Review 2024: The best cordless stick vacuums with HEPA Filter for allergies in the UK ?

"Allergy sufferers have to go through elaborate cleaning sessions every day or just have to cope with coughing, sniffles and shortness of breath." Unfortunately, these or similar statements are still often heard.

With an allergy, the body reacts sensitively to certain substances that should not be a problem for healthy people, such as house dust, mites, flower pollen or pet hair. ?

Around 60 million people in Europe are affected by allergies. Nearly 33 % of adults in the UK suffer from at least one allergy.

And allergens in the home are a particular burden on everyday life. Therefore, thorough cleaning is essential for allergy sufferers to get their complaints under control.

However, it is not necessary to spend many hours of the day cleaning - with the right utensils! ?

A good hoover for allergy sufferers can already be a great relief in everyday life.

We have looked into the subject in detail and compiled all the important information for you.

Find out which hoover is best for allergy sufferers, what you should look out for when buying, which different technologies are available and what else allergy sufferers can do to live as pain-free as possible. ?

Many believe that cordless hoovers are not suitable for allergy sufferers because of their lower suction power. However, there are now some cordless alternatives that allergy sufferers can use without concern.

But what does a cordless vacuum cleaner for allergy sufferers have to offer?

Which Cordless Vacuum has a HEPA filter?

Many cordless vacuum cleaners are now equipped with a HEPA (particulate air) filter. This also includes those from the Dyson V series. ?

Among the cordless hoovers with HEPA filters in the test, the Dyson devices of the V series (compare our Dyson cordless hoovers in the test) performed exceptionally well. However, many well-known manufacturers have already developed their filter systems and use other HEPA or microfilters.

Which dust bags are suitable for allergy sufferers?

There are also special anti-allergy dust bags that reduce allergens. They act similar to filters and reduce the multiplication of bacteria, spores and fungi inside.

They should also have a high filtration capacity (HEPA filter) to retain fine particles.

Good cleaning performance and strong suction power

Of course, suction power is also crucial to ensuring that house dust and other allergens are safely removed from living spaces. ?

It should be consistently strong throughout the suction process. Unfortunately, the suction power is specified differently from manufacturer to manufacturer, making comparison difficult. Some manufacturers use the Airwatt measurement.

This can quickly lead to confusion, and, in principle, suction power alone is not decisive.

If you want to find out something about the cleaning power, then we naturally recommend independent tests such as ours.?

A long battery life

Battery life was a major drawback (and it still is with many models today). After all, it should be possible to vacuum for as long as possible without the suction power diminishing over time.

This problem has largely been solved!

In addition, a quick recharge should be guaranteed so that the device is soon ready for use again. Lithium-ion batteries have proved particularly useful here. Today's powerful cordless hoovers from the premium segment already have an operating time of over 60 minutes.

Enough time to clean most flats! ?

Easy handling and the 2 in 1 function

A huge advantage of cordless hoovers is their flexibility!

You can comfortably get to any part of the house without having to drag a heavy appliance and a cumbersome cord behind you.

Accordingly, the cordless hoover should be as light, manoeuvrable and handy as possible so that even the smallest and most hidden corners can be reached easily. You can also quickly attach a crevice tool if needed.

The 2-in-1 function

The 2-in-1 function is also one of the outstanding features of the cordless hoovers.

Thanks to the different attachments, you can also use the device to remove allergy-inducing dust from upholstery, furniture, objects and even the ceiling. (But more on that later). ?

Easy emptying and cleaning

For allergy sufferers, in particular, they must have as little contact as possible with the dust that is vacuumed up. Therefore, choosing a device that can be easily opened and emptied makes sense. ?

"Can allergies get worse after vacuuming?" That depends!

Some prefer hoovers with a bag, as this way they do not have to remove the dirt from the dust box manually, and thus fewer particles are rereleased.

There are also dust bags with an antibacterial coating. This ensures that bacteria, spores, mites, etc., cannot multiply inside. ?

The only cordless hoover with a bag worth mentioning that is currently on the market is the Kobold VB100 by Vorwerk from our review. It has also performed very well in tests because of its wiping attachment (also compare our best cordless vacuum and mop combo review) it has performed very well. In 2020, it was the test winner as a hoover for allergy sufferers with a bag.

