How We Research and Rank Cordless Hoovers
Our recommendations are research-led. We do not run a testing laboratory, and we never publish invented measurements. Instead we combine several independent sources of evidence and weigh them against the criteria that matter in a real UK home.
Sources we use
- Manufacturer specifications: weight, bin capacity, battery capacity, runtime claims (and the mode and tool they were measured with), filtration grade, included tools.
- Independent lab and consumer testing: published results from established testing organisations and specialist reviewers, looking for consensus rather than single outliers.
- Long-term owner feedback: recurring patterns in owner reports, such as battery fade, brush-roll failures, clogging or charging faults. One-off complaints are not treated as trends.
- Parts and repairability: whether batteries click in or are screwed in, the availability and cost of filters, batteries and floor heads in the UK.
- Price history: typical selling prices across UK retailers, so we can judge value fairly rather than against inflated "was" prices.
What we weigh
| Criterion | What we look for |
|---|---|
| Cleaning performance | Pick-up on carpet and hard floors, edge cleaning, fine dust and hair handling |
| Runtime | Realistic runtime with the motorised floor head on the standard mode, not only the headline figure |
| Ergonomics | Weight, balance, trigger vs button, how easy it is to use on stairs and overhead |
| Maintenance | Bin emptying, filter washing, anti-tangle performance, ease of clearing blockages |
| Filtration | Sealed system and HEPA-grade filtration for allergy sufferers |
| Running cost and lifespan | Replacement battery cost, parts availability, warranty length |
| Value | Performance relative to what the model usually sells for in the UK |
How rankings are decided
Best-buy guides are ranked by how well each model fits the specific need of that page. A model that is excellent overall may rank lower in a guide for small flats if it is bulky to store. Commission rates play no part: many recommended products earn us nothing, and we include models sold mainly away from Amazon when they are the better choice.
Keeping pages current
Cordless ranges change at least once a year. We review our main guides regularly and update them when new models arrive, older ones are discontinued, prices shift or a pattern of faults emerges. Each page shows the date it was last updated.
Corrections
If you think something on the site is wrong, please tell us. We check every report and correct errors promptly.