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A vacuum cleaner is a staple in the world of home appliances.
You need one to keep your house clean, especially if you have kids or pets. However, vacuum cleaners can be pretty expensive.
Not many of us want to shell out hundreds of dollars on a vacuum cleaner. If this is your case, then you need to buy one of the best vacuum cleaners under $100.
If it’s just for a hundred bucks, it is a pretty good bargain.
The best part is that there is still quite a lot of variety.
You can find most types of vacuum cleaners in this price range. Some are basic, while others have features you would normally find in the expensive models.
My Top Picks
- Best Overall - Hoover WindTunnel T-Series UH70120 Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Convenient - Eureka PowerSpeed NEU182A Vacuum Cleaner
- Best for Households with Pets - Bissell Cleanview 1831 Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Canister Vacuum Under 100 - Bissell Zing Bagged 4122 Canister Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Handheld Vacuum - BLACK + DECKER CHV1410L Hand-held Vacuum Cleaner
The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series UH70120 Vacuum Cleaner is downright the most efficient and powerful of my list. It is one of those appliances that pack in features of high-end brands at a much reasonable price. And it would be safe to say that it is one of the most popular vacuum cleaners.
The highlight of this particular model is the WindTunnel technology. The patented deep suction technology allows the vacuum to readily suck up debris from the floor, as well as deeply embedded dirt. The result is smooth and clean hardwood floors and rugs.
It is a strong upright vacuum cleaner with a long cord, measuring 25 feet. You should be able to clean even a big-sized room without needing to plug it in different outlets. There is a No-Scruff bumper at the bottom to protect the furniture and decor from the vacuum.
You get a washable filter and a HEPA filter that ensures no allergenic stuff gets into the air of your home. It is easy to carry too as its weight is 17 pounds, which is manageable even if you have stairs.
Speaking of stairs, this superior cleaning device also comes with an eight feet stretch hose to help with cleaning the stairs. You can use the same to clean drapes and air vents. Then you have a crevice tool to clean those hard-to-clean corners.
When you can adjust the proximity of the brush roll to the surface, there are five different settings to choose from. Cleaning filters should be a breeze as its System Check Indicator would let you know when the HEPA filter needs to be cleaned.
Although an all-rounder, this most efficient Hoover vacuum cleaner has some drawbacks. Since it does not contain a bag, emptying it can be a hassle. It would be better to empty it outside as you would end up releasing some allergens into the air inside. Secondly, it is a bit noisy, which is understandable given the price tag.
With so many qualities without a hefty price tag, the Hoover WindTunnel qualifies as the best vacuum cleaner under $100. You will get the most out of your money with this vacuum cleaner, which ultimately gives even some high-end vacuum cleaners a run for their money.
The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU182A Vacuum Cleaner is yet another powerful yet affordable vacuum cleaner for domestic use.
It features a wide cleaning path of 12.6 inches, which can dramatically reduce the clean time. The more area it covers, the less time you have to spend cleaning.
It is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 10 pounds. This means it is easy to maneuver and carry up and down the stairs. The practical dynamic brush roll and motor give it quite some powerful suction ability. Cleaning carpeted surfaces and dealing with heavy debris is quite easy.
To support cleaning different types of floors and carpeting, there are five different height adjustment levels. The capacity is 4.1 liters, which are ample for a vacuum cleaner this size. It comes with a bunch of tools, including a crevice tool, a dusting brush, and an upholstery tool to clean couches and drapes.
The dust cup opens at the bottom, making it very easy to empty the vacuum. Also, you will not have to empty it so often. The cord is quite lengthy (25 feet). It requires a bit of assembly, but nothing too difficult or time-consuming.
Even though it offers many convenient features, it is not a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. It is a low-cost appliance design for cleaning the usual dirt and debris in homes. You cannot expect it to suck up large debris or work as a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner.
If you live in an apartment or home by yourself or with another roommate and it does not get that dirty, this would be the perfect convenient vacuum cleaner. It’s a good value for money, given that it has many features that make your life so much easier.
The Bissell Cleanview 1831 Vacuum Cleaner is designed for those who want the best performance to clean pet hair at a reasonable price. With its One Pass technology, the vacuum sucks most fur hairs, dirt, and debris in a single pass.
It is not just for the floors, it’s for most surfaces you would like to clean with a vacuum. The Turbo brush tool can clean furniture, upholstery, stairs, and even your car. It features the Multicyclonic suction system, which ensures that the dust stays in the bin.
The multi-level filtration system ensures no allergens are released into the air. Also, the filters are washable, eliminating the need to buy new.
Since it weighs just 16 pounds, it is a breeze to lift it. Its sleek design means it will not take much storage space either. The cord on this vacuum is also 25 feet long. However, the bin capacity is only two liters. A six-foot hose is also included to make cleaning difficult-to-reach areas easy.
