Makita - GCV08PM

My wife and I are also in the EU, and managed to spend an insane amount on vacuum cleaners over the past 5 years. It all began when her old corded AEG broke. Family members suggested Dyson, so we got a Micro for €500. It was laughably weak and couldn't pick up a dried leaf. Insane waste of money. Gave it to family. Next, a Makita 40v backpack, even more expensive. That's actually not bad, but not at all worth the money, and I would take it back if I could. Then, a Henry corded vac. That was more like €150 and well worth it. Finally, a Makita 12v CXT handheld stick for €25. That's the one I'm happiest with and most like to use. We live in the ground floor in a rural area with young kids, so there's a lot of dirt, and I wouldn't want to only have the handheld. But if we lived still lived in an apartment in the city or not on the ground floor, the €25 one would be totally adequate as our only vacuum cleaner, or maybe the 18v LXT version with the cyclone attachment. Note that these are usually more than €25, but I found a sale and already had the battery and charger. Even with battery and charger, I think these can be had for less than €150. Conclusions If you don't mind the large size, I recommend the Henry corded vac. If you want small and cordless and don't mind some weakness, a Makita stick vacuum especially if you already own some compatible batteries and chargers. I assume it's similar to other sticks under €150. PS: if you can find a local well reviewed shop which sells and repairs vacuum cleaners, my real recommendation is to ask them. That's where we got the Henry.

works so good my wife stole it from me i got the 18v came in the makita tool bundle. used it for my truck for awhile then my wife seen and had the long tube she took it and use it for the house. it has better power than most vacuum i have a ton of 18 v battery that i don’t use. i transfer over the 40v and i think the 40 v vac has more power in my opinion but she swears by the 18v

The only vac imo that is a good battery main replacement are the xgt 40v. There i have a twin 18v which is main or battery and it's amazing on mains and pretty good on battery. I have had a few of the stick vacs and they are 'ok' for a quick run round but you would still want a 'proper' vac as well

I just got the XGT from Japan so I can get the cyclone. I like it so far and it does a good job. (I do have hardwood floors no carpet)

Cordless stick vacuums are all more or less disposable, even the expensive ones. The designs are updated frequently and are not made to be repaired, even if you’re able to find parts. I have a Makita cordless which should last a while for quick jobs, but it’s not very powerful. My home vacuum is a 15 year old Miele Swing H1 stick vacuum. It’s corded, but light and powerful, and the bags make everything so much cleaner and more convenient. Personally, I find the cord less annoying than charging. My parents’ heavily used Sebo Airbelt D1 canister vacuum is around 20 years old. Both work perfectly. If I were in the market for a new vacuum, I would buy a Sebo as they are super durable, easily repaired, and very well designed. If I were on a budget, I’d purchase a used Miele. If you want something older, vintage Electrolux vacuums are great once the inevitable deferred maintenance is taken care of. We have a canister vacuum from the seventies at one house and an upright from the nineties at another, both of which are going strong, and both of which have bags and many spare parts readily available.

I have the makita cordless vacuum. It’s great, cheap and really light (also comes in pink btw). Purchased in The Netherlands

For corded, I have an Irish Ohyama model of some variety I bought 9 years ago that still does the job just fine when needed (though we mostly use a Makita cordless these days since it's more convenient).