Cordless vacuum cleaner – complete guide to choosing and buying

A cordless vacuum cleaner is the vacuum cleaner of freedom. No cord to drag along, no outlets to keep track of – just take it off the holder and get started. That's why many households use their cordless vacuum cleaner several times a day, while a traditional corded vacuum cleaner might only be used once a week.

On this page, you'll find all types of cordless vacuum cleaners: stick vacuums (also called upright vacuums), handheld vacuums, and 2-in-1 models that can do both. We have over 25 years of experience with battery-powered vacuum cleaners and will help you find the right one.

What is a cordless vacuum cleaner?

A cordless vacuum cleaner is a battery-powered vacuum cleaner that is charged between uses. It is bagless – instead of a vacuum bag, it has a dustbin that you empty directly into the trash. This makes it quick and easy to use in everyday life.

The three types of cordless vacuum cleaners are:

Stick vacuum: The most popular type. Mounted on a stick and used like a regular vacuum cleaner, just without a cord. Suitable for the entire floor.

Handheld vacuum: Small and compact. Perfect for quick clean-ups, sofas, cars, and stairs.

2-in-1 vacuum: Combines a stick vacuum and a handheld vacuum in one model. The handheld vacuum can be detached from the stick and used separately.

Advantages of a cordless vacuum cleaner

• Freedom of movement: No cord means you can freely move around the entire house – from the basement to the top floor – without changing power outlets.
• Always ready to use: Put it on the charger after use, and it's ready the next time you need it.
• Light and easy: The battery doesn't weigh much, so the vacuum cleaner is easy to carry around – especially practical in multi-story homes.
• Bagless: Empty the dustbin directly into the trash. No bags to buy or change.
• Ideal for quick clean-ups: Sand from the playground, crumbs on the kitchen floor, pet hair on the sofa – a cordless vacuum cleaner handles it in a flash.

Which cordless vacuum cleaner should you choose?

At Fnugfri, we personally select the models we offer, and we understand the different needs of our customers. Here are the most important factors to consider:

Size of home: If you live in an apartment, most models will do the job fine. If you have a larger house with several floors, you should look for a model with a long battery life – preferably 60 minutes or more.

Floor type: Most cordless vacuum cleaners work well on hard floors. For carpets, good suction power and an effective brush are required – look for models that specifically mention carpet cleaning.

Pets: If you have pets at home, look for models with anti-tangle brush heads that prevent pet hair from getting tangled in the brush.

Battery life: Most models last 30–60 minutes on a charge. Top models can last up to 90 minutes. Remember: if you charge the vacuum cleaner after each use, you rarely run out of power in the middle of a vacuuming session.

Charging time: Varies from approx. 2.5 to 12 hours depending on the model. If you're in a hurry, look for models with fast charging.

You are always welcome to visit our stores in Holstebro or Herning, where you can see and try out the stick vacuum cleaners and feel the difference in weight, handle, and container.

Can you get by with just a cordless vacuum cleaner?

Yes, many households can easily get by with a cordless vacuum cleaner – especially in apartments and smaller homes. It handles daily vacuuming without problems, and many top models have suction power comparable to traditional vacuum cleaners.

If you have a larger house, many carpets, pets, and children, it may be worthwhile to invest in a model with long battery life and high suction power – or supplement with a traditional vacuum cleaner for thorough weekly cleanings.

Frequently asked questions about cordless vacuum cleaners (FAQ)

What is the difference between a stick vacuum and a handheld vacuum? A stick vacuum is mounted on a long handle and is used for vacuuming floors, just like a traditional vacuum cleaner. A handheld vacuum is small and compact and is used for quick clean-ups on sofas, stairs, cars, and tabletops. A 2-in-1 model combines both – the handheld vacuum is on the stick and can be detached and used separately.

How long does the battery last on a cordless vacuum cleaner? Most models last 30–60 minutes on a charge in normal mode. Top models like the MOVA G70 last up to 90 minutes. If you use it at maximum suction power, the battery life will be reduced. If you remember to put it on the charger after use, it will always be ready.

How long does it take to charge a cordless vacuum cleaner? This varies from model to model – from approx. 2.5 hours to up to 12 hours. Many mid-range models are fully charged in 4–6 hours. Always check the specific model for exact charging time.

Is a cordless vacuum cleaner good for pet hair? Yes, many models are suitable for pet hair – but not all. Specifically look for models with anti-tangle brush heads that prevent pet hair from getting tangled. Under each product at Fnugfri, we indicate whether the model is suitable for pet hair.

Are cordless vacuum cleaners bagless? Yes, the vast majority of cordless vacuum cleaners are bagless. Instead, they have a dustbin that you empty directly into the trash after use. The exception is a few special models like the Hoogo BS5, which have a bag – an advantage for dust allergy sufferers, as the dust is enclosed in the bag.

Can a cordless vacuum cleaner be used on carpets? Yes, but the effectiveness varies from model to model. For carpets, good suction power (look for Pa values above 15,000 Pa) and a rotating brush that can get into the carpet are required. If carpets are a large part of your home, this should be a decisive factor in your choice.

How much does a good cordless vacuum cleaner cost? Prices at Fnugfri start from approx. 800 DKK for handheld vacuums and go up to approx. 4,500–6,800 DKK for top models like the Bosch Unlimited 7 Pro. A good mid-range model for an average household typically costs 2,000–3,500 DKK. There is a clear correlation between price and battery life, suction power, and accessories.

Which brands of cordless vacuum cleaners does Fnugfri sell? We carry a wide selection, including Nilfisk, Bosch, Mova, Hoogo, Hoover, AEG, Numatic (Henry Quick), and Makita. We have chosen these brands based on quality, durability, and user experience – and we know all the models inside out.

Can I try a cordless vacuum cleaner before buying? Yes! Visit one of our stores, where you can see, feel, and try our stick vacuum cleaners. You can feel the weight, the handle, and the container – and get personal advice from our experts.

When is a cordless vacuum cleaner not the right choice? A cordless vacuum cleaner is not always the best solution if you have a very large house with many carpets and need powerful deep cleaning. Here, a traditional corded vacuum cleaner may still have an advantage due to constant power supply and generally higher suction power. However, many choose to have both – the cordless for everyday use and the traditional for thorough weekly cleaning.

Get help choosing the right cordless vacuum cleaner

At Fnugfri, we have over 25 years of experience with battery-powered vacuum cleaners. We offer free advice and know our products inside out – online, by phone, and in our stores.

Contact us at info@fnugfri.dk or call 97420320 if you have any questions.

Also remember to check our offers section – we occasionally have cordless vacuum cleaners on sale.