However, there are also some good bagless alternatives where the dust container can be cleaned conveniently and quickly at the touch of a button. A hoover for allergy sufferers without a bag would be the V-series from the Dyson brand, which stood out with its very clever emptying function.

Furthermore, it’s important that the other hoover parts, such as the brush and tube, can be easily taken apart and cleaned. Because, to keep allergen exposure as low as possible, the vacuum cleaner should also be cleaned regularly. ?

Which? has taken an in-depth look at cordless hoovers to determine the winners. Cordless vacuum cleaners tend to be lighter and easier to use than corded vacuums, making cleaning feel like less of a chore. The assumption that they cannot keep up with the classic corded hoovers in cleaning and suction power is outdated.

Which accessories are included depends on the model and the respective offer.

In most cases, however, there is a wide range of accessories available in the shops that you can buy.

Here we would like to introduce you to a few that you should not do without as an allergy sufferer. ?

Special electric brushes

They are so useful because you can use them to clean all kinds of surfaces thoroughly.

For example, there are special attachments for mattresses and upholstery, carpets and other textile surfaces.

Brush attachment for pet hair

Pet owners should look for a hoover for allergy sufferers and pet dander, which can also cause severe allergic reactions.

However, these special brush attachments can be purchased for the most popular models. We have also tested the best cordless hoovers for pet hair here.

You don’t want your vac to clog! ?

Other nozzles and attachments

To get rid of dust and dirt all over your home, you should also use the following nozzles. You should not do without a floor nozzle, crevice nozzle and multi-tool. ?

For a long time, nothing could match the suction power of corded hoovers. It wasn't until 2020 that cordless hoovers were tested and rated "good". Since then, a lot has happened in this area.

However, you usually have to pay a little more for a good cordless stick vacuums.

In the long run, however, a good cordless hoover pays for itself because you don't have to buy bags or filters. That's good for your wallet and the environment.?

If you want to buy a more affordable but still powerful version, you can find what you are looking for in corded vacuum cleaners. Corded vacuums are the best budget vacuums for allergies. ?

In addition to the points that are also decisive for a cordless vacuum cleaner, such as the battery's capacity and the suction, cleaning and filtering performance, the action radius is also an important parameter here.

The action radius is an important parameter for corded vacuum cleaners!

The action radius is the radius from the socket to the nozzle, i.e. the area in which you can vacuum without moving the cord.

Normally, this radius is 10 metres, perfectly adequate for a normal flat. ?

Advantages and disadvantages of a corded vacuum cleaner compared to a cordless one

Advantages

• The battery does not need to be recharged, so you can vacuum as long as you want, whenever you want

• Models with very high suction power are often cheaper.

Disadvantages

• More unwieldy due to the hoover carriage and the cable

• Tangle of cables

• Storage space

• Smaller action radius

• Less flexible due to the 2 in 1 function

• Frequent use of bags and disposable filters

• worse for the environment and wallet in the long run

Classic floor hoover or battery-operated hoover - a decision-making aid

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question whether a battery-operated hoover or a classic hoover with a cord is better.

However, we now generally recommend a solid battery-operated hoover. ?

Good cordless hoovers are now just as good as conventional corded vacuum cleaners regarding cleaning performance and suction power.

In addition, due to the flexibility (no cables, no annoying dragging behind etc.), cordless vacuums are much handier and more practical than the old mains vacuums.

All in all, conventional corded vacuum cleaners seem to be getting on in years and, in our estimation, will sooner or later be replaced entirely by battery-powered devices.

Individual factors in the decision

Ultimately, it depends on many individual factors. If you are still unsure what is best for you, you should ask yourself the following questions beforehand:

- How often do I want to vacuum with it?

- How much suction power do I need?

- How important are flexibility and manageability to me?

- Do I mind a limited operating radius?

- Does it bother me if I always have to charge the battery first?

Since it is especially important for allergy sufferers to keep the home allergy friendly and as free as possible from all kinds of dust and dirt.

You can, for example, buy a device with a spare battery.

This way, you can always charge the battery while using the device and make sure to vacuum. ?

Robot vacuum cleaners are efficient and have become indispensable for many households.

They are also very suitable for a household with allergies, as they can significantly reduce allergen exposure in the long run. ?

But which hoover robots are suitable for allergy sufferers? We have also tested the best hoover robots for allergy sufferers.

