Why is it an either/or situation?
Each tool (electric vacuum and accessories and wands, etc. versus a cordless rigid "stick" vac configuration) has it's own useful purpose.
Why are we all creating this "my vacuum is bigger than your vacuum" scenario?
Clearly and indisputably, at this point in time, an electric appliance is superior because it will be able to run indefinitely (pending overheating problems) and have the capacity to be more powerful than a battery operated one (hmm, like a car for example...battery power has severe limitations right now). Power being the key word and physics issue here.
For quick cleanups, of course an excellent quality (as opposed to weak or flimsy) cordless vacuum (most are stick vacuums at this point in time) is the BEST go-to tool for the job. Why drag out a gorgeous Aerus or Kirby or any other beautiful brand to vacuum up a tablespoon of coffee grounds or cereal that spilled when a "grab, suck and go" technique works just fine for the job.
When CLEANING, and I mean really wanting to get up all micro dust, allergens, and everything else our gorgeous vacuums can accomplish, then there is no dispute here.
Certainly a high quality cordless "stick" vacuum like a V10, or Oreck Pod will be good for daily touch ups and a visual appearance of clean, and maybe even a semblance of a deeper clean for the time being, but they are not replacing a full sized vacuum with flexible hoses that allow more maneuverability of the user to reach ALL areas that need attention when cleaning.
The aforementioned Simplicity Freedom looks like the first to take the next step in the evolution of cordless vacuums that are finally delivering a more usable battery powered appliance, and hopefully that will pave the way for other brands to compete in higher level machines which are more effective than what we've previously been used to in a weaker cordless machine, however: Very few other stick vacuums have hoses and attachments that replicate the functionality of a full size electric vacuum like this one does, and therefore are inherently inferior compared to electric vacuums. We'll see what Dyson can come up with.. maybe it will be the future to have a full power, and long running (over an hour at least!) versatile vacuum cleaner in multiple configurations, i.e. upright, canister, stick, etc.
Also, it really is fun and freeing not to have to worry about an electric cord getting in the way and limiting overall reach when vacuuming. We're not there yet, but it is a nice vision to have.. just keep working from room to room without losing focus on the task by having to stop and unplug and replug over and over again!
I have almost 20 gorgeous powerful vacuums in my collection so far, but still reach for my piece of shit Hoover Air 2in1 stick/hand vac to quickly sweep up larger visible debris on surfaces when company is coming, or I've had a small dry spill of something. That's what they're for. And there is a need for that type of handy appliance. The more powerful it can be, obviously the better.. that should be our conversation! Which one really is the best in that limited category.
Nothing compares to running an electric vacuum for as long as one wants, interchanging tools on the go, getting into every nook and cranny. It's a satisfying experience that we all can relate to.
In the future, maybe battery technology will allow machines to run longer and have more CPM or Air Watts, or whatever quantifier one chooses to measure a cordless vacuum by, but for now, they are an auxiliary tool, and should be appreciated on a qualitative basis amongst each other and not compared to a full size electric vacuum.
[this post was last edited: 9/18/2018-12:31]
