Types of Dirt Devil vacuums
Before you spend your hard-earned cash and buy a Dirt Devil vacuum, you’ll want to know about the different models available. The company sells a variety of vacuum types, each equipped with patented cleaning technology.
Handheld: Dirt Devil’s handheld vacuums are ideal for picking up small spills and handling spot-cleaning jobs. The company sells an ultra-convenient wet/dry handheld vacuum that’s also capable of sucking up moisture. Most of the models are cordless and equipped with a lithium-ion battery. The handheld vacuums are lightweight, highly maneuverable, and easy to empty. They do, however, have a limited run time, and the dust receptacles are small compared to other vacuum types.
Upright: Dirt Devil’s upright vacuums are designed for serious cleaning tasks. They’re all corded, so there’s no time limit for vacuuming your whole house. Each model is equipped with a lengthy cord (ranging from 10 to 25 feet). All of the uprights are bagless and feature large, quick-to-empty canisters. There are also several vacuum models in this product range designed to handle pet hair.
Stick: The company’s stick models are a lot more lightweight compared to its upright vacuum lineup. These vacuums are designed for everyday cleaning yet lack the bulk of a traditional model. Dirt Devil’s stick vacuums are available as both cordless and corded, and several convert easily into handhelds. These have some of the smallest dust receptacles of the different vacuum types
Canister: For easy handling and extra maneuverability, choose one of Dirt Devil’s bagged canister models. The long hose allows easy access for cleaning curtains and other hard-to-reach places in your home. Dirt Devil’s canister models feature large dust receptacles.
Bagless vs. bagged
Bagless: Most of the Dirt Devil lineup includes bagless models. Simply vacuum, dislodge the canister, empty it in the trash, and return it to its housing. Bagless vacuums are very convenient, but you run the risk of releasing allergens back into the air if you’re not careful.
Bagged: Dirt Devil’s bagged canister vacuums require you to purchase bags, but they hold more than the canisters, and swapping them out is less likely to contaminate the air than emptying a canister.
Cordless vs. corded
Dirt Devil offers you both cordless and corded options.
Cordless: Cordless vacuums are easy to move around your home since there’s no cord to get in the way, but you’re limited by the vacuum’s battery life, and you’ll need to remember to charge the vacuum so it will be ready when needed.
Corded: With a corded vacuum, you’ll need to locate 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 depending on the model in question. Check the vacuum’s specifications to verify that the cord is long enough for your needs.
"Most Dirt Devil vacuums are quite loud, even the handheld models. They’re not vacuums you’ll want to use at night or when someone is taking a nap!"
STAFF
BestReviews
Maneuverability
Most Dirt Devil vacuums on offer roll around like any other vacuum and feature a standard head shape. The company, however, does sell two models with advanced swivel steering. Some users note that the swivel steering mechanism takes some getting used to at first.
Filter
Dirt Devil vacuums feature a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to keep dust and allergens from being released back into your home environment. The filters must be washed regularly to prevent loss of suction. Improve the performance of your vacuum by replacing filters every once in a while, too.
Features
Dirt Devil technology
The technology used varies from model to model, but a few common features include the following:
Endura Cyclonic System: A patented function that promises limited loss of suction
Spin4Pro Premium Brushroll: A powerful cleaning brush suitable for hard floors and carpets
XL Dirt Cup: An extra-large canister for high-capacity cleaning
Dirt Devil accessories
Some Dirt Devil vacuums come with accessories, but you can also buy extras separately. A few useful add-on tools available from Dirt Devil include the following:
Extension wand: Clean hard-to-reach places with an extra length of hose attachment.
Nozzle tool: Great for vacuuming smaller items like pillows by hand.
Crevice tool: Use it to clean the dust out of nooks and crannies.
Dust brush: Clean up dusty surfaces other than floors.
Grout brush: Designed to help you clean dirty grout.
Upholstery brush tool: Designed for cleaning fabrics on furniture.
Dirt Devil vacuum prices
Inexpensive
Dirt Devil has a lot on offer for under $100. Vacuums available include most cordless and handheld models and several upright 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.
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. When rinsing out a Dirt Devil’s filter, always be sure it’s completely dry before returning it to the vacuum. Installing a damp filter risks mold growth.
- Swap out the HEPA filter every six months.
- Vacuum more frequently to prevent the buildup of dust and allergens. Waiting too long may trigger allergies or worsen asthma.
- Diagnose any issues. Have you noticed your Dirt Devil is losing suction? Don’t assume it’s time for a replacement. First, try cleaning or replacing the filter. Is there anything stuck inside the vacuum’s hose or canister that’s blocking the airflow? If all else fails, inspect the vacuum’s belt to see if the brush is working properly. Dirt Devil sells replacement parts, and with a bit of DIY know-how, your vacuum is likely easy to fix!
FAQ
Q. Which Dirt Devil model is best for pet owners?
A. Dirt Devil conveniently 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 scoop up pet hair without it getting tangled in the mechanism.
Q. Will a Dirt Devil vacuum lose suction over time?
A. While many of the company’s 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 vacuum by keeping the filter clean and changing it every six months.
Q. How long does a charge last for the cordless Dirt Devil models?
A. That depends on the battery. The 4-volt battery, the least powerful battery (included in some handheld Dirt Devil models) delivers the shortest run time of 6 minutes. A 16-volt battery holds enough charge to vacuum for up to 18 minutes. The 24-volt battery runs up to 20 minutes. Keep in mind that suction may decrease as the device loses power.