Bissell is a household name when it comes to vacuum cleaners. It is over a century old company that makes a variety of top-notch vacuum cleaners with cutting-edge technology. The Cleanview 1831 is just one example of that. You can be sure that only high-quality materials and components went into the construction of this vacuum cleaner.
While it is efficient and lightweight, for some reason, it can be difficult to maneuver. Its design could use some improvements to make it easier to maneuver, which is important for a vacuum cleaner.
If you have pets at home, this is the best vacuum cleaner you can have for under 100 bucks. Its suction power is adequate to suck up pet hair from hardwood floors to bare floor and carpets. Plus, it is very easy to use and carry around.
Upright vacuums may have become more common, but the canister vacuum is still quite popular. The Bissell Zing 4122 canister vacuum is a highly powerful vacuum. Whether it is a hard floor or a rug, this vacuum can suck all the dirt and debris like a pro.
You can switch from hardwood floor to carpet cleaning seamlessly. The hose length is five inches and offers automatic cord rewind. When the bag is full, the vacuum indicates that so you can empty it.
The vacuum head is easy to maneuver around the floor. It’s quite portable, thanks to the carry handle. Since it’s lightweight, you can carry it around without any difficulty. The suction path is 10.3 inches, ample enough to clean the entire room in just minutes.
The bag has to be changed when it is half to three-quarters full. This adds a maintenance cost, which is usual with bagged vacuum cleaners.
This canister vacuum cleaner is known for its extraordinary suction power. However, there is a bit of a design flaw that the extenders only slide on. These do not get locked. As a result, sometimes they can come off, especially when there is a bit of friction on the surface, for example, carpets.
If you are not comfortable or not used to upright vacuum cleaners, this cheap canister vacuum cleaner is better for you. It has great suction power so it can work when cleaning pet hair from floors and carpets. You can also buy extra accessories to make this even more useful.
Black + Decker brings the power of an upright vacuum cleaner in the shape of a small, cordless, hand-held vacuum cleaner. It has ample suction power to suck up even large debris like pet food. Using lithium-ion batteries, this hand-held vacuum is extremely power-efficient.
It requires just a 16V voltage and 15.2 Watts. The charging base can charge it fully in just four hours. Since it is cordless and extremely lightweight, you can easily carry it around and maneuver. The cyclonic action helps keep the filter clean even after long use.
The bagless, translucent dirt bowl makes things further easier. You can see when it needs to be emptied. Also, you can wash the bowl. You also have a crevice tool and a flip-up brush. You can even hang it if you do not have a shelf or floor space.
Black + Decker is another reliable brand in the world of home and kitchen appliances. They have produced a hand-held vacuum cleaner that allows easy cleaning, takes very little space, and uses minimal energy.
The battery lasts a long time but is not user-replaceable. If the battery runs out, you cannot buy a new one and replace it. That would essentially render it useless. However, Black + Decker does give a two-year limited warranty.
Whether you want to save up on space or want an auxiliary vacuum cleaner, this handheld device would make a great choice. For a vacuum so small, it has relatively good suction power. It would make it easier to clean corners and crevices. This would save time as opposed to other vacuums that warrant a whole cleaning routine.
What To Look For When Buying A Vacuum Cleaner Under $100
Buying any type of electronic requires a lot of research and decision making. However, when you are on a tight budget, it gets even more complicated.
You do not want to compromise on quality, which is hard given that most cheap electronics are not exactly high-quality.
You should have the information about the most important features to look for. The good news is that even a vacuum cleaner under 100 can have many features.
At the end of the day, all you really want is to get the best value for your money.
Here is what you should look for:
Suction Power
This is the most important aspect of a vacuum cleaner. It should have ample suction power to be able to clean.
If you have owned a sub-par vacuum before, you would know how terrible low suction power can be. You would be better off using a broom.
The suction power is usually indicated by the watts. So the higher the air wattage, the more suction power it will have.
Another measure is cubic feet per minute i.e. the cubic feet of air it sucks in a minute.
Type of Vacuum Cleaner
This is what you need to decide before you start looking for a vacuum. However, this is not a restriction, you can always compare different types of vacuum cleaners. To do that, you should know about the different types available.
Vacuum cleaners have seen considerable improvements over time. While they all work on the same principle, the differences are mainly in their design and function. There are five types of vacuum cleaners:
Upright
This is the most common type of vacuum cleaner. As the name indicates, these vacuum cleaners stand upright. They are a single unit containing all the parts. It’s easy and quick to clean with an upright vacuum cleaner.
Canister
The canister vacuum cleaner is a combination of upright and stick vacuum cleaners. These consist of a canister attached with a wand. They are usually very powerful and have a bag.
Handheld
Handheld vacuum cleaners are small, portable vacuum cleaners. These are usually used for cleaning those hard-to-reach places. They are also used for cleaning the interior of vehicles since they are small.