Five features that are essential for a robot hoover for allergy sufferers

HEPA filter

What exactly the HEPA filter is, we have already described in detail earlier in the text.

But, of course, it is also essential for a robot vacuum cleaner for allergy sufferers to be equipped with a highly efficient filter.?

Robot vacuum and mop combo

Not every robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with a mop system, but it’s a special goodie in any case. The test's best robot hoovers with wiping function can be found here.

Your bare floors will be even cleaner and fresher, which can only benefit your well-being. For example, some devices offer a vibrating mop combo.

The scrubbing movements remove even stubbornly encrusted dirt from the floor.

Timer function

Another super practical feature (not only for allergy sufferers) is a timer function.

This allows you to set a specific time when the robot should regularly clean your home. For example, you can set it to vacuum (and mop) every day while you are at work.

Then you can look forward to a clean home! ?

Modern robotic hoovers can also often be operated via a mobile app while you are on the move.

The timer function is so good for allergy sufferers because many allergens are stirred up when vacuuming. Allergy attacks, therefore, occur particularly frequently during this time.

Robot hoover with the suction station

A suction station ensures that the robot's mobile dust container empties automatically when it drives onto the charging station. This way, you have much less contact with dirt and allergens. ?

The dust bag, located in the extraction station, normally only needs to be changed every two to three months.

Advantages and disadvantages of a robot vacuum cleaner for allergy sufferers at a glance

Advantages:

• Structured navigation for seamless cleaning of the flat

• More frequent cleaning of floors

• Cleaning during absence prevents allergy attacks during the vacuuming process

• Saves a lot of time and effort in everyday life

Disadvantages:

• Currently no robot vacuum cleaner on the market that delivers a satisfactory result on carpets.

BUT: People with severe allergies should avoid carpets altogether, as allergens can easily settle here.

Vacuuming is an important part of your cleaning routine. To avoid allergies reactions, you should vacuum at least 1-2 times a week.

But vacuuming isn’t everything! We have put together some more tips for you to help reduce allergy symptoms in your home.

Deep clean carpets and upholstered furniture regularly

Even if you use the best allergy vacuum cleaner on the market and clean your carpets and upholstery frequently, some dust particles will still settle in the depths.

Regular professional cleaning is a real help ?

For this reason, you should have your upholstery and carpets professionally cleaned once a year. This way, you can get rid of fungal spores, bacteria and other allergy-causing substances.

Have your mattress professionally cleaned

A mattress is not only a rather unhygienic matter for allergy sufferers. Mattress hygiene in the UK could be better: mite faeces and eggs, sweat, skin particles and mould accumulate.

A pillow that is more than four years old consists of 10% mite excrement, and 95% of mattresses are, according to studies, heavily soiled and contaminated with allergens.

It's not a pretty picture of what's happening inside a mattress. That's why regular cleaning is important.

While pillows and duvet covers can often be washed by oneself, mattresses should be professionally cleaned. Once or twice a year is a good guideline.

Cleaning mattresses is a handy way to use your new cordless hoover for allergy sufferers. ?

With the so-called mite brushes, you can regularly clean your mattress deeply.

Do not forget the furniture and other surfaces

Of course, effective room care does not only include vacuuming floors and upholstered furniture, but the rest of the furniture also needs to be freed from dust again and again.

If you don't have a cordless hoover for allergy sufferers, you can use so-called anti-dust cloths so that you don't stir up so much dust when dusting.

These are electrostatic and attract dust magnetically. It’s then held in the honeycomb-like structure of the cloth. ?

Thorough sealing of all windows and doors

Allergenic particles are often microscopic and can penetrate through the most minor cracks.

Windows and doors should be well sealed to keep the concentration of allergens indoors as low as possible,

If you notice draughts coming through somewhere, you can tape the area with sealing tape.

A draught excluder is also a good solution in front of doors.

If you put pollen screens on your windows, only 10% of it will get into the room, but unfortunately, they can darken the spaces.

Based on our analysis, we recommend a cordless stick vacuums.

The advantages compared to a corded device simply outweigh the disadvantages by far.

The combination with a vacuum robot (and mop combo), which regularly cleans your home, is excellent.?

In summary, we can say that we have tested some very good cordless hoovers for allergy sufferers.

We have found out what you need to look for when buying and which devices have these features.

It's up to you to decide which device you want to buy, and we hope we've been able to help! ?