I've tested hundreds of vacuums, and this is the one feature I can't live without
Quick Overview
Before I became a shopper writer here at AOL, I worked as a freelancer product tester — yes, it's a real job! I spent my days trying out all manner of products and writing up reviews, and one of my specialties was vacuums.
Over eight years in my product-testing career, I tested more than 100 vacuum models from every major brand, and many included fancy high-tech features. A lot of them were just gimmicks to make vacuums stand out, but there's one feature that I quickly fell in love with and now can't live without: automatic floor detection.
Advertisement
With this feature, the vacuum automatically adjusts its suction power based on the floor type. When it senses carpeting, it boosts suction, and when you move to hard floors, the suction drops back down. You don't have to make adjustments manually, and it's incredibly convenient when you're frequently moving back and forth between different types of flooring.
This high-tech feature was initially introduced in Shark vacuums, and it's now available on many of their mid-range models. However, other brands have gotten on board, as well, and if you want to try it out for yourself, here are the models I recommend.
If you want to try out Shark's floor detect technology, this is the vacuum I'd recommend. It's a mid-priced option, but make no mistake — it's still an incredibly powerful and well-designed cleaning tool! It offers incredible suction power, dual brushrolls for better cleaning on hard floors, and a tangle-free design for tackling pet hair.
This is one of Shark's more high-tech models, and it's definitely worth the investment if you want a thorough clean with minimal fuss. In addition to the brand's floor detect technology, this upright model is equipped with a ton of sensors that automatically sense and react to hidden dirt, debris, and pet hair. It also has a "Powered Lift-Away" feature that's unbeatable for cleaning under low-profile furniture.
Prefer a lightweight stick vacuum? The Shark PowerDetect comes in a corded stick version that offers the same floor detection abilities. It's great for cleaning in tight areas and underneath furniture, and it weighs less than 10 pounds, making it much easier to handle than an upright model.
Dyson has also started incorporating floor-detection sensors in its vacuums, but this feature is often reserved for more high-end models like the V15 Detect. This cordless vacuum is a powerhouse that makes cleaning your whole home easy — it runs for up to 60 minutes per charge, and it comes with a variety of handy attachments, including the brand's iconic laser floorhead that illuminates hidden dirt, dust, and hair.
If you're a Bissell fan, you'll be happy to hear that the brand also offers a model with floor-detection abilities! The SurfaceSense upright vacuum automatically detects floor types and adjusts brush roll speed for optimal cleaning, and the vacuum offers a variety of other handy features, like a no-tangle brushroll, lift-away pod, and HEPA filter.
Aol and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article