Stick
Stick vacuum cleaners have a slender body and are primarily designed to get into narrow places. They are also popular for cleaning drapes and couches. However, they are the least powerful.
Robot
Robot vacuum saw a great boom in the past few years. These are autonomous vacuum cleaners that do the cleaning on their own. They are quite expensive too. Also, they are mainly designed for cleaning floors. Do not expect them to crawl up the curtains and clean them.
Dust Capacity
The dust cup or bag capacity is another feature to keep in mind. While it may not be the most important one, it can really make a difference if you live in a big house and clean quite often.
If the capacity is higher, you will not have to empty it as often.
Bagless vacuum cleaners are the most popular as they require little maintenance and save costs.
However, the cup/compartment can be small, depending on the overall size of the vacuum. Generally speaking, a two-liter capacity should be enough for a small home.
Cord Length
Most vacuum cleaners are corded, which is why the cord must be long enough. If it’s short, you will have to plug and unplug quite often. Cordless vacuum cleaners eliminate this problem as you can move freely without worrying about someone tripping on the cord.
Filters
If the filters are washable, your life would be so much easier. You will not have to replace them ever so often. HEPA filters are desirable, but those are common in high-end.
If the vacuum features a HEPA filter, it will make sure that the air in your home does not get contaminated by any dust or allergens. They can filter matter up to 0.3 microns, which can improve the air quality in your home.
Other Things to Consider
Aside from the features in the vacuum, there are a couple of other things to keep in mind:
Size of Your Home
This will help determine what size of vacuum cleaner you need. Even more importantly, it will help you figure whether you need all that suction power that usually comes at a cost.
If you have a small home or apartment, you do not necessarily need a super powerful vacuum cleaner. A handheld vacuum cleaner might be enough too.
A lot of homes are multi-story, which requires climbing stairs with the appliance and cleaning them as well. If you have stairs in your house, you ideally want a lightweight vacuum cleaner.
It should also have an extension hose so you can clean the stairs as well in addition to the floors.
Type of Floor
Vacuum cleaners have different strengths in terms of the flooring they can clean. Virtually all of them are good at sucking up dirt from a hard floor, not many are good with carpets. However, vacuum cleaners offer different adjustment options that make them versatile enough to work on many types of flooring, as well as furniture and drapes.
Make sure you choose a vacuum cleaner that can clean the floors of your home, whether they are hardwood, carpeted, or both.
Also, ensure that it has a floor nozzle. Generally, for carpeted floors, an upright vacuum cleaner is the best. For hard floors, the canister vacuum cleaner is better as it is more powerful and maneuverable. However, this is not set in stone.
Pets
If you have pets at home, you already know the drill. You need a vacuum cleaner powerful enough to suck up all that hair the pet would leave behind on the floor, couch, and carpets.
Some vacuum cleaners are specifically designed for this purpose. Make sure the model you are buying can clean pet hair in addition to the regular dust and debris.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no definitive answer to this question given the wide range of prices of vacuum cleaners these days.
However, 100 dollars is a decent sum to spend on an appliance like a vacuum cleaner. There are models, especially those portable handheld ones, that are under $50. But they are most likely not that strong or high-quality as you would like.
It comes down to your own needs and budget ultimately. If you have a big house or you are using it in a commercial space, you have to increase your budget and invest in a high-end vacuum cleaner.
For a small house or apartment that does not get dirty so often, a small vacuum cleaner with adequate power should get the job done just fine.
While there are five different types of vacuum cleaners, all of them can also be divided into two classes: bagged and bagless.
The bagged vacuum cleaners house all the dirt they suck up in a removable bag. On the other hand, bagless vacuum cleaners have a built-in compartment for housing dirt instead of a bag.
Bagless vacuum cleaners have several advantages over their bagged counterparts. First of all, they reduce maintenance as you do not need to replace any bags.
That ultimately saves you money as well over time. Secondly, bagless vacuums are considered more eco-friendly. Lastly, you know when the vacuum is full and needs emptying.
For these reasons, bagless vacuum cleaners are more popular. However, many people still prefer bagged vacuum cleaners as they are easy to empty and offer more rigorous filtration.
Amperage is what defines the power of a vacuum cleaner. Manufacturers usually mention both wattage and amperage for a vacuum cleaner. This can give you an idea about how powerful the suction is.
Generally, most upright vacuum cleaners have over seven amps. In canister vacuums, you will find this number to be 12. 12 Amp is the maximum amperage you can find in any vacuum cleaner. So this should be good enough to give your vacuum powerful suction ability.
Many vacuum cleaner models today use more than one filter. Unless they are washable, you will need to change them periodically. Most manufacturers recommend changing them every three to six months, depending on your use. If you use the vacuum daily, you will need to replace it sooner.
This is just a general assumption, the time frame to replace filter varies by vacuum type and model. For the best estimate, it would be better to consult the user guide of the vacuum cleaner. It would have all the information regarding filters.